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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Council will come to order.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 1979 were confirmed.
STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-The call for proper physical conditions for the performing and creative arts can admit of no challenge in an affluent city. It should not be a case that needs to be argued vigorously in an enlightened society. It is even vindicated here by the consistently heavy use of the City Hall for a variety of community purposes and evidently reinforced by the growing aspirations of a progressive people. Yet, there are reactionary elements who might sound the death knell of planned cultural progress by thoughtless though well-meaning action. There may not be a genuine appreciation of the true place of the arts in the life of a modern community for there appears to be only recognition of their political value in the education of the young citizen.
When the Government was reminded after the war to build a new City Hall to redeem a pledge long made to the community, some then in power said that it would be a white elephant. However, right from the start, they were given the lie by the people. Every hall has been used to advantage ever since. Even more impressive than the capacity use is the simple fact that the existence of the City Hall enables the community to cultivate the arts and so change its way of life significantly. There can be no doubling back now.
With the Council gaining control of its own funds in 1973, the cultural world here turned full circle. The immediate application of public resources to the promotion of the arts in a judicious and farsighted manner caused an explosion of activities in a way Hong Kong had never seen before. No initiative or activity that is worthy of support goes away now empty-handed. All are helped within reason.
The Council serves as a catalyst in the main. It has the resources to innovate successfully in response to the general desire for a more rewarding life. Hence, the great number of groups now offering a wide choice of bicultural activities to the public all the year round, both indoors and at nearly a hundred outdoor locations in all districts. Indubitably, success attracts envious counteraction. It stalks the scene powerfully. If it means more benefit for the people, let the Council stand up and cheer.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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More than a decade ago it was recognized that Hong Kong needed additional and complementary auditoria, adequate in quality and sufficient in capacity, and also proper museums instead of the existing make-do-and-mend arrangements in cramped conditions. The concept of putting all these separate projects logically together in one place took root early on. The magnificent site bordering on the harbour at Tsim Sha Tsui was chosen. Feasibility studies were carried out and detailed planning was put in hand as work in committee began in earnest while experts were engaged and pertinent information gathered far and wide. All ideas were thought through and conscientiously worked out if warranted. For as bold and simple as is the concept, the translation of this combined project into practical terms to be implemented in well-regulated phases is an involved and specialist exercise. A flying start was made at once by this Council when it came into its own. It initiated work resolutely with the ambitious space museum. Furthermore, the increased cost of its part of the whole scheme was accepted with resignation. Why should not the Government do likewise in inflationary times?
On the contrary, the Government is suddenly beset with doubts. Have they political or economic motives? If political, they are unworthy of a mature administration; if economic, they seem penny-wise, pound-foolish upon reflection. Costs rise with little restraint, so he who hesitates is lost. Hence, even to pause in such predictable circumstances shows a false sense of values.
The ratepayer pays the piper but does not call the tune. He pays more when the authorities dilly-dally out of habit or design instead of taking decisive action promptly. Now, it is rumoured, the Government is thinking of reducing standards and requirements arbitrarily. There is the risk that a poor second-best may be foisted on the people as a result. It is likely to cost far more in the end. It will also not utilize the prominent site to best advantage. To be sure, such a complicated project as the cultural complex does not lend itself to being chopped down here and there in the misguided belief that savings would be made by scaling down the facilities. This mammoth project cannot be messed about by philistines. Without actually employing experts at enormous cost to start from scratch again, the faint-hearted wielders of power will make Hong Kong the laughing stock of Asia. Precious time will be lost by this absurd procrastination. The inferior product will probably cost more without pleasing anybody but the nagging mediocrity. And, the Government will surely fall between two stools. The present concept is not extravagant. The proposals are eminently suited to Hong Kong's needs as determined by those most capable of judging the issue without pre-conceived notions in a political climate of make-believe. The promise was made. The Government is a prisoner of its obligations to the people. They were encouraged to believe that in a short time a fine set of buildings would be going up there. The whole project would not
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