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NG Kwok-cheung, indicated that in response to the Clean Hong Kong Campaign, the Association would, as from 1 January 1982, employ staff to clean the north section of Fa Yuen Street. Mr. NG hoped that the environmental hygiene in Fa Yuen Street and nearby areas would be improved. Such a fine example should be applauded and encouraged, and I earnestly hope that it will be emulated by other hawkers who should be responsible for cleaning their respective stalls and nearby areas. If hawkers show self-discipline and public-spirit, not only will the standard of environmental hygiene be sustained, much of the taxpayers' money can also be saved. In this way, we can achieve better results with less effort. Furthermore, for the sake of keeping our city clean, can provision be made for the Urban Council to impose heavy penalty on hawkers for littering?
Finally, I hope fellow members of the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee will concentrate on the promotion of environmental hygiene. As empty talk cannot make any improvement, a comprehensive policy should be formulated promptly. The business of licensed hawkers should also be protected against competition of unlicensed hawkers. This is our duty and responsibility.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
THE HON. F. K. Hu (in English):-Mr. Chairman, over the years most of us have developed special interests in certain aspects of the work of the Council. My case is no exception. Therefore, I shall concentrate my speech on two topics today, culture and recreation, which have been receiving increasing attention by the general public in recent years.
The City Hall is administered by the Council through its Culture & Entertainment Select Committee, whose objective is to promote the City Hall as the reputable cultural centre of Hong Kong and improve its facilities and services.
The City Hall was completed 19 years ago, and many improvements were made during the year. Major projects completed included the reconstruction of the City Hall covered walkway circling the western and northern sides of the Memorial garden, the installation of new City Hall carpets in the Low Block, and the refurbishment of toilets on the Ground Floor in the Low Block and improvements to the interior finishes to the Main Foyer,
To mark the 20th Anniversary of City Hall in 1982, many other improvements were actively underway. These include the replacement of display panels and house signs, reflooring of the Main Foyer with marble tiles, redesign of the U.C. box offices and the setting up of a new reception counter.
For building services, the installation of a building automation system, a computerized control system for lifts and fire detection/prevention and an emergency generator are being actively pursued and work for some items has been put to tender.
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Equipment and facilities in the City Hall also received due emphasis. With the installation of a closed circuit colour television system at the Concert Hall for the convenience of latecomers, and another system will soon be installed for the Theatre too. A new grand Lyon & Healy Harp was obtained, other lighting, sound, stage and cinema equipment had been installed or ordered during the year.
The Space Museum comprises of the Sky Theatre, Exhibition Hall and Hall of Solar Sciences. The major aims are firstly to arouse and promote general interest and knowledge in astronomy and space science and secondly to maintain an entertaining and cultural programme of a high standard by means of exhibitions on astronomy and space science, sky shows, lectures, telescopic observations, publications and other extension activities.
The Exhibition Hall of the Museum will continue to display 30 sections of exhibits which depict Man's achievements in the field of astronomy and space science from ancient times to the latest space exploration. The Hall of Solar Sciences, completed in spring 1981, provides an exhibition devoted to solar observation. One of the most popular items is the Solar Telescope which gives the public a live image of the Sun, and through graphics and audio-visual materials the visitors can enjoy an educational and entertaining programme about the Sun. A new sky-show production called 'In Quest of Outer Space Civilizations' will be presented at the Space Theatre in mid-January 1982. The show will feature the controversial topic of U.F.O.s and examine scientifically the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the means of communication.
As regards extension activities, regular astronomy lectures and telescope-making classes are under planning. The activities will be organized to coincide with the various programmes and exhibitions organized at the Museum. It is expected that the classes will commence in the summer of 1982. Seasonal bulletins will be published to promote better understanding of astronomy and space science.
After one year's operation, the admission schedule for the Museum has been revised to improve marketing potential. Starting from 19 January 1982, a new admission schedule will be implemented. It is expected that a greater attendance will be achieved by introducing prolonged exhibition sessions and an improved schedule for the Space Theatre. The introduction of concessionary tickets for under-privileged groups in November 1981 demonstrated the Council's concern for these people, with the view to encouraging the voluntary agencies concerned to organize more visits for their members. Since the Museum is also an educational institution designed to promote astronomy and space science, this service has been extended to schools in order to encourage more student visits.
I will leave the topics concerning cultural activities and performing companies to my fellow colleagues whilst I will comment briefly on the future development of culture undertaken by the Council.
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was kept as is, assuming it is a page or section number. If it should be removed or changed, please let me know. The last line "Page 93 of 14" seems to be an error and was not included as it does not follow the rule for page numbering.