Monday, December 3, 1973
The following is the full text of the Governor's speech:
"This is your inaugural meeting. I asked to attend it for two
reasons, Firstly I wish to thank you all for your public spirit in
accepting appointment to this Council; secondly I wish to emphasise
the importance I attach to your work. This is not just another advisory
committee. It represents something which is entirely new, although long
advocated by some of you. Acceptance by the Government that it has an
obligation to try and ensure that there in recreation for everyone.
"Recreation for everyone' are three simple words. With the
great experience you all have of administration and social service you
will realise what a vast problem these three words represent in the
densely packed population of Hong Kong, and I assure you I do not under
rate the challenge that confronts you.
"In a recent speech to the Legislative Council I said that in the
present circumstances of Hong Kong provision of facilities for recreation,
leisure and sport had taken a new and urgent significance; that they were
no longer luxuries but a part of our social infrastructure which we
would neglect at our peril. I do ask you to take these words most seriously.
The need for imaginative and vigorous and coordinated action is as urgent
as it is apparent.
"It is now up to you to advise the Government on what that action
should be and I shall await this with the greatest interest.
"The field is vast, but as your terms of reference suggest, it can
be broken down into different sectors.
There are possibilities for making
greater use of facilities already in existence, and to this is linked the
expansion of supervisory services. Perhaps it is here that your quickest
returns could be obtained. Then there is the possibility of expansion
of
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.