HONG KONG LEGISLATIVÉ COUNCIL.
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square outside the Star Ferry Pier. On behalf of motorists I am appealing to your Excellency for a reconsideration of the projected scheme of arrangement whereby the privileges now enjoyed by them will be completely removed. One of the great advantages enjoyed by Kowloon motorists is the ability to reside in suburban areas away from the congested districts in the City. A contributory factor of that advantage is the ownership of a car in the case of a family man and of a motor-cycle in the case of a bachelor. Under the new parking scheme forecasted by the Government it will become difficult for owner-drivers to enjoy the benefit of suburban residence unless at an increased expenditure, and it must be remembered that many men with families and young men in this Colony are not blessed with too much of this world's riches. With many, despite appearance, which must be maintained, it is a real struggle for existence. The railway land near the Ferry Pier could be applied to better use and for the benefit of a larger number than the concessions presently enjoyed for a consideration which may or may not outweigh the larger benefits claimed for motorists.
The presence of disorderly houses on Nathan Road in the very heart of the residential district calls for attention. They were per- mitted at a time when family residences did not exist in such large numbers in Kowloon and at Yaumati. Young women of these houses sit on the window sills and obtrude themselves on the public gaze in a main thoroughfare every evening, and from midnight onwards the noise from what may be termed the "red-light" district of Yaumati deprives residents of the rest which they look for in undis- turbed sleep.
The hills of Kowloon have a very bare appearance especially that portion above the railway cutting and on the heights of Hunghom. The expenditure of a couple of thousand dollars for a couple of years may alter the bareness of Kowloon hills and the effect of the landscape.
Kowloon residents are still cherishing the hope for the fulfilment of the promise of afternoon open-air band concerts. The Shanghai Municipal Council provides music of a high order for the benefit of the public throughout the year during afternoons and in the evenings. Hong Kong continues to live under the reproach of being behind the Model Settlement in this respect.
In the matter of school fees I wonder if Government can effect a revision so as to reduce the cost of fees which are a heavy drain on the residents of this Colony. A fortnight ago, the Honourable Colonial Secretary spoke of next year's Budget as one of "a forward policy in services rather than in material works." What more tangible proof can there be as a practical demonstration of the Government's carnestness than by beginning in a small way to reduce the cost of living to residents in Hong Kong? Reduction of school fees is some- thing to start with. After all, it is by contentment with the common lot that one gauges the success of any administration, and "content-
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