11.
CONFIDENTIAL
squeezed out. But they have a vital part to play
in any society, and one of major significance in a
population as comparatively young and as densely
packed as that of Hong Kong. They make all the
difference between sullen acceptance of, and cheerful
participation in, a community. The following items
are examples of what is being done:
a) a massive campaign to improve tidiness
and cleansing has transformed Hong Kong from
an exceptionally dirty city into a comparatively
clean one.
b) The area of playing grounds, parks and
sitting-out facilities in the urban areas has
increased since 1971 from 732 acres to 922.
And 153,000 trees have been planted in that
period.
c) A 187 acre pleasure park and oceanarium
in magnificent scenery on a southern promontory
of Hong Kong Island is nearing completion.
d) A network of some 200 community, social
and youth centres, and games halls, and numerous
supporting clubs has been established by the
Government and Urban Council and subvented
agencies and the number is steadily growing.