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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
While we endorse the policy of the Government in developing the preventive side of the Medical Department's work, may we respect- fully ask that that policy may be carried out in a liberal and sym- pathetic spirit, and with due regard to the susceptibilities of the people? Some medical men who may be highly qualified in their profession, and who may have the best intentions in the world, may be led by their enthusiasm and zeal into the introduction of mea- sures that are 1. tally unsuitable for local conditions.
The Tung Wah Eastern Hospital is ready to be opened this year: but the Government, in the belief that it could not be for want of funds, has made no provision in the Estimates for 1930. We are happy to say that arrangements have been made whereby the main- tenance of the Hospital is assured for two years, thus enabling it to be opened at the end of November next; and we therefore ask that the Government will be so good as to make a substantial grant to this most deserving and much needed institution. If it be inconvenient to make provision in the Estimates now, perhaps a supplementary vote could be taken when the time comes.
The Honourable Senior Unofficial member has asked for the provi- sion of more recreation grounds and open spaces. We strongly endorse this recommendation, because in the past this very necessary provision has unfortunately been neglected, particularly in the heart of the city.
Before the era of town-planning very little thought was taken by successive Administrations for the days when unhealthy con- gestion in the heart of the city would be severely and sorely felt as it is to-day. What has occurred on the Island should be made impossible on the mainland where rapid development is going on almost from day to day. The Government would do well to earmark specific sites for the provision of these "lungs" which are so essential to the health of the people.
We are aware of Your Excellency's personal sympathy with the need for recreation among all classes of the population, and we trust that you will see fit to instruct the Public Works Depart- ment to allot a piece of ground to the Chinese community for a golf-link; and, pending such allotment and completion of the link, to set aside certain days of the week for the playing of golf by Chinese on some of the existing recreation grounds.
The recent development in the realm of sport by the Chinese has been well described as nothing short of marvellous. A well-de- veloped body makes for greater efficiency in work, and experience has proven that the best workers among the young Chinese are those who have taken up sport of one kind or another with zest. To-day golf is not, as in time gone past, a luxury for the few, as witness the growth of municipal golf-courses throughout Great Britain. That example can well be adopted for the requirements