217965-1935-Minutes-No-16 — Page 3

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 6, 1935. 855

QUESTIONS.

4. The Hon. Mr. JOSÉ PEDRO BRAGA, pursuant to notice, asked the following

questions:--

1. Has the attention of Government been attracted by certain recent letters in the local English newspapers concerning the unsatisfactory condition. of the Children's Playground at the junction of Middle and Chatham Roads in Kowloon?

2. What steps, if any, has Government taken to remedy the conditions com-

plained of?

3. Will Government effect immediate improvements in the directions of—

(a) rendering the playground free from the objectionable features

specified in the letters referred to in Question 1;

(b) providing hygienic appliances for drinking water;

(c) more effective guarding of the grounds to prevent its use by loiterers and others whose presence on the ground might be open to objec- tion;

(d) the provision of trees in suitable places on the ground to supply

shade in the hot summer months;

(e) the exclusive use of the playground by children only with their

attendants?

4. Will Government consider favourably the innovation of inviting written suggestions, for the improvement of the playgrounds at Kowloon, from mothers for the benefit of whose children the grounds are maintained?

The Director of Public Works replied as follows:-

1. No, but the matter was subsequently brought to the notice of the Govern-

ment by the Kowloon Residents' Association.

2. Two additional watchmen are now employed making three in all. These are under the supervision of the Custodian of Playgrounds and who in addition to daily duty also pays surprise visits in the evenings.

A drinking fountain is being supplied at each ground.

At Cox's Road orders have been given for a concrete post and wire fence in addition to the existing bamboo fence which is being required. Additional attention is being paid to keeping the grounds tidy.

3. The regulations made under Section 2 of the Public Places Regulation Ordinance of 1870, and set forth in Government Notification No. 700 published in the Gazette of 6th November, 1931, apply to the children's playgrounds at Chatham Road and Middle Road, Kowloon.

The Inspector General of Police will take steps to enforce stricter compliance with these regulations.

It is proposed to amend the regulations with a view to prohibiting any adult not in charge of a child from entering the playgrounds.

The Finance Committee will be asked to approve a supplementary vote for the provision of trees.