# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN (in English):-The question of rate is entirely out of the hands of the Urban Council and if Government makes any decision on the rates, it is entirely the Government's responsibility and have nothing to do with the Urban Council. So will members record their vote.
The question was put.
The motion was carried with twenty-three votes for and one abstention.
2. THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, moved the following motion:
'RESOLVED that the Urban Council Annual Report for the year 1982-83 be approved.'
He said (in Cantonese):-The 1983 Urban Council Annual Report is submitted today for adoption by the Council.
The Report is an attractive pictorial record of the Council's work over the period from 1 April 1982 to 31 March 1983 and covers activities as varied as the management of abattoirs to Peking opera, and from pest control to library extension activities.
The demand for the services and facilities provided by the Council has been increasing vigorously, which is natural to expect of a growing and sophisticated population. This has placed great strain on the Council's manpower and financial resources. The Council is fortunate in that its members, drawn from a wide cross-section of the community, have had the vision to anticipate the expectations of the 10 urban districts and are planning ahead accordingly, in consultation with the district boards.
The year under review also saw some noteworthy developments not the least being the marking of the City Hall's 20th anniversary. The City Hall has served the people of Hong Kong well as the hub of cultural activities for two decades, both at the local and international levels.
The Council's multi-facetted and on-going capital works programme of community facilities estimated at $2,700 million at today's prices reflects an unshakeable determination to improve the quality of life of our citizens. The Urban Council aims to provide a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life for the people of Hong Kong and the Report highlights the major areas of the Council's activities. The Council is symbolic of the community's firm commitment and confidence in the future of Hong Kong.
I move that the 1983 Annual Report be adopted.
MR. H. M. G. FORSGATE, VICE-CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, seconded (in English): Mr. Chairman, I have much pleasure in seconding the motion. In seconding the motion, we must not forget the effort, which of course should really be credited to the Urban Services Department who have worked so valiantly throughout this past year to provide the back-up service as the executive arm of our activities. I was not here in typhoon Ellen. I came back shortly afterwards. I think the Department should be congratulated for the significant clean-up efforts they have done, particularly in the urban area, very few refuse left by the time I came back. I have much pleasure in seconding the motion.
MR. CHAN CHI-KWAN (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, I fully support the motion. I think the colour and the contents are very good, but I don't think that it is that attractive.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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3. MR. H. M. G. Forsgate, Vice-Chairman, URBAN COUNCIL, moved the following motion:
'RESOLVED that the Urban Council (Fees for Official Signatures and Miscellaneous Services) (Amendment) By-laws 1983 be made under section 41A of the Urban Council Ordinance, Cap. 101.'
He said (in English): Mr. Chairman, I rise to move the motion standing in my name:-
'THAT the Urban Council (Fees for Official Signatures and Miscellaneous Services) (Amendment) By-laws 1983 be made under section 41A of the Urban Council Ordinance, Cap. 101.'
These by-laws arise from Council's decision to revise the fees payable for official signatures and miscellaneous services by the officers of the Urban Council from $25 to $50.
Sir, I beg to move.
MR. SHUM CHOI-SANG (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I would like to second the motion.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
4. MRS. E. ELLIOTT, CHAIRMAN OF THE LIBRARIES SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:
'RESOLVED that the Library (Amendment) By-laws 1983 be made under section 105L of the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'