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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. Before we proceed with the business on the agenda, I congratulate, on your behalf, our colleagues who have been re-elected to this Council, Mr. Peter C. K. CHAN, Mr. TSIN Sai-nin, Mr. Edmund CHOW and Mr. Ambrose CHOI.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 1981 were confirmed.
STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Hong Kong is coming to the end of a play. This is the epilogue.
For many seasons this Council stood on the stage alone. But it will not be so anymore. And, it may not be even cast in the same role again. Much preparation is going on behind the scenes elsewhere in this territory for another production with a big cast drawn from many companies. The new script gives stage directions of a different kind.
The Council should study its own part in earnest. It should learn the lines well so that it will not miss the cue and muff the part. The standards of performance are sure to be more exacting too. Rehearsal for the new season will take up much more time if the Council still hopes to top the bill two years hence.
What may be expected then? The intended dispersal of power and responsibility will impose some clear pre-requisites to compete successfully. Among them is certainly the need to devote far more time to tackle a heavier workload on two levels. No longer will a casual attitude get by, to be sure. The transformation will bring with it a new accountability by Members here to their respective district boards and indeed to their own constituencies as well. In effect, all Members without exception will be put on the spot all the time. They will be under pressure to do more for their respective districts and constituencies instead of striving on their own initiative to do better functionally for the whole territory.
To earn the respect and win the co-operation of more than 200 new councillors closer to the scene of action will surely mean a heavy involvement with local district affairs by Members individually while left out collectively from the administrative processes of these boards. These numerous local representatives will be on stage without doubt when the curtain goes up. It must be demonstrated meanwhile that this Council intends to keep its leading role by excellence of performance alone. Any other approach is likely to dissipate its impressive achievements to date and thus compound the erosion of its own concentrated powers. Therefore, a reassessment of the position is imperative if it is intended to find the right interpretation of its part. The alternative is to face squarely the possibility of disintegration.
What will the Council have to offer that the ten district boards will not be able to do better? How will Members measure up in the inevitably competitive circumstances? These and many other pointed questions will have to be put in the meantime, and frank answers found which will stand up to a critical examination.
The Council cannot just live in the past, relying on the strong foundation laid in these formative years to see it through. It must press on constantly with bold and imaginative leadership for community betterment in order to retain its pre-eminent place. For sure, it has changed the city administration radically in eight short years. It has given real meaning to the local exercise of executive powers in a unique position. It has used its financial resources in a telling and responsible manner for the common good. The results are everywhere for all to see: 'Si monumentum requiris, circumspice ...'
All in all, then, with grace and honour, dignity and integrity, the Council has advanced with giant strides to better the lot of the people here. But, what will it do in the future?
PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:-
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of February 1981.
QUESTIONS
1. DR. THE HON. HENRY H. L. Hu asked the following question (in English):-I have recently observed that there is a considerable amount of rubbish on Sir Cecil's Ride. I should be grateful to know if the cleansing of this well used scenic walk is:—
(a) the responsibility of the Council; or
(b) the responsibility of the Country Park Authority;
and if the former, what action is Council taking to improve the situation?
MRS. GRACE HO, CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-This question asks whether the cleansing of Sir Cecil's Ride on Hong Kong Island is the responsibility of the Council or the Country Parks Authority, and if it is the responsibility of the Council what action is being taken to improve the situation.
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