On April 27, Mr. Tsui Yun-woon, a retired laboratory technician from Catholic Ming Yuen Secondary School, delivered an online lecture hosted by Hong Kong Catholic History Research on the topic "From Tiu Keng Leng to Hang Hau – Traces of Ming Yuen Beneath Cross Hill."
Mr. Tsui, who had been associated with Catholic Ming Yuen Secondary School for over four decades, outlined the origins of Tiu Keng Leng, the establishment of Catholic Ming Yuen School amid relief efforts for refugees, its evangelization work, the contributions of individuals, the school's relocation, and the remaining historical traces in the area.
The presentation began by tracing Tiu Keng Leng's origins back to a failed flour mill venture, Rennie's Mill, established by Canadian businessman Alfred Herbert Rennie around 1904. Rennie's subsequent suicide in 1908 led to the area becoming known colloquially as "Hanging Neck Ridge." Following the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the area transformed into a significant settlement for refugees arriving in Hong Kong. Initial living conditions were described as harsh, with residents housed in basic A-frame shelters constructed from rudimentary materials on the hillsides. Relief efforts were undertaken by organizations such as the Rennie's Mill Relief Committee in Tiu Keng Len, providing basic necessities like food and cash allowances, before the area was eventually formally designated as a resettlement area.
Amidst this challenging backdrop, Catholic Ming Yuen Secondary School was founded. The school commemorates Father Frédéric-Vincent Lebbe, a Belgian Catholic priest known for his work in mainland China. His disciple, Father Alexander Ts'ao Li Shan, arrived in Tiu Keng Leng, witnessing the plight of numerous refugee children lacking education, and established the school. Early educational activities took place in makeshift structures, even utilizing open spaces by the sea for exercises. The school facilities gradually evolved from simple huts to wooden structures. Later, following significant damage caused by Typhoon Wanda in 1962, more permanent stone buildings were constructed through dedicated fundraising efforts led by clergy and school administrators. School life included assemblies and flag-raising ceremonies, which were noted to involve the flag associated with the Republic of China government at the time.
Alongside its core educational mission, the school and associated Catholic personnel were deeply involved in vital relief work for the wider community. This included the distribution of essential supplies such as food (recalled as sometimes containing sand), clothing, and notably, condensed milk, which became associated with conversion for some recipients seeking aid, reflecting the era's material scarcity. Basic medical services were also provided through a clinic staffed by trained personnel. Festive events, such as Christmas parties, were organized to provide support and recreation for the children, illustrating the holistic approach to community care.
A significant spiritual landmark for the Tiu Keng Leng community was the large cross erected on Chiu Keng Wan Shan, often referred to as Cross Hill. This cross served as a powerful symbol of hope and faith for the refugee population enduring difficult circumstances. An annual pilgrimage involving the Stations of the Cross was held on the path leading up to it, reinforcing its importance. The cross, initially wooden and later replaced by a metal structure, required regular maintenance, often undertaken by school staff and students, signifying its ongoing relevance until the area's eventual clearance.
As government plans for the comprehensive redevelopment of the area progressed, Catholic Ming Yuen Secondary School relocated to a new, modern campus in Hau Tak Estate, Hang Hau in 1993. This move preceded the final clearance and demolition of the entire Tiu Keng Leng settlement, which concluded in 1996. The relocation process itself involved significant community effort, including students assisting in moving school furniture and equipment. In a bid to preserve the heritage, key sacred objects from the original Assumption of Our Lady Church in Tiu Keng Leng, which was also demolished, were carefully preserved: the main Jesus Crucifix was moved to St. Vincent's Church in Hang Hau, while the statue of the Virgin Mary was relocated to the new Ming Yuen Secondary School campus, where it was later restored and remains on display in the lobby.
Despite the complete transformation of Tiu Keng Leng into part of the modern Tseung Kwan O new town, several physical traces remain. Surviving historical markers include an old road sign on Po Lam Road South bearing the English name "Rennie's Mill," an inscribed stone near the old bus stop referencing enrollment for H.K.M.L.C. Queen Maud Secondary School, the preserved Observation Post at Mau Wu Shan, and the Former Rennie's Mill Police Station, now repurposed as the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Post.
Furthermore, elements referencing Tiu Keng Leng's history have been incorporated into the newer developments. Public art and landscape features within Kin Ming Estate include the "Water Feature Garden" with salvaged pier bollards, the architecturally distinct Kin Choi House, murals with historical references, and the "Splendours of King Ling" stone relief.
The lecture concluded with Mr. Tsui emphasizing how these various remnants and memorials, scattered across the redeveloped landscape, serve as tangible links connecting the present-day environment to the unique and poignant history of Tiu Keng Leng and the Ming Yuen community that grew within it.
