fftw
:
Copy.
Enclosure
413
+
?
10
original
not sent.
BES.
Hon. Colonial Secretary.
I have been requested to forward the attached petition from the Elders of the township of KAM TIN, in this district, asking for the return of their Iron Gates,
together with a translation thereof, in which I have endeavoured to retain something of the picturesque phrase- ology of the original,
These gates belonged to the two "wai's", or walled villages of TÀI HƠN WAI and KAT HING WAI, which form part of the settlement known as KAM TIN, and were an object of pride to the inhabitants on account of their workmanship and
antiquity.
On our entry into the New Territories in April,
1899, these gates were removed by us as a punishment for the resistance offered by the natives, though other offending villages were not so penalised.
KAM TIN was the first village to be founded in the New Territories, just over a thousand years ago, and the inhabitants, the "T'ang" Clan, were over-lords of the district up to the time of our arrival.
The socount of our entry into the Territories, and the removal of the gates is given in an official report printed shortly after for Legislative Council.
From that day to this, the "T'angs", especially those of KAN TIN, have behaved in exemplary fashion, and the present head of the clan, Mr. Tang Pak Kau, is a gentleman of sterling worth and integrity, who is always ready to assist the District Officer in the solution of those
intricate probleme of local custom and prejudice which frequently arise.
The gates, I understand, are now in a somewhat
dilapidated condition, and the clan is none too wealthy;
I
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.