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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MOTION.
MR. A. de O. SALES, Chairman of the Urban Amenities Select Committee, moved :—
That the Pleasure Grounds (Amendment) By-laws, 1965 be made under section 109 of the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinances, 1960.
He said-Sir, this motion which I am putting forward on behalf of the Urban Amenities Select Committee concerns the charges at the Victoria Park Squash Courts. Before giving approval to the proposal made by your Department, the Select Committee made sure that consultation had taken place with the sports body involved and that their agreement had been secured. I would like to suggest that this procedure be made standard in your Department in all matters affecting the public. It is only correct that public interests should be consulted where they are involved in any matter concerning the Urban Council.
This opportunity should not be missed to state the case for Kowloon in respect to squash courts. I wish to recall that when the suggestion was made to build Squash Courts at Victoria Park it was understood that similar facilities would be made available to people who live in Kowloon; subsequently this was not approved by Government when money was sought and the schedules submitted for Kowloon Tsai Park and the ground at Mission Road. This is the time to revive this question. I feel very strongly, Sir, and I am sure many Urban Councillors join me in this sentiment that Kowloon should be discriminated against once again. I would like to remind Government, Sir, that two thirds or more of the population live in Kowloon and that such facilities as are available for the recreation of the people should be shared by the people on both sides of the Harbour. There is no reason why this grievance which is becoming increasingly more serious should not be redressed as soon as possible by Government. With this remark, Sir, which I trust that you will put forward to Government in the strongest possible terms, I move the motion which stands in my name.
DR. LEE: Mr. Chairman, when my friend the proposer of the motion asked me to second it, I understood that the Motion would be a question of charges, I didn't realise that he was going to battle for Kowloon as always. But as my constituents are in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories, I might as well second the motion. (Laughter)
MR. BERNACCHI:-Mr. Chairman, whilst I agree with everything Mr. SALES has said, I again call his attention to Standing Order 10. I'm afraid that his remarks about appealing for the same facilities for Kowloon Tsai Park, which I entirely concur in, is not the subject of the motion which he was proposing. (Laughter)
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MR. SALES: Sir, if no other member of this Council wishes to speak may I exercise my right of reply? I am indeed most grateful to Dr. LEE for seconding the motion and I note with considerable alarm that his ward has now extended to cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. At one time when the proposal was made for the Ward System Dr. LEE took an immense slice of Kowloon for himself and we suggested then that the matter be given further thought, but I am grateful nevertheless for his support. Whether my remarks are part of the motion or not, is not a material point when it comes to the application of Standing Orders. Sir, in proposing a motion, any Urban Councillor is free to speak on the subject and also to speak on kindred subjects. If I have erred this afternoon, I have merely followed Mr. BERNACCHI's illustrious example. (Laughter) In all the years I have been on this Council I have never yet seen Mr. BERNACCHI confining his remarks to the subject matter of the motion. I have always admired him for going beyond the purview of the Urban Council to serve the public interest and that he should today find fault with me when I am trying in my own humble and modest way to follow his example, is indeed very painful to me.
I suspect that Mr. BERNACCHI still wants to support my motion and for that I thank him. (Laughter)
CHAIRMAN:-If no other Member wishes to speak and on the assumption that Members understand that the motion concerns the fees at the squash courts at Victoria Park (Laughter)...
MR. SALES: On a point of order and personal clarification, my opening remarks were to the effect that this motion meant an adjustment of the fees at Victoria Park.
CHAIRMAN: On the understanding that Members appreciate that the matter refers to the fees chargeable at the Squash Courts, I will now put the motion to the vote.
The motion was put.
The motion was carried.
DEPARTURE OF SECRETARY ON LEAVE.
CHAIRMAN:-There is one small matter before this meeting concludes. I think Members would wish me to say thank you to Mr. PASCOE who has acted as Secretary of this Council most efficiently for the past few months, and who is being succeeded as Secretary to the Council by Mr. TINSON. (Applause)
MR. BERNACCHI : -Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Unofficial Members, I would like to join you. Mr. PASCOE has been very able, and
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