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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I beg to support the resolution and in doing so would like to congratulate you and your staff on the progress made and express the hope that this progress will be maintained, and indeed accelerated during the coming year. I would also like to express my thanks to you, Sir, for the unfailing courtesy and co-operation which I have personally received from both you and your staff during the year. (Applause).
MR. R. C. LEE:- Mr. Chairman, I rise to support your motion and in doing so I would like to take this opportunity of saying a few words.
Air Conditioning: During the last two years, I have repeatedly called attention to the nuisance created by air conditioning units from which water drips onto pedestrians. Such a nuisance still exists in certain sections of the city and it makes one wonder whether any action has been taken to abate it or whether the offenders are arrogant enough to ignore official warning. It is not in the interest of the community to allow this nuisance to continue unchecked, particularly in the centre of the city. Users of air conditioning units on upper floors should show consideration to users of the pavements below; and if they do not, they should be made to do so. It is hoped that action will be taken to enforce this when necessary. All that is required of owners of these units is to have their machines serviced regularly.
It seems to me that the subject of air conditioning in theatres also requires our attention. An air conditioning plant in a theatre is designed to serve a limited number of persons corresponding with the available seating accommodation. The supply of fresh air is often found to be inadequate owing to overcrowding. The reason is that many children are admitted free with adults. They either sit on laps of adults or stand in front of them when no spare seats are available. Over-crowding in theatres is a serious threat to public health and it appears that a marginal allowance in the capacity of air conditioning plants for new installations should be insisted upon. In the meantime, wide publicity should be given to the injurious effect of overcrowding. Any effort which may be taken on the part of the Health Education Select Committee in this direction will not be misplaced.
Roof-top Squatters: Those of us who have visited roof-tops where squatters are found need no reminding that deplorable conditions exist. As there is no main-water supply on roof-tops, squatters improvise by resorting to well-water stored in tanks intended for flushing water closets. Actually, this water is used for drinking purposes by the squatters. The hovels they live in are, to say the least, insanitary. Refuse and excreta are forced down rain-water pipes often causing blockage or are left scattered about on the roof. It is undeniable that the number of squatters on roof tops has increased considerably since the last checking. It is therefore suggested that a target date should be fixed by the Resettlement Department to have all roof-top squatters resettled. Unfortunately, the problem of roof-top squatters is not only a question of public health. Undesirable elements are making use of the situation for their own gain.
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the last checking. It is therefore suggested that a target date should be fixed by the Resettlement Department to have all roof-top squatters resettled. Unfortunately, the problem of roof-top squatters is not only a question of public health. Undesirable elements are making use of the situation for their own gain.
Car Parks: The growing demand for parking space must justify the building of more and higher car parks near key points in both Hong Kong and Kowloon. Multi-storey garages and underground car parks serve the same purpose, although the latter are more expensive to build; but with the scarcity of land, the possibilities of such development should be explored. When one thinks of an underground car park, Statue Square immediately comes to mind. Since the two multi-storey garages will be out-grown in the foreseeable future, the feasibility of an underground car park in that Square should be examined. The success in water-proofing the Sub-way at Connaught Road is good evidence that water-proofing for such car parks will not be a problem.
Kowloon has a parking problem too. Car owners crossing the harbour usually have to park their cars a long way from the Ferry. A multi-storey garage somewhere in Tsim Sha Tsui should prove desirable. With the increasing difficulty of finding enough parking space, a long-term planning programme for both underground and multi-storey car parks on both sides of the harbour should be launched by the Government without delay.
Beaches: Last year I asked questions about the pollution of water at our bathing beaches by oil and refuse. Complaints of such pollution have recently appeared in the local papers. Speed-boating and water-skiing are becoming popular sports and the magnitude of the nuisance caused by them is on the increase. The oil and the refuse, if not actually discharged by speed boats, are brought in by the wash created by these boats using the Bays. Swimmers have also complained that the wash so created have caused them to collide with other swimmers or with rafts. It is suggested that some arrangement should be made whereby speed-boats could be kept outside a prescribed limit so that boaters and skiers can have their enjoyment without interfering with swimmers.
With these few remarks, Mr. Chairman, I have much pleasure in supporting your motion. (Applause).
MR. ERNEST WONG: -- Mr. Chairman, I am greatly touched by the kind welcome accorded me on this occasion. Being the newcomer, I can have little to contribute today, except to pledge that I will join you wholeheartedly to uphold the prestige of this Council, as a body working for the general interest of the public, through the performance of our public duty.
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