r
- 3 -
(g) Paragraph 16(b) and (c). The statement
that there is a traditional reluctance of local colonical (sic) Chinese people to oppose authority or become involved in controversial issues is untrue today. The sharp increase in petitions, marches and other organised protest is evidence of this. If people feel strongly enough about something, they will air their feelings in public. If public feelings about this building had been stronger, they would have been reflected in the media, especially the Chinese media.
(h)
(i)
Paragraphs 16 (h) and 17. The comparison of a signature campaign with the size of the Urban Council poll is misleading. Signatories did not have to register, or attended specified polling booths, to register their support.
It
Paragraph 19 (i) to (v). The Antiquities Advisory Board was not influenced by the Government in its decision; indeed, the Government was not aware that the Board was deliberating the matter at the time. The Heung Yee Kuk's support of the preservation of the building was expressed in a single letter. has given no further support. The Tsim Sha Tsui Kaifong Welfare Association supported the preservation of the clocktower only. The Royal Town Planning Institute, Hong Kong Branch does not support the retention. The Hong Kong Society of Architects has not made its views public or known to the Government.
(j) Paragraph 18 (vi). Only two architects in
the Public Works Department are known to support the retention of the station building.
(k)
(1)
(m)
Paragraph 18 (vii). The Urban Council rejected many schemes for the layout, before agreeing to the present one.
Paragraph 18(xii). This is an unpleasant insinuation, based on mistaken facts. The cultural complex is handled in the Urban Council by the Cultural Complex Sub-Committee chaired by the Chairman, Urban Council.
Paragraph 18(xv). There is no real evidence that Hong Kong people are developing a sense of separate cultural heritage in the sense meant by the Society. Sentiment attached to Chinese culture and to mainland China is strong, particularly among those who have not had a Western education. Among the better educated, there is a strong attraction towards modern things. Very little sentiment is attached to the former Kowloon-Canton Railway building, which is seen by many as an anachronism.
16.