1933-03-15 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1933.

CHINESE COMMUNITY ENTERTAINS DEPARTING OFFICIALS

ŞIR JOSEPH KEMP AND MR. E. R. HALLIFAX GUESTS AT WEST POINT DINNER

CHIEF JUSTICE'S PICTURESQUE DESCRIPTION OF H.K. SCENES

The Chinese Community were hosts at a dinner at the Kam Ling Restaurant last night to Sir Joseph Kemp, Kt., C.B.E., the Chief Justice, and the Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax, C.M.G., C.B.E., who will both be shortly returning home on retirement.

The Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow took the chair and in prop saing the toast of the two distinguished guests, said that the Chinese community had in them two loyal and staunch friends,

His Excellency the Governor, Sir William Peel, alsó paid a tribute to the loyalty of both Sir Joseph Kamp and Mr. Hallifax. Bir Joseph Kemp in the course of his reply told the gather- ing that his memories of days spent in Hong Kong would be very pleasant ones and drew a very pretty picture of some of the things that would always be in his mind.

TRIBUTE BY SIR SHOU-SON CHOW

Before concluding, 1 desire to

"Nine Till Six'

express our very deep appreciation A. D. C.'S PRODUCTION WITH

of the gracious presence of Hia Ex- cellency the Governor, who has pro- ven himself time and again to be.

true friend of the Chinese.

Gentlemen, I now ask you to join with me in drinking to the health, long life and happiness of Sir Joseph Kemp and Mr. E. R. Halli- lax, extending this good" wish to Lady Kemp and to Mrs. Hallifax and Miss Hallifax.

ALL WOMEN CAST

APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE AT

KING'S THEATRE

The Hong Kong Amateur Drama tie Society have scored another success with "Nine till Six," a play with an all-worden, oast,

that does not detract from the way they were played, Gracie was al- both excellent keynotes. ways young, Bridgit always tired

Margaret Bunije, made a perfect One wonders what lay behind the little cameo of her role of Mrs. Abhot, and all the audience wore choice.

glad that she had a second entry in the last scene."

Not necessity, for the A.D.C. have plenty of male talent; pot perverrity, for they never give Hong Kong anything except what they believe to be the best: not a desire to strike an original note, for their hist of plays, dating back to 1870, shows that they have tried, their hand at all sorts and con,

there was ditions of drama. For example

Aladdin ir. 1874, The School for Scandal in 1879, Trial

by Jary in 1895. Charley's Aunt, in 1806 Twelfth Night in 1913, The St. Jean in 1924 and Dear Brutus Blue Bird in 1914, Kismet in 1918,

in 1871.

sym-

Frances Harvey was splendid as Clare Pembroke and managed to bring out the human and pathetic side of a not very sym- pathetic character.

The three other juniors, Dais Gwladys and Violet were well play- ed by Vivienne Blackburn, Rozalic Alabaster and Gwen Forbes, Daisy was particularly good.

SIR JOSEPH KEMP

Replying Sir Jasoph

Kemp, said: Sir Shown Chow, Your Excellency and gentlemen. A fare- well speech is nevar, easy and it is Especially difficult when one is leaving the place where one has lived for so many years as I have lived in Hong Kong, and where one has made so many true and valued friends. I hope, therefore, you will forgive me if what I say is very short and I fear rather personal. It is very hard to leave Hong Kong I have lived here for more than thirty-four years and I have had all my official career here. I was married here and my wife and I have spent many years of happy married life in the Colony. My son was also born here. It is really apart from my family, the one In addition to the guests of bon-'. The time now comes to say 'good spot in the world which is more ar there were present is Excel-, bye' to Sir Joseph. We visualise home to me than anywhere else. I lency the Governor, Sir William him during his well-earned retire shall often think of Hong Kong, of Peel, K.C.M.G.. K.B.E., His Ex-ment devoting more time than ever its magnificent harbour with all its cellency Major General 0.0. Hor- before, to his collection of postage | constant interest; ships, launches, roth, C.B., C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.Otains one of the best lots of Hong dorful blue haze with the lights of stamps which, I am informed, con- junks and sampan life; that won- The Hon. Mr. C. G. Alabaster, Kong overprints in the world. No Kowloon shining through it like a K.C., O.B.E., The Hon. Mr. E. doubt that alone should keep his kriesler picture. We get them ne Taylor, The Hon: Sir Henry Pal continuously in touch with the Co- casionally though all too ramly lock, Kt., K.C., The Hon. Sirlony, but I have the feeling, know- Then there is the village and field Shousen Chow. Kt., His Honouring him as I do, that he needs no life bf the New Territories, the emotionalism over small matters, i had small roles, the one as Lady Mr. Justice J.R. Wood, The Hon. i hobby to turn his thoughts back to pageantry of the many coloured Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe, C.M.G., Hon. Hong Kong.

shop signs in the streets: the chat Dr. A. R. Wellington, The Hon.

ter of those cheerful, good humour-be faced. Mr. E. R. Halifax and the S.0.A.

ed, peole, the rickshaw coolica: the Dr. H. II. Kotowall, C.M.G., Hou. Mr. C... Mackie, Hon. Dr. 8. Coupled with the toast to the re wonderful changing lights on the W. Ts'o, Q.B.E.. The Hon. Mr. T. tiring Chief Justice is that of the hilk as the evening draws in. the N. Chau, Mr. D. W. Tratman, Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax, our high-, kindness and hospitality and sym- OM.G., Mr. T.M. Hazelrigg, Mr. ly-esteemed and, greatly-liked Se. pathy of friends all that will R.A.C. North, Mr. Justice P. cretary for Chinese Affairs In make a picture that I shall often Jacks, Messrs. A. E. Wood, T. H. Mr. Hallifax, we also have an offi- turn up and which I shall never King, Sir Robert Ho Tung, Capts.cial who has devoted practically the forget. FRL Mears, and R.F. Walter, whole of his working life to the Dr. Li Shu Fan, Messrs. A. G. Colony, and to the Chinese com- have to say because it represents, Clarke, Tang Shiu Kin, Kwok Siu munity in particular. Lau, M. K. Lo, Li Yau Tsun, Tong Yat Chun, Wong Tak Kwong, N. 14 Smith, Wong In Tung, Q.A.4. Macfadyan, Tam Woon Tong, J.H. 1. Lee, Ho Leung, Li Po Kwai, Wong wong Tin, Lo Cheung Shiu, bi Tik Mui, Pun Hiu Cho and Ngan Shing Kwan.

SIR SHOU SON CHOW Sir Shouson Chow said:-Your Excellencies and gentlemen.-It is

That, gentlemen, is really all

though very haltingly, the two or Mr. Hallifax was appointed a Cadet in the Hong Kong Civil Ser-three thoughts that are uppermost vice as long ago as 1897, and quick- my mind just now and have ly identified himself with Chinese been for the last few weeks and even months, namely a very great affairs, not the least of his accom-

regret at leaving Hong Kong and plishments in this direction, his the great gratitude for all the a good knowledge of the Chinese kindness that I have received and language, both written and spoken, the friendships I have experienced which is so necessary for the per- here for so many years and this formance of his important duties. evening. I thank you most sincere Having in his early years here served in magisterial, Police and for the honour you have done me other capacities in Hong Kong and making me one of the two guests

in

Nine til Six" is a study in dramatists the authors, Aimée and femininity. Like most modern Philip Stuart, have been influenced by Shaw, but the tempo of the play is feminine, not Shavian, with ita alteratives of stress and

and composure and intelligence when the essentials of life, have to

The story is primarily one of women's problems, but the pro- fessional difficulties which con front Mrs. Pembroke are those which both men and

women in business have to face to-day.

Nine till Six" though not an easy play is perhaps better suited tu amateurs than professionals, One feels that on the legitimate stage it might very easily degener ate into a mannequin parade. The A.D.C. have given t enough lingerie but not too much. If one feels that an extra frock or two would not have come amiss it raust. be remembered that as Mrs. Pem- broke found-times are difficult. scenery being the work of Mr. J. The play is admirably staged, the Hollingsworth Bond, A.R.L.B.A., ove grateful thanks for many an excellent stage decor.

The

The three mannequins were charming, Rosemary King, Eileen managed to convey that mixture of Bonnar, and Margaret King. All

actual simplicity and apparent sophistication with which ono credits the genuine article, They fessional langour into their natural shifted as quickly from their pro quick shrewdness as they did from Mrs. Perbroke's model gowns into their own work-n-day garments

Judy Kemble and Peggy McAvoy

"Camy Avonlaye the other as the packer. They were as "lady like and "common" 1.3 their respective parts demanded, and did the best possible with their emall parts.

And M'selle, Hilda Arnold who has played French parts with very considerable skill before, showed once more how capable she is of giving a sprightly and cleven inter- Fretation. If her first appearance made one feel even more sympathy for Mrs. Pembroke, that was all in character. She deserves every con. gratulation for a clover piece of work.

As usual in A.D.C. productions the stage craft is excellent s is due to the produced who have had no easy task guiding his Smooth and polished performance, team of sixteen ladies into such Of course we are sure that each

one of the sixteen is the most still we applaud the staff work which has resulted in "Nine till Six," as we saw it on the stage.

An honour, as well as a pleasure, the New Territories, be soon ob. of honour of the evening here to. A.JA.A., to whom the A.D.C | charming and reasonable of her sex to be assigned the duty of proposing tained a knowledge of the Chinese night, and also for the opportuni the health of our two distinguished of all classes; and this undoubted-ty of meeting so many old and valu- guests to-night-His Honour Sirly stool him in good stead in 1912, ed friends. I am very proud of Joseph Kemp and the Hon. Mr. when he was made Secretary for the honour and very grateful for E. R. Hallifax. At the same time Chinese Affairs--the first to hold the the opportunity. I thank you gen I feel, as you no doubt also feel, position with that title. He has tlemen most sincerely. that this is an occasion of sorrow, been the head of Chinese affairs in for wo will soon say good-bye to Hong Kong for a period longer than two of the best friends of the Chin any of his predecessors; in fact, eso in the Colony. To me, it seems he has the unique distinction of difficult to imagine the Supreme having been the longest in any one Court, without Sir Joseph Kemp, senior post in the history of Hong, in association with the administra- Kong.

tion' of law in Hong Kong, or the On several occasions, Mr. Halli- Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, fax acted as Colonial Secretary, without its Father-and-Mother and in that capacity proved him Mr. Hallifax, who has presided self to be able, tactful and court over its destinies for so long, and with such success.,

know.

a

It is a play about women, hatt you do not have to be woman of even a feminist to enjoy it. players are all women, in various ranks of life and various stages of dress and undress, but you do not have to be either a woman or. E leg show enthusiast to appreciate

THE HON. MR. HALLIFAX Mr. Hallifax in a brief speech observed that Sir Shouson Chow'a speech bore obvious marks of col-it. laboration and he felt confident (if

for no other reason than that Dr.

That last night's audience hearti

endorsed the choice of "Nine till Six" was evident by the con taped applause, and the only, pity is that there are to be but twe more perforivances.

Then Miss Roberts" enters,

"Nine till Six" is most enjoy. able and will certainly take ita lace as one of the A.D.C.'s most successful productions.

E.M.B.

The Cast

Mrs. Pembroke (Proprietress Miss Roberts (Millinery Sales

Fay Grossman.

woman). Helen. Prior:

in the Freda (Stock keeper Dreas-making)

Veronica Butterfield. Gracie Abbot (An Apprentice) Mrs. Abbot (Gracie's Mother) Claro Pembroke (Mrs

Eileen Stubbings. Margaret Bunje.

broke's Daughter)

Gwladys (Jnr.)... Rosalie Alabaster. Frances Harvey. Daisy (Jnr.).. Vivienne Blackburn. Lady Avoulaye ...... Judy Kemble. Bridgit Penarth (Lady Avonlay's

Daughter) Kate Marriott. Violet (A Junior)... Gwen Forbes. Carry (Head Packer and Machi-

nery Girl). Peggy McAvoy. Beatrice (Mannequins) Judy Mannequins)...Eileen Bonna? Rosemary King, Helen (Mannequins) M'selle (Head of a Workroom).

Margaret King.

Hilda Arnold.

Stage Director..... E. Grossman. Assisted By

Aesistant Director...D. G. McAvoy:"

3...

Kotewall had just told him) that the Chairman had invoked the aid of Dr. Kotewall's academic polish to frame the very kindly sentiments eous. But it is as Secretary for that, had been expressed in Sir Chinese Affairs that he is best Shouson Chow's speech. He felt he

"Nine Till Six" is certainly known to the public. The Chinese was unable to compete with either yet another triumph for Fay Sir Josepr Kemp's Services.

Secretariat is a department, of of these two speakers. He suppos Grassman-perhaps the heat piece Of Sir Joseph Kemp, I need hard which not much is heard, for neces-ed that human nature was all too of acting she has done on the stage ly say that he has had very sarily it works without flourish. 1 ready to absorb flattery and having in Hong Kong She takes the rele distinguished career. An Irishman might call it the "Silent Service heard Sir Shouson Chow he li of Mrs. Pembroke, the proprietress by birth, and with a taste of Coe famous Silent Seffice that de tremendous lot about China, and which is the scene of the play of the dress making establishment of the Civil Government; and like firmly convinced that, he knew a lonial life during his early man-

Mrs. Pembroke has worked hard hood, when he graduated at the fends our coast and trade routes, the Chinese! Cape University in South Africa, this Department has worked quiet Mr. Hallifax recalled the days ali ber life, she has climbed to her he came to Hong Kong as a Cadet Jy and efficiently, and has accom when he first came to the Colony present position slowly, carefully in 1898. Practically all his time plished a good deal towards the days during which the late Dr. Sun and toilfully. She bas met with has since been spent in legal de- smooth running of the local at Yat Sen was kidnapped in London: reverses and difficulties, both in partments, with what success we all ministrative machina. The public. He also recalled days spent in Can her private and business life, and while looking at results, cannot ton and also his connection with is the stronger for the way_in realise to the full, how much such the Police. He recounted some of which she has met them, Fay As far back as 1913, twenty years results depend upon the man be the interesting cases during his Grossman conveys all that within ago, we found him already on the bind the scenes. There is no doubt connection with the Force.

her first five minutes on the etage, Supreme Court Bench as Acting that in recent years this office, is Fuisne Judge, and two years later, one of the most difficult in the Co-ritories that were his most riles- character in very few words and It was his service in the New Ter building up and establishing a he was appointed Attorney-Generai lony, and I can say without fear with a asat on both Councils. When of contradiction that the happy re- For eight years I was in the New

sant memories, said Mr. Hallifax.fewer actions. in May 1929 it was announced that lations now subsisting between the Territories," he said "and I can and Helen Prior shows us a very Sir Joseph had been elevated to Government and the Chinese Com- the high office of Chief Justice of munity are largely due to the abil.only say that it was a lovely place different woman, fighting grimly a ity were not the least delighted experience of Mr. Hallifax.

of any account, no telephones. The among the general public, who felt The award of the O.B.E. in 1918 happy habit of breaking down at that is, as it should be, any satis- telephone existed but it had the un poverty, hard and unloved. Nou that the choice could not have been and of the C.B.E. in 1923, there: inconvenient times."

un easy or a pleasant role, but if a better one. That appointment fore, came as a matter of course

faction to Helen Prior, almost as must have been the more gratify to one with so many achievements One occasion in the New Terri- perfect a character study. ing to Sir. Joseph, because it was to his credit; and it was no sur-tories ho recounted which caused a given to a Cadet Oficer in the Co-prise to find his name again figure good deal of amusement. He was Veronica Butterfeld was faced lony-the second instance in the in the Honours List two years after police officer, land officer, magia with a difficult task when she was history of Hong Kong. It is upwards, when the C.M.G. wae con

trate and treasury, officer alt at cast as "Freda" the stock-keeper, necessary for me to say that Sir ferred on him by His Majesty the once. Once, while just about to go and one feels that the part de Joseph has justified that appoint King.

out for a jaunt in the country, he manda more experience of both ment by his crudition, sound judg Mr. Hallifax is leaving us soon, articles were missing. The thief Freda might have been played a noticed his hat and several other life and stage than the possesses. ment and absolute impartiality.

and we feel that his place will be was apprehended and Mr. Hallifax the central figure for she really Sir Joseph's service to the Colony hard to fill. A man who shuns the had to charge him as a police officer. the most interesting character was recognised by the conferment limelight, he has nevertheless on him of the C.B.E. in 1918; and played an important role with as a Magistrate and collect the fine was in securing for her the sym try, convict and sentence, the thief Where Veronion Butterfield failed

The action of the play is laid in vent ha had the nail en He has aughty tray candy of haaudience. Hot Freda Pembrokeshop Milliners And tional Honour of appointment to laxution, where the general pub

in Regent the select hand of King's Counsel lic aaw him not, on the golf links, Mr. Hallifax paid great tribute too temperamental to have Dices-making Shop The knighthood conferred on his by at Fanling! I understand that he to his many Chinset friends In rust and held the position ahe Street at the beginning of the His Majesty the King in 1927, in re. is quite a good golfer. I have the Hong Kong and aid that their had in Mr. Pembroke's establish. Spring Season, cognition of his long and distin- somewhere the maxim, "Keep your sound counsel and advice had made

Three outstandingly good roles Scene guished services to the Colony, gave head still and your eye on the it possible for him to count on great satisfaction to all sections of ball;" and I can appreciate that their operation at all sixle, are those of Gracie and her mother, the community, his Chiness friends, Mr. Hallifax bad retained that rale tight the co-operation between and Bridgit, as played by Eileen who regard him with high esteem throughout his time. It can be the Chinese community and the Stubbings Margaret Bunje and Scene

Government was really wonderful Kate Marriott," Gracie and Bridgit and great admiration, marking the said of Him in him ouoia) cares M. Hallifax concluded his speech are neither of thom, one would occasion with a public dinner in that he kept his head, steady, and liis honour.

his eye on his duties at all time. (Continued Page 11) imagine, very difficult parts brat

the Colony, the Chinese community, understanding and unrivalled-Do roads, no railways, no houses losing buttle against old age and Sceners, Hollingsworth Bond,

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(Continued on Page 12)

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