HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. Before we go to the formal business of the meeting, first of all, I would like to congratulate our VCUC Mrs. Elsie Tu on being awarded an Honorary Degree of Social Sciences of the University of Hong Kong. (applause) Secondly, I would also like to welcome the presence of Dr. K. C. SEARLE, our Honorary Curator of Zoological and Botanical Gardens. On behalf of the Council and people of Hong Kong, I intend to formally hand a letter of appreciation to Dr. SEARLE in recognition of his excellent contribution in breeding rare species of birds and animals and the loving care and dedication to the various species bred. Thank you Dr. SEARLE, (applause)
VICE-CHAIRMAN (in English):-Mr. Chairman, with your permission, I had planned to say this before you patted me on the back. With your permission, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating CUC on being made an honorary fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers. The citation for his award mentions CUC's involvement in the Ocean Terminal, Star Ferry Company, Tramway Company, Housing Authority and lot of other things including the Urban Council. And we on the Council know how many situations he has engineered for us vis-a-vis Government, so shall we show our congratulations? (applause)
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 8 March 1988, were confirmed.
PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:—
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of March 1988.
QUESTIONS
1. THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question (in Cantonese): -Is it feasible for the Urban Council to collaborate with the Regional Council to sponsor and/or organize Lion Dance and Dragon Dance territory-wide competitions, with financial sponsorship where possible?
MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-This question asks whether it is feasible for the Urban Council to collaborate with the Regional Council to sponsor and/or organize territory-wide Lion Dance and Dragon Dance competitions.
The suggestion that the two Municipal Councils jointly organize such competitions will be taken up with the Regional Council.
However, all Dragon and Lion Dance performances require to be licensed by the Police and therefore the latter's advice is being sought on this suggestion. A reply is expected to be received shortly.
2. MR. WALTER M. SULKE asked the following question (in English):—In the December Open Meeting I asked whether the Royal Hong Kong Police had asked this Council for permission to divert demonstrators into Chater Garden. The reply from the Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee was that they had not, that Senior Crown Counsel had advised that they should have and that a dialogue about this matter with Government will continue. I would like to draw the attention of the Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee to press reports quoting the Staff Officer of the Licensing Office of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, Mr. Keith RATCLIFFES, saying that public meetings in the vicinity to the Legislative Council Chamber would be confined to Chater Garden. Since Councillors have not been informed or asked to give permission for the use of Chater Garden for public demonstrations, could I ask what authority this Police Officer had in making this statement and why this Council should jeopardise what is an expensive recreation area and which is used by many people in Central for recreational purposes by allowing political demonstrations there, which denies those who want to use the Garden for recreational purposes its legitimate use, and runs the risk of causing considerable damage to the expensive landscaping, plants etc.?
MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): --Mr. Chairman, the question asks whether the Police has sought the permission from the Council to divert demonstrators into Chater Gardens and what grounds the Police had recently said that public meetings in the vicinity to the Legislative Council Chambers would be confined to Chater Gardens. Since the lodging of this question an exchange of correspondence has taken place between the USD and the Government Secretariat. Differences of opinion which will take time to resolve have arisen in the process. A further statement of this Council will be made when these differences have been resolved.
MR. WALTER M. SULKE (in English):—Mr. Chairman, through no fault of my friend, this is a thoroughly unsatisfactory answer. Firstly, either we are the authority responsible for this park or we are not. I think we are. So what possible differences of opinions can affect this position? Secondly, would my friend at least clarify that the Police or the Central Government, will at least clarify that the Police or the Central Government, will at least pay compensation for any damages caused to our park by that quite unacceptable and high-handed action?
MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG (in English):—Mr. Chairman, all the points mentioned by my friend, Mr. SULKE, would be taken up in the deliberations between Government departments and I think they might consult him if they need help.
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