TNAG-0978-FCO40-1197-Legislation-for-preservation-of-ancient-buildings-and-monume-1981 — Page 32

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In contrast with the above-cited allegations, many

people feel that Government is unlikely to do anything in conflict with the expressed desires of the Hong Kong Club because of the number of influential and highly

placed members of the Club. Such a state of affairs and

the permitted demolition of the Club building clearly

indicate to many the continuing colonialistic aspect of political reality in Hong Kong, as against the avowed

"government by consensus."

Government policies should of course be formulated in

line with enlightened community opinion, while respecting

of course individual and corporate rights and property.

There are numerous viable solutions (outlined below) to

the issue of private ownership with regard to the Club

building, if - but only if the Government decides to

align itself with what is clearly the proper course of

action, which is desired by the community at large. It

is our plea that Government should not follow the counsel of those motivated by narrow self-interest and/or expediency,

who are not truly representative of the enlightened public,

and who advise a policy of "non-interference in a private

matter. 91

A Viable Solution General Parameters

It is proposed that a resolution of the issue can be

found within the framework of the Antiquities and Monuments

Ordinance, along the guidelines established therein.

While

the provisions of the Ordinance have yet to be applied to

any building, it was clearly intended to be so applied in

cases of historical merit and sufficient public interest

to warrant gazetting as a monument. As the most significant

and prominent historical building in Hong Kong, it would be appropriate for the Club building to be the first declared

a monument.

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