In the latest issue of the Kenya-published OLD AFRICA magazine(to which I subscribe), there is an interesting article on the opening of the Goan Institute Nairobi by Mr. C.W. Hobley, H.M. Assistant Deputy Commissioner on 8th December, 1906. I'd just like to share a few extracts which might interest our readers: Here's part of Hobley's speech:
"...I am greatly struck by the enterprise of your community in building such a fine edifice. I am particularly appreciative of your efforts because I note that you have had the good sense to build in stone, and this shews me that you have faith in the future of this country. Optimism tempered by judgement is the only creed for this country, and those who do not believe this doctrine had better leave it at once..." (*wonder what he would have to say of Kenya today?)* He goes on to praise the community etc etc, but there's one paragraph that I found quite interesting when he refers to management of the institute. Here goes... "I would like to add a word on the management of the institute and recommend you to always exercise great care in the selection of your committee. Elect the best educated and strongest men you can find and give them a free hand, and trust them to keep up the character of the establishment and support them in checking the exuberance of unruly members" (*sound advice I must admit).* Quite a lengthy and interesting article, but this will give you the gist. The President of the Institute at the time was Mr. J.M. Campos Mervyn Maciel
