1976 — Page 35

Page 35 of 135

39

I

38

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

trees are not felled, if there is an alternative. For sure, there is stout resistance to the destruction of trees in the city. Even if a protective lease condition may exist, it does not seem to be enforced, so in practice Hong Kong has still not followed the example in some places where private householders cannot cut down trees on their property without express permission. The day may well come when our concerned citizens may wish to have a say to keep their city green and beautiful. Let us hope it will be soon.

Then, tree tribunals might be set up. Perhaps even with fully elected representation and all trees duly enfranchised. Too far ahead of our time? Why not? Surely, Hong Kong justice must be seen to be done to trees too. Or, should they be condemned out of hand without a proper hearing?

Our road authorities and private developers would then have to submit their plans and argue their cases intelligently without hope of recovering costs, while trees would be given all-out aid to put up a vigorous defence, cost what it may to the taxpayer.

Still, no matter how much the public authorities may do, much depends on the response of the people to make the city green. Not only should the young be inspired to carry out plantings under controlled conditions in designated locations set aside for the purpose, but where schools have open land, though there may only be few in such a fortunate situation in our midst, perhaps some interest could also be stirred up to lay it out attractively and to look after it properly.

Our trees suffer a high mortality rate. It is most discouraging. Not only due to the elements and increasing pollution, but unfor tunately there is vandalism as well. Environmental offenders have thwarted the work of our staff. And, of course, they have also frustrated our wish for a pleasant city, now perilously close to being throttled by a jungle of high-rise buildings. Civic education may be able to counter this flagrant disregard of the common good. But, it will take time while the situation calls for urgent action. The good- will and energy of our young people could be engaged in this civic work; they should be asked to adopt areas near their schools, homes or working-places as their own to care for, in an attempt to foil any misuse. Even so, the consequence of such human misdeeds cannot be ignored. Swift counteraction should be taken. So, resort could be had to the creation of a voluntary warden service for nature con- servation. And, it might be armed with effective powers to issue summons, not only to take palliative measures.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Indeed, making Hong Kong green and beautiful is up to the community too. All citizens must actually want a tidy and pleasant Or else, environment. More, they must act quickly to make it so. the city will be drab and dirty, harsh and ugly, not a source of joy and pride, but a cause for shame and concern. Now, what do the people actually want?

(Messrs. Peter P. F. CHAN and B. A. BERNACCHI arrived at this point.)

PAPER

The following paper was laid on the table:

Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of June 1976.

QUESTION

DR. P. C. WONG asked the following question (in English):-

Is it possible for the Urban Council to set up a junior squadron to enforce the activity of "Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign"?

MRS. GRACE HO, CHAIRMAN OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese):

Dr. WONG asks whether it is possible for the Urban Council to set up a junior squadron to enforce the activity of "Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign".

If Dr. WONG is suggesting that members of such a squadron might be empowered to take out summonses for litter offences, the proposal is not practicable. Apart from placing very young people in situations of confrontation which, because of their immaturity, they could not be expected to handle, it would not be possible to authorize minors to enforce the law nor reasonable to require them to attend the courts to give evidence. All persons au- thorized to enforce anti-litter legislation are at present Government servants who receive training in those duties.

If however Dr. WONG envisages a junior corps or group to help with various aspects of the "Keep Hong Kong Clean

Page 35Page 36