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accepted by all in power. To this end, much more open land must be set aside by the Government. And, for this purpose, the public must back up the Council's plans. Indeed, the people must show that they care and truly want a better Hong Kong.
(Mr. JOHN MACKENZIE arrived during the chairman's address.)
PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:-
Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of August, 1975.
QUESTIONS
(1) MR. JOHN MACKENZIE asked the following question (in English):-
Has the Cricket Ground in Central now been handed over to the Council, and what are the immediate plans for the public use of the grounds and the Club-house?
MR. F. K. HU, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-
Mr. Chairman, the Council took over caretakership of the former Cricket Ground in Central on 5th August, 1975. Since that time, active preparatory work has been undertaken to render it attractive and fit for opening to public use. This includes minor maintenance and repair, provision of garden benches, and the planting of shrubs and flowers in appropriate locations. I am pleased to report that this preparatory work is now complete, and the ground is open to the public as a temporary public garden from today, 9th September, 1975.
Although much of the turfing has been removed, it is not considered justified to spend public funds on extensive returfing, since redevelopment of the ground is scheduled to take place on 1st April, 1976. On that date the Mass Transit Railway Provisional Authority will take over the northern one-third of the ground as a works area in connection with the construction of Chater Station. It is intended that development of the remainder of the ground as a public garden will begin at or about the same time, and the Public Works Department is pressing ahead with design work in accordance with this timetable.
I should explain that the Council has not taken over the Club-house. This building has no part in the future development plans for the Cricket Ground and will probably be demolished in the near future.
(Dr. DENNY M. H. HUANG arrived during Mr. HU's reply.)
MR. MACKENZIE (in English):-Mr. Chairman, may I ask if it is intended to remove the iron railings surrounding the cricket ground in order to provide greater public accessibility?
MR. HU (in English):-Mr. Chairman, this is a temporary development which will last only up to the end of March next year. By that time, the first development will take place and I think the question of railings will be considered during the development stage.
MR. MACKENZIE (in English):-Mr. Chairman, may I ask if this could be considered now?
MR. HU (in English):-We certainly will refer this to the Select Committee for consideration.
MR. MACKENZIE (in English):-Mr. Chairman, could I also ask if the Council is satisfied that there are sufficient crossings from the main thoroughfares to the new public area. I would like to know whether this matter has been considered and if any improvements are to be introduced?
MR. HU (in English):-Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned earlier, this is only a temporary arrangement and I don't think there has been any consideration to improve the access to the temporary ground at this stage, but Mr. MACKENZIE's point of view will certainly be passed to the Select Committee for consideration in the development stage.
MR. H. M. G. FORSGATE (in English):-Mr. Chairman, could I ask if a name has been designated for this new area?
MR. HU (in English):-Mr. Chairman, there was a suggestion in the past but, since then, there have been quite a few changes and up to now no decision has been made.
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