December_1965 — Page 16

HONG KONG

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Mr. Paul Y. Tso, chairman of the convention, speaking at the opening ceremony

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Col. Lindblad, Paul Y. Tso, Haroldo L. da Graca Couto, Kenzo Ito, and Henry Wilckens

tainment sides the convention was a complete success. The Hong Kong Building Contractors' Association, as hosts, were widely praised for their efficient handling of the 400 guests.

The tone was set for the conven- tion by the opening ceremony, where there was a minimum of pomp and national flag waving, brief but per- tinent speeches from the platform. and a quick opportunity for delegates to meet over an informal tea in the City Hall restaurant.

Regular Exchange

In his opening address, Mr. Tso spoke of the need for contractors of all nations to exchange information. "We within our industry," he said, "must strive to keep ourselves abreast of the ever-changing times and the ever-increasing challenges. It is the members' duty to explore, to research, to promote and to exchange the re- sults emerging from new efforts.

"In our industry we bear a heavy responsibility in the improvement of building techniques so that people may live and work in comfort, irres- pective of their station in life," Mr. Tso added. He said that these ob- jectives could only be achieved through regular exchanges of new ideas and new techniques.

Sir Sik-nin Chau, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, who also spoke at the opening, point- ed with pride to the achievements of Hong Kong contractors.

He said:

"Taking one of the most basic of all man's needs housing our contractors last year

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completed new buildings valued at US$145 million, and we have ге- housed in all types of new dwellings something like 11⁄2 million people within the last ten years."

Consolidation

Elected president of IFAWPCA for the ensuing year, and thus chair- man of the 7th convention to be held in Wellington next November, was Mr. A. G. Wells, of the New Zealand Master Builders Federation.

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Mr. Wells gave notice of his inten- tions for the coming year solidation of the work so far achiev- ed and action on paper approvals.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Wells said: "We have had discussions at this convention and formulated a

NEW ZEALAND

Mr. A. G. Wells, the new president

policy for the formation of a world confederation of contractors' associa- tions, to be known as CICA, and 1 congratulate those people who have been responsible for the work involv- ed. Meanwhile, we of this federation should aim to consolidate our exist ing organisation. We should see that we have something to offer all our members and we should endeavour to the best of our abilities to promote the living standards of our people.

"As contractors, we enjoy a mode of living in our respective countries which is above, the average. Surely we can consider ways and means of sharing these conditions with those less fortunate."

Decisions made on paper were laudable but it was only when they were translated into practical benefit that they became worthwhile, said the new president.

"It is very obvious," he continued. "that we have now reached the cross- roads in our development. Working committees have been established and are to continue their activities through- out the year. I am expecting to re- ceive from them quarterly reports. which will be forwarded to executive board members for their considera- tion and, if necessary, their action.

"To be effective, this federation must be positive in putting its resolu- tions into effect. In the early years of an organisation such as this, some time must be spent in establishing un- derstanding and goodwill between member associations. This has been successfully accomplished by IFAWPCA. Now we must devote more or our energies to turning our policies into action."

Mr. Wells has appointed Mr. Royce Baigent as secretary-general, and Mr. William Somerville, as executive board member to assist him in or- Both ganising the next convention. Mr. Baigent and Mr. Somerville are members of the New Zealand Mas- ter Builders Federation.

Mr. Eduardo Escobar, of the Philippine Contractors' Association, was elected vice president. The 8th convention will be held in Manila in 1967.

Far East Architect & Builder December, 1965.