1924-10-11 — Page 5

Page

OBITUARY.

MR. A. M. THOMSON.

All who knew Mr. Alexander Mac-

donald Thomson, for many years Colonial

THE HONGKONG DAILT PRESS, SATURDAY, OCTOBER

ANNIVERSARY OF CHINESE BUS CONDUCTOR FINED $50,

WRONG PRACTICE OF RETURNING |*-

BAD MONEY.....“

MAGISTRATE'S SUGGESTION. The ease in which a conductor employ

REPUBLIC..

CELEBRATIONS IN HONGKONG..

Throughout China yesterday there were Treasurer of Hongkong, who retired at celebrations to mark the thirteenth an- the end of 1919, will be sorry to learnniversary of the birth of the Republied by the Kowloon Motor Bus Company that the Clovernment has received news the Double-ten," as it is frequently of his death, which took place on July called since it falls on the tenth day of 28th last, and is now communicated to the tenth month, us by the Government with regret.

In Hongkong there were various fune. The late Mr. Thomson was born on tions in honour of the day, one of which was a very pleasing concert given in the September 27th, 1883, was educated at Aberdeça University, obtained the M.A. Queen's Theatre by the staff and students degree and ist class honours in mathe of the Tutorial Institute of Hongkong. matics in 1893 and was assistant professor The outside of the Theatre was gaily de- of mathematics at Aberdeen 1966-7. Hecorated with National emblems, and at joined the Hongkung Government service an early hour crowds of Chinese began as a cadet in 1887 but did not arrive in to make their way to the hall. The place

OUR WATER SUPPLY.

(CONTRIBUTED.)

11TH 1994

For many years some of us have, in a quiet way, boasted about the water and

friends in Shanghai, Singapore and other the milk in Hongkong. We bave told our Far Eastern ports that with regard to

water and milk, we were indeed fortu- was charged with having uttered a coun- terfeit ten-cent coin and also with having | nate in Hongkong. We have even said To his possession ten spurious ten-ceat a few words on this subject in Great pieces, was concluded at the Kowloon Britain and the Tnited States. Our faith wus sadly shaken by the events of July Magistracy, yesterday afternoon.

and August of 1921. `

F

Detective-Sergeant Tyler gave evidence as to what was found in the conductor's

■

It is only fair to add that this is no attempt to blame the management respon-

bag. Altogether the money amounted to sible for the milk supply. Even it, be aga5, out of which defendant said # was

his own.

Mr. C. A. S. Russ, who appeared on

cause our faith has been shaken, we decide to boil all milk in future, it does not make us any the less thankful that

the Colony till October in the following was soon packed to overflowing and may behalf of the defendant, said that the we have in this Colony milk of such ex-|

were unable to obtain seats.

The programme was opened by the sing ing of Republican songs, and then the gathering was addressed by Mr. Liang Shih-yi, at one time Preinier of China, who has just returned from England.

year. In the meantime he was Bacon scholar at Gray's Inn. On coming to Hongkong he wit attached to the Colonial Secretary's Office, and acted as Chief Clerk in 1990. In the following! year he was Acting Superintendent of

The speaker referred to the origin of Victoria Gaok His next appointment

the Double Ten Festival, and said that was as Acting Assistant Colonial Seere-

1 years ago that day the Revolution- tary (1502); in 1503 he became Acting

arics captured Wachang and the Repub Registrar-General and a provisional Meme was established. Ha went on to say her of the Executive and Legislative that though the Republican Government Councils. In the period 13-0 he had been in existence for 13 years there occupied successively the posts of Acting had not been much improvement in the Colonial Treasurer, Acting Superinten affairs of the country, but he sincerely dent of Victoria Gol (in addition).hoped that things would change soon. Acting Postmaster-General, and then the

He trusted that it would not be long substantive appointment of Postmaster-

before peace and prosperity were restored fleneral which he held for nearly two

to China.

*

The

whole case had arisen through the thor oughly rotten practice of the Company in giving suspected coins back to the cas ductors, and not caring twopence what

beeane of thêm.

Mr. R. E. A. Water, who watched the proceedings for the Company, pointed out that this was a universal practice in the Colony and elsewhere.

ME Russ, continuing, said the natural,

cellent physical properties.

Even if it were proved beyond cavil that the suggestions about, the milk have

any real foundation, it was, in actual

fact, the polluted water that was the real | cause of the tronble. There can be na

doubt that the road-construction on the Peak has made one of the reservoirs liable to pollution,,

· SAND FILTERS.

We, an citizens of a remarkable out-

consequence was a great temptation to post of Empire, are only doing our duty pass this money off. They felt that they it we interest ourselves in matters of were morally justified in getting rid of it, I public health. The supply of pure water There was a very considerable element is of the greatest importance. of doubt as to whether this man paised Until quite recently all of the experts

LOT OF BAD COINS RECEIVED.

The Magistrate questioned whether Mr. real cause for so much disturbance and fuss was in order, and Mr. Russ then discontent in China was the ignorance

years. In July 1508 be was appointedEDICATION THE SALVATION OF THE REPUBLIC Colonial Treasurer and a Member of the Mr. Liang Shih-yi urged the local Chi- Executive and Legislative Councils, and nese to bend every effort toward stabilis- held this post until he retired on pensioning the present Chinese Republic.. on. November 5th, 1918, but in the mean- time he was on six different occasions Acting. Colonial Secretary for periods ranging from a month to eight or nine mouths,

the bad coin, Laowing it to be counter-were of opinion that the only proper way

Complaints concerning bad money, feit. There had been a large, number of to treat water intended for domestic pur- poses, the purity of which was question. ed, was to pass it through sand filters. London is the healthiest city in the world the efficiency of that system of Altration. and it is often quoted as an example of

of the people concerning the functions of decided he would put the defendant info Unfortunately these fiters are very slow. their Government. They should become the box, and said the man had made a The longer they remain in service the familiar with the things their Government-1 stood for. Go to school whenever the statement to the effect that he collected slower they become in action. Therefore opportunity is presented. Education is all the bad money he received and took storage reservoirs were brought into use. it must be saved.'**

During the latter part of his service the salvation of the Chinese Republic-anuit to a money changer, who took some of It was found that prolonged storage of

Mr. Thomson's health broke down, and it was necessary for him to take short periods on half-pay leave, but for the convenience of the Government, he re-

The speaker described the difficulties the coins from him and gave him change encountered in establishing the Repub liens Government and again urged the in return. people to maintain their Government,

Defendant, giving evidence, stated that

water in reservoirs not only gave the solids time to settle, and so. saved the filter beds, but it also purified the water by destroying germs of disease.

mained in the service for a short period "pon which so much time and money had he had been employed by the Company distinguished scientist, Sir Alexander

after the date of his retirement

The late Mr. Thomson was generally regarded as a very able official, and

cially he was very popular. His intim ate friends, who invariably spoke of him as Sandy" entertained for him feelings akin to affection. After his retirement he stayed for a time at San Mateo in the

United States for the benefit of his health. Apparcatly he neglected to keep up, a regular correspondence with old friends in the Colony and this explains how it is that we just learn of his death which took place on 29th July list.

been spent. Ife called their attention to the Republic of Switzerland, proclaiming it the only ideal republie in the world. Of the thirty-three existing Republics in existence to-day, Switzerland the only one without a flaw.

St.M

consisting of the bowing ceremony to the A lengthy programme was gone through,

National flag, Chinese music, duets, songs, playlets and dramatic shows, and pianoforte sold was rendered by Miss A. Remedios,

6

À GENERAL HOLIDAY.

There was a general holiday among the business people and all the schools were closed. Celebrations took place at the Chinese Y.M.C.A., the Ellis Kadoorie School, the Sacred Heart School, St. Paul's College, and at the Wanchai Theatre the Ching. Ngo School held gathering at which Chinças music and speech-making were included in the pro-

We'reproduce below the tributes which were paid to his worth at the last meet ing of the Legislative Council he attendamine.

At the Seamen'a Union gay decorations ed, on December 10th, 1918-

were put up, including a picture of Dr. Hi The Officer Administering The Sun Yat Sen. Motor joy rides, organised Government (Sir Claud Severn) said: As by a number of labour guilds, took place, flonourable Members are no doubt aware, and others enjoyed themselves with a

„been of immense service

for about 11 months. On the day he was said to have given out the bad ten-cent piece, he received $8 wages from the Company. He always collected what was thought to be spurious money and took it to a money changer. He lot them accumulate, and kept them in his bay, In reply to a question put by Mr. Hamil ton, defendant said that sometimes money refused by the Bus Company's shroff was changed at the money exchange.

The Metropolitan Water Board has a Houston, as director of water examina tios. To him, more than to any other man, is due the gratitude of millions wha have a constant supply of pure water in London and other places. Of course, he has a staff of assistants. The danger of an epidemic through tainted water in ic Landon may be less than the danger Hongkong. The population of London is better acquainted with matters concern- ing the preservation of health and Lon- Mr. Russ, addressing the Bench, said don is not in the tropics. The number uf the Company's shroff admitted that they people supplied by the Metropolitan received quite a lot of bad coins. Yet Water Board is greater. It would, how- there had been only one complaint made ever, he of interest to know the details against this particular bus. With regard of the staff under, and the expenditure to the watchman's evidence, il a man permitted to, the director of water desired to see. something be generally examinations to the Metropolitan Water did." This man expected to find a bad Board. coin, and taking into consideration this viewpoint of that witness, his evidence should not be relied upon too much.

EVIDENCE ** CIRCUMSTANTIAL, BUT CONVINCING."

MECHANICAL FILTERS.

There are now various types of mechanical or pressure filters in use and no doubt the Metropolitan Water Board have useful date concerning their respec; With regard to the spurious coins betive merits. In some cases the water is possessed they were placed in the most first of all treated with such substance as difficult compartment of the bag to get lime or sulphate of alumina. So far as Mr. Thomson, the Tronsurer of the launches in the Harbour.

bon tableau display on feet ofat, which only went to prove that be did information is available it seems that the not think of passing them off amongst use of quick-acting mechanical filters, Colony, is retiring from the Public Ser-

the change he gave to passengers. He which can be easily cleaned, is desirable. vice to-day on the expiration of 31 years'

was in an unfortunate position, his wife The larger particles held in suspension service. After a brilliant career at Aber-

just having been confined, and he was can be eliminated by them, but sand fl- deen University, an institution that has bin in his retirement, with a fervent hope hardly able to pay a big fine. He subtration is also used in connection with given many distinguished; men to the that in a better climate he may be en-mitted that the evidence of intent was them. service of the Empire, air. Thomson was tirely restored to health and may live for really very weak. There was quite a rea- As a result of the war chlorine was appointed a Cadet Officer at the end of many years to enjoy his well-earned sonable doubt in this case. the year 1987, and in accordance with the repose.

Mr. Hamilton said he had no hesita- applied to the London water for sterilis. ing purposes. The idea, originally, was custom of that period pasted nearly a Hon. Mr. I. E. Pollock: On behalf tion in making a conviction. Had this to save the cost of pumping. In eight year in the Colonial Office. It is more of the unofficial members of this Council, man been given the spurious money by years Sir Alexander Houston saved than twenty-five years since he first sat desire to state that we pasociate our-

the Company's shroff on the morning of £120,000 in that way, whilst the purity a Member of the Executive and Legis selves moet cordially with the sentiments the day in question there would have been of London water remained unchallenged. Intire Council, and for more than twenty in regard to the retiring Treasurer which no case. The evidence was circumstan- It must be remembered that the main years he has eat as Colonial Secretary Your Excellency has just expressed. tial, but, the same time, it was very sources of the London water supplies are and as Treasurer on both Councils con- Fornierly, as Attorney General, and lat- convincing He could see no possible known to be polluted, but Siz Alexander tinuously, which, constitutes a record for turly, as an Unofficial Member of Coan- reason why an honest man should keep Houston has protected the Londoner from any officer in the history of the Colony.cil, I have sat in this Council for a this counterfeit moacy in his bag. He the danger of the germ which spreads It is a record of very honourable and use- period over 15 years at the same table could have kept it at home. It was not

disease. ful service for which the Government is as the hon. member now retiring, and an ordinary case. It was a question of The problem of protecting the public deeply grateful Mr. Thomson's advice I can safely say air, from the long ex- passing on bad coms. They had been in Hongkong in admittedly a difficult one.

passed on to the conductor, and the on the various financial questions that pericuce, that I have never met a man

solicitor for the defence as Mr. Hass It cannot be solved, however, without have arisen during his term of office has who so combined the qualities of sterling himself had admitted, had passed on bad expert advice. Most of our local troublos |

connected with health are made more the Adminis- commense with the facility of going tration. The Colony has passed through straight and direct to the very heart of money, though in small quantities.

Mr. Rass: I never said it was bad. difficult because, we refuse to spend times of difficulty when it was esscatial matter under discussion. As Your Ex-

The local Government medical that expenditure should be carefully safe cellency has pointed out, Mr. Thomson Someone else said so. (Laughter.)

Mr. Hamilton fined defendant 350, or, service is notoriously unattractive. We do not encourage seientiße investigation. guarded, and it is much to be regretted has had a very long and distinguished that in these times of increased prosperity period of service in this Colony, and I in default, one month's imprisonment The Rockefeller Institute has helped the the Government will no longer have the hope, sir, I am not infringing any rule with hard labour.

Colony in more ways than one. The A PRACTICE THAT 18" ABSOLUTELY WRONG. Government seems reluctant to spend services of an officer whose advice on the of etiquette when I say that there is a financing of many important matters now somewhat general desire among the people

Mr. Hamilton: I think this practice of public money on scientific investigations under consideration would be of the in this Colony, if it would please H.M. banding back bad money, which seems in this Colony. If it brought forward greatest assistance. The post of Trea- the King, to give Mr. Thomson some pretty general in the Colony, is absolute- proposals, even of an extravagant nature surer is one, that, apart from its heavy mark of recognition for the long and

ly wrong. It throws temptation in the for research connected with local public responsibility, demands from its holder distinguished service which you, sir, have

way of these mea.. Spurious money health problems the general public woula certain rare qualities of discretion in care referred to. Mr. Thomson, in the course should be destroyed. I trust that the feel that the money was being well spent. "the"first" wealth is fully interpreting the lawa under which of his long residenco in the Colony, has Company will take steps to rectify their In this climate the revenues are collected.

health. There are very few men in the There are made A very great many friends, and he practice.

He suggested that the suspected money cadet service who have even an element- matters in which even the most carefully will carry away with him on liis depar worded enactment occasionally leaves ture, the cordial good wishes of the received should be kept in separate en-ary knowledge of science. It is, there room for ambiguity, and while guarding members of the community of Hongkong,velopes at the Company's headquarters, fors, not surprising that science is still

Hon. Colonial Treasurer (Mr. Thom- the public revenues Mr. Thomson has adopted a reasonable attitude which has, son): As has been remarked, it is or eventually to be sent to a money changer, the Cinderella in the Government offices. or the Treasurer, who would have it We do not suggest, that scientific men are born administrators, but a little advice I think, been recognised by those mem-25 years since I first took my seat on this

destroyed. hers of the public with whom he has been Council, and I am very much obliged for Mr. Webster said he would pat the in the Executive and Legislative Council brought into contact. By his colleagues the kind expressions which have fallen suggestion before his clients, and was deliberations from men of scientide train- in the Service Mr. Thomson has always friend on my left. My experience of the matter.

from Excellency and from my hon.

sure that something would be done in the ing might encourage those of us who been held in the highest estimatiou ; and,

under present. conditions despair of any their personal regard for him was shown Council has always been a happy one.

real improvement. At present our grati-: Such small "

as have occurred only a few minutes ago in this room when

tude goes out to the scientific members of the Banitary Board. They do try to the honour fell to me of making him a have left no mark on the general good- presentation In bidding farewell to him feeling prevailing. I am sorry to go.

warn the general public. What is essen in this Council I desire on behalf of the may any that it is the most painful

tial, however, in that the number of Official and Unofficial Members to assure

thing that has happened in my life up

scientific men in the Government service to date to have to take leave of you to had been handled. ̈

should be increased and that the Govern day. heg to thank you for your kind At the conclusion of the case, defendant ment medical service should be made wishes, pir, and to say farewell.

paid his fine.

more attractive.

him that our best wisties will accompany (Continued on next Column.)

scraps

POLICE OFFICER COMFLIXENTED,

Mr. Hamilton complimented Detective Sergeant Tyler on the way he had handled the care. It had been a diflcult case, but he had been pleased at the way it

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