1977 — Page 19

Page 19 of 174

Page 19 of 174

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in English): --Ladies and Gentlemen, it is just 4 p.m. and I will call the meeting to order and proceed with the business on the agenda.

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 8th March 1977 were confirmed.

STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN

Welcome! I welcome all Members, past and present. Each in his time plays a part in the making of this Council. I welcome too the Director and members of the Urban Services Department as active partners in the evolving administration of this city; our friends from the Public Works Department; all those responsible for putting up this building and supplying its contents; and representatives of the media as well as interested members of the public who are here today. The occasion is honoured by the presence of Members' spouses for the first time together at a Council meeting.

This is really the first time the Council meets here in this Chamber. Its own home built to order. A promise long made but only now kept. About two decades ago, the Council was told that it would have its own separate building. Over the years, activities were expanded and membership also increased in measure. While, slowly, hopes dimmed. But, when the Council was reconstituted in membership with control over its own finances four years ago, plans were soon drawn up for these meeting-places and functional offices. There ensued a period of gestation, perhaps longer than it need have been. Even now, it does not look like an easy birth; a caesarian section, maybe? Anyhow, what do the signs foretell?

All the same, the requirements in the building have been carefully thought out and evidently planned with close attention to detail. It embodies the actual experience that the Council has accumulated working on its own in the last four years. It is so laid out and equipped to ensure that working conditions will be adequate for the purpose of the Council's operations. The choice of supplies and materials used in the building calls for little recurrent maintenance. Moreover, as premium, there will be a covered garden for public enjoy. ment. Anyway, it was intended that the project would be started in the recent recession for the modest boost it would give all round. In the

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event, it is also costing much less; happily, too, it is all being paid for by the bank interest accruing on the Council's temporary surplus funds. And, it is free of rent for all time. Thus, even in this respect as in others, it seems in its own way to be a building worthy of Hong Kong. Let the Council make it also worthy of the community by the service it gives and the good it does.

Congratulations are due to the Public Works Department, for this truly fine structure with its clean, elegant lines, and well laid-out internal arrangements, and also to all their contractors and suppliers. Credit goes too to the vision of Members, again past and present, directly involved in the project. And, special mention is gladly made of the Council's Secretary, so indefatigably concerned with its implementation, but fortunately not without some expert help at home.

Now, let it be said again, it is not enough for the Council to be housed to its own design and specifications. The Council will be expected to do even more in the service of the community. Relent- lessly it must forge ahead with vigour and determination. True, it always tries to give service in a businesslike way. And let it do so also with single-mindedness of purpose, dedication to the cause of the people and integrity in the performance of its functions. All the time, it is clearly with the future that the Council must be gravely concerned. Indeed, in its own way, with the making of tomorrow.

To this end, then, all should be more deeply involved in planning requirements and developing resources. Boldly try new ways of doing old jobs or embark on new activities--to create a healthier and happier environment for the citizens. But, side by side, there is always the basic need to assess social attitudes and forecast the trend of changing expectations just as the acceleration of the population shift going on all these years will also entail an adjustment on a massive scale not yet fully realized. In essence, to keep faith with the people, the Council must think clearly, plan effectively and work purposefully for the common good. And, it will not be found wanting.

This is, in effect, the Council's business in its new circumstances the making of a better tomorrow for Hong Kong in partnership with the people.

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 March, 1977.