1965 — Page 281

of 382

Page 281 of 382

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

processing these reports. The system became clogged and has been abandoned. Instead, regular meetings now take place between the cleansing staff and the inspectors of the Roads and Drainage Office. Lists of defects, and of repairs made, are exchanged and the situation in various localities discussed. This is a more satisfactory arrangement and has led to an increase in the amount of work undertaken and money spent. As a result, funds voted for this financial year have been spent, but the Director of Public Works is making arrangements to obtain further funds.

In the past year the field staff of the Cleansing Division have con- tinued to endeavour to improve standards, although we recognize that there is still very far to go.

Mr. LOBO referred to the high cost of dying. Facilities for burial and cremation and for the holding of funeral services are provided by this Council at low charges, and I assume that Mr. LOBO did not in- clude in his criticisms the cemeteries managed by the Council. I note his suggestion that the question of proper management and standardiza- tion of Hong Kong's cemeteries should be considered in Select Com- mittee.

I turn now to urban amenities.

I must first pay a tribute to the unremitting efforts of the Urban Amenities Select Committee, which, under its indefatigable critical Chairman, has stimulated the department to increasing efforts in this field.

With regard to the Honourable FUNG Hon-chu's remarks on the Hong Kong stadium, a request has already been made for the inclusion of an item in the Public Works Programme to cover such improvements as the roofing over of the stands on the east side, replacement of the present cinder running track by the latest type of all-weather track, and the provision of a Colony Athletes' Training Centre.

Our staff are already clearing stones from beaches in preparation for the 1966 bathing season. I can assure the Honourable Wilfred WONG that we shall do our best to provide an adequate labour force at Repulse Bay next summer.

There is certainly a need for a fresh approach to the problem of direction signs and street furniture generally, and I welcome the initia- tive which is being taken in this matter by the Advertisements Sub- Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. CHEUNG Wing-in.

I should like the Honourable Mrs. Ellen LI to know that we shall continue to do all that we can to improve the appearance of our road- sides and foot-paths by the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers.

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The Honourable FUNG Hon-chu is, I think, now aware that young trees, shrubs and plants are already on sale at very reasonable prices at the nurseries adjacent to the Botanical Gardens in Hong Kong. We have plans for making this service more widely known to the public, but I think that I should say that in the coming year we shall need to reserve the great bulk of our nursery production for our own require-

ments.

I am glad to tell the Honourable Mrs. Ellen Li and Dr. LEE that we propose to make a start by developing the existing Tai Po Kau Park in the New Territories into a traditional Chinese garden. We are also planning a small Chinese garden around the Hoi Sham Rocks at To Kwa Wan. From these small beginnings, bigger things may grow.

I share Mr. Wilson WANG's view that much remains to be done regarding amenities staff and we shall greatly value his advice on this topic.

The Urban Council's Indoor Stadium Sub-Committee which com- prises both Urban Councillors and senior officers from four Govern- ment departments has now completed its interim report, and this will shortly be made available to interested organizations and individuals. The recommendations in this report are in very close accord with the recommendations in the recently published feasibility study by Trans- port and Tourism Technicians Limited on Hong Kong as a Conven- tion, Exhibition and Trade Fair Centre. I know that all Members will wish me to take this opportunity of reiterating that this Council attaches great importance to the early realization of the indoor stadium project, which, by offering facilities for indoor sports and recreation, exhibitions, conferences and cultural activities, will fill a need which is both real and growing. I know also that Members will welcome the news that the Hong Kong Tourist Association has accepted an invita- tion to be represented on the Indoor Stadium Sub-Committee.

There is much food for thought in Mr. Wilson WANG's remarks on the need for better liaison between all the various public and private organizations operating in the recreational field, and I agree that this will be essential if we are to make the best use of the resources and facilities available. His criticisms regarding the Gill, Daniel and Talbot Reports were passed to the Colonial Secretary.

I was not intending to say anything this afternoon about the Gill, Talbot and Daniel Reports, except that Mr. Wilson WANG's remarks have been passed to the Colonial Secretary. But in view of the prominence which one leading newspaper gave to this matter in this morning's edition, I take this opportunity of stating that the Gill Re- port is now in process of being issued to the Urban Council to assist in its consideration of the general problem of meeting the recreational