Page 38
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In the interest of improved mental health in Hong Kong and better public relations between the Police and the public, I respectfully commend my suggestion to Government's careful consideration.
I am sure the Urban Council would be happy to give its usual service to the Police and to the public.
Hawkers and Markets
As outgoing Chairman of the Markets Select Committee, I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating the Public Works Department and also the Urban Services Department for revising the markets construction programme. It is hoped that from now on we will have at least two major market projects completed every year during the next five years.
I would also congratulate the Urban Services Department on the procedures which have been adopted to improve relations between hawkers and the Hawker Control Force. This is welcome, not only by the hawkers themselves, but also by other residents who wish to see that hawkers are allowed to legitimately earn their livelihood without infringing the rights of other sections of the community.
Employment
Members will recall that for several years past there has been discussion at the Annual Convention Debate on the subject of encouraging able-bodied young hawkers to find employment in industry. To simply refuse issuing a hawker's licence to a young man or woman is a negative and ineffectual method. Besides, it would only encourage more hawking without a licence.
A more positive approach—one among many others, I submit—is for this Council to sponsor the establishment of a Handicraft Training & Promotion Centre for the traditional Chinese handicrafts. The Centre could be built in a new Resettlement Estate, and the cooperation of the Technical College and Commerce & Industry Department sought in the organization and management of the Centre. The training section of the Centre would take in young men and women from all walks of life, including hawkers and resettlement residents.
This idea, Mr. Chairman, may at first seem strange to many ears and quite far removed from the current activities of the Urban Council. But I would assert that there is a genuine need for a properly staffed Handicraft Training and Promotion Centre for traditional Chinese handicrafts. And from personal knowledge I also know that there exists a world-wide demand for Hong Kong-made Chinese handicrafts of the highest quality and design. I see no reason therefore why this Council should not explore a new field if it is for the general good.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Keep Your City Clean Campaign
Members will recall that on 18th March the Urban Services Department commenced a three-week "Keep Your City Clean" campaign. Specifically, this campaign represents an all-out effort on the part of the Department to encourage the use of litter containers. Loudhailers, radio plays, posters, leaflets and lectures are part of the campaign. But because of our overcrowded population, I have certain reservations as to the actual results of only a three-week campaign.
As a great international city, Hong Kong can no longer afford to forget that it is receiving 20,000 to 30,000 overseas visitors monthly, and the impression they get of our streets and our people is the impression that they will take back with them when they return home to their friends and relatives. Streets filled with litter and rubbish will not create the best impression, and I would urge that this Council and the Department seriously consider having a year-round "Keep Your City Clean" campaign, and to include an anti-spitting drive as part of the overall programme.
I think also that the Council might explore the possibility of having a separate select committee—"Keep Your City Clean" Select Committee as suggested by one of our Appointed colleagues. On a committee like that, we could invite outside participation, for instance, having representatives of the Kaifongs sitting on that committee.
With these words, Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN moved that the debate be adjourned to the next meeting.
THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS seconded.
The question was put.
The motion was carried.
DEPARTURE ON LEAVE OF THE SECRETARY, URBAN COUNCIL.
CHAIRMAN :—Before we conclude there is one final point. As Members are aware, Mr. WHITLEY is proceeding on vacation leave very shortly. On behalf of Members I would like to wish him a pleasant leave, which he has fully deserved, and also to welcome Mr. THOMPSON who will act during his absence. (Applause).
MR. BERNACCHI :—I very much endorse your words and I would like to compliment Mr. WHITLEY for his able work when Secretary of this Council. (Applause).
Page 39
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Page 38 of 194
60
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In the interest of improved mental health in Hong Kong and better public relations between the Police and the public, I respectfully com- mend my suggestion to Government's careful consideration.
I am sure the Urban Council would be happy to give its usual service to the Police and to the public.
Hawkers and Markets
As outgoing Chairman of the Markets Select Committee, I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating the Public Works Department and also the Urban Services Department for revising the markets construction programme. It is hoped that from now on we will have at least two major market projects completed every year during the next five years.
I would also congratulate the Urban Services Department on the procedures which have been adopted to improve relations between hawkers and the Hawker Control Force. This is welcome, not only by the hawkers themselves, but also by other residents who wish to see that hawkers are allowed to legitimately earn their livelihood without infringing the rights of other sections of the community.
Employment
Members will recall that for several years past there has been discussion at the Annual Conventional Debate on the subject of encouraging able-bodied young hawkers to find employment in industry. To simply refuse issuing a hawker's licence to a young man or woman is a negative and ineffectual method. Besides, it would only encourage more hawking without a licence.
A more positive approach-one among many others, I submit-is for this Council to sponsor the establishment of a Handicraft Training & Promotion Centre for the traditional Chinese handicrafts. The Centre could be built in a new Resettlement Estate, and the cooperation of the Technical College and Commerce & Industry Department sought in the organization and management of the Centre. The training section of the Centre would take in young men and women from all walks of life, including hawkers and resettlement residents.
This idea, Mr. Chairman, may at first seem strange to many ears and quite far removed from the current activities of the Urban Council. But I would assert that there is a genuine need for a properly staffed Handicraft Training and Promotion Centre for traditional Chinese handicrafts. And from personal knowledge I also know that there exists a world-wide demand for Hong Kong-made Chinese handicrafts of the highest quality and design. I see no reason therefore why this Council should not explore a new field if it is for the general good.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Keep Your City Clean Campaign
61
Members will recall that on 18th March the Urban Services Depart- ment commenced a three-week "Keep Your City Clean" campaign. Specifically, this campaign represents an all-out effort on the part of the Department to encourage the use of litter containers. Loudhailers, radio plays, posters, leaflets and lectures are part of the campaign. But because of our overcrowded population, I have certain reservations as to the actual results of only a three-week campaign.
As a great international city, Hong Kong can no longer afford to forget that it is receiving 20,000 to 30,000 overseas visitors monthly, and the impression they get of our streets and our people is the impression that they will take back with them when they return home to their friends and relatives. Streets filled with litter and rubbish will not create the best impression, and I would urge that this Council and the Department seriously consider having a year-round "Keep Your City Clean" campaign, and to include an anti-spitting drive as part of the overall programme.
I think also that the Council might explore the possibility of having a separate select committee-"Keep Your City Clean" Select Committee as suggested by one of our Appointed colleagues. On a committee like that, we could invite outside participation, for instance, having representatives of the Kaifongs sitting on that committee.
With these words, Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN moved that the debate be adjourned to the next meeting.
THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS seconded.
The question was put.
The motion was carried.
DEPARTURE ON LEAVE OF THE SECRETARY, URBAN COUNCIL.
CHAIRMAN :—Before we conclude there is one final point. As Members are aware, Mr. WHITLEY is proceeding on vacation leave very shortly. On behalf of Members I would like to wish him a pleasant leave, which he has fully deserved, and also to welcome Mr. THOMPSON who will act during his absence. (Applause).
MR. BERNACCHI:-I very much endorse your words and I would like to compliment Mr. WHITLEY for his able work when Secretary of this Council. (Applause).
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.