Frank HARRIS [????- ] | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Frank HARRIS [????- ]

Names
Given: 
Frank
Family: 
Harris
Sex: 
Male
Status: 
Unknown
Birth
Birthplace (country): 

Mr Harris was the Managing Director of Rediffusion in Hong Kong. Long-time DJ, Mr Ray Cordeiro (Uncle Ray) mentioned it was this American man who employed him (such as in this article: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/arts-music/article/1006141/record). 

Former Rediffusion broadcaster 李平富 mentioned described Mr Harris in his book, '我的身歷聲' [Chinese; available at public libraries, call number 557.769391 4013]: 

In 1950, when the Observatory hoisted the No. 1 typhoon signal, and replaced it by No. 3 or 7 during the night or in the early hours, many would take shelter at home, finish the precautions and stay inside. And Mr Harris the taipan, who of course lived on the Peak, when told about the strengthening gales, would never stay home and order his subordinates over the telephone to take whatever emergency plans. He would in no time bring along his beloved dog and drive back to the company, to manage everything in his '千里馬' (a type of shoes?) and suit shorts. 

五O年,每一次天文台懸掛一號風球,假若在晚上或深夜改掛三或七號,很多人就會躲在家裏,做好防風設備,守在家裏,而夏利士大班,他當然是住在港島半山區,獲知風勢轉強,絕不會守在家裏,撥電話去指揮屬下,如何緊急應付,他會立即帶同他的愛犬,穿着「千里馬」,短西褲,開車趕返公司,指揮一切。

First, he would have to see if the staff on duty could make it back and broadcast programmes as usual. Second, he headed over to every single corner for signs of water leakage and flooding. Since Rediffusion broadcast on wires, a flood would affect its broadcasts, and if so typhoon signals could not be reported in details. 

第一件事,他要看看值班的工作人員,是否都能趕返自己的崗位,讓節目如常播送出去,其次到每個角落,看有沒有漏水和水浸。因為麗的是有線廣播,水浸就會影響播出,而颱風訊號就不能詳細報告。

As Harris inspected, upon the route to the engineering department, he spotted a drain hole blocked by rubbish, with a puddle of an inch of rainwater. Many an executive would consider himself too honourable for the matter, and roar for someone to deal with it. Yet Harris, who immediately jumped into the water and squatted, did not care for anything else, but scooped a handful after a handful of refuse up. Other members of staff dared not neglect it, only to do the same as Harris. They drained the water away within three minutes. 

當夏利士巡視到往工程部的通路,發覺渠口給垃圾堵塞了,積上足有盈尺污水,換上別人,總會認為自己是這公司大班,高高在上,大發咆哮,叫人來處理。他卻不顧一切,立即跳進水裏,蹲下用手去掏挖渠口,把垃圾一把一把地撈上來,看得其他職員,不敢怠慢,都往其他渠口,有樣學樣,不到三分鐘,積水全部流去。

Frankly, that was rather risky. Any potential pieces of metal and glass in that pile of dump might seriously infect a careless person with tetanus. 

說實在的,這樣做相當危險,垃圾裏說不定有鐵片和玻璃碎片混在其中,偶一不慎,沾上破傷風菌,茲事體大了。

And he dried his hands, and then inspected other places, and went to each studio to see how everyone was doing. Afterwards he flew back onto the car, started the engine and drove away. The staff was relieved as they thought the taipan was gone. 

跟着抹乾了手,又再巡視其他地方,又到每個工作室看每個人的運作。跟着一溜烟的,又回到車上,開動馬達,開了出去,所有人員,認為大班走了,才舒了一口氣。

After around ten minutes, the car was back. Harris' action revolted a few, as they considered he was taking a random inspection, displaying his distrust towards the staff. [...] Why did he return? As it turned out, he could not but ask the doormen to help him carry cartons and boxes of sandwiches, cakes and bread into the concourse, calling everyone to gobble up. His great care to the staff was very touching. 

大約過了十多分鐘,車子又倒回來,這行動使一小撮人,馬上產生了反感,認為夏大班這種行為,顯示了對各職員不信任,來一個「突擊」考驗。[......] 到底他為甚麼去而復返呢?原來他兩手捧不過來,很多紙包紙盒的三文治、蛋糕麵飽,要門公們相幫,拿進大堂,叫大家自己來取食物充飢,對員工關懷備至,深為感動。

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