Epperson (DD 719) - Naval Cruise Book

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HONG KONG The British Crown Colony of Hong Kong, located on the coast of Communist China, provides an exotic intermingling of East and West. Occupied by the British in 1841, the island soon became a major port. The Kowloon Peninsula was ceded to Britain in 1861. In 1898, an additional 350 square miles, now known as the New Territories, was leased from China for 99 years. Today, Hong Kong is a busy commercial center, a popular tourist spot, and a refugee center, with a population approaching 8,000,000, a great number of which are Chinese who escaped to Hong Kong from the mainland. During our visit, from 26 November to 3 December, we took great advantage of scheduled tours and available transportation to visit many interesting spots: Sampan cities, floating restaurants, sites of major redevelopment, temples, and the Communist Chinese Border. A ride up the tramway Csteep enough to make you feel you were riding on your backb provided a beautiful view of the harbor. Excellent meals at Jimmy's Kitchen , the Parisian Grill , and other very good restaurants, and visits to night spots in Hong Kong or Kowloon made for entertaining evenings. . Perhaps Hong Kong's greatest contribution to the U. S, Navy is in its role as a free port. Taking advantage of the low prices, EPPERSON men heavily patronized the Navy Purchasing Branch at the China Fleet Club, plus various tailors, jewelers, etc., throughout the city. It is estimated that the ship's draft was increased by several inches by the weight of tape recorders, radios, cameras, suits, shoes, dresses, and jewelry brought aboard. IIOIN'G'1r IICJIIN'Gu'-

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