Sir Catchick Paul Chater Kt. CMG
1846 - 1926
Sir Hormusjee Mody
The quiet
Parsee philanthropist. Business partner with the most successful
Armenian Hong Kong and South East Asia has ever seen. Sir Hormusjee
Mody, measured, yet thoughtful but equally as dynamic and forward
thinking as Sir Paul Chater. Together, as Chater & Mody, share
brokers and property developers they were a formidable team, they
visualised when all around couldn’t. But what do you know of Mody
and his family? My latest blog brings new elements to light about
the personal side of him and his children that has lain dormant
until now, and briefly touches on the unique partnership he had with
Sir Paul Chater.
Sir Hormusjee Nowrji Mody
– quiet and some would say under-rated. The older member of one of
Hong Kong’s most formidable partnerships in the 20th century, Chater
& Mody. Together their rock solid partnership was nothing short of
inspiring. Never a crossed word, mentally in unison. Had they been
musicians it would have surely been a case of
“you hum it, I’ll play it……”
they were so attuned to each other.
“you hum it, I’ll play it……”
they were so attuned to each other.
The business partnership between Catchick Paul Chater, Armenian by
birth but British by nationality and Hormusjee Mody a Parsee from
Bombay began in 1881. Their association with each other stretched
back to around 1865 when Chater was relatively new to Hong Kong,
Mody had already been in the colony a number of years. In 1906 after
a working partnership in excess 25 years without any kind of cross
word or disagreement between them, they decided that perhaps there
ought to be a legal partnership agreement drawn up.
 |
| Snapshot of
the partnership agreement between Sir Paul Chater and Sir Hormusjee Mody |
The official formalities needed to be addressed. Already in a good
working relationship, each with an implicit trust of the other,
unofficially they didn’t need a piece of paper, but they both
realised that they weren’t getting any younger. Essentially, it was
needed to ensure the smooth running of the business should anything
happen to either one of them.
This was also reflected in the Power of Attorney Sir Paul
Chater undertook in April 1911 shortly before Sir Hormusjee Mody
passed away. Their synergy was solid, but it needed to be cast-iron.
Their legal friends urged them to officially clarify their
partnership, not just for the sake of each other but also the
business mainframe they had created, the people who had invested
with them, those who relied upon them - they all required stability.
Chater & Mody undertook the agreement for the sake of good order and
housekeeping.
One can get an idea of their diversity of trading from the bank
accounts that were integral to that partnership.
The bankers of the partnership were:
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
The Chartered Bank of India Australia and China
Deutsche Asiatische Bank
International Banking Corporation
Russo-Chinese Bank
Yokohama Specie Bank Limited
Bank of Taiwan Limited
Nederlands Trading Society
When cheques were drawn Paul Chater simply signed them “Chater & Mody” whereas his partner signed them “Chater & Mody. H.N. Mody”
In addition, Sir Paul Chater held personal bank accounts in London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, and Genoa.
The bankers of the partnership were:
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
The Chartered Bank of India Australia and China
Deutsche Asiatische Bank
International Banking Corporation
Russo-Chinese Bank
Yokohama Specie Bank Limited
Bank of Taiwan Limited
Nederlands Trading Society
When cheques were drawn Paul Chater simply signed them “Chater & Mody” whereas his partner signed them “Chater & Mody. H.N. Mody”
In addition, Sir Paul Chater held personal bank accounts in London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, and Genoa.
FAMILY
Hormusjee Mody and his wife Maneckbai had five children, 4 boys and
a girl.
- Sirinbai Mody (dates unknown). Married Nusseranji Dady, they had a son Hormusjee.
- Merwanjee Mody 1858-1910
- Naoroz Hormusjee Naoroji Mody 1875-1944
- Jehangirjee Hormusjee Mody 1876-1949
- Dinshawjee Hormusjee Mody 1882-1920
Unlike their father, at least two of Mody’s sons, Naoroz
aka Nowrojee and
Jehangirjee were able to benefit from a university education.
Naoroz Nowrojee Hormusjee Mody
From the “Alumni
Cantabrigienses: A Biographical list of All Known Students Vol 2”
it can been seen that Naoroz (Nowrojee) Hormusji Naoroji Mody and
Jehangir Hormusji Naoroji Mody spent their early education in Bombay
at the St. Xavier’s College. Naoroz was admitted to Trinity Hall,
Cambridge in 1895 where he obtained a B.A. 1898 and an M.A. in 1902.
Law was his life path and he was called to the Middle Temple Bar in
June 1899.
Sir Hormusjee and Lady Mody’s second son, Nowrojee Hormusjee Mody
aka Naoroz Hormusji
Naoroji Mody a barrister, died on the 10th February 1944
at Kobe Japan. He was an eccentric and a recluse, whose sole
interest in life was to collect Japanese curios and clocks.
Authorities in Hong Kong considered him “mentally unbalanced” but he
was never certified insane.[1]
He made his will[2]
while residing at the Astor House Hotel, Queen’s Road Central,
Victoria, Hong Kong on 19th September 1911.
 |
| Snapshot of the Will of Naoroz Nowrojee Hormusjee Mody |
He made his first codicil on 17th August 1914, the second
codicil was made on 20th November 1916, the third codicil
on 14th January 1918 and the fourth codicil on the 11th
February 1918.
In his meticulously executed Will he appointed executors whom he
hoped and expected to fulfil his last wishes. He could not have
foreseen that all of the named executors would not be in a position
to act. The Administration notes state:
“…………did
therein name and appoint Sir Paul Chater, Sir Muncherjee Bhownaghree,
Sir P.M. Mehta, Pheroze Cursetji Setna and N.J. Stabb the executors
(who are either dead or cannot be traced or have not come forward to
prove the said will and 4 codicils)……………”
Therefore Letters of Administration with Will annexed were granted
to The Official Administrator of the Courts of Justice, Victoria in
the colony of Hong Kong on 5th March 1948, Mody’s address
was stated as Buxey Lodge, Conduit Road. He hadn’t lived there since
he left Hong Kong in 1919, and by the time he passed away,
the house had been occupied
by the invading Japanese. Once the Japanese surrendered in 1945 the
government considered Buxey Lodge “abandoned” rather than “enemy
property”[3],
because there was no family left in the colony. The property came
into the care of the
Custodian of Property thus enabling the property to enjoy a
certain level of security preventing trespass and looting. See
footnote
1 and 3.
Administration was granted on 6th October 1952 to Sir
William Edward Leonard Shenton.
Jehangir Hormusjee Mody
Jehangir attended Trinity College, Cambridge in 1899 but does not
appear to have graduated. By December 1900 he had married Kathleen
Jarvis in London and they went on to have two sons, John Henry Mody
in 1901 and Felix Hurley Mody in 1903, both were born in London.
Jehangir did not follow the same career as his brother, preferring
to return to Hong Kong with his young family and carve a career in
share brokering, just as his father had done. He was by all accounts
successful and acquired substantial wealth. In 1915 and 1916 he can
be found on the Hong Kong Jury Lists[4]
at 1 Prince’s Building, by 1917 his address was 11 Conduit Road. A
few years after his father (Sir HN Mody) passed Jehangir went into
business with Sir Paul Chater. Jehangir was regularly listed in the
Jury Lists up until 1926 which coincides with the year Sir Paul
Chater died.
What is interesting is that Jehangir did not live in Buxey Lodge
during his time in Hong Kong and although is brother Naroz no longer
lived in Hong Kong from 1919 it would seem Buxey Lodge was not
occupied by any members of the family, save a skeleton staff to keep
it running.
In February 1924 Jehangir (as defendant) was involved in a high
profile court case in Hong Kong where an action was brought against
him by the Bank of East Asia for the recovery of $77,434.86 in
connection with a contract with the Banque Industrielle de Chine
which he guaranteed.[5]
It was a lively and heated case where, at times tempers flared.
Chief Justice Sir William Rees Davies gave his judgment on the 11th
April[6]
that year in which he said
“There is in my opinion no defence to the action and there must be
judgment for the plaintiff with costs”. Frustrated and enraged
by the decision Mody went to appeal. This was heard in February 1925[7]
with a locally known and highly experienced lawyer, Mr. Alabaster,
robustly defending Mody. The appeal was dismissed “Their
Lordships, Sir Skinner Turner, Sir Henry Gollan and Mr. H.H. J.
Gompertz, this afternoon gave judgment for the respondents with
costs.”
Although he and the family had moved their main home to Torquay in
Devon some years previously, after this court case Jehangir left
Hong Kong permanently and made a new life on the Devon Riviera. Just
like his father, Jehangir was philanthropic. Shunning the limelight,
preferring quiet personal donations or in some cases being
completely anonymous; locally he was incredibly generous. As a
member of the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht club he provided
several prizes and Challenge Cups in the 1930s.
He made a Will in September 1948[8]
and when he died in August 1949 in Torquay, Devon he left an estate
valued at £189,803[9]
the equivalent purchasing power today would be in the region of
approximately £5.9 million[10].
His wife Kathleen (after whom their home ‘Kathleen Court’ was named)
had made her will in September 1939[11].
She had predeceased her husband in December 1943 at the Trinity
Nursing Home, Torquay. Her estate grossed at over £60,000 the
equivalent purchasing power today would be just shy of £2.5 million.
 |
| Snapshot of the Will of Jehangir Mody |
Jehangir’s wife Kathleen owned property in Torquay which was listed
in her Will. ‘Miramar’
and ‘Pinecrest’ were
freehold houses and she left them and their contents in trust
“for my grandson Philip
Melrose (the son of my son John Henry Mody). She went on to
leave her home ‘Kathleen Court’ along with the contents upon trust
for “my grandson Valentine
Hugh (the son of my son Felix Hurly Mody). Furthermore she
requested that any investments owned by her were to be retained, in
particular investments in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, the Union
Insurance Company of Canton and the Asiatic Petroleum Company
Limited. Her residue estate was divided, but not equally between her
two grandsons Philip and Valentine. In Clause 9 of her Will Kathleen
stated “…..my reason for
giving to my grandson Valentine and his issue a larger share than I
give to my grandson Philip Melrose and his issue is that my grandson
Valentine came into the sole charge and care of me and my husband
for many years, in advance of my grandson Philip Melrose………”
Jehangir specifically requested to be buried in the private family
vault and rather touchingly he requested that should Lucy (the
family’s servant who had been with them since their days in Hong
Kong in 1918) die in Great Britain that she too should be buried
with the family. He went on
to leave £800 to her “as a
mark of my appreciation of her honest and faithful service to my
grandson Valentine Hugh Mody and other members of my family over a
long period of years….”
Jehangir left legacies to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund for the
purposes of scientific research and to the Torbay and South Devon
Branch of the National Society for the Prevention of cruelty to
Children.
The family legacies consisted of a lifetime bequest to his son John
Henry Mody of £360 per annum and to Felix Hurley Mody an annual sum
of £182.10s.0d. In addition to Lucy’s legacy of £800 Jehangir gifted
her the annual sum during her lifetime of £2800 for her own use
provided she was employed as housekeeper at Kathleen Court, out of
which she had to provide food for his grandson Valentine
“whenever he shall be in
residence there”.The said annuity to Lucy to be paid in instalments
of forty pounds per week whether she chooses to remain as
housekeeper or in any other capacity at Kathleen Court or not it
being my desire thus to testify my grateful acknowledgement of her
devotion to my grandson Valentine whom she has brought up from his
early infancy and who has the deepest affection for her and looks
upon her as a mother…..”
Lucy’s legacy made the headlines in the Devon newspapers bringing
her unwanted attention for a while by local journalists. After the
Will was made public Lucy slipped away from Kathleen Court until the
furore had died down.
Jehangir also left Kathleen Court and all contents including motor
cars to his grandson Valentine and requested that Lucy be retained
as housekeeper to Valentine as long as she shall reside at Kathleen
Court.
He went on to request that certain investments held by him, in
particular those held in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, the
Chartered Bank, the National Bank of India, the Mercantile Bank of
India and the Union Insurance Society of Canton should be retained.
Lucy Mui Kwai: Amah, Servant…..Friend
Lucy made her own Will in October 1952[12]
in which she stated her desire to have a Roman Catholic funeral and
be buried not in the Mody vault but in an ordinary grave with a
simple headstone.
 |
| Snapshot of the Will of Lucy Mui Kwai |
She further declared a small legacy of
“£500 to Val Mody” and
she was particularly grateful to
“the Devon Constabulary
Widow Orphans and Compassionate fund for the kindly way in which the
officers of the Torquay Police Division have helped me from time to
time.” The remainder of
her estate she bequeathed to the Priest in Charge of The Church of
Our Lady of Assumption in Torquay
“for the general benefit of
and for the advancement of religion at such church.” Lucy passed
away on the 2 April 1954 in Torquay.
Marwanjee Hormusjee Mody
Although I have not been able to obtain a Will of Marwanjee Mody,
the eldest son of Sir Hormusjee Mody, I have found a delightful
write-up in the Bombay newspapers regarding his wedding in February
1895.
From the Times of India:
“The marriage of Mr. Merwanjee H. Mody, the son of Mr. Hormusjee
Nowrojee Mody, a wealthy merchant of China, upon whom the French
Government has recently conferred a high distinctive title, with
Miss Nasserwanjee Parukh took place on Saturday evening, 11th
February at “Prospect Lodge”, Malabar Hill.
There was a large attendance of well-known Parsee ladies and
gentlemen, and there were also present the Consul for Japan and
several other Japanese gentlemen who follow mercantile pursuits in
the city. The marriage was
solemnized by the Parsee Destoors at about 7pm. And the large
assembly then sat to dinner in a marquee erected on a vacant piece
of ground by the side of the bungalow.
Two bands enlivened the proceedings of the attendees by
playing a selection of music”
The Bombay Gazette of a week later says: “It may not be
generally known that the eight day after a Parsee wedding is
observed as one of rejoicing and reunion equally with that of the
marriage day itself.
Saturday last, 16th February, being such a day after the
weeding of Mr. Marwanjee Hormusjee Mody, he gave at his bungalow,
“Prospect Lodge” a dinner party, being the best of its kind, to a
select number of Parsee, Hindu and Mahomadan gentlemen, being
merchants of high standing, trading with China, with whom his
father, Mr. H. Mody, of Hongkong, had often come in contact in the
course of his extensive dealings in that colony. Though gentlemen of
different nationalities sometimes meet together at evening parties,
it is seldom that they dine together at one table, partaking of the
same description of food cooked by Parsees or Hindus. Such a
cosmopolitan gathering deserves to be noticed, as showing the
increasing tendency to sociality amongst the different classes of
people who reside in Bombay.
The guests having dined together, his Highness Sir Waghjee,
K.C.I.E., Thakore Sahab of Morvi, proposed the health of the host in
a few appropriate words and wishes the newly married couple every
happiness and prosperity in their wedded life, adding that such a
union was calculated to enhance the cordiale entente among different
sects of the native community.
Mr. M.H. Mody, in responding to the toast thanked His
Highness personally and the guests generally, for the kind manner in
which the toast in honour of his wedding was expressed and for the
honour they had done him in taking the trouble of going to his house
for the purpose. An
excellent regimental band was in attendance and played a selection
of music during the evening.
The bungalow and its extensive garden grounds were
beautifully made up for this occasion.
Amongst those who honoured Mr. Mody with their presence were
H.H. the Thakar Saheb of Morvi, with his son the Prince of Morvi,
Messrs. Karimbboy Ebrahim, Ahburdbhoy Habibhboy, Nour Mahomed
Jajbhoy Pesbhoy, Mobernli Mahamed Chinoy, Baikri-hen W. Kirtier,
Shumrus Rele Wasodev Jagannath, Ratanahab Dadabhoy and several
others.”
Sadly, he died in February 1910 aged only 52 at the family home “Prospect Lodge”, Bombay.
Dame Maneckbai Mody
The most interesting of all the Mody family Wills is probably that
of Lady Mody, widow of Sir HN
Mody.
Lady Mody made her will on the 5th August 1920 in Bombay
revoking a previously made Will executed in Hong Kong. She went on
to make a codicil to her Will on the 20th of March 1922.
 |
| Snapshot of the Will of Dame Maneckbai Mody |
She died on 3rd July 1926 at Bombay.
Administration with Will was granted 10th February 1927.
“Prospect Lodge”
“Spring Wood” and
“Wadia Lodge”
In addition Sirinbai was bequeathed substantial shares in:
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation,
Hong Kong Land Reclamation Company Ltd.,
Star Ferry,
Union Insurance,
Tramway Company,
Steam Laundry,
Chinese Engineering and Mining,
China Light and Power,
Shell Transport and Trading,
Hong Kong Iron Mining,
Toerangie (Sumatra) Rubber,
Oriental Consolidated mining,
Societe des Pulpes Benefit,
Societe Francaise des Charbonnage du Tonkin,
United Malaysian Rubber,
Raub Australian Gold Mining.
Mentioning family, Lady Mody gifted legacies to the sister of her
late husband, her son Jehangir, the widow of her late brother, the
son of her sister as well as legacies to her step brother and
sister.
This of course gives new light to the family dynamic. Until now very
little was known of Lady Mody’s own family, her step siblings or
even that her late husband Sir HN Mody’s own siblings.
Continuing with the bequests of Lady Mody, she left a small legacy
to the Alexandra Native Girls English Institution and ten thousand
Rupees “for such religious
and charitable objects for the benefit of the Parsi community at
Hong Kong……”
She gave all her jewellery and ornaments to her son Naoroji H Mody
and a diamond bracelet to her grandson.
Lady Mody went on “I have on
the twenty third of July one thousand nine hundred and nineteen
given the sum of Rupees fifty two thousand to the Zoroastrian
Building Society Limited of Bombay through my then solicitors Messrs
Payne and Company with whom such sum is now lying for constructing
buildings for the residence of poor Parsis and I direct my trustees
to see that the said sum with the accumulated interest thereon is
handed over to the said Society for the construction of buildings
for the residence of poor Parsis”
She further said “I
have on the oothamna day of
my late son Dinshaji Hormusji Mody promised to pay in his memory the
sum of Rupees thirty two thousand to the Zoroastrian Building
Society Limited for the construction of buildings for poor Parsis
and if I have not paid the said sum to the said Society before my
death I direct my trustees to pay the same in memory of
my said deceased son”
The residue of her estate was left to her daughter Sirinbai.
A Legacy revoked: “Incapable of Performance”
However, in a Codicil to the Will Lady Mody revoked the legacies she
gave to her step siblings, but more importantly she vented her
frustration with the Zoroastrian Society and revoked the legacy of
Rupees 52,000 she had previously bequeathed to them.
She said: “…And in as
much as the before mentioned
sum of Rupees fifty two
thousand with the accumulated interest thereon has been withdrawn by
me from Messrs Payne and Company in consequence of the object for
which the said moneys were deposited with them namely the
construction by the Zoroastrian Building Society Limited of
buildings for the residence of poor Parsis having proved incapable
of performance I also revoke the direction to my trustees to see
that sum of money handed over the said Society…”
If the Zoroastrian Building Society knew of her original intentions,
it must have come as a bitter blow to have the legacy revoked.
Lady Mody had left Hong Kong a short time after the death of her
husband, returning to Bombay and setting up her permanent residence
there. After the death of her son Dinshaw Mody in May 1920 Lady Mody
rented out the Top Floor of her main residence “Prospect Lodge” in
Bombay. (See TOI 11 Jan 1924).
Sir Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody
Sir Hormusjee Mody’s life and legacies are well documented and it
isn’t my intention to make this blog a full biography but rather a
snapshot of the family and important events.
In his Will, dated 24th September 1885 he bequeathed
generous gifts to his wife’s family:
 |
| Snapshot of the Will of Sir Hormusjee Mody |
Five thousand Rupees each to his wife’s two sisters and two thousand
Rupees to her half sister. Five hundred Rupees each went to four
cousins of his wife and three thousand Rupees to his wife’s brother.
His own brother received ten thousand Rupees, his sister seven
thousand. Three thousand Rupees went to a sister-in-law and three
thousand to a niece. Six of
his own cousins received one thousand Rupees each and there were
bequests to some close friends as well as past and present servants.
He appointed Thomas Jackson (a banker), Catchick Paul Chater (his
business partner) and Hormusjee Cooverjee Setna and Dinshaw Nowrojee
merchants, all of Hong Kong as executors. Mody instructed that his
estate be split into 5 parts or shares, 1 part going to his wife the
remaining 4 parts to be split between his 4 sons (having already
made very ample provision for his daughter). He also stipulated that
the share of his eldest son, Merwanjee Mody should not be paid until
five years after his (Sir HN Mody) death. This of course never
happened because Merwanjee died in 1910, a year before Sir HN Mody.
Mody made a very particular stipulation:
“……and
also in all matters relating to the carrying out of the trusts of
this my will the said Thomas Jackson, Hormusjee Cooverjee Setna, and
Dinshaw Nowrojee shall follow the directions and opinion of the said
Catchick Paul Chater but I expressly declare that this is only a
desire and wish on my part and shall in no way be obligatory or
binding on the said Thomas Jackson Hormusjee Cooverjee Setna and
Dinshaw Nowrojee…….”
It is interesting to note that Mody’s opinion of Paul Chater’s
judgment in his final wishes was considered
to be greater than those of the other gentlemen, even greater
than Thomas Jackson, chief manager of the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank.
However in a codicil made on the 3rd June 1909 Mody
revoked the instruction of appointing joint executors and appointed
Catchick Paul Chater the
sole executor. By this codicil in 1909, the biggest
responsibility Mody wanted to protect was the completion of the
building of Hong Kong University. Still only an idea on architects
drawings at this stage, there was no doubt that he considered this
to be his biggest legacy. His codicil simplified his Will, removing
the previously named executors (but still retaining them as trustees
for elements of his instructions), he replaced them with Catchick
Paul Chater’s name as the sole executor.
Mody also wanted to ensure that Paul Chater continued to be in
control of their joint business interests and assets in their firm,
Chater & Mody. he stated
that
“ Catchick Paul Chater
should have the fullest powers in respect of those portions of my
estate hereinbefore referred to including the carrying on of the
business of the said firm the postponement for any periods in his
absolute discretion of the realisation thereof and of the said
portions of my said estate the paying off and renewal of mortgages
and loans”. He went
on to say: “That
I further direct the
executors and trustees of my said will to duly and fully carry out
all obligations undertaken by me in my lifetime in respect of the
erection of a University Building in the Colony of Hong Kong in
accordance with the plans therefore which have been approved by the
Government of the said Colony and by myself AND also all obligations
similarly undertaken by me in respect of the erection of a Seamens’
Institute in the said Colony AND I further direct my said executors
and trustees to provide for the due fulfilment of all such
obligations from out of my estate as they shall think best and
whenever received so to do.”
Mody was making it perfectly clear that Sir Paul Chater was the only
one he trusted to oversee and finish the completion of the
University and the Seamans’ Institute. Sir Paul undertook his
obligations with great pride and determination to fulfil
the last wishes of his dear
friend and partner.
On the 3rd May 1911, Sir Paul Chater set sail from Hong
Kong with Henry Keswick as the Colony’s representatives at the
forthcoming coronation of the King in London. Sir Hormusjee Mody,
although extremely unwell, made it down to the quayside to wave them
off. He probably had a pretty good idea that he wouldn’t see Sir
Paul again. With a heavy heart, Sir Paul also knew that it was
unlikely he would see his good friend again. Before every trip
abroad, Sir Paul was meticulous in making a Power of Attorney
agreement with his lawyers, to ensure his business transactions were
taken care of should anything unexpected happen to him. It was no
different for this trip except the wording reflected what they both
knew between them and what they must have surely discussed in one of
their most difficult, private, and emotionally charged meetings
before he left.
On the 29th April 1911 Sir Paul’s Power of Attorney said:
“….And whereas I am about to temporarily absent myself from the said
Colony and whereas I am desirous of making arrangements for the
carrying on of such business in the event of the death of the said
Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody during my absence now know ye that in the
event of the death of the said Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody during my
absence I in my capacity as a partner in the said firm hereby
nominate constitute and appoint Charles Montague Ede of Victoria
aforesaid gentleman to represent the said firm of Chater and Mody
during my absence……”
 |
| Power of Attorney of Sir Paul Chater 1911 |
Sir Hormusjee Mody passed away on the 16th June 1911. Sir
Paul was in London.
To
Learn... Is To Be Free
Sir
HN Mody’s Biggest Legacy:
“For
All Those Involved: They Built Better Than They Knew…..”
According to Austin Coates in his book ‘China Races’ Hormusjee Mody
“went to Hong Kong in 1860, four years before Paul Chater. Mody
first worked for a Hindu Bank which was in fact an opium agency. Two
years later he formed his own opium firm which held out until the
telegraph was installed. Mody then realised (just as Jardine’s did)
that the opium business had run its course. Mody gave it up and
joined Chater in one of the most successful brokerage undertakings
in Hongkong history. Chater interested Mody in horseracing, with
results already noted in Shanghai. The two of them were an
extraordinary combination”.
Coates continues: “Chater gave Mody a lifelong interest in racing. Years later Mody reciprocated by suggesting Chater take an interest in art, which he did. (Mody was an avid art collector in his own right and Coates stated that after his death, Mody’s collection found its way into the hands of a private collection in Manila). However he was no match for Mody’s knowledge and engaged his friend and architect James Orange to advise him. Chater went on to purchase the collection of Windham O. Law and it formed the backbone of the prestigious Chater Collection.
Chater suggested to Mody that he take up the idea put forward by the
China Mail to combine the medical and technical colleges and form a
university, which in 1908 Mody did, publicly offering $150,000 for
the construction of university buildings. The offer was eventually
taken up and it led to the foundation of the University of Hong
Kong.
The two men were the great racing men of their time and they
demonstrate the quality of the people who were drawn to the China
races.
Hong Kong University: A Lasting Legacy
Created in the 20th Century
For the 21st Century and Beyond
Created in the 20th Century
For the 21st Century and Beyond
Mody’s biggest personal achievement has to be the creation of Hong
Kong University. He donated the funds required to build it and he
took great pleasure in seeing the foundation stone laid in March
1910. It was at this ceremony that Sir Frederick Lugard announced to
a stunned Mody that he had been Knighted. It came completely
unexpectedly and for a moment Mody was left unsteady by the Colonial
bow-wave that had travelled from London to Hong Kong. Sadly, Mody
never saw the university officially opened in 1912, fighting
ill-health for many months he passed away in 1911.
This is the speech Mody gave at the ceremony.
“Your Excellency, Ladies and gentlemen. Before I ask Your
Excellency “to well and truly lay” this stone, it will be well that
I crave your indulgence for a few moments in explanation of how it
was that I came to make my offer of this building, the erection of
which is today commenced by this ceremony.
As a young man, the advantages of education were unfortunately not
within my reach, and I have today at my advanced age to confess
myself no scholar. Throughout my long life I have daily realized
all that I have missed for want of a sound education, and it was
with the idea, in some measure, providing for others what I was
myself denied, that I determined to offer to erect, at my own cost,
a building which should bring within their reach those educational
advantages which I have myself so greatly missed; and I may say that
I was much encouraged thereto, by a conversation I held one day on
the subject with one, whose absence from us today, no one deplores
more than myself, sure though I am, that though absent in person,
she is with us this day in spirit. I refer to Lady Lugard
(Applause) herself a keen educationalist, who took great interest in
my scheme, and who before leaving Hong Kong expressed to me the
assurance that it would arrive at a successful issue and the hope
that Sir Frederick Lugard would, before his departure on leave, lay,
as he is now about to do, the foundation stone of this University.
(Applause). I need hardly say that it was very gratifying to me to
find my proposal so cordially received and accepted. But the mere
erection of a building, though admittedly of the first importance,
is not in itself sufficient to accomplish so vast an undertaking, as
the establishment of a university, and the scheme must have
undoubtedly have fallen through but for the untiring perseverance
and personal efforts of His Excellency the Governor, whose zeal in
furthering the scheme has undoubtedly been of immense assistance in
bringing to a successful issue, (Applause) and, to him, I
personally, and the Colony in general, owe a deep debt of gratitude.
(Applause). As I have already said the establishment of a
University means more than the mere erection of a building, it
requires funds for its proper equipment and furnishing as well as a
capital wherewith to carry on its good and useful work )and that by
no means a small one), and it is due to the large heartedness and
generosity especially of men like Mr. Scott, of Messrs. John Swire
and Sons (Applause) who, by the large sums subscribed by his firm
and his sister companies, has proved to us how fully he realizes the
future advantages to our Colony whose needs he knows so well, of
such an institution as this University, and who by coming forward so
promptly started the ball rolling so successfully – and to such
corporations as the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, The
Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, such firms as Messrs.
Jardine Matheson and Co., the Sassoons and others, both in Hongkong
and in the homeland, far too numerous to mention here, whose ready
support and generous contributions have given us so much money for
this purpose, that we are today able to make a start in the erection
of the necessary buildings. It must not be thought, however, that
what I may describe as the English subscriptions, generous and
magnificent as they were (Applause) would in themselves have been
sufficient to provide the large sum required for the Endowment Fund,
which was needed before the University could become as accomplished
and had it not been for the princely liberality of our Chinese
friends headed by His Excellency the late Viceroy of Canton,
(Applause) who took a great personal interest in the scheme,
subscriptions throughout China proper, and from Chinese friends of
the project in the Straits, Saigon, Australia and elsewhere, the
idea must yet have fallen through for want of funds, indeed I may
say that at one time it looked very much as though it must so come
to nought for want of support, but in spite of cold water thrown on
the idea from some quarters, the difficulties experienced by myself,
and those who had the scheme at heart, we were not to be
discouraged. I personally was more than pleased to extend the limit
of time I had originally fixed for the collection of these needed
funds for a further period of six months, and it is most gratifying
to me to see, by this ceremony today, the scheme now an accomplished
fact. (Applause). May it please the Almighty to permit me to see
the building duly completed and successfully started on its useful
work. (Applause).
 |
| Front cover
of the Souvenir Mody prepared for the laying of the foundation stone of Hong Kong University |
If you will open the Souvenirs in your hands you will see a picture
of the building as it will appear when completed, and the fact that
its erection is under the care of so well known a firm of architects
as Messrs. Leigh and Orange, is in itself a sufficient guarantee
that you will have a building truly worthy of so important a Colony
as this, (Applause) but if you need any further such guarantee I
give you mine – (Applause) that they are instructed to spare no
expense in making it so worthy. That the establishment of this
University here in Hongkong must have a very beneficial effect on
the political, as well as the commercial, relations of this Colony
with China, I am convinced. By the opportunities for a sound
education it will afford, it cannot fail to attract to us the sons
of wealthy and influential Chinese from all parts of China, many of
whom today send their sons to seek their education in the distant
universities of England and America, for want of such an institution
as this nearer home. These young men must necessarily in time
become imbued with Western methods and ideas, which they will carry
away with them at the end of their course of study, and which,
remaining with them throughout their lives, just be of lasting
benefit not only to themselves but to those with whom they come in
contact and over whom they exercise the influence of their position
as the gentry of China. And, further, the parents themselves may
well be expected to visit their sons here during their student days
and thus a mutual knowledge and common interests will be promoted;
and if by the gift of a building such as this I shall have been in
some way instrumental in bringing about such a happy state of
affairs it will be but little for me to have done for a Colony
wherein I have spent so many years of my life. (Applause).
Last but not least I must pay tribute of gratitude to the committee
for the work they have done, and to our honorary treasurer – my
friend, Sir Paul Chater – (Applause), whose interest in the scheme
from its inception has been unremitting, and who has done so much
and so well in raising the needed fund. I will now ask Your
Excellency to receive at the hands of Mr. Bryer, of the firm of
Messrs. Leigh and Orange, the gold trowel with which to lay this
Foundation Stone, and I hope that you will accept the same as a
trifling memento of the occasion. (Loud Applause).”
 |
| Image: Private archive of Liz Chater. The ceremony and Mody giving his speech |
 |
| Two Great Men Make Two Great Contributions In Hong Kong |
It was a thoughtful act by Mr. Mody and quite in keeping with his
generous nature to supply each of the guests with a most elaborately
produced foolscap souvenir, specially bound and finished in gilt and
white, containing a historical memorandum of the University scheme,
its objects, history and development, coloured plans of the
buildings and a photographic reproduction of the architects drawings
of the finished structure. It also contained as appendices
resolutions passed by the committee, various letters from prominent
men, estimates of annual revenue and expenditure estimate of
residential quarters for students, statement of the endowment fund
up to March 11th. The latter shows that a magnificent
sum of $1, 384,484 had been obtained. In the letterpress of the
souvenir was a statement bearing out the well established fact that
the idea of establishing a University in Hongkong was first
advocated by the China Mail in 1905.
Knighthood………..
During the course of the ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the
Hong Kong University in 1910, His Excellency, the Governor, Sir
Frederick Lugard made the unexpected but delightful announcement
that Hormusjee Mody had been Knighted. This is how he announced it.
“His Majesty has been pleased to approve that Mr. Mody be appointed Knight Bachelor. Letters Patent will be issued in due course. I concur in your proposal to announce the honour at the laying of the foundation stone of the University. A simultaneous announcement will be made in the United Kingdom. “(Sd.) CREWE.” (Prolonged Applause).
Ladies and Gentlemen, you will, I am sure, all desire me to express on your behalf as well as on my own, your most hearty congratulations to Sir Hormusjee Mody on the honour conferred upon him by the King. (Prolonged applause). His public benefactions culminating in this great undertaking which owes its inception solely to his thought have well deserved the honour. Long may he live to enjoy it and to see this university the assured success which his generosity deserves…….”
Further newspaper reports said:
Sir Hormusjee Mody was visibly overcome when the Governor spoke of the King’s message. A friendly word of praise by his old friend Sir Paul Chater scarcely restored him. He bowed repeatedly when the words of the telegram were read out while the plaudits of his friends resounded in the sunshine.”
Hongkong Telegraph 17 March 1910.
Part of the speech given by the representative to the Viceroy of
Canton during the ceremony…”they built better than they knew…..”
Sir H.N. Mody said, in a voice so choked by emotion that he could
hardly be heard two yards away: “Your Excellency, ladies and
gentlemen- Before we depart from this assemblage I have to thank His
Excellency the Governor for the information which he has conveyed to
me just now, and for the honour which has been bestowed upon me by
His Majesty the King and Emperor of India (applause). Sir, I cannot
find appropriate words to express my deep gratitude for the little I
have done for this Colony. I feel His Majesty has rewarded me for
little that I have done. Now I ask Your Excellency to convey to His
Majesty my thanks and gratitude and loyalty to His Majesty (loud
applause). I thank Your Excellency for the kind words uttered for me
and I shall always retain those golden words in my memory………..”
On the back of his efforts with his partner Sir Paul Chater in coal
mining in Tonkin (present day Vietnam) then part of French
Indochina, another honour was given to Sir Hormusjee Mody in May
1911. The French Government awarded him the Légion d’Honneur. Sir
Paul Chater had previously had the honour of Chevalier de la Légion
d’Honneur from the French conferred in October 1891 also for his
work in coal mining in Tonkin.
Sadly, Sir H.N. Mody did not survive long enough to be able to wear
the honour.
The University was officially opened on the 11 March 1912
Sir Hormusjee Mody’s son
Naoroz Hormusjee Naoroji Mody
attended the opening ceremony, and said:
“Your Excellency [Lord Lugard], it is with feelings of the utmost
pleasure and pride that I proceed to perform the duty which devolves
upon me of formally in the name of my late father, presenting this
University building, to the community, and requesting that you, Sir,
may be pleased to declare the same open, and, on behalf of my
mother, I also desire to express her regret that, through ill
health, she is unable to be present this day……I desire to express to
your Excellency the satisfaction which my mother and family feel on
this auspicious occasion when the work so nobly undertaken by your
Excellency and my father, is about to be brought to so successful
and fitting a conclusion……….I would add that had my father been
spared to see this day his heart would have rejoiced at this
realisation of his hopes. I
may further state that I have given instructions for the making of a
silver model of the main Building of the University which, when
complete, I would ask your Excellency to accept as a souvenir of
this opening ceremony, which is, I think a memorable one in the
annals of the Colony.”
The silver model was completed in 1914, The Straits Times of 2 April
said: “A handsome model of the Hongkong University buildings, in
silver, has been on view at Hongkong.
It has been copied from one in wood provided by the
architects, and has taken four men in Wang Hing’s Canton factory
nine months to complete. The model, which is perfect in every
detail, is a beautiful example of the Chinese silversmith’s art. On
the ebony plinth on which it stands is a silver plate bearing the
following inscription:
“Hong Kong University. Presented to Sir F.J.D. Lugard, G.C.M.G.,
C.B., D.S.O., by N.H.N. Mody, Esq., son of the late Sir H.N. Mody,
Kt., donor of these buildings, on the occasion of the opening
ceremony, March 11, 1912.”
 |
| Image: Hong Kong University |
As honorary treasurer, Sir Paul Chater donated HK$250,000 to the
Hong Kong University in May 1923, equivalent to £30,000, at today’s
purchasing power market value that would be around £1.5 million.
This was a lifesaving contribution to the University, rescuing it
from financial problems and an uncertain future.
 |
| The monument tribute to Sir Hormusjee Mody at the Parsee cemetery, Hong Kong. |
 |
| The Estate accounts of Sir Hormusjee Mody. |
The sole executor of Mody’s estate was Sir Paul Chater. It was his
responsibility to ensure the funding was made available as quickly
as possible to fulfil Mody’s last wishes. The accounts show
HK$233,205.00 paid out in June 1911.
Hong Kong University
Founded by Sir Hormusjee Mody
Quietly overseen by Sir Paul
Chater
This story
is brought to you with the support of the
AGBU UK Trust.
AGBU UK Trust.
Acknowledgements
colourisation image of Sir Hormusjee Mody – ColorByColin
Images of Mody estate document from
http://www.inmediahk.net/node/1022035
Hong Kong University, image of silver model
Hong Kong Public Records Office
Hong Kong Newspapers
National Archives, Kew, London
Japanese National Archives
Singapore National Archives
Singapore Newspapers
British Library
Australian National Archives
British Library
Australian National Archives
Fibis.org
Ancestry.com
Findmypast.co.uk
Proquest
Gales
[1] Hong Kong records: extracted
from “Note On Ownership of 37 Conduit Road”. HKRS621-1-8.
[2] The Will, codicils and Probate
of Nowrojee Hormusjee Mody via UK Government Wills online.
[3] There was some discussion
within the Hong Kong Government as to whether Buxey Lodge
should be confiscated as “enemy property”. However, they
could not prove that Naoroz was in sympathy with the
Japanese because of his long standing connection with Japan.
It was decided that since there was no proof of any
potential connection, Buxey Lodge should be considered an
“abandoned property” instead. This gave the government power
to requisition it for their own use.
[5] China Mail 11 February 1924
[6] Hong Kong Telegraph 11 April
1924
[7] Hong Kong Telegraph 4 February
1925
[8] The Will and Probate of
Jehangir Hormusjee Mody via UK Government Wills online.
[9] Torbay Express and South Devon
Echo 12 November 1949
[10] Calculated using the website
Measuring Worth
[11] The Will and Probate of
Kathleen Mody via UK Government Wills online.
[12] The Will of Lucy Mui Kwai via
UK Government Wills online.
[13] The Will, Codicil and Probate
of Dame Maneckbai
Mody via UK Government Wills online.