682
Page 173 of 382
324
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
applicable to all sports facilities in Hong Kong, and I would support that wholeheartedly more than anybody else, but in the case of the present motion an attempt is being made to bring it in line with the policy that is being pursued, and in fact by adjusting the hours, we are offering the use of the squash courts to those very people that Dr. BELL had in mind when she said that they could not afford to pay the higher rates. This is an attempt to serve their interests, particularly the younger people, because squash is generally a game for the young and fit. Now I trust that with this explanation, Dr. BELL will see her way clear to removing her objection. If she wishes to revise the policy as a whole, it is an entirely different matter. Let the Committee go into the question of a revision of charges for all recreational facilities. I would certainly support that, but to stop short at squash alone when an effort is being made to help the people lower down in the income scale, then, I suggest, with the greatest respect to my lady colleague, that it is illogical and not altogether out of keeping with what Council has come to expect from the fair sex. (Laughter) There are a few exceptions, of course.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Mr. Chairman, even though I do support the motion in principle, I would refrain from voting to give moral support to my lady colleague.
MR. SALES: Sir, I suggest that the question be put to the Council.
CHAIRMAN:- The motion before the Council has been proposed by Mr. SALES and seconded by Dr. Lee,
The question was put.
The motion was carried, with 19 votes for, 1 against and 3 abstentions.
MR. BERNACCHI:- I would like to have my abstention noted in the minutes.
TRIBUTE TO MR. J. T. WAKEFIELD, COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT.
CHAIRMAN:- Before this meeting ends there is one further matter to which I must refer. This is the last meeting of the Council which Mr. WAKEFIELD will attend as Commissioner for Resettlement. I know that Members will wish me to express to him our very warm thanks for his extreme patience, courtesy, kindness, and forbearance in the affairs of the Council. He has been an excellent and helpful colleague and it has been a pleasure to have him with us. I only hope that as he leaves he feels towards us the same friendly sentiments as those which
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
325
we entertain towards him. (Addressing Mr. Wakefield) I thank you very much, Sir. (Applause)
MR. BERNACCHI:- Mr. Chairman, Mr. WAKEFIELD, Jimmy, has been a very good Commissioner for Resettlement. None has done the job better. It requires a very human person to know both the regulations and policies in regard to resettlement and to know also when the circumstances of an individual case requires him to disregard them. As Commissioner, Mr. WAKEFIELD has never failed to appreciate that although he is dealing with hundreds of thousands of persons, they are each one an individual with individual problems, and on behalf of all the unofficial members of this Council I wish Mr. WAKEFIELD all the best in his next appointment. (Applause)
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:- It would be quite remiss of me not to express my sincere thanks for your words and also for the feelings of the elected and nominated members of this Council. I have, during my term of office as Commissioner for Resettlement, had sound advice at all times from all Councillors on any and every matter touching on my duties as Commissioner for Resettlement. I can only say that I am more conscious than ever of the not inconsiderable time that Council members give to their many and varied duties in connexion with the work of the Urban Council and the Urban Services Department as well as the Resettlement Department, the Council, of course, being the statutory authority for certain parts of the Ordinance. I would also like to pay a particular compliment to the histrionic prowess of my colleague and friend on my right, Mr. SALES. I have particularly enjoyed listening to him speak before this Council. Thank you very much. (Applause)
ADJOURNMENT
6.30 P.M.
CHAIRMAN:- That concludes the business of the Meeting. Council stands adjourned until 2nd November, 1965, at 4 p.m.
PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, HONG KONG