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Kowloon, the New Territories, and the whole of Hong Kong Island. Unless an additional system of transport is introduced, Mr. Chairman, I honestly can see no marked improvement to our present very over- loaded bus system. I am sure a little competition cannot hurt our present bus service.
At present Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung are developing at a fantastic pace. I hope development plans are available for the Council's scrutiny because when they become more fully developed I can see the day when they can well benefit from this Council's direction. As a Council, we would like to know what open spaces are available for swimming pools, recreational areas and other amenities. Mr. Chairman, we would not want it to be developed like another Kennedy Town where little or no land is available for these purposes.
Potable water is a very important commodity in water-short Hong Kong. Whatever plans are available for the construction of storage reservoirs, Hong Kong, I am sure, cannot gamble with its future pros- perity and well-being by relying solely on the catchment of rain water for another year. We must have an additional source of water supply. When the Colony is literally surrounded by the sea at all points of the compass, it is important that we should investigate all methods of sea-water distillation and select the most economic one for our purpose. We cannot afford to face another year of drought without serious dis- ruption and consequences to our economic well-being, if we are to rely on conventional systems only.
In view of harbour pollution from the refuse dump at Gin Drinker's Bay, I cannot press too strongly for the early realization of refuse incinerators which can also, of course, distill sea water to augment our water supply. We hope that it is possible that new slaughterhouses can be built soon to replace our very antiquated abattoirs.
In spite of many new buildings going up every day, over-crowding is still evident in many parts of the Colony. Due to the present water shortage and also to the health staff being taken away from house inspection for anti-cholera work, it is not surprising, Mr. Chairman, that some deterioration in cleanliness of tenement floors can be observed. In view of the prevalence of Cholera and the enteric group of diseases it is worth the Department's while to carry out a big combined operation of house cleansing, house inspection and removal of street obstructions as well as sending out qualified inoculators to immunize those who have not received their inoculations against these gut disorders, and to be repeated as often as necessary. The support of the Kaifongs should be enlisted and we hope that Cholera might be wiped out next year.
In view of the rising cost of human labour it is in the Department's interest to investigate the feasibility of introducing modern mechanized
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equipment for street cleansing operations which have been used with success in other places. There is no reason why we should not experi- ment with it on a small scale in an area like Tsim Sha Tsui.
Hong Kong has always been regarded as a cultural desert. The great use to which the City Hall is made may dissipate this impression. If we are to make Hong Kong a true centre for the fusion of the cultures of the East and the West, we must provide the facilities for its develop- ment. It is encouraging to note, however, how well the library, the art gallery and other parts of the City Hall are used, and the very high standard of exhibitions. If we want to further reduce our crime rate and juvenile delinquency, we want to attract our youth to libraries, art galleries, and museums where their young minds can drink at the fountain of learning rather than to indulge and be corrupted in mahjong schools and cabarets. It hardly requires me to say that the future of Hong Kong lies in the hands of our youth.
Tourism brings in valuable revenue to Hong Kong. It is in our interest to promote this industry. Anything to give the Colony an added oriental touch will, I am sure, enhance its value as a shopping centre. A first class Chinese architectural style hotel resort with golfing and other amenities near one of our beaches, like Shek O or in the New Territories, will not only benefit the tourists but also the humble general public like myself. It is a proposition well worth the Government's consideration and promotion,
Mr. Chairman, in view of our heavy responsibilities in integrating the refugee population I plead with the United Kingdom and the United States of America to be more understanding in its action towards our export trade. If we are to live we have to trade in order to provide employment for our growing population. At present we import more than we export. But it will not help us if our friends continue to impose trade restrictions on our export.
Mr. Chairman, I think the time is opportune for us to consider the general question of polling stations. When traffic is so heavy nowadays, I agree with Mr. BERNACCHI entirely that mobile polling booths should be provided for those voters living in the New Territories and the out- lying districts of Hong Kong. If the present ordinance does not permit it to be done it should be revised in good time before the next election.
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I have much pleasure in en- dorsing the statement of aims of this Council for the year 1964. (Applause).
MR. J. L. MARDEN:-Mr. Chairman, as it is only just over six months since we last spoke I feel that we should only speak for half the time (Laughter) on subjects connected with the Urban Council which I shall try and do.