Lu sends Rotary a note of appreciation
IT wasn't just to Governor Chris Patten that Lu Ping had to send his regrets.
The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office boss wasn't able to join the members of the Rotary Club of Kowloon either for their weekly meeting.
Since meeting Lu when the Rotarians visited Shenzhen not too long ago, quite a rapport has been established between the club and the senior Chinese cadre.
This link is solely attributed to a Rotary club member, businessman Frank Kwok, and Lu having been schoolmates from way back in China.
A spoof letter of apology which was circulating during the meeting had Lu saying: ''My plans originally were to break bread with you.
''However, as you know, as well as the Governor, my schedule is so tight that even an ant cannot squeeze past.'' However, Lu did present the club with a newly issued Bank of China $100 note personally autographed by him.
The note bearing the Lu imprint, which immediately appreciated way above its face value, was auctioned off by the club and purchased by member Albert Lai for $6,000.
As if that windfall wasn't sufficient, the Kowloon Rotary Club also received several banknotes donated by the Hongkong Bank bearing lucky numbers.
Included was a much sought $500 note with an all-eight number.
These will be auctioned at the club's Casino Night at the Jockey Club on Saturday.
But early bids can be forwarded to Phil Rosenberg (telephone: 525-7021).
