1915 December 23 The China Mail

 

THE LATE SIR THOMAS JACKSON[1]

REFERENCE BY THE GOVERNOR

 

Before the commencement of the proceedings of the Legislative Council today H.E. the Governor Sir Henry May[2], made the following reference to the late Sir Thomas Jackson: --

We meet today under the shadow cast by the death of one of the great dead, upon the institution which he served so nobly, upon the Colony of which he was the greatest citizen it ever possessed; and upon the hearts of the many friends in every station of life who had the privilege of his acquaintance.

Sir Thomas Jackson, with the brilliant abilities by which the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank was raised under his care from small beginnings to the splendid position it now occupies in the financial world, combined a kindness of heart which endeared him to all who came into contact with them.  He was the unofficial adviser of successive Governors of this Colony, and in his generosity he dispensed his counsel to all who cared to ask for it.  In my younger days I have more than once had recourse not in vain to that fountain of wisdom.  He was in very truth it, a man of a crystal mind, as pure and innocent of guile as that of a child and of a heart of pure gold.   His friendship was indeed a priceless gift from Heaven for those who were honoured by it.

I beg to move the following resolution:

“This council desires to place on record its deep sorrow at the death of Sir Thomas Jackson, a former member of the Legislature, its appreciation of the magnificent services of the deceased to the Colony and to British trade, and its heartfelt sympathy with his widow and family in their bereavement.”

And I beg to move as a mark of respect to the memory of this great man, that after the answering of the questions on the agenda, this Council does adjourn to Thursday next.

The resolution was adopted in silence, the members standing.