會利福坊街區咀沙尖
TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICT KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION
Approved Charitable Institutions and Trusts of a Public Character
Under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance G.N. (S) 14 of 1975
Offices: 136, Nathan Road,
Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Tel. 3-678430 3-684729
號六三一道敦彌龍九港香:址會
九二七四八六 〇三四八七六:話電
Our Ref. GS/77/105
3
6th May, 1977.
2. Practical Use and Maintenance (cont'd) :
Speaking of maintenance expenses, it may not be dearly expensive to preserve the Clock Tower; it will probably cost everybody a very insignificant figure if that is shared by our large population. This indeed will be an interesting point about how much has it incurred to manage the building over the years. If the less visited Han Tomb at Lei Cheng Uk Estate is carefully looked after, why shouldn't this valuable and familiar column be protected.
The tower is tremendously linked up with the daily life of our public. It is admired by over-million of tourists every year as well as by the local people of some four millions in number. It is depended upon by the multitude in their everyday work. Yet, unfortunately, certain people seem to have taken the merits of Clock Tower for granted and disregarded its value of existence.
3.
Cultural Complex:
We have always been attentive about the future of KCR. As early as March 9, 1970, when we were favoured by a visit of the Hon. D. R. Holmes, Secretary for Home Affairs, to our Assn., we had a discussion together wherein his Honourable also agreed with our view. Our opinion then and now is for the retention of Clock Tower, .and the Railway Station as well if possible.
It does not mean that we oppose the Cultural Complex scheme. Rahter : we fully appreciate the benefits which this scheme will bring to the people. It is nice to replace the Railway Station with another project for public interest. But such significant monument from the past as the Clock Tower should not be disposed of. We hope that the proposed Cultural centre can co-exist with the cherishable monument. Had we not seen a mini Clock Tower standing beside the complex at a model exhibition at City Hall.
It is good idea to expand the complex area gradually. In the regard of space, this can be done without involving the pull down of the Clock Tower because there is ample open space within' the region. According to the Tsimshatsui Outline Use Zoning Plan LK1/44 of July 1967, the land between Star Ferry and Hung Hom was proposed for civil utilization (re. its Explanatory Statement sub paragraph 6.6); whereas LK1/56 foretold that some 1.74 hectares will be reclaimed from the harbour to provide larger space. (re. its Explanatory
4000.3.76
Cont'd.