Who's Who in the Far East/CHATER, Sir Catchick Paul
CHATER, Sir Catchick Paul (HONGKONG), Kt,; C.M.G.; Member of the Executive Council; Consul for Siam; b. 1846; s. of Chater Paul Chater, of Calcutta. Arrived in Hongkong, 1864, as assistant in Bank of Hindustan, China, and Japan; resigned from bank and started business as exchange and bullion broker, 1886; J.P., 1888; sat in Legislative Council as acting member during the absence on leave for one year of Mr. F. Sassoon, 1886-7; was on holiday in India when Mr. Sassoon resigned, 1887, and was unanimously elected for a term of six years to represent the Justices of the Peace; was re-elected for a further period of six years, 1893, and again in 1899, retiring upon the expiration of his third term of office, Jan., 1906; during office as unofficial member was elected to the Executive Council, which seat still retains; in 1884 started a godown business at Kowloon, purchasing the sea, beach from the Government and erecting godowns; in 1883 amalgamated with Jardine, Matheson and Co., and established the existing Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co., reclaiming foreshores and erecting present godowns and wharves; originated the Praya Reclamation in 1887 by writing to the Government and submitting a scheme, which was accepted by marine lot holders; visited England later and received the sanction of the Secretary of State to carry out the work, the foundation stone being laid at the corner of existing cricket ground by the Duke of Connaught in 1890; presented statue of the Duke of Connaught to the Colony in commemoration of the event; work was concluded on the reclamation in 19J5, the result being the addition to the Colony of considerable foreshore upon which has been erected some of finest hongs east of Suez; was the first to advocate the acquirement of the present New Territory on the mainland of China, writing to the Government four years before the actual leasing of the territory; organised an appeal to the Government later by the Chamber of Commerce, the China Association, and the unofficial Members of the Legislative Council, and successfully urged the negotiation for a lease of the territory, which was subsequently granted by China; has been identified in most public movements since arrival in Colony; was treasurer and.afterwards chairman of Queen's Jubilee Committee; Chairman of Diamond Jubilee Committee (then created C.M.G.) erected first Anglican Church at Kowloon; is chairman and director of principal public companies, including Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company; supports all sports; has been steward of the Jockey Club for 25 years and President for many years; was created Knight in 1992. Clubs: Hongkong; most sporting. Address: Marble Hall, Conduit Road, Hongkong.