and to collect further relevant information. By 31st March, 1959, 10,090 of these visits had been made, in addition to 11,104 personal interviews given at the head office on points of difficulty.
44. An overhaul of the register will shortly be carried out to as- certain how many applications are still 'live' and how many applicants wish to be considered for tenancies on the So Uk Estate. This will be a major operation, involving nearly 20,000 applications, but it will save many unproductive visits and interviews. In September, 1958, the tenant selection policy was reviewed by the Authority in relation to the accom- modation to be provided on the Clearwater Bay Road Estate, and it was decided that as far as possible those in the $300-$500 monthly income group should be catered for on this estate.
LEGISLATION
45. An ad hoc Committee of the Authority was set up, and met on a number of occasions, to consider the personal liability of members under the provisions of the Housing Ordinance (No. 18 of 1954). The Authority's advisers on general legal matters are Messrs. Johnson, Stokes & Master.
PUBLICITY
46. A good relationship with the local press has been established, with the aid of the Public Relations Officer, and much useful publicity is received. Criticism is remarkably rare. The Publicity Select Com- mittee holds regular monthly meetings to consider whether publicity is desirable on any particular aspect of the Authority's affairs, and to consider other matters which may have been mentioned in the press, or brought to members' attention.
SITES
47. Persons who have visited Hong Kong, and are familiar with the local terrain, will not need to be reminded that one of the main difficulties facing the Authority is the lack of suitable building sites. Indeed, sites where expensive and prolonged site formation is not involved or essential are now virtually unobtainable within the urban area where most of the people to be rehoused must be accommodated, so as to be near their places of livelihood.
48. Very close liaison is maintained with the Public Works Depart- ment in the search for suitable sites: available sites are reserved by
12
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.