1958

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MINUTES.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 1st April, 1958, were confirmed.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- May I ask a supplementary question, Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN:-- Certainly.

PAPERS.

THE CHAIRMAN laid upon the table the following papers:—

(1) Report on the work of the Urban Council and Urban Services Department for the month of April, 1958.

(2) Urban Council and Urban Services Department Statistical Report for the period 1st January, 1958 to 31st March, 1958.

(3) Report by the Commissioner for Resettlement on the progress of clearance and resettlement operations during the period 1st January, 1958 to 31st March, 1958.

QUESTIONS.

MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question

"In June last year I asked the Chairman in what manner the general appearance of the areas adjoining the Repulse Bay beach might be improved; would the Chairman advise whether the public can expect during this year's swimming season an appreciable improvement in the general amenities of the Repulse Bay beach and the adjoining areas as compared to 1957?"

THE CHAIRMAN tabled the following written reply:—

"All the Crown land between Island Road and Beach Road has been cleared of undergrowth and generally tidied up.

You will appreciate that your suggestion came too late for inclusion in the programme of development of urban amenities for the last financial year, but a scheme for developing some of this area as an ornamental garden is included in the tentative programme for the current financial year."

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Could you give an indication as to when work will commence on the ornamental garden?

CHAIRMAN:- The ornamental garden at Repulse Bay?

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Yes.

CHAIRMAN:— I regret that I cannot give a definite reply to that question.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- May I ask a supplementary question, Mr. Chairman? Would it be possible to convey to the Committee concerned the view that I think it is a matter of some urgency that work should commence as early as possible rather than wait until the swimming season is over?

CHAIRMAN:— I have no objection to conveying your remarks to the Select Committee.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:— Thank you.

DR. R. H. S. LEE asked the following question

"Will the Chairman clarify the position of residents visiting the graves of relatives at Sandy Ridge on Ching Ming and Chung Yeung festival days whether identity cards are required or not? If it is, has any public announcement by the Urban Council been made to this effect? If not, why do the Police turn away people from the cemetery who do not have their identity cards even when monthly tram tickets and other documents were produced to show their residence in Hong Kong?"

THE CHAIRMAN tabled the following written reply:—

"Sandy Ridge Cemetery lies within a closed area but, as a result of an arrangement with the Commissioner of Police, a memorandum issued by the Inspector in charge Cemeteries is normally regarded as sufficient to cover groups of individuals proceeding thither solely for the purpose of worship.

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