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Residents in Chung Uk Village, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po had a most memorable day today (Saturday) when the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and his wife, Mrs Betty Tung, joined them in celebrating the Lunar New Year.

The VIP visitors mingled with the villagers and exchanged greetings with them at the village square, where they also watched dragon and lion dances to welcome the arrival of the Year of the Dragon.

They also distributed laisees and tiny paper dragons to a gathering of villagers, particularly the young.

The first settlement in Lam Tsuen was founded over 700 years ago. It now comprised 26 indigenous villages, including Chung Uk Village, totalling 8,000 indigenous villagers. The Chung clan had migrated from their original home in Fujian Province to escape the ravages of war. The clan had created a successful agrarian settlement in their new homes, thanks to the fertile land watered by the adjacent rivers.

Mr and Mrs Tung were briefed on the colourful history of the village and the traditional practices of indigenous villagers. They were also treated to home-made festival food traditionally served during Lunar New Year holidays.

They also visited the home of Mr Chung Chi-kin, a 69-year-old indigenous Chung Uk Villager and a retired civil servant.

The were accompanied by the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau; Chairman of Tai Po District Council and Tai Po Rural Committee, Mr Cheung Hok-ming; and Acting Tai Po District Officer, Miss Vivian Cheung.

Photo 1: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and Mrs Tung celebrated Lunar New Year with residents of Chung Uk Village, one of the 26 indigenous villages in Lam Tsuen, today.

Photo 2 : The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and Mrs Tung distributing laisees and mini-paper dragons to villagers celebrating Lunar New Year's Day at the Chung Uk Village square today.

End/Saturday, February 5, 2000

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