Page 34 of 139
89
Page 34 of 139]
1
48
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Therefore, because of its transcending importance, the first campaign which is due to start next week ought to be given the full support of all Government Departments, whether directly or indirectly having a bearing on it, as well as the genuine collaboration of the schools and also of the private organizations which this Council has approached. Less than all-out co-operation by all sides would reduce the effectiveness of the programme to the detriment of public health.
Recreational Facilities
While I am pleased to know that the Council has such ambitious plans for the provision of recreational facilities for Kowloon, I cannot refrain from saying that they are nonetheless overdue. Understandably, they have given way to other projects of a greater immediate importance of which there are so very many in Hong Kong. Still, I hope that we shall press on without let or hindrance to develop in the current financial year the major parks and playgrounds which are now promised. At the same time I hope, too, that every available space in the congested urban districts which can be so used will be converted into a small rest or play area.
There is considerable speculation as to what use will be made of the railway land now stretching from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom once the station is moved away. Every advantage should be taken of the opportunity to lay it out in a manner which becomes a progressive city of our size and importance. The strong claim to a small green belt, which the adjoining heavily populated district has, cannot be contested altogether. Thus, it could well be tied in with the location there of the public buildings which Kowloon needs so badly.
Markets
The Policy which you propose is deserving of support. It is only in respect of its implementation that I speak. (Appointed Members will notice that I have learned a great deal from the Elected Members—I am reading my speech!)
By a series of questions put over several months I have tried to focus attention on the appalling conditions existing in and around our markets and to press, together with my fellow Councillors, for decisive action to restore full control.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
49
I am inclined to think that the Council has now devised a system which is satisfactory to the public and fair to the stallholders alike and which at the same time does not prevent the hawkers from earning a living. On the contrary, it establishes in a fair way their right to do so.
Now that the experiment at Sham Shui Po has been adjudged a success, it is only a question of putting the same measures into practice in other areas as well. I need not say again that urgent action is called for in the public interest. This statement is based on my own observations supported by a frank and factual report sent to the Council by the Kowloon Residents' Association.
In particular, I wish to draw this Council's attention to the dreadful conditions which prevail in the Nga Tsin Wai Road and its vicinity. To tolerate them is to fail in our duty to uphold the rights of the citizens of that area to decent living conditions and of the business enterprises located there to have free and easy access for their customers.
Hawkers
If it is said that no satisfactory solution is possible for our hawker problem, I do not agree. I think it may not be far from the truth to say that no strong and sustained effort has been made to contain it.
I subscribe to the view that under no circumstances must we deprive these hawkers of the possibilities of earning a living. I go one step further and maintain that we must protect them from being preyed upon by undesirable elements, as they are without doubt. Moreover, if hawkers exist in an economy such as our own, it is not unreasonable to suppose that they fill a demand and serve a purpose.
Nevertheless, it is essential to ensure that they do not cause obstruction and become a nuisance to the public and, even more important, that they do not trespass on the rights of other citizens, which they have unfortunately been allowed to do.
This Council has now proposed a policy which seems to me to merit thorough consideration by the Government. It is with the execution of this policy that we shall be concerned in the months ahead.
Page 34 of 139
89
Page 34 of 139
Page 34 of 139
89
Page 34 of 139]
1
48
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Therefore, because of its transcending importance, the first campaign which is due to start next week ought to be given the full support of all Government Departments, whether directly or indirectly having a bearing on it, as well as the genuine collabora- tion of the schools and also of the private organizations which this Council has approached. Less than all-out co-operation by all sides would reduce the effectiveness of the programme to the detriment of public health.
Recreational Facilities
While I am pleased to know that the Council has such ambitious plans for the provision of recreational facilities for Kowloon, I cannot refrain from saying that they are nonetheless overdue. Understandably, they have given way to other projects of a greater immediate importance of which there are so very many in Hong Kong. Still, I hope that we shall press on without let or hindrance to develop in the current financial year the major parks and playgrounds which are now promised. At the same time I hope, too, that every available space in the congested urban districts which can be so used will be converted into a small rest or play area.
There is considerable speculation as to what use will be made of the railway land now stretching from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom once the station is moved away. Every advantage should be taken of the opportunity to lay it out in a manner which becomes a progressive city of our size and importance. The strong claim to a small green belt, which the adjoining heavily populated district has, cannot be contested altogether. Thus, it could well be tied in with the location there of the public buildings which Kowloon needs so badly.
Markets
It
The Policy which you propose is deserving of support. is only in respect of its implementation that I speak. (Appointed Members will notice that I have learned a great deal from the Elected Members-I am reading my speech!)
By a series of questions put over several months I have tried to focus attention on the appalling conditions existing in and around our markets and to press, together with my fellow Coun- cillors, for decisive action to restore full control.
:
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
49
I am inclined to think that the Council has now devised a system which is satisfactory to the public and fair to the stall- holders alike and which at the same time does not prevent the hawkers from earning a living. On the contrary, it establishes in a fair way their right to do so.
Now that the experiment at Sham Shui Po has been adjudged a success, it is only a question of putting the same measures into practice in other areas as well. I need not say again that urgent action is called for in the public interest. This statement is based on my own observations supported by a frank and factual report sent to the Council by the Kowloon Residents' Association.
In particular, I wish to draw this Council's attention to the dreadful conditions which prevail in the Nga Tsin Wei Road and its vicinity. To tolerate them is to fail in our duty to uphold the rights of the citizens of that area to decent living conditions and of the business enterprises located there to have free and easy access for their customers.
Hawkers
If it is said that no satisfactory solution is possible for our hawker problem, I do not agree. I think it may not be far from the truth to say that no strong and sustained effort has been made to contain it.
I subscribe to the view that under no circumstances must we deprive these hawkers of the possibilities of earning a living. I go one step further and maintain that we must protect them from being preyed upon by undesirable elements, as they are without doubt. Moreover, if hawkers exist in an economy such as our own, it is not unreasonable to suppose that they fill a demand and serve a purpose.
Nevertheless, it is essential to ensure that they do not cause obstruction and become a nuisance to the public and, even more important, that they do not trespass on the rights of other citizens, which they have unfortunately been allowed to do.
This Council has now proposed a policy which seems to me to merit thorough consideration by the Government. It is with the execution of this policy that we shall be concerned in the months ahead.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.