Colonial legacy to host events

Government House will be opened to the public on four days next year, while its ballroom will host up to 36 charity and community events, it was announced last night.

The decision follows claims taxpayers' money was being wasted while the former governors' residence went unused.

Tung Chee-hwa has also decided to decommission the yacht Lady Maurine, used by his colonial predecessors since 1953. A survey in October declared it unseaworthy.

Before the handover, the public was allowed to view the gardens at Government House once a year in March. A decision has yet to be made on the new open-house dates.

A proposal to convert part of the mansion into a museum is still being considered.