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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Sir, I would like now to say a few words in support of the last item of the statement of aims to press more vigorously for the enlargement in 1969 of the Council's scope.
The emphasis is on the year 1969 and I am indeed more interested to see some achievement made within this year. I suggest that the Council's attention, however, should not be over-absorbed with matters concerning too distant a future nor should we aim at perfection or attempt to decide on the ultimate scope of the Council. By so doing we would only complicate the issue and jeopardize actual progress. The Council should begin to concentrate its attention on examining the feasibility of extending certain fields of administrative functions which can be practically implemented at the earliest date, and thereafter, step by step, we can continue to seek further enlargement. I am of the belief that we shall certainly gain more ground this way than by building castles in the air.
(The Director of Public Works arrived at this point).
The Urban Council has built up a good tradition of close co-operation of official and unofficial bodies connected with the day-to-day living of the man in the street. It has in fact formed a good foundation for its development into an effective local administrative authority. I sincerely hope that the year 1969 will mark the beginning of actual progress made in this direction.
On the membership of the Council, my colleagues spoke yesterday on the desirability of increasing the number of elected seats in this Council. I would like to lend my support to this plea. Although it is true that the interest shown by the general public in this field is still lacking, I am optimistic that such interest is rapidly growing. I am inclined to believe that the indifferent attitude which now exists is not entirely due to the traditional outlook of the people, but it has been so moulded by circumstances. Having regard to the position of the vast majority of people in the past 20 years, it is not surprising that not many could afford to divert their attention away from their daily occupation for their need to re-build their homes from the remnants of a war, or as refugees to this city, to find new jobs and to work up new careers, and there are many other needs to meet also. However, circumstances are changing with time and progress. Moreover, with the rising of the younger generations, with their strong local background and with the added advantages of modern education, we can expect them to be more aware of their civic responsibilities and privileges and more eager to exercise their right to vote for their representatives in the administration.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
295
It is better to have due progress made
new thinking of the future. slightly ahead of time than to be caught napping.
I believe that the time is ripe that the Council should start to enlarge its elected membership so that in due course it will form a substantial majority in this Council.
The coming Urban Council election will soon take place. The voters in this election, I reckon, will include a new group of our citizens who were born and educated locally after the war. It would be interesting to know how many of those of them, who are qualified to register as voters, have in fact done so and will turn up to vote. I hope they will turn up in a goodly number, otherwise what I have said may be proved wrong. However, it is in the public interest, that we should all hope there will be a big turn up at the poll in the coming election.
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I am glad to support the Motion. (Applause).
MRS. E. ELLIOTT: Mr. Chairman, the Motion before us today concerns the work and aims of the Urban Council, but our work in the wards brings us into contact with many aspects of life in the Colony which as yet are not under our jurisdiction. I should like to refer to some of those aspects, and talk about Planning and Action.
The Government, I am sure, never builds an important building without a good plan, to make sure that it has solid foundations, a safe superstructure, sufficient rooms, good facilities, and a certain amount of beauty.
I wonder if the same kind of planning goes into the running of the Colony's affairs by the Government?
I am not suggesting that we do not seek the advice of experts. Indeed, perhaps we have too many experts giving advice, very costly advice. My chief complaint is that we seldom get beyond the stage of survey and recommendation.
Think of Marsh and Sampson, and others of the education ilk!
Think of the various traffic and transport surveys that have been made!
Think of all the experts who have investigated and are still investigating our social welfare needs!
Think of all the plans we have looked at for slum clearance and urban renewal!
Think of the blueprints we have had for a cross-harbour tunnel, plans for an underground railway, for satellite towns, and the rest!
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