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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Leaving the stormy waters of Resettlement for my more familiar area of Hong Kong's tranquil harbour waters. What do we find? That we are floating on a sea of garbage. Most of it emanating from the indifferent users and dwellers on and around our own "fragrant harbour". The Marine Department's collection squad afloat make valiant efforts to cope, but what is needed is a two-pronged attack at source. On both industrial and domestic "lap sap"!
The complete absence of any organized form of collection of industrial garbage makes the harbour the irresistible target for unwanted refuse. What about it Government? Make your new incinerators earn their keep and possibly show a profit, by the introduction of a service provided by most industrial cities. Also, would our Chairman ask his colleague in the Marine Department to investigate the practicability of a harbour collection service from ships. A sort of self-propelled floating refuse craft, that would collect receptacles of shipboard rubbish, from galley and hold, and thus eliminate the temptation to drop this overboard under the shroud of darkness.
Moving to another subject on the maritime scene, and I must resist the temptation to drag in the subject of containerisation this year, I would like to draw comparisons between our Terminal points of entry, and departure, into the Colony.
The Airport, for those who must fly, is by world standards, quite good, although with a lack of foresight not displayed by maritime interests they cannot cope with jumbo jets. Who said elephants would never fly? But maybe they will be all "pink ones". The Ocean Terminal may I say it with a proper sense of propriety and humility is magnificent by any standards. (Laughter). Our Ferry terminals for internal transportations are able to cope quite ably with vast throngs of commuter. But the Hong Kong end of the Macau Ferry Service, as graphically described by my colleague Mr. LOBO, is quite appalling and not worthy of the description "terminal".
Over a quarter of a million people use it every month. The numbers are growing as the ingenuity of our Portuguese neighbours to entertain and attract our own people and tourists grows more versatile. I believe plans are afoot to do something. I say: get on with it. But make sure the plans provide for adequate growth. On this subject what about provision for "roll on, roll off ferries" to Macau so that cargo can be trucked straight through from port to port. Racing motorists would then be spared the agony of watching their precious "hot rods" slung precariously aboard a lighter. And people could take their cars to Macau for the weekend. Something more valuable to pledge than their identity cards for another "fling at the wheel of chance."
We in Kowloon consider that the intensity of Bars in the Tsim Sha Tsui area has to say the least of it, been overdone. The Kowloon Residents Association, amongst many others, has protested to the Board of Licensing Authorities to call a halt to the issuance of further licences in this high-rise residential area, but so far without much real success, and I make use of this opportunity to ask for a complete re-assessment of this situation.
Finally on a subject dear to the heart of all Kowloon residents. What is Government going to do about the shambles that passes for traffic control at peak periods on the main Kowloon roads. Dig them up so no more can pass? Or consider giving priority to a series of over and under passes at these notorious roundabouts at San Po Kong, Kowloon City? What is the purpose of multi-lane highways, which could be even wider if these ridiculous side verges were removed, if the traffic moving in them gets snarled up at the next roundabout?
With all this food for thought, and maybe ammunition for the Government Front Bench, and adding my own grateful thanks to our efficient Secretary & staff. I beg to support the Motion before Council. (Applause).
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Mrs. E. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, before making my scheduled speech, I should like to draw attention to this cutting from the "China Mail" dated 28th November, 1966, concerning the visit of Mr. Fred LEE to the Colony. The heading is "Will Colony Pay More For Defence". I should like to quote one part of it verbatim:
"Top defence men to whom the 'China Mail' talked declined to allow their names to be published for varying reasons".
"Although they agreed the present force could not restrain an invasion for long, it could probably hold an invader long enough for British and foreign civilians to be evacuated”.
Since this was printed, I have not seen any official denial of this statement, and I want to ask, Sir, if some Government spokesman would care to make a categorical denial that 99% of the population is being asked to pay heavy yearly defence budget in order to guarantee a getaway for our obedient servants and other visiting benefactors.
I would like to go on with my speech now.
Mr. Chairman, In supporting the Motion, I wish to say that I believe some of our aims, especially those connected with amenities, will be carried out; some others cannot be carried out under our present system, but will be distorted in their execution.
I hope that the suggestions I make today will make my own views clear. I shall avoid direct criticism, as the suggestions themselves imply a serious state of affairs.
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