XN000022-1977-10-03 — Page 2

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Monday, October 3, 1977

HISTORY TAKES TO THE STREETS

Hong Kong will see the introduction of commemorative plaques,

similar to those found in London, when the Urban Services Department launches

a long-term project next year to mark places of historical interest.

Announcing the details today, the Executive Secretary of the USD's

Antiquities and Monuments Section, Dr. S.M. Bard, said: "it will provide a

short but attractive history of Hong Kong to residents and tourists alike."

The locations to be chosen will commemorate:

places where famous people lived or congregated;

important events; and

important first buildings.

Regarding the first category of particular interest to Hong Kong

is Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Four sites have already been identified as where

Dr. Sun studied or held important meetings, and plaques may be placed at

each location.

Dr. Bard said the plaques will be ceramic. "A very hard stoneware

has been chosen to reduce the wear and tear from exposure outdoors, and two

samples are being made at a local factory."

One of these will commemorate the Hong Kong Mint, which used to

be in Cleveland Street in East Point. The inscription, in English and

Chinese, will read: "The Hong Kong Mint stood on this site during its brief

existence, 1865 to 1868."

Subject to permission from the owners of the Hong Kong and Shanghai

Bank Building in Central, the other plaque will be installed there to show

the site of the first city hall, erected in 1869 and demolished in 1933.

/Dr. Bard