*****************************

Government House gardens will be open in two consecutive weekends on February 24 and 25 and March 3 and 4 for members of the public to enjoy the azaleas in full bloom.

"Visitors may walk through the gardens and take photographs against the beautiful background of this monument," a Government spokesman said today (February 23).

"They may also pass by the drawing room and dining room where the Chief Executive usually holds important official functions."

"Visitors should not miss the display in the ballroom, produced with the assistance of the Antiquities and Monuments Office. There are old pictures of Government House and photographs of renowned dignitaries who have visited Government House since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," the spokesman added.

Government House gardens will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on these days. Visitors should enter the gardens by the east gate at Upper Albert Road and leave by the main gate. They are advised not to travel by private car.

The open days will be cancelled if the weather condition is bad. Members of the public are advised to pay attention to public announcements on radio in case of bad weather.

End/Friday, February 23, 2001

NNNN