# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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side of the harbour will serve as a constant reminder of the driving force he displayed in pushing through with these projects that have done so much to improve the lifestyle, not only of our young, but of our older citizens, too.
In paying tribute to Kenny, we also honour his father, M. W. The oldest surviving member of this Council, but still at 90 years of age, a keen bridge and tennis player.
Turning now to our other departing colleague, C. S., I recollect that when he joined the Council 11 years ago, he expressed interest from the outset in Hong Kong's hawker problems. The Council's then Chairman—a bit of a hawk himself at times!—soon took the opportunity to put C. S. in the hot seat by having him nominated as Chairman of the then Hawkers Select Committee.
C. S. may have regretted his initial show of interest in the hawker problem but he nevertheless threw himself into the trials and turmoil of the hawker situation. Standing as milestones to his dedicated service are the many new markets to be found in our urban area.
As illustrated by the honour bestowed on him in 1968 when he was made a Member of Order of the British Empire, Mr. SHUM has a long and admirable record of service to our community. He serves as chairman or member of so many boards, associations, committees and other policy-making and advisory bodies, that it would take minutes to read out the full list.
In short, he is a very community-conscious person, who has for many years found practical ways in which to demonstrate his genuine civic mindedness. He will, I am sure, long continue to give unsparingly of his time in those many other worthy fields in which he still serves.
C. S. is an old newshound, of course, C. S. SHUM will be watching the translations of the Chinese papers in future with great interest to see if the Wah Kiu keeps up its generous coverage of the Urban Council's activities, now that its publisher is no longer with us—I sincerely hope so.
To you both, Kenneth and C. S. SHUM, I believe I speak not only for my colleagues here today, but for the people of Hong Kong who have so greatly benefitted from your long years of dedicated service when I say thank you—it’s been a pleasure working with you both.
(applause)
MR. B. A. BERNACCHI (in English): Mr. Chairman, as the senior member of this Council in terms of years, may I endorse the remarks of the Acting Chairman concerning our two departing colleagues, Kenneth Lo and C. S. SHUM, and associate myself with everything said concerning their invaluable services over the years.
I cannot however sit down without also remarking on the appointments of you, Sir, and Messrs. Stephen LAU and Howard YOUNG that have been renewed for another three years.
While we will miss the advice and acumen of our departing colleagues we are also glad that we will still have the services of these three remaining Appointed Members to draw on for another 3 years.
Stephen is very helpful in a number of ways, especially as a cooling influence when we proposed to run riot with our finances, he is an asset on any committee.
The same goes for Howard, he is no longer the youngest member of the Urban Council. Perhaps in time and if he will eventually stand for election, he may equal my years of service, which I must say seem to have flown by very quickly!
Finally, even when I do not agree with your view, Gerry, I admire you for your sharp wit and logical mind. You are now embarking on your 21st year of service, not only to the Council but also the people of Hong Kong.
Like myself, you have adopted Hong Kong as your home and both of us I am sure, have the well being of its people very much at heart.
(applause)
MR. KENNETH Lo (in English): Mr. Chairman, thank you and Mr. BERNACCHI for the kind words which you have expressed about me, I am not sure I deserve them.
It seems only yesterday that I first joined the Urban Council, but time marches on, ages go by and now it is time for me to move on.
There have been many changes since I came on the Council 19 years ago, for instance, today there are two questions for me to answer; in the old days, questions were answered by official members, it was much more fun that way.
In those days, we were not financially autonomous, everything was paid for out of Government funds, we would, therefore, be in a position to demand projects be built and activities be supported without having to concern ourselves where the money was coming from.
We did not worry whether we had a surplus or a deficit, all that has changed and I think for the better, there will be even more changes to come in the future.
One thing that will not change is the dedication of the Urban Council and Urban Councillors to the service of the public, I am sure the Council will go from strength to strength and I wish every success in the future.
(applause)
MR. SHUM CHOI-SANG (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, thank you for your kind words, I do not think I deserve them.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues here. I would like to thank them for their guidance and support all through these years, they have helped me to do my job.
I would also like to thank the staff of the Urban Council Secretariat and also the staff of Urban Services Department, they have helped me to complete many tasks.
Looking at the tasks of the Urban Council, I think we are having more and more difficult jobs with the newly set up District Boards.
We will have a closer relationship between the Urban Council and the District Boards, and there will be more members coming from the District Boards to the Urban Council.
If our relationship is good, then I think we can use it as a venue for gathering of the District Board members, but I think we will have more and more important jobs.
Looking at our financial situation, I think that we should not reduce our service to the society even if we are facing with some financial difficulties, I hope that the Urban Council will fight for better services for the community.
I would like to say thank you again.
(applause)
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