29411
RESTRICTED
HKCIC 294
RECEIVED IN REG:STRY NO. 51 2 2 DEC 1980
Ра
PA Jez.12
J22:12
XCR (80)304
01
For discussion
DESK OFFICER
on 23rd December 1980 INDEX
REGISTRY
Copy No
PA
Action Takes
G.S. 84
Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance
(Chapter 33)
DECLARATION OF SAM TUNG UK VILLAGE AS A MONUMENT
Introduction
Under section 3(1) of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, the Authority may, after consultation with the Antiquities Advisory Board and with the approval of the Governor, declare any place, building, site, or structure which the Authority considers to be of public interest by reason of its historical, archaeological or palaeontological significance, to be a monument.
2
The Antiquities Advisory Board has advised, and the Secretary for the New Territories has proposed, that the village of Sam Tung Uk (in Tsuen Wan District of the New Territories) as shown on the annexed plan should be declared a monument by reason of its historical significance.
Sam Tung Uk Village
3
Sam Tung Uk Village is located on high ground above the Castle Peak Road in Tsuen Wan. Its history dates back to the end of the 18th century, when the Chan family moved into the area and acquired the land on which the village now stands. According to local tradition, the Chan family built the village themselves, labouring hard for many years, and occupied it in the 51st year of the emperor Chien Lung (1786). The name of the village derives from the fact that originally there were three rows of houses inside the enclosure: another row was built at the back a hundred years later.
4
The three original rows comprise about 30 dwelling units and there is a fine Chi Tong (Ancestral Hall) in the centre. Although there have been some changes, the village is still virtually in its original condition and is a good example of its kind. Northeast of the village, and close to it, is a Tin Hau Temple, a well-preserved privately maintained temple, much favoured by the local people, which has been incorporated into the redevelopment plan for North Tsuen Wan.
RESTRICTED