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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Furthermore, the Urban Services Department is exploring, as an on-going exercise, the introduction of more modern and cost-effective techniques to keep pace with changing circumstances. It is also actively pursuing management services studies and, based on the detailed reports that have already been prepared, substantial cost savings and improved efficiency are expected. As Chairman of Finance Select Committee, let me add my congratulations to Mr. CARTER, the C.T.A., and his staff in obtaining the Director of Audit's accolade in the shape of a clean certificate. A remarkable achievement in view of the very large number of transactions carried out during the year.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
2. MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, moved the following motion:-
'RESOLVED that the Urban Council Annual Report for the year 1983-84 be approved.'
He said (in English):—The 1984 Urban Council Annual Report is submitted today for adoption by the Council.
The Report is a record of the Council's work over the period from 1 April 1983 to 31 March 1984. It provides detailed information as well as attractive pictures of the various events and activities during the year, most notably the Centenary Celebrations marking the 100th Anniversary of the Urban Council.
The Centenary Year was a momentous one not only for the Urban Council but for the people of Hong Kong. The many events staged to mark the big occasion were designed for the enjoyment of the entire community, and from the keen response of millions of people who helped us to celebrate our 100th 'Birthday', it was evident that all the efforts and money spent on the various activities were well worth it.
The increasing demand for Urban Council services and facilities has placed great strain on the Council's manpower and financial resources. Despite financial constraints and the limitations imposed by the lack of suitable land for development, a number of major projects were completed and were opened to the public during the year under review. These included:
the Hong Kong Coliseum,
Lai Chi Kok Park Indoor Games Hall,
Causeway Bay Sports Ground,
Junction Road Park,
the final stage of Chater Garden,
Sham Shui Po Park, and
the Urban Council Centenary Gardens in Tsim Sha Tsui East.
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Equally important were the developments largely brought about by local government reforms under the District Administration Scheme. For the first time, constituency elections and not territory-wide elections were held to choose 15 elected members of the Council. Despite the altered electoral system, many of the incumbent Councillors who stood for election were returned to office either with substantial majorities—a clear reflection of the community's unopposed confidence in the Council and its members. The expanded membership of both elected and appointed Councillors also injected new blood and fresh ideas into the Council.
With determination and confidence in the future of Hong Kong, it is my belief that the Urban Council can and will make Hong Kong an even better place to live in for present and future generations.
I move that the Annual Report for the year 1983-84 be adopted.
MR. H. M. G. FORSGATE, VICE-CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, Seconded (in English):-Mr. Chairman, 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.
Sir, I have much pleasure in seconding the motion.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
3. MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, moved the following motion:—
'RESOLVED that the views of Council Members on the Green Paper on the Further Development of Representative Government in Hong Kong be conveyed to the Government.'
He said (in Cantonese):-I rise to move the Motion:
'RESOLVED that the views of Council Members on the Green Paper on the Further Development of Representative Government in Hong Kong be conveyed to the Government.'
The Green Paper seeks the views of all sections of the community on its proposals for progressive changes in the structure of the Hong Kong administration.
Some of the proposed changes are foreseen for this decade while others are for the early 90's. It is a matter for public debate as to the pace at which these changes will take place.