For discussion
on 26th May 1981
Her
RESTRICTEDXCR (81
XCR (81)111 Copy No : .3.2
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
BULAGANJU KE BAAN SAntiquities and Monuments Ordinance
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2 - JUN 1981
BSK OFFICER
Action
for
Introduction
(Chapter 53)
LARATION AS A MONUMENT OF
DISTRICT OFFICE (NORTH)
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J22.5.
Under section 3 of the Antiquities and Monuments
Ordinance (Chapter 53), 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, archaelogical or palaeontogical significance to be a monument,
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The Antiquities Advisory Board has advised and the Secretary for the New Territories has proposed that the District Office (North) Building (formerly District Office (Taipo), and before that the office of the District Office (North)) at Tai Po and the wooded hill immediately around it (as shown on the annexed plan) should be declared a monument under section 3(1) of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance by reason of its historical significance.
District Office (North)
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The building dates from about 1907. It is said that before the famous 1906 typhoon this District Office consisted of a strong room and a matshed: after the typhoon is consisted of a strong room. The building is a typical two storey colonial-style structure of the turn of the century. Finished in fine red brick, simple in design, with open verandahs and horizontal brick lintels, it is both pleasing and dignified in appearance. Some damage during the Japanese occupation has been repaired and the building is now not significantly changed from the original, except for internal alterations to accommodate staff of District Office (North) which continues to use the building. The history of the building is closely connected with the New Territories lease and the early British administration of the New Territories. It is one of the first Government buildings in the New Territories and the earliest seat of the New Territories Administration.
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District Office (North) will move to leased accommodation in the Fan Ling/Sheung Shui area, as soon as this becomes available. It is intended that the building will then be used to accommodate expansion by District Office (Tai Po), so the building will continue to be used as Govern- ment offices for the forseeable future. The grounds surrounding the building are included in the declaration to ensure the preservation of its fine setting at the top of a wooded hill.
RESTRICTED
G.S. 84
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