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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCILAs end of the Pacific War. I have in mind that desirable and sizeable piece of land opposite Moreton Terrace in Causeway Bay that was formerly the polo ground and near to Victoria Park. Government is going to increase the number of schools yearly, we must also increase the number of pool playgrounds for their use.
At the same time I would suggest that Government develop small size parks along the roadsides like those in Stubbs Road where families may enjoy picnic parties during the week-end or at any time. Then we should also reserve Brick Hill in Aberdeen for a sports ground. This is a large piece of land adjacent to the seaside at the foot of Shouson Hill at Aberdeen. If this is done, we should encourage some of the many clubs at present centred in town and elsewhere to branch out to Aberdeen, or to set up subsidiary clubs to promote sports for the people.
These, then, are some of the many problems for which I feel much concern, and I earnestly hope that in the year that is just beginning for this Council we will resolve to settle as many of these difficulties as possible, so that when we look back upon our work a year hence, we may be able to say to ourselves: "Well done, good and faithful servants". We can at least try our best towards this end, and that is what we intend to do.
Finally, before I resume my seat, I would appeal to all members to work together in closer unity by thrashing out problems at select committee meetings instead of taking up so much valuable time in endless and fruitless debates.
What we need is more elbow grease and less tongue wagging. (Applause).
MR. CHAN SHU WOON :—Mr. Chairman, as Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, the death rate of T.B. patients is still high. It is obvious that more open spaces and recreation centres are urgently needed. We should urge that more parks and playgrounds be built and particularly equipped for recreational and educational purposes.
In the past, we have paid considerable attention to the utilization of such open areas for physical improvement, but we have neglected the relaxation of the mind. Therefore I request, Mr. Chairman, that libraries and covered and enclosed areas should be built for reading and holding of educational exhibition purposes, which coincide with the need of covered playgrounds for children that I have mentioned. Gymnastic equipment should also be provided
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL15
More trees in the centres under this Council's management should be planted to beautify all the parks and playgrounds. As summer months are coming, lighting must be installed as soon as possible so as to enable people to enjoy such places until late in the evening. Cleanliness of the bathing beaches needs our closer supervision. Licensees of all beaches must be bound by strict provisions so as to do their share in keeping the beaches clean and orderly.
Now the Council's work covers a wider sphere as time goes on, including matters ranging from the cradle to the grave. With regard to the burial of the dead, it is of great social significance to the Chinese. There is only one temporary public cemetery in Wo Hop Shek, Fanling, as the space there is restricted, we need more of such sites for the burial of the dead particularly of the poor families. Furthermore, most of the populace does not know how to make application for permission to have the dead buried in a public cemetery. The procedure for securing the permission should be made known to the public in more effective ways.
We approve of the present measures to utilize Resettlement Block roofs for free or low tuition fee classes and recommend the full utilization of all such suitable roofs for this purpose.
Last, but not the least, I would like to mention the proposals for this Council's representation on various Advisory Boards and Committees as was passed on the 5th February this year with no objection from any member of this Council. I feel that by this measure, the different Advisory Boards and Committees will be strengthened by co-ordination and co-operation with this Council's representatives, and I hope that the Government will be again requested to reconsider and approve these proposals. We realize the significance of the representation of the Council on the various Boards and Committees in that the public opinion channelled through the Council can be only helpful to the Government. The Council then will serve as a safety valve by means of which people's aspirations and their expectations can be brought to the attention of the Government. (Applause).
COLONEL J. D. CLAGUE:- I support the points brought forward by Dr. Gosano and hope they will be given full consideration. (Applause).
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
As
end of the Pacific War. I have in mind that desirable and sizeable piece of land opposite Moreton Terrace in Causeway Bay that was formerly the polo ground and near to Victoria Park. Government is going to increase the number of schools yearly, we must also increase the number of pool playgrounds for their use.
At the same time I would suggest that Government develop small size parks along the roadsides like those in Stubbs Road where families may enjoy picnic parties during the week-end or at any time. Then we should also reserve Brick Hill in Aberdeen for a sports ground. This is a large piece of land adjacent to the seaside at the foot of Shouson Hill at Aberdeen. If this is done, we should encourage some of the many clubs at present centred in town and elsewhere to branch out to Aberdeen, or to set up subsidiary clubs to promote sports for the people.
These, then, are some of the many problems for which I feel much concern, and I earnestly hope that in the year that is just beginning for this Council we will resolve to settle as many of these difficulties as possible, so that when we look back upon our work a year hence, we may be able to say to ourselves: "Well done, good and faithful servants". We can at least try our best towards this end, and that is what we intend to do.
Finally, before I resume my seat, I would appeal to all members to work together in closer unity by thrashing out problems at select committee meetings instead of taking up so much valuable time in endless and fruitless debates.
What we need is more elbow grease and less tongue wagging. (Applause).
MR. CHAN SHU WOON :—Mr. Chairman, as Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, the death rate of T.B. patients is still high. It is obvious that more open spaces and recreation centres are urgently needed. We should urge that more parks and playgrounds be built and particularly equipped for recreational and educational purposes.
In the past, we have paid considerable attention to the utilization of such open areas for physical improvement, but we have neglected the relaxation of the mind. Therefore I request, Mr. Chairman, that libraries and covered and enclosed areas should be built for reading and holding of educational exhibition purposes, which coincide with the need of covered playgrounds for children that I have mentioned. Gymnastic equipment should also be provided
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
15
More trees
in the centres under this Council's management. should be planted to beautify all the parks and playgrounds. As summer months are coming, lighting must be installed as soon as possible so as to enable people to enjoy such places until late in the evening. Cleanliness of the bathing beaches needs our closer supervision. Licensees of all beaches must be bound by strict provisions so as to do their share in keeping the beaches clean and orderly.
Now the Council's work covers a wider sphere as time goes on, including matters ranging from the cradle to the grave. With regard to the burial of the dead, it is of great social significance to the Chinese. There is only one temporary public cemetery in Wo Hop Shek, Fanling, as the space there is restricted, we need more of such sites for the burial of the dead particularly of the poor families. Furthermore, most of the populace does not know how to make application for permission to have the dead buried in a public cemetery. The procedure for securing the permission should be made known to the public in more effective ways.
We approve of the present measures to utilize Resettlement Block roofs for free or low tuition fee classes and recommend the full utilization of all such suitable roofs for this purpose.
Last, but not the least, I would like to mention the proposals for this Council's representation on various Advisory Boards and Committees as was passed on the 5th February this year with no objection from any member of this Council. I feel that by this measure, the different Advisory Boards and Committees will be strengthened by co-ordination and co-operation with this Council's representatives, and I hope that the Government will be again requested to reconsider and approve these proposals. We realize the significance of the representation of the Council on the various Boards and Committees in that the public opinion channelled through the Council can be only helpful to the Government. The Council then will serve as a safety valve by means of which people's aspirations and their expectations can be brought to the attention of the Government. (Applause).
COLONEL J. D. CLAGUE:-1 support the points brought for- ward by Dr. Gosano and hope they will be given full consideration. (Applause).
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