1959 — Page 51

Urban Council Proceedings 市政局議事錄 All AI Reviewed

Page 51 of 107

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

modern city, and whilst this is not easy to appreciate from the point of view of the hawkers themselves, it is to their advantage as a body to conform with the law as provided for in our by-laws.

We, on the Executive Select Committee for Hawking, are always ready and willing to put up to the Policy Select Committee any genuine complaint that the hawkers may have as to the by-laws working unnecessary hardship. We are, to a large extent, masters of our own by-laws and we can and will change them if they do work unnecessary hardship. Strangely enough, however, in the past we have yet to receive any substantial representations from any of the hawkers' associations and we must therefore assume that on the whole the by-laws are considered to be reasonable, and I would appeal therefore for co-operation between hawkers, the public and ourselves to ensure their compliance. We want co-operation from hawkers and the public, on our side. We ask that complaints be not whispered behind our backs. Impoliteness or other improper conduct, and particularly corruption, should be reported to us. We are not an ogre whose function is to make it hard for poor wretched hawkers to earn a living. Our function is to guard the health of the community and to ensure that hawking can be fitted in as part and parcel of the community life of this Colony.

MR. SALES: A point of order. May I ask for a point of clarification from the Chairman of the Executive Committee who spoke on the paper which was laid on the table today?

CHAIRMAN: I am afraid I don't understand what you mean?

MR. SALES: The Chairman of the appropriate Select Committee very rightly spoke on the paper which was laid on the table and as a member of this Council I can exercise the privilege of asking for a clarification.

CHAIRMAN: Mr. Bernacchi spoke under an agreement reached in about June, 1956 whereby the Chairman of a Select Committee is permitted to elaborate on material relevant to his Select Committee in the monthly report.

MR. SALES: That is exactly what I said. He rightly did so. I wish also to exercise my privilege of asking for a point of clarification. May I do so?

CHAIRMAN: A point arising out of Mr. Bernacchi's statement?

I am afraid there can be no discussion.

MR. SALES: This is a point of clarification.

CHAIRMAN: I am afraid not.

MR. SALES: May I have it minuted that I have been muzzled entirely out of order.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

QUESTIONS.

MR. R. C. LEE asked the following question: —

"In view of the reported drowning of four swimmers who were swimming at beaches under the control of the Urban Council, is the Chairman satisfied that the provisions instituted by the Council for life saving are adequate?”

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:

"I am glad of this opportunity to make a statement regarding the four fatalities at bathing beaches on the Dragon Boat Festival, 11th June, 1959, which have given rise to some comment in the press.

It is a Chinese tradition to swim on this day, and this accounts for the very large crowds that were present on all beaches. Although conditions were quiet on most beaches the state of the sea at two beaches—Repulse Bay and Lai Chi Kok—was such that the red flag was hoisted to warn bathers of the dangers of swimming. Radio Hong Kong was advised of this at 10.10 a.m. and announcements to this effect were made at 10.27 and 10.57 a.m.

It is a regrettable fact that the bathing public on that day showed in general complete disregard for the instructions of the experienced beach staff. Two out of the four fatalities took place on urban beaches. The other two took place on beaches under the control of the District Commissioner, New Territories.

4. Such behaviour on the part of the public is not only dangerous to the public but also jeopardizes the lives of the beach staff, whose sense of duty makes them attempt rescues under the most impossible conditions.

I would therefore warn the public that the red flag means a really serious threat of danger and that, if this disregard of it persists, the beach staff will be given specific orders to refrain from any attempts at rescue when the red flag is hoisted."

MR. LEE: May I ask a supplementary question?

CHAIRMAN: Yes.

MR. LEE: Are you quite satisfied that the provisions instituted by the Council for life saving are adequate and that life saving methods used are the most up to date?

Page 51 of 107

Edit History

2026-05-13 15:52:41 · NVIDIA / meta/llama-4-maverick-17b-128e-instruct

Live

View comparison

AI Proofread

Page 51 of 107 86 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL modern city, and whilst this is not easy to appreciate from the point of view of the hawkers themselves, it is to their advantage as a body to conform with the law as provided for in our by-laws. We, on the Executive Select Committee for Hawking, are always ready and willing to put up to the Policy Select Committee any genuine complaint that the hawkers may have as to the by-laws working unnecessary hardship. We are, to a large extent, masters of our own by-laws and we can and will change them if they do work unnecessary hardship. Strangely enough, however, in the past we have yet to receive any substantial representations from any of the hawkers' associations and we must therefore assume that on the whole the by-laws are considered to be reasonable, and I would appeal therefore for co-operation between hawkers, the public and ourselves to ensure their compliance. We want co-operation from hawkers and the public, on our side. We ask that complaints be not whispered behind our backs. Impoliteness or other improper conduct, and particularly corruption, should be reported to us. We are not an ogre whose function is to make it hard for poor wretched hawkers to earn a living. Our function is to guard the health of the community and to ensure that hawking can be fitted in as part and parcel of the community life of this Colony. MR. SALES: A point of order. May I ask for a point of clarification from the Chairman of the Executive Committee who spoke on the paper which was laid on the table today? CHAIRMAN: I am afraid I don't understand what you mean? MR. SALES: The Chairman of the appropriate Select Committee very rightly spoke on the paper which was laid on the table and as a member of this Council I can exercise the privilege of asking for a clarification. CHAIRMAN: Mr. Bernacchi spoke under an agreement reached in about June, 1956 whereby the Chairman of a Select Committee is permitted to elaborate on material relevant to his Select Committee in the monthly report. MR. SALES: That is exactly what I said. He rightly did so. I wish also to exercise my privilege of asking for a point of clarification. May I do so? CHAIRMAN: A point arising out of Mr. Bernacchi's statement? I am afraid there can be no discussion. MR. SALES: This is a point of clarification. CHAIRMAN: I am afraid not. MR. SALES: May I have it minuted that I have been muzzled entirely out of order. HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 87 QUESTIONS. MR. R. C. LEE asked the following question: — "In view of the reported drowning of four swimmers who were swimming at beaches under the control of the Urban Council, is the Chairman satisfied that the provisions instituted by the Council for life saving are adequate?” THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows: "I am glad of this opportunity to make a statement regarding the four fatalities at bathing beaches on the Dragon Boat Festival, 11th June, 1959, which have given rise to some comment in the press. 2. 3. It is a Chinese tradition to swim on this day, and this accounts for the very large crowds that were present on all beaches. Although conditions were quiet on most beaches the state of the sea at two beaches—Repulse Bay and Lai Chi Kok—was such that the red flag was hoisted to warn bathers of the dangers of swimming. Radio Hong Kong was advised of this at 10.10 a.m. and announcements to this effect were made at 10.27 and 10.57 a.m. It is a regrettable fact that the bathing public on that day showed in general complete disregard for the instructions of the experienced beach staff. Two out of the four fatalities took place on urban beaches. The other two took place on beaches under the control of the District Commissioner, New Territories. 4. Such behaviour on the part of the public is not only dangerous to the public but also jeopardizes the lives of the beach staff, whose sense of duty makes them attempt rescues under the most impossible conditions. 5. I would therefore warn the public that the red flag means a really serious threat of danger and that, if this disregard of it persists, the beach staff will be given specific orders to refrain from any attempts at rescue when the red flag is hoisted." MR. LEE: May I ask a supplementary question? CHAIRMAN: Yes. MR. LEE: Are you quite satisfied that the provisions instituted by the Council for life saving are adequate and that life saving methods used are the most up to date? Page 51 of 107

Baseline (Original)

Page 51 of 107 86 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL modern city, and whilst this is not easy to appreciate from the point of view of the hawkers themselves, it is to their advantage as a body to conform with the law as provided for in our by-laws. We, on the Executive Select Committee for Hawking, are always ready and willing to put up to the Policy Select Committee any genuine complaint that the hawkers may have as to the by-laws working un- necessary hardship. We are, to a large extent, masters of our own by-laws and we can and will change them if they do work unnecessary hardship. Strangely enough, however, in the past we have yet to receive any substantial representations from any of the hawkers' associa- tions and we must therefore assume that on the whole the by-laws are considered to be reasonable, and I would appeal therefore for co- operation between hawkers, the public and ourselves to ensure their compliance. We want co-operation from hawkers and the public, on our side. We ask that complains be not whispered behind our backs. Impoliteness or other improper conduct, and particularly corruption, should be reported to us. We are not an ogre whose function is to make it hard for poor wretched hawkers to earn a living. Our function is to guard the health of the community and to ensure that hawking can be fitted in as part and parcel of the community life of this Colony. MR. SALES: A point of order. May I ask for a point of clarifica- tion from the Chairman of the Executive Committee who spoke on the paper which was laid on the table today? CHAIRMAN: ----I am afraid I don't understand what you mean? MR. SALES- -The Chairman of the appropriate Select Committee very rightly spoke on the paper which was laid on the table and as a member of this Council I can exercise the privilege of asking for a clarification. CHAIRMAN: -Mr. Bernacchi spoke under an agreement reached in about June, 1956 whereby the Chairman of a Select Committee is permitted to elaborate on material relevant to his Select Committee in the monthly report. MR. SALES-That is exactly what I said. He rightly did so. Ι wish also to exercise my privilege of asking for a point of clarification. May I do so? CHAIRMAN:-A point arising out of Mr. Bernacchi's statement? I am afraid there can be no discussion. MR. SALES-This is a point of clarification. CHAIRMAN: -I am afraid not. MR. SALES: -May I have it minuted that I have been muzzled entirely out of order. HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 87 QUESTIONS. MR. R. C. LEE asked the following question: — "In view of the reported drowning of four swimmers who were swimming at beaches under the control of the Urban Council, is the Chairman satisfied that the provisions instituted by the Council for life saving are adequate?” THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows: "I am glad of this opportunity to make a statement regarding the four fatalities at bathing beaches on the Dragon Boat Festival, 11th June, 1959, which have given rise to some comment in the press. 2. 3. It is a Chinese tradition to swim on this day, and this accounts for the very large crowds that were present on all beaches. Although conditions were quiet on most beaches the state of the sea at two beaches-Repulse Bay and Lai Chi Kok-was such that the red flag was hoisted to warn bathers of the dangers of swimming. Radio Hong Kong was advised of this at 10.10 a.m. and announcements to this effect were made at 10.27 and 10.57 a.m. It is a regrettable fact that the bathing public on that day showed in general complete disregard for the instructions of the experienced beach staff. Two out of the four fatalities took place on urban beaches. The other two took place on beaches under the control of the District Commissioner, New Territories. 4. Such behaviour on the part of the public is not only dangerous to the public but also jeopardizes the lives of the beach staff, whose sense of duty makes them attempt rescues under the most impossible conditions. 5. I would therefore warn the public that the red flag means a really serious threat of danger and that, if this disregard of it persists, the beach staff will be given specific orders to refrain from any attempts at rescue when the red flag is hoisted." MR. LEE:-May I ask a supplementary question? CHAIRMAN:-Yes. MR. LEE-Are you quite satisfied that the provisions instituted by the Council for life saving are adequate and that life saving methods used are the most up to date?

2026-05-13 15:52:41 · Baseline

View content

Page 51 of 107

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

modern city, and whilst this is not easy to appreciate from the point of view of the hawkers themselves, it is to their advantage as a body to conform with the law as provided for in our by-laws.

We, on the Executive Select Committee for Hawking, are always ready and willing to put up to the Policy Select Committee any genuine complaint that the hawkers may have as to the by-laws working un- necessary hardship. We are, to a large extent, masters of our own by-laws and we can and will change them if they do work unnecessary hardship. Strangely enough, however, in the past we have yet to receive any substantial representations from any of the hawkers' associa- tions and we must therefore assume that on the whole the by-laws are considered to be reasonable, and I would appeal therefore for co- operation between hawkers, the public and ourselves to ensure their compliance. We want co-operation from hawkers and the public, on our side. We ask that complains be not whispered behind our backs. Impoliteness or other improper conduct, and particularly corruption, should be reported to us. We are not an ogre whose function is to make it hard for poor wretched hawkers to earn a living. Our function is to guard the health of the community and to ensure that hawking can be fitted in as part and parcel of the community life of this Colony.

MR. SALES: A point of order. May I ask for a point of clarifica- tion from the Chairman of the Executive Committee who spoke on the paper which was laid on the table today?

CHAIRMAN: ----I am afraid I don't understand what you mean?

MR. SALES- -The Chairman of the appropriate Select Committee very rightly spoke on the paper which was laid on the table and as a member of this Council I can exercise the privilege of asking for a clarification.

CHAIRMAN: -Mr. Bernacchi spoke under an agreement reached in about June, 1956 whereby the Chairman of a Select Committee is permitted to elaborate on material relevant to his Select Committee in the monthly report.

MR. SALES-That is exactly what I said. He rightly did so. Ι wish also to exercise my privilege of asking for a point of clarification. May I do so?

CHAIRMAN:-A point arising out of Mr. Bernacchi's statement?

I am afraid there can be no discussion.

MR. SALES-This is a point of clarification.

CHAIRMAN: -I am afraid not.

MR. SALES: -May I have it minuted that I have been muzzled entirely out of order.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

QUESTIONS.

MR. R. C. LEE asked the following question: —

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:

"I am glad of this opportunity to make a statement regarding the four fatalities at bathing beaches on the Dragon Boat Festival, 11th June, 1959, which have given rise to some comment in the press.

It is a Chinese tradition to swim on this day, and this accounts for the very large crowds that were present on all beaches. Although conditions were quiet on most beaches the state of the sea at two beaches-Repulse Bay and Lai Chi Kok-was such that the red flag was hoisted to warn bathers of the dangers of swimming. Radio Hong Kong was advised of this at 10.10 a.m. and announcements to this effect were made at 10.27 and 10.57 a.m.

I would therefore warn the public that the red flag means

a really serious threat of danger and that, if this disregard of it persists, the beach staff will be given specific orders to refrain from any attempts at rescue when the red flag is hoisted."

MR. LEE:-May I ask a supplementary question?

CHAIRMAN:-Yes.

MR. LEE-Are you quite satisfied that the provisions instituted by the Council for life saving are adequate and that life saving methods used are the most up to date?

1959 — Page 51

Edit History

Comments

Private Research Note