4.
village-type houses the occupants of which were engaged in
cultivation. The city was of no importance apart from its
historical interest.
4.
At the present time Kowloon City can only be
described as a ruin. The city wall, with the exception of
a portion about 60 feet long at the north-east corner, was
demolished in 1942 by the Japanese to obtain materials for
the extension of Kai Tack Aerodrome. Only two buildings
remain, the delapidated former free school which is now
occupied by several families of squatters, about 70 persons
in all, and the home for aged women which shows signs of
recent repairs and houses about 60 persons. All the other
buildings are partially or wholly demolished and uninhabited.
Two ancient cannon which used to guard the main gateway in
the city wall are the only historical relics which remain.
The greater part of the area is being cultivated by the
squatters.
5.
I enclose a plan showing the position and extent of
the old walled city. The former city wall is shown in red.
A triangular area forming part of the side of a steep hill
to the north of the city was formerly enclosed by a low wall
built of boulders (shown in blue on the plan); this wall no
longer exists and the area it formerly enclosed is being
quarried.
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