G.S. 84
RESTRICTED
@
For discussion
on 8th December 1981
XCR (81)308 Copy No
32
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance
(Chapter 53)
294
DESK OF
PROPOSED DECLARATION OF THE ROCK CARVING
IN CHEUNG CHAU AS A MONUMENT
Introduction
PA
Under section 3 of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, the Authorities may, after consultation with the Antiquities Advisory Board and with 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 rock carving in Cheung Chau (as shown on the plan at Appendix A) should be declared a monment by reason of its historical significance.
Information about the Rock Carvings
3
Rock carvings are regarded as an expression of early man's mystical and religious beliefs. The designs of the carvings show geometric patterns with some animal forms. They are believed to have been made by early pre-historic inhabitants of Hong Kong for ritualistic purposes, probably during Hong Kong's bronze age, about 2,500 years ago.
4
The carvings are located on vertical rock surfaces overlooking Tung Wan in Cheung Chau. As it is situated partly on private land owned by three parties, in accordance with section 4(2) of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, a notice was served on the owners by the Authority, advising them of the intention to declare the rock carvings as monument and giving them one month to object to the proposed declaration. The notice was served on two of the owners on 7th April and no objection was received. The third owner is not in Hong Kong and as his whereabouts is unknown, the notice was handed over to his relative on 2nd July and no objection has been received.
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