XN000022-1996-10-02 — Page 41

- 30.

HK will take tomorrow by storm

The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, hopes that Hong Kong would take tomorrow by storm.

"And when it does, History will stand and cheer," Mr Patten said, when winding up his fifth and final Policy Address at the Legislative Council today (Wednesday).

credo:

Hong Kong, it seems to him, has always lived by the author, Jack London's

"I would rather be ashes than dust,

"I would rather my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze,

"Than it should be stifled in dry rot.

"I would rather be a superb meteor,

"With every atom of me in magnificent glow,

"Than a sleepy and permanent planet."

"Whatever the challenges ahead, nothing should bring this meteor crashing to earth, nothing should snuff out its glow," Mr Patten said.

Next year, when his successor takes the oath of office, it will also be a grave moment for the Governor as he leaves Hong Kong.

"Governors have lived for Hong Kong. One or two have literally died for Hong Kong. But all have found Hong Kong, in and out of office, an all-consuming interest,' he said.

"Retired to our grey and green island, past Governors have watched from afar with keen-eyed interest and, doubtless, occasional frustration as Hong Kong's history has unfolded.

"I shall do the same, carrying with me one frustration, gnawed by one anxiety, comforted by one certainty."

For him the frustration, the greatest in his job, is that he has not been able to put his personal view of Hong Kong's best interests to the test which legitimises leadership in most free societies, the test of the ballot box.