XN000022-1996-12-09 — Page 12

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Commenting on the white-tiled

the white-tiled structure, Mr Suen observed: "The predominantly white and pink colours of the building should impart a warm feeling to visitors and make them feel at ease while in the foyer at the entrance is a pair of granite murals depicting flocks of crane flying towards heaven. The murals symbolise the transition from the material world to the eternal paradise.

"From the spacious entrance foyer extending to the north and south wings, the open design of the columbarium provides natural ventilation and allows for mercurial play of light throughout the day to the interior.

"The landscape deck features a progression of planters and colonnades that leads to a traditional Chinese pavilion, creating an ambience of dignity and serenity while the north and south wings stretch gently to the sky like a bird," Mr Suen said.

The Sai Kung District Officer, Mr Tony Dickinson, was also present at the ceremony along with about 100 invited guest representatives of other government departments and companies involved in the project and local community leaders.

End

Better fire protection for residents

Fire protection for central Hong Kong and Hong Kong east has improved tremendously since the commissioning of Tung Lo Wan Fire Station last May.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fire station today (Monday), the Director of Fire Services, Mr Peter Cheung, pointed out that the station had provided fire cover for the vacuum area between North Point Fire Station and Wan Chai Fire Station.

"Before the station's commissioning, travelling time of fire appliances attending fire calls from this area frequently exceeded the target set out in our performance pledge.

"With the new station in service, the average travelling time of fire appliances attending fire calls in the area is about four minutes, which is indeed a great improvement," Mr Cheung said.