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action when required so to do, or even fail consciously to disclose all relevant information. In varying measure we have all come across this experience; frankly, we would like an end to be put to this attitude. There must be a complete understanding on the part of your staff-nay, of all civil servants that they are in fact paid out of public funds and are expected at all times to carry out the instructions of the Council or of such other Councils, boards or committees, where applicable. Sir, I wish there had been no reason for me to speak in this way, but you know that the feeling exists. As you well know, I can quote chapter and verse, but it is not necessary for me to do so as we have already discussed this matter in private. Let me say without reservation, Sir, that you yourself have given this Council very keen support just as you have genuinely won our friendship and co-operation.
The Council keeps up its drive for more land and money so as to improve public amenities all the time. It wants much more planting of trees and flowering shrubs to be done in the urban areas; it asks for even more benches to be installed; it applies for every plot of land that is available to be given to it for development as active recreation areas or just for beautification purposes. But, progress is slow, without doubt, and very much more must be done if we are to give the people the amenities so much enjoyed elsewhere and so badly lacking, though even more needed, here. The high population density in Hong Kong makes it imperative that more open space be found. For years on end, we have asked Government to give us the means so that recreational facilities may be provided for the people in every district, more particularly the poor areas where people even live in cages. In the older districts, I have suggested that land be resumed or exchanged, perhaps even expropriated for the purpose. But nothing has been heard of Government's intentions, if any. All the time, land auctions are held. Government pursues its relentless course of selling the patrimony of the people, seemingly with nary a thought for what the public needs in terms of open space. Mine is a voice in the wilderness. Perhaps in time, when the cost will be far greater, action will be taken.
Because untold numbers of children go without a place to play, we want all open space in the urban areas to be used to the best advantage, so we intend to find out whether such is the case. And, there ought not to be fragmentation of authority over public pleasure grounds when the need is so great. Hence, we are looking into the question. Also, we want Government to stop dragging its feet on staff requirements. It is some time since we told Government that we wanted the amenities section of the Urban Services Department completely re-organized. We spelled out how it should be done. The proverbial postcard says that the matter is receiving attention, whatever that means.
Government fiddles, while Hong Kong children suffer. And, as time and tide wait for no man, these children, who live in miserable conditions and have to go without schooling, grow up roaming the streets for the land
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that should be theirs to play on, is auctioned off. Their birthright is sold by the administration for a mess of pottage. (Cries of Hear, Hear).
The alarming increase of signs and advertisements, put up with little regard for public health and safety, and projecting over public highways with abandon, must be controlled without further delay. Government has taken a very long time over the legislation to deal with this situation. I think this Council should be the licensing authority and fees charged without demur.
Mr. Chairman, in 1964 the marked deterioration of the standard of cleanliness of our streets, not in the urban areas alone, has reached a point of hopelessness. Perhaps, you might wish to be a latter-day Hercules cleaning the Augean stables. Inadequate equipment, staff shortage or even the bad habits of the people regardless, strong measures must be taken to return to the standard of cleanliness for which Hong Kong was once known in the East. In part, this present condition is due to the people's lack of civic consciousness. But, in far greater part, I suspect it is due to Government's unwillingness to spend money on a plentiful supply of equipment in good time, and to raise wages in keeping with the increasing cost of living, until compelled to do so late in the day. Whatever the cause may be, the effect is here for all to see. It is a shame for Hong Kong that such a low point should have been reached. Let Government face facts and mechanize the cleansing service rather than search about for excuses which fool no one. Doubtless you will tell us how the capricious typhoons played havoc with your work, but the public is not likely to forget that the streets were already in a disgraceful condition long before the typhoons came.
Mr. Chairman, manifestly, serious re-thinking about many vital matters which concern the well-being of the people of Hong Kong cannot be delayed. For one, questions may be asked whether our administrative procedures are in line with present-day business practices and whether they enable effective action to be taken to cope with modern conditions in Hong Kong. Again, does the organizational structure of Government permit it to act swiftly and effectively enough on matters of public concern? Certainly, we all share the wish to improve unceasingly the services which a modern Government must offer to the people in keeping with the rising aspirations of a young population in Hong Kong, whose views on matters of public consequence will be heard more and more, willy-nilly. Consequently, the public should know what measures are being taken to overhaul the machinery of government. The people can only judge by results. It must be admitted, Sir, that in many instances results do not merit full marks.
I support the motion which is before this Council.
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