Casa de no Canada (Toronto)

Newsletter

Vol. 9 September 7, 2006 4168 Finch Avenue East, P.H. #39 Scarborough, Ont. CANADA M1S 5H6 Tel: 416-299-6947 www.casademacau.ca Board of Executives From the Executive President and Editor Monica Alves 905-887-9408 [email protected] st In certain respects it is hard to 1 1st Vice-President and Editor imagine that we are facing the last We would like to inform members Gloria Soares Anok 416-284-9095 quarter of our term. Members will that an invitation has been received [email protected] recall that our proposed suggestion from COJOL (Comissão Organi- to amend the Constitution under zadora dos 1.os Jogos da Lusofonia) 2nd Vice-President Resolution G, Article 4, Section 2 inviting Monica, as President, to Marie-Cecile Remedios 416-383-0327 (b) was passed at our last Annual attend the inaugural edition of the [email protected] General Meeting, held on Septem- Lusofonia Games. This promises to

Treasurer ber 17, 2005. To paraphrase the be an exciting sporting event of the Barbara J. Baptista 416-283-7937 amendment it means that hereafter Association of the Portuguese [email protected] all subsequent Annual General Speaking National Olympic Com- Meetings held for the purpose of mittees (ACOLOP) held in Macau Secretary elections shall be conducted in from Saturday, October 7 to Sun- Helena Barradas 905-201-7155 January, or at the latest February, in day, October 15, 2006. Brought [email protected] order to coincide with the Fiscal together by the Olympic ideal and the common Clubhouse Manager Year End of the Casa. We are Isabel Gomes da Silva 416-228-1207 therefore asking members to con- and history, twelve National Olym- sider coming forward to serve Casa pic Committees from four conti- in the upcoming election. Formal nents will gather and compete. notices will be mailed to members Table of Contents in due time. The Annual General Although yet to be decided by From the Executive ...... 1,2 Meeting will be held the third CCM (Conselho das Comunidades Casa Social Events ...... 2,3 weekend in January 2007. Macaenses em Macau) it is our edu- Upcoming Events ...... 3,4 cated guess and the assumption of a From our members ...... 4,5 It is not too early to seriously think number of other Casa Presidents, Across the Wires ...... 5-7 in what capacity you would like to that a Preliminary Meeting to dis- serve. The vacancies to be filled: cuss the 2007 Encontro will be scheduled to coincide with the time the Executive; Clubhouse Manager; Editor of the newsletter or on the the Presidents will be in Macau. Social Committee. Going on this premise, the Execu- tive has decided that Casa will not Although the two-year term is only be represented by Monica but winding down, don’t for a minute Gloria as well. If the Preliminary think that things will be petering Meeting does take place as we ex- out. Have a look in the following pect it will, we hope to be able also pages of the newsletter to see what to contribute our suggestions as to The Executive wish all members we are planning for the Social Cal- the planning of the Encontro. Stay very Happy Thanksgiving endar. tuned for any updates and news. October 9, 2006

Cookbooks In August, Abet Ozorio celebrated Line Dance – Naomi Baltazar has We have received a number of re- being 85 years young. Also in Au- resumed class on Tuesday, Septem- quests from members to purchase gust, Maldred Airosa traveled to ber 5 at 7:30 pm. She encourages the Macanese Cookbook launched with daughters Mica Airosa both the ‘regulars’ as well as any at the last Encontro. To date we and Susana da Costa to celebrate ‘uninitiated’ members to come out have not been able to get a response her 86th Birthday with her sons and have fun. Looking at the popu- from the numerous e-mails to Alex and Fernando. larity of the reality television shows Macau requesting of them availabil- At the other end of the age spec- such as “You Think You Can ity and price. Monica will look into trum, we would like to congratulate Dance” and “Dancing with the the matter when in Macau and Christopher and Joanne Barradas Stars”, there obviously is resur- hopefully arrange to purchase cop- for the new addition to the family, gence in the interest in dance. Why ies of the cookbook. If any member Julian, who will be baptized in Sep- not throw away any inhibitions and is interested in placing an order, and tember. This makes him our young- join your fellow members in an has not as yet contacted Monica, est Associate Member. hour and a half of fun and a good kindly make your intensions known workout to boot. If interested, ASAP. Although the eventual price Visitors phone Naomi at 647-300-9102. has yet to be determined, based on Arnaldo Sousa, his wife and son, Yoga – Evening Yoga classes con- the last shipment, the cost should be visited from Macau to help cele- st ducted by Farida Samad on Monday in the $30 range. brate his mother’s Mercedes’ 91 evenings at 7 pm have continued birthday. through the summer and into the Library Pedro Antonio da Roza, nephew of fall. If members are interested in Just a reminder to members, our Li- ‘Ron’ and ‘Buddy’ da Roza from joining this class, kindly phone brary and its books are available to Montreal was visiting from Hong Marie Helena Yen at 416-291-8689. all members. Should you like to Kong. Ron brought his nephew to borrow a book, kindly contact the August Thursday Social where NEW Daytime Yoga classes – David Tavares at 416-282-7738 and they were able to spend an after- Farida has kindly offered to hold a he will co-ordinate a time that will noon chin wagging with members. weekly daytime Yoga class on Fri- be mutually convenient to meet at days at 10 am. Cost of the lessons the Casa. Speaking of books, we We are delighted to see our mem- is the same as the evening classes, recently received a complementary bers bring their out-of-town visitors $50 for ten lessons. Classes will book titled “The Transitions” rela t- to our events. Casa is a perfect op- commence if we have the numbers ing to the Macanese Diaspora and portunity offered to a visitor to and those expressing interest will be written by Filipe Nery. Mr. Nery meet, and get reacquainted with old informed of the arrangements. has informed us that if anyone friends . Kindly phone Marie Helena Yen at would like to purchase their own 416-291-8689. copy, they can contact the publisher Welcome back directly at: Author House, 1663 Casa is happy to extend a “welcome Dia de Macau Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloom- home” greeting to past President To paraphrase a Chinese Prov- in gton, IN 47403-5161 USA or by Leo Barros, and wife Jan, who have erb…’To forget one’s heritage is to e - mail – BK OR- returned to Toronto after a seven- be a brook without a source, a tree [email protected] year absence during which time Leo without a root’… and so it is that was working in New Jersey. Look- Dia de Macau celebrations have al- Congratulations ing forward to seeing you both ways held a special place in the So- We would like to acknowledge again at our events. cial Calendar of our Casa. Over the some of Casa’s senior members years, these annual commemora- who celebrated significant mile- Casa - Social Events tions become more important and stones this last quarter. poignant for the aging Macanese In July, Mercedes Sousa celebrated Regular Events Community as evidenced by the her 91st birthday. Surrounded by As sure as autumn follows summer, strong attendance of 125 members her Casa ‘family’ at the July Thurs- the Regular Events held at the Casa and friends. day Social, Monica presented her will be starting up once again. with a bouquet of flowers and the Tai Chi – Monica has resumed This year, the feast of São João good wishes of all members for a classes on Mondays and Wednes- Baptista, the patron Saint of Macau, very Happy Birthday. days from 10 am – 11 am. fell on a Saturday so it presented (Photos available on the website) Casa the opportunity to celebrate 2 Dia de Macau on the actual day, Virginia Sanchez placed a bouquet view of the horses. After enjoying June 24th. As per usual, our cele- of flowers at the foot of the altar. the wonderful spread at the buffet, brations included a Mass followed it was down to business. Judging by dinner. Following Mass, everyone congre- from the excited shouts of encour- gated in the dining room where agement coming from various quar- We decided on an alternate venue there was a welcome speech given ters of the group, there were some to hold the event. This year, the by Monica in which Dr. Fernando close winners and yes, unfortu- Sisters of St. Joseph’s graciously Gonçalves was officially introduced nately some close losers with sev- granted us permission, not only to to the members. Dr. Gonçalves re- eral photo finishes. You could say, use their beautiful Convent Chapel sponded with his speech of thanks third time lucky for jockey Eurico but also their dining facilities. at being invited to share in our Rosa da Silva, brother-in-law of (Note: Our beloved late Pope John event and he was particularly happy member Ana Tang and husband of Paul II stayed at this Convent for to see the Portuguese fla g. All were Claudia Tang. On his third mount two nights during the World Youth then asked to rise for the singing of of the afternoon, riding a horse Day celebrations in 2002) both the Canadian and Portuguese called “Sheatown”, he streaked National anthems and the saying of home with a convincing win in the An invitation was extended to the Grace after which dinner was 9th Race much to the delight of the Portuguese Consul General of To- served. Music from the CDs of Ar- family who then gathered in the ronto, Dr. Maria Amélia Paiva and mando Santos and that of the Tuna winner’s circle for the photo op. the Social Attaché for Social Af- Macaense playing in the back- We would like to thank Claudia for fairs, Dr. Fernando Gonçalves. ground added to the festive atmos- giving us the photo which will be Casa was delighted to welcome Dr. phere in the dining hall. posted on our webpage. Fernando Gonçalves to the celebra- (Photos available on the website) tion as the Consul had a previous As all good things must come to an commitment so sent her regrets. end, so did this evening but not Upcoming events without many happy memories of By a happy coincidence, Monica the time spent with friends. ROM and Harbor Alves’ cousin, Rev. Father Alvaro Front Ribeiro S.J., was visiting Toronto On behalf of the members, the Ex- (Saturday, September 16, 2006) and gladly accepted to concelebrate ecutive has donated to the Carme- Cecilia Conceição has helped co- the Mass with Rev. Father Richard lite Sisters a cheque in the amount ordinate a guided tour of the Phase Macdonald S.J., the chaplain of St. of $250. One Wing of the renovated Asian Joseph’s Convent Chapel. It was (Photos available on the website) Suite of Galleries in the restored particularly special to have Father Philosophers’ Walk Wing. This Alvaro, a Macanese, deliver the Mahjong Event section houses beautiful art and ar- Homily. He related the scripture Thanks to Lucila Carion who sug- cheology of , Japan and Ko- and the readings to the Macanese gested and offered to take on the rea. After the tour, we will re-board community as it exists in Toronto, organizing of this fully subsidized the bus, which will take us to Har- thus adding a ‘personal’ and even event, there were six tables of pla y- bor Front where we will be able to more meaningful touch to the Mass. ers who enjoyed an afternoon and have lunch at a place of our choice, There also was full participation in evening of mahjong and dinner at browse around for a few hours and the Mass by Casa members. This Casa on Saturday, July 22, 2006. enjoy a relaxing afternoon. We will included: Luiz Xavier who proc- (Photos available on the website) then re-group and be bussed back to essed with the cross at the begin- the Church parking lot. Although ning and end of Mass; Bernadine A Day at the Races the cut-off deadline has passed and Vieira read the First Reading; And they’re off….. an ever popular we have the required numbers, if Francisca Ozorio read the Respon- annual event, this being the 7th con- you still wish to join this group, sorial Psalm; Anne Brander read the secutive year Casa has attended, please contact Cecilia ASAP. Second Reading; Eddie Cruz read thirty four members and guests (Refer to Calendar of Events) the Prayer of the Faithful in which spent a lovely day together at Fa- special remembrances were made vourite’s Restaurant at Woodbine Credit Valley Train Fall for the sick, suffering and Maca- Race Course on Sunday, August 13, Colours Trip nese worldwide who have passed 2006. Thanks to Celsa Larcina for All aboard…Casa has arranged a on. Cleo Ozorio and Lilia Vieira making the arrangements, our group trip to see the Fall Colours but with brought up the Offertory gifts and had front row tables for a perfect

3 a twist. Instead of seeing the col- This year it will be held at the They are an asset to the island ours from a bus, we will be going on lovely Banquet Hall of Sts. Peter And command all due respect the Credit Valley Explorer Scenic and Paul Ukrainian Catholic For in all their public projects Tour Train. Members who are inter- Church on Markham Road You’ll find them there on deck ested in joining this tour set for Sat- (entrance on Milner Ave. 2 lights urday, October 21, 2006, will board north of the 401. and one light And here behind the wires a coach from the Church parking lot south of Sheppard Ave.) They greet you with a smile from which they will be taken to the From them you get a lesson train station in Orangeville. The As it is our “farewell” party of the How to face the weary miles train will depart and return to year (our term as Executives ending Orangeville with a stop in Ingle- December 31st,) we are planning to You cannot help but like them wood taking approximately 3 hours make this a party to be remem- They have such charming ways for the round trip. A light lunch will bered, that is, with a good atten- That help to ease your burden be served on board consisting of a dance from members , their fami- And brighten all dull days chicken croissant sandwich with lies, and friends. So if you do your You bet it is a pleasure salad and dessert. There will be part by attending, we’ll succeed in To sit here at my ease complementary refreshments such ours. For I guess we’ll all remember as tea/coffee/water and juice. After Details and registration forms will The friendly Portuguese the train ride we will be given time follow in the mail towards the end ********** in Orangeville to walk about and do This safety tip is from Tony Gutter- some shopping. At a pre-arranged of September. In the meantime, res time, we will re-group, board the please keep this date free. coach, which will return us to Scar- Put your car keys beside your bed at borough. rom our members F night. If you hear a noise out- (Refer to the Calendar of Events) side your home or someone trying

The following poem was given to to get into your house, just press the Bazaar Sunday, November 12 us by Angelina Marques who found panic button for your car. The alarm 11 am – 3 pm it amongst her late brother, Manuel will be set off, and the horn will The Casa held two Bazaars in the Marques’ papers. continue to sound until either you past, both highly successful so we turn it off or the car battery dies. decided to do it again. 10% from all th On November 11 , let’s not forget The blast will be enough to startle proceeds will go to the Sheppard’s the sacrifice of all the veterans of human, or animal. Trust for our retired priests. past wars and conflicts and our cur-

rent Canadian young men and This tip came from a neighborhood Our talented members will provide women of the armed forces serving watch coordinator. Makes sense... the wares for a Macanese bake table, in Afghanistan. *********** a white elephant table, hand knitted/ (e-mail from Sonny de Lemos) crochet items, used discounted “A Canadian Tribute” GLASGOW: Eating curry may be a books, and the list goes on. Lunch by S/Sgt. H.P. McNaughton better cure for headaches than aspi- will be available at a minimum Winnipeg Grenadiers, Canada rin, according to research. price.

It really is a pleasure A study funded by the Scottish Ex- Lilia Vieira has kindly consented to To sit here at my ease ecutive has found that salicylic take charge of allotting ‘tables’ for And pen a little picture acid, the active ingredient in aspi- your wares. Please contact Lilia at Of the friendly Portuguese rin, occurs naturally in Indian food 416-261-2427 to ‘book’ a table. and that curry could help treat mi- The task should be quite easy graines and prevent colon cancers. Casa’s They know not how to hate

Christmas Their ways are really friendly Spices such as cumin, turmeric and Party Like their many kind traits paprika, all of which are used in It really is NOT too early to curries, are particularly rich sources think of Christmas – espe- They fought on field of battle of salicylic acid, the study said. cially our Casa’s Christmas Some died but not in vain

rd. For here their beloved brethren Party on Sunday, December 3 Neither does Indian food cause the Keep immortal their good name

4 side-effects associated with long- region held liquid assets of at least taurants we go to are way more ex- term aspirin use, such as internal US$300,000, a figure 6.2 million pensive than the so-called five-star bleeding and ulcers, the study, con- people are predicted to reach by hotels. People go to The Peninsula ducted by the Rowett Research In- 2008. The survey's findings are to show off. The restaurants I go to stitute, found. based on interviews with affluent look like any other restaurant on the consumers and the high-end service outside," he said. "One portion of vindaloo we exam- providers who cater for them, in- "Being rich is nobody's business but ined contained 95mg of salicylic cluding private-banking relationship my own. I rarely go to balls and acid, more than the amount in an as- managers, prestige retailers and the such [but] I enjoy life. I spend at pirin tablet. A low-dose aspirin tab- concierge staff who cater for Amex's least seven figures on leisure every let contains about 65mg of the acid." exclusive black-card holders. month."

Garry Duthie, one of the study’s co- The survey covers Hong Kong, Sin- The South China Morning authors, said: "The dietary level of gapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Sydney and Post, Hong Kong salicylic acid in curry is exception- Mumbai, and the results are being Sunday, July 9, 2006 ally high. I wouldn't recommend a announced in phases. Increasingly, N Korea ultimatum on Macau cash curry a day for headaches, but it is the report indicates, the question that Pyongyang refuses to return to six- possible that someone with a head- the wealthy are asking themselves party nuclear talks until it gets back ache who is a good absorber of sali- is: "How can I be distinctive in a US$24 million cylic acid might find it went away if market where affluence is so preva- GREG TORODE and ASSOCI- they had a vindaloo. The hotter the lent?" ATED PRESS curry, the greater the possible bene- Hong Kong's rich and famous, how- fits. A korma, with relatively low North Korea yesterday demanded ever, have denied there is pressure levels of spices, would be less effec- access to cash frozen in Macau bank to stand out from the crowd of tive than a vindaloo or a phal, the accounts before it agrees to return to emerging millionaires. According to hottest curry widely available in six-nation nuclear talks. socialite Kai-bong Chau - known for UK." The demand to retrieve the US$24 his pink Rolls-Royce and glamorous Curcumin, the component of tur- million locked within Banco Delta outfits - having more rich people meric that gives curry its distinctive Asia's vaults is being seen as the around would not affect his spend- yellow colour, is primarily responsi- clearest signal yet that the US-led ing patterns. "I am not one of those ble for its healthy effect. crackdown on Pyongyang's Macau- nouveau riche. There are lots of rich based criminal activities is squeez- people but taste comes in many le v- ing the regime of Kim Jong-il. els. It is about education and outlook A cross the wires on life," he said. "It's so vulgar to The deputy chief of North Korea's spend money just to stand out. mission to the UN in New York also The South China Whether you stand out or not de- Morning Post, Hong Kong warned that any sanctions following pends on a star quality you are born last week's missile test launches Sunday, June 18, 2006 with. You can't buy it. That's so would be "an act of war", Yonhap Hong Kong flush with US$ million- greedy and reflects bad taste." news agency reported. aires "Removing the freeze on Macau RICHARD HOLDCROFT and A local billionaire, who wished not funds is the minimum threshold to NIKI LAW to be named, added that most rich resumption of talks," said Han people preferred to keep a low pro- Hong Kong has more than 74,000 Song-ryol. "If there is such a will, file due to security risks. "Some US$ millionaires - and the number is how we talk, whether bila terally or people who get rich suddenly want predicted to grow to more than through six-party talks, is not impor- people to know they have money, 100,000 by 2009. A survey covering tant." but most rich people prefer a low six major Asia -Pacific cities - com- profile," said the businessman, who missioned by American Express and Senior US and South Korean offi- owns four houses in North America, carried out by Datamonitor - shows cials quickly rejected the call. Chun Europe and Asia. Saying that there affluence rising rapidly across the Young-woo, Seoul's leading nego- was no need to be pretentious, he region. tiator with Pyongyang, described it added that there were plenty of se- as "unrealistic", while US envoy It says wealth has grown so fast that cret hangouts for wealthy people Christopher Hill said: "This is not last year 5.3 million people in the with low profiles. "Some of the res- the time for so-called gestures of

5 that kind. "We have a country that North Korean border, Japan's Yomi- Lawyer in bid to save coastal forest has fired off missiles in a truly reck- uri newspaper said Beijing appeared from development less way that affects ... regional se- to have clamped down on the flow Rezoning request sets precedent for curity," Mr Hill said in Seoul. of industrial materials to North Ko- citizens to protect environment by The funds were seized by Macau rea, with the normally steady cross- CHLOE LAI banking authorities last September border flow of supply trucks all but at the urging of the US Treasury De- stopped. A lawyer and his family have sub- partment. mitted a rezoning request to the South China Morning Post, Town Planning Board to protect 100 US officials accused Pyongyang of Hong Kong hectares of forest at Tai Po Kau using its long relationship with Wednesday, July 26, 2006 from development. Ruy Barretto SC Banco Delta Asia to launder the pro- HK men live longest, survey finds, described the application as "an im- ceeds of counterfeit US currency by MARTIN WONG portant precedent" on how individu- operations and other criminal activ i- als could act to protect the environ- ties. They described the bank as "a Despite the city's lifestyle and often ment and said he hoped others willing pawn for the North Korean choking pollution, its men live would follow the example. "We government to engage in corrupt fi- longer than those anywhere else on hope the government recognises the nancial activities through Macau". the planet and women's life expec- scientific, ecology, scenic and his- Macau government receivers took tancy is second only to those in Ja- toric value of the area. All it needs over the bank after a run on depos- pan, a Japanese government survey to do is to rezone the area," he said. its, and a restructuring plan is now has found. The rezoning request seeks to have being mapped out. the forest between Tai Po Road and "We believe the choking of the The average lifespan of a Hong Tolo Harbour declared a combina- Macau accounts has hurt the funnel Kong man is 79, ahead of Iceland tion of special scientific interest of cash into some of the most sensi- and Switzerland with 78.9 and 78.6. zone and conservation zone. Under tive parts of Kim's regime," one Japanese men live for an average of such zonings, the only development Asian diplomatic source said. "It is 78.53 years. allowed is that required to support not just affecting operations, but For women, it is 84.7, just behind conservation and public understand- also the private wealth of senior ing of the natural landscape, ecology members of the regime ... and that is Japan, with 85.49, and ahead of Spain at 83.8. Japanese women and scenic qualities of the area. hurting Kim directly. The tests sug- The Barrettos also suggest nearby gest a fresh desperation across the have been the longest-lived for 21 consecutive years, but the life ex- Pai Mun Shan should become a con- leadership." servation area because it is adjacent Mr Hill agreed to China's call on pectancy of the country's men dropped to fourth with 78.53 - the to and ecologically part of the 460- Friday for an informal meeting of hectare Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve the six-party grouping that would first time in 32 years they were out of the top three places. designated in 1977. They also want allow US and North Korean repre- to establish a buffer conservation sentatives to meet privately on the The figures are based on the Japa- area for the coastal forest, which fringes. nese Health, Labour and Welfare would include the Tolo pond man- "What we're not going to do is allow Ministry's "abridged life tables" groves below Tai Po Kau. the ... missile launches to divide us," which show how long a population Their application also seeks the re- Mr Hill said. "These missile at specified ages is expected to live, zoning of a historic house, The launches have actually brought us provided death-related conditions Lookout, which was used as the of- closer together." remain unchanged. ficial residence of the Tai Po District Officer, from low-rise residential to China and Russia, who make up the A Health Ministry official said the historic building. six along with South and North Ko- average lifespan of Japanese men If the rezoning of the 100 hectares rea, the US and Japan, are standing and women had fallen slightly from covered by the Barretto proposal, firm against sanctions. The UN Se- a year ago because of a rise in flu- which is all owned by the govern- curity Council is set to discuss to- induced deaths. ment, goes ahead, it would effec- morrow how to respond to the tests, tively expand Tai Po Kau Nature which saw seven missiles fired into The South China Morning Reserve. the Sea of Japan, or East Sea. Post, Hong Kong "By preserving the coastal headland In a report from Dandong , on the Monday, August 21, 2006 and the upper woodland of Tai Po Kau that have different habitats, we 6 will have much better conservation the water if it was a windy day. I re- The original vessels were serviced results. And the birds, they will have member sitting in the forward cabin by coal. However, by 1933, the Star protection as they fly along," Mr and trying to get as close to the front Ferry Company purchased and be- Barretto said. windows as possible, in the hopes gan running its first diesel engine The area covered by the proposal is that some of the spray would get on ferry, appropriately named Electric currently zoned a combination of me! The times that I boarded the Star, others were named Golden green belt, recreation land and low- lower deck was an adventure too, I Star, World Star, Morning Star, and density residential development. was that much closer to the water, so on. Today, the modern ferries are The completion of Constellation exposed to the noise and smell of equipped with air conditioned upper Cove, a large low-rise residential oil, diesel and the likes, and having deck cabins and can accommodate development, in recent years in Tai to be careful not to trip over ropes two hundred or so passengers. Pao Kau highlights the threat to the and chains. I remember in rough forest. A petrol station is under con- weather, when we docked, the ferry It was during World War II that the struction in the area at present. would bump against the pier, and we ferries were grounded for 44 Mr Barretto said the rezoned area had to hop/shuffle to keep our ba l- months, the longest hiatus in its his- would not require extra government ance. Then when the gangplank was tory. These vessels, under the con- resources as his family and lowered, we’d try to be the first to trol of the British Army, amid n-i neighbours would do the conserva- step on it to get onto the pier. It was tense shooting and shelling, man- tion work. "Conserving the forest is a great adventure. aged to evacuate refugees, troops actually a rather simple job. All we and others from the Kowloon penin- have to do is to prevent fire and AND … one unforgettable day, sula before ferry service was sus- make sure no pesticides will be when I was a starry-eyed teen, with pended. When the war was over, the used," he said. my nose in a movie magazine, there service resumed. Mr Barretto is optimistic that the was a rough berthing and I slid/was board will approve the application. thrown against my neighbor, I The original fare was HK5¢, then "So far everyone I talked to supports turned to apologize and gasped as increased to HK10¢ … these days this application. They say it is amaz- the grinning face next to me be- its still a steal at HK$1.7 for the ing," he said. longed to none other than William lower deck between Central and The public has until Friday to give Holden!!! I had to act fast as people Tsim Sha Tsui, and HK$2.2 for the their views on the application. Mr were debarking and we were one of upper deck between Central and Barretto expects the board to exam- the last, so I whipped out what I Tsim Sha Tsui. The route between ine the rezoning request on October thought was a sheet of paper and Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui 20. asked for his autograph – he signed charges HK$2.2. The two Hung it, flipped it over and saw Gregory Hom routes charges HK$5.3. This Peck staring back at him!!! He broke ride is a ‘must’ for most tourists as out laughing and jokingly said he the crossings provide breath taking knew who my favorite movie star views of Hong Kong and Kowloon, was. (This was the time when it was a busy harbor with sampans, small quite common to see William Hol- crafts, freighters, huge ocean going den and other movie stars on the ships, aircraft carriers, all flying ferry, they were then filming Love Is flags from around the world – it A Many Splendid Thing). was, and still is, a photographer’s The Star Ferry dream. A ride on the Star Ferry was a real Below is an abridged history of the treat for any youngster growing up Star Ferry. Despite a public outcry, the Govern- in Hong Kong, I remember how ment has decided to demolish the thrilling it was to sit on the upper On December 28, 1888 it was an- landmark pier in the latter part of deck and watch the water foam nounced in a local newspaper that 2006 to make way for a costal trunk against the side as it plowed for- ferry service would begin, plying road and low rise shopping center. ward. I remember the heavy canvas between Peddar’s Wharf and Tsim The new pier will be expanded to that the sailors put down and tied Sha Tsui. A prominent Parsee, resemble the pier that was used for securely to the railings when it Dorabjee Nowrojee, was the founder the Star Ferry before the existing, rained. If you were not able to get of the Kowloon Ferry Company soon-to-be-demolished pier was into the covered cabins, you were (original name). built. Such is progress …. liable to get wet from the spray of 7