1921-22

Daughters Irene and Eva are among the first female undergraduates to enter the University of Hong Kong. Both later take postgraduate qualifications overseas. Eva becomes a medical doctor. Irene is an academic, educationalist and later writes a book on Clara’s life and her own intercultural memories.

1922

Starts to promote Buddhism in Hong Kong through arranging lecture series by eminent venerables.

As a devout Buddhist and thus an advocate of humane treatment for animals, Clara serves on the committee of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, formally set up in Hong Kong in 1921.

1923

Goes to Shanghai and northern China with her husband, who is trying to organise a peace conference round table with the various warlords.

1924

While studying in the UK, son Edward Sai Kim marries an Irish woman, Mordia O’Shea, without informing his family. Clara is caught between an angry husband and son. Later, Edward and Mordia move to Shanghai and adopt the family name Hotung. Clara sees her grandchildren when visiting the city.

Travels with son Robert Shai Lai (later father of Robert Hung Ngai) to Nanking, where he hopes to enroll in the well-known Baoding Military Academy. They find it has closed. Robert Shai Lai subsequently studies at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, in the UK.

1927

Embarks on an 18-month trip to the UK and Europe. Children Irene, Eva and Robert Shai Lai are all studying there at the time.

The construction of “The Falls” on the Peak is completed as Clara’s main residence.

1928

Called back to Hong Kong to attend son Robert Shai Lai’s wedding to Hesta Ki Fun Hung.

1929

Accompanies husband on another visit to northern China as he tries to rekindle peace negotiations as well as spur industrial development. During the visit, they stay with Young Marshal Zhang Xueliang, who later takes son Robert Shai Lai onto his military staff.

Goes on a pilgrimage to India and Burma with youngest daughter Florence.