Case ANY - The Faversham Valise - Letter from Superintendent Harold Han

 

Superintendent Harold Han

Royal Hong Kong Constabulary

Lions Avenue

Hong Kong

 

Dr Faversham,

I would like to formally extend the thanks of Royal Hong Kong Constabulary for your inquiry. You are clearly well versed in oriental culture and the peculiarities of Kowloon.

Unfortunately, I cannot give a definitive affirmation in regard to the topic raised in your correspondence on 3rd March, 1931. After ordering a review of our case files, our office was unable to locate confirmed information to further your line of questioning re: the white lotus. Factual information regarding gardening or spiritual groups would only fall within the investigations of this department if criminal activity had occurred.

While no formal records of a 'white lotus' are extant, widespread circumstantial evidence has long been speculated. I have no personal experience of this 'hearsay' but rumours indicate the 'white lotus' was once an funerary organisation. In the final years of the previous century, an unnamed colonial official saw fit to discontinue their operations. There is no agreement on the reason for this act. 

As I stated above, there are no official records nor can I personally confirm the validity of any import to the 'white lotus' symbol. This directly points me to the undeniable conclusion that it has no significance in modern Hong Kong, or its environs. 

I hope you are not unduly disappointed by this eventuality and I look forward with keen interest to future communications or, indeed, a personal visit to our fine island. I am certain that such a learned gentleman would feel the hearty, close embrace of our local customs.

 

Kind Regards

Harold Han

Superintendent

Royal Hong Kong Constabulary

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Case 2 - The Royal Hospital

Image
The Royal Newcastle Hospital is one of the chief sources of pride in this community. An extensive new building to serve the needs of the growing town. It has also attracted some of the foremost medical minds in the state and is forging a name for innovation.  It is exactly the place those with injury or recovering from harrowing experiences require. Anyone would be fortunate indeed if, in need of care, respite could be found within its walls.  Of course, the excellent location of care for the psychological needs of the city is only a block away. The Royal retains a strong connection to this place of tranquility in the midst of the busy city.  Both the hospital and sanitorium will miss the pioneering, tireless and generous labour of the late Dr Jonathan Dee McCall. This physician did much to further the health of the inhabitants of Newcastle. All hope he will soon be replaced. 
Read more

Setting ... the harbour city.

Image
 Newcastle in the 1930s ... a city recovered from the Great Depression and outgrowing its colonial past. With increasing wealth, the city seeks to enhance its humble foundations.  Streets bustle with activity, the sound of trams, an increasing amount of cars and the ever busy port.  Ceaselessly hungry for workers the port city has long attracted people from different places.  The fires of industry burn in the harbour city while elements of the colonial outpost remain.  The Hill is dominated, as it always has been, by the mansions of the wealthy, schools of privilege, a growing hospital and the Watt St Sanitorium. Frequently, residents from the Hill hold key positions within the town and dominate its social scene. Fort Scratchley, another constant reminder of the city's colonial past, stands stoic guard over the harbour.  A hub of industry, business and transport, the centre of Newcastle is always crowded with people.  But not all enjoy the same opportu...
Read more