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reform of the local administration is put into practice soon. The Council will have to change tack in all likelihood as the wind will be blowing from a new direction then.
Happily, most members made good use of the occasion. They reported on the splendid achievements of the Select Committees for which they were responsible or in which they played a constructive role. They set an example in community service by their work. Some members also chose to speak their minds on specific issues of consequence here though outside the Council's immediate purview. They did so with concern and sincerity. And, let the authorities pay heed to those voices raised in defence of the people's many interests.
Regrettably, one or two did not speak, while one might have kept faith with truth by remaining silent. Nothing sensible was said in that case. Nevertheless, it was a blessing in disguise that it happened. It showed once again to what level political pretensions could sink here if given free rein. Does this Council want to copy what is a deplorable everyday occurrence in other places with different mores and customs? The only reasonable answer must be a resounding: 'No'. This Council is only useful to a successful community if it conducts its affairs with dignity and integrity while moving forward confidently and effectively for the common good. This is the way it has worked these last eight years to the undisputed benefit of the people. Should the Council now cast aside its respected and beneficial role and, in misguided appeasement, pander instead to the very few who unrealistically do not accept that membership here is hard work and serious business but want to dissipate its energy in meaningless talk at high cost to ratepayers?
There is underway a vast construction programme instigated by virtually every functional select committee, over and above the unparalleled completion of municipal buildings and recreation facilities in the nearly eight years since the transformation of the Council. All building projects are paid for in cash and there is not a cent in debt.
Careful thought is always given to the maximum utilization of scarce land. Hence, the multiple uses of nearly all structures. In effect, it is believed that the Council may well have started a new pattern of intensive urban land use for civic purposes. There is also a businesslike concern right from the beginning that the standard of building and equipment should be of a high order commensurate with Hong Kong's status and affluence and to anticipate the ever higher expectations of a dynamic society. For what may be good enough today may well be below par tomorrow. The construction programme is held back by the capacity of the industry to some extent coupled in the main with the need to develop the projects according to disposable financial resources. Of course, in inflationary times, it is cheaper to build right away as the Council has done over the years. Still, the Council has an imaginative and well-planned development commitment running into the early years of the next century and covering every community need under its direct jurisdiction.
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The improvement of civic facilities continues apace manifestly. And, Hong Kong will be the better for it.
The Council scores even more convincingly for community betterment by its many thousands of different activities for the people specially in the densely populated places. No day goes by without a comprehensive choice of spectator participatory events free of charge. They offer indeed a ready opportunity for all to enjoy and appreciate the higher values of life and to widen their educational interests. It is thought that this side of the Council's work is not matched in scope and intensity anywhere else.
The Council is a social and cultural catalyst in effect. It gives a hand here and there by putting its resources at the service of the community in an incisive and imaginative manner, encouraging a great number of praiseworthy voluntary bodies to do even more or acting on its own to point the way for them to do so. Such decisive intervention gets things done and the progressive attitude earns the respect and co-operation of the community. Indeed, life is richer and happier for all by the multiplicity of activities peculiarly suited to local circumstances. And, there can be no cutting back now, as was suggested mischievously by one or two here who should have known better.
All due recognition should be given to those members, appointed and elected, working well and in good humour as a team to advance the cause of the people in so many concrete ways. Public health is protected in no uncertain manner. Sanitation is kept up to high standards given the great density and the social habits. Administration is effective and progressive. Money management does credit to a business enterprise. In sport and recreation, culture and entertainment, resolute action has changed the way of life here. In every section, concern is strong for the well-being of the community and there is a firm commitment to do better all the time. On all that the Council does it is efficiently supported by the Urban Services Department constantly doing better too.
Ever onward for a better Hong Kong is the Council's battle cry as it enters another year in good fettle.
(Mr. Augustine S. K. CHUNG arrived during the Chairman's address.)
The question was put.
The motion was carried with 19 votes for and 2 abstentions. (The Chairman did not vote.)
ADJOURNMENT - 4.17 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English): -Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 17 March, at 4.00 p.m.
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