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arrangements in resettlement areas, in order to ascertain whether the existing labour force of the Resettlement Department should be re-organized.
I must say that it never disturbs me to know that outside experts are casting a critical gaze over our staff—in fact, I find it comforting when, after they have done so, there are no serious criticisms of our staffing arrangements.
Dr. LEE said that there was a strong case for the introduction of mechanization for street sweeping and cleansing operations. This matter has in fact been under detailed study in the department and in the Treasury since January of this year, with a view to working out accurate costs for mechanical and manual sweeping, in order to have some basis for comparison. A report will be made to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee in due course. I must add that, in my opinion, the places in the urban areas where mechanical sweepers could be used to advantage are likely to prove to be limited in number and area.
Dr. LEE also said that consideration should be given to the question of incineration of refuse. With our ever-increasing population, refuse disposal remains a major problem and we are exploring it along two lines—one by composting and the other by incineration. With regard to composting, interested firms have been asked to submit quotations for a pilot plant, of small capacity, for composting refuse by mechanical means. This project was included in Category B of the Public Works Programme on 1st April this year.
The question of disposal of refuse by incineration is under active consideration. Correspondence is taking place with interested firms to determine which type of plant is liable to be the most suitable for dealing with local refuse. An "incineration plant for Hong Kong Island" is included in Category B of the Public Works Programme.
Reference was made in several speeches to the question of multi-ownership buildings. I know that Government both shares and appreciates Members' concern over this problem, with its many aspects, besides that of insanitary conditions with which this Council is especially concerned. Members are aware that a Working Party was appointed to consider the problem generally and I understand that its report is now in the final stages. I have not yet been informed whether Government intends to publish it.
Several Members made reference to the administration of the City Hall. I share their pleasure and gratification at the evident popularity of the many facilities offered, and am glad to report that the weight of advanced booking of the various units indicates that these will continue to be used regularly and that the facilities clearly meet a definite demand.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
83
Several points were raised for special attention. Some in fact are already due for discussion by Sub-Committees of the City Hall (Policy) Select Committee—in particular, those concerning the catering. Mr. Wilfred WONG raised two points in this connexion. The first concerned the cost of drinks and food in the restaurant, which he said was high. On this point, the City Hall (Policy) Select Committee has prescribed that the catering should aim at a high-class service, and the caterer is attempting to produce this and has engaged staff to this end. This is clearly necessary if the catering is to be of a sufficiently high standard to cope with the banquets and balls which it was the original intention that these units should be used for. It would be difficult for the caterer to be on virtually a cafeteria level during the day and yet offer a first-class service for these special functions in the evening. Dr. BELL, in fact, especially stressed in her speech that it was imperative that the highest standard of service and food should be the rule and not the exception. The second point raised by Mr. Wilfred WONG was that there is no reasonably priced meal available in the restaurant. However, there is in fact a set meal at lunch-time at $4 or $6, and a set dinner at night at $8. These represent, I think, good value for money.
Mr. WATSON suggested that there should be a small annual charge for the lending facilities of the City Hall Library. Mr. BERNACCHI said that he totally disagreed with the suggestion. On this point, it will be recalled that when matters concerning the Library were recently considered, it was agreed that the question of charges for borrowing books should be reviewed again after twelve months of experience in administering the Library. Members are aware that there is now meeting a Working Party appointed by the Colonial Secretary which is preparing a report on library services, and such matters as charges will no doubt be considered.
Mr. Wilfred WONG also asked why the Concert Hall was not provided with cinema projection equipment. The answer is simply that the Architects produced what was requested in the schedule of accommodation prepared after considerable discussion by various committees which stemmed from the original City Hall Committee. They were asked to produce, among other things, a Concert Hall which could, on occasion, be converted for dramatic purposes, and a separate intimate Theatre which could also be used for chamber music recitals and for the projection of cinema films. This has been done, and it is generally agreed that these two auditoria are excellent for these purposes. Some artists of international renown have given unstinted praise to their acoustic and other qualities. It is, of course, impossible to introduce cinema equipment into the Concert Hall now without major structural alterations which might ruin the primary functions of the Hall. It would mean virtually rebuilding the back of the Concert Hall to provide the
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Page 49 of 150
82
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
arrangements in resettlement areas, in order to ascertain whether the existing labour force of the Resettlement Department should be re- organized.
I must say that it never disturbs me to know that outside experts are casting a critical gaze over our staff-in fact, I find it comforting when, after they have done so, there are no serious criticisms of our staffing arrangements.
Dr. LEE said that there was a strong case for the introduction of mechanization for street sweeping and cleansing operations. This matter has in fact been under detailed study in the department and in the Treasury since January of this year, with a view to working out accurate costs for mechanical and manual sweeping, in order to have some basis for comparison. A report will be made to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee in due course. I must add that, in my opinion, the places in the urban areas where mechanical sweepers could be used to advantage are likely to prove to be limited in number and area.
Dr. LEE also said that consideration should be given to the question of incineration of refuse. With our ever-increasing population, refuse disposal remains a major problem and we are exploring it along two With regard lines one by composting and the other by incineration. to composting, interested firms have been asked to submit quotations for a pilot plant, of small capacity, for composting refuse by mechanical means. This project was included in Category B of the Public Works Programme on 1st April this year.
The question of disposal of refuse by incineration is under active consideration. Correspondence is taking place with interested firms to determine which type of plant is liable to be the most suitable for dealing with local refuse. An "incineration plant for Hong Kong Island" is included in Category B of the Public Works Programme.
Reference was made in several speeches to the question of multi- ownership buildings. I know that Government both shares and appreciates Members' concern over this problem, with its many aspects, besides that of insanitary conditions with which this Council is especially concerned. Members are aware that a Working Party was appointed to consider the problem generally and I understand that its report is now in the final stages. I have not yet been informed whether Government intends to publish it.
Several Members made reference to the administration of the City Hall. I share their pleasure and gratification at the evident popularity of the many facilities offered, and am glad to report that the weight of advanced booking of the various units indicates that these will continue to be used regularly and that the facilities clearly meet a definite demand.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
83
Several points were raised for special attention. Some in fact are already due for discussion by Sub-Committees of the City Hall (Policy) Select Committee-in particular, those concerning the catering. Mr. Wilfred WONG raised two points in this connexion. The first concerned the cost of drinks and food in the restaurant, which he said was high. On this point, the City Hall (Policy) Select Committee has prescribed that the catering should aim at a high class service, and the caterer is attempting to produce this and has engaged staff to this end. This is clearly necessary if the catering is to be of a sufficiently high standard to cope with the banquets and balls which it was the original intention that these units should be used for. It would be difficult for the caterer to be on virtually a cafeteria level during the day and yet offer a first class service for these special functions in the evening. Dr. BELL, in fact, especially stressed in her speech that it was imperative that the highest standard of service and food should be the rule and not the exception. The second point raised by Mr. Wilfred WONG was that there is no reasonably priced meal available in the restaurant. However, there is in fact a set meal at lunch-time at $4 or $6, and a set dinner at night at $8. These represent, I think, good value for money.
Mr. WATSON suggested that there should be a small annual charge for the lending facilities of the City Hall Library. Mr. BERNACCHI said that he totally disagreed with the suggestion. On this point, it will be recalled that when matters concerning the Library were recently considered, it was agreed that the question of charges for borrowing books should be reviewed again after twelve months of experience in administering the Library. Members are aware that there is now meeting a Working Party appointed by the Colonial Secretary which is preparing a report on library services, and such matters as charges will no doubt be considered.
Mr. Wilfred WONG also asked why the Concert Hall was not provided with cinema projection equipment. The answer is simply that the Architects produced what was requested in the schedule of accommodation prepared after considerable discussion by various com- mittees which stemmed from the original City Hall Committee. They were asked to produce, among other things, a Concert Hall which could, on occasion, be converted for dramatic purposes, and a separate intimate Theatre which could also be used for chamber music recitals and for the projection of cinema films. This has been done, and it is generally agreed that these two auditoria are excellent for these purposes. Some artists of international renown have given unstinted praise to their acoustic and other qualities. It is, of course, impossible to introduce cinema equipment into the Concert Hall now without major structural alterations which might ruin the primary functions of the Hall. It would mean virtually rebuilding the back of the Concert Hall to provide the
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