Kulangsu, June 9.
At the King's Birthday reception held at H.M. Consulate, a surprise was sprung when it was announced ihat Mr. H. J. P. Anderson of the English Presbyterian Mission had been mentioned among the Birthday Honours list as the recipient of an OBE Mr. Anderson has been in Kulangsu over 30 years, and for twelve years was Chairman of the Kulangsu Municipal Council. He retired six months ago owing to ill-health. Mr. Anderson had intended retiring two years ago but, when the Sino-Japanese hostilities broke out, it was felt that he should remain in the position inasmuch as incidents generally arose with the change over to a new man. Six months ago, however, his health became so poor that he was compelled to resign.
During his long term of office he has seen the Settlement pass through many crises. He was Chairman when the Communists came to Sengsoo and threatened the peace of the island, when the 19th Route Army captured Amoy and one year ago when the refugees came from Amoy to inundate Kulangsu. His tact and wisdom saved a bad situation from degenerating into panic and all subservient elements were kept under control.
The Chinese and the foreign communities rejoice at the honour he has just received. They, consider it well-deserved, well-earned; a gesture that crowns with public recognition his long and faithful civic activities.
The government of Amoy since June 20, 1938, has been known as the Peace Maintenance Association. The chairman of this Association issued a notice yesterday saying that, since for a period of one year peace has prevailed and progress proceeded normally, it has now been resolved to change the form of Government in to that of a municipality. The new arrangement will come into effect from July 1 coal have been transported in recent weeks also. The railway hospital at Liling is to move from that place on June 5. It is reported that military headquarters may move there soon.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.