TNAG-0003-FCO40-39-Commission-of-Enquiry-into-the-Kowloon-disturbances-addition-1968 — Page 167

PART VI CONCLUSIONS

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(2) Social workers pointed to the manifestation of these divisions in their effect on the living environment, and in poorer opportunities for education and employment. From this they went on to stress the need for better education and employment opportunities, better housing, more youth services and recreation facilities, as well as the development of a sense of belonging through participation in community affairs.

(3) Other commentators placed more stress on the individual nature of the problem and see the answer in stricter discipline, more emphasis on moral training and character building; the reinforcement of traditional moral values and the prevention of further erosion of family discipline and conduct.

(4) Others felt that the problem was simply one of youthful animal spirits with inadequate outlets for their energy and emotions. They pointed to the need for more facilities for healthy recreation and constructive activity. (5) Others felt that the participants in the April disturbances were untypical of Hong Kong youth and were only comprised of misfits, cranks and criminal elements.

551. With the exception of the last point which we do not accept, we feel there is some truth in each of the other views and that there is no one particular cause of dissatisfaction amongst youth more prominent than another or, for that matter, that the eradication of one or all of these problems would eradicate the so-called problem of youth. It must be met by remedies which will reflect a synthesis of the thinking required to solve the problems mentioned in the first four categories and others that will emerge as time goes on.

552. On these solutions depend much of the continuing prosperity and success of Hong Kong since its future well-being is in the hands of the young people of to-day. It is in them that Hong Kong must make its major and most significant investment.

553. The preceding four sections of this chapter are not intended to be a com- prehensive investigation of the flaws in our community nor an attempt to offer solutions to all its problems. The matters discussed are those which were brought to our attention during the inquiry and where we have interposed comments, they are based on our existing knowledge and not on an exhaustive study of the subject.

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

554. We have endeavoured to discharge our task by tracing, in the earlier chapters of this report, the impact of the Star Ferry fare application on public opinion in Hong Kong. On this issue a substantial gap was opened between informed and uninformed opinion, through which there came, early in April, groups of youthful demonstrators whose banner-carrying, slogan-shouting marches