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The Chinese version was "sun chiu mo wui (4)", which I am told may be translated in English as "new tide dancing party". This term is best interpreted as "new wave" in the equivalent English context, which is used elsewhere to describe any innovation in art, music, drama or cinema. The occasion was criticized in a certain section of the press. It would have been, I think, criticized whatever title was used. The fact remains the dance was organized for the young people of Hong Kong; their enthusiastic response suggests that it means nothing more to them than something excitingly new which fills a need in their lives and thus most welcome to them.
I am told that this subject has been discussed with the Director of Information Services who advises this Council to make no change in the title announcing the second of what I expect will be a highly successful series of dances. However, should there be strong public comment to the contrary, the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee would consider whether or not it is valid and responsible before taking a decision to change the Chinese version.
DR. BELL: Mr. Chairman, is Mr. SALES aware that apart from a certain section of the press having automatically criticized the function, that many Chinese people of all walks of life also criticized it because of the Chinese title, which I understand, has come to be associated in quite a different context from its literal meaning, just as has happened to many English words. Also, I am told, it gives quite a wrong impression of what the Council is trying to do, which I would like to make very clear I think is excellent. I think it's a wonderful project, I'm all for it. But I do think that some advice should be taken by people who are in close relation with the public, with the Chinese public, regarding the title. Literally, I know, it's all right, but it has come to mean something quite different.
MR. LI: Mr. Chairman, I rise on a point of clarification. I think the Chinese name is quite adequate. "Sun Chiu" to me means "new trend", a new trend of dancing. Actually the criticism which came in, came before the dance actually took place. As the dance was something new in Hong Kong people were likely to look at it with the same sort of suspicion, but when the affair was over I think everyone agreed that it was a great success, so I think I support the name as it is and I don't support any change in the Chinese name.
DR. BELL: Mr. Chairman, may I say that Mr. Li Yiu-bor has just given me an English word which is rather like "sun chiu" in that it has come to mean something quite different depending on how it is used. "Affair" is just one of these words.
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MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, may I be permitted to take the floor as Chairman of the Select Committee itself, if Dr. BELL will allow me. First, I would like to say that I thank Mr. LI for having given an explanation as a Cantonese, and being also "Kwangtung Yan" I respect his opinion. Now, I think Dr. BELL has made a good point. The Select Committee will consider it. It is responsible opinion but whether it is valid opinion is another matter. I accept that as responsible opinion but the Select Committee may not consider it valid; evidently, Mr. Li Yiu-bor does not consider that as valid. I would like to tell this Council that, before the dance actually took place, because it was an innovation on the part of the Council in its activities and particularly a very important occasion for youth activities in Hong Kong, the Department carried out a very careful analysis of public opinion as represented through the medium of the press, and the analysis is available in these two files and I should be very happy, Mr. Chairman, if my colleagues would borrow them. Anyway, I table these two files. In addition, I myself consulted my Cantonese-speaking colleagues, and they hold to the view that the title is a good one. The suggestion was made that the title represented a new trend. The term "new trend" was used. In point of fact some Chinese scholars rather liked the term and a colleague of mine, Mr. P. K. NG himself did a personal analysis and this I would also like to table. I am grateful to him for having made this analysis at my request. Now Mr. Chairman, I must respect the opinion of the people. I have also noticed that the Reform Club has made its own favourable press release (laughter) which, in case it has escaped my colleagues, I would likewise table for their information to show Council that I am very "broadminded". Thus, I take into account all shades of opinion. Now, we must consider this matter carefully before we reach a decision, but in the interval I would rather like to suggest that Councillors should be "with it". This is a new trend, and if they'd like to join me in the next pop dance particularly the three ladies, I would be delighted to dance with them. (Laughter).
MR. HU: Mr. Chairman, I would ask a supplementary to Mr. SALES. Before the Mod Pop-In Dance took place on 20th April, 1968, was this matter discussed in the Select Committee?
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, the matter was not discussed by the Select Committee because the Select Committee had given permission to the Department and I think the Department informed the Select Committee and the Select Committee approved of it. I know that Mr. Henry Hu, my friend, has certain reservations and I would like to suggest to Mr. Hu that he should emulate the example so nobly set by the Chairman of the Reform Club when he attended the first Mod Pop-In and he enjoyed himself thoroughly. Evidently, the three line whip does not run through the Reform Club as it ought to otherwise we would have had no difference of opinion.
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