XN000022-1973-12-03 — Page 4

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Monday, December 3, 1973

of the facilities themselves.

This is longer term, but obviously of

the greatest importance. In the unique circumstances of Hong Kong I

believe that here there is room for some original thinking. There is the

poscibility of assisting amateur sporting organisations not only to improve

the quality of sport, but the number of people participating in it. Finally,

there are the immense opportunities for recreation offered by our mountains

and beaches. Obviously these are closely connected with the programme

of recreational development and nature conservation. Expanded use of

the rural areas must be matched by expanded supervision and instruction

to ensure the areas are not destroyed.

"Your terms of reference include the leisure-time needs of

young people. Let us not forget that we have built the homes of Hong

Kong in a form in which it is hard to obtain leisure in them. This social

problem must be recognised and faced.

¡Much work is already being done in these fields by departmenta

of Government, the voluntary agencies, and private organisations. I

wish you all success in your task of co-ordination, expansion and

innovation. I shall watch your progress with the greatest interest

and, I must admit, some impatience and I do assure you of the strong

support of myself and the whole Government."

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