ENG-1995 — Page 422

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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Eight historical buildings were declared monuments in 1995: the former Gate Lodge, Government House, Central Police Station, Victoria Prison, the former Central Magistracy, and three historical buildings at the University of Hong Kong University Hall, the Hung Hing Ying Building and the Tang Chi Ngong Building.

The former Gate Lodge on Mt Austin Road, the Peak, formerly housed the gatekeeper of the former Mountain Lodge, the Governor's summer residence. The original Government House, designed by Charles St. George Cleverly, was built in 1851 but underwent several major alterations. Government House is an odd mixture of architectural features but its general appearance is still imposing and its occupants and guests have given the building a rich history.

The Central Police Station, Victoria Prison and the former Central Magistracy form a group in Central. They were built in 1864, 1842 and 1913 respectively with subsequent alterations and extensions. Together they reflect vividly the evolution of administration, justice, law and order in Hong Kong. University Hall was built by a European merchant in about 1861 as his headquarters and residence. It was acquired by the French Societé des Missions Etrangéres in 1894 and bought by the university in 1954. Hung Hing Ying Building was formally opened in 1919 by the Governor, Sir Reginald Stubbs, as a Students' Union building. Tang Chi Ngong Building was built in 1929 for the study of Chinese language and literature and this three-storey, flat- roofed building is currently the Centre of Asian Studies.

Various historical buildings were fully restored, including the yamen building at the former Kowloon Walled City, Loi Shing Tong and Cheung Chun Yuen in Kam Tin, Liu Man Shek Tong in Sheung Shui and Man Lung Fung Ancestral Hall in San Tin.

The Antiquities Advisory Board also examined pre-war Chinese temples in Yuen Long, all pre-war waterworks buildings, the Gun Club Hill Barracks and others and graded them according to their historical and architectural merit.

A detailed photographic recording of all recorded, graded and gazetted buildings was completed to update and enhance the existing archive. A 24-month, territory- wide survey on pre-war historical buildings and structures was begun with a view to compiling a comprehensive database for better management of the architectural heritage.

The threat to the archaeological heritage from various developments and construc- tion works relating to the replacement airport and port developments diminished gradually in 1995. As a result, the number of archaeological rescue projects required dropped significantly compared with those undertaken in 1994.

Two major rescue excavations were conducted. The first ran from February to April as a cultural exchange programme between the Antiquities and Monuments Office and three archaeological institutions in Guangdong and Shenzhen at Sha Tsui Tau, Tung Chung, which will be affected by the development of the Tung Chung New Town near Hong Kong's new airport. The field study succeeded in achieving a comprehensive interpretation of the site which yielded large quantities of kiln debris and furniture together with Tang dynasty pottery. It also provided a welcome opportunity for local and mainland archaeologists to exchange views and experience in field techniques and site interpretation. The entire operation was financed by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.