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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
As to beaches, I am most disappointed that the rôle which this Council has to play in the New Territories is only one of an adviser. The advice is, more often than not, not followed in the spirit in which it is given. More than three years ago I drew your attention, Sir, to what was happening at Silverstrand Bay. The relevant departments were also invited to remedy the deplorable situation. Little, if anything, has been done until to-day it is simply a disgraceful state of affairs. I propose, Sir, to suggest to the Urban Amenities Select Committee that a sub-committee be formed, particularly to draw up a programme for the development of the beaches in the New Territories and to render more accessible those which are now not easily reached by members of the public. The situation, as far as urban beaches are concerned, is that they are used to capacity in the summer. Government must in fact provide the means for people to while away their leisure in a manner which is wholesome.
With these comments, Sir, I support the paper which has been laid before this Council as a Statement of Progress. (Applause).
CHAIRMAN: ---Sir, I feel it desirable to comment on two of the points which you have made. First of all, I would be glad to produce for the Council a paper giving more definite information about the programme for the construction of swimming pools, including reference to the two other pools which you have mentioned. Secondly, about the New Territories beaches, I occasionally do succeed in tearing myself away from my desk to visit the New Territories—even in the summer—and I must say that it has always been my impression that the beaches in the whole of the New Territories are well maintained and most agreeable to look at and to walk upon and to swim from. However, I agree entirely with you that the situation at Silverstrand beach is not satisfactory. I think part of this has been due to an excessive number of typhoons in the past year. I am sorry to have to fall back on that same old excuse, but it is true in this case. But I would be glad if you would raise the matter in the Urban Amenities Select Committee because I certainly hope that we will be able to do something to tidy up the beach at Silverstrand soon.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, on a point of clarification, does Mr. SALES envisage another helicopter trip over the New Territories?
MR. SALES: Sir, if it has any value when the next elections come around. (Laughter).
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, I fail to see the relevance. When Mr. SALES last made the helicopter trip it had nothing to do with elections.
MR. SALES: But the Reform Club members saw the relevance of my remarks. (Laughter).
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, the Civic side tries to be impartial.
QUESTIONS.
DR. R. H. S. LEE asked the following question:
Will the Chairman make a report in respect to the professional posts of the City Hall Library, and what assurance can he give that the temporary Cambridge Court Library will be opened on schedule?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
The first part of the question refers to the professional posts in the City Hall Library. There are 6 professional posts in the Library, consisting of a Library Adviser and 5 Assistant Librarians Class I. A candidate has been selected to fill the Library Adviser post but illness unfortunately delayed his taking up the appointment. He is now expected to arrive about the end of April.
Two of the 5 posts of Assistant Librarian Class I are already filled. For the vacant posts, one local candidate has already been interviewed while 11 overseas applicants are being short-listed by the Ministry of Overseas Development and are expected to be interviewed soon.
The second part of the question refers to the opening of the temporary Kowloon branch library at Cambridge Court in Waterloo Road.
Planning for the opening of this branch library has proceeded despite the shortage of professional library staff. Progress is being made in the preparation of the premises, acquisition of the furniture and equipment, recruitment of junior staff and building up of book stocks. The forecast at this stage is that this branch library will be ready for public use in the autumn of this year as stated, Sir, in my reply to your question at the Council meeting last October.
DR. LEE: Mr. Chairman, is it fair to ask two Assistant Librarians Class I to hold the posts of five and do the work for so long a period? Can you give us any assurance when all these posts will be filled?
CHAIRMAN: In fact it has not been possible for two Assistant Librarians Class I to do the work of five, and some of the work, as I think you know, on the accessioning of books has had to be slowed down. Very considerable assistance in the work of the Library has also been given by the Assistant Manager, City Hall. I hope, Sir, that the position will improve noticeably as from the end of this month.
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