XN000022-1972-07-19 — Page 12

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Wednesday, July 19, 1972

NO SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE SETE FOR ROYAL OBSERVATORY

The Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, said today that

no suitable alternative site has been found for the Royal Observatory because

of its specialised operation and communication requirements.

Mr. Robson was replying to a question by the Hon. H.J.C. Browne in

today's Legislative Council.

Mr. Browne had asked if the Government had plans to move the Royal

Observatory out of the urban area and thereby release valuable land in Tsim

Sha Tsui.

"Aside from the large cost of rebuilding and installing specialised

equipment, the continuity of some 80 years' geophysical records of both local

and international value would be lost," Mr. Robson added,

He said if it were possible for the Observatory to move out, the present

site, which was zoned on the statutory plan for Government institution and

community purposes, would be used for open space.

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