Hong Kong nowadays is a modern city, we can even call it a “National City”. But how it became an important city for trading and economic activities over the world? Hong Kong was one of the British colonies before year during year 1841-1997. Because of this, the culture and the systems in HK had changed a lot. The time that affected HK most, was the time during year 1841 and 1941.
Ngo: Morning, Lee.
Lee: Hello, Ngo. You are ready to sail now? What makes you become so hard work!
Ngo: That’s not my wishes, actually. But if I don’t sail out early in the morning and catch the fishes as much as I can, I am afraid I can’t make a live rely on fishing.
Lee: What makes you think about this? Many of the citizens are fishermen, they all rely on fishing.
Ngo: That’s the main problem. There are many fishermen, but the government is going to reclaim land from the sea. I am worry that there won’t be enough fishes for us to catch after the reclamation.
Lee: Oh, will that affect my business?
Ngo: I’m not sure, the raw material of making the salt is the sea water, and more or less it will affect you.
Lee: Should we go and ask for help?
Ngo: help? Who can help us? The decision is making by the government, we can’t make them change.
Lee: why don’t we go to find Siu, he is the one who got the most knowledge in this village. Maybe he could think of some ideas.
Ngo: Good idea, do u know when he’s free?
Lee: As I know, the school time will be ended at about 5 pm.
Ngo: Ok, then we’ll meet at 5 in front of the school entrance.
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Lee: Is 5 now, why didn’t Siu leave the school?
Ngo: don’t worry, be patient….. See! Siu is coming out now.
Lee: hello Siu! We have waited you for a long time.
Siu: Oh, what’s the problem?
Ngo: Siu, had u ever heard about the government is going to reclaim the land from the sea?
Siu: yes, that is the new policy that the government is discussing in the recent days. What’s wrong?
Lee: doesn’t u remember Ngo and I are fishermen and salt seller?
Siu: Of couse I remember, you guys are my friends and neighbour. But what are you two worrying about? There are always some news policy come up from the government.
Ngo: we are relying on the sea for making our goods to earn money. If they reclaim the sea, it will distress us.
Siu: But I can’t do anything for you. I am just a teacher. If you are not satisfied about the new policy, you can tell the Rural Consultative Council. They are the bridge between the government and us. They can give some of your advices to the government.
Lee: they will help us, but not immediately.
Ngo: I agree! If the Heung Yee Kuk members have time, they will spend them on the gambling dens, illegal brothels and opium smoking.
Siu: Oh, they are really like that?
Lee: yes, can u think of some other ideas?
Siu: I think we can have a procession, and talk with the governor.
Lee: but who is going to led us?
Ngo: the leader would be Siu. You are the only one who had been educated.
Siu: Ok then, we’ll have the procession tomorrow.
Lee: hey, Siu. Please help me to tell the government that the smuggling of the salt is very active recently. It is really affect my business!
Siu: Oh, that’s really a bad news…
Ngo: and I want to ask why there are so less number of schools provides the education for the girls? I am looking a school for my daughter.
Siu: I feel sorry about that. The British government didn’t put much effort on improving the education. Up till now, there are only 2 government schools and some missionary schools taught girls. I’ll help you to ask the government.
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Siu: WE ARE NOT SATISFIED! (We are not satisfied)
Siu: WE WANT TO SAY OUR OPINIONS! (We want to say our opinions)
Siu: THE POLICE FORCE WAS CORRUPT! (The police force was corrupt)
Henry: Please be quite! I know you people are not satisfies. But we can’t help you if you didn’t tell us what’s wrong! Stay calm, and have a general talk with me.
Siu: Sir Henry Pottinger, I am the representative from the village. We are not satisfied because of some reasons. Hope you will listen and explain to us.
Henry: keep on~
Siu: We know that there will be some reclamation around the HK Island. But will you care about the live of those who’s earning is rely on the sea, especial the fishermen. The reclamation will affect their business.
Henry: my dear citizens! Don’t you know that HK became overcrowded? If we didn’t reclaim the sea, we are unable to require more land. Although of that, we won’t start the reclamation, because we can’t put that large sum of money for reclamation. That’s just a suggestion, don’t be too worry.
Ngo: Oh, good! Tin Hau bless me!
Siu: Sir, we still have other problems.
Lee: yes! Sir, the smuggling of the salt is very active recently. It will have many effects on my business! The police force was corrupt, they can’t stop the smuggling!
Henry: I know that’s smuggling is a great problem in HK. Don’t worry, here’s a new policy come to solve it. We are going to reform the police force. Some experienced police officers will send from Britain to train the local police. I think the police force will be more efficient and less corrupt under this new policy.
Lee: Oh, that’s good! The new policy sounds a well control on the luk yee!
Siu: Sir, how about the education? Many girls want to go to school, but there’s only a few schools provide education for girls. I think all children have their right to enjoy the education, not only the boys.
Henry: We, the government had converse this problem with each other. We think that the education system needs to have some improvement. We will plan the Assisted School Scheme. I hope in a short period, there won’t be only a few schools provided with education for girls. Are you all clear of our policies and the future plans? Is there any problems?
Siu: I think we are very clear after you explain, Sir. We are looking forward to the result for those new policies. We’ll dismiss now.
Lee: come on, let’s go home.
Ngo: on foot?
Lee: of couse take the Rickshaws. No reclamation, I won’t be poor. I’ll pay for you!
Ngo: That’s good!