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even though in stages. Of course we must do so properly. This means that a careful study must be made by the Council, evidently in consultation with those who are capable of advising us. We are short of pleasure grounds in the urban areas. Therefore all such land as may be available for this purpose must be put to best use if the public interest is to be well served. Now is the time to start work on the development of all the open land that there is on Hong Kong Island. There is not a moment to lose for Hong Kong people want more such recreational opportunities. Besides, in time to come other pressing needs may arise. In consequence other claims may be put up for such land now reserved for us when there may well be a change of heart. There is, Sir, if I may add, a vast system of catchment areas not on the island alone but in other parts of the Colony as well. May I also ask that where feasible they be turned over to this Council so that pleasant walks may be laid out in the more accessible parts if it is at all possible to do so without prejudice to the primary function of such catchment areas. Sir, before I move the Motion which stands in my name, I owe a personal explanation to my colleagues from Kowloon. I am not deserting their cause for more open spaces and more recreational facilities. It is because I feel that the people on the island, being also taxpayers, should not be neglected. Hence, sparsely populated as the southern part of Hong Kong island may be, there is still the need for some open space so that the residents there may disport themselves in good time. Of course, Kowloon residents if they are so unmindful of the danger of coming over to the island, may also make use of the amenities which will be provided there when these plans materialize. I move the Motion which appears as number 1 under item 4.
MR. LOBO:- Mr. Chairman, I will not reiterate the wisdom, the advantages, nor the needs for open space contained in Mr. SALES' motion. Members of this Council have in recent meetings spoken most eloquently in favour of motions for similar amenities for which they enjoy full support. Today, I am pleased to second a motion which requests Government to act on their own decision when they saw fit to set aside land for hill parks and playgrounds. There was foresight on Government's part when these decisions were made. There should be no reason for Government to hold back, place them on files and only to be pressed later on. We can appreciate the circumstances were such that Government could not keep pace with private enterprise and therefore development of open space could only be brought about long after termination of building programmes undertaken by private developers resulting in open spaces becoming musts when these were finally put to use. Now the building pace has slackened, the position can be reversed, and Government has a good opportunity to begin allocating sites for progressive development and in so doing Government can have part of their planning put up to date. Likewise, Government can have an opportunity of having private enterprise build around or near the developed open space like anywhere else in the world, instead of having to open a space in overcrowded areas to meet the demand. Mr. Chairman, I beg to second the motion.
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developed open space like anywhere else in the world, instead of having to open a space in overcrowded areas to meet the demand. Mr. Chairman, I beg to second the motion.
DR. BELL:- Mr. Chairman, as I have promised every time Mr. SALES moves a motion for more open space whether it be in Hong Kong or Kowloon, to be developed for parks or playgrounds, I lend that motion my full support. I would say that I think that the important words in this motion are 'That development in stages may start forthwith'. I think it is important that there should be no delay in any way in allowing this Council to take over any available land. I hope that there may be possibility in this area of including a standard swimming pool if the Urban Amenities Committee decides on having a standard swimming pool. There is obviously a need for swimming pools on the Island in spite of the number of beaches, as well as on the mainland. I lend this motion my full support.
Mr. Hu:- Mr. Chairman, I also support the motion. I should, for this motion is commendable for its far-sightedness, because it is much better if we can plan ahead instead of planning piecemeal. I think with this remark on the far-sightedness of this motion, I will wholeheartedly support this motion.
MR. WANG:- Mr. Chairman, I admit I must have lost count of the numbers of meetings in succession in which our friend, Mr. SALES, has moved motions to urge Government to expedite the project or to release more land for recreations, but I cannot fail to observe with great satisfaction how gradually he diverts his attentions to the interests of the people in the Island. Perhaps it was due to the result of his last flight on a helicopter which has drawn his attention to the appalling situation in the Island. Mr. SALES has indeed been at leaps and bounds in search for more recreation grounds. He has not only leaped across the harbour to press for the need of a recreation ground in North Point and also in Central District, but he has seen through the Peak to search for a development on the southern side of what we may consider as a forgotten land. It is indeed a great contrast of what is on this side of the Peak to the other side of the Peak that we urge that we must make full use of what is available without any delay. It is for the fact that Mr. SALES is taking now a keener interest for the people in Hong Kong that I feel I must stand up to support his motion and I also pledge my full support to Mr. SALES with the remark that if at first you don't succeed please try and try again.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Mr. Chairman, I (Laughter).
support the motion
CHAIRMAN:- I have few remarks to make on this motion. Before I make them, may I congratulate MR. LOBO on his able maiden speech. I was, as usual, impressed, indeed almost overwhelmed, by Mr. SALES'
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