XN000022-1976-01-16 — Page 14

Friday, January 16, 1976

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To impart knowledge of the community and its problems and

to instil a strong community spirit in our pupils should certainly be

one of our conscious goals in education. But this should not be done

at the expense of what we must still regard as the main aim of

education."

The Director paid tribute to Sir Robert Kotewall in this

diamond jubilee year of St. Paul's Co-Educational College. He said that

it was very appropriate that formal recognition should be given to the

long and distinguished service to the school of the Kotowall family

service which began 53 years ago, only seven years after the founding

of the school and which had involved, besides Sir Robert, four other

members of the family, including the present principal, Dr. Kotewell.

Mr. Topley said Sir Robert was a great man with very wide

interests and enthusiasts and his value as a member of the community

was recognised by his being called to serve on both the Legislative

and Executive Councils, where he greatly distinguished himself.

good times and bad he gave always of his best. The service which he

gave to Hong Kong was of the noblest and finest.

In

"Being himself well-versed in both the Chinese and western

cultures he encouraged their coming together and mutual understanding.

In Hong Kong in particular he always strove to ensure the harmonious

living together of the Chinese and English-speaking communities.

"Throughout his life he constantly sought to improve the living

conditions of Hong Kong's residents and played a valuable role in the

extension of recreational and cultural facilities available to the

general public. He was also one of those responsible for the

establishment of many societies in the field of social welfare which

still flourish in Hong Kong today," Mr. Topley said.