HONG KONG: THE LAST DAY OF BRITISH COLONIAL RULE

Описание: (30 Jun 1997) Cant/Eng/Nat

Hong Kong woke up to the last day of British colonial rule on Monday.

But despite the seeming normality of things as people go about their daily business, there are signs of emotion as some pack up to leave while others prepare to welcome their new masters.

The last dawn of an era is about to fade into history.

When the sun rises again, Hong Kong will be under Chinese rule.

Shortly after sun up, the soldiers of the Black Watch, one of Britain's most famous fighting regiments, raised the Union Jack for the last time.

It was a moment tinged with sadness.

The flag of Britain was first raised here 156 years ago by Royal Naval officers who scrambled ashore to claim Hong Kong for Queen and country.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
\"It's important. Because we're the last people ever to do it.\"
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop, British soldier

But for the people of Hong Kong, the empire's final day is a cause for celebration.

Most of the island's residents welcome the return of the colony to Chinese sovereignty.

SOUNDBITE: (Cantonese)
\"I welcome it. For 150 years, Hong Kong was under colonial rule. So I'm happy that Hong Kong will be going back to Chinese rule. All Hong Kong people will welcome the new government.\"
SUPERCAPTION: Vox Pop, Hong Kong resident

Meanwhile, at the site of the handover ceremony, placards and posters are in place to back those opposed to Chinese rule.

It's only a few hours before protesters plan to take to the streets to demand that Hong Kong's new rulers continue the territory's freedoms.

China has plans to roll back certain rights.

One figure who's a likely target of their message Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen.

He drove into the Exhibition and Convention Centre early in the morning, hours before demonstrators are due to arrive.

Also early, Government House was quiet as the last British Governor prepares to leave in 24 hours.

And for the last time, the British and Hong Kong flags went up together in various parts of the territory.

But despite the calm so far, there was a scare in the middle of the night at the handover site.

Hong Kong police went on the alert after finding tins of unidentified liquid in the early hours of the morning.

But the chemical scare turned out to be a false alarm - the liquid was only cleaning acid left behind by the cleaners.

Meanwhile, others on the territory were waking up.

Some of the 6 (m) million residents queued for hours just to get the post office stamp of the British Crown on their mail.

The Crown stamp of June 30th marks a day that will go down in history.

On July 1, no doubt, people will be back to get those stamps, but this time it will be to mark the dawn of a new era.

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