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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
The Urban Council by statute provide the public with some very basic essential services such as the collection of garbage, the enforcement of food hygiene regulations, etc. Our garbage collectors and street sweepers will be taking their well-deserved day off over the Chinese New Year. I invite all of you to notice what a difference the environment becomes as a result of such suspension of service. Fortunately, with despatch and efficiency, all the garbage will be carted away and the street swept the next day.
May I ask you to join with me in expressing our appreciation for the hard work of these men and women in the Urban Services Department.
The Urban Council also, since financial autonomy, has done much to improve the quality of life by providing parks and recreation facilities, libraries, cultural and entertainment events of a great many varieties. Human nature being what it is, satisfied citizens rarely take the trouble to express their satisfaction.
On the other hand, the Council, being the first political organization to have elective representations, has been 'fair game' for attacks and criticisms---often unwarranted just because someone or a vested interest group has a 'political axe to grind'.
Hong Kong is a dynamic and resilient city---change has always been a way of life. Unfortunately, many changes have taken place much too quickly recently and not to our accustomed ways. But that is not a very good reason for despair. May I urge all my Colleagues to continue and redouble our efforts in serving the citizens of Hong Kong.
Mr. Chairman, I have much pleasure in supporting the motion before Council.
ADJOURNMENT---5.07 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English): The Chairman's right of reply will take place at the next meeting of the Urban Council, which will be on Thursday, 14 February 1984 at 4 p.m. Council stands adjourned until that day.
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