12.1.1 According to EIA Study Brief Section 3.4.12 and Appendix H, the cultural heritage impact assessment (CHIA) shall be carried out within the Study Area which is limited to a distance of 200 metres from the site boundary of the Project and associated works. The location of the Project and the extent of the Study Area is shown in Figure 12-1-1. There are CHIAs reported in previously approved EIA reports. The current CHIA reviews previous assessments and provides an updated cultural heritage impact assessment, including an archaeological impact assessment.
12.1.2 This CHIA will review relevant findings of CHIA in approved EIA reports, including:
l EIA
Report for Kai Tak Development (Register No.: AEIAR-130/2009) (EIA Report
KTD)
l EIA
Report for Shatin to Central Link (SCL) – Tai Wai to Hung Hom
Section (Register No.: AEIAR-167/2012) (EIA Report SCL)
12.1.3 At present, there are unearthed Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Remnants and archaeological features found at To Kwa Wan Station of SCL.
12.1.4 An updated cultural heritage impact assessment will be performed, following the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing the cultural heritage impact as stated in Annexes 10 and 19 of the Technical Memorandum (TM) of Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO).
12.1.5 The Archaeological Review is carried out by Archaeologist, Mr. Yeung Chun Tong, whose CV is included in Appendix 12A.
12.2.1
The
methodology of this CHIA is prepared according to EIA Study Brief 3.4.12 and
Appendix H and Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM.
12.2.2
Desktop
Study includes:
l Identification
of the Study Area as shown in Figure 12-1-1.
l Literature
review on geological and topographical records in the context of archaeological
review.
l Review
of historical background, including historical background from university and
public libraries.
l Desktop
research to identify declared and proposed monument, graded and proposed graded
historical buildings or structures or sites, and Government historic sites
identified by Antiquities and
Monuments Office (AMO)
within the Study Area.
l Review
approved EIA Report KTD and EIA Report SCL according to EIA Study Brief
3.4.12.1 in the context of cultural heritage impacts with particular attention
given to the unearthed Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Remnants and archaeological
features found at To Kwa Wan Station of SCL.
l Perform
historical review of the Study Area and the area in the vicinity.
12.2.3
Based
on the above reviews, the requirement on whether further field evaluation as
stated in Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief is assessed. In the case when field evaluation is
required, such field evaluation shall be performed according to Appendix H of
the EIA Study Brief, otherwise, any archaeological impacts caused by the Project will be assessed based on the desktop study.
Geological Background
12.3.1 Based on the Agreement No. 9AT 034 – Provision of Consultancy Services to facilitate the preparation of the Technical Feasibility Statement and carry out related studies for the Multi-purpose Stadium Complex at Kai Tak Kowloon City District (AECOM 2010), the superficial geology of the Project Site Area is mainly fill under Holocene of Quaternary group.
12.3.2 A review of previous Ground Investigation (GI) reports undertaken at or in the vicinity of the Project Area was conducted by AECOM to obtain available information about the geological condition around the Project Area. Based on the findings by AECOM, AECOM states that “The general geological sequence around the MPSC Project Area was fill, marine deposit, alluvium and medium grained granite of varying weathering grades.” No archaeological like relics were reported in the GI Reports. The GI locations is included in Appendix 12C1 and the geological map covering Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is included in Appendix 12C2.
12.3.3 In terms of geology, based on the Further Archaeological Excavation Report of Kai Tak Development Engineering Study cum Design and Construction of Advance Works – Investigation, Design and Construction (AECOM 2009), the Report states that “The study area, which were formerly the shallow coastal waters of Kowloon Bay, is mainly composed of 20th century reclamation fill over marine mud and sand. However, around the periphery of the study area, in particular along its north edges, the areas are mapped as alluvium. Such fertile sediments were invariably targeted by people in the past for agriculture and settlement.” The Report also states that “The marine silty sand of Hang Hau Formation of Holocence is identified as the superficial stratum of Kowloon Bay seabed. The Lung Tsun Stone Bridge and the Former Kowloon City Pier are founded on the layers of marine silty sand and reclamation fill soil.”
Historical Background
12.3.4 A review of the historical map of Hong Kong and aerial photographs covering the Project Area has been undertaken. Based on the overlay of 1904 Survey Plan and the Project Site Plan, see Figure 12-3-1, the location of the Project Area would be at sea. Comparing Figure 12-3-1 and Figure 12-3-2, part of the Project Site was reclaimed during construction of Kai Tak Runway prior to 1963. Based on the aerial photographs reviewed, see Figure 12-3-2 and Figure 12-3-3, about 50% of the Project Area was reclaimed between 1963 and 1972.
12.3.5 Based on the information obtained from Civil Aviation Department (CAD) website, CAD states that “The Hong Kong Government approved a master plan for airport development in 1954. In 1958, a new runway was constructed on a promontory into Kowloon Bay. The name Hong Kong International Airport was officially adopted for Kai Tak Airport. In 1962, a passenger terminal building was built.” The master plan for the development of Kai Tak Airport is shown in Appendix 12B. Figure 12-3-2 is an aerial photograph showing the Kai Tak Airport in 1963.
12.3.6 CAD states that “In 1976, the Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal was opened. In 1981, Stage 4 development of the passenger terminal building was completed. The Stage 5 development of the terminal was commenced in 1984 and completed in 1988.” Figure 12-3-4 is an aerial photograph showing the Kai Tak Airport in 1988.
12.3.7 The new airport (Chek Lap Kok Airport) officially opened on 6 July 1998 and Kai Tak Airport was subsequently closed. Figure 12-3-5 is an aerial photograph showing the area of Old Kai Tak Airport on October 1998, which shows that the Old Kai Tak Airport was already closed.
12.3.8 The passenger terminal of the Old Kai Tak Airport was later used for government offices, automobile dealerships and showrooms, car parks, sand depot, concrete plant, a go-kart racecourse, a bowling alley, a snooker hall, a golf range and other recreational facilities. Figure 12-3-6 and Figure 12-3-7 are aerial photographs showing the area of Old Kai Tak Airport on July 2000 and January 2014 respectively.
Built Heritage Review
12.3.9 According to the Impact Assessment studies on cultural heritage of the approved EIA Report KTD, several built heritage were identified in Kai Tak Area as shown in Figure 12-1-1, including:
l Former
Kai Tak Airport’s two wind poles
l The
airport pier
l Fire
Stations A, B and C
l Seawall
and the runway
l The
Old Far East Flying Training School
l Sung
Wong Toi Inscription Rock
l Fish
Tail Rock and Kowloon Rock
12.3.10 Subsequently, remnants of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge were discovered at North Apron area. Among these resources, heritage significance of Sung Wong Toi Inscription Rock and Lung Tsun Stone Bridge is high, and Far East Flying Training School and Fish Tail Rock are moderate, appropriate protective measures are needed. The heritage significance for other resources is low and no mitigation is required. No heritage resource is located within the Project Site.
Archaeological Review
12.3.11 The archaeological background based on the EIA Report KTD is cited that “The majority of the Study Area consists of land reclaimed for expansions of the former Kai Tak Airport and has no archaeological potential, however, historical research has indicated Kai Tak Area once contained historically significant structures and sites, specifically, the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge and Sacred Hill.”
12.3.12 Historically significant structures and sites in Kai Tak Area are listed below:
l Lung Tsun Stone Bridge
(Figure 12-1-1)
(a) KTD EIA Report states that “Lung Tsun Stone Bridge was built in 1873. The construction works of the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge (pier) was commenced in 1873 and completed in 1875. The Lung Tsun Stone Bridge was later modified and extended in phases until 1910. The Bridge was given a new name, the Kowloon City Pier, upon completion of the final extension works in the early 1920s.”
(b) With reference to the approved EIA Report SCL, the EIA Report states that “Lung Tsun Stone Bridge was a landing pier built in 1873-1875. The pier linked the east gate of Kowloon Walled City with the coastline. The stone bridge was subsequently buried underground during the Kai Tak reclamation in 1924. Archaeological works in 2003 for Kai Tak Development did not find the bridge but in a subsequent development EIA work, a follow-up archaeological investigation in 2008 had revealed part of the Bridge and the Former Kowloon City Pier.”
(c) According to the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Site of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge prepared by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) in 2009, the remains of the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge are classified as archaeological features of high significance and a set of conservation guidelines, based on charters and principles is proposed as a framework to guide the conservation, management, maintenance and interpretation of the remnants in future.
(d) EIA Report SCL states that “The 1924 reclamation seawall marked the coastline at that time. Part of the first phase Lung Tsun Stone Bridge was buried by reclamation in 1924 behind the seawall. The landing steps of the 1924 seawall were located at approximately by 130 metres east of the Bridge.”
l Former Kowloon City
Pier
o EIA Report SCL states that “Former Kowloon City Pier was constructed in 1930. The southern section of the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge and the Former Kowloon City Pier were likely demolished and buried in reclamation during the Japanese Occupation (1941-1945). Two supporting concrete pillars of the Former Kowloon City Pier were exposed in 2008 archaeological excavation.” According to the Conservation Management Plan for the Site of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge prepared by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) in 2009, the broken concrete supporting pillars and landing steps of the Former Kowloon City Pier are classified as archaeological features of medium significance.
l Site of the Former
Sacred Hill (see Figure 12-1-1)
o SCL EIA Report states that “This site is most famously associated with the last emperor of the Song Dynasty, who fled south from the invading Mongol Army in the Late 13th Century. The stay of the Song Court in Kowloon City for the five months of the summer and autumn of 1277 is an important historical event, and the Sung Wong Toi was the central local memorial of that stay.”
o KTD EIA Report concludes that Sacred Hill remained a significant cultural site before it was destroyed in part during the Japanese Occupation in 1942 for use as reclamation fill for the runway extension at Kai Tak. KTD EIA Report also concludes that no evidence of the hill remains.
l Sacred Hill (North)
Area (see Figure 12-1-1)
o SCL EIA Report states that “An area north of Sacred Hill was excavated and revealed a large assemblage of Song Dynasty pottery. Findings strongly suggested that inhabitant existed in Kowloon City area from Song to Yuen Dynasty.”
12.3.13 With reference to the approved EIA Report SCL, known archaeological sites, covering the planned To Kwa Wan Station, were identified in Sacred Hill (North) area. Though the nearest archaeological site boundary identified in EIA Report SCL is within 200 metres from the Project Boundary, this archaeological site is being studied according to EIA Report SCL, under the obligation of the Project Promoter of SCL, MTR Corporation Ltd. An archaeological survey-cum-excavation and additional investigation was recommended. Such archaeological survey-cum-excavation and additional investigation was carried out by Environmental Resources Management (ERM) for the SCL Work Contractor. The Interim Archaeological Survey cum-Excavation and Additional Investigation Report (ERM 2014) (hereinafter called the ERM Interim Report) is provided in the AMO website.
12.3.14 The scope of the assessment area in the Interim Report of archaeological survey-cum-excavation and additional investigation is defined in Figure 12-3-8 which presents the Study Area of Sacred Hill (North) for archaeological survey-cum-excavation and additional investigation (hereafter referred to as “the Site”). The ERM Interim Report states that “The Site is situated in the Sacred Hill (North) Study Area at the former Kai Tak airport located east of Olympic Avenue and north of Sung Wong Toi Road.”
12.3.15 In terms of geology, the ERM Interim Report states that “The Site is mainly located on alluvium soil except the southeast part of the Site was the sea area containing marine sand.”
12.3.16 For the historical background, the ERM Interim Report states that “The Site area was mainly agricultural fields with scattered houses by the coast. Reclamation works at the Sacred Hill area was implemented in the 1930s. Throughout the years between 1924 and 1939, the area around the Site had been reclaimed. During the Japanese occupation between 1941 and 1945, the Sacred Hill area and the Site were converted to airport. Buildings and streets established in the 1920 to 1930s at the Site area were demolished and a drainage nullah was built. In the 1960s, the Site area was modified and the nullah cutting across the western part of the Site was filled to make way for construction of the new airport runway.”
12.3.17 For the archaeological background, the ERM Interim Report states that “The key archaeological works previously conducted in the areas adjacent to the Site (as summarized in Table 12-1) suggest that the Site area has archaeological potential.”
Table 12-1 Key Findings of Previous Archaeological Works (Extracted from Interim Report of an Archaeological Survey-cum-excavation and Additional Investigation in Sacred Hill (North) Area)
|
Archaeological
Works (Year) |
Description |
|
1918 and 1937 |
Mr. W. Schofield conducted the first
archaeological investigation between 1918 and 1937, in which pre-Han wares
and Tang to Song dynasties deposits were discovered on shores of the Sacred
Hill (ERM 2011). |
|
2002 – 2003 |
Based on the archaeological investigation
for the South East Kowloon Development,
Site Investigation at North Apron of Kai Tak Airport (ERM 2003), a
celadon bowl rim dated to the Song Dynasty was discovered in a safety island
of Olympic Avenue (ERM 2003). |
|
2008 |
According to Kai Tak EIA Report, an
archaeological impact assessment was conducted including an archaeological
excavation at an area north of Sacred Hill. A large number of celadon and white
ceramic shards dated to the Sung-Yuan Dynasties were unearthed
(Archaeological Assessments Ltd. 2008). |
|
2009 |
An archaeological survey was conducted in
2009 under the Sewage Interception
Scheme in Kowloon City – Investigation via the Drainage Services
Department to examine the archaeological potential of the proposed work area
of the pumping stations, namely pumping station no. 1 (SPS1) and no. 2
(SPS2). The survey discovered a total of 51 pieces of historic pottery
fragments in an excavation area of 600 m2 (ENSR 2009). |
|
2009 – 2010 |
An archaeological survey-cum-rescue
excavation for a pumping station was undertaken to salvage the archaeological
materials as part of the Sacred Hill (North) Study Area from October 2009 to
July 2010. A large quantity of pottery and porcelain shards dating back to
Song-Yuan Dynasties. Findings strongly suggested that inhabitant existed in
Kowloon City area from the Song-Yuan Dynasties (ERM 2011). |
12.3.18 The key findings of the archaeological survey in the ERM Interim Report are as follows.
12.3.19 The ERM Interim Report states that “Carbon granules, brick fragments, small stones, iron nails, glasses, porcelain shards and pottery shards, which can be dated from the Late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period, were found at the north portion of the Site. A large quantity of porcelain shards, pottery shards and tile fragments, which can be dated to the Song-Yuan Dynasties, were found at the north, northwest and northeast portion of the Site. A large quantity of carbon granules, porcelain shards and pottery shards, which can be dated to the Song-Yuan Dynasties, were found at the west portion of the Site. A large quantity of porcelain shards and pottery shards, which can be dated to the Song-Yuan Dynasties, were found at the middle portion of the Site.”
12.3.20 The ERM Interim Report also states that “Archaeological features identified from the Site comprise stone built wall structures, pond features, garbage pit features, ceramic shards, coins, metal fragments, a few pieces of human bone fragments, wood pieces, etc. As most of the ceramic shards identified are of poor quality and with sign of being used, it is reasonable to speculate that they are mainly the remains of household utensils of the ordinary families living within the Site or in the close proximity.”
12.3.21
The ERM Interim Report states that “The findings of the Site provided
information on the past history of the Site and in the proximity. A large
quantity of ceramic shards, including a large amount of poor quality ceramic
shards and a small amount of high quality ceramic shards, were unearthed from
the Site and most of them showed signs of being used which reflected that there
were people living within the Site or in the proximity as early as Song-Yuan
Dynasties. The presence of Song-Yuan Dynasties building features in the Site
provided further evidence to confirm this.” However, the ERM Interim Report
states that “It was also found that the
southern portion of the Site was the coastal area before reclamation with no
archaeological deposit.”
Findings
12.3.22
No
declared monument is within the Project Site
Boundary or the Study Area after examining total 114 items in the list of
Declared Monuments in Hong Kong (as at 20 May 2016).
12.3.23
No
government historic sites is within the
Project Site Boundary or the Study Area after examining total 13 items in the
Government Historic Sites Identified by AMO (as at 10 November 2010).
12.3.24
No
graded historic buildings is within the Project Site Boundary or the Study Area
after examining the List of the 1,444 Historic Buildings in Building Assessment
(as at 20 May 2016).
12.3.25
Based
on the above desktop study, Built Heritage Impact Assessment is not required as
there is no built heritage within the Study Area of the Project and associated
works.
12.3.26
One
site of archaeological interest, Lung Tsun Stone
Bridge, is identified within the Study Area, see Figure 12-1-1. Lung Tsun Stone Bridge was included in the List of Sites of
Archaeological Interest in Hong Kong (as at November 2012). The remains of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge are
classified as archaeological features of high significance. The CMP gives an overall assessment with
levels of significance. It concluded
that the remnants of original Lung Tsun Stone Bridge shall be preserved
in-situ. The Site shall be properly
conserved, maintained, interpreted and presented its heritage values and
significance. No speculative recreation
or excessive intervention would be allowed at the Site in accordance with the
widely accepted conservation principles and guidelines. The CMP recognizes that heritage aspects of
the Site must be balanced with other aspects such as use, financial
constraints, and any future needs of KTD.
The Conservation Guidelines of this CMP are a series of statements of
what should and what should not be done to the Site.
12.3.27
Review
of EIA Report KTD and EIA Report SCL reveals that the 1924 reclamation seawall,
the Former Kowloon City Pier, Site of Former Sacred Hill, and Sacred Hill
(North) Area, lie within a narrow strip on the north and east boundary of the
CHIA Study Area. The heritage
significance of 1924 reclamation seawall and Former Kowloon City Pier have been
studied and documented in the Conversation Management Plan (CMP) for the Site
of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge by the AMO.
CMP includes a set of conservation guidelines to guide the conservation,
management, maintenance and interpretation of remnants for the future of the
site and CMP recommended original remnants of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge should be
preserved in-situ with no excessive intervention allowed at the burial of the
original Bridge’s remnants.
12.3.28
As
archaeological survey-cum-excavation and additional investigation for Sacred
Hill (North Area) was carried out by ERM for the SCL Work Contractor, stating
that the southern part of the surveyed area was the coastal area before
reclamation as discussed in Section
12.3.21. No further field excavation for the Site of Former Sacred Hill is
required as EIA Report KTD concludes that no evidence of the hill remain.
Preamble
12.4.1 Kai Tak Airport was situated at Kowloon East sea front, looking west to To Kwa Wan, adjacent to Kowloon City, Ma Tau Wai, crossing over to San Po Kong, Kowloon Bay, Ngau Tau Kok, Kwun Tong, and extending to Lei Yue Mun as well as other districts in the east.
12.4.2 From the historical perspective, Kai Tak Airport was the air traffic point linking Hong Kong with the rest of the world. On account of this, tourism, transportation, commerce, academic and cultural interflow were extensively developed, rendering Hong Kong a mega city in Asia.
12.4.3
Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon East was created
by reclaiming land. Broadly speaking, the reclamation covered the entire
Kowloon Bay area. Hence, without reclamation, there would be no airport either.
It had to be said though that even without air traffic, the Bay area would
still be an important traffic artery to the outside world and hub of Hong Kong
politics and economy.
Economic Development
Salt Industry
12.4.4 Previously, Kowloon Bay area was called Kwun Fu, taking after the hill of the same name. Area bordering the sea was ideal for producing sea salt. As early as the Song Period (960-1279), officials controlled the salt fields, mining them as a government asset. Salt, indispensable in daily life, was managed by officials who set the salt price and amassed considerable revenue. As salt fields in Kwun Fu were under the local government, officials were put in charge, responsible for the production of sea salt, taxation, transportation and trade. Soldiers were also stationed. The Rock Inscription at Joss House Bay, Sai Kung, recorded accounts about officials in charge of the Kwun Fu salt fields. This Rock Inscription which is located at the back of Tin Hau Temple is a declared monument according to AMO website.
12.4.5 Near the end of the Song Period, Mongolians invaded south as far as Guangdong province, to decimate the teetering Song Dynasty. The last Song emperors, Zheng and Bing, retreated to Kwun Fu to take refuge because of the presence of officials and soldiers. Today, “Sung Wong Toi Monument” commemorates this particular event. Emperor Zheng died of sickness in Lantau and was succeeded by his younger brother Emperor Bing. Soon, neither he could escape from the ill fate. In order to avoid the Mongolian soldiers’ pursuit, legend has it that Song Official Lu Xiu Fu piggy-backed Emperor Bing to the Pearl Estuary where both drowned in suicide.
12.4.6 Hong Kong then was not called such and historically it found itself surprisingly as the last base of the Song Dynasty. This should be counted as evidence that Kwun Fu had a sound economic foundation.
12.4.7 Existence of salt fields meant attracting workers to bake and make salt. They and their families congregated, forming large and small villages. This provided the impetus for industry, farming, and trade to grow. Hence, the early stage of Hong Kong societal development should date from East Kowloon in the Song Period.
12.4.8 The present building of underground rail in Kowloon City has uncovered relics of homes, wells and pottery pieces pertaining to the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) Periods. It was obvious that wells were dug at the time to provide water for living. Wells found in Kowloon City prove that the location was highly populated during the Song Period.
12.4.9 Salt making in Kwun Fu continued in the Yuan Period. During the Ming Period (1368-1644), Hong Kong was part of Guangzhou’s Dongguan district. The official in charge carried the title of “Kwun Fu Inspecting Magistrate”. His office was called “Kwun Fu Quarters”, situated in Kowloon City. The name “Kwun Fu” remained, representing the then Hong Kong.
12.4.10 In the Qing Period (1644-1911), because of political unrest, salt fields lay fallow and workers dispersed. Subsequently government decided to open the salt trade to the public and this led to the birth of wealthy salt dealers.
12.4.11 Salt traders in Guangdong depended on the sea route to transport the sea salt from its production site to various cities. Powerful pirates along China’s south-east coastline often robbed passing ships. During Jiaqing reign (1796-1820) of the Qing Period, the infamous pirate Cheung Po Tsai was active around Hong Kong with his base in Lei Yue Mun. His activity gravely endangered sea transport of salt and rice. The Qing government tried to eliminate the pirates, and finally in Jiaqing 15th Year (1810), Cheung Po Tsai surrendered.
12.4.12 Trading ships inevitably passed by the temple east of Kwun Fu and this defined the spot where the Song Dynasty set up customs to levy tax. East Kowloon became the sea route artery in the Song Period.
12.4.13 During Shunzhi 18th Year of the Qing Period (1661), to preclude collusion between residents and Taiwan’s Zheng Cheng Gong, government ordered residents along the seacoast to move fifty miles inland. This impacted adversely on the further development of Kwun Fu and its vicinity. During Kangxi 8th Year (1669), Kwun Fu inspecting magistrate was reinstated, resuming control of the seacoast. During Yongzheng 1st Year (1723), a cannon podium was built in Tung Lung Island to strengthen sea traffic safety. During Jiaqing 15th Year (1810), the cannon podium was moved to Kowloon Bay. Thereafter the significance of Kowloon Bay was enhanced and the title of the official in charge was renamed “Kowloon inspecting magistrate”.
12.4.14 During Daoguang 26th Year (1846), Kowloon inspecting magistrate recommended to the Royal Court the building of a Kowloon Walled City for defence which was completed in the following year (1847). Within the walled city, cannon was installed, soldiers stationed, and offices set up to take charge of administration and tax affairs.
12.4.15 In essence, cannon installation was to safeguard sea traffic, and prevent pirate robbery in relation to the busy sea traffic. Customs and excise were instituted to assure government revenue vis-ŕ-vis prosperous sea transport. Building the walled city was testament to reinforcing military defence and sea customs.
Stone Quarry Industry
12.4.16 Indubitably, early Hong Kong residents were fishermen. Then salt fields developed in Kwun Fu. In tandem with the salt business was mining stones, i.e. excavating hills, and refining rocks for building purposes.
12.4.17 Stone quarries in Hong Kong Island were located in Shau Kei Wan while those in Kowloon were along Kowloon Bay. Villagers in Lei Yue Mun, Ngau Tau Kok, Sai Tso Wan and Cha Kwo Ling in East Kowloon worked in the stone quarries. At the time, portion of the stones mined was retained for internal consumption, while the rest was shipped as commodities from Hong Kong to other areas.
Cultural
Development
12.4.18 Fishing as livelihood was the oldest form of activity in Hong Kong. It dated back to the New Stone Age. To avoid typhoons, fishermen stayed within bay areas. As typhoons generally landed on Hong Kong east in summer, fishing villages concentrated in Hong Kong west. Since Kowloon Bay is situated in Hong Kong east unsheltered by mountains, it was not ideal as a fishing port.
12.4.19 However, from the Song Period, with Kowloon Bay becoming a business area for salt and stone mines, more people congregated. Some fishermen naturally selected the bay area for their boats to anchor. Consequently East Kowloon was also influenced by fisherman culture.
12.4.20 Judging from fishermen’s belief, certain unique culture was revealed. Their life at sea was dangerous and they sought protection from water and sea spirits to dispel disaster but garner good fortune. Kowloon Bay residents did not deviate from this traditional culture which was clearly illustrated through conservation of ancient temples in this district.
12.4.21 In Daoism, North Emperor (Pak Tai) a.k.a. Zhen Wu Di, celestial spirit ruling the North, was classified as water within the five elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. It was therefore worshipped as the water spirit. In the vicinity of To Kwa Wan’s Hok Yuen Kok was built a temple for North Emperor in Guangxu of the Qing Period (1876). The current temple was built in 1929. The North Emperor temple was not erected exclusively for fishermen, and the water spirit North Emperor was worshipped also by residents of the district.
12.4.22 Heaven Empress Tin Hau was the most revered celestial spirit by the fishermen. She was the guardian spirit of the seas and was addressed as “Ma Zu”, meaning motherly care of children. A temple for Heaven Empress was built in Guangxu 11th Year of the Qing Period (1885) at Ha Heung Road in To Kwa Wan.
12.4.23 Additionally, a temple called “Hoi Sham Miu” dedicated to Lung Mu (dragon mother) was located on a small island in To Kwa Wan bay. According to legend, the dragon spirit lived in the sea. It was later humanized to become the dragon king of the sea. Hence fishermen hoped to have his protection. Dragon mother was originally an ordinary mortal. It was reported that she brought up the little dragon to maturity. This explained why she was worshipped as dragon mother. Hence dragon mother was respected in the sea world, and trusted to have the power to uphold safety at sea. Since she looked after little dragon, she was deemed to be able to protect children as well. Therefore by worshipping dragon mother, it also meant caring of women and children.
12.4.24 In 1964, Hoi Sham Temple was demolished. To carry on the unique traditional belief, the original Lung Mu statute was moved to the temple for Heaven Empress in Ha Heung Road in To Kwa Wan.
12.4.25 Another celestial spirit worshipped by fishermen was Tam Kung who apparently could predict weather, a skill most helpful for fishing out at sea. Hence it was popular in Hong Kong to worship him. Tam Kung was originally a celestial spirit from Huizhou in Guangdong. This belief in Tam Kung was introduced to Hong Kong to which Huizhou residents migrated. Huizhou people were not fishermen; they specialized in breaking stones. So, apart from being welcomed by Hong Kong fishermen, Tam Kung was also regarded as a protection spirit by the stone workers of Huizhou.
12.4.26 Although no temple for Tam Kung could be found in East Kowloon, the one across the harbour at Shau Kei Wan was a good illustration of the dual-purpose belief. The temple was built in Guangxu 31st year of the Qing Period (1905). Shau Kei Wan was once a reputed fishing village, with a stone quarry nearby. Fishermen and stone workers all sought Tam Kung’s protection in this temple.
12.4.27 Lei Yue Mun in East Kowloon was not a typhoon shelter. Residents there came mainly from Meixian and Huizhou in Guangdong. They also worked in the nearby stone quarry. However, unlike their counterparts in Shau kei Wan across the sea, they chose the most popular female spirit to worship and built for her another Heaven Empress temple in Lei Yue Mun.
12.4.28 Similar situation occurred in Kowloon City’s Nga Tsin Wai, a Hakka village surrounded by a wall for protection against robbers. The wall was erected by migrating Hakkas in the 16th century, Ming Period. Today, the structure in Nga Tsin Wai was built in the 18th century Qing Period after the repeal of the sea ban. Prior to setting up the Kowloon City Quarters, this walled village was regarded as an ancient district. That was why it was called “Kowloon Old City”. “Nga Tsin” means in front of the official’s office. Hence the area around Ngam Chin Wai used to be the government administration centre where the office for the “Kwun Fu inspecting magistrate” was located. Generally, a Hakka walled village was occupied exclusively by one clan. Nga Tsin Wai was different in that it accommodated residents of three clans: Ng, Chan, and Li. For this reason, it was inappropriate for the walled village to build an ancestral temple for one clan only. Instead, by applying the fishermen’s belief, a temple for Heaven Empress was built, substituting ancestors’ protection by that of the Heaven Empress.
12.4.29 Hau Wong temple located at Kowloon City’s Junction Road was built in Yongzheng 8th Year of the Qing Period (1730). It commemorated a Song emperor’s uncle Yang Liang Jie. He protected Emperors Zheng and Bing in their retreat to Kowloon. His loyalty was praised by the residents. Hau Wong temple and Sung Wong Toi Monument held the same message of commendation, reflecting the deep affection Kowloon City had for the Song Dynasty. It also indicated that many residents of this area were descendants of the refugees who came south, and who continued in Hong Kong the Chinese culture of the North.
Population
Development
12.4.30 The early salt industry and later the stone quarry trade demonstrated the economic value of Kowloon Bay area. Setting up government offices emphasised the political focus. Cannon installation pointed to the military base. Pirates’ existence was related to sea traffic. All these explained why the area was populated, signifying conditions conducive for living.
12.4.31 After the Xin Hai Revolution in 1911, there was a surge of Chinese refugees migrating to Hong Kong, causing a housing shortage. At the start of 1914, Mr. Ho Kai and Mr Au Tak formed The Kai Tack Land Investment Company Limited, with the objective of solving the housing problem. The company applied to the Hong Kong government to reclaim the sea of the Kowloon Bay to make land for house construction.
12.4.32 Sea reclamation proceeded in three stages. The first commenced in 1916 and the second was completed in 1927. At this point, on account of economic recession and poor financial administration, Kai Tack Company verged on bankruptcy. The Hong Kong Government bought the reclaimed land for $1 million to establish an air force military base. Later, it invested $2.7 million to continue the third stage of reclamation completed in 1930.
12.4.33 In early 1920, the Kowloon Bay reclaimed land was called “Kai Tak Reclamation” or “Kai Tak Waterfront”. Thereafter, “Kai Tak” became the name for the newly developed area. Although there was this vast piece of land in Kowloon Bay, it was ultimately not utilised for residential purposes. Instead a huge international airport was established.
12.4.34 Kai Tak history was less than a hundred years. However, its surrounding areas held the oldest politics, economy, and transportation history in Kowloon. Kai Tak was a very important airport for Hong Kong. Today the salt fields, stone quarries, and Kowloon Walled City are history.
Observations
12.4.35 As relics of homes, wells and pottery pieces pertaining to the Song (960 – 1279) and Yuan (1271 – 1368) Periods have been uncovered during the development of underground rail in Kowloon City, there is a need to know more about the past of Kai Tak and its neighbourhood in order to preserve these valuable memories.
12.4.36 The cruise pier is already in operation. When the Project opens, it will promote more human flow into Kowloon City area. The former Kwun Fu will be alive again with a new look. Government should grasp the opportunity to exhibit the history about Kowloon Bay area. The future Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Preservation Corridor and Sung Wong Toi Park will be public open space within which space could be allocated for an exhibition hall to display related cultural materials, files, sketches and photos for the promotion of education in this field. Citizens will be able to not only watch sports and cultural activities but also experience the past, present, and future development of East Kowloon. The opportunity would definitely enhance the people’s affection for Hong Kong.
12.5.1
As shown on the overlay of 1904 Survey Plan and
the Project Site Plan, see Figure
12-3-1, the Study Area is a reclaimed land and
there is no archaeological deposit according to ERM Interim Report, as archaeological survey-cum-excavation and additional investigation for
Sacred Hill (North Area) was carried out by ERM for the SCL Work Contractor, no
separate field excavation under this CHIA is required.
12.5.2 Apart from the archaeological site mentioned in EIA Report KTD, there is no cultural heritage impact in this Project. The MPSC will not interfere with Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Site of Archaeological Interest. The distance from Lung Tsun Stone Bridge and Former Kowloon City Pier to the nearest MPSC building is about 80m, as shown on Figure 12-1-1. Noting that most vibrations caused by construction (e.g. piling works) and their possible impact would be insignificant beyond 50 m, the potential impact is extremely low. In case if there is any slight impact, Conservation Guideline 7 as stated in CMP shall be followed.
12.5.3 Based on the 2014 layout and 1904 map as shown in Figures 12-5-1 and 12-5-2 respectively, the location of the proposed Kai Tak Sports Complex would be at sea. It is unlikely that ancestors have congregated at the Project Site. Hence the Project has no archaeological value.
12.5.4 The airport had been vacated and the original concomitant facilities were of no further use. Future construction would not produce problems related to conservation of cultural relics.
12.6.1 Built Heritage Impact Assessment is not required as there is no built heritage within the Study Area of the Project and associated works.
12.6.2 The Project will not interfere with Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Site of Archaeological Interest. The southern portion of the former Sacred Hill and the southern portion of the archaeological survey-cum-excavation area of SCL – Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section for Sacred Hill (North) fall within the CHIA Study Area. Since no archaeological deposit was discovered from the southern portion of the archaeological survey-cum-excavation at Sacred Hill (North) and these two areas fall outside the project site, no further archaeological survey-cum-excavation under this Project is required.
12.6.3 There is no significant cultural heritage impact arising from this Project and therefore no mitigation measure is required.
12.7.1 EIA Report of Kai Tak Development (Register No.: AEIAR-130/2009)
12.7.2 EIA Report of Shatin to Central Link (SCL) – Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section (Register No.: AEIAR-167/2012)
12.7.3 Shatin to Central Link – Tai Wai and Hung Hom Section: Archaeological Survey-cum-Excavation for Sacred Hill (North), Works Contract 1109 – Stations and Tunnels of Kowloon City Section, Interim Archaeological Survey-cum-Excavation and Additional Investigation Report (April 2014)
12.7.4 Agreement No. CE 35/2006 (CE) – Kai Tak Development Engineering Study cum Design and Construction of Advance Works – Investigation, Design and Construction, Further Archaeological Excavation Report (August 2009)
12.7.5 Piggott, Peter 1989/1990 Kai Tak: A History of Aviation in Hong Kong, Government Information Services, Government Printer, Hong Kong
12.7.6
Kai Tak Airport 1925-1998, Civil Aviation
Department
http://www.cad.gov.hk/english/kaitak.html, Retrieved 5 December 2014
12.7.7
Master Plan for the Development of Kai Tak Airport,
Civil Aviation Department
http://www.cad.gov.hk/english/60th_images/airport10.jpg, Retrieved 22 January
2015
12.7.8 Aerial photographs of Kai Tak Airport, Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department
12.7.9 Declared Monuments in Hong Kong (as at 20 May 2016), Antiquities and Monuments Office
12.7.10 Government Historic Sites Identified by AMO (as at 10 November 2010), Antiquities and Monuments Office
12.7.11 List of Sites of Archaeological Interest in Hong Kong (as at November 2012), Antiquities and Monuments Office
12.7.12 List of 1,444 Historic Buildings in Building Assessment (as at 20 May 2016), Antiquities and Monuments Office