1997-98 PRESIDENT'S REPORT ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY HONG KONG BRANCH PRESENTED AT THE 38TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FRIDAY 27 MARCH 1998
The year under review, from 26 March, 1997 to March 27, 1998 (from AGM to AGM), was a unique and historic period in that it spanned the Handover of the Territory from Britain to China.
As a direct result, what has changed? The short answer is, very little. To echo Mr Tung Chee-hwa's own words: 'It is (for our Branch) business as usual'. Neither the world nor Hong Kong, of course, stay still. You will see from this report that developments and changes, often subtle, are taking place, many of which have no connection with the Handover. For example, during the year we completed updating our Constitution. Nevertheless, for our Branch a great deal has happened and it has been a gratifying year.
One of the direct changes resulting from the Handover is the question of patronage. Previously the Chief Executive—formerly the Governor—has always been our Patron. It came as no real surprise, however, when we received a reply, in answer to our invitation for the new Chief Executive to become our Patron. The pivotal sentence read:
'Mr Tung regrets that he will not be able to accept your request'.
Your Councillors are of divided opinions as to whether having a Patron serves a useful purpose, and, if it does, who should be invited to take up the post. Views of members present here tonight will shortly be sought.
First, turning to other matters.
Membership
During the past year Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, now living in Scotland, who as Sir David Wilson served as Governor of Hong Kong, graciously accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Member of our Branch. As a Sinologist, when he served in the Territory he
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1997-98 PRESIDENT'S REPORT ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY HONG KONG BRANCH PRESENTED AT THE 38TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FRIDAY 27 MARCH 1998
The year under review, from 26 March, 1997 to March, 27 1998 (from AGM to AGM), was a unique and historic period in that it spanned the Handover of the Territory from Britain to China.
As a direct result, what has changed? The short answer is, very little. To echo Mr Tung Chee-hwa's own words: 'It is (for our Branch) business as usual'. Neither the world nor Hong Kong, of course, stay still. You will see from this report that developments and changes, often subtle, are taking place, many of which have no connection with the Handover. For example, during the year we completed up-dating our Constitution. Nevertheless, for our Branch a great deal has happened and it has been a gratifying year.
One of the direct changes resulting from the Handover is the question of patronage. Previously the Chief Executive-formerly the Governor has always been our Patron. It came as no real surprise however, when we received a reply, in answer to our invitation for the new Chief Executive to become our Patron. The pivotal sentence read:
'Mr Tung regrets that he will not be able to accept your request'.
Your Councillors are of divided opinions as to whether having a Patron serves a useful purpose, and, if it does, who should be invited to take up the post. Views of members present here tonight will shortly be sought.
First, turning to other matters.
Membership
During the past year Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, now living in Scotland, who as Sir David Wilson served as Governor of Hong Kong, graciously accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Member of our Branch. As a Sinologist, when he served in the Terrritory he
xi
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