Thus it was that the stones with the inscription "Kowloon Customs leased seven feet of land” and “Kowloon Customs” came into existence.4
This case is particularly interesting for the light it sheds on the character of the villagers: at least, as interpreted by themselves. Quick to react to injurious actions by the authorities, their concern fanned to anger by the lack of attention to their representations, they had assumed the mantle of "righteous people" and raised support from their neighbours, making the Kowloon Customs head-office realize it was best to come to an early accommodation with them. It was very typical of village behaviour in the Region, and a classic case of its kind.
Thus, whilst deferential, the people were assuredly not servile. Moreover, they considered that criticism of officials at need was definitely part of the relationship, and one to be vigorously exercised on occasion, when it served both to remind officials of this fact and to keep their feet on the ground. In the course of my earlier official career, and in my Tsuen Wan days, I was to receive scoldings and lectures, from women as well as men, on how far short of the expected norm the government's position was thought to be in regard to particular issues. Such tirades usually included the words, "You [the] Government! times.' by way of introduction, and repeated several
However, as A.L. Lyall, a very experienced Chinese Maritime Customs official and sinologue once observed, the Chinese people "are singularly amenable to moral suasion". In my experience too, this was certainly the case. The villagers' basic sense of "right-mindedness" usually lead to acceptable compromises being achieved, and to a change of ground if their attitudes or behaviour turned out to be unwarranted by the facts. The Kowloon Customs did get their access, if it was a narrow one! Moreover, the villagers were usually well aware of when their own or others' actions had transgressed the norm. Many times Tsuen Wan leaders told me that someone's behaviour was reprehensible, and not supported by public opinion.
On the other hand, it was not enough for officials to proceed on the basis that Confucius and traditional values nudged along by fair dealing, humour and understanding would take care of everything.
9
Thus it was that the stones with the inscription "Kowloon Customs leased seven feet of land” and “Kowloon Customs” came into existence. **4
This case is particulary interesting for the light it sheds on the character of the villagers: at least, as interpreted by themselves. Quick to react to injurious actions by the authorities, their concern fanned to anger by the lack of attention to their representations, they had assumed the mantle of "righteous people" and raised support from their neighbours, making the Kowloon Customs head-office realize it was best to come to an early accommodation with them. It was very typical of village behaviour in the Region, and a classic case of its kind.
Thus, whilst deferential, the people were assuredly not servile. Moreover, they considered that criticism of officials at need was definitely part of the relationship, and one to be vigorously exercised on occasion, when it served both to remind officials of this fact and to keep their feet on the ground. In the course of my earlier official career, and in my Tsuen Wan days, I was to receive scoldings and lectures, from women as well as men, on how far short of the expected norm the government's position was thought to be in regard to particular issues. Such tirades usually included the words, "You [the] Government!
times.'
by way of introduction, and repeated several
16
However, as A.L. Lyall, a very experienced Chinese Maritime Customs official and sinologue once observed, the Chinese people "are singularly amenable to moral suasion". In my experience too, this was certainly the case. The villagers' basic sense of "right-mindedness" usually lead to acceptable compromises being achieved, and to a change of ground if their attitudes or behaviour turned out to be unwarranted by the facts. The Kowloon Customs did get their access, if it was a narrow one! Moreover, the villagers were usually well aware of when their own or others' actions had transgressed the norm. Many times Tsuen Wan leaders told me that someone's behaviour was reprehensible, and not supported by public opinion.
On the other hand, it was not enough for officials to proceed on the basis that Confucius and traditional values nudged along by fair dealing, humour and understanding would take care of everything.
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