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the other hand, the temptation for larger incomes have brought about restrictions which are detrimental to the full development of the uses of many a valuable facility.
As regards to amenities under category (c), the same unfortunate developments in (b) may also occur, but with the added aggravation that not a few of these amenities tend to become the preserves of the élite. Amenities are made to become the private property of exclusive clubs and associations which, in turn, charge very high entrance and subscription fees, and levy a qualification on memberships, so that only a very choice few can ever hope to enjoy these amenities. In the first place, it is to be questioned how the Crown Lands Office sometimes see fit to allocate sites to certain clubs against all other preferences; and how, irrespective of past performances, leases are being renewed and extended without any query.
It is not to be gainsaid that, for amenities under categories (b) and (c), Government can save in recurrent expenses; but in the light of land shortage and of premium on land, are we not being penny wise and pound foolish in adopting such a policy? If these existing facilities are not being employed to their fullest advantage, it will only mean that we shall have to provide even more amenities elsewhere, thus involving heavier extra expenses.
My proposition is to institute a Central Supervisory Authority for Amenities, or a complete re-organization of the Amenities Section as suggested by Mr. SALES. But whatever it may be, such an authority should be responsible for co-ordinating the planning of amenity projects at the highest level; for ensuring that all amenity facilities will be developed and utilized to the full; for promoting interest in sports, recreation, and cultural pursuits among our youths; for rendering technical and financial assistance wherever these are needed; and for ensuring that proper supervision will be maintained and that no malpractice will occur in public places of recreation under any of these categories.
It is my contention that with a Central Supervisory Authority for Amenities constituted, a sound development of amenity facilities will follow, and there will be no recurrence of the mistake, by which we find we have to-day, three football stadia clustered within a small area of less than a square mile. Furthermore, a fairer distribution in the use of facilities will be achieved, and there will be less opportunity for sports and games to develop into amenities exclusively for the privileged and for the wealthy. No class distinction will be made in the right to use amenities.
Indoor Stadium. Now, Mr. Chairman, once again I appeal for an early construction of a multiple-purpose Indoor Stadium for Hong Kong, one with a seating capacity of 10,000 to 15,000 people; and
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one which will serve as a focal point of interest for sports, for games like tennis, basket ball, volley ball, badminton, and table tennis, for weight lifting, judo, boxing, fencing, and gymnastics; and one which can also be used for Chinese operas, for theatrical performances, for circuses, and for ice or variety shows, etc. The most suitable locality would be the Hung Hom Reclamation Ground situated as it will be, close to a ferry pier, a bus terminus, and a railway station.
Such a project may well cost us a good 20 million dollars, but this expenditure should not be considered as an item of extravagance. Let us bear in mind that it is an exception rather than a rule nowadays to find a city without such a stadium. To illustrate how people in other cities reckon the value of such a stadium, may I be permitted to quote from a speech by the Mayor of Vienna on the occasion of the opening of that city's Indoor Stadium,-"This is the largest building project undertaken in Vienna since the Second World War and is built despite the fact that there are far more urgent projects in the building programme. The social needs of a modern community are many and widespread and ever-increasing... Our lively city is in need of such an institution to serve the manifold interests of our citizens.”
A multiple-purpose Indoor Stadium can help to develop these values. Such an institution,-if properly planned and organized; if architecturally well-designed and imposing-may well become a symbol of great significance, a shrine to inspire youths to strive hard in the hope that one day they could display their skill and prowess within its hallowed precincts. In a world of complexities, in a world where norms and values have undergone violent changes, such aspirations on the part of our youths are, in more ways than one, highly desirable.
May I hope that Government will see fit to give the green light for the planning of such a project and with the added goal that it will be completed within 5 years and not 50 years.
While still on the subject of sports, I would like to express a hope over a wishing-well that one day Hong Kong may have the honour and privilege to play host in a regional sports meet. Given encouragement and the will to do a thing, I am sure that, under the able leadership of my friend Mr. A. de O. SALES, it is not unrealistic to hope that the 1970 Asian Games may take place in Hong Kong if only, however, we start to plan for it now.
MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, on a point of clarification, I have already encouraged Malaysia to bid for the 1970 Asian Games. (Laughter).
MR. WANG: Thank you very much. I hope that my wishing-well works.
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