1941-09-13 — Page 4

Saturday.

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

September 13, 1941.

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SIR GEOFFRY NORTHCOTE

Governor of Hongkong

1937-1941.

of two concurrent wars.

An Appreciation

Inches of flaw. He cuts out the flaw and uses, the wood. In the 501710

By "K"

one

was a matter of keen disappoint- ment to him. In the speech referred to, he colled this scheme one of his many dreams.

is more than a dream; it fready emerged from the realm

way a wise ruler utilisen what is cssential in a man and overlooka hia blemishes. In these days, with dan-difficult role to play: On the ger threatening on all sides, surely hand, hla sympathies were with hus your Iliglances will not wish to lose China and her suffering mild of fancy into the world of fact. His

may

a good commander because he hop- the other, he had, while Britain was

earnest endeavours for the poor and Le have misappropriated two neutral, to avoid any overt act with the suffering, and the noble example the ap- might be regarded as partisan. With which he has pet, has roused a pub- The Prince made pointment, and subsequent events in the limits sanctioned by inter-

national usage, he did everything in days had been sadly somnolent, Good

lie social contrica

conscience which before fully justified it.

It is by the manifestation of such his power to help suffering China,

fruit has thus already sprung from practical statesmanship that Sir le formed the Hongkong Branch of

the seeds he has EOWN. Ile Geoffry Northcote was able to achieve the British Fund for the Relief of

Distress In Ching, becoming its Enin some consolation from this wise so much that is of lasting good.

Patron, taking an active

saying: part in

"God takes men's hearty. desires

and will, instead of the dead, where they have not the power to full ft." Like an architect, he has linnded over to us the plans of an edifice; It is for us, no the workmen, to build it.

There were times when some thought Colony is to spring up in

1123 (0

hondsome but made sympathies for

of cultural relations

The

bc-

this

Lady Northcote SIR

of

Strength Of Character formulating its rules and even draft- ing the appeal, and giving much Lỗ THOSE who have worked attention to the selection of the per- ALL

with Sir Geoffry have felt sonnel of the Board of Administra- the great strength of his character. tion. Not only did he permit various the that he so imposed his will

for raising funds in aid of appear dictatorial. A strong man he wounded Chinese soldiers and des- certainly is, but not a dictator. No tute Chinese refugees, but he also

IR GEOFFRY NORTHCOTE'S mon is more ready or more patient gave liberally from his own pocket

success as an' administrator who hear all sides of a question; and to these

funds. OF THE GOVERNORS 10

have guided the destinies of no man has a greater regard for the More recently, many important has been founded on a solid rock of

problems between Pre-eminent ability, high sense Itongkong during the onc hundred opinion of others. He encouraged and delicate

human sympathy. years of its varled history, only two free expressions of opinion so that Chungking and Hongkong had to be duty and warm have had their term of office cut he might be assisted in his judgment. solved. Sir Geoffry spared no effort. But, as he himself would be the Arst to acknowledge, he owes much of short by ill health. Both conferred But men of firm convictions, with a to bring about u satisfactory solution,

success to Lady Northcote. Those lasting benefis on the Colony, and high sense of the trust committed to and was rewarded with much success.

who know. Lady Northcote well. - both were casualties of war: One them, are bound, in unresolved con- Acknowledgments,

know her inward grace, her tender was Sir Henry May who, having troversies, to take the course which thoroughly deserved, have been made

compassion for the

and suffer- avertaxed bla strength in censeless their judgment and conscience dle of his practical

ing, her serene influence, and her and exacting labour during the first tate. Sir Geoffry is one of them. China, of his contributions...to

devotion to her husband. World War, hind to seek retirement More than once, in important decl- promotion of

And now Sir Geoffry and Lady at the beginning of 1919; the other sions, he followed his own judgment tween Britain and China, of the help

Northcote have left us. Their leav Was Sir Geoffry Northcote, who left in face of the unanimous opinion et he gave to Chinese educational in- these shores a few days ago with his his advisers. That such actions have stitutions to enable them to carry on ing was a great wrench to them, for health gravely impaired by the strain not engendered friction nor in any untiring efforts in the cause of Anglo- have made many friends

their work in Hongkong, and of his they were attached to the Colony and here. It way impaired the co-operation of his Sir Geoffry Northcote's departure counsellera is eloquent testimony to Chinese friendship. He must have may now be told that sometime last found much satisfaction in the op- year, white Sir Geoffry was on leave is deeply regretted by all. He show his tact and sincerity of purpose.

Of the many endearing qualities preciative telegraphic message which in England, the unofficial members cd earnest concern for the welfare of

Legislative the people he tolled hard und which distinguish Sir Geffory North- Po Que Tal-chi, Chinese Minister of of the Executive and devotedly "in the interest of the cote as a man, one is his readiness to Foreign Affairs, sent to him in the Councils petitioned the Secretary of Colony; and he displayed statesman- give credit where credit is due. He names of his Government and of State for the Colonies for an exten- the ship of a high order during the four always had a kind word for those himself; and in the equally eulogistic

Secretary of State acknowledged the most dificult and trying years of the who had done good work, and he had teletram

petition with sympathy and appre- clation. But fate willed it otherwise; Appotising Breakfasts, Delicious Coffee, been for many years in close touch which at once gratified and

Sir Geoffry did not serve out even with the administration of the Colony

In a letter written to a sick col-

his frat term. Tiffins, Teal, Snacks & Suppers and All-are unanimous in the opinion that league while he himself was ill but

ADMINISTRATION of internal affairs, Sir Geo- Day Soda Fountain and Ico Cream Servico, he was one of the best Governors carrying on, he said: "You have no

Hongkong has ever had. They ad- excuse for disobeying the doctors as ffry Northcote will be best remein- mire him for his methods, his quali. I have."

bered for his solcitude for the well-

TO A MAN of his ardent In this single short Rentence ties and his achievements.

common people. It

patriotism, one whose heart revealed a notable characteristle of being of the

was his chief concern, and he made

is aflome with a love of country and the man: his considerateness for

to

improve humanity, the decision to relinquish others, and the stern Injunction of it his cardinal policy. OIR GEOFFRY NORTHCOTE duty he placed upon himself. From their living conditions. A man of office must have been very difficult. keen sensibility, he was profoundly not because he was to give up .the those whom

affected he trusted, be they of was appointed Governor of whatever roce, he withheld no con- social injustice, disease and misery because to resign at this critical time

by the

the poverty, squalor, exalted position of a Governor, but Hongkong in 1937 to succeed one of Adence, this Intuitively following that confronted him. He must have

meant that he was losing the oppor- the ablest Colonial administrators of Confucius dictum: "Employ not the his time--Sir Andrew Caldecott, man is distrust, distrust not the felt with Euripides that "Poverty unity which his governorship, gave When Sir Andrew's transfer to Cey- man you employ. His is truly want it teaches man to do evil." He try. How true are these lines from possesses this disease, that through him, of service to King and Coun- lon was announced, It was felt that noble soul that recognises no boun- therefore set his heart on the better- the loss to Hongkong would be almost daries of race or creed.

Shakespeare: irreparable; but before Sir Geoffry Northcote had been

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slan of his term of office, and from the Sino-British Concern For People Colony's existence. Those who have a way of conveying his inspired Cultural Association in Chungking.

IN THE

40

Human Touch

many months

Social Duties UND

IA

то

Fine Record

Our wills and fates do ao contrary

run,

That our devices still are over-

thrown;

Our thoughts are ours, their ends

none of our own.

Sir

ment of the lot of the poor. He formulated schemes for a wider apread of education among the peo- with us, all double and forebodings

their were removed. His administrative INDER THE CONSTITUTION ple, for the amelioration abilly and his human qualities soon

of a Crown Colony the Gov- the health of the community gener» living conditions, and for improving won for him the confidence and re- ernor has to discharge social duties ally. gurd of all sections of the com- no less exacting than the business of Almost immediately on his 35-

accepted the will of government. Sir Geoffry Northcole's sumption of office, Sir Geoffry took fatetningly, and laboured high office without having to asstune he undertook as much as a result had been sitting for some time: and his departure he established a new maintained the dignity of his conception of his duty was such that special interest in the deliberations on till, literally, the last day of his

could *bc aloof

of

a week before demeanour.

the Housing Commission which governorship. Until He went performed by two men. The wherever his presence would help a was that, in order to make up for the when its report was received he gave polley, one conceming public health; good cause. Like Haroun-al-Raschid, time taken by rounds of social duty; it the closest attention. As a pre- and on

day before he left, he made frequent incursions into mean streets and market-places. very often toiled till them liminary step to implement-its-re--held a special. Executive Councillo to see things with his own eyes. A labour again early

*hours of the morning, and began his commendations, he sent to England dispose of a business initiated by believer in the value

the next day, the best qualified man available in himself. Such is the personal The strain of this dual taske sapped the Civil Service, to make a study Hongkong has lost. He has left be- contact, he resorted, whenever pos- his strength. alble, to personal and frank exchange It can aplly be applied to him what of housing systems there with a view hind him a record of high endea of views in place of the more official Shakespeare makes Gloucester

to their adaptation in Hongkong, vours, of work mightily done, and say Even though

no immediate action a memory that will long be cherished debate or the

has been

possible, the foundation. In our hearts. has been laid for a new era...of

housing.

of

He was well offlelul Ietter. of himself in King Henry VI:

to do this be qualified to

I have watch'd the night; cause-the-breadth-of-his-mind-en-Au, night by night, in studying healthful abled him to appreciate the view- point of

good for England.

Το

labour and to prevent

These, then, are the attributes of its exnitar Sir Geoffry created

opponent, and to take the buffets of criticism without resent the man. What of his achievements ment. In fact, no other Governor as Governor? has encouraged to a greater

extent

free expression of opinion on publle

affelrs.

In opplying these methods to the problems of government, he brought

ripe

CX-

HIS

in the interest of Many Problems

Communica

Labour Office, which already has done much to justify its existence, labour in particu- Jar, and of the community in gen- WHEN SIR GEOFFRY arrived gral. He took steps, as far as the financial position of the Colony per- here In 1937, he was committed, to reduce the prices of fire- to bear certain great personal quali- fronted with divers problems of un- wood and rice, which for the poor ties: acute intellect and perience, sound judgment, balance precedented dificulty and intricacy, are the very necessities of life. He farsightedness and sagacity.

Refugees in tens of thousands had

paid special attention to the promo- powers of initiative ensured the dis- flocked to the Colony Ciner inter- tion of public health and the pre-

tions Canton were covery of all matters which required rupted or subject to serious obstacles ter he did not allow even the war to vention of disease. In this vital mat- attention, and his driving force made Cost of

and living was mounting, certain that important decisions were the regular supplica of staple food stand in the way of necessary im implemented.

becoming provements. Similarly he felt with stuffs from outside were

as is evidenced in the less secure. As time went on, all education, these dimeulties were aggravated. Northcole Training College for Tea- A

Sino-Japanese war-the

condict chers. NOVERNMENT IS AN ART was raging up Gov

to our very gates; which works through human troops, far from being friendly, were material; and a good governor is one on the fringe of our territory.

THE PRE-OCCUPATIONS of through whose methods and quall- Sir Geoffry at once set about

war did, however, preclude ties, humun material is used to the tackling these

manifold problems. best advantage of the State, and for 1le threw wide open the doors of the many of his most cherished schemes the welfare of the common the happiness of the people. Such a Colony to give sanctuary to the people. More than once he gave ex- governor realises the imperfection of refugees. For those who were des pression to a sense of frustration in mun, but is able to make the fullest titute, he provided food and shelter. the matter. There is so much to do, use of the real worth in any person, He took various courses of action to and so little to show," he once said. while overlooking minor defects. ensure an adequate supply of food-

Governor's Duty

for

Cherished Schemes

THE

Sir Geoffry Northcote was pre- stuffs to the Colony, as, for instance, in a tone of sadness, to a friend who eminent in this respect. He would the cstablishment of a Fisheries poe of his projects in social ser- have appreciated, the story told about Research Station, the opening of Vices he Informed us in his farewell

the Prince of Wel and Tsu Szu, which he inaugurated a few days grandson of

of Confucius. The philo- before his departure. He also made speech to the Colony, he appointed a sopher recommended to the Prince a special provision for the mainten- permanent Commission for the pur- mon to be commander of an army ance of peace and good order; and, pose of considering means for the but the Prince rejected the recom- as Commander-in-Chief, he took betterment of the living conditions of mendation on the ground that the measures to strengthen the defences the community and for the advance- candidate, when a collector of re- of the Colony. venue, had once taken two eggs from some one without payment.

"Sir, said Tzu Szu, "a good car- penter does not, throw away.o log of wood because it has in it a few

Friend Of China

ment of social service; and he had- also formulated plans for a continu-. ous research Into social conditions in the Colony. It was clear to all who IN THE SINO-JAPANESE con- heard him that the non-realisation Met Sir Geoffry had a very of this project as a result of the war,

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THE NEWS:

(Continued from Page_3.) minutes, like writing a bread-and- butter letter. In fact, by now. the story does not even begin to malte from one point of sense-except view. I know, and you know, that one of the main lines of Hiller's propaganda to try and excuse his attack on Kussia

hos in

been that Russia was Involved a digantic conspiracy with Britain and the United States to do down Germany conspiracy engineered by what he likes to call the Jewish Bolshevist

plulo-democratic cap- italist warmongers." Well, if ho could put the news about

that within few hours of his Russian attack that Russia, Britain, and the Untied States

were already negotiating an al

alllance, it might fool some people that his

conspiracy to tale was true. Do you begin. see the idea behind that apparently plausible little story which was fathered on Moscow Radio?

That is just one of the ways in which Dr Goebbels and his propa- ganda boys go to work on the nows to try to deceive you and me, to distract and confuse us, and make បទ think what they want us to thinks, instead of thinking for our- selves, There are a few. thousand other ways, and those boys know them. So watch out for them. When you read your-nowspaper, when you listen to your radio, read it carefully, listen to it care- fully, and think about what you read and hear. Analyse the news for yourself.

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