208
were
was &
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
His EXCELLENCY, in replying to the vote of thanks, said Sir Henry in his first speech had referred to the possibility of an invasion of Great Britain, but, in the event of the nation being involved in a war with one of the great powers they, who were in this island would be more likely to be invaded than would those in the British Isles, That point the Reserve Association and the Volun teers had to bear in mind. As regards the 35 years age limit his predecessor who had taken a great interest in the association had a high idea of the patriotism of the young people of the Colony and believed they would be ready to join the Volunteers and did not want to give them an opening to join the Association unless they
over that age. He (Sir Frederick) | did not desire to rate that patriotism any lower than did his predecessor. He did not think it would be right in the first few months of his residence here to alter that which had had the careful consideration of Sir Matthew N, than. But if it occurred to him that he could possibly make any relaxation he would be glad to do so. He agreed with Sir Henry that if he had the power he would compel men to serve, and he beartily agreed with Lord Roberts' scheme. With regard to the last suggestion a8 to employees serving in the Volunteers he could only say that, if it was feasible, it would receive his hearty support. But it was 8 mattor beyond his personal province.
This concluded the proceedings.
THE HON. DR. HO KAI
The following matter has resohad us for pu blication:-
(COPT.)
Hongkong, 16th March, 1908.
Hon. A. W. BREWIN,
Registrar General,
&c., &o.. &c. SIB,-It is our pleasing duty to forward you for transmission to His Excellency the over- nor the enclosed Petition of the principal lead. ing merchants and citizens, representing the Chinese Community of this Colony, praying that His Excellency will be pleased to extend Dr. Ho Kai's term as an unofficial member of the Legislative Council representing the Chinese for another six years.
Wo have the honour to be,
Sir. Your obedient servants,
LEUNG PUI CHI, No HON CRI, TSE THAN TAI,
(Translation.) Hongkong 16th March, 1968.
Hon. A. W, Brewin, Registrar General.
&c., &c., &o, Sir,-Learning that our representative Hou. Dr. Ho Kai's term of office as a member of the Legislative Council is about to expire, and that it is his intention to resign, we the Chinese merchants oitizens, representing the Chinese Community of this Colony, have the honour to request that you will be so gool as to forward this Petition to His Excellency the Governor conveying the wish of the Chinese Community that Dr. Ho Kai should be induced to continue to represent their interests for another term.
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the good works which Dr. Ho Kai has accomplished in the interests of the Government and the Com. munity in general, during his term of office, and we are agreed that in the interests of the Colony he is the most suitable man to represent us on the Legislative Council. We therefore pray that you will on our behalf request His Excellency the Governor to kindly grant the wish of the Chinese Community.
We have the honour to be Sir,
Your obedient servants (Here follow the signatures and chops of the leading Chinese merchants, bankers, compra. dores and property owners of Hongkong.)
We understand that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to extend Hon. Dr. Ho Kai's term as an unofficial member of the Legislative Council representing the Chinese for another six years.
PRESENTATION TO MR J. ORANGE. |ing firms
Almost a unique ceremony was that which took place at the Hongkong Hotel on March 27th when Mr. J. Orange, M.I.C.E., who leaves the Colony to-day for home was presented with an address on behalf of the Chinese pro- perty owners, contractors and commercial gentle men in recognition of his urbanity, courtesy and help rendered in the course of his pro- fessional career in the Colony.
In addition to the large number of Chinese gentlemen present there were many European gentlemen in attendance, all being united in the desire to show honour to a gentleman who has for long been connected with architectural and engineering work in Hongkong. Dr. Ho Kai presided and there were also present the Hon. r. Wei Yuk, Messrs. Fred C. Mow Fung, Ho U. Ming, G. G. Wood, W. L. Leask, A. Bryer, A. H. Ongh, Ho Chak Sang, Toug Lai Chuen, Tsoi Kwai Ng, Leung Kok Nam, Chan Chik Ting, Fang Chan Yuen. Ho Hin Sang, Mok Man Chong, Li Po Chun Li Po Long, Li Tez Ming, Messrs. Wing Kee & Co, Kwok Chik, Francisco Tre Yat, The Sam Wang Co., Ltd, U Yuk Chỉ, Ho U Ming, Chau Sin Ki Tsua Siu To, An Chi Nan, The Quong Yick, Tse Ton Shing, The Yiok Loong, Leang Kio, The Tak Kee, The Yung Chung, The Loong Chong, Tam Ling, The Kang Oo, Yu Foo, The Tong Tak Sang. Ma Tak Ming, The Wing Shing, l'an Pow, Isang King, Lam Te Fong, The Hip Os, Y. Tan, You Fit U. Chanatong, Jor, Chanatong Peter Chanatong, The Him Tai, Siu and Lam Woo. secretary, Mok Cho Chuen, Ho Ngok Lan, Yuen Lai Chuer, Bi Shui Shek, Lan Yau Pau. Among the Europeans present were Mesars. A. Shelton Hooper, M. S. Northcote, A. E. Griffio, R. Hemmings etc.
The CHAIRMAN having expressed the pleasure be felt at having been asked to act as the spokesman of the Chinese property owners and contractors, wished Mr. Orange a pleasant voyage and ultimate return to the East reinvi. gorated and enabled anew to do useful work. He then read the address as follows:
James Orange, Esquire, M. Inst. C.E., M. Inst. M.F., M. Am. Soc. C.E.
Sir,-On the eve of your departure from the Colony, we the undersigned property owners, merchants, and contractors desire most respect. fully to place on record our esteemed apprecis tion of the many kindnesses which we have received at your hands.
The straightforward principles, the pleasing manner, and the uniform courtesy which you have displayed in your dealings with all claanes, irrespective of position or creed, merit the admiration and respect of all who have had the privilege of coming in contact with you.
We would beg of you to accept this modest beat address as a token of our respect and wishes. May many, many happy days, fall of health and happiness, be yours to enjoy in your motherland.-We are, Sir, yours most respectfully,
any
|
[March 30, 1908.
would move over there their offices and establish branch offices. Many houses and buildings had been erected in Hongkong and there would be a good many others that his firm would have to build over there. Mr. Orange bad taken part in the construction of the railway, he had built large reservoirs and many gigantic buildings of the Reclamation and these would m-ke his name known in the Colony so long as they remained. Although he left them to-day, yet it was certain that his partners Mr. Ough sad Mr. Bryer were just as competent and would keep up the reputation of the firm. They were all sorry to leave him, yet they were pleased to see that he was in a position to retire to have a rest after 80 many years' work- (applause). They sincerely hoped he would have many happy days to come and be in a good health in his mother-land as he had been in Hongkong-(loud applause).
|
Mr. LAM CHI FONG afterwards spoke on behalf of the contractors He recalled the time, 25, years ago, when Mr. Orange oame to the Colony and joined the Department of Public works.
any
While there he was always ready to assist contractors with information when they came to him, and in private work the con. tractors realised that they were closely watched and not allowed to fall into
error and it were made by Mr. Orange mistakes
to WAS always ready he
acknowledge them. Socially Mr. Orang had always con- ducted himself like a gentleman. said anything nasty or mean, and as a public servant he was obliging and as a superintendent of public buildings he was impartial. They were sorry to part with him but hoped he would have long life and happiness in the mother land. (Applause).
Ho
never
Mr. ORANGE, in reply said that it was difficult for him to find adequate words to thank them for their attendance. It gave him an opport auity which very few people had of being able to meet so many of their friends all at once, accompanied as it was by that very handsome presentation and so many very flattering words, He should keep this address as na object which would always help to remind him if he needed reminding, of many happy years spent here. It was now a little more than 25 years-oot 2 — since he met Dr. Ho Kai, and it was no s spot not far distant from the Hotel. Directly he came to the Colony, he was naturally throwa into contact with Chinese contractors sad work. and he was strack by the extraordinary men, ability they possessed. He had always wondered how they managed to construct the works they did because it always seems to him that as it was difficult enough for those who had bean brought up to engineering and architectural work and accustomed to plans from their early days how much mora difficult must it be to those who had to learn a'l they know through the medium of a Törpigo language and to whom it was not familiar in their youth. He thought Hongkong wald strike every one as being a monument to the extreme ability of the Chin- ese contractors, to say nothing of the works and the factories where there was really more inside than outside. Those who looked at those things would me that those factories were built entirely by Chinen- labour and the one he more particularly alludel to was the Aberdsen Paper 麤 monument of what Works. There was Chinese labor cald do, and he was proad of having had a part in the construction of that. Another large work was of cou! xe, old Tytam Water-work — (applause). It one of the frat works he did and he thought But he did not he think perhaps the chief. they wished to hear about himself, and it be was to thank them very heartily bad to do for their great kindness in coming to meet him that day, and he was very gind that they wore going to A. Fong's to get their photographs He should always have their fac-s taken. before him and shall remember them all. Ho thanked a'l very heartily—(loud applause)
most
the
WIL
The CHAIRMAN said he could endorse the expressions contained in the address and that he could testify from personal experience to the and regard which those who respect, esteem came in contact with Mr. Orange had for him. Mr. Ho YON MING, speaking in English Chinese property, behalf of the spoke on owners. Whenever, he said, they entrusted work to Mr. Orange they always found that everything was carefully designed and examined. At the same time be had not been hard on the contractors nor had he withheld their certificates when the work And in cases where was satisfactorily done. alterations had to be made and additional works done he always recommended that they should be paid fair extra prios.
From all this Good they realised that his policy had been
Not only the
The address, which had the photograph of work-good pay"—{applause). principals but the contractors, therefore, liked Mr. Orange at the top and a view of the city at him. They all appreciated his services and it the foot and was flanked by Chinese dragons, was not dattery at all when he said that Mr. was beautifully framed in blackwood and inlaid
WHE held Orange
in very high esteem with plash,
who. among the Chinese property owners had come into contact with him (applause). Governmant WAS about to develope The the New Territories and many of the load-
44
¦
The health of Mr. Orange was drunk on the call of Dr. Ho Kai, after which three cheeri were given for that gentleman. was afterwards phot`graphed.
The company
Page 10Page 11
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.