1968 — Page 76

Page 76 of 243

132

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

This need has already been filled in part by the Jaycee libraries. Mrs. ELLIOTT has also referred to the possibility of buildings being designed and built for this purpose. I should like myself to refer to an alternative approach of adapting, for the purpose of study, buildings used for other purposes during other times of the day, or perhaps buildings previously used for other purposes. The essential requirement is that study rooms should be available within easy reach of those in need of them. There should, therefore, be many small rooms close at hand in the crowded areas of the Colony, where students can be provided with desks and chairs, and some supervision to see that they do not misuse the premises, rather than a few elaborate places at too great a distance for easy and frequent use. An organization would also be needed to look after arrangements and perhaps to raise such funds as might be needed to provide either for voluntary work or a small permanent staff.

As an example of the sort of thing I have in mind, the North Point Kai Fong Association recently opened an evening recreation centre in a Government subsidized school, where many activities are carried on, and provision is made for students to study quietly. In Yau Ma Tei and Shau Kei Wan, the Kai Fong Associations have taken over two buildings belonging to the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, which were formerly used as public dispensaries. In both cases, they plan, amongst other activities, to provide room for private study by students, and are now looking for the necessary funds. Government Schools themselves normally use their premises already for other purposes in the evenings, but subsidized and other private schools might well be able to make space available for this purpose when not in normal use.

I feel that a scheme to provide the use of such study rooms could be worked out with the assistance of voluntary organizations. The Council could well offer advice and guidance on the establishment of such centres, and the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs and the City District Officers could no doubt also assist. The Kai Fong Associations could certainly contribute, both with advice and in finding suitable locations. The actual cost need not be great. The essential requirement would be that there should be a large number of small locations close at hand to those in need.

I am, therefore, very pleased to be able to second the motion before the Council. I feel that after review by the Library Select Committee, proposals can be made which may lead to something simple but practical, which will not have to be squeezed through the fine sieve of the Secretariat mind but which could soon be set up to answer the pressing need that is apparent throughout the over-crowded urban areas.

CHAIRMAN: - The Motion has been moved and seconded. Does any Member wish to speak?

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

133

ACTING SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS: - Mr. Chairman, in principle I believe the idea of providing study rooms where students can do their homework or their own private study is a good idea and I believe it is one that can be pursued quite extensively. As Mr. BLAKER has already said, the Kaifong Welfare Associations have demonstrated an effective interest in this idea already. The Secretary for Chinese Affairs in former times and now the City District Offices have been closely associated with the efforts which the Kaifongs have been making and we should certainly continue to do everything we can to stimulate further public interest in this work. I am also aware of philanthropists, notably the family of the late LI Po-chun, who would be prepared to consider spending money on worthwhile schemes.

I do hope, however, that the Council does not get so carried away with the idea that it sets its sights on large and elaborate institutions. I think a much better use could be made of such resources as become available if the aim is a large number of quite simple study rooms widely scattered over the urban areas and therefore easily available to students walking from their homes. When I say a large number, we should bear in mind that there are nearly 2,500 schools in the Colony. If we aim at 1/10th of this number, this would still be a formidable undertaking. If this idea catches on and the number of study rooms reaches anything like this number, then there will be some need for co-ordination, and perhaps it is in this field that this Council can be of greatest service.

Sir, I propose to support the motion.

(Mr. B. A. BERNACCHI arrived at this point).

CHAIRMAN: - The present motion, which I also support, brings out a problem which I understand first came to the attention of the Library Select Committee in 1962 when it was found that the City Hall Library was being used as a personal homework room by large numbers of students. Over the intervening years, as you have heard, efforts have been made to provide space at the Libraries where students may do their homework away from genuine library users. At the moment, however, it appears that the main demand for this study space is seasonal - i.e. in the few months preceding examinations - and therefore it may be necessary first to assess fairly accurately the real demand for such facilities, and, of course, the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee obviously have an interest in this matter and so also will the Education and Social Welfare Departments and other organizations. So, while it may be in order for the Library Select Committee to be given the task of looking into this problem, it must be understood that any suggestions it may wish to make should take form only after the necessary surveys and consultations with all other interested parties.

Page 76 of 243