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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
management of basic environmental facilities, in particular public toilets. The Select Committees and the Department have already reacted to the downside results of the survey which should, if anything, demonstrate we are sensitive to public opinion.
Several Members expressed their concern with the ever growing avalanche of refuse produced but not consumed by our consumer society. A problem which concerns all, as we discovered in our recent visit to Xian where the city authorities share similar problems of waste disposal. I am sure our Keep Hong Kong Clean Committee will note the suggestion for it to initiate a programme to stimulate community awareness of recycling and waste source reduction.
The speeches generally reflect satisfaction with the Council's progress over the year and especially the Department's key role in carrying out Council's policy.
It was a year of achievement with more progress ahead as we endeavour to carry out our ambitious aims in a situation clouded with uncertainty. Finance and manpower will be the key elements in the years ahead, but hopefully our financial situation will be resolved in due course.
The Municipal Councils elections take place on 5 May, and I would like to encourage voters to exercise their privilege and vote for the candidate of their choice. Many important aspects of daily life are under the control of this Council and it would certainly encourage those who are successful in the ballot to be elected by a substantial percentage. It is only by exercising a vote in the coming elections that one demonstrates one's agreement with the democratic process.
War in the Gulf has been joined and it must be in our prayers that it will not be of long duration. Although it is some fifty years ago, some of us can remember the painful consequences of that conflict and the misery to millions that followed. It is now out of the hands of the politicians into the jaws of war. May it soon be over.
The Year of the Horse is drawing to a close and the Ram will butt his way into our lives at midnight on Thursday. The Ram is regarded by Chinese astrologers as the embodiment of the Yin principle, and thus as the most receptive of the twelve animal signs, with the gentler qualities of affection, trust, humanity, and self-sacrifice. Those born in the years of 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979 and 1991 fall into the group of the Ram.
I wish you all a good rest from your daily routine in the holiday ahead, Kung Hei Fat Choi!
(Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN left the meeting at 2.55 p.m.)
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MOTIONS
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
1. MR. PETER C. K. CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:—
'RESOLVED that:
(a) the Pleasure Grounds (Urban Council) (Amendment) By-laws 1991 be made under section 109 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132;
(b) the Pleasure Grounds (Urban Council) (Amendment) (No. 2) By-laws 1991 be made under section 109 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132; and
(c) the Public Swimming Pools (Urban Council) (Amendment) By-laws 1991 be made under section 42 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 to move the motion standing in my name.
The purpose of the amendment is to enable revised charges for Council's squash courts, indoor games halls and swimming pools to take effect from 1 April 1991.
In November and December last year, Members of the Recreation and Finance Select Committees noted that the costs of operating Council's squash courts, indoor games halls and swimming pools were likely to increase if the charges remained at their existing levels. To prevent that, Members approved the revised charges presented for ratification today. These will reduce the operating deficit by three million dollars for squash courts, four million dollars for indoor games halls and seven million dollars for swimming pools. The level of subsidy will also be reduced to below 70%.
Sir, I so move.
MR. RONNIE M. C. WONG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, Seconded the motion (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
2. DR. PHILIP C. K. KWOK, CHAIRMAN OF THE MUSEUMS SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:—
'RESOLVED that:
(a) the Designation of Museums (Hong Kong Science Museum) Order 1991 be made under section 105G of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132; and
(b) the Public Health and Municipal Services (Civic Centres) (Amendment of Thirteenth Schedule) Order 1991 be made under section 105M of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.’
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