1930-05-31 — Page 7

ST.

JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE'S GIFT.

PRESENTATION MADE TO MR. E. RALPHS ON EVE OF HIS DEPARTURE.

GLOWING TRIBUTES TO HIS WORK.

Members of the St. John Ambulance Brigads turned out in full force yesterday when a presentation was made to Mr. E. Ralphs. Assistant Commissioner of the local body, who, after a lengthy period of service in the Brigade, has decided to leave the Colony tor Home on retirement.

The large crowd that had gathered to say" farewell to Mr. Ralphs was gloquent testimony of his popularity both among officers and men of the Brigade, and there were visible signs of regret among the members present at the impending departure of their Assistant Commissioner.

SILVER TRAY GIVEN AS MEMENTO.

The presentation took the form of t "In asking your acceptance of this a silver tray inscribed with the token, I am confident that I am con- veying the sincere and hearty good following words:-"Presented by wishes of all present, in wishing the Finance Committee, Officers and you a long, happy and peaceful re- Men of the St. Joha Ambulancetirement, and that when you look Brigade, Hong Kong, to Mr. Edwin Ralphs, who has served for 15 years as Assistant Commissioner of the

"Brigade."

The opportunity was taken by Mr. Ralphs to announce that shield had been presented for com, b petition among the Nursing Divi- sions of the Brigade. He mention- ed that hitherto there had been only & shield among the men's divisions, but he had pleasure in annoucing that Mr. Ho Kom Tong had been kind enough to present another

upon this souvenir, you will remem ber your friends and well-wishers across the water who are endca vouring to carry on the work in augurated by yourself and maintain ing the stracture the foundations which you have so well and truly laid.

A Priceless Heirloom.

You are bequeathing to this Brigade an heirloom which it should be the privilege and bounden duty of each member, officers, vice- patron and surgeon to pass on to successors unimpaired.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, MAY 31, 1930.

launch, but it should not be dif ficult to co-operate with Govern- ment or shipping companies and so arrange that the sick or injured the niny be transported harbour and transferred to a meter ambulance with the minimum of discomfort...

across

Public Health., • ́...

MR. HO KOM TONG'S ADDRESS. UTTERING A FORGED

our

BANK NOTE.

A BRACE OF YOUTHS AT KOWLOON.

PEREGRINATIONS DESCRIBED OF SPURIOUS PAPER

The two Chinese youths who are- charged with uttering a forged 8100 bank note of the Chartered Bank, and obtaining money on same, were again before Mr. T. S. Whyte-Smith at Kowloon Magistracy yesterday.

Mr. F. C. E. Rendall appeared for the second defendant, while Mr. F. X. D'Almada, Jur... held a watching brief on behalf of one of the witnesses.

Mr. Rendall asked for the case to be heard as a committal one, but Detective Sergeant Fitches, who was in charge of the case, said that his instructions were to ask for the case to be taken, summarily,.

Mr. Ho Kom Tong said:-Ladies and gentlemen.-The hardest word to express in any language, no goodbye. It is doubt, is to say scarcely possible, therefore, to avoid sharing the mixed feelings of joy and regret that have brought us together this afternoon, We are Now going back to what I have here to do hancur and bid farewell said about an extension of your to an old and highly esteemed activities in the matter of public friend and a most valuable member health. This can very usefully be of the St, John Ambulance Brigade, done by a close co-operation with towards whom we cannot but feel the public health authorities of the an especial welcome, an especial Colony carry on the work you pride and na especial gratitude for have done, but further assist the all that he has contributed to the authorities in educating the ignor education and ambulance, work in ant in matters of hygiene and the Colony. Thirty-three years of health, help to remove any pre-service to the Colony is a splendid Judices that may still exist and and extraordinary record that any convince your hearers that the man can be proud of and should efforts of the health authorities, and deserve high praise from any Goy your work also, are entirely dis- ernment. In the ambulance work, interested, and lead them to realise Mr. Ralphs deserves well that in helping you, they are help gratitude for the new road that he. ing themselves. To do all that has pioneered and for having put affectively you will require to in the local Brigade on so firm and crease your numbers; you have now efficient basis as it is at present. Mr: Rendall quoted sections of over 300 active and effective mem- In both the educational and amte Forgery Ordinance in support bera, but to carry out health work bulance history of Hong Kong, Mr. of his application. adequately more will be needed.

Ralphs name is written large and would here mention that "Cadet chiselled deeply, like the poor Companies may now be formed in negro who said of Abraham Lincoln, connection with the Corps: boys of on an impressive occasion, the age of 14 may be recruited and Linkum in everywhere." given a modified course of training. and at the age of 18 may pass automatically into the Ambulance One such company, 50 Brigade. strong, has just been formed and

The Wandering Note... hope many others will join, far the members, while learning to

Sergeant Fitches outlined the case become useful citizens, gain much vainable knowledge and above, all since 1915; and during this period and said that the forged note was learn the value of discipline and have found most harmonious re- first received in the Colony by a tral in payment of a debt. Later obedience qualities which, I fent,lations existing between him and lady living in Connaught Road Cen- are not always conspicuous among the entire Corps, and his work is

so great a merit, I am sure all the lady discovered that the role the youth of to-day.

workers of the St. John Ambulance

was forged and put it away in a Brigade will join me in saying drawer. The amah of the house Well done, good and faithful" had access to the drawer, and one Mr. Ralpha' departure constitutes day when a friend called while the a distinct loss to us, but we are mistress was out, the amah showed was a very fine specimen of a for- glad that he has the opportunity it to the friend, who agreed that it of enjoying at last well-merited rest, and we wish him a long and happy gery and asked to be allowed to take Now his task is smoothly done, heamah agreed and the friend took can fly or be can run quickly the it away and showed. it to her bus

band, who said that it was very green earth's end.

clever and also asked to be allowed to show it to another friend.

Mark Twain Recalled, Well, ladies and gentlemen, I rose for the purpose of thanking you briefly-and I find myself doing that easiest of all things-offering you a lot of advice! You know Mark Twain said somewhere," To be

Work Well Done.

*Massa

Sergeant Fitches remarked that the forged tote had been traced from Amoy and that this was in favour of the defendants.

Mr. Rendall remarked that it did not alter his opinion and that he still asked for the case to be a com- mittal one:

The Magistrate agreed to hear the

as such.

I am afraid that time will not permit me to say all that is in my mind. I would like to add, how-case ever, that it is my privilege to have associated with Mr. Ralphs in the St. John Ambulance work ever

trophy which was to be competed tell you that Mr. Ralphs is not good is noble: to shew others how retirement at home with his family-it away to show her husband. The

I am betraying no sceret when I severing his connection with us en- tirely, for he has consented to re- main or our Rell as our representa- tive in England.

for by the Nursing Divisions only. The Victoria Nursing Division had won that competition for the rear 1929, and it was his pleasant duty that evening to deliver the shield

We shall both know and feel that in question to Miss Heang, tho

we have a friend and adviser who officer in charge of that division.

will be able to make personal re- Among those present were:-Mr-presentations to Headquarters in A. Morris, J.P., Hon. Dr. R. H. London when occasion and necessity Kotowall. C.M.G., LL.D., Hoc. arise. Sir Shou-son Chow, Kt., C. M.G., J.P., Mr. Li Yau Tsun, C.B.E., Mr. Ho Kom Tong, J.P., O.B.E., Mr. T. N. Chau, Mr. Wong Kam Fuk, Mr. A. el Arculli, J.P., Dr. Ware, Mr. J. Ralston, Dr. W. V. M. Koch,

and Dr. H. el Arculli.

MR. MORRISS' SPEECH.

Mr. A Morris said:-Ladies and Gentlemen, have been invited to make the formal presentation on behalf of the Brigade Members, Vice-Patrons and Members of the Finance "Committee.

MR. RALPHS' REPLY.

Mr. Ralphs said Mr. Morris, ladies and gentlemen, i have to thank you for your very kind words and to thank you all very warmly for the reception you have given me to-day and for the very beautiful piece of silver you present to me on my departure. It is not easy for me to say farewell, but it is yet more dificult when I meet you all face to face and receive such a demonstration of your goodwill

My one regret is that this bonour

Not very long ago I addressed has not been delegated to abler, you on the work the St. John Am suave and more honeyed tongues, or nulance Brigade has done in Hong to one more practised than myself Kong, and it is unnecessary to refer in the wiles and art of speaking. to it again at any length. I should I have no doubt that some of the like to say a few words, however, Kentiomen here, representing the about the future work of this "learning, wit, wisdom and finance Corps.

as I now experience.

to be good is nobler-and- trouble!

no

We may also congratulate our- selves that Mr. Ralph's mantle has fallen on Mr. Morris, who is in every sense a worthy successor. In fact, Mr. Morris has proved his sterling worth during Mr. Ralphs' absence on leave on several occa- ions and carried ou the work most successfully. Not only is Mr. Morris willing to tail arduously and cheer- fully, but is always ready to take the rough with the smooth, which is a great essential quality in the ambulance work. Thus with all Mr. Ralphs has said of him, I am in thorough agreement.

The Magistrate asked why the note was handed around so much,

and if it was a sort of freak note! Sergeant Fitches replied that it was a very clever forgery and people liked to see one so that they would know them in future.

I feel very keenly indeed my severence from this Corps, but I shall, as Mr. Morris gays, keep in constant touch with your work and represent you, when necessary, as our headquarters in London,

The Corps could not possibly have grown-in strength and in efficiency as it has done, bad I not had the help and co-operation of all of you

The husband took the note to a present to-day. We have the active

shop in Nathan Road and showed ambulance and nursing workers, who appear from time to time on

it to the shop-keeper, who also ask- public parades, and who are often

ed to be allowed to show it to an- other friend. A friend of the shop- seen at work in public, but we have

kooper came up at the same time many who work behind the scenes;

and playfully snatched the note of these, I mention particularly the finance committee; then we have

With your permission, I would away to examine it. Just at that our surgeons, among them four wish to take this occasion to inform moment the shop-keeper left to ladies, who all give their services all the members that on account serve a customer, and when she re- free and work very hard indeed. of old age I have recently resigned turned, the new friend had gone. from the Corps as District Officer, It was alleged that the first de- could recite dozens of Dames of our supporters who help us in mani- but still keep up my keen interest fendant made the acquaintance of as chairman of the financial com- the shop-keeper's friend in a club fold ways, but I propose to men-mittee. I would point out, in pass in Nathan Road and it was here. tion only three. One is my" old friend Dr. Koch, who has worked ing, that although the Brigade has that he sair the note. A conversa- with me as our chief surgeon from made gratifying progress, there is tion took place among the members. From this over the note and it ended up with the able the first defendant getting away the beginning and still Inbours for still much to be done. the cause; the second is Mr. Ho time onwards, under Kom Tong, who also has been a leadership of Mr. Morris, you must with the note. tower of strength and who, in what not relax, rather you should in- he terms his old age (though I hope crease, your efforts to promote the that if I live to reach his present ambulance cause.. nge, I may be half as vigorous as he) Mr. Ho, I say, in his old age, arrayed himself in uniform-which I know he has found eminently un- comfortable and appears regularly and valiantly on parades, a5 an example to the younger members, You will all join in my profound regrets on hearing that Mr. Ho Kom Tong resigns to-day his rank as District Officer; like myself, he begins to feel that he is too old for the active duties the office de mands: to my great relief, however, he is retaining his position as chair; man of the inance committee and will continue his interest in the work.

Scolded by Friend.

The first defendant was later seen by the last owner." The first de- Public Not Unresponsive. fendant told him that he gave it to Some of you doubtless recollect another friend to examine and who that since the St. John Ambulance was arrested for possession" of started in 1915 in Hong Kong, no it. The last owner" scolded him appeal has ever been made to the for being careless with the note but Government for financial aid. In thought no more of it.

The two defendants are next alleg 1928, when Sir Cecil Clementi first came to Hong Kong, he was so welled to have gone to the Kum Toi placed with the Ambulance work Hotel, in Nathan Road, on Satur that he did all he possibly could day, May 17, where they eng to encourage and inspire in the aged a room for two nights. The progress of the Brigade and sub- hotel clerk went up sequently the membership roll has two defendants to the room and increased from 150 to more than 300 asked them to sign the hotel book. I am thankful to say that since Sir The first defendant signed a rame Cecil's regime, our appeals to the which was not his own, and tender- public have met with remarkably ed the 8100 forged bank note. As generous, response. Now and again is the custom among Chinese with Lastly, I refer to Mr. Morris, liberal contributions have been re- large notes, the first defendant was, need not say anything about the ceived, which is a clear indication asked to sign his name on it and wonderfully good service he has of the appreciative attitude of the did so. The clerk returned later and anid that he did not have rendered; I have gradually handed general public. over the working of the Corps to

"

with the

of the Colony, will wish to supple-

Spirit of Discipline. ment my imperfect remarks.

Our normal work is essentially Ladice and gentlemen, wa are assembled to pay tribute to our the training of men to become ex friend and Assistant Commissioner,pert in first aid and of women to on whom it has pleased H.M. the become expert in both first aid and King to confer the highest rank of home nursing. Then we have the our order-Knight of Grace of the drill and the discipline which it Venerable Order of St. John of entails, discipline which is valuable Jerusalem an honour coveted by not only in itself but in that it many, but possessed by few; and enables us to work singly or in com- to present him with this silver tray panies, and creates a spirit of as a memento of the work he has ceprit de curps and at the same time done for the St. John Ambulance of individual responsibility. But Brigade, and the St. John Ambul. of all this you are well aware. once Association, in the District of Then we have taken up vaccination work, and during the last two sea- Hong Kong and South China.

None but one who has actually sons we have vaccinated over 400,000 handled the work and intricacies of people in Hong Kong, in the New the Brigade, knows of the multi- Territory and the adjacent islands. farious duties entailed as Assistant Ln addition, a considerable amount many of lecturing has been done, the Commissioner-duties for performed yeara

Let me add my quota to what sufficient change. The first defea single-handed, ignorant classes being addressed- in their own tongue, of course-on without hope or expectation of re ward, by our Assistant Commis matters of vaccination, dysentry, him and now he takes over full con has always been said in praise of dant went down to the office with cholera, malaria, etc." These lectrol as Officer in Charge of the the St. John Ambulance. I asso-him while the second remained in

District, and I have requested our

ciate myself with Mr. Ralphs and the room. At the office, the clerk tures, delivered, as I A Labour of Love,

can testify Chief Commissioner, Major-General Mr. Morris in thanking must sin- gave the first defendant 10 in part with fluency and emphasis, and

Sir Havelock Charles, to promote cerely the members of the financial exchange and said that he would However, it has been a labour of illustrated with charts and dia-

when they were leaving. The first love in the fullest sense & work grams-some of the latter fearsome him as early as may be to the rank committee for organizing the Chi- give him the remainder, some 820, of Assistant Commissioner. I know

nese: theatrical performance once a for the benefit of the community and blood-curdling enough-have

you will accord to Mr. Morris the

year, from which the Brigade has defendant agreed and took the $70 and humanity-the alleviation of carried conviction to your hearers. suffering a work not to be assessed But I want now to suggest what has loyal support you have always given been able to derive a somewhat sub and went back to his room. Later to me and I look forward confident stantial income, Our hearty thanks both he and the second defendant in terms of cash, nor yet by visible been long in my mind, and that is

an extension and development of to a great development of the are also due to all members and left the hotel without waiting for and immediate results, but one the

officers for their devotion and un the 820 extra and crossed over the

harbour. effects of which are transmitted your activities in the matter of Corpa under his able command.

selfish labours for the good of the through the ages and benefits child public health, now that you have

Ambulance cause in Hong Kong. shown that you can carry out such work in addition to your normal activities,

sioner.

ren's children

I am confident that his self im posed tasks have been a source of much happiness,

Mr. Ralpha, you bave laboured for the good of others, and your labours have not been in vain.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are "Josing & valued, tried and trusted friend one who has listened with A sympathetic ear and who bas been ready ever to assist to the utmost of his powers,

His work for this-Brigade dates back to 1914, from which year the organisation has grown in strength from a mere handful to above, 300.

degreeonline,ith the St. John

Harbour Transport.

Spirit Willing, But ---

.

The first defendant returned the next day, Bunday, May 18, and the accountant geve him the 820 that The next morning at 11 he re first discovered to be a forgery when was remaining. morning to be changed..

First, there is the motor ambule requested and very kindly so it was taken to the bank on Monday.turned to the Hotel and, going to

Official Evidenco.

I leave the Corps and the Colony with profound regret; I had hoped to stay on until early next year, by Government, but on medical

A watch was kept on the Kum Tor his room, he was spotted by the advice and with the consciousness

told him that the 100 note, was 'a that age, slas, may not be defied. Hotel and later the second defen-hotel clerk, who stopped him and counterfeit, and would like a re- for though it is true that one should dant was also arrested,

fund of the money. The first de measure one's age rather by the in- creasing strength of the spirit than Mr. F. C. Mudie, sub-accountant fendant replied that he did not by the decreasing strength of the of the Chartered Bank, was hand know that it was a forgery and body, there comes a time when the ed the note and said that it was that it was given to him by a friend, after may no longer be ignored, quite a good forgery. The colour He asked the cleric, however, to come therefore I bow to the inevitable ing however, was not correct, across to the Po Hing. Theatre, especially on the back. The white where he would get some money and make my bow!

margin around the name of the The clerk summoned the chief ne Bank on front was not very dis ceantant and, in the meantime, the bolted out through Theatre and signature of the chief- as there was no such person in the across to the Po Hing

inaone of tho service of the Bank. In the attempt up to the first floor, where he was to forge the name of J. M. Norrie, caught and arrested in the forger had written M, O, Norris, actor's rooms Further more, the writing was not In reply to the Magistrate, Ser- geant Fitches said that the note was like that of the accountant.

The hearing was adjourned. (Vontinued on preceding column),"

ance service. We have, as you know, a very fine motor ambulance presented to us by Miss Chan Yuk Hing a few months ago. The am- balance is working, but we are greatly handicapped by the lack of garage. We hope to erect a garage, with quarters for two at tendants, so that the ambulance shall be at the service of the public at any hour of the day or night.

I cannot express the gratitude. I Given a suitable site, the scheme feel towards you all for your con- samo time, and in connection with lastly for this generous gift; but the motor ambulance service, I wish oven without it, I would never for you to take up the question of the get the St. Jobn Ambulance Brigade transport of sick people across the in Hong Kong and all who worked harbour, or to ar from ships. This with me so loyally and happily in question should not be difficult to the Corps... solve; we need not-and cannot, in fact-go to the expense of a special

acas the

Ambulance Association is almost I CANT QUITER Do corrodepoort car want and hominki Thas buscantan. I the

lifelong, for before coming East more than 35 years ago, Mr Ralphs was connected with Ambulance work in England.

Mr. Halpha, you will be missed greatly and impossible to replace.

Substitutes there may be, but there can be but one""

Ladies and gentlemen, again I thank you (Appinuse.) :

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