XN000022-1997-01-13 — Page 25

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Ceremonial opening of 95-year-old time capsule to be held

After a long and undisturbed rest, a time capsule buried in a stone block in the Prince of Wales Barracks will be opened on Wednesday (January 15), 95 years after it was entombed.

The capsule was laid in 1902 by the wife of Commodore Powell to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of the dockyard. Originally positioned at the head of the dock, the tablet stone was set into place and a sealed capsule interred into a ready made cavity.

The contents of the capsule are unknown, although it is rumoured to include newspapers and coins of the day. At a later and unknown date, the stone was lifted to its present position and more artefacts were added.

In keeping with tradition, the wife of the present Commodore, Mrs Janet Melson, will open the capsule at 11 am on Wednesday, using the original trowel of her predecessor. A small Royal Navy guard will also be in attendance.

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Simple but solemn funeral for postman killed on duty

The funeral of a postman, Mr Ng Sik-ho, was held on January 8 (Wednesday) at the Universal Funeral Parlour at Hung Hum.

Mr Ng lost his life in a traffic accident at Clearwater Bay Road on December 24 last year when his mail van was hit by a coach travelling in the opposite direction and crashing the road divider. He was certified dead after being admitted to United Christian Hospital.

Following a customary ceremony, the cortege moved to the International Mail Centre where Mr Ng worked for colleagues there to pay their last respects. It then proceeded to Clearwater Bay Road for an on-scene ceremony.

Mr Ng's body was later delivered to Gallant Garden at Wo Hop Shek for burial. Gallant Garden is a special burial ground and columbarium for civil servants killed on duty.