Colonial policy in a borrowed place and time: Invented tradition in the New Territories of Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper explores how the space of the 'New Territories' is a political construction. Unlike Hong Kong island, the New Territories (literally meaning the new boundary) is not ceded land, but is rather land leased by China to Britain for 99 years. I argue that this characteristic has transformed the 'New Territories' into a special space. Customs in this special place demand extraordinary respect from the colonialists. The paper will examine how different policies were adopted by the British to govern the New Territories. I also consider the way in which different aspects of Chinese custom in this borrowed space have been shaped by colonial policies. Policies and customs on kinship system, such as property right (inheritance issue) and small house policy will be discussed.