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But there are many sporting and other recreational activities which cannot take place satisfactorily out of doors, and so long as no indoor provision is made for them, the community's recreational programmes will be moving into an even more serious state of imbalance than already exists. By 1968 the Colony will be served by a total of about 750 public games pitches, running tracks, parks, playgrounds, beaches and swimming pools, etc. By comparison, indoor facilities are limited to the two covered stadia at Southorn and Macpherson Playgrounds, which accommodate only 2,000 spectators each and are suitable only for a limited range of activities, and maybe we can include at the most three community centres run by the Social Welfare Department and to a limited extent the City Hall.
We have no knowledge of any additional public indoor recreational projects which are likely to be completed in the near future. The provision of such facilities is therefore a matter of urgency in order to achieve a better balance in the community's overall recreational programmes.
IV. As chairman of the indoor stadium sub-committee, I cannot, of course, conclude without making mention of the progress of the work of the sub-committee. Since its formation in November 1964, the committee has held a series of discussions over the questions of how the stadium should best be designed for purposes which it should best serve in order that it may become truly a focal point of interest and activities for the community. The sub-committee had also gone into the question on the extent to which exhibition and trade fair facilities can be included in this project. For this latter purpose the committee had also had the benefit of meeting Mr. M. CURTIS and Mr. R. TOPHAM of Transport and Tourism Technicians Ltd. during their stay in Hong Kong, when they came to make the feasibility study on Hong Kong as a convention trade fair and exhibition centre on behalf of the Hong Kong Tourist Association.
I understand that Mr. CURTIS' report will soon be published and the sub-committee will certainly make careful study of this report. When this is done, the sub-committee will soon be able to finalize its findings and submit its report to the Amenity Select Committee.
At this stage, I would just like to report that the sub-committee has since co-opted a good number of officers from government departments including the Deputy Director of Public Works, Assistant Director of Commerce and Industry Department, and Urban Service Department, Manager of City Hall and the Organizer of Physical Education of the Education Department. Such a strong official representation in the sub-committee indicates, I hope, very well government's genuine interest in this project.
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With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I support the motion. (Applause).
CHAIRMAN: As it was agreed by all Members that the Unofficial Members of the Council should have two consecutive days for the speeches, accordingly I now propose, unless any Member objects, that this debate be now adjourned until tomorrow.
(No objection raised by Members)
ADJOURNMENT - 6.25 P.M.
CHAIRMAN: That concludes the business of this meeting. Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 7th December, 1965, at 2.30 p.m.
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