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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
also note that we have requested that certain urgent temporary improvements be made at Ma Tau Kok abattoir and I trust there will be no delay in carrying out our recommendation.
It would I consider be ungracious were I not to pay a tribute on this occasion to the work which to my personal knowledge has been carried out by Mr. Bray and his assistants. We and the community have all good reason to be grateful to them.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, may I place on record my own appreciation of the services rendered to the Council by Mr. Holmes. In my opinion, it is impossible to over-emphasize the value of the services he has rendered to the Council and to the Colony. I had the good fortune to be closely associated with him from the first day he joined the Resettlement Department. The part Mr. Holmes has played in Resettlement is too well known for me to elaborate but the fact is that he more than any other individual can claim to be responsible for the success which the Department has achieved. Later as Chairman he not only gave great service but what is more he got the best out of all the members. I am sure, Mr. Chairman, you will appreciate that it is no reflection on your goodself when I say how much he will be greatly missed.
I support the motion. (Applause).
MR. R. C. LEE :-The recent announcement of the impending return to Government of part of the Military land in the centre of the city has been heartily received by the community. Since it is the aim of this Council to keep well ahead of events in the planning of public parks and playgrounds, it may be appropriate, at this juncture, to remind the Government Departments concerned to make adequate provision for open spaces in their planning in respect of the land just mentioned. In the present case, as in similar cases which may arise in the future, it is hoped that Government will not sell every foot of land available but will bear in mind that a generous proportion of the area ought to be reserved for open spaces and that wide pavements should be provided for pedestrians. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that urban amenities such as parks and open spaces should be kept in mind before any sale of land is considered.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
23
With regard to city cleansing, there is a provision in the Estimates for the employment of sanitary workers to clean cast iron water channels which are to be found constructed across pavements in the Urban area. These channels are a nuisance and when they get broken as they often are, they become a source of danger to pedestrians. I venture therefore, to suggest for the consideration of the Public Works Department that such channels should gradually be eliminated. No new channels of this type should in future be permitted and instead of renewing broken ones, rainwater pipes in front of buildings should be connected to a manhole either on the roadway or on the pavement. This will not only save manpower employed for constant cleaning but will also reduce the possibility of danger to the Public.
In the matter of the multi-storey car park at the Star Ferry concourse, the public appears to be anxious to learn whether Government has decided in favour of our proposal for the adjustment of charges and for the issue of monthly tickets. Some weeks have elapsed since the recommendations were made but no indication as to their approval has yet been received.
I have been informed that as a result of the recent rainfall, as much as two inches of water has been found accumulated on the 1st floor of the car park. The reason for the lack of drainage is not clear but I trust that it is not because more consideration has been given to beauty of design than to practical building details. I hope some step will be taken forthwith to remedy the situation.
I notice that public telephones for outward calls are in the process of being erected at the car park. I would like to suggest that a broadcasting system for inward messages should also be installed. Money would be well spent for the provision of such an amenity:
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I am relieved to find, looking back on the work of the Council for the past year, that the results have not been unsatisfactory and I sincerely hope that the programme for the coming year will be assiduously fulfilled. Chairman, I support your Motion. (Applause).
Mr.
Page 21 of 139
4
Page 21 of 139
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
also note that we have requested that certain urgent temporary improvements be made at Ma Tau Kok abattoir and I trust there will be no delay in carrying out our recommendation.
It would I consider be ungracious were I not to pay a tribute on this occasion to the work which to my personal knowledge has been carried out by Mr. Bray and his assistants. We and the community have all good reason to be grateful to them.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, may I place on record my own appreciation of the services rendered to the Council by Mr. Holmes. In my opinion, it is impossible to over-emphasize the value of the services he has rendered to the Council and to the Colony. I had the good fortune to be closely associated with him from the first day he joined the Resettlement Department. The part Mr. Holmes has played in Resettlement is too well known for me to elaborate but the fact is that he more than any other individual can claim to be responsible for the success which the Department has achieved. Later as Chairman he not only gave great service but what is more he got the best out of all the members. I am sure, Mr. Chairman, you will appreciate that it is no reflection on your goodself when I say how much he will be greatly missed.
I support the motion. (Applause).
MR. R. C. LEE :-The recent announcement of the impending return to Government of part of the Military land in the centre of the city has been heartily received by the community. Since it is the aim of this Council to keep well ahead of events in the planning of public parks and playgrounds, it may be appropriate, at this juncture, to remind the Government Departments concerned to make adequate provision for open spaces in their planning in respect of the land just mentioned. In the present case, as in similar cases which may arise in the future, it is hoped that Government will not sell every foot of land available but will bear in mind that a generous proportion of the area ought to be reserved for open spaces and that wide pavements should be provided for pedestrians. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that urban amenities such as parks and open spaces should be kept in mind before any sale of land is considered.
'1
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
23
With regard to city cleansing, there is a provision in the Estimates for the employment of sanitary workers to clean cast iron water channels which are to be found constructed across pavements in the Urban area. These channels are a nuisance and when they get broken as they often are, they become a source of danger to pedestrians. I venture therefore, to suggest for the consideration of the Public Works Department that such channels should gradually be eliminated. No new channels of this type should in future be permitted and instead of renewing broken ones, rainwater pipes in front of buildings should be connected to a manhole either on the roadway or on the pavement. This will not only save manpower employed for constant cleaning but will also reduce the possibility of danger to the Public.
In the matter of the multi-storey car park at the Star Ferry concourse, the public appears to be anxious to learn whether Government has decided in favour of our proposal for the adjust- ment of charges and for the issue of monthly tickets. Some weeks have elapsed since the recommendations were made but no in- dication as to their approval has yet been received.
I have been informed that as a result of the recent rainfall, as much as two inches of water has been found accumulated on the 1st floor of the car park. The reason for the lack of drainage is not clear but I trust that it is not because more consideration has been given to beauty of design than to practical building details. I hope some step will be taken forthwith to remedy the situation.
I notice that public telephones for outward calls are in the process of being erected at the car park. I would like to suggest that a broadcasting system for inward messages should also be installed. Money would be well spent for the provision of such an amenity:
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I am relieved to find, looking back on the work of the Council for the past year, that the results have not been unsatisfactory and I sincerely hope that the pro- gramme for the coming year will be assiduously fulfilled. Chairman, I support your Motion. (Applause).
Mr.
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