Mr. Rene C. Starling Leaves in s. Potsdam Retiring after 32 years in China, all spent in the service of the Chinese Maritime Customs, Mr. Rene C. Starling, Chief Tide Surveyor and Harbour Master of Chinkiang, asked by a representative of the "North-China Herald" how he felt on the eve of hhis departure for Home, said, "Although I am looking forward to settling down to a well-earned rest in the homeland, it is, nevertheless, a joy not untinged with regret, for I shall be leaving behind many old friends, both Chinese and for-ign.
Mr. Starling, accompanied by his wife, daughter Joan and son Rene, embark in the s. Potsdam which Tett on Sunday morning, their des-Unation being' London where they will stay until they have found the country home, not too far from London," which is to be their permanent' residence, Coming out to China in October 1903, Mr, Starling joined the out-doo? stuff of what was then the Imperial Maritime Customs and has been through many exciting adventures during his lengthy service, including the revolutions of 1012 and 1913.
He and his family were also among those who were forced to evacuate from Wuhu in 1927 when their home was completely looted, He is the unsung hero of a smuggling episode, when unarmed against a gang of armed desperadoes, he discovered and confiscated five tons of opium at Chinkiang. 'These interesting bits, however, were gleaned from his friends and' when. approached for details of an undoubtedly interesting career, Mr. Starling modesty, but emphatically, refused to discuss anything, merely. saying that no one would be Interested, His work has taken him to many places, including Shanghai, Woosung, Pagoda Anchorage (Foochow), An-
Photo Skvireky.
Mr. Rene €. Starting tung, Tangku, Ningpo, Samshui, and Wuchow. He was last stationed at Chinkiang and ofcially retired on July 29, his 60th birthday, and has just come to Shanghai afler spending 8 short vacation in Japan with his family. Tu 1920, Mr. Starling was decorated by the Chinese Government with the Afth order of the Chiao Ho for services rendered In addition to two brothers, Mr. Harold V, Starling of the Shanghai 'Municipal Council, Mr. S. B. Starling of the local office' of Messrs. Butterfield & Swire, Mr. Starling leaves behind many well-wishers who feel his going a personal loss, for his unassuming ways, generous lveart and rare capacity for always seeing the "other fellows side" have endeared him to all who have come into contact with him,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.