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had to bestow, made Ho A-mei a possible candidate for the Legislative Council.
Ng Choy, who had recently resigned, was the first Chinese member of the Council. He had been appointed by Governor John Pope Hennessy in 1878. His nomination had been part of what the English language press liked to call “Hennessy's pro-Chinese policy." Governor Hennessy's object was to establish closer relations between the Government and the Chinese. He believed Chinese views on matters affecting public welfare should be known and taken into consideration in decisions made by the Government and its officials. He was a strong advocate of equal treatment of all groups within the Colony and was opposed to class legislation. These policies were not welcomed by a large part of Hong Kong's expatriate population. When Ng Choy was named to the Legislative Council there were murmurs of displeasure.
The choice, however, was a happy one.
Ng Choy, a barrister educated in England, was a diplomat by nature. During the period he represented the Chinese on the Council, he steered successfully the treacherous course of co-operation with Governor Hennessy's "pro-Chinese policy" and cross currents of opposition it aroused among the European colonials. All of his good sense, ability to relate to people, integrity of character and humour were needed, and these did not fail him.
In 1882 he resigned to join the staff of Viceroy Li Hung-chang at Tientsin as a legal adviser. It was not easy to find someone who would fill the seat so capably. Ho A-mei, never backward, was willing and eager to compete for the high prize. His competitors were only a handful. Prominently mentioned were Dr. Ho Kai, Wei Yuk, Leung On and Wong Shing. Ho A-mei aspired to join their ranks.
Who were these men and what were their qualifications?
Wei Yuk had been educated in Scotland and was compradore of the Chartered Bank, having succeeded his father in that position.
118
had to bestow, made Ho A-mei a possible candidate for the Legis- lative Council.
Ng Choy, who had recently resigned, was the first Chinese member of the Council. He had been appointed by Governor John Pope Hennessy in 1878. His nomination had been part of what the English language press liked to call “Hennessy's pro-Chinese policy." Governor Hennessy's object was to establish closer rela- tions between the Government and the 'Chinese. He believed Chi- nese views on matters affecting public welfare should be known and taken into consideration in decisions made by the Govern- ment and its officials. He was a strong advocate of equal treatment of all groups within the Colony and was opposed to class legisla- tion. These policies were not welcomed by a large part of Hong- kong's expatriate population. When Ng Choy was named to the Legislative Council there were murmurs of displeasure.
The choice, however, was a happy one.
Ng Choy, a barrister educated in England, was a diplomat by nature. During the period he represented the Chinese on the Council, he steered successfully the treacherous course of co-oper- ation with Governor Hennessy's "pro-Chinese policy” and cross currents of opposition it aroused among the European colonials. All of his good sense, ability to relate to people, integrity of charac- ter and humour were needed, and these did not fail him.
In 1882 he resigned to join the staff of Viceroy Li Hung-chang at Tientsin as a legal adviser. It was not easy to find someone who would fill the seat so capably. Ho A-mei, never backward, was willing and eager to compete for the high prize. His competitors were only a handful. Prominently mentioned were Dr. Ho Kai, Wei Yuk, Leung On and Wong Shing. Ho A-mei aspired to join their ranks.
Who were these men and what were their qualifications?
Wei Yuk had been educated in Scotland and was compradore of the Chartered Bank, having succeeded his father in that posi- tion.
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