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expedite implementation of this project. Furthermore, major publicity campaigns to induce more cremations cannot be carried out until after its completion as the existing crematorium is more than fully utilized.
Cemeteries
Most Chinese at present still believe that the dead could only be respectfully laid to rest if they were buried under a layer of earth. This traditional thinking has contributed in no small way to the over-crowded condition in our existing cemeteries. Some of the major private cemeteries which provide permanent grave plots are now almost filled to capacity. While it is recognized the Council's aim is to encourage cremation, it is fair and reasonable that people should not be deprived of the right to bury their beloved permanently if they so desire. I understand efforts are being made to find suitable sites for extension to existing private and public cemeteries. It is hoped this would be more vigorously pursued as the bereavement of a deceased's family could be very much aggrieved by its failure to obtain a permanent grave plot.
Mr. Chairman, there are reasons to believe that the management of some of the existing private cemeteries leaves much room for improvement. For this and other reasons, legislations are being drafted to bring about stricter control of private cemeteries. In addition, other ways and means are being studied with the same object in mind.
(Mr. Henry HU arrived at this point).
White Paper (October 1971) on the Urban Council
No doubt many aspects of the Local Government reforms as proposed in the October 1971 White Paper have been discussed in detail by my colleagues two days ago. Sir, I would like to say briefly that the liaison between the Urban Council and its executive arms as proposed appears to be less effective than the present arrangements.
Limited financial autonomy is a step forward in the right direction. Perhaps equally so would be an independent administration of the Council, as no organization, be it private or public, can hope to function efficiently and effectively without its own staff and work force. Apart from being more workable, this arrangement will prove to be fairer to both the Council and those who execute its policies and decisions.
Mr. Chairman, I beg to support the motion. (Applause).
MR. JAMES M. H. Wu:- Mr. Chairman, in giving my support to the motion before us, I would like to comment on the following subjects.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
341
White Paper on Urban Council Reforms
Much has been said about this document in the current debate. The apparent lack of out-cry by the public in general since its publication appears to me as not so much apathy and disinterest for any change, but that the proposals as presented qualify to be a rational and cautious approach in an attempt to develop representative Local Government to a more advanced degree. The fact that the date of introduction was set tentatively as early as 1st April, 1973 and the promise of further but gradual devolution of additional powers as per Paragraph 34, seem to indicate a genuine desire on the part of Government to effect evolutional reforms but certainly not dramatic changes. I concur therefore with my colleagues who expressed their willingness to take up this challenge.
(Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN arrived at this point).
As an industrialist, I tend to be pragmatic. I feel that my elected colleagues need not be disheartened for what they consider to be a temporary lack of a clear majority. Rather, from their point of view, the withdrawal of Official Members as full, voting Members should be considered as a substantial gain. As an Appointed Member, I see the great need for all unofficials to unite ourselves together, as we have done in the past, rather than alienate, and prepare ourselves for the considerable task before us in meeting the challenge. For it has to be remembered that whilst Members have been appointed in their personal capacity, their background, knowledge and associations generally reflect the view of the sections of the community of which they are one. Nor would it be fair to accuse that Appointed Member invariably side with the officials, for both at open and select committee meetings, there never lacked examples when the most piercing questions had been asked or forceful attacks levelled by Appointed Members. The mention by my appointed colleagues on Tuesday of deficiencies and lack of co-operation of Government departments in several specific aspects were cases in point.
It is to me a justifiable claim that public participation in the management of public affairs has to some extent been achieved through the many advisory committees wherein Unofficial Members have been contributing their expertise in specialized fields or invaluable experience and knowledge of the community's needs. It is of course also true that very often the government machine has reacted with so much delay as to have caused frustrations and disappointments for those who had participated with great zeal.
Credit however must be given to Government's speedy acceptance and implementation on the recommendations of the Chinese Language Committee. As my learned colleague Mr. Henry Hu has mentioned,
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
expedite implementation of this project. Furthermore, major publicity campaigns to induce more cremations cannot be carried out until after its completion as the existing crematorium is more than fully utilized.
Cemeteries
Most Chinese at present still believe that the dead could only be respectfully laid to rest if they were buried under a layer of earth. This traditional thinking has contributed in no small way to the over- crowded condition in our existing cemeteries. Some of the major private cemeteries which provide permanent grave plots are now almost filled to capacity. While it is recognized the Council's aim is to encourage cremation, it is fair and reasonable that people should not be deprived of the right to bury their beloved permanently if they so desire. I understand efforts are being made to find suitable sites for extension to existing private and public cemeteries. It is hoped this would be more vigorously pursued as the bereavement of a deceased's family could be very much aggrieved by its failure to obtain a per- manent grave plot.
Mr. Chairman, there are reasons to believe that the management of some of the existing private cemeteries leaves much room for improvement. For this and other reasons, legislations are being drafted to bring about stricter control of private cemeteries. In addition, other ways and means are being studied with the same object in mind.
(Mr. Henry HU arrived at this point).
White Paper (October 1971) on the Urban Council
No doubt many aspects of the Local Government reforms as proposed in the October 1971 White Paper have been discussed in detail by my colleagues two days ago. Sir, I would like to say briefly that the liaison between the Urban Council and its executive arms as proposed appears to be less effective than the present arrangements.
Limited financial autonomy is a step forward in the right direction. Perhaps equally so would be an independent administration of the Council, as no organization, be it private or public, can hope to function efficiently and effectively without its own staff and work force. Apart from being more workable, this arrangement will prove to be fairer to both the Council and those who execute its policies and decisions.
Mr. Chairman, I beg to support the motion. (Applause).
MR. JAMES M. H. Wu:-Mr. Chairman, in giving my support to the motion before us, I would like to comment on the following sub- jects.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
341
White Paper on Urban Council Reforms
Much has been said about this document in the current debate. The apparent lack of out-cry by the public in general since its publica- tion appears to me as not so much apathy and disinterest for any change, but that the proposals as presented qualify to be a rational and cautious approach in an attempt to develop representative Local Government to a more advanced degree. The fact that the date of introduction was set tentatively as early as 1st April, 1973 and the promise of further but gradual devolution of additional powers as per Paragraph 34, seem to indicate a genuine desire on the part of Govern- ment to effect evolutional reforms but certainly not dramatic changes. I concur therefore with my colleagues who expressed their willingness to take up this challenge.
(Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN arrived at this point).
As an industrialist, I tend to be pragmatic. I feel that my elected colleagues need not be disheartened for what they consider to be a temporary lack of a clear majority. Rather, from their point of view, the withdrawal of Official Members as full, voting Members should be considered as a substantial gain. As an Appointed Member, I see the great need for all unofficials to unite ourselves together, as we have done in the past, rather than alienate, and prepare ourselves for the considerable task before us in meeting the challenge. For it has to be remembered that whilst Members have been appointed in their personal capacity, their background, knowledge and associations generally reflect the view of the sections of the community of which they are one. Nor would it be fair to accuse that Appointed Member invariably side with the officials, for both at open and select committee meetings, there never lacked examples when the most piercing questions had been asked or forceful attacks levelled by Appointed Members. The mention by my appointed colleagues on Tuesday of deficiencies and lack of co-operation of Government departments in several specific aspects were cases in point.
It is to me a justifiable claim that public participation in the management of public affairs has to some extent been achieved through the many advisory committees wherein Unofficial Members have been contributing their expertize in specialized fields or invaluable experience and knowledge of the community's needs. It is of course also true that very often the government machine has reacted with so much delay as to have caused frustrations and disappointments for those who had participated with great zeal.
Credit however must be given to Government's speedy acceptance and implementation on the recommendations of the Chinese Language Committee. As my learned colleague Mr. Henry Hu has mentioned,
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