Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 2000

UNDERSTANDING H O N G KONG 'S MODERN HISTORY Most historians begin their studies of modern Hong Kong from the Opium War. After 1840, this once deserted island underwent dramatic and rapid changes and evolved into today's Hong Kong. Researchers from the University's Department of History have been examining such an evolution through intensive community studies. Among them Prof. Ho Pui-yin f o c u s s e d on Sha Tin and Tung Chung, Prof. Kwok Siu-tong on Mongkok, Yaumatei, and Tsimshatsui, and Prof. Lau Yee- cheung on Shap Pat Heung and Rennie's Mill Once the scope of a study has been determined, researchers need to conduct numerous site visits to collect data about the locality. All relevant literature and raw data will be reviewed, interviews will he conducted, and artefacts will be collected from the informants. Researchers also need to participate in local events and ceremonies. The data collected are then carefully studied and analysed. Without such efforts, old manuscripts will disintegrate, old buildings will be demolished, and oral traditions lost. After a project is completed, all useful materials are returned to the government, relics will be displayed after proper treatment for the benefit of the public, and research findings will he published. Promoting community studies is not only an important educational process, it can also help reconstruct Hong Kong history. A site visit to Lek Yuen Village in Sha Tin