359
CAPTAIN W.C.H. HASTINGS
A gentleman whose experience of many years, peculiarly fitted him for the different positions he occupied, was the former Postmaster General, Capt. W.C.H. Hastings, R.N., who died in the Government Civil Hospital on January 22, 1902, after a painful illness.
At the time The Hongkong Telegraph paid Capt. Hastings the following tribute: "To whatever position of life he was appointed or whatever work he had in hand he always fulfilled his duties, and despite the carping of the small-minded, gave satisfaction to those most concerned. In connection with his duties on the magisterial Bench, the deceased gentleman invariably meted out solid justice and cross-examined directly to furnish evasive answers; long had cause to remember the sharp rebukes from the Bench.
"Among the Police he was always most highly respected and while seeing that every care and attention was given to their duty, treated the men with great consideration. In fact, it is of especial compliment to the police to say that almost to the last his thoughts were for them, for as he was nearing the end he requested that his body might be borne from the Government Civil Hospital by members of the Force. Many changes for the better have been made in the Post Office since his appointment as Postmaster General in 1899. One of his great points in that respect was advocating the employment of the best men at a good fair wage. He never attempted to follow the Government's policy of cheap labour, but recognised that he had charge of one of the most important branches of colonial work, and spared no trouble to himself in order that he might have efficient help.
"He always took the greatest interest in the social life of the Colony and among the many Institutions with which he was connected the Victoria Recreation Club will long have occasion to remember the great help and kindly aid which our late Postmaster General spoke in public was at their aquatic carnival in September last, only three days after his return from leave of absence in England. Our late Acting Attorney General (Mr. H.L. Pollock, K.C.) then handed him a case containing a silver salver, tea set and a beautifully chased silver cigar case bearing the following inscription:- 'Victoria Recreation Club, Hongkong, 21st September, 1901. To Commander W.C. Hastings, R.N., in recognition of the many valuable services rendered to the Club during his tenure of office of Chairman'.
"The late Commander Hastings served in the Navy from 1865 to 1881, retiring with the rank of Commander. In the same year he entered the Colonial Service and was appointed Inspector of Immigrants and Deputy Coroner of Jamaica. In 1889 he was transferred to St. Lucia as Chief of Police and Inspector of Prisons and in November of the same year he was sent here as Assistant Harbour Master. In April, 1892, he was appointed Acting Police Magistrate and In May, 1895, took up the acting appointment of Captain Superintendent of Police. In June of the same year he was made Acting Harbour Master and a provisional member of the Legislative Council. On the 15th February, 1899, he was appointed Postmaster General for the Colony, and on the 6th March in the following year went on leave to England accompanied by Mrs. Hastings. He returned on the Hamburg on the 18th September last year and, a month later, left the Post Office for what was predestined to be his last appearance.
359
CAPTAIN W.C.H. HASTINGS
A gentleman whose experience of many years, peculiarly fitted him for the different positions he occupied, was the former Postmaster General, Capt. W.C.H. Hastings, R.N., who died in the Government Civil Hospital on January 22, 1902, after a painful illness.
At the time The Hongkong Telegraph paid Capt. Hastings the following tribute: "To whatever position of life he was appointed or whatever work he had in hand he always fulfilled his duties, and despite the carping of the small-minded, gave satisfaction to those most concerned. In connection with his duties on the magisterial Bench, the deceased gentleman invariably meted out solid justice and cross-examined direct to furnish evasive answers long had cause to remember the sharp rebukes from the Bench.
"Among the Police he was always most highly respected and while seeing that every care and attention was given to their duty, treated the men with great consideration. In fact, it is of especial compliment to the police to say that almost to the last his thoughts were for them, for as he was nearing the end he requested that his body might be borne from the Government Civil Hospital by members of the Force. Many changes for the better have been made in the Post Office since his appointment as Postmaster General in 1899. One of his great points in that respect was advocating the employment of the best men at a good fair wage. never attempted to follow the Government's policy or cheap labour, but recognised that he had charge of one of the most important branches of colonial work, and spared no trouble to himself in order that he might have efficient help.
"He always took the greatest interest in the social life of the Colony and among the many Institutions with which he was connected the Victoria Recreation Club will long have occasion to remember the great help and kindly aid which our late Postmaster General spoke in public was at their aquatic carnival in September last, only three days after his return from leave of absence in England. Our late Acting Attorney General (Mr. H.L. Pollock, K.C.,) then handed him a case containing a silver salver, tea set and a beautifully chased silver cigar case bearing the following inscription:- "Victoria llecreation Club, Hongkong, 21st September, 1901. To Commander W.C.Hastings, R.N., in recognition of the many valuable services rendered to the Club during his tenure of office of Chairman".
"The late Commander Hastings served in the Navy from 1865 to 1881, retiring with the rank of Commander. In the same year he entered the Colonial Service and was appointed Inspector of Immigrants and Deputy Coroner of Jamaica. In 1889 he was transferred to St. Lucia as Chief of Policy and Inspector of Prisons and in November of the same year he was sent here as Assistant Harbour laster. In April, 1892, he was appointed Acting Police agistrate and In May, 1895, took up the acting appointment of Captain Superintendent of Police. In June of the same year he was made Acting Harbour Master and a provisional member of the legislative Council. On the 15th February, 1899, he was appointed Postmaster General for the Colony, and on the 6th March in the following year went on leave to England accompanied by Mrs. Hastings. He returned on the Hamburg on the 18th September last year and, a month later, left the Post Office for what was predestined to be his last appearance.
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