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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN:-Mr. Kwan has dealt quite satisfactorily with your point, Mr. Bernacchi, and I have nothing further to add. I therefore move that these by-laws be made.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
TRIBUTE TO MR. E. B. TEESDALE, CHAIRMAN OF URBAN COUNCIL.
DR. E. L. GOSANO:-It is with regret that I arise on this occasion, the last attendance of our Chairman, to say a few words on behalf of the unofficial nominated members of the Urban Council. The loss of Eddie will be greatly felt by all of us as he is not only a colleague but a friend. We are sorry, but we should be glad, as we can presume that this short spell with the Urban Council is but a step to a higher post. He has done a good job. The variety of problems handled by the Urban Council and the complexities of the Urban Services Department certainly was a test of his capabilities.
Eddie, we are proud to have you as our Chairman. You were brilliant in your deft dealing with ticklish problems set up by the members (I think our notorious Gloria has something to do with it), may be a little too agreeable in the Select Committee meetings (my own opinion); and most patient and conscientious in the everyday work of the Urban Services Department. You are a credit to the Government of Hong Kong. The unofficial members (nominated) wish you success in your future appointments. We have enjoyed having you and will always welcome a return.
MR. BERNACCHI :-Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Reform Club elected members I would like to join with my colleague, Dr. Gosano, in the words that he has just used.
We pressed for a greater permanency in the senior offices of this Council and, in particular, we strongly urged that the Chairman of the Urban Council, Mr. Holmes, should return to that post on his return to the Colony, and the Secretary, Mr. Primrose, should return to the same office on his return. We
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have, however, been extremely fortunate both in the Chairman and in the Secretary who were appointed to occupy those posts while the other officers are on leave. I feel I can be frank in saying that on your first appointment we did have some doubts as how we would get along together, but we were happy to find that you were a very easy person to get along with, and that the Council has worked in very great harmony during the period that you have occupied the Chair. I would also like to congratulate you on the ease and speed with which you were able to pick up the extremely complex work of this Council in your office as Director of Urban Services as well as in your appointment as Chairman of the Council. It must be, indeed, much more complex than we experience from our position as Councillors where we merely have to deal with that particular aspect of the work that concerns those Select Committees, on which we serve, whereas you have to deal with the whole lot of the work, and I know well that it is not only a full-time job, but an overtime job as well.
May we join with the other unofficial members of this Council in saying how much we have appreciated the work you have done for the Council and we wish you the best of luck in your future service in and for Hong Kong.
DR. P. F. Woo:-On behalf of the elected members of the Civic Association, I associate myself with the sentiments of Dr. Gosano and Mr. Bernacchi on your relinquishing your duties as Chairman of this Council.
During your short term of office, we have enjoyed working together with you and by means of your sincerity and personality, you have endeared yourself to all members of this Council. My colleagues and I will certainly miss you very much.
May I take this opportunity to wish you, Sir, every success and happiness in your new appointment.
CHAIRMAN :-Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank you very much indeed for the extremely kind words which have been spoken on your behalf, and also for the every friendly help and assistance which you have given me personally, firstly as a newcomer to the Council, and throughout the past nine months.
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