1930-04-03 — Page 6

COLONY'S OPEN SPACES.

(Continued from Page 8.)

THE HONGKONG

claiming the land above the cause- way and while we do not consider that playing field areas are at present required here we strongly recommend that an area of 100 acres be definitely set apart for future playing fields and preserv These requirements do not aded from alienation. The area mit of easy fulfilment and rule

should have easy out the possibility of meeting the Shatin Railway Station and from access from wishes of the Navy by the allo-the motor road. The area should cation of grounds at Aberdeen of

be reserved on the development on the Railway Reservation in Kowloon. The Caroline Hill site pians as soon as toe exact line of

the causeway is settled,

King's Park.

would meet Navy requirements but after a full, discussion the Committee by a majority vote con- sidered the area to be too valuable tension of King's Park we note that With regard to the possible ex- for a permanent. reservation as a there is still an area here on the playing field and made the recom-west of that portion of the Park ly mendation for its sale which is set out in paragraph 11 (a) of this re- port. The only recommendation which the Committee felt able to make on behalf of the Navy is that recommended in paragraph

18.

t

On the Mainland.

ing to the north of Gascoigne Road which if developed and levelled would afford space for an addi- tional three grounds of the usual size required

for

It was suggested to us that the large area in Kowloon at prosent reserved for cemeteries might be better devoted to an extension of the King's Park playing fields but we do rot concur in this sug- gestion and recommend that this cemetery area should remain un- disturbed.

Kowloon City Park.

ΟΙ

TELEGRAPH.

making a path either from Holt's Wharf level-crossing from Chatham Road Rallway Bridge or both.

K.C.C. Sile.

of the present allotment

We note that there is a part of the Park between the Club's bowling Kowloon Cricket Club at King's green and its cricket field which is unused. We understand that the Club has been keeping this area as a site for a new pavilion, but we consider that pending any such development good use could allotted as a public playground be made of the ground if it was for games requiring little space.

as

(a) the permanent reservation a playground for the children of Wanchai of a plot of Crown Land on the

Praya East Reclamation to the west of the Fire Station and between Inland Lot 2827 and Inland Lot 2815; see Appendix VI;

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1930.

that Government should invite the attention of the Botanical and Forestry Department to the desir- ability of tidying up the small. squaro hore and arranging soata at the base of the railway em.. bankment. ་ན

We have observed that there is the south of Prince Edward Road a small piece of unused ground to and immediately to the east, of the railway bridge. We recom- mend that this should be allotted for the playing of games requir. ing little space,

1

Allotment.

We consider that

KNOCKED DOWN BY MOTOR CYCLE.

CORONER HOLDS INQUIRY INTO GIRL'S DEATH.

ture was recorded by a Coroner's A verdict of death by misadven- jury which sat with Mr. Whyte Smith, at the Kowloon Magistracy yesterday afternoon, to inquire into the circumstances of the death of an eight-year-old girl, who knocked down by a motor cycle ridden by Mr. James McCutcheon, Peak on February 21. of the Lalchikok Prison, at Castle

red.

the

was

was

Mr. McCutcheon stated that on nearing the P.W.D. workshop on the Castle

abreast of her when she

Peak Road, between Castle Peak and Ua Long, he saw small girl. Witness Was ran out from the left and was struck on The girl was knocked down and the head by the left handle bar.

run out too quickly for witness to witness thrown off. The girl had

ling at about 25 miles an hour. do anything. The cycle was travel-

Dr. J. E. Dovey certified the cause of death to be fracture of the base of the skull, shock and con- cussion.

The driver of a Chung Mel Motor Bus which was a short distance ahead and travelling towards Un Long at the time of the accident corroborated what Mr. McCutcheon had said.

In his directions to the jury the Coroner remarked that the evidence proved fairly clearly that the un- fortunate girl ran out from the side of the road. He thought that the. jury could not bring in a verdict other than one of death by mis- adventure.

The jury accordingly returned a verdict of death by misadventure.

Throughout our enquiries we have avoided consideration of any Smaller Open Spaces,

questions in regard to the present Government should bear in mind Individual clubs and have con- ing to Castle Peak from the direc- We recommend generally that or future allotment of grounds to ceased, said that they were return- A young girl, who was with the de-

the great importance of preserv fined ourselves to the recommen- tion of Un Long on the afternoon ing in already developed areas and dation of suitable areas for reser- of February 21 when the deceased, ground. We recommend that Gov-veloped as many open spaces 02

2 football reserving in areas as yet unde vation, leaving matters of detail-who was walking a short distance

ed allocation ernment should complete the de- small squares' as possible, where Reclamation Grounds. Committee, by a motor cycle which "enme dash-

to the permanent

behind witness, was knocked down velopment of this part of King's the old and young of either sex which might allot the new grounds mentioned that she had just turned Park as public playing fields for in the neighbourhood may

ing up We' find that to the immediate the Taumati district.

from behind." Witness take to such clubs as, would be will the air, and north and east of the Police Train-

games such as volleyball and bas- in order for play, as we realize following when the accident occur.

on some of which ing to develop them and put them round to see if the deceased Ing School on the east side of the

ketball requiring little Taipo Road and north of Prince

might be played by the vernacular be able to provide funds to lay out space that Government is not likely to Edward Road, and again on the

schoolboys and other children of and turf the whole west of the Taipo Road in the

the neighbouring same vicinity, there are tracts of

consider also that building land

of these houses. We grounds for a very long time. already levelled Crown land to

not yet sold or built upon, which it has been strongly urged upon With regard to tenure however gether with a large expanse of

we now find in many cases to be hilly undeveloped land, marked on

us that the system of annual al- the Town Development Plan as a

let out to market gardeners on location renders the tenure of the . Park, extending along the east of

temporary permits, might often be areas so insecure that Clubs are the railway to the base of the

We note that a large area ex-such games pending its develop large expenditure on improve made available for purposes of naturally disinclined to incur foot-hills on the north. To serve tending from Kowloon Old Cityment, and we the growing needs of the Sham northwards and embracing the Government should facilitate the new areas suggested in this report recommend that ments. The development of the Shui Po and Mong Kok district we Kowloon Golf Club's course and use of such land in this way. accordingly recommend that on the the Rifle Range has been mark-

should reduce the necessity for re- Turning to particular small stricting the rights of a club to west of Taipo Rond rh: landed as permanently reserved for open spaces which we have noted bounded by the future Cheung Sha purposes of a Park and playing as desirable reservations

a very short tenure and we con Wan Road, Boundary Street, Wu fields. We agree

in the that this area urban areas in Hongkong we re-

sider that it would be in the Chau Street and Wong Chuk should be permanently reserved commend:

interests of the recreation facili- Street, and on the east of the Tai but we regret that we cannot put

ties of the Colony that should be granted sufficiently long Clubs po Round the whole of the area be-forward any useful suggestions hind the building frantages on for its further development for

tenure to make it worth their Taipo and Prince Edward Roads purposes of recreation until a new

while to develop their grounds and to the immediate north and cast site can be found elsewhere for

put permanent buildings upon of the Police Training Schnal to the rifle ranges. We believe it

them, auch questions of length of gether with the area covered by would greatly benefit the recrea

tenure etc.. to be settled in each the Park and the hilly area to the tional facilities in Kowloon if the

case on the advice of the permanent immediate north of the Park, as rifle ranges were transferred and

| Recreation Grounds Committee, marker on the plan. which forma we recommend that Government

At the same time we consider that Appendix II, to this report, should should use every effort to provide

parts of the new areas should be be permanently reserved by Gov-a different location for them in ernment as

preserved as public playgrounds recreation grounds. some other part of the Colony.

unallocated to any particular inter Much of this land is hilly and en-

ests and free to all to come and developed and can only be regard-

Railway Reclamation.

play on. ed as reservation for the future With regard to the Railway re- developmnt of a Park area for this clamation and on the cast of district. Parts however are al Chatham Road extending from ready levelled and parts are now Holt's Wharf to the junction of being levelled. We recommend Gascoigne and Chatham Roads, we that such areas as are at present understand that portions of this suitable be at once made avail- land on the west of the line are able for allocation by the ner

at present allotted by the Rail- manent Recreation Grounds Com-way Department with the approval mittee. We further recommend of Government to various Clubs, that the possibility of utilizing the but that the land on the east of less developed area as a municipal the line with the exception of golf course be explored as soon small portions at the north and as the present levelling opera- south ends, the reservation of tions are finished. In this con- which for railway purposes nexion we considered a proposa! necessary, is vacant and is only for the formation of a miniature occasionally used by the military golf course but came to the con- as a parade ground or as a hockey

and below the site for the clusion that it was not likely to field. We understand that there

new Police station, to form meet with popular support.

a pleasant is no regular means of approach

open

space, We find that at the east end of across the railway from the west

which is essential in this congested Argyle Street and extending south side and that there are strong ob

arca. We con- to Ma Tau Chung Road there is jections on the part of the Rail-

sider also that a portion of another area of already levelled way management to further level

this ground might be as- Crown land. We have selected a crossings over the railway dr in-

signed for the playing of suitable portion of this land, about deed to the use of this land on

games such as basketball 20 acres in extent marked on the the cast side at all unless it is

and volley-ball.

Public Tennis Courts. plan which forms Appendix III fenced off from the railway by a

Open Spaces on the Mainland. It has been represented to us and, leaving the building frontage high fence.

The matter of If the area is to be tion and the future provision of

the preserva- that there is a numerous class of available on Argyle Street and a regularly used as playing fields it small open spaces on the mainland of various

Tokyo, Apr. 2. persons in the Colony, composed

Over a hundred persons are be- Tau Chung Road, we recommend will be necessary to approach it was carefully investigated by a that Government should perman-either from the sea by the erec- sub-committee,

races, who, having lieved to have been drowned as a ently reserve this area to serve tion of a landing stage, which in aanexed (Appendix. VII). Hay-xious to play lawn. tennis and yet Wakamatsu, in northern Kyushu, little time or means of obtaining result of the capsizing of a ferry whose report is other out-door exercise

boat, the Wakato Maru, carrying area for the view of its exposed position would ing considered the sub-committee's are prevented by one reason or

three hundred passengers from Kowloon City district.

be a somewhat expensive proposi-report and made further enquiries another from joining tennis clubs, tion.

or by access

to Tobata. paths which into the practicability of its sug- that such people would might be Holt's Wharf level-crossing along the following recommendations:

constructed from the gestions we have decided to make avail themselves

The disaster was apparently, due gladly the side of the railway and from

of any public to overcrowding and high seas.—- facilities for the game that might

Router. near the Chatham Road railway j

(a) That all the open spaces al- be provided, and that the cost of bridge.

ready marked out on the making, supervising, and main- We understand further from the Railway Authorities that

Town Development Plantaining a few 'hard' tennis courts 1,000 boys from 10 to 15 schools for Kowloon should be per- would be a very small item of in the neighbourhood at a com- manently reserved as such. Government special and recurrent paratively small cost, and that (b) That in addition the fol- expenditure, while it would bene- other small schools have followed

lowing further areas should fit a large number of people. It suit on small plots near

their be reserved, subject to ac- has been suggested to us that a school premises. We understand quisition without undue ex-beginning might be made with from Mr. J. L. McPherson) the pense where the land is not three auch courts on the south end Secretary of the Chinese Y.M.C.A. In the district south of Aus- already public property:

as

a playing field

We recommend also that a small area should be reserved for allot- ment as a playing field behind the building frontage of Argyle Street and opposite the Kowloon Hospital on the site originally proposed for a cemetery but now abandon- ed for this purpose. The lavation at least one year's tenure might

of this area is shown in Appendix be IV..

We notice that, weat of the Diocesan Boys School on the west side of the Railway and just by Yaumati Railway station there is a piece of land reserved on the Town Development Plan for a Railway yard. We understand that there is no immediate pro spect of this land being required for Railway purposes and we re- commend that so much of it as can be used as a playground should be made available for al- lotment on annual permit.

can

The More Distant Future. In addition to the above men- tioned areas, which might be made almost immediately available for use as playing fields on the south side of the Kowloon hills we con- sider that it is also necessary to bear in mind the needs of the more distant future when Kow- loon will have grown into a large city with a teeming population re- quiring yet more extensive play- ing field areas. Such areas only be found or the north of the Kowloon hills and the only por- sible area convenient of access both by rail and road appears to be afforded by the tidal flats at the head of Tide Cove. We un- derstand that a causeway across the inlet from the present main road near Shatin Railway Station to the opposite shore is projected in connexion with the proposed Salkung Road. This would afford a, convenient opportunity for re-

promised of any land that might be allotted to a Club here. and that there is every possibility that a Club would be allowed to retain such allotment for longer periods than a year guarantee could be given to that though no

effect.

It is realised that the land 1 reserved for commercial develop- ment but there appears to be no prospect of such development in the immediate fature and it seems desirable to make use meanwhile of this accessible flat lund for purposes of recreation. We

re- commend therefore:

A.

(b) that Government should Lake steps to obtain the use of Marine Lot No. 1. at Shaukiwan, situated imme- diately to the east of Tai- keo Dock and at present un- occupied private property, to serve as a playground for the children of Shaukivan, this being the only suitable area for the purpose that we have been able to dis- in this neighbour hood; and (c) that Government should take measures to restore Blake Gardens, which are at present covered with the debris of the Po Hing Fong land slide, and that as much space a is possible should be left at this spot, above

cover

tin Road:

speaking the allotment of all pub

generally He playing fields and such open spaces as it might be desirable to use for games

mother of the deceased asked the Throughout the hearing, the Coroner to have pity on her and and such Crown assist her financially as she was a Land as might be temporarily made widow with several small children. available for games should be in After the jury had returned their the discretion of the Recreation verdict the Coroner pointed out to Grounds Committee, subject to the the woman that she had no legal approval of Government, and that claims against Mr. McCutcheon it would be much in the interest but said that Mr. McCutcheon of all concerned if the annual might like to get up a subscription meeting of this Committee for the list. He intimated that he himself purpose

of making allotments would be willing to make a small could take place in March rather bably be others who would also contribution while there would pro- than later in the year.

We have only one other recom-

make a small donation towards the mendation to add on this subject support of the woman. and that is that the permanent Recreation Grounds Committee should give due consideration to the claims of Vernacular Schools for allotments on applications by such schools through the Director, of Education.

are an-

A JAPANESE FERRY DISASTER.

OVER HUNDRED PERSONS BELIEVED DROWNED.

is at present allotted but unused available this movement might be of area Pat King's Park, which that if further ground were made

(i) The triangular space bound and with another three courts or school boys and street boys. Mr. except as a public football ground, extended for the benefit of other ed by Humphreys Build- some of the ground recommended McPherson pointed out however. ings, Cameron Buildings for use as playing fields in the that some central organization and Empress Lodge.

neighbourhood of Prince Edward would be necessary to collect (ii) A small portion of the Road. A memorandum on this funds for the provision of equip- Chater Bungalow site at the subject by Mr. E. Cock forms Ap ment to organize and supervise junction of Austin Road pendix VIII to this report. and Austin Avenue behind

the games and to see that all chil- We recommend that Government dron had a fair share in the use of the building frontage to should endeavour to give effect to the grounds. He suggested that serve as a playground for this proposal and establish pub- small children.

lic 'hard' tennis courts on these

an Association might be formed

for this purpose to be called the

(a) That the whole of the avail- able land on the railway re- clamation on both sides of B. In the Yaumati-Mong Kok lines. It is suggested that the "Small Playing Grounds Associa-

district:

the railway, as shown on a plan furnished by the Manager of the Railway (see Appendix V) should be allotted through the per- manent Recreation Grounda Committee annually to such Cluba as might wish to take up a ground there, subject to it being ascertained by the Committee each year be fore-hand from the Manag. er of the Railway that the land is still available for allotment,

(b) That Government should

fence in the line, or make it a condition of allotment. that Clubs should fence off their playing areas from the line at their own expense. (c) That Government should provide means of access by

(i) An aren at the cornar Wai Ching and Streets of about

courts might be looked after by tion" to which y available of that branch of the Public Works grounds could be allotted by the Saigon Department which at present looks Recreation Grounds Committee. 6,000 after the public bathing beaches This Association could employ a square feet in extent, pro-and that the open tennis season Supervisor of Play assisted by vided that the land is avail- should coincide with closed sea- able for purchase at a reason for bathing.

volunteer help which we have rea- son to think would be forthcom- sonable price.

(ii) The area bounded by Can-

Playgrounds Association. ing.

Reservations to the report are

ton Road, Battery and Pub- It has been represented to us signed by the Hon. Mr. J. P. Brage, He Square Streets, or if this that certain small open

is required for a new Kow- both in Hongkong.and on

spaces Mr. M. K. Lo, Commander F. H. D.

the

Byron, R.N., and Capt. C. A. de with Linde, R.E., who do not agree to

loon Magistracy Building, Mainland might be used the site of the present grent benefit to the localities in the sale of Caroline Hill for the pur Magistracy Building. which they are situated if they poses of developing the Aberdeen (ii) The Small square bounded were devoted to organised games scheme.

at present by Waterlon like volleyball and basketball. Road, Reclamation Street, We understand that for 16 years of the Kowloon Sub-Committee, a Plans of various areas, a report Shanghai Street and the a small plot of ground at the Chi-memorandum continuation of Sheklung nese Y.M.C.A. in Bridges. Street tennis courts by Mr. E. Cock and a regarding pubile Street.

has been so uned for organized suggestion for the use of small games under Y.M.C.A. supervision areas in Hongkong as playgrounds to the great advantage of over are also given.-

With regard to Hp Mun Tin re sidential. district we recommend

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