(30 Jun 1997) Natural Sound

The last governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten has left his colonial-style mansion for good.

Patten bade his 250 staff an emotional farewell and left the house carrying the Union flag which had been flown from its roof.

The staff of Government House who have taken care of Governor Chris Patten for the last five years gathered to bid him farewell on Monday afternoon.

The Pattens have lived in the house for almost five years, with their youngest daughter and two dogs.

Their other two daughters have visited for holidays and have spent the last few days celebrating the final days of British rule in Hong Kong with their parents.

Governor Patten bowed his head during the British National Anthem - a gesture made because he does not wear a hat.

Many of the 250 staff members looked on the verge of tears as Patten said a personal goodbye to each one.

A drill by a band of Honour Guards, Cordon guards as well as musicians from the Royal Hong Kong police was specially designed for the event.

In a final symbolic ritual the Governor's standard was lowered from the portico of Government House and presented to him as a memento.

During this part of the ceremony, Patten's favourite tune ' Highland Cathedral' was played.

Patten's daughters left Government House in a Daimler, while the Governor and his wife waved from a Rolls Royce.

After boarding his Rolls Royce the governor drove three times around the circular driveway - a Chinese tradition meaning he will return.

Between now and the official handover at midnight Hong Kong time (1600 G-M-T) Governor Patten will attend various ceremonies.

There have been rumours that China plans to turn Government House into a museum.

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