ENG-1970 — Page 239

PRESS, BROADCASTING AND CINEMA

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in England. It also operates a mobile cinema to give open-air film shows in the resettlement estates, remote villages, schools and asso- ciations. The Film Lending Library, stocked with informative films on Hong Kong and Britain, continued to be very well patronised.

The Hong Kong Government participated independently for the first time this year in the Category 1 World Exposition held in Osaka, Japan. Expo '70 opened on March 15, 1970 and closed on September 13, 1970. During this time 9.3 million people from all over the world visited the Hong Kong Pavilion. In addition the Hong Kong Restaurant, which was on the same site and was part of the pavilion, served over a quarter of a million people.

The outward appearance of the pavilion combined the tradi- tional batwing sails of Hong Kong with a modern structure which symbolises Hong Kong today. The main exhibition inside the pavilion told the story of Hong Kong in all aspects of its daily life. There were three main sections: The first dealing with social progress; the second with industrial progress; and the third telling something of the history and culture of Hong Kong and of its advantages as a tourist centre. The pavilion was designed in Hong Kong and built in Japan. The interiors were designed and made in Hong Kong.

In addition to the displays there was a continuing programme of entertainment staged on a circular platform on the site in the open air. The performances on this platform, including Chinese traditional dances, lion dances, traditional Chinese music and pop music, regularly attracted very large crowds. There were also demonstrations inside the main pavilion featuring jade carving, ivory carving, wood carving, carpet making, jewellery work and coromandel work. Near these demonstrations was an informa- tion counter staffed throughout the period of the Exposition, tell- ing people about Hong Kong.

The pavilion was visited by His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko, His Royal Highness the King of Nepal and other members of Royal Families in Japan, Nepal and other countries throughout the world. Visitors also included Prime Ministers, Ministers of State and leading businessmen from all parts of the world.