CO129-534-6 Loans for public works 24-2-1931 - 11-8-1932 — Page 28

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

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Personally, I shall very much miss the assistance which has been freely given to me at all times, of such an able, cheerful and loyal colleague, and I rejoice to think that the Colony and the Government will still retain the benefit of Sir Shou-son Chow's services upon the Executive Council.

I take this opportunity of cordially welcoming the co-operation of the new unofficial member, the Honourable Mr. T. N. Chau, whose father, the late Mr. Chau Siu Ki, was for a time a valued colleague of mine on this Council.

HON. MR. KOTEWALL.-Sir, with the exception of the honourable senior unofficial member, I have served with the Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow on this Council for a longer period than has any other unofficial member. For the last eight years I have, I believe, associated with him in public work more closely and intimately than has any other individual in the Colony.

Not long after we began this happy collaboration, Sir Shou-son humorously dubbed ourselves The Twins'. Although there is a gulf of about twenty years between us, I think that we are twins -in thought, purpose and ideal, in our endeavour to discharge the duties committed to us by the Government.

There have, inevitably, been divergences of opinion during such a long association in work of such a varied nature; but we have, in most cases, been able to reach conclusions which seemed to both of us to be best for the cause we served. For this successful team-work, by far the greater share of the credit must go to the older and senior man.

A more loyal colleague, and a wiser and pleasanter, it has not been my lot to work with. His unrivalled experience of large affairs and his sagacity and good sense have been of immense assistance to the Hon. Dr. Ts'o and myself in the consideration of the many difficult and intricate problems that have confronted us in recent years; while his refreshing humour and unfailing optimism have been, to many, a source of encouragement and stimulation.

Sir Shou-son's retirement from this Council is, therefore, a grievous loss to us. Fortunately, Your Excellency in your wisdom, has retained his service on the Executive Council, where his ripe experience will still be available for the benefit of the Colony which he serves so unostentatiously and so well,

I cordially join the honourable senior unofficial member in his expression of welcome to the Hon. Mr. T. N. Chau, to whom the Hon. Dr. Ts'o and I pledge close and loyal co-operation.

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