XN000022-1996-01-03 — Page 6

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Local labour was employed to build the church which was finally completed and opened in March 1849 for services. The church was formally accorded the status of cathedral in the same year. However, due to the shortage of funds, the tower was only completed in 1850. The management of the cathedral was transferred from the Colonial Chaplain to Bishop George Smith, who became the first Bishop of Victoria of the Anglican Church in March 1850.

The cathedral at this time had no chancel and the cast end terminated in a small apse. It had 640 seats, of which 250 were allocated for the use of naval and military personnel. The size of the cathedral was soon found to be inadequate and an extension at the east was proposed and finally completed in 1873. The foundation stone for the extension was laid by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in 1869.

During the Japanese Occupation (1941-45), the cathedral suffered heavy damage though services still continued until 1944 when it became a public hall and social club for the Japanese community. After the War, the Cathedral Committee drew up plans for its restoration which was carried out by Leigh and Orange. Most of the present interior design and furnishings are post-war.

End

High APIs recorded for the territory

Air pollution indices (API) for the territory have for the first time exceeded 100 since the system was launched by the Environmental Protection Department on June 6 last year.

Today's (Wednesday) API is 117 for the urban area, 120 for the industrial area and 104 for the new development area.

"When the index exceeds 100, it means air quality is unhealthy. People suffering from asthma, lung or heart illnesses may be adversely affected and are advised to reduce physical exertion and laborious outdoor activities until the air quality situation improves," Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Tse Chin- wan, said.

"Today's poor air quality is due to an elevated level of nitrogen dioxide and respirable particulates. Nitrogen dioxide is caused by the oxidation of nitrogen oxides under sunlight. Both nitrogen oxides and respirable particulates are mainly emitted by diesel vehicles in the atmosphere. The low wind speed and persistently stable atmosphere provide a condition for the formation and accumulation of air pollutants." he said.