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Because of high usage rate, the eight-lane all-weather running track has deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated, despite annual resurfacing and repair works.
It is considered more cost-effective to completely relay the running track than to carry out partial repairs.
The relaying project will be carried out in the dry season from September to December next year.
MOTION
1. MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:-
'RESOLVED that the Public Health and Municipal Services (Public Pleasure Grounds) (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) (No. 4) Order 1986 be made under section 106 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'
He said (in English):- Mr. Chairman, as Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee, I rise on the motion standing in my name:-
'RESOLVED that the Public Health and Municipal Services (Public Pleasure Grounds) (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) (No. 4) Order 1986 be made under section 106 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'
The purpose of the amendment By-laws is to include five new venues and to delete two existing venues in the Fourth Schedule (Public Pleasure Grounds) of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.
Sir, I beg to move.
MR. FAN KAM-PING, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, seconded the motion (in English):- Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
MR. WALTER M. SULKE (in English):- Sir, it is a little unusual for a member to speak on this sort of entirely technical motion, but I note that the Schedule includes the Stanley Main Street seafront sitting out area, and very commendable it is, a very pleasant sitting out area which is well used. But about 50 yards away is that famous Banyan Tree that was almost auctioned off from under our noses to be developed into a further ugly little building, cutting down a hundred-year-old tree in the process. We managed to save the tree but I am very sorry to see that this is not included in the Schedule, and I have been told that although all sorts of promises were made, we still, apparently, do not yet have Title to that lot of land in order to be able to convert it into a sitting out area.
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Now I have looked at the area and I think with a little clearing, which could be done by our own staff and doesn't need any architectural or building expertise, and putting in a couple of benches, we can convert this into a very nice little sitting out area in a couple of days while we sort out the niceties of a future proper sitting out area. In the meantime, it would be of great benefit to those living in the area and I might remind fellow Councillors and the Department that possession is nine points of the law.
It would be a great pity after the long battle we had about this tree if we now lost it and this old tree would be felled after all. Therefore, could I please ask the Department to follow my suggestion.
With these words, Mr. Chairman, I support the Motion hoping sincerely that in the not too distant future we will have another similar Motion which will include this Banyan tree sitting out area in Stanley.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT 3.01 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):― That concludes the business of today's meeting. The Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 9 December 1986 at 2.30 p.m.
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