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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (In English):-Your Excellency, Mr. ALEXANDER, ladies and gentlement, I declare open this first meeting of the Urban Council and welcome you to our meeting, Sir.
The Urban Council has been evolving over the years. But, today, the change is fundamental. This simple ceremony marks the trans- formation of local authority long useful in performing services taken very much for granted. It inaugurates a radical change in form, com- position and responsibility. In practice, it shifts power and authority away from the Government and vests them on members of the public with corresponding accountability.
For some, it is a bold and exciting step; for others, too small and cautious. Be that as it may, it is only prudent for Hong Kong to move forward in an orderly manner. Otherwise, it might not be progress that would be made, but confusion created. For, if our circumstances are different, so must our institutions be. Wisely, they should be peculiar to our setting, suited to our conditions and in keeping with the temperament and traditions of our people. Above all, surely, whatever the public authorities do must always be clearly seen and understood by the people to be in their best practical interest.
For the first time, the Council is wholly composed of men and women not in the government service, yet all together now very much a vital part of the public administration. Individually, all members are citizens of Hong Kong; collectively, the Council demonstrates what makes Hong Kong work. In essence, it is an example of how people differing in race and creed, custom and culture, can live together in harmony and pull together as one for the good of the whole. Indeed, all who live here, without distinction, should have but one aim in common: to serve Hong Kong as best they can. For sure, by doing so, they would be serving their own interest as well.
The presence of so many former Urban Councillors, both Official and Unofficial, is gratifying. It is a manifestation of their goodwill. They hope with us that the new Council will succeed in fulfilling the expectations of an increasingly sophisticated society and make good progress in the service of those who call Hong Kong home. They are men and women of distinction and achievement; in their time, they served this Council well.
Again, this Council is pleased to recognize the fine leadership of my distinguished predecessor Mr. David ALEXANDER and those who
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
went before him. Likewise, there is much appreciation of the work done by all in the Urban Services Department; they can count on our support and encouragement for the proper performance of their func- tions. Also, many other departments have co-operated well with us to carry out our many duties and numerous projects; to them our thanks are due. Without doubt, it is team-work that makes Hong Kong; so, we will be cager to play our part with all. For Hong Kong's sake, may this team spirit grow ever stronger in the years ahead.
Sir, your presence sets the seal on the new Council. It enhances the importance of the proceedings this afternoon.
Your vision of a better Hong Kong, we admire. Your determina- tion to better the lot of the common man, we share in earnest. May all your policies and programmes to achieve this object be implemented without let or hindrance. Freely, we pledge our support.
As it is, social progress must quicken its pace in Hong Kong now that we have the means and the power. Social justice must penetrate all levels of our community. More so must protection be given to those in most need of governmental action. Growing affluence must be shared, if necessary by incisive social reforms on the powerful initiative of the public authorities. If Hong Kong's prosperity is to endure, there must be swift and vigorous action to spread its benefits far and wide for the people must be content. They know that their labour has materially helped make Hong Kong the success that it is. Unreservedly, Sir, we back you in this endeavour.
With tolerance and humanity, this Council will work long and hard in the primary performance of its statutory functions. And, using their initiative, the Select Committees will probe deep into their scope; also, with all their resources, they will improve the quality of their service within their terms of reference, or perhaps even beyond. For there is much they can do effectively, with drive and imagination. They will not fail the trust put in them by the people.
In sum, on the Council devolves the direct responsibility for many duties vitally affecting the well-being of the community. Moreover, the Council, acting alone or in concert with others, can be such a pervasive influence for good in this go-ahead community. There is manifest goodwill on the part of the people and the authorities. Let us, then, with one voice, agree to do all we can, with dignity and integrity, for the happiness of the people of Hong Kong. (Applause).