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  Father of the Canal》In Memory of Hachitayoichi

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▌The Friendship Organization presented Ha Ta Statue

　

Just before Wushantou Reservoir was completed, the workers organized   “Friendship Organization” in order to stay in touch with one another in the future. Hachitayoichi was elected as the chairman. The Friendship Organization not only setup stone tablets for deceased workers, they also made a statue of Hachitayoichi to praise his merits and achievements. The statue was made in the image of Hachitayoichi in his work garment, work boots. He is in the sitting position with his legs bent, his right hand fiddling with his hair, and his eyes gazing into the distance. It is how he looked whenever he was thinking hard and deep. After the statue was finished, it was erected overlooking Shanhu Pond just as he would have wanted it to be. It was placed directly on the ground without elevating it.

　

Accounting Notice of The reservoir workers’ donations in the setup of Hachitayoichi’s statue (Source: Hachitayoichi Memorial Room)

　

▌Ha Ta Statue Spared from Destruction

　

As the Japanese troops continued to lose battles at war, there was a shortage of military supplies. The military then ordered that all metal products in the possession of the people had to be surrendered, which were to be melted and remade into weapons. As a result, Hachitayoichi’s Statue was dismantled and rendered. After the war, a clerk at Chia-Nan Farmland Irrigation Association accidentally discovered the Hachitayoichi Statue at the warehouse of Fanztian (Longtian) Station. The political situation was tense at the time, so, Irrigation Association secretly moved it to the dormitory in Wushantou. Later, it was transferred to Administration Office of Wushantou. It was not until 1981 was it setup in its original location, before the tomb of the Mr. and Mrs. Ha Ta again. Of course, the government tacitly consented to it. Now, Hachitayoichi Statue overlooks Wushantou Reservoir once again.

　

Hachitayoichi Statue and Mr. and Mrs. Ha Ta’s Tombs

　

▌Mourning Over Hachitayoichi’s Death Every May 8th

　

May 8th is the death anniversary of Hachitayoichi. Every year on that day; Irrigation Association holds a mourning ceremony before Mr. and Mrs. Ha Ta’s tombs. Former colleagues of Hachitayoichi also fly to Taiwan from Japan to attend the ceremony. Everyone holds xhrysanthemums in their hands and pray solemnly. Hachitayoichi is the most respected Japanese in Taiwan. In 2006, the eldest son of Hachitayoichi, Hachitaakia passed away shortly after he attended the mourning ceremony. He died of complications from a chronic disease.

　

▌Technician Ha ta Memorial Room

　

In 2001, Chia-NanIrrigation Association built Technician Ha Ta Memorial Room at the water transport where Hachitasotoyoki killed herself. The commemoration room is not large in size. There is a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Ha Ta at old age. After entering, a large picture of Hachitayoichi is hung on the wall. It was taken at the Wushantou Assembly Office when was younger. Below the picture is the statue of Ha Ta donated by Mr. Shu Wen-Lung, the president of Chi Mei Corporation. He also donated a half-body statue as a collection item at Ancient Great Man Museum, Kanazawa City.

Hachitayoichi is also commemorated by the Japanese

þKanazawa City Ancient Man Museum is located in Kanazawa City. It is the birth place of Hachitayoichi. Great men of Kanazawa are on display here including Hachitayoichi. We discovered these facts from a search. Please visit the Website

　

On the left side of the museum are data and photographs of Mr. and Mrs. Ha Ta. On the right side are photographs of Wushantou Reservoir engineering. There is also documentary film showing. A museum tour guide will attend to you if you file application in advance. Please visit this place in your free time to learn about “Father of Chia-Nan Canal” who is respected by the Japanese and the Taiwanese alike.

　

Hachitayoichi Memorial room

Half-body statue and photographs

 on display inside the memorial room
　 　

Data of Mr. and Mrs. Ha Ta inside the Museum Room

Reservoir engineering photographs are

 also on display inside the museum room

　

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  ▍Hsin Chia Elementary School ˙Houbi Township, Tainan County , Taiwan (R.O.C.)˙2008˙1024*768