Elementary Cantonese a book by N.L. Smith (Kelly & Walsh, 1920 141×202 161p)
Of course, the actual study of Cantonese is elementary, but the tonal drill is as about as
simply and comprehensibly put as possible. The object has been to make the student think tonally,
and the exercises on this point are not only well arranged but are also of vocabulary merit.
source : HK Telegraph 1920-3-25
From the Web, there seems not more details about this century old publication. Quite likely one of the first books on learning Cantonese published in HK, only covered by few Japanese websites interestingly, in Kansai region.
On same day, a book review of two columns long also appeared on China Mail, title Commonsense of a Cadet, using pen-name Advergarian. : )
His last few words are :
... Go get it. Nee bo shue ho [1]
By 19 Nov. 1912, Mr N. L. Smith was appointed Assistant District Officer for the Northern District. He had passed the final examination
of Cantonese on the 8th Nov.
After WWI, he had held various offices until early Dec. 1941 :
Second Police Magistrate [2]; Imports and Exports Department, Sanitary Department head, Postmaster General [3]; Director of Education; Secretary for Chinese Affairs; Colonial Secretary chronologically
and acting Governor few times (over 240 days in total)
Your inputs and comments are most welcome, if any mistaken identity, as there is no other cross references found at hand yet.
notes
1. China Mail 1920-3-25 p.4
2. HK Daily Press 1920-1-3; Gov't Gazette. Oct 1920
3. Gov't Gazette, c.1920s