Page 138 of 174
236
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
This brings one to the rat problem that aroused the whole community sometime ago. To say that we could not have a plague disaster at all is too complacent. Now that the rat problem in the licensed area is over people think that central areas may not be involved. This is not true for rat-borne plague always spreads from crowded areas to high-class areas. The re-introduction of a monetary system to rat catchers as suggested by Dr. Harry Fang must be supported and implemented.
Many complaints reach me saying that once a refuse-collecting centre is put up in the vicinity, flies which were not found there before become frequent visitors as high as the 20th floor of buildings or even higher in luxurious areas. Cockroaches are also frequent in mansions which was a rarity before. Steps must be taken to advise and correct this situation. Noises cause serious problems too. I refer in particular to the deafening noise created by motor-cycles speeding in between lanes of motor vehicles.
All realize that the City Hall has built up such a name that whoever has a chance to perform there will be looked upon by the community as a top performer. For this reason, the Urban Council must have staff with diplomas in music and the performing arts and not just Administrative Officers or Executive Officers transferred from other Departments, to monitor the situation. A careful watch must be constantly kept on anyone who may apply for an evening for his own solo performance; the next evening for his students with him as a central figure, and a third one (consecutively) for a 'Sponsoring' society in which his/her name steals the whole show. Indeed, the demand for the use of the Concert Hall is big and growing bigger.
To make Hong Kong better known on the international level by sending our various group of performers abroad is a very useful and meaningful method. Chinese folk dancing troupes and the Chinese orchestra in particular are our best assets. I am sure they will be most welcome and build an excellent image of the Urban Council abroad.
The City Hall is mainly designed for performances. Rehearsals may be necessary but to put on education services in our most badly needed rooms needs a serious second thought. This is particularly so when the Education Department already has a large department for educating young musicians. Furthermore, it may be difficult to appoint a proper person to head the work. We must not choose one who has been known to write in praise of foreign performers but who denigrates local performers.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 138 of 174
237
Regarding the Museums Select Committee, credit should go to the Chairman as the Hong Kong Museums of Art and History have reached a very high standard. However, our museums should be made more easily identifiable as each is contained inside a multi-purpose building and not an independent structure. It is hoped that the proposed Science Museum will start a new era where a museum can be situated in its own building. It also should be a policy to plan museums to attract both local people as well as overseas visitors who may not have the kind of exhibits in their own countries.
In regard to the Hawker problem, I propose to classify hawkers according to their income, profits and needs. There has been rumour that a hawker or a syndicate of hawkers had made good business through years of hawking in a very comfortable way. Eventually, a large restaurant was established and a public figure became a managing director.
Almost 3 years ago I had a complaint that a new concrete structure just like any other flat below, was added on the top of a building almost 10 years old. This posed a fire escape problem. The answer by a relevant department was that there was not enough staff to carry out investigations and corrections. However, later, a further reply said there was no immediate danger to the building, a reply that was totally unsatisfactory. In such cases one may ask: (i) is the appearance of the property affected? (ii) is the water supply system overlooked? (iii) is the electric lifts system affected? (iv) are there any more fire escape facilities present since the new structure is a private concern which can be locked? In case of fire on the floors below, who shall be responsible for any loss or damages because of no proper fire escape?
Liaison work and communication between the people and the Government, and between the staff and their seniors are indeed insufficient and ineffective. The present I.C.A.C. versus police rank and file is a good example. Were there good communications between the rank and file and their superintendents and the I.C.A.C., problems could be resolved without exposure to the public which may create some form of loss of confidence.
Page 138 of 174
Page 138 of 174
236
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
This brings one to the rat problem that aroused the whole com- munity sometime ago. To say that we could not have a plague disaster at all is too complacent. Now that the rat problem in the licensed area is over people think that central areas may not be involved. This is not true for rat-borne plague always spreads from crowded areas to high-class areas. The re-introduction of a monetary system to rat catchers as suggested by Dr. Harry Fang must be supported and implemented.
Many complaints reach me saying that once a refuse-collecting centre is put up in the vicinity, flies which were not found there before become frequent visitors as high as the 20th floor of buildings or even higher in luxurious areas. Cockcroaches are also frequent in mansions which was a rarity before. Steps must be taken to advise and correct this situation. Noises cause serious problems too. I refer in particular to the deafening noise created by motor-cycles speeding in between lanes of motor vehicles.
All realize that the City Hall has built up such a name that whoever has a chance to perform there will be looked upon by the community as a top performer. For this reason, the Urban Council must have staff with diplomas in music and the performing arts and not just Administrative Officers or Executive Officers transferred from other Departments, to monitor the situation. A careful watch must be constantly kept on anyone who may apply for an evening for his own solo performance; the next evening for his students with him as a central figure, and a third one (consecutively) for a 'Sponsoring' society in which his/her name steals the whole show. Indeed, the demand for the use of the Concert Hall is big and growing bigger.
To make Hong Kong better known on the international level by sending our various group of performers abroad is a very useful and meaningful method. Chinese folk dancing troupes and the Chinese orchestra in particular are our best assets. I am sure they will be most welcome and build an excellent image of the Urban Council abroad.
The City Hall is mainly designed for performances. Rehearsals may be necessary but to put on education services in our most badly needed rooms needs a serious second thought. This is particularly so when the Education Department already has a large department for educating young musicans. Furthermore, it may be difficult to appoint a proper person to head the work. We must not choose one who has been known to write in praise of foreign performers but who denigrates local performers.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 138 of 174
237
Regarding the Museums Select Committee, credit should go to the Chairman as the Hong Kong Museums of Art and History have reached a very high standard. However, our museums should be made more easily identifiable as each is contained inside a multi-purpose building and not an independent structure. It is hoped that the proposed Science Museum will start a new era where a museum can be situated in its own building. It also should be a policy to plan museums to attract both local people as well as overseas visitors who may not have the kind of exhibits in their own countries.
In regard to the Hawker problem, I propose to classify hawkers according to their income, profits and needs. There has been rumour that a hawker or a syndicate of hawkers had made good business through years of hawking in a very comfortable way. Eventually, a large restaurant was established and a public figure became a managing If this is true, this should be a good case for further investigation. Hawker bazaars should be installed in new multi-purpose market buildings. Hawking in side streets or corners using better designed equipment made of easy to clean material should be allowed. Tax-paying shops should not be interfered with by genuine hawkers or hawkers representing shops to push their business more easily.
director.
Almost 3 years ago I had a complaint that a new concrete structure just like any other flat below, was added on the top of a building almost 10 years old. This posed a fire escape problem. The answer by a relevant department was that there was not enough staff to carry out investigations and corrections. However, later, a further reply said there was no immediate danger to the the buiding, a reply that was totally unsatisfactory. In such cases one may ask: (i) is the appearance of the property affected? (ii) is the water supply system overlooked? (iii) is the electric lifts system affected? (iv) are there any more fire escape facilities present since the new structure is a private concern which can be locked? In case of fire on the floors below, who shall be responsible for any loss or damages because of no proper fire escape?
Liaison work and communication between the people and the Government, and between the staff and their seniors are indeed in- sufficient and ineffective. The present I.C.A.C. versus police rank
and file is a good example. Were there good communications between the rank and file and their superintendents and the I.C.A.C., problems could be resolved without exposure to the public which may create some form of loss of confidence.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.