1930-01-24 — Page 7

THE

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1930..

MAYOR " OF HONG KONG AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

GOVERNOR'S VIEWS ON DEMOCRATIC METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION.

EARNEST PLEA FOR ANGLO-CHINESE COLLABORATION.

There was no disguising the fact that when the Governor rose to address the Legislative Council yesterday, His Excellency was under the stress of strong emotion. Every member of the Council was present yesterday afternoon, for Sir, Cecil Clementi was addressing the Council" for the last time, and in a most eloquent speech spoke feelingly of his great attachment to the Colony, and most hopefully: for its future: Tributes to the departing Governor were made by » Sir Henry Follock and Sir Shou-eor Chow, both of whom spöke in terms of high appreciation of His Excellency's long and successful service to the Colony.

►

The businces disposed of yesterday consisted of the adoption of a report by the Finance Committee and of a by-law of the Sanitary Board, while the Ordinance to amend the Opium Ordinance passed the second and third reading.

GOVERNOR'S FAREWELL

ADDRESS.

E the Governor then address ed the Coucal in the following

terms:-

Gratitude to Council Members, In this respect the Hong Kong Legislative Council need not fear comparison with any other legisla. tive body in the British Empire: and I gladly acknowledge the great It is with a heavy heart that I debt, which as Governor I owe to rise to address you for shy last the unofficial members, for facilitat time in this Chamber, which I haveing and expediting the work of the known for thirty years, which con- { administration. Especially do I tains for ate so many memories, wish to thank these members of the and in which so much of the history Legislative Council who are also of Hong Kong has been made. I members of the Executive Council: have served this Council as its for it is in the Executive Council Clerk, as acting Colonial Secretary, that most of the preparatory work and as Governor, Many of my for this Chamber is done. "The dearest friends have been asso- Executive Council meets every week ciated with me in the work of this and, while meetings of the Legisin Council. The Senior Unofficial tive Council are unusually brief, Membor, Sir Henry Pollock, I have meetings of the Executive Council "known as long a Pohon known at often very long. We have been Hong Kong. The Second Chinese through troublous daya together Member, Dr. Kotewall, was my and, if it be true that there's right-hand man years ago when we good time a-coming,it certainly 13 both served in the Colonial Secre a good time a-coming." We have tary's Office. Among the official seldom had before us a choice be- members the Attorney-General, the tween right and wrong, safety and Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the danger. We have mostly been con- Colonial Treasurer, and the In-fronted by nothing but a choice of apertor-General of Police are brother endets, who have been friends of mine since my first az-

established at the mouth of the already produced such wonderful West River in close contiguity to results in Hong Kong and elsewhere cach other and faced with similar in the Far East, will bring aren problems. Three Governors-Gener-greater blessings to the world here- al of the Philippine Islands-Clener- after, and that in this'era of "the al Leopard Wood, Mr. Stimson,

Chinese renaissance Hong Kong and Mr. Davis, have been "welcomed will play a role the highest im- on their way through Hong Kong portance and of the utmost bench- during my term of government: cenge. Confucius said:-"If you and I was fortunate enough to be wish to establish yourself, sock also able myself last autumn to visit the. to establish others:" and the pee- Philippine Islands, where I was ple of this Colony must never forget" shown the greatest kindaess and that the best means of establishing hospitality. I hope that every the security and prosperity of year will see the bonds of trade Hong Kong is to give all possible and friendship between Hong Kong help in establishing the reign of and Manila drawn closer and I law and order and righteousness feel that in Baguio, only 45 hours among our friends and neighbours distant from us, we have a health | in China. resort which is easily accessible, where Hong Kong residents are runde very much at home, and which should be of increasing valas to us as years go by.

are

With French Indo-China also we on very cordia! terins. My predecessor. Sir Edward Stubbs, and General Luard, lately in com mand of His Majesty's forces in Hong Kong. both visited that fine" country during their term of office. I too had visited it twice in bygone years, and I had hoped to do so as Governor, but various causes have prevented me from carrying out

my intention.

I

Kong; and were I and the prin cipal officers of this Government to divest ourselves of our municipal duties, there would be little left for us to do.. The creation of muni- cipalities would duplicate the ad trust before long to hear that aerial ministrative machinery of the communications has been establish Colony to an intolerable extent. Ited from this Colony in Kuang

chouwan with Hanoi and Saigon. would be excessively uneconomical, and it would be open to all the But, of course, our most important political objections which would neighbours on the western sen board beset democratic institutions, if in- of the Pacific are Japan and China. troduced into Hong Kong. I sin- cerely hoped that nothing of the kind will be attempted.

Steady Progress.

beca constructed here during the No spectacular public works have at four years, but there has been steady development both on the island and on the mainland. the island the most notable achieve

On ment is the completion of the Praya East Reclamation scheme: while in Kowloon the construction of what will be a model city of vast dimen- sions upon an exceedingly well devised town planning scheme pro- grass year by year, de hit after used to level hill is eat down up insanitary depressions and to the deep-sea frontage for ocean- fill up the foreshore, thus extending going steamers."

Relations With Japan.

very

As regards Japan, not only have we a large and valued Japanese Colony, but we received the year element in the population of this, before last a very welcome visit from the Japanese first battle-ficct, their way through, Hong Kong and we have also entertained on many eminent Japanese statesmen, Ambassador at the Court of St.. among them, Mr. Matsudaira, now James, and Viscount Saito, the Governor-General of Korea. I was fortunately able to visit Japan and Kores in 1927, and was courteously received both by Baron Tanaka, then Premier and Foreign Minister, at Tokyo, and by Via count Saito at Chosen. In Hong A notable innovation has been proaches nearest to Japan, and

Kong the British Empire the construction of a spacious aero-nowhere are relations between us drome near Kowloon City, from and the Japanese more cordial than which the Royal Air Force already in this Colony. operates, and where we hope to see this year the inception both of com- Experi-mercial aviation and of a flying club. Hong Kong will thus take its rightful place among the air parts of the world.

dangers. In such circumstances our discussions in Executive Council were frequently long and anxious. I have made deep drafts on your time and your patience and I am most grateful for your unfailing support and co-operation.

Not Eipe For Western Political Methods.

On the subject of waterworks I recently addressed this Council at

length. Therefore I will only say

rival in Hong Kong, and whose friendship I hope to retain all my life, wherever I may be. Three others, the Colonial Secretary, the Director of Public Works, and the.. Harbour Master I first knew and Jearned to value when we served

While speaking of the Colony's together in Ceylon; and all four, of us were transferred from Ceylon constitution. I venture to give a

word of parting advice. to Hong Kong at about the fuma time. Indeed, there is no one inence in other parts of the British this Council with whom I am not Empire, but especially in Ilong on terms of personal friendship. Kong and in China, convinces me and from whom I have not frequent that demoerey na understood in ly received helpful advice and the the United Kingdom is not a suit kindest consideration. It is mirable or a safe form of government

now what pleasure it gives me to ful to break all thee ties of affee for peoples in the Far East at the tion and to say goodbye. Hall my present stage of their political, see that rapid progress is being life. and that the better hall, social and economic development made with the harbour pipe-line, and I am firmly of opinion that with the new Aberdeen reservoir, leave behind me in Hong Kong

universal manhood and womanhood and with the Kowloon bye-wash Changes in the Counciis. suffrage, general elections, bye-elec-reservoir. I feel that a determined But, gentlemen, I do not wish to tions, party politics, the wiles of dwell unduly on personal malters the demagogue, and the arts of the in the last words I say to this hustings could do nothing but harm Council. I will rather speak of the in Hong Kong. I am satisfied that public work which we have done Crown Colony Government will in together and of whas the future future, as in the past, be best suit- may hold for Hong Kong. At theed to the needs of this outpost of ontact, I would remind you that the British Empire. the Constitution of this honourable Council and of the Executive Couns cil also has been altered and, na we all believe, improved during my

member hus for the first time in

Hastoning Slowly.

But in saying this I du not mean to imply that the inhabitants of

term of governorship. A Chinese Kung, and particularly the Chinese here resident, should not the Colony's history been given n as the Colony grows more populous sent in the Executive Council. This and more prosperous be admitted innovation has proved to be a great berations and decisions of the Hong to an increasing share in the deli- Auccess. The position has been worthily filled by Sir Shousen Kong Government. I have, Buring Chow, and experience has shown my term as Governor endeavoured to pave the way for such develop- how valuable, and indeed I would

ment by presiding in person over to the say how indispensable, Executive Council is the advice quarterly meetings of the District Watch Committee, which is the body

effort has begun to solve in a per- manent and satisfactory manner the water-problem, which has been n source of constant anxiety to this Colony since first I knew it

The Financial Situation. Our financial situation is. I am happy to

say, very satisfactory. The revenue and expenditure of the Colony, and the state of its reserve fund from the year 1993 to date, can conveniently be tabulated

as follows:-

Year ended Dec. 31.

1973

1924

1923

18:28

1927

1928

1929

1930

ap-

SIR HENRY POLLOCK'S TRIBUTE.

The Hon. Sir Henry Pailoak said although the community as a whole anally took leave of His Excellency the previous day, it was ouly fit ting that some words of farewel, however brief, ehould be addressed to him in the Council, where he bad, at different times, officiated as of Councils, as Clerk,

asting Colonial Secretary, and as Gover nor. Sir Henry continued:-

This afternoon there is a pro- found feeling of regret, which is chared by Oficial and Unoticini Members alike, that this is the last meeting at which you will be present at this Council, over which you have, presided for more than four years with eo much tact, pati-

ence, courtesy and ability.

In bidding you farewell, we de. sire to take this opportunity of wishing you happiness and succceS, not only in the post of Governor of the Straits Settlements, but also In any further official, positions to which His Majesty the King may hereafter be pleased to appoint you. (Loud applause.)

Four Years of Anxiety. The Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow, years ago, in this very room, I had who followed, said:- Sir, four

coming your Excellency and Lady the honour and privilege of wel

to-day it is my melancholy duty to Clementi back to Hong Kong, Lod bid you farewell. During the four arduous years of your Governor- ship events of portentous import have taken place in this Colony and in South China.

When you assumed your duties, the political sky was overcast, usa the mind of the people was filled with ominous, forecouings. „Hut in u comparatively short time you were able to disperse much of the dark cloud that was enveloping us, and to give back to us a bit of suiling sunshine. Immediately upon your arrival you made it your first

duty to bring about better rela

Angio-Chinese Friendship. Only in the case of China have there been strained relations be tween this Colony and any foreign country. When assumed the gor- ernment of Hong Kong in 1995 an anti-British boycott had been de clared at Canton and an effort was tions between Hong Kong and Can- being made by a bolshevized Chin- ton; and by your incomparable ese Administration to reduce Hong knowledge of China and the Chi- Kong to the condition of "a nesc, your sympathy for them, your desert island." This foolish agita pincerity and statesmanship, you tion, which was even more dis succeeded in this object beyond our astrous to Canton than it was, to highest expectations. It is no exag- Hong Kong, had been begun by geration to say that at no time Soviet intrigue; and, when Com during the fast two decades has the munism was swept out of Kuang-relationship between

Our great tung the traditional amity between Canton and Hong Kong was rapid- ly restored in March, 1928, under the wise guidance of Marshal Li Chai Sum. He and I exchanged visits and I am happy to say that the cordial relations then establish- cd have continued over since, in spite of the recrudescence of civil

war in China.

State of Reserve Revenue. Expenditure. Fund on Jan. 1.

8

8 5234,792,709.33 21,371,004.72 19,038,649.41 21,200,639.72 26,726,423.44 13,971,193.23 23,244,865,94 28,266,917.04 13,107,548.29 21,131,587.64

23,524,715.94 5,113,452.68 21,344,533.72 20,845,064.68 3.486,200.54 24,968,398.89 21,230,242.24 3,985,751.37 8,091,633.57 *23,218,930.00 *21,733,345.00

*0,577,938,00

* Estimate only.. These figures reflect faithfully the period of storm and strain

Frough which Hong Kong has passed owing to anti-British znani.

given in person by its Chinese politic in this Colony, most repre her. The Legislative Council also has been strengthened by the addition sentative of Chinese interests; by of a third Chinese member, by the presiding at least once a year over representation in it of the interests meetings of the Directors of the ol Kowloon, and of the large Porta-Tung Wa Hospital and of the Po guese community here resident, and Leung Kuk; by attending and ad. by the inclusion of two more official dressing annual meetings of the members, the Director of Medical Hong Kong General Chamber of and Sanitary Services and the Har-Commerce; and by setting up stand-festations, such as the strike and Lour-Master, both of whom control ing committees such as the Harbour public departments which are vital Board and the Labour Advisory to the welfare of the Colony. We Board, with the object of obtaining

full information bave, moreover, adopted quite re-

as to public cently with complete unanimity opinion before deciding upon gov- new Standing Rules and Orders cramental action. which should facilitate the transac- tion of legislative business in this Colony.

boycott of 1025, to incessant civil

war in China, and to repeated isturbances in the Liang Kuang provinces. They show how Colony's revenue fell; how its ex- penditure

the

حليم حليم

The visit to Hong Kong this day of General Ch'an Ming Shu, Chair, man of the Kuangtung Provincial Council, accompanied by the Mayor of Canton and many of the prin- cipal officials of the Province, is

Our Chinese Friends and Neighbours.

neighbour and Hong Kong has been so close, and so amicable as it is to-day. The four years of your ad- ministration have been beset with difficulties and anxietiee, which must have been as great as any that could have befallen a Colonial Governor in recent years; but, in

spite of this, you have been able to complete or initiate many coll structive schemes of magnitude and to introduce several important reforms in the constitution of the Colony.

Chinese Gratitude to the Governor.

There are two of your outstand ing achievements which have won the everlasting gratitude of the Chinese. Quo is that you departed from the time-honoured policy of the Government by appointing to to Executive Council a Chinese.

epoch-making afforded the Chinese community profound satisfaction, in that it government of the Colony for the gave them a share in the active first time in its history.

This

innovation

further token of the friendship

"The other tangible proof of your between China and Great Britain. I am deeply sensible of the honour Excellency's goodwill towards us is dona ma by General Ch'an in pay-

the appointment of a third Chinese was curtailed; howing me this visit of farewell, and

member to the Legislative Council valuable the reserve fund was to

I rejoice that one of his objects in

when you obtained the sanction of Public Health Department.

us in our time of need, and how

coming here to-day is to launch a the Crown to enlarge the Unofficial I hoped, had I remained here, to heavily we drew upon it; how in steamer built in this Colony by representation of two members. address myself to another import- 1928, when, friendly relations be Messrs. Butterfield & Swire for the You have, Sir, by example and pre- Business-like Legislative Methods.

ant branch of this subject, namely tween Hong Kong and Canton were China trade.

cept, succeeded in strengthening the reorganization of the public re-established, our revenue at once

the bond of friendship that binds And may I here pause to con-health administration of the Colony, revived; how our expenditure was

together all sections of the com- gratulate honourable members on In our new Director of Medical and. then increased to match, and how

munity You hare, indeed, been the business-like brevity with which Sanitary Services, Dr. Wellington, our reserve fund was again built

the greatest friend that the Chi our proceedings are conducted 1 we have just the man who by pro-

up. We began this year with's

It is essential for the prosperity

nese have had "among a long line There is not in this Chamber any fessional knowledge and by experi reserve fund close upon 9 million both of Canton and of Hong Kong of Governors, who have all been "playing to the gallery," nayence in the Far East is best quali- dollars, of which eight millions the tour friendship should grow our real friends. Just as we hail exuberance of verbosity, any atfied to advice us in this matter; were liquid and I think that I stronger from year to year, that with joy your arrival, we now sor tempt to make mere debating points and, where he gives a lead, I think may fairly claim to have left my

there should be close co-operation row over your departure. or to heckle the Government. Ob-that the residents of this Colony successor a heritage better than between this Colony and the au- structive tactics are over used. of all races may safely follow. We that which I myself took over, thorities of the Liang Kuang pro-

In congratulating your Excellency All members are alike animated by need, and we must have, a sanitary

vinces, and that go sinister outside, farewell to you and Lady Clementi, upon your promotion, and bidding the desire to do the best they can organization co-extensive with the

influence should be allowed to mar for the Colony. Accordingly there Colony and its New Territories,

for whom we entertain. feelings of it whole-hearted collaboration be and reform in this respect is long

hope and pray that the conditions the goodwill and mutual confidence the highest respect, we wish you which we place in each other.

(Ap- treep official and unofficial members

both happiness and success, in preparing legislative and finan-

under which His Majesty's Govern- plause.) vial measures for submission to the

ment hea resumed diplomatic, in-. Council Difficulties and debatable I do not pretend to prophesy

tercourse with Rusia may insure points are threshed out in the free what form it will take; but there

that Bolshevik propaganda will The field at Stirling, the site of dam and privacy of informal dia is one form which in my opinion

never again be silowed to disturb the Battle of Bannockburn, is to cassion, whether in the Executive it certainly ought not to take and

the friendship between Canton and be made a national park. The ob Council or by means of specially that is the establishment of a muni-

this Colony: and I am certain that, ject is to keep the battlefield from appointed committees, prior to the cipality. This Colony is so mill

if this friendship remains undis being built over. The cost of the introduction of Bills, regulations, and so compact that it is in effect tween the Governor of Macao and turbed, the future of Hong Kong, scheme is estimated at £10,000, or money votes for the formal ap-a large township, and the Govern-myself. We are very good friends, which is so intimately, bound up Thero will be erected a two-storey proval of the legislature. So there ment of Hong Kong is, and must and our personal friendship is only with that of Kuangtung, will be tower, the ground floor to be used seldom, any need for long debates always he, mainly concerned with a symbol of the spirit of goodwill happy, peaceful and prosperous, as a tearoom, the second as a in this Chamber and division are municipal affairs. I regard myself and cooperation which happily that, the collaboration of the Rimused tery rarely called for

As being in the Mayor of Hong exists between two Colonies,tish and Chines races, which has look-out platform.

overdue.

Municipal Government.

Hong Kong's Neighbours.

briefly upon foreign affairs, for In conclusion I wish to touch Hong Kong is far from being self- contained or self-supporting, and can only prosper if on terms of real friendship with her neighbours. The relations between''this Colony and the Portuguese authorities at Macao are most cordial. Visits have been frequently exchanged be

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Farewell Presentations were made to Sir Cecil Clementi last week, and the "Tributes paid to HE.'s work for Hong Kong are fully Reported in the "Weekly Press."""

Other Notable events have been the opening of the Instone Brewer trial, the proceedings against alleged Haiching Pirates, the conclu- sion of the Burnett Inquest and the founding of a local. S.P.C.C.

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