The bell from the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui has returned home after 35 years. The relocation follows the donation of the bell by the Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) to the Government.
Officiating at the relocation ceremony today (September 17), the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, said, "For many, the bell may evoke very precious memories. It has served an important role as part of Hong Kong's public transport history."
The bell was produced in the United Kingdom and arrived in Hong Kong in 1920. It began operation in the Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower in 1921 as part of the Tsim Sha Tsui railway terminus. It chimed round the clock at 15-minute intervals.
In 1975, the bell ceased operation when the railway terminus was relocated to Hung Hom. It has been moved several times since then and had been on public display at railway stations in Hung Hom and Sha Tin until 1995, when it was moved to the Railway House in Fo Tan.
Mrs Lam said the return of the bell enhanced the historical significance of the clock tower, which has been a declared monument since 1990. She thanked KCRC and MTRC for making the relocation possible.
The donation of the bell also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Kowloon-Canton Railway services.
Ends/Friday, September 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:00
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