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there is always something new going on. And by everyone "doing his own thing", the children unconsciously develop their faculties to an astonishing degree.
We would certainly like to have as many playgrounds as possible. However, we cannot ignore the complicated problems of traffic in a modern city. We do need far more car parks than what we have now. The government should have a long-term plan for car parks with adequate car parking space in line with the number of cars on the road. As land will be a problem as we aim at more playgrounds, one sensible solution would be to build underground car parks in order not to sacrifice the open space. This is one way to satisfy the present and future urban traffic needs. For all kinds of car parks, we should seriously consider the use of up-to-date modern parking control systems which will enable the operator at the centre station to detect and control the incoming and outgoing cars, the number of cars existing in the whole parking area with respective numbers at blocks in each storey, and to ensure traffic safety in the parking area, entrance, and exit. Less manual labour will be required, and more efficient management of car parks can be effected.
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I support the motion before the Council. (Applause.)
MR. ALEX S. C. Wu (in English): ---Mr. Chairman, the Councillors who spoke before me have dealt with the many aspects of the motion before this Council most ably. It would be difficult for a relatively newcomer such as myself to try and add to their deliberations.
The statement of aims of the various Select Committees for 1974-75 has been arrived at after protracted and careful consideration. I am convinced that the aims are designed to serve the needs of the people of Hong Kong within the Council's areas of responsibilities, harnessing both manpower and monetary resources available to the Council for maximum results at minimum cost.
However, aims will have no meaning if they are not implemented efficiently and in the spirit in which they have been established. In the short time I have served on the Council, I am privileged to share with members the task of fulfilling the responsibilities we have charged upon ourselves, leaving no stones unturned in the search for methods to streamline procedures affecting the public, to avoid duplication of areas of responsibilities, and above all, to eradicate any anomalies that may exist, under the guidance of the Select Committee Chairmen.
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While the Committees are striving to reach their goals, let us pause for a moment and consider whether the public agrees with what we are doing. To find this out, we would need to further increase our contact and communication with the public. In this respect, I hope, among other P.R. devices, the Ward Offices shall be used to meet members of the public, not only to deal with complaints but more as places where we can sit down face-to-face and discuss the results of the various Council activities with constructive criticism and suggestions.
I have recently been given the pleasant duty to chair the Committee of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society, whose orchestra has recently become professional. The favourable comments received on the launching of the professional season speak for the worthiness of the generous and constructive support of the Council and the Community. Also, they are testimony to the capabilities of our Music Director and Conductor, Mr. LIM Kek-tjiang. To build an orchestra with musicians having different backgrounds and training is a tremendous task, especially when adequate facilities for rehearsing are not available. But the Committee is confident that Mr. LIM will be able to present an orchestra with high professional standards, bringing performances of artistic excellence for the enjoyment of the public. I do not wish to speak prematurely, but I shall, with the able assistance of Mr. Darwin Chen, make suggestions to the City Hall Select Committee with a view to establishing a closer link between the Council and the Society. And with the wise counsel of Mr. T. S. Lo and other councillors, I believe we shall be able to blend the Council's support and Community assistance into a harmonious force in the field of music for the benefit of the people of Hong Kong, taking advantage of not only the performing but also the teaching talents of the professional musicians.
I ask to be forgiven for deviating slightly from my prepared speech to report the very latest development, which is that the Committee has accepted the recommendation of the Management Committee to start instrumental classes shortly. An announcement on the subject will be made in due course.
In closing, I wish to associate myself with the request to Government for the construction of more Cultural Complexes. The pressure on the usage of City Hall facilities has become unbearable. This breeds unnecessary resentment, which is detrimental to the image of the Council. An early decision on the Cultural Complex at Tsim Sha Tsui should have the highest priority, and plans for those in other areas as well as a sound shell for outdoor performances should be made at the earliest possible date.
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