ENG-1966 — Page 228

Voyage of Discovery

High-heeled junks, with hulls like battered boots, still tread their well worn paths across the waters of 'Fragrant Harbour'. Boat women in cane-cone hats, with toddlers strapped to their backs, still scull sampans loaded with fish and vegetables. But little else remains of the peaceful and tranquil scene presented, as late as 130 years ago, by this former backwater of the China Sea. On the once barren rocks of Hong Kong Island have spring the concrete ramparts of one of the most modern, sophisticated and progressive cities in the Eastern hemisphere.

à mere pinpoint on the physical atlas, Hong Kong looms conspicuously tall on everybody's map, be he trader, banker, industrialist or one of the millions of

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tourists who, over the years, have regarded this tiny Colony as a cornerstone in their voyages of discovery. Hong Kong packs more contrasts into its 398 square miles than other countries do in several thousands. The sampans which ply crowded 'Fragrant Harbour' today may have their cargoes of groceries replaced by wicker seats, offering tourists a

view of the Dragon Boat Races or a trip to a floating restaurant.

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