XN000022-1977-06-24 — Page 18

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The following is the full text of Dr. the Hon. Harry

Pang's speech:-

"I count myself fortunate and indeed greatly honoured

t. be asked, on behalf of the guests in this distinguished

thering, to say a few words.

"The choice of a suitable topic for this celebrated

cccasion gave re soe difficulty, I must confess. I decided

finally that in place of some weig.ty matters of state, it would

aid digestion if I spoke in a lighter vein on the Dragon Boat

Festival, and on the Chinese names of our post-war Governors, for

those of you who have heard it all before, I hope you will bear

with me for a few minutes.

"The Dragon Boat Festival dates back to the days of the

Seven kingdoms and the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago.

It is a

Memorial day for a distinguished patriotic poet-cum-politician who

illed himself by jumping into the river when he saw no more hope

for his country.

This festival day falls on the 5th day of the 5th moon,

-

and is in fact the day of summer solstice the end of spring, the

beginning of summer, th, end of the young cycle and the beginning

of "lying"". It is celebrated as the day the crops would begin to

grow, and dreaded as the day insects, infections, communicable diseases

comence to flourish.

This day used to be considered an omen of

Jorrow and evil, but slowly, customs have changed over the centuries.

The clash of cyubels and drums of the dragon boats are no longer to

drive the evil spirits away, but a healthy sporting event which in

Hong Kong is supported enthusiastically not only by local Chinese

residents, but by all nationalities, including a special crew sent

all the way from Japan. It is in fact most appropriate that the

Hong Kong association should hold its annual dinner on this day.

Whilst on