'
16-
Unions as of high importance for securing representation of the working
classes.
.30. I now come to the question of the functions and responsibilities
which the Municipal Council should be empowered to discharge, to the
method which should govern the transfer to it of functions now discharged
by the Colonial Government, and to various questions relating to Municipal
finance, to the acquisition of Municipal property, and to the staff which
the Municipal Council will employ.
31. There was a very satisfactory measure of agreement with the
suggestions which I made in August as to the responsibilities to be
undertaken by the Council and I can adhere to them with practically no
modification. I recommend accordingly that the functions of the Hong Kong
Municipality shall comprise the following:
The functions which are now discharged by the. Urban Council
established under Ordinance 7 of 1935. These include the maintenance of
public health in relation to food, the control of town cleansing,
conservancy, nuisances, and domestic sanitation, and the licensing of
certain premises and trades.
Public Health and Sanitation in general (with the possible
exclusion of certain hospitals).
Buildings.
Education.
Social Welfare.
Town Planning.
Public Works, including Water Supply, Roads, Drainage and
The supervision of public utilities and the control of franchises
relating to them.
Fire Brigade.
Parks, Gardens and Recreation Grounds.
Places of Amusement, licensing and control.
Licensing of Vehicles,
Various other licences.