19/05/2026
【嘉道理農場暨植物園70週年歷史系列】
在嘉道理農業輔助會的歷史中，賀理士嘉道理無疑是靈魂人物。賀理士自少熱愛農業及園藝，戰後著力參與新界鄉郊發展等各項公共事務，經常與農民接觸，被譽為「新界先生」。
農耕從來都是極不穩定的行業，農民承受失收、蟲害、疫病等風險，遇上天災更隨時血本無歸。故除了前文提過的農業援助計劃，輔助會更在天災過後為農民提供特別支援。一名口述歷史受訪者憶述，1962年颱風溫黛吹襲，「一場颱風嚟，乜都掃晒，嗰時真係攞五蚊去買菜種都冇」，輔助會當時派發菜種和肥料，使菜農得以恢復生產。
一名昔日農場職員提到，賀理士對職工毫無架子，不管職位高低，他總是首先開口打招呼那位。有時雨天山路不好走，他會載年長伙計回家，「鄉下婆滿腳泥或者捲高褲腳又濕身，啲阿婆唔識開佢度車門，佢能夠自去落去開門俾嗰啲阿婆落車，嗱呢一樣呢，稍為有啲身家嘅，未必做得到。」
好幾位口述歷史受訪者，都異口同聲憶述賀理士派贈提子乾的事跡。賀理士認為提子乾能為孩童補充葡萄糖和維他命等營養素，他在往農場的路上，不時派給沿途見到的每一個小朋友，據說不少兒童因此認得賀理士的座駕。
嘉道理農業輔助會的大小計劃以至賀理士微小的關懷舉措，都是出於以人為本的善意，同時體現對人與環境之間連繫的關注。在貧窮和缺乏社會保障的時代中被扶一把，憨厚的農民視之為再造之恩，一生感銘於心。
【KFBG’s 70th Anniversary Series】
In the history of the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association, Horace Kadoorie had no doubt been an irreplaceable driving force. Being passionate about agriculture and horticulture from a young age and deeply devoted to public service particularly Hong Kong’s rural development post-WWII, he worked closely with farmers and earned the affectionate title “Mr New Territories.”
Farming was always uncertain, with constant risks from weather, pests, disease, and natural disasters. One oral history interviewee recalled Typhoon Wanda in 1962: “One typhoon swept everything away—we didn’t even have five dollars to buy seeds.” The Association promptly responded by distributing seeds and fertiliser to help farmers recover.
Former staff remembered Horace as humble and approachable—he greeted everyone first, regardless of rank. On rainy days, when roads became slippery, he would drive staff home himself. “Those old village women, with muddy feet or wet clothes, didn’t know how to open his car door. He would get out and open it for them. Anyone with some wealth might not be willing to do that.”
Quite a few interviewees had vivid recollection of Horace giving out raisins. Horace thought that raisins, being full of vitamins and glucose, are healthier treats for children and handed out raisins very often along his way to the farm. It was also said that many children recognised Horace’s car because of these little snacks.
Both KAAA’s various initiatives and Sir Hoarce’ small acts of kindness were driven by a simple, genuine care about people and their connection to the land. For the impoverished farmers struggling in a time without much social welfare, the timely help given was a life saver for which they remained externally grateful.
#香港社會發展回顧項目 #中電鐘樓文化館
