XN000022-1996-06-28 — Page 29

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Due to its dilapidated condition, restoration work at a cost of $2.7 million was carried out in July last year under the supervision of the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch.

Most of the decorations including plaster mouldings and wood carvings of the hall have been preserved. A historic stone tablet recording major restoration work carried out in 1782 by the Tangs is also displayed in the hall.

The rehabilitation ceremony will be officiated by the Deputy Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mr Benjamin Tang; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Kenneth Chan; and the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Mr David Lung.

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Marketing organisations contribute to community

The Vegetable Marketing Organisation (VMO) and Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) have made considerable contributions to Hong Kong in the past 50 years, the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, said today (Friday).

Speaking at the Golden Jubliee celebrations of VMO and FMO, Mr Ip emphasised their contributions to the development of primary production, wholesale marketing services and improvement of people's livelihood.

He pointed out that these organisations had been working closely with the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) to promote the territory's primary production in addition to their role of providing wholesale marketing services for vegetables and fresh marine fish.

Mr Ip said the two organisations were established by the Government in 1940s with the objectives of encouraging local production of vegetables and fish as well as providing orderly and efficient wholesaling for these produce.

The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Lawrence Lee, said VMO and FMO had developed greatly over the years in improving and adapting their operations to meet the changing needs of the community.

"Apart from playing key roles in the territory's fresh food supply, the organisations have established, in the eyes of the public, a symbol of wholesaling quality foods, which is crucial to local residents' good livelihood," he said.