Bulletin Autumn 1976

folk customs constitute the most important data. However, on the Mainland, although special care has been taken to preserve the famous historic sites, general popular relics like temples, castles and ancient buildings were usually left uncared for or even demolished in the process of socialist construction; and some of the folk customs and habits were discouraged and discarded. As for Taiwan, it has a culture of its own as a result of its geographical separation from the Mainland and fifty years of colonial rule by Japan. The folk cultures and relics preserved in Hong Kong are therefore all the more valuable, but with the rapid urbanization of the New Territories and the decline of the older generation, the gradually disappearing folk culture is in danger of complete dissolution. In face of such danger, our urgent concerns include vigorous ethnographic work for the preservation of the traditional folk cultures, and an in-depth understanding of the social, cultural processes of these rural communities in transition. Study of Ethnic Relations Hong Kong society consists of a great number of ethnic groups: Chinese, British, Indians, Eurasians etc. The Chinese population itself also shows a tremendous diversity: Cantonese, Hakka, Chiu Chow, Shanghainese etc., each with its own dialects and customs carried over from its home town. How do these various ethnic groups coexist peacefully with each other and maintain their distinctive life styles at the same time? A study of this problem has not only theoretical importance in the field of anthropology but also practical value for social and economic developments. The Study of Archaeology With Hong Kong as a base, we may study the archaeological finds of the Mainland as well as make field studies and excavations in the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Both China and Southeast Asia are treasuries of archaeological finds, and in Hong Kong there may also be some ancient and even pre-historical sites worthy of study and excavation. Physical