226
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Air pollution is now under legislation, and steps are being taken to make it effective.
Noise pollution is now being actively considered, and an attempt made to reduce the growing and chronic effects of noise on our citizens. Especially noise created by building and other contractors. Although in the Hong Kong context, this noise may be considered the measure of our progress, it is felt steps can be taken to reduce its effect without interfering with efficiency. Goodwill and realisation that a problem does exist, are essential.
It is indeed a relief to turn from pollution to our cultural activities under the aegis of the City Hall Select Committee.
City Hall
I would like to stress the impact of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra on the musical scene in Hong Kong, and the pleasure it is giving to many people, myself included, to see our concert hall at last achieving its full-time function in the cultural scene. Its status will be enhanced further by giving no less than 6 concerts during the Arts Festival in February, in company with illustrious musicians from all over the world. I would like to especially commend my colleague, Alex Wu, for his devotion to this cause, and the dexterity with which he maintains peace in a potentially difficult household.
Equally impressive is the progress being made by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, which is already giving regular concerts in 1974-1975, and plans to double its strength next year and give concerts of Chinese instrument music every two months.
As we now have a programme of 60 performances a year in Cantonese drama, perhaps the time is opportune for setting up a Repertory Theatre with plays commissioned by the Council and performed by contracted actors. The Council is stimulating Cantonese Drama by presenting awards totalling some $30,000.00 to winners of the Cantonese Drama Competition during the Arts Festival.
I am informed by my friend, Darwen CHEN that there is great interest in forming a dance group. As a lover of ballet and dancing, this venture can certainly be assured of my support, and perhaps of many of my colleagues also, who may have Terpsichorean tendencies. Certainly I notice a lot of very fancy footwork at times.
The Council quite properly helps many differing users of the City Hall facilities by way of subsidies. In 1975 the Arts Festival will receive $300,000 by way of an outright grant in order that a portion of its tickets may be reduced within reach of students. In addition, in respect of bookings, the Council has approved a subsidy and waived some $171,000.00. Taken together, they amount to a significant contribution to this important cultural festival.
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Although there has been a slight drop in demand for the Exhibition Hall, pressure remains heavy for the Concert Hall and Theatre. There is no doubt in all our minds that expansion to Kowloon must come sooner or later. The demand is there, perhaps latent, but waiting.
However, the pros and cons of our ambitious and imaginative scheme for the Cultural Complex at Tsim Sha Tsui are really worthy of a special debate. But it would be interesting to receive the public's views on the project, the model of which is on permanent exhibition at the City Hall. Meanwhile, we are pressing on with the Planetarium, and as soon as the Kowloon Canton Railway move out, hopefully this year, we move in, to provide the first element of the Kowloon Cultural Complex. The Planetarium itself will be an exciting project, and will comprise sky-theatre, three exhibition halls, a lecture hall and lecture room. The total cost of building, plus equipment, will be in the order of $18 million, and it is expected to be completed in 1977. An occasion which everyone in Hong Kong, young and old alike, will keenly anticipate. As experience elsewhere has shown, a planetarium is a winner.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, may I add my congratulations on your recent elevation to an Honorary Commander of the British Empire, and say how not only well-deserved it is, but that also, I, as a member of this Council, am gratified at this recognition of our new status.
The year has also been a tough one for our Administration and Secretariat. They have really performed well under the new regime, and are to be congratulated. Unfortunately, I can see little relief from the pressure of events, and the worst is yet to come. Cold comfort I confess, but it is a measure of our expanding interests and efforts.
I approve the motion for the Council (Applause).
MR. Kenneth T. C. Lo (in English):—Mr. Chairman, Last year at the annual debate, I think we were all very conscious that the Urban Council was like an infant still tied to Government's apron strings. We had hoped that by the time the next annual debate came round, we would have attained a greater degree of maturity and independence.
226
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Air pollution is now under legislation, and steps are to make it effective.
being taken
Noise pollution is now being actively considered, and an attempt made to reduce the growing and chronic effects of noise on our citizens. Especially noise created by building and other contractors. Although in the Hong Kong context, this noise may be considered the measure of our progress, it is felt steps can be taken to reduce its effect without interfering with efficiency. Goodwill and realisation that a problem does exist, are essential.
It is indeed a relief to turn from pollution to our cultural activities under the aegis of the City Hall Select Committee.
City Hall
I would like to stress the impact of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra on the musical scene in Hong Kong, and the pleasure it is giving to many people, myself included, to see our concert hall at last achieving its full-time function in the cultural scene. Its status will be enhanced further by giving no less than 6 concerts during the Arts Festival in February, in company with illustrious musicians from all over the world. I would like to especially commend my colleague, Alex Wu, for his devotion to this cause, and the dexterity with which he maintains peace in a potentially difficult household.
Equally impressive is the progress being made by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, which is already giving regular concerts in 1974- 1975, and plans to double its strength next year and give concerts of Chinese instrument music every two months.
As we now have a programme of 60 performances a year in Cantonese drama, perhaps the time is opportune for setting up a Re- pertory Theatre with plays commissioned by the Council and performed by contracted actors. The Council is stimulating Cantonese Drama by presenting awards totalling some $30,000.00 to winners of the Cantonese Drama Competition during the Arts Festival.
I am informed by my friend, Darwen CHEN that there is great interest in forming a dance group. As a lover of ballet and dancing, this venture can certainly be assured of my support, and perhaps of many of my colleagues also, who may have Terpischorean tendencies. Certainly I notice a lot of very fancy footwork at times.
The Council quite properly helps many differing users of the City Hall facilities by way of subsidies. In 1975 the Arts Festival will
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 133 of 187
227
receive $300,000 by way of an outright grant in order that a portion of its tickets may be reduced within reach of students. In addition, in respect of bookings, the Council has approved a subsidy and waived some $171,000.00. Taken together, they surcharge amounting to represent a significant contribution to this important cultural festival.
Although there has been a slight drop in demand for the Exhibi- tion Hall, pressure remains heavy for the Concert Hall and Theatre. There is no doubt in all our minds that expansion to Kowloon must The demand is there, perhaps latent, but
come sooner
waiting.
or later.
However, the pros and cons of our ambitious and imaginative scheme for the Cultural Complex at Tsim Sha Tsui are really worthy But it would be interesting to receive the public's of a special debate. views on the project, the model of which is on permanent exhibition at the City Hall. Meanwhile, we are pressing on with the Planetarium, and as soon as the Kowloon Canton Railway move out, hopefully this year, we move in, to provide the first element of the Kowloon Cultural Complex. The Planetarium itself will be an exciting project, and will comprise sky-theatre, three exhibition halls, a lecture hall and lecture room. The total cost of building, plus equipment, will be in the order of $18 million, and it is expected to be completed in 1977. An occasion which everyone in Hong Kong, young and old alike, will keenly anti- cipate. As experience elsewhere has shown, a planetarium is a winner.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, may I add my congratulations on your recent elevation to an Honorary Commander of the British Empire, and say how not only well-deserved it is, but that also, I, as a member of this Council, am gratified at this recognition of our new status.
The year has also been a tough one for our Administration and Secretariat. They have really performed well under the new regime, and are to be congratulated. Unfortunately, I can see little relief from the pressure of events, and the worst is yet to come. Cold comfort I confess, but it is a measure of our expanding interests and efforts.
I approve the motion for the Council (Applause).
MR. Kenneth T. C. Lo (in English):—Mr. Chairman, Last year at the annual debate, I think we were all very conscious that the Urban Council was like an infant still tied to Government's apron strings. We had hoped that by the time the next annual debate came round, we would have attained a greater degree of maturity and independence.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.