The truth is, evidence of man's impact on climate remains maddeningly elusive, in part because man's impact on climate is so small as to be hard to disentangle from natural variability. This is not Mr. Gore's position, of course. If anything, however, the case for action has become less closed since he pronounced it closed in 1989, if only because of the huge sums and manpower poured into the subject to little avail.
In retrospect, a significant moment was the falling apart or debunking of two key attempts seemingly well-suited to clinch matters for a scientifically literate public. One, the famous hockey stick graph, which suggested the temperature rise of the past 100 years was unprecedentedly steep, was convincingly challenged. The other, a mining of the geological record to show past episodes of warming were sharply coupled with rising CO2 levels, fell victim to a closer look that revealed that past warmings had preceded rather than followed higher CO2 levels.
These episodes from a decade ago testified to one important thing: Even climate activists recognized a need for evidence from the real world. The endless invocation of computer models wasn't cutting it. Yet today the same circles are more dependent than ever on predictions made by models, whose forecasts lie far enough in the future that those who rely on them to make policy prescriptions are in no danger of being held accountable for their reliability.
For a while the media could patch over the scientific shortfall by reporting evidence of warming as if it were evidence of what causes warming. Inconveniently, however, just as temperature-measuring has become more standardized and disciplined and less reliant on flaky records from the past (massaged to the Nth degree), the warming trend seems to have faded from the recent record.
We could go on. But from our first column on this subject, we have been convinced that the scientific questions are interesting and irrelevant, since it was never in the cards that Western societies (or Brazil or India or China) would sacrifice economic growth for the uncertain benefits of fighting climate change. Unable to do anything meaningful about climate change, policy would therefore default to satisfying the demand of organized interests for climate pork.
Isn't that, however much he may be distracted by feelings of sincerity, exactly the economic function of Mr. Gore today?
The Wall Street Journal November 12,2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Irrigation Fundamentals
27.10.09
Irrigation Fundamentals
§ Buying irrigation licenses by the Federal Government will do nothing for our rivers, it will only limit agricultural production when water is plentiful.
§ Irrigation licenses grant the right to extract water only when allocations are made.
§ When water is short there are no, or very limited allocations.
§ Our rainfall (and run-off) is highly variable.
§ The answer to water shortages is to store more in times of plenty.
§ Storages need to be deep to minimise evaporation losses.
§ Valleys, in hilly country, make the most efficient storages.
§ Diversion of surplus flows from coastal flowing rivers through damming and tunnelling, would not only mitigate floods, but also provide additional water for food production.
§ Dams need to be engineered so as to allow smaller flows to pass.
§ They need to be “adaptively” managed in a flexible way, in line with our highly variable rainfall
David Boyd
Irrigation Fundamentals
§ Buying irrigation licenses by the Federal Government will do nothing for our rivers, it will only limit agricultural production when water is plentiful.
§ Irrigation licenses grant the right to extract water only when allocations are made.
§ When water is short there are no, or very limited allocations.
§ Our rainfall (and run-off) is highly variable.
§ The answer to water shortages is to store more in times of plenty.
§ Storages need to be deep to minimise evaporation losses.
§ Valleys, in hilly country, make the most efficient storages.
§ Diversion of surplus flows from coastal flowing rivers through damming and tunnelling, would not only mitigate floods, but also provide additional water for food production.
§ Dams need to be engineered so as to allow smaller flows to pass.
§ They need to be “adaptively” managed in a flexible way, in line with our highly variable rainfall
David Boyd
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Speech At Opening Back o' Bourke Exhibition Centre-24.10.09
Salutations
I have been greatly looking forward to this day and congratulate all involved in getting this great Centre to where it now is.
I came to Bourke with Dalgety, as a fresh-faced eighteen year old, 50 years ago next August. I soon met a strong-willed, spirited young school leaver called Gail Dugan. There was great strength of spirit and character, and a certain Irish cussedness, not atypical in Bourke residents.
The old timers around here will tell you that not only was Gail very pretty, but she could run like the wind, having distinguished herself on the athletic field both at Bourke and at the All School Sports at Bathurst.
I chased her, on and off, for six years until she became my wife 43 years ago.
In the meantime she completed her nursing training at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney with great distinction. She was top nurse at the Hospital and came third in the State in the final examinations. She is a better diagnostician than any doctors I know and has been a wonderful mother to our three surviving children. This allowed me to pursue my commercial career in which she gave me great support.
If you track back every branch of your family tree you will find that you have no less than eight great grand parents. In Gail’s case all of those great grand parents came from Bourke or Brewarrina. So, it is no exaggeration to say that I have lived with Bourke for the last 43 years!
When after 28 years with Dalgety, I joined the Swire Group as Managing Director of Clyde Agriculture, I found myself working with a company that had been founded in Bourke. We kept our operational headquarters here as the company grew to be one of the major agricultural companies in Australia with holdings spread from central Queensland to Coonamble and east to the New England.
Whenever Gail is asked where she was born and replies “Bourke” you can hear the retort coming “Oh….. Back o’ Bourke”.
The term must be as well known as “she’ll be right” and “’ow you goin’ ”.
With this expression welded into the Australian vernacular and with Bourke’s colourful history, the locals have demonstrated great initiative and judgement in capitalising on them and developing the concept and now the reality of the Back 0’ Bourke Exhibition Centre.
The term “back o’ Bourke” was coined by the Scottish poet Will Ogilvie in his poem “At the Back o’ Bourke”. Ogilvie spent twelve years in Australia from 1889 to 1901, much of it at Belalie Station and around Bourke generally. So he saw and wrote about the Great Flood in the Darling of 1890 (see the plaque on the Post Office which records the height in the main street) and he also saw and wrote of the Federation Drought. (Plenty of Climate Change in those days too-Minister).
Like Henry Lawson he was very aware of the massive seasonal contrasts of the Australian bush and the effect that these have on the character of its inhabitants. Lawson wrote much of mateship, perseverance, steadfastness, consistency, generosity of hearts, and straightness.
These characteristics have been to the fore in the development of this project, not least in the contribution of the volunteers.
They were characteristics greatly admired by the Late Edward Scott, Chairman of John Swire and Sons and Clyde Agriculture, Companies represented here today by the current Chairman of both-Bill Rothery.
Edward Scott with the backing of his shareholders-the Swire family- and with strong support from Doug Anthony, approved $400,000 as seed capital for the Back o’ Bourke Centre. Edward loved Bourke and it is fitting that his memorial rock and plaque are located here.
After the initial enthusiasm the project fell on hard times and for a while people wondered whether it would ever be completed. Then thanks to the establishment of the Darling Matilda Way Sustainable Region, by the Howard/Anderson Government and with significant assistance from then Mayor Wayne O’Mally, we were, able to garner an additional $3m., to complete the project.
John Anderson, as the then local member and Deputy Prime Minister, was central to the establishment of the Sustainable Region.
The Sustainable Regions programme was about using taxpayer’s funds to stimulate economic activity in areas assessed as being disadvantaged. I think it is now called “nation building”.
My Advisory Committee, of which your Shire General Manager and our M.C. here today, Geoff Wise, was a key member, quickly recognised that the name of the game was acting as a catalyst to establish businesses that offered ongoing employment-in other words it was all about long term jobs. In the remote areas of far western Queensland and far western NSW that we were responsible for, tourism was seen as a primary opportunity.
One of the real benefits of tourism projects is that they have a flow-on effect. For example, the Back o’ Bourke Centre has a positive impact on Charleville’s Cosmos Centre and Longreach’s Stockmen’s Hall of Fame and vice versa. Many tourists travel to see the outback package. Furthermore, the economic impact flows beyond the specific tourism project itself, to all of the town’s service industries-accommodation, meals, fuel, etc. etc.
Bourke is quintessential inland Australia. It experiences the character building extremes of the Australian outback climate. It rolls with the punches, recognising that humans have no choice, but to adapt and respond to what nature deals out. Its people are resilient and its land has great recuperative power. It rewards those who are consistent and persistent.
Let me conclude by reading the last verse of Will Ogilvie’s “At The Back of Bourke”
“That’s where the wildest floods have birth
Out of the nakedest ends of Earth—
At the Back o’ Bourke
Where poor men lend and the rich ones borrow
It’s the bitterest land of sweat and sorrow—
But if I were free I’d be off tomorrow
Out to the Back o’ Bourke”!
David Boyd
24.10.09
I have been greatly looking forward to this day and congratulate all involved in getting this great Centre to where it now is.
I came to Bourke with Dalgety, as a fresh-faced eighteen year old, 50 years ago next August. I soon met a strong-willed, spirited young school leaver called Gail Dugan. There was great strength of spirit and character, and a certain Irish cussedness, not atypical in Bourke residents.
The old timers around here will tell you that not only was Gail very pretty, but she could run like the wind, having distinguished herself on the athletic field both at Bourke and at the All School Sports at Bathurst.
I chased her, on and off, for six years until she became my wife 43 years ago.
In the meantime she completed her nursing training at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney with great distinction. She was top nurse at the Hospital and came third in the State in the final examinations. She is a better diagnostician than any doctors I know and has been a wonderful mother to our three surviving children. This allowed me to pursue my commercial career in which she gave me great support.
If you track back every branch of your family tree you will find that you have no less than eight great grand parents. In Gail’s case all of those great grand parents came from Bourke or Brewarrina. So, it is no exaggeration to say that I have lived with Bourke for the last 43 years!
When after 28 years with Dalgety, I joined the Swire Group as Managing Director of Clyde Agriculture, I found myself working with a company that had been founded in Bourke. We kept our operational headquarters here as the company grew to be one of the major agricultural companies in Australia with holdings spread from central Queensland to Coonamble and east to the New England.
Whenever Gail is asked where she was born and replies “Bourke” you can hear the retort coming “Oh….. Back o’ Bourke”.
The term must be as well known as “she’ll be right” and “’ow you goin’ ”.
With this expression welded into the Australian vernacular and with Bourke’s colourful history, the locals have demonstrated great initiative and judgement in capitalising on them and developing the concept and now the reality of the Back 0’ Bourke Exhibition Centre.
The term “back o’ Bourke” was coined by the Scottish poet Will Ogilvie in his poem “At the Back o’ Bourke”. Ogilvie spent twelve years in Australia from 1889 to 1901, much of it at Belalie Station and around Bourke generally. So he saw and wrote about the Great Flood in the Darling of 1890 (see the plaque on the Post Office which records the height in the main street) and he also saw and wrote of the Federation Drought. (Plenty of Climate Change in those days too-Minister).
Like Henry Lawson he was very aware of the massive seasonal contrasts of the Australian bush and the effect that these have on the character of its inhabitants. Lawson wrote much of mateship, perseverance, steadfastness, consistency, generosity of hearts, and straightness.
These characteristics have been to the fore in the development of this project, not least in the contribution of the volunteers.
They were characteristics greatly admired by the Late Edward Scott, Chairman of John Swire and Sons and Clyde Agriculture, Companies represented here today by the current Chairman of both-Bill Rothery.
Edward Scott with the backing of his shareholders-the Swire family- and with strong support from Doug Anthony, approved $400,000 as seed capital for the Back o’ Bourke Centre. Edward loved Bourke and it is fitting that his memorial rock and plaque are located here.
After the initial enthusiasm the project fell on hard times and for a while people wondered whether it would ever be completed. Then thanks to the establishment of the Darling Matilda Way Sustainable Region, by the Howard/Anderson Government and with significant assistance from then Mayor Wayne O’Mally, we were, able to garner an additional $3m., to complete the project.
John Anderson, as the then local member and Deputy Prime Minister, was central to the establishment of the Sustainable Region.
The Sustainable Regions programme was about using taxpayer’s funds to stimulate economic activity in areas assessed as being disadvantaged. I think it is now called “nation building”.
My Advisory Committee, of which your Shire General Manager and our M.C. here today, Geoff Wise, was a key member, quickly recognised that the name of the game was acting as a catalyst to establish businesses that offered ongoing employment-in other words it was all about long term jobs. In the remote areas of far western Queensland and far western NSW that we were responsible for, tourism was seen as a primary opportunity.
One of the real benefits of tourism projects is that they have a flow-on effect. For example, the Back o’ Bourke Centre has a positive impact on Charleville’s Cosmos Centre and Longreach’s Stockmen’s Hall of Fame and vice versa. Many tourists travel to see the outback package. Furthermore, the economic impact flows beyond the specific tourism project itself, to all of the town’s service industries-accommodation, meals, fuel, etc. etc.
Bourke is quintessential inland Australia. It experiences the character building extremes of the Australian outback climate. It rolls with the punches, recognising that humans have no choice, but to adapt and respond to what nature deals out. Its people are resilient and its land has great recuperative power. It rewards those who are consistent and persistent.
Let me conclude by reading the last verse of Will Ogilvie’s “At The Back of Bourke”
“That’s where the wildest floods have birth
Out of the nakedest ends of Earth—
At the Back o’ Bourke
Where poor men lend and the rich ones borrow
It’s the bitterest land of sweat and sorrow—
But if I were free I’d be off tomorrow
Out to the Back o’ Bourke”!
David Boyd
24.10.09
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wool Production-Conflicting Trends
27th October,2009
Australian Wool Production
or Wool ‘Aint’ Wool- A Commentary by David Boyd
The huge drop in total wool production has masked a massive increase in the production of finer wools.
Over the years knowledgeable commentators have warned about the dangers of addressing wool issues in aggregated terms. The huge spectrum of wool types from coarse carpet making types to silk-like, soft, up-market superfine wools and everything in between, highlights the extent of the range.
This truism is again highlighted by an analysis of movements in production since the most recent peak in total production in 1989/90.
In aggregate terms, in the nineteen years from 1989/90 to 2008/9, total production of merino fleece has dropped by no less than 63%! Or in other words production in 1989/90 was 167% greater than it was in 2008/9.
Yet, within this aggregate, over the same period, production of fleece wools of 19.5 micron and finer have actually increased by 243%. You might well ask how can this be?
First, wools in the 23/24/25 micron band have almost disappeared, with production dropping by 95%. Second, for wools in the middle microns (20/21/22) production has dropped by 54%.
It can be asserted that this movement towards finer wools represents a highly economically rational response by Australia’s woolgrowers as they move production in response to price signals and the premiums attracted by finer wools. This assumes that these premiums can be achieved without a loss of weight (cut per head) that negates the finer wool price premium. This becomes even more relevant given the importance of sheep meat returns and the correlation between carcass weight and wool cuts.
I think the weight of evidence would suggest that notwithstanding all the “bad-mouthing” of the industry, Australia’s woolgrowers are not stupid and this movement reflects well on the flexibility and responsiveness of the industry.
Whilst I have seen no objective evidence, observation would suggest to me that our stud breeders have done a great job in scaling up the size of finer wool sheep on the one hand and lowering the micron of our stronger wool sheep without a commensurate loss of frame or wool cut.
There is, of course another factor at play. These years have seen some very severe drought in much of the production area, albeit at differing times in different areas. There is no doubt that there is a strong correlation between fineness of fibre and nutrition. We really do not know how much of this ‘fining-up’ is due to genetics and how much to nutrition (“hungry-fine”). In addition, a lot of country in the far west of NSW that once produced stronger merino wools, has now been converted to Dorpers, Damaras and goat production.
Whilst growers have lamented the level of wool prices, the fact remains that there continues to be a price premium for finer wools notwithstanding the massive increase in production and there has been no positive price response to the dramatic drop in production at the stronger end. There seems little doubt what the market is telling us at that end of the micron range.
However, at the finer end it could well be argued that the market has held up remarkably well in the face of the massive increase in production.
(I am indebted to AWEX for the provision of the relevant statistics)
Link: Statistics,table and graph.
Australian Wool Production
or Wool ‘Aint’ Wool- A Commentary by David Boyd
The huge drop in total wool production has masked a massive increase in the production of finer wools.
Over the years knowledgeable commentators have warned about the dangers of addressing wool issues in aggregated terms. The huge spectrum of wool types from coarse carpet making types to silk-like, soft, up-market superfine wools and everything in between, highlights the extent of the range.
This truism is again highlighted by an analysis of movements in production since the most recent peak in total production in 1989/90.
In aggregate terms, in the nineteen years from 1989/90 to 2008/9, total production of merino fleece has dropped by no less than 63%! Or in other words production in 1989/90 was 167% greater than it was in 2008/9.
Yet, within this aggregate, over the same period, production of fleece wools of 19.5 micron and finer have actually increased by 243%. You might well ask how can this be?
First, wools in the 23/24/25 micron band have almost disappeared, with production dropping by 95%. Second, for wools in the middle microns (20/21/22) production has dropped by 54%.
It can be asserted that this movement towards finer wools represents a highly economically rational response by Australia’s woolgrowers as they move production in response to price signals and the premiums attracted by finer wools. This assumes that these premiums can be achieved without a loss of weight (cut per head) that negates the finer wool price premium. This becomes even more relevant given the importance of sheep meat returns and the correlation between carcass weight and wool cuts.
I think the weight of evidence would suggest that notwithstanding all the “bad-mouthing” of the industry, Australia’s woolgrowers are not stupid and this movement reflects well on the flexibility and responsiveness of the industry.
Whilst I have seen no objective evidence, observation would suggest to me that our stud breeders have done a great job in scaling up the size of finer wool sheep on the one hand and lowering the micron of our stronger wool sheep without a commensurate loss of frame or wool cut.
There is, of course another factor at play. These years have seen some very severe drought in much of the production area, albeit at differing times in different areas. There is no doubt that there is a strong correlation between fineness of fibre and nutrition. We really do not know how much of this ‘fining-up’ is due to genetics and how much to nutrition (“hungry-fine”). In addition, a lot of country in the far west of NSW that once produced stronger merino wools, has now been converted to Dorpers, Damaras and goat production.
Whilst growers have lamented the level of wool prices, the fact remains that there continues to be a price premium for finer wools notwithstanding the massive increase in production and there has been no positive price response to the dramatic drop in production at the stronger end. There seems little doubt what the market is telling us at that end of the micron range.
However, at the finer end it could well be argued that the market has held up remarkably well in the face of the massive increase in production.
(I am indebted to AWEX for the provision of the relevant statistics)
Link: Statistics,table and graph.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Climate Change
Letter sent to Sydney Morning Herald 01.10.09
Malcolm Turnbull faces the classic politician's dilemma. Do I respond to public opinion, however misinformed, or do I act proactively, demonstrate real leadership and risk my party going down in the process?
Once again Senator Ron Boswell, with support from Senator Barnaby Joyce, has chosen the leadership route.
Consider this-
The link between anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (in particular) and atmospheric warming is far from proven, in fact it appears disproven. The science is NOT settled.
The very name CARBON POLLUTION REDUCTION SCHEME (CPRS) is at best misleading. Carbon is not a pollutant, but an essential part of life.
Even if both these assertions are wrong, if Australia stopped all of its emissions immediately the effect would be negligible. So why should we impose the admitted damage to our economy and our global competitiveness, for negligible global benefit, when it appears the major emitters are likely to do very little. We should certainly wait and see what the majors do before acting.
Malcolm Turnbull faces the classic politician's dilemma. Do I respond to public opinion, however misinformed, or do I act proactively, demonstrate real leadership and risk my party going down in the process?
Once again Senator Ron Boswell, with support from Senator Barnaby Joyce, has chosen the leadership route.
Consider this-
The link between anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (in particular) and atmospheric warming is far from proven, in fact it appears disproven. The science is NOT settled.
The very name CARBON POLLUTION REDUCTION SCHEME (CPRS) is at best misleading. Carbon is not a pollutant, but an essential part of life.
Even if both these assertions are wrong, if Australia stopped all of its emissions immediately the effect would be negligible. So why should we impose the admitted damage to our economy and our global competitiveness, for negligible global benefit, when it appears the major emitters are likely to do very little. We should certainly wait and see what the majors do before acting.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
BlogLog
Blog Log of David and Gail Boyd’s Retirement Trip to Hong Kong and the U.K. 6th to 28th July 2009.
We set out on this long planned overseas trip with considerable anticipation of the pleasures ahead of us on Monday 6th July. The previous day we had a farewell brunch with son Mike, his wife Georgia, Charlie and Heidi (grandchildren), daughters Kate and Susie and Susie’s husband Hagen.
We left behind painters working on a complete “makeover” of our home at St Ives and under Susie and Hagen’s direction, builders doing extensive renovations to Gail’s late brother’s unit at Cremorne, prior to Susie and Hagen moving in.
Monday 6th. July
A cold 5:30 a.m. departure from St Ives saw us take off from Sydney on CX 110, an Airbus A320 just before 8:00. My first exposure to the Cathay Business Class configuration cubicle like bed/seats, at 45 degrees to the window. Not good for my self-appointed role of “assistant navigator”, but not impossible. Great for stretching out at a full horizontal posture and sleeping. A bit claustrophobic for an excessively large Anglo-Saxon male.
Couldn’t visually navigate for first hour or so as we flew over cloud. Cleared momentarily as we crossed the Barwon River then opened up again somewhere south of Boulia. Disappointed to miss identifying Thylungra. Then a fascinating flight with me in my element. The GPS info and map on the screen-800/850 km/hour at a very consistent 38,000 feet-and my detailed map of Australia spread out on my lap. Followed the Diamentina River-country now dried off after the great rain of last summer. Flew north between Mt Isa and Cloncurry then inland of the western side of the Gulf. Great views of the rivers and various islands, all of which could be positively identified by their unique shapes. Then over the corner of Arnhem Land (Kakadu?), east of Darwin.
The total flight time to Hong Kong is 9 hours and it always intrigues me that some 4 hours of this is over Australia, such is the size of the country. I am looking forward to visiting much of this country on the ground when Gail and I finally get around to doing our “grey nomad” thing, in Gail’s much despised 4Wheel-drive dream vehicle.
The rest of the flight was uneventful and cloudy until a brilliant descent over a sunlit Hong Kong. Not the old excitement of landing at Kai Tak and flying between the buildings. I wonder if our kids remember landing in Hong Kong in 1990. On that occassion the kids travelled “cattle class” whereas Gail and I were up the front as is appropriate for Swire executives! A very thoughtful Cathay hostie invited the kids up the front also to enjoy the thrill of landing at Kai Tak. Now its the ultra modern and much more spacious, for people and aircraft, new airport.
We knew we were to be met “on arrival”, but didn’t take that literally. But, at the door of the aircraft we were greeted by Cathay uniformed young lady (and a burst of Hong Kong heat and humidity), who ushered us through customs in no time at all into a waiting Swire Merc for the spectacular drive over bigger and longer replicas of the Sydney Anzac bridge, to Pacific Place and the very comfortable Taikoo Suite in “The Apartments” on the 35th Floor of the Conrad branded building. (Much of the building is the Conrad Hotel with the main entrance on the other side). The suite is very tastefully appointed and has spectacular views in most directions, but particularly across the harbour to Kowloon. It is tendered by Karna, a personable Nepalese, who was anxious to attend our every need. It was fascinating to flick through the visitors book and see so many names that were so familiar, of all those interesting people who invariably toured the Clyde properties when they came on to Australia.
Tuesday 7th July
I refused to let Gail draw the curtains and block that view, so I woke early to heavy morning rain and set off to see how far I could get under cover on all the walkways which are a feature of ‘Central’. Didn’t make it to the Star Ferry, but managed some good exercise.
A very leisurely day, which included a Star Ferry ride to buy a pair of binoculars in the back streets of Kowloon.
We had arranged to meet two of my ex Sydney Swire colleagues for dinner al The Hutong Restaurant on the top of 1 Peking Road also at Kowloon. Once again spectacular views, this time back to the Island. Great food and company-Rupert Hogg, Angus and Sophie Barclay. We actually ran in to Sophie at the ferry wharf on the Island side, when I was getting anxious that we were running late!
Gail was last here about nineteen years ago and I was surprised to realise that it was fifteen years since I was last here-for the Hong Kong Sevens with Mike, staying across the road at the J.W. Marriot Hotel. There is so much Swire traffic between Sydney and Hong Kong I thought I knew the place. However, the growth in the meantime has been phenomenal and reminds me of Shanghai, which I visited with Australian Wool Innovation six or seven years ago. Notwithstanding the global financial crisis the place still bristles with energy. However, the trade downturn is serious, particularly for transport-ships and aircraft.
Wednesday 8th July
Once again we were determined not to try to do too much and simply enjoy our surroundings. Made a visit to the rather sumptuous and very tasteful Swire Offices next door then a bus ride (the tram service was “suspended”) to The Peak , where we had lunch, reversed our steps and returned to the Suite, rather “zonked” from heat and humidity.
Chris Pratt, the current Swire Hong Kong Taipan and former Swire Board (Australia) colleague, rang late afternoon and to my delight suggested we have a drink “after work” across the road at an Italian Restaurant! I have always enjoyed the old stock and station agency days practise of a few beers after work-something that random breath testing (and perhaps family pressures on “sensitive new age fathers”) has largely killed.
We perched up on bar stools in true Port of Bourke Hotel fashion and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves talking about old days and current pressures. I was most appreciative of this gesture and found Chris to be most personable and interesting. As I told him, I continue to be overwhelmed by the scale and breadth of the business he is responsible for. I returned to the Suite in time to watch the much anticipated first cricket Test between England and Australia at Cardiff. We gave dinner a miss.
Thursday 9th July
A 7:45 departure for the airport per another Swire Merc saw us in good time to board our Cathay flight for London. Same seat configuration, no First Class, perhaps on the way back. Gail kindly traded me her window seat for my allocated aisle seat.
Once we boarded we were told that flight time was an hour shorter than scheduled, 12 rather than 13 hours (must be good tailwinds), but as there would be no bay available at Heathrow at that time, departure was being delayed “for commercial and environmental” reasons. I love “going green” when there is also economic logic, which, if you take a long-term view there so often is.
As I write we have now been flying for five hours plus, all of it over China including Mongolia and now over southern Russia, so Australia is not the only big country.
Later
Weather intermittently clear and some fascinating green flat country as we flew over the Siberian Lowlands. No sign of cultivation. Novosibirsk, Omsk places I have never heard of, how ignorant we are of so much of this amazing world. Noticed we went higher from 32,000 to 36,000 feet after encountering some light turbulence. Cruising at over 900km/hour with no headwind. Wound our clocks back seven hours for U.K. summer time-making it a long day. Didn’t see them, but according to the GPS screen (individual) flew north of Moscow, over St. Petersberg then some good clear views of the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Latvia and a very clear view of Copenhagen’s airport. Then over northern Germany, Holland over the English Channel, Norfolk, across London (good views of the Thames and the Houses of Parliament) and in to Heathrow. To look out of the window I developed a technique of putting the seat in to the bed (flat) position and lying face down propped up on my elbows. These business class seat configurations are good for sleeping, which most people seem to want to do, but no good for looking at the country, which is why I booked daytime flights.
As we flew over all of this very cold country today I couldn’t help thinking how all these people must be praying that global warming is real! They would benefit so much from higher temperatures and what I still believe would be accompanying higher rainfall.
Angela’s Scott’s driver (David) turned up at Heathrow a few minutes after we did and drove us through lovely green English countryside with lots of ripening wheat crops to Ampney Park, just out of Cirencester in Gloucestershire. Angela has done a great deal to smarten up this lovely stately home since we were here in 2002. We went to a local Pub for a delicious light dinner and returned feeling nicely drowsy, fell in to bed and slept beautifully.
Friday 10th July
A leisurely morning, that included an Angela conducted tour of this delightful garden. More like a park with lots of new additions including some great sculptures.
Angela lent us daughter Genevieve’s pensioned off little red Rover car amidst warnings of unreliability etc. We headed north through the Cotswolds to Boughton-on-the-Water and ever onward to Stratford-on-Avon. Had some difficulties with the navigator (Gail) on the way home, but made it without too much drama in good time for a BBQ dinner for 14, mostly local friends. Genevieve (Angela’s daughter) and boyfriend Adam Gyngell arrived mid-evening.
Saturday 11th July
As arranged we headed off at 8:30 to visit Michael and Anita Osborn at Shaftesbury. A somewhat trying trip, which looked very straight forward on the map, but proved quite difficult. By accident we were forced (wrong lane with high speed traffic all around us) on to the M4 heading for London, and had to go for some 15/20 minutes before we got an exit to get off and reverse our tracks. Weather showery, but some lovely country especially the rolling Wiltshire Downs. Was pleased to find Blimport Court with little difficulty and arrived on the tick of 11:00AM to a very warm welcome from a vibrant octogenarian in Anita and a very gentlemanly 93 year old Michael. It was so nice to see them and we think they were genuinely pleased that we made the effort. Only stayed for a little over an hour and then had lunch at a very English “pie shop” at the top of the famous Gold Hill.
Sunday 12th July
Today's focus was Day 5 of the First Test at Cardiff. It's only 1.5 hours away, so considered going over. However, couldn't see many spare seats and decided to watch from the comfort of Edward's study with great TV reception. Australia should have won, but cricket was the winner with a most thrilling finish. Now to Lord's.
Angela had some most interesting lady friend guests for dinner and we ate the most sumptuous salmon I have ever had. Whole fish cooked in foil.
Monday 13th July
Another walk around this magnificent garden during which I received a 'phone call from Bill Rothery regarding arrangements to transfer his Lords tickets to me now that he is unable to come. All seems to be in order for me to collect and distribute to his friends with plenty for me!
This was followed soon after by Angela receiving an email from a Sydney friend advising that Inge Grant (fellow Swire Director John Grant's wife) had died tragically overnight. Very, very sad for all concerned. We checked the information with Bill who did not know at that point, but rang back to sadly confirm. Simultaneously,Susie Dunn another close friend advised the same sad news by email. The Grants were to be present at tomorrow's Swire lunch, but had to cancel for John to have a hip operation.
Went in to Cirencester to successfully organise local mobiles for both me and Gail then returned for Gail's appointment-the hairdresser comes to us-at Ampney Park.
I had a most pleasant telephone conversation with Michael and Anita's son Simon who I have never met. He is interested in my web-based family tree idea so I fired off an email to Diane (Osborn) and Geza in Canada who put the tree that myself initially and then Bill Osborn put together on to a computer programme-Family Tree.
After a lovely two hour sleep I went walking in the Ampney Park garden as the sun was setting. Great light and had to return and get my camera I then proceeded to have a photo snapping walk reminiscent of a beautiful similar event in the Lake District last time we were in the UK. To add to the mood, the bell ringers struck up at the old Norman Church which adjoins Ampney Park as though it belongs to the Manor House.We then consumed the last of last nights salmon before Gail and Angela went shopping at the local supermarket (they stay open 24 hours and have unmanned checkouts).
Tuesday 14th July
We awoke early for Angela to deliver us in to Cirencester to catch the 7:45AM bus to London Victoria, just up the road from Swire House in Buckingham Gate, itself just up the road from the other Buckingham (Palace). We arrived at the office about 10:30AM and were ushered in to the best of the three flats on the 5th (top)Floor by a very welcoming senior receptioniste. This office has a lovely atmosphere reflecting the calibre of its occupants. Gail made rude remarks about the quality of the "best" shirts I had brought with me so I went out and found a T.M.Lewin and bought two new ones and tie and cuff links to boot.
So dressed up like the proverbial "pox Doctor's clerk" I presented with Gail at the Dining Room just up the hall at the appointed hour. Actually, I think we were 15 minutes early, but that didn't matter.
I must say I think this lunch for us is the greatest honour we have ever been paid.The host was Sir Adrian Swire and also present were Lady Judith (Sir Adrian's wife), his brother Sir John Swire, Adrian and Judy's son Merlin (now the Group Finance Director and Finlays Chairman), Glen Swire (a cousin who amongst other things was the Australian pen pal for many years),Glen's wife Caroline, Angela Scott and us.A very personal occassion helped by only nine people being present.
Adrian made a very nice speech saying how much they had enjoyed their Clyde visits and I responded. My main tack was what a privelege it had been to pursue what was largely Edward Scott's dream in working with such delightful people in building an agricultural business. I also said how important, enjoyable and motivational their regular visits to our properties had been. I mentioned that I was not enamoured with Clyde's current direction, but quickly went on, acknowledging that 'the old order changeth".
After lunch broke up around 3:00pm we changed in to more casual attire and headed for Lords (walk and taxi) to see if we actually could get hold of Bill Rothery's four tickets to each day of the Test. As we passed the Palace there were hordes of people lining up for one of the Queen's annual summer Garden Parties. Dressed to the'nines', I was reminded of a cartoon which always amused me, of a lady putting on her refinery to see the Queen drive by and commenting "I don't think she even saw me"!Our taxi driver told us that she doubted if many of the guests would actually see the Queen!
Armed with Letter of Introduction, Passport and SCG membership card and following communication from the SCG Trust, instigated by Bill Rothery in Australia we were successful, albeit with much muttering about how "we never transfer tickets". Bill had done a great job in dramatising the circumstances which prevented him coming, not without a sound basis for doing so. We returned by foot and bus and now have a good feel for getting from here to there. We also made contact with Cam Emerson (former MD of Swire Australian subsidiary Transwest). Gail and I are now to attend the Lord Taverners Dinner at the London Hilton tomorrow night with Cam and his wife Carol.
Found an Italian Restaurant down the road from here for dinner and retired early after a very complete and satisfying day.
Wednesday 15th July
An early morning walk donw Birdcage Walk to the Houses of Parliament and the Thames across the front of the Palace of Westminister to find the statue of Richard the Lionheart and the Peers Entrance so we would know where to go next week, then back past the Abbey and along Victoria Road.
After breakfast at the flat we headed off and found agreat crowd at Buck Palace waiting for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. We joined in and then had lunch across the road at the flower festooned (external) "The Albert" Hotel before heading off on a tourist bus ride around London. We must have crossed the Thames about six times and saw all the old familiar sights. Had time for a brief rest before getting a taxi to the London Hilton for the Lord Taverner's Dinner with Cam Emerson and his cricket touring party.
The dinner was great. Speeches includes Ronnie Corbett and former Prime Minister John Major. One expected Corbett to be funny and he was. Major delivered one of the best and surprisingly (to me) and most amusing speeches I have ever heard. I loved every minute of it.Wonderful use of the English language on one of my favourite subjects-cricket. I met Mike Gatting the former English captain whose only achievement I can recall was being bowled by "the ball of the century"-Warne's first Test match ball on English soil. Next day I met the man himself (Warne) when I found him having a smoke at the foot of the spaceship like Media Centre at Lords. I think he had a big hangover. He did give me a signature for Kate.
Thursday 16th-Monday 20thJuly 2009-Second Cricket Test at Lords
On Day I I walked down to Westminster and got the Tube to St John's Wood and walked to the North Gate. Like Sydney huge queue for the Member's Stand, but good access for those of us plebs with allocated seats elsewhere. Ours were in the Compton Stand. As arranged met Martin Whitaker and Bill's friend Julian Hill at the gate and handed over their tickets. At lunchtime after several glassesof white wine per favour of Julian we met Richard Reynolds, another friend of Bill's to give him his tickets. This meeting took place in the champagne bar at the Real Tennis Courts where we further imbibed. A very drowsy afternoon ensued as England piled on the runs and Mitchell Johnson sprayed the ball all over the place. Met my friend Ross Flannery in the Stand during the day. At close of play after walking with Martin Whitaker to Baker Street Station decided to walk the rest of the way back to Buckingham Gate.
Our seats for the first four days were in the Compton Stand to the right of the ultra modern rather incongrous Media Centre. The facilities for the general public at Lord's are really appalling and I was pretty underwhelmed. Not helped by Australia's poor performance. There are not enough stairways to the stand so it takes forever to get out and then even longer to get out of the ground (not enough gates). You queue forever for drinks, food and even to have a pee. Most of the stands are not under cover and there is no room for people to get past already seated spectators.
Gail came with me on Days 3 and 4. By then we developed a travel pattern of getting the Tube from Green Park (Jubilee Line) to St John's Wood and coming back on the No.16 Bus down Edgeware Road. One evening (rain and light stopped play each night) we got chatting to two delightful men on the bus and were speculating as to their occupations. One appeared to work for the Foreign Office and we put the other down as a medico. We both got our faces badly sunburnt on Day 3.
At Tea time on Day 4 we met up with Merlin Swire and fellow Swire Director William Weymss and several of William's mates. A short enjoyable interlude.
On Day 5 there was just a glimmer of hope that Australia might score a world record 500+ in the last innings after a wonderful stand by Michael Clarke and Haddin. We shifted camp very early from the Swire Flat just around the corner, so to speak, to the Caledonian Club, so that I could get out to Lord's early as I had a Reciprocal Pass to the Member's Stand, so needed to queue. Had the luxury of a taxi from the Club (same one as did the move)and joined a somewhat shorter Members queque compared with previous days.
Members I chatted with in the queue assured me I would have no trouble getting a seat in the Pavillion which I was keen to do on what might be my only opportunity. Whilst waiting my Medico designated friend from the bus came along and I invited him to take the place "I was saving for him" in the queue. He readily accepted. He was great company and mentioned that he worked at Westminster Abbey. On questioning he turned out to be not a Medico, but a Canon of the Abbey-the Rev. Ralph Godsall. He took me in hand, showed me the way to the middle deck of the Pavillion where there was no trouble getting a seat, took me on a tour of the Long Room, and introduced me to the Bowlers Bar and balcony.
In talking matters theological I ascertained his liberal approach then "admitted" my attraction to Spong. He likewise expressed enthusiasm for "Jack Spong" and told me that whilst at Cambridge he had been Chaplain to John Robinson of "Honest to God" fame. So now we really had common ground.
After making my own way to the Museum and viewing the Ashes Urn I had a coffee and bacon sandwich before joining Ralph, and Ross Flannery on the balcony for the ringing of the 5 minute bell. There I ran in to one of the very few MCC Members I knew (SCG and Adelaide Club acquaintance) Robert.....
As we mounted the stairs to our seats we passed the Australian batsmen coming down. Clarke looked pale and both he and Haddin very focussed.
If I was underwhelmed by Lord's on Days 1 to 4 I was now overwhelmed. What a fabulous historic, traditional spot.But, you do need to be in the Member's Stand. A pity Australia didn't win-the game finished just before Lunch with Flintoff taking five wickets. After the first drinks break (mid-day)my friend Ralph suggested we should also have a drink and we watched the end of the game from the Bowlers Bar balcony with pint in hand surrounded by very biased members.
Ross Flannery and two grain industry mates had lunch with me in the Long Room Bar, before I decided I had enough to drink and got a cab back to the Caledonia Club and crashed. Five days intense watching a cricket Test is exhausting!
Tuesday 21st July
Did a long walk early, going south back to Victoria etc. A scrumptous Scottish breakfast (for the uninformed "Caledonia" is the ancient name for Scotland and also happens to be the name of the second (and happiest) station in central Queensland where I did my second year jackarooing);we headed off for two arranged meetings. First with Ralph Godsall at Westminster Abbey for a guided tour-Ralph resplendent in his bright red cassock etc. (Queens colours, as the Abbey is not administered by the Church, but by the Queen (as advised by Downing Street). A most interesting insight including a visit to the shrine of Edward the Confessor, behind the high altar where the public are not admitted. Then at 12:45 Ralph escorted us over the road and thru' security (the cassock opens all doors!)to the Peer's Entrance to the Palace of Westminster where we were to meet Lord (Mark) Marlesford.
We had a delicious lunch and stimulating conversation with Mark before he took us on a tour of this magnificent palace. Most of it is relatively modern having been re-built, in the Gothic style, after the fire in 1836. Lord Marlesford had spoken in the House of Lords the previous day on the economy and gave us an autographed copy of Hansard including his speech. He is particularly concerned about credit card debt, much of which he believes is toxic.
He also is retiring from his Swire retainer arrangements at the end of this year, so I am in good company. We only have two more epistles. He is justifiably proud of his September 2007 paper which predicted the financial problems ahead.
After leaving the Palace we hung around the Abbey and attended Evensong at 5:00PM. It was sung by a visiting choir (Peterborough Cathedral) and was great. Very sincere simple, but formal service and no sermon.
Wednesday 22nd.July
No appointments today. I headed off for my morning constitutional this time heading north thru' Knightsbridge and via the Albert Gate in to Hyde Park. Walked right around the Serpentine (lake) and back to Halkin Street.
After a too full breakfast we headed for Oxford St via Picadilly and did some limited gift shopping. Couldn't get over how expensive Selfidges was, but found Marks and Spencers much more competitive. Had a big Scottish Dinner at the Club and retired reasonably early.
Thursday 23rd July
For this morning's constitutional I headed around the Palace wall and down to Westminster and the Thames. Outside the Palace Mews I came face to face with former Australian P.M. John Howard also out for his morning walk! We chatted briefly about the cricket and he assured me that he had been at Lord's every day.
We packed (an increasing challenge) and got a taxi aound to the Bus Station and caught the bus back to Cirencester where Martin Whitaker met us and brought us to his and Sue's delightful cottage (1600's)on the edge of Driffield village.
Friday 24th July
Today we headed for the C.L.A.Game Fair at Belvoir (pronounced Beaver) Castle in Leicestershire. A little over two hours drive mostly on motorways with lots of confusing, fast moving round-a-bouts. I was glad Martin was driving.
The Fair is a big deal and the Castle backdrop spectacular, set high on a wooded hill. Row upon row of stalls with business promotion/entertaining, food and clothing, dog (hounds)and falcon displays,etc. etc. Wonderfully well organised. Sat in on a most interesting debate on food security in the Strutt and Parker tent. A long interesting day with lots of lovely scenery in the travelling.
Saturday 25th July
A nice unsheduled day. Leisurely brunch followed by a beautiful drive and walk. Then a fabulous dinner at a classical local village pub-I could get used to English pub life-and no doubt larger than ever!
Sunday 26th July-Monday 27th July
Breakfast followed by a long walk with dogs in toe around the Driffield fields. Old Norman Church and interesting crops. It's great to be with an agriculturalist. After lunch Martin and Sue kindly drove us to Heathrow via "drive past" look at Adrian Swire's crops-and they look great.
Took off in a very well presented Boeing 747-400 around 7:00pm. A very welcome upgrade to First Class-only nine participants with two stewardesses!
Eleven hours flying time,6,000 miles (9,600km)with,in parts, the help of a 100km/hour tailwind, a ground speed of 1029km/hour. Mostly at 31,000 feet.
Some interesting views of the Baltic Coast including a spectacular view, as light was disappearing, of the Polish port of Gdansk. Brought back memories of Lech Walesa and Solidarity,Cardinal Wojtyla who became Pope John Paul 2 and the role this all played in the fall of communism and the Iron Curtain. Darkness took over and sleep was welcome, but disturbed.
Lost the seven hours we gained on the way over and arrived H.K.on schedule at 1:00pm.on 27th.
The now familiar, wonderful routine of being met at the aircraft door, ushered thru' customs into the Swire car and met by Karna at the Pacfic Place Apartments for escorting to the Taikoo Suite on 35th Floor, all worked like clockwork. I could get used to this!
Did some stressful (jetlagged)family shopping in the very expensive Pacfic Place shops before a scratch cafeteria style early dinner and going to bed too early and waking every two hours thru' the night.
Tuesday 28th July
Early car to the Airport along the now familiar, but spectacular drive. Raining heavily. Airport train again to Gate 23 and away on schedule around 9:00AM on another Airbus.
A daylight flight again, but largely over ocean until you reach Australia. The flight is a distance of 4,600 Miles(7,400km) and takes just under nine hours. Only a two hour time difference (Hong Kong and Perth are in the same time zone). Started at 31,000 feet, but most of the time at 39,000. Pretty turbulent around the Philippines. The flight over Australia was again very interesting. East of our northbound track, but good views of the west Gulf of Carpentaria coast, lots of fires, and a good clear view of Mt.Isa which looked small for a city of 18,000 people from 39,000 feet. Surprised how hilly the country was south from the Gulf. Once darkness descended it was easy to identify town lights with the help of the GPS fed individual screens-particulary Dubbo and surrounding towns.
I was mindful of my first awareness of Swire when Gail and I flew Cathay between Hong Kong and Taipei(?)forty years ago and how I was impressed by what I read in the airline magazine of this,low key English family company which ran the airline.
This first impression in many ways instilled an attraction which made me interested in the approach of Edward Scott some twenty years later.I would never have dreamt that I would have the wonderful opportunities the Group provided me to develop the Australian agricultural arm and that I would one day be a Director of the Australian subsidiary and that Gail and I would one day be the beneficiary of a retirement trip such as what we have just enjoyed.
The disappointments have been the death of Edward Scott, the seven year long-turn of the century-drought, and the strategic direction and management style adopted for Clyde since my retirement as an executive.
Swires have been wonderful employers and I feel truly privileged to have worked for a Group of such quality and with such great values. One of these values is to support local management-a principle of which I was a beneficiary for so many years.
David Boyd
30.07.09
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We set out on this long planned overseas trip with considerable anticipation of the pleasures ahead of us on Monday 6th July. The previous day we had a farewell brunch with son Mike, his wife Georgia, Charlie and Heidi (grandchildren), daughters Kate and Susie and Susie’s husband Hagen.
We left behind painters working on a complete “makeover” of our home at St Ives and under Susie and Hagen’s direction, builders doing extensive renovations to Gail’s late brother’s unit at Cremorne, prior to Susie and Hagen moving in.
Monday 6th. July
A cold 5:30 a.m. departure from St Ives saw us take off from Sydney on CX 110, an Airbus A320 just before 8:00. My first exposure to the Cathay Business Class configuration cubicle like bed/seats, at 45 degrees to the window. Not good for my self-appointed role of “assistant navigator”, but not impossible. Great for stretching out at a full horizontal posture and sleeping. A bit claustrophobic for an excessively large Anglo-Saxon male.
Couldn’t visually navigate for first hour or so as we flew over cloud. Cleared momentarily as we crossed the Barwon River then opened up again somewhere south of Boulia. Disappointed to miss identifying Thylungra. Then a fascinating flight with me in my element. The GPS info and map on the screen-800/850 km/hour at a very consistent 38,000 feet-and my detailed map of Australia spread out on my lap. Followed the Diamentina River-country now dried off after the great rain of last summer. Flew north between Mt Isa and Cloncurry then inland of the western side of the Gulf. Great views of the rivers and various islands, all of which could be positively identified by their unique shapes. Then over the corner of Arnhem Land (Kakadu?), east of Darwin.
The total flight time to Hong Kong is 9 hours and it always intrigues me that some 4 hours of this is over Australia, such is the size of the country. I am looking forward to visiting much of this country on the ground when Gail and I finally get around to doing our “grey nomad” thing, in Gail’s much despised 4Wheel-drive dream vehicle.
The rest of the flight was uneventful and cloudy until a brilliant descent over a sunlit Hong Kong. Not the old excitement of landing at Kai Tak and flying between the buildings. I wonder if our kids remember landing in Hong Kong in 1990. On that occassion the kids travelled “cattle class” whereas Gail and I were up the front as is appropriate for Swire executives! A very thoughtful Cathay hostie invited the kids up the front also to enjoy the thrill of landing at Kai Tak. Now its the ultra modern and much more spacious, for people and aircraft, new airport.
We knew we were to be met “on arrival”, but didn’t take that literally. But, at the door of the aircraft we were greeted by Cathay uniformed young lady (and a burst of Hong Kong heat and humidity), who ushered us through customs in no time at all into a waiting Swire Merc for the spectacular drive over bigger and longer replicas of the Sydney Anzac bridge, to Pacific Place and the very comfortable Taikoo Suite in “The Apartments” on the 35th Floor of the Conrad branded building. (Much of the building is the Conrad Hotel with the main entrance on the other side). The suite is very tastefully appointed and has spectacular views in most directions, but particularly across the harbour to Kowloon. It is tendered by Karna, a personable Nepalese, who was anxious to attend our every need. It was fascinating to flick through the visitors book and see so many names that were so familiar, of all those interesting people who invariably toured the Clyde properties when they came on to Australia.
Tuesday 7th July
I refused to let Gail draw the curtains and block that view, so I woke early to heavy morning rain and set off to see how far I could get under cover on all the walkways which are a feature of ‘Central’. Didn’t make it to the Star Ferry, but managed some good exercise.
A very leisurely day, which included a Star Ferry ride to buy a pair of binoculars in the back streets of Kowloon.
We had arranged to meet two of my ex Sydney Swire colleagues for dinner al The Hutong Restaurant on the top of 1 Peking Road also at Kowloon. Once again spectacular views, this time back to the Island. Great food and company-Rupert Hogg, Angus and Sophie Barclay. We actually ran in to Sophie at the ferry wharf on the Island side, when I was getting anxious that we were running late!
Gail was last here about nineteen years ago and I was surprised to realise that it was fifteen years since I was last here-for the Hong Kong Sevens with Mike, staying across the road at the J.W. Marriot Hotel. There is so much Swire traffic between Sydney and Hong Kong I thought I knew the place. However, the growth in the meantime has been phenomenal and reminds me of Shanghai, which I visited with Australian Wool Innovation six or seven years ago. Notwithstanding the global financial crisis the place still bristles with energy. However, the trade downturn is serious, particularly for transport-ships and aircraft.
Wednesday 8th July
Once again we were determined not to try to do too much and simply enjoy our surroundings. Made a visit to the rather sumptuous and very tasteful Swire Offices next door then a bus ride (the tram service was “suspended”) to The Peak , where we had lunch, reversed our steps and returned to the Suite, rather “zonked” from heat and humidity.
Chris Pratt, the current Swire Hong Kong Taipan and former Swire Board (Australia) colleague, rang late afternoon and to my delight suggested we have a drink “after work” across the road at an Italian Restaurant! I have always enjoyed the old stock and station agency days practise of a few beers after work-something that random breath testing (and perhaps family pressures on “sensitive new age fathers”) has largely killed.
We perched up on bar stools in true Port of Bourke Hotel fashion and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves talking about old days and current pressures. I was most appreciative of this gesture and found Chris to be most personable and interesting. As I told him, I continue to be overwhelmed by the scale and breadth of the business he is responsible for. I returned to the Suite in time to watch the much anticipated first cricket Test between England and Australia at Cardiff. We gave dinner a miss.
Thursday 9th July
A 7:45 departure for the airport per another Swire Merc saw us in good time to board our Cathay flight for London. Same seat configuration, no First Class, perhaps on the way back. Gail kindly traded me her window seat for my allocated aisle seat.
Once we boarded we were told that flight time was an hour shorter than scheduled, 12 rather than 13 hours (must be good tailwinds), but as there would be no bay available at Heathrow at that time, departure was being delayed “for commercial and environmental” reasons. I love “going green” when there is also economic logic, which, if you take a long-term view there so often is.
As I write we have now been flying for five hours plus, all of it over China including Mongolia and now over southern Russia, so Australia is not the only big country.
Later
Weather intermittently clear and some fascinating green flat country as we flew over the Siberian Lowlands. No sign of cultivation. Novosibirsk, Omsk places I have never heard of, how ignorant we are of so much of this amazing world. Noticed we went higher from 32,000 to 36,000 feet after encountering some light turbulence. Cruising at over 900km/hour with no headwind. Wound our clocks back seven hours for U.K. summer time-making it a long day. Didn’t see them, but according to the GPS screen (individual) flew north of Moscow, over St. Petersberg then some good clear views of the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Latvia and a very clear view of Copenhagen’s airport. Then over northern Germany, Holland over the English Channel, Norfolk, across London (good views of the Thames and the Houses of Parliament) and in to Heathrow. To look out of the window I developed a technique of putting the seat in to the bed (flat) position and lying face down propped up on my elbows. These business class seat configurations are good for sleeping, which most people seem to want to do, but no good for looking at the country, which is why I booked daytime flights.
As we flew over all of this very cold country today I couldn’t help thinking how all these people must be praying that global warming is real! They would benefit so much from higher temperatures and what I still believe would be accompanying higher rainfall.
Angela’s Scott’s driver (David) turned up at Heathrow a few minutes after we did and drove us through lovely green English countryside with lots of ripening wheat crops to Ampney Park, just out of Cirencester in Gloucestershire. Angela has done a great deal to smarten up this lovely stately home since we were here in 2002. We went to a local Pub for a delicious light dinner and returned feeling nicely drowsy, fell in to bed and slept beautifully.
Friday 10th July
A leisurely morning, that included an Angela conducted tour of this delightful garden. More like a park with lots of new additions including some great sculptures.
Angela lent us daughter Genevieve’s pensioned off little red Rover car amidst warnings of unreliability etc. We headed north through the Cotswolds to Boughton-on-the-Water and ever onward to Stratford-on-Avon. Had some difficulties with the navigator (Gail) on the way home, but made it without too much drama in good time for a BBQ dinner for 14, mostly local friends. Genevieve (Angela’s daughter) and boyfriend Adam Gyngell arrived mid-evening.
Saturday 11th July
As arranged we headed off at 8:30 to visit Michael and Anita Osborn at Shaftesbury. A somewhat trying trip, which looked very straight forward on the map, but proved quite difficult. By accident we were forced (wrong lane with high speed traffic all around us) on to the M4 heading for London, and had to go for some 15/20 minutes before we got an exit to get off and reverse our tracks. Weather showery, but some lovely country especially the rolling Wiltshire Downs. Was pleased to find Blimport Court with little difficulty and arrived on the tick of 11:00AM to a very warm welcome from a vibrant octogenarian in Anita and a very gentlemanly 93 year old Michael. It was so nice to see them and we think they were genuinely pleased that we made the effort. Only stayed for a little over an hour and then had lunch at a very English “pie shop” at the top of the famous Gold Hill.
Sunday 12th July
Today's focus was Day 5 of the First Test at Cardiff. It's only 1.5 hours away, so considered going over. However, couldn't see many spare seats and decided to watch from the comfort of Edward's study with great TV reception. Australia should have won, but cricket was the winner with a most thrilling finish. Now to Lord's.
Angela had some most interesting lady friend guests for dinner and we ate the most sumptuous salmon I have ever had. Whole fish cooked in foil.
Monday 13th July
Another walk around this magnificent garden during which I received a 'phone call from Bill Rothery regarding arrangements to transfer his Lords tickets to me now that he is unable to come. All seems to be in order for me to collect and distribute to his friends with plenty for me!
This was followed soon after by Angela receiving an email from a Sydney friend advising that Inge Grant (fellow Swire Director John Grant's wife) had died tragically overnight. Very, very sad for all concerned. We checked the information with Bill who did not know at that point, but rang back to sadly confirm. Simultaneously,Susie Dunn another close friend advised the same sad news by email. The Grants were to be present at tomorrow's Swire lunch, but had to cancel for John to have a hip operation.
Went in to Cirencester to successfully organise local mobiles for both me and Gail then returned for Gail's appointment-the hairdresser comes to us-at Ampney Park.
I had a most pleasant telephone conversation with Michael and Anita's son Simon who I have never met. He is interested in my web-based family tree idea so I fired off an email to Diane (Osborn) and Geza in Canada who put the tree that myself initially and then Bill Osborn put together on to a computer programme-Family Tree.
After a lovely two hour sleep I went walking in the Ampney Park garden as the sun was setting. Great light and had to return and get my camera I then proceeded to have a photo snapping walk reminiscent of a beautiful similar event in the Lake District last time we were in the UK. To add to the mood, the bell ringers struck up at the old Norman Church which adjoins Ampney Park as though it belongs to the Manor House.We then consumed the last of last nights salmon before Gail and Angela went shopping at the local supermarket (they stay open 24 hours and have unmanned checkouts).
Tuesday 14th July
We awoke early for Angela to deliver us in to Cirencester to catch the 7:45AM bus to London Victoria, just up the road from Swire House in Buckingham Gate, itself just up the road from the other Buckingham (Palace). We arrived at the office about 10:30AM and were ushered in to the best of the three flats on the 5th (top)Floor by a very welcoming senior receptioniste. This office has a lovely atmosphere reflecting the calibre of its occupants. Gail made rude remarks about the quality of the "best" shirts I had brought with me so I went out and found a T.M.Lewin and bought two new ones and tie and cuff links to boot.
So dressed up like the proverbial "pox Doctor's clerk" I presented with Gail at the Dining Room just up the hall at the appointed hour. Actually, I think we were 15 minutes early, but that didn't matter.
I must say I think this lunch for us is the greatest honour we have ever been paid.The host was Sir Adrian Swire and also present were Lady Judith (Sir Adrian's wife), his brother Sir John Swire, Adrian and Judy's son Merlin (now the Group Finance Director and Finlays Chairman), Glen Swire (a cousin who amongst other things was the Australian pen pal for many years),Glen's wife Caroline, Angela Scott and us.A very personal occassion helped by only nine people being present.
Adrian made a very nice speech saying how much they had enjoyed their Clyde visits and I responded. My main tack was what a privelege it had been to pursue what was largely Edward Scott's dream in working with such delightful people in building an agricultural business. I also said how important, enjoyable and motivational their regular visits to our properties had been. I mentioned that I was not enamoured with Clyde's current direction, but quickly went on, acknowledging that 'the old order changeth".
After lunch broke up around 3:00pm we changed in to more casual attire and headed for Lords (walk and taxi) to see if we actually could get hold of Bill Rothery's four tickets to each day of the Test. As we passed the Palace there were hordes of people lining up for one of the Queen's annual summer Garden Parties. Dressed to the'nines', I was reminded of a cartoon which always amused me, of a lady putting on her refinery to see the Queen drive by and commenting "I don't think she even saw me"!Our taxi driver told us that she doubted if many of the guests would actually see the Queen!
Armed with Letter of Introduction, Passport and SCG membership card and following communication from the SCG Trust, instigated by Bill Rothery in Australia we were successful, albeit with much muttering about how "we never transfer tickets". Bill had done a great job in dramatising the circumstances which prevented him coming, not without a sound basis for doing so. We returned by foot and bus and now have a good feel for getting from here to there. We also made contact with Cam Emerson (former MD of Swire Australian subsidiary Transwest). Gail and I are now to attend the Lord Taverners Dinner at the London Hilton tomorrow night with Cam and his wife Carol.
Found an Italian Restaurant down the road from here for dinner and retired early after a very complete and satisfying day.
Wednesday 15th July
An early morning walk donw Birdcage Walk to the Houses of Parliament and the Thames across the front of the Palace of Westminister to find the statue of Richard the Lionheart and the Peers Entrance so we would know where to go next week, then back past the Abbey and along Victoria Road.
After breakfast at the flat we headed off and found agreat crowd at Buck Palace waiting for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. We joined in and then had lunch across the road at the flower festooned (external) "The Albert" Hotel before heading off on a tourist bus ride around London. We must have crossed the Thames about six times and saw all the old familiar sights. Had time for a brief rest before getting a taxi to the London Hilton for the Lord Taverner's Dinner with Cam Emerson and his cricket touring party.
The dinner was great. Speeches includes Ronnie Corbett and former Prime Minister John Major. One expected Corbett to be funny and he was. Major delivered one of the best and surprisingly (to me) and most amusing speeches I have ever heard. I loved every minute of it.Wonderful use of the English language on one of my favourite subjects-cricket. I met Mike Gatting the former English captain whose only achievement I can recall was being bowled by "the ball of the century"-Warne's first Test match ball on English soil. Next day I met the man himself (Warne) when I found him having a smoke at the foot of the spaceship like Media Centre at Lords. I think he had a big hangover. He did give me a signature for Kate.
Thursday 16th-Monday 20thJuly 2009-Second Cricket Test at Lords
On Day I I walked down to Westminster and got the Tube to St John's Wood and walked to the North Gate. Like Sydney huge queue for the Member's Stand, but good access for those of us plebs with allocated seats elsewhere. Ours were in the Compton Stand. As arranged met Martin Whitaker and Bill's friend Julian Hill at the gate and handed over their tickets. At lunchtime after several glassesof white wine per favour of Julian we met Richard Reynolds, another friend of Bill's to give him his tickets. This meeting took place in the champagne bar at the Real Tennis Courts where we further imbibed. A very drowsy afternoon ensued as England piled on the runs and Mitchell Johnson sprayed the ball all over the place. Met my friend Ross Flannery in the Stand during the day. At close of play after walking with Martin Whitaker to Baker Street Station decided to walk the rest of the way back to Buckingham Gate.
Our seats for the first four days were in the Compton Stand to the right of the ultra modern rather incongrous Media Centre. The facilities for the general public at Lord's are really appalling and I was pretty underwhelmed. Not helped by Australia's poor performance. There are not enough stairways to the stand so it takes forever to get out and then even longer to get out of the ground (not enough gates). You queue forever for drinks, food and even to have a pee. Most of the stands are not under cover and there is no room for people to get past already seated spectators.
Gail came with me on Days 3 and 4. By then we developed a travel pattern of getting the Tube from Green Park (Jubilee Line) to St John's Wood and coming back on the No.16 Bus down Edgeware Road. One evening (rain and light stopped play each night) we got chatting to two delightful men on the bus and were speculating as to their occupations. One appeared to work for the Foreign Office and we put the other down as a medico. We both got our faces badly sunburnt on Day 3.
At Tea time on Day 4 we met up with Merlin Swire and fellow Swire Director William Weymss and several of William's mates. A short enjoyable interlude.
On Day 5 there was just a glimmer of hope that Australia might score a world record 500+ in the last innings after a wonderful stand by Michael Clarke and Haddin. We shifted camp very early from the Swire Flat just around the corner, so to speak, to the Caledonian Club, so that I could get out to Lord's early as I had a Reciprocal Pass to the Member's Stand, so needed to queue. Had the luxury of a taxi from the Club (same one as did the move)and joined a somewhat shorter Members queque compared with previous days.
Members I chatted with in the queue assured me I would have no trouble getting a seat in the Pavillion which I was keen to do on what might be my only opportunity. Whilst waiting my Medico designated friend from the bus came along and I invited him to take the place "I was saving for him" in the queue. He readily accepted. He was great company and mentioned that he worked at Westminster Abbey. On questioning he turned out to be not a Medico, but a Canon of the Abbey-the Rev. Ralph Godsall. He took me in hand, showed me the way to the middle deck of the Pavillion where there was no trouble getting a seat, took me on a tour of the Long Room, and introduced me to the Bowlers Bar and balcony.
In talking matters theological I ascertained his liberal approach then "admitted" my attraction to Spong. He likewise expressed enthusiasm for "Jack Spong" and told me that whilst at Cambridge he had been Chaplain to John Robinson of "Honest to God" fame. So now we really had common ground.
After making my own way to the Museum and viewing the Ashes Urn I had a coffee and bacon sandwich before joining Ralph, and Ross Flannery on the balcony for the ringing of the 5 minute bell. There I ran in to one of the very few MCC Members I knew (SCG and Adelaide Club acquaintance) Robert.....
As we mounted the stairs to our seats we passed the Australian batsmen coming down. Clarke looked pale and both he and Haddin very focussed.
If I was underwhelmed by Lord's on Days 1 to 4 I was now overwhelmed. What a fabulous historic, traditional spot.But, you do need to be in the Member's Stand. A pity Australia didn't win-the game finished just before Lunch with Flintoff taking five wickets. After the first drinks break (mid-day)my friend Ralph suggested we should also have a drink and we watched the end of the game from the Bowlers Bar balcony with pint in hand surrounded by very biased members.
Ross Flannery and two grain industry mates had lunch with me in the Long Room Bar, before I decided I had enough to drink and got a cab back to the Caledonia Club and crashed. Five days intense watching a cricket Test is exhausting!
Tuesday 21st July
Did a long walk early, going south back to Victoria etc. A scrumptous Scottish breakfast (for the uninformed "Caledonia" is the ancient name for Scotland and also happens to be the name of the second (and happiest) station in central Queensland where I did my second year jackarooing);we headed off for two arranged meetings. First with Ralph Godsall at Westminster Abbey for a guided tour-Ralph resplendent in his bright red cassock etc. (Queens colours, as the Abbey is not administered by the Church, but by the Queen (as advised by Downing Street). A most interesting insight including a visit to the shrine of Edward the Confessor, behind the high altar where the public are not admitted. Then at 12:45 Ralph escorted us over the road and thru' security (the cassock opens all doors!)to the Peer's Entrance to the Palace of Westminster where we were to meet Lord (Mark) Marlesford.
We had a delicious lunch and stimulating conversation with Mark before he took us on a tour of this magnificent palace. Most of it is relatively modern having been re-built, in the Gothic style, after the fire in 1836. Lord Marlesford had spoken in the House of Lords the previous day on the economy and gave us an autographed copy of Hansard including his speech. He is particularly concerned about credit card debt, much of which he believes is toxic.
He also is retiring from his Swire retainer arrangements at the end of this year, so I am in good company. We only have two more epistles. He is justifiably proud of his September 2007 paper which predicted the financial problems ahead.
After leaving the Palace we hung around the Abbey and attended Evensong at 5:00PM. It was sung by a visiting choir (Peterborough Cathedral) and was great. Very sincere simple, but formal service and no sermon.
Wednesday 22nd.July
No appointments today. I headed off for my morning constitutional this time heading north thru' Knightsbridge and via the Albert Gate in to Hyde Park. Walked right around the Serpentine (lake) and back to Halkin Street.
After a too full breakfast we headed for Oxford St via Picadilly and did some limited gift shopping. Couldn't get over how expensive Selfidges was, but found Marks and Spencers much more competitive. Had a big Scottish Dinner at the Club and retired reasonably early.
Thursday 23rd July
For this morning's constitutional I headed around the Palace wall and down to Westminster and the Thames. Outside the Palace Mews I came face to face with former Australian P.M. John Howard also out for his morning walk! We chatted briefly about the cricket and he assured me that he had been at Lord's every day.
We packed (an increasing challenge) and got a taxi aound to the Bus Station and caught the bus back to Cirencester where Martin Whitaker met us and brought us to his and Sue's delightful cottage (1600's)on the edge of Driffield village.
Friday 24th July
Today we headed for the C.L.A.Game Fair at Belvoir (pronounced Beaver) Castle in Leicestershire. A little over two hours drive mostly on motorways with lots of confusing, fast moving round-a-bouts. I was glad Martin was driving.
The Fair is a big deal and the Castle backdrop spectacular, set high on a wooded hill. Row upon row of stalls with business promotion/entertaining, food and clothing, dog (hounds)and falcon displays,etc. etc. Wonderfully well organised. Sat in on a most interesting debate on food security in the Strutt and Parker tent. A long interesting day with lots of lovely scenery in the travelling.
Saturday 25th July
A nice unsheduled day. Leisurely brunch followed by a beautiful drive and walk. Then a fabulous dinner at a classical local village pub-I could get used to English pub life-and no doubt larger than ever!
Sunday 26th July-Monday 27th July
Breakfast followed by a long walk with dogs in toe around the Driffield fields. Old Norman Church and interesting crops. It's great to be with an agriculturalist. After lunch Martin and Sue kindly drove us to Heathrow via "drive past" look at Adrian Swire's crops-and they look great.
Took off in a very well presented Boeing 747-400 around 7:00pm. A very welcome upgrade to First Class-only nine participants with two stewardesses!
Eleven hours flying time,6,000 miles (9,600km)with,in parts, the help of a 100km/hour tailwind, a ground speed of 1029km/hour. Mostly at 31,000 feet.
Some interesting views of the Baltic Coast including a spectacular view, as light was disappearing, of the Polish port of Gdansk. Brought back memories of Lech Walesa and Solidarity,Cardinal Wojtyla who became Pope John Paul 2 and the role this all played in the fall of communism and the Iron Curtain. Darkness took over and sleep was welcome, but disturbed.
Lost the seven hours we gained on the way over and arrived H.K.on schedule at 1:00pm.on 27th.
The now familiar, wonderful routine of being met at the aircraft door, ushered thru' customs into the Swire car and met by Karna at the Pacfic Place Apartments for escorting to the Taikoo Suite on 35th Floor, all worked like clockwork. I could get used to this!
Did some stressful (jetlagged)family shopping in the very expensive Pacfic Place shops before a scratch cafeteria style early dinner and going to bed too early and waking every two hours thru' the night.
Tuesday 28th July
Early car to the Airport along the now familiar, but spectacular drive. Raining heavily. Airport train again to Gate 23 and away on schedule around 9:00AM on another Airbus.
A daylight flight again, but largely over ocean until you reach Australia. The flight is a distance of 4,600 Miles(7,400km) and takes just under nine hours. Only a two hour time difference (Hong Kong and Perth are in the same time zone). Started at 31,000 feet, but most of the time at 39,000. Pretty turbulent around the Philippines. The flight over Australia was again very interesting. East of our northbound track, but good views of the west Gulf of Carpentaria coast, lots of fires, and a good clear view of Mt.Isa which looked small for a city of 18,000 people from 39,000 feet. Surprised how hilly the country was south from the Gulf. Once darkness descended it was easy to identify town lights with the help of the GPS fed individual screens-particulary Dubbo and surrounding towns.
I was mindful of my first awareness of Swire when Gail and I flew Cathay between Hong Kong and Taipei(?)forty years ago and how I was impressed by what I read in the airline magazine of this,low key English family company which ran the airline.
This first impression in many ways instilled an attraction which made me interested in the approach of Edward Scott some twenty years later.I would never have dreamt that I would have the wonderful opportunities the Group provided me to develop the Australian agricultural arm and that I would one day be a Director of the Australian subsidiary and that Gail and I would one day be the beneficiary of a retirement trip such as what we have just enjoyed.
The disappointments have been the death of Edward Scott, the seven year long-turn of the century-drought, and the strategic direction and management style adopted for Clyde since my retirement as an executive.
Swires have been wonderful employers and I feel truly privileged to have worked for a Group of such quality and with such great values. One of these values is to support local management-a principle of which I was a beneficiary for so many years.
David Boyd
30.07.09
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Saturday, August 15, 2009
Free Markets
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Thomas Jefferson
The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.
Cicero, 55 BC
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw
A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.-
G Gordon Liddy
"The russian Bolsheviks have discovered that truth does not matter so long as there is reiteration . They have no difficulty whatever in countering a fact by a lie which, if repeated often enough and loudly enough, becomes accepted by the people". - Brighton, October 4, 1947
Winston Churchill
* "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president" /
Teddie Roosevelt
"Just because you do not take an interest in politics
doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you."
Pericles
"You may try to destroy wealth, and find that all you have done is to increase poverty" ... Commons, March 12, 1947
Winston Churchill
Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.
-Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
-P. J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.
-Voltaire (1764)
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
-Pericles (430 B.C.)
No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
-Mark Twain (1866 )
Under this system the best incentive for work disappears, production necessarily drops and indolence and misery prevail in all of society
Plinio Correa de Oliveira
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill
Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon.
Winston Churchill on private enterprise
-Thomas Jefferson
The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.
Cicero, 55 BC
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw
A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.-
G Gordon Liddy
"The russian Bolsheviks have discovered that truth does not matter so long as there is reiteration . They have no difficulty whatever in countering a fact by a lie which, if repeated often enough and loudly enough, becomes accepted by the people". - Brighton, October 4, 1947
Winston Churchill
* "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president" /
Teddie Roosevelt
"Just because you do not take an interest in politics
doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you."
Pericles
"You may try to destroy wealth, and find that all you have done is to increase poverty" ... Commons, March 12, 1947
Winston Churchill
Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.
-Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
-P. J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.
-Voltaire (1764)
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
-Pericles (430 B.C.)
No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
-Mark Twain (1866 )
Under this system the best incentive for work disappears, production necessarily drops and indolence and misery prevail in all of society
Plinio Correa de Oliveira
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill
Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon.
Winston Churchill on private enterprise
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