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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

that I am concerned not much as to the loss of revenue of the Council from the decline in the usage of swimming pools. In any case, they are subsidized to the extent of 70% or more. What I am concerned is to see that these public facilities are properly and fully used for the general enjoyment and health of the public

to provide one swimming pool complex for every district of 250,000 people. As regards the provision of swimming pools, it has been our declared policy; I myself certainly agree with this policy in principle, but I think we need to be a little flexible. In each district, there should be about 250,000 people and in each district, conveniently located, there should be one swimming pool complex. On paper, this is a neat and convenient solution. However, in real life, things are not so simple or convenient.

Those districts which are densely populated, need to have more facilities. Yet these are the same districts which lack space for the provision of these facilities. We must therefore accept the fact that certain facilities which are intended for use at the district level may have to be shared by two or even more districts.

I can anticipate that we will be under considerable pressure by the different District Boards for the provision of a complete set of facilities within their particular district without regard to those in other districts. It is quite right and proper that they should be concerned and that they should try to persuade us - as some would say, bring pressure to bear on us, to do more. However, I hope we can persuade them that so long as there are sufficient facilities overall, the Urban Council will have done its duty.

To adopt a more flexible approach to the provision of swimming pools is all the more necessary now that we are starting to build fun and recreational pools. These pools will have wave-making machines and slides. Obviously, they need to be fairly large to be viable, but there is nothing laid down as to exact size or dimensions. So we can suit ourselves according to the site.

I am sure that these fun pools will be very popular and heavily used. However, one fun pool for every district? I doubt whether we have the land or the financial resources for this. Hence, some districts may have a conventional swimming pool complex but no fun pool and vice versa. I think this should be acceptable provided some such facilities are within easy reach of everyone.

Over the years, the Urban Council has consistently tried to provide more greenery for Hong Kong by planting trees and shrubs. This is a program which obviously must take a considerable time to achieve significant results. Over the years, the number of trees planted exceed the number lost. However, typhoon Ellen last year caused considerable damage. This typhoon was not only one of the strongest, it was also one of the longest lasting. The damage to trees was therefore considerable.

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There was a vast quantity of branches and leaves littering the roads in the immediate aftermath of the typhoon. The Department exerted great efforts concerning this. The Department can certainly be congratulated on their excellent work in cleaning up and I have heard favourable comment from many people.

The trees lost will be replaced and even more will be planted. I have heard it suggested that we should not plant trees in exposed places or that we should only plant trees which are typhoon-proof. I do not agree with this. Of course, we should not plant trees without regard to typhoons but it would be wrong to exclude many beautiful species and leave many suitable locations bare of trees. We must accept that there will be loss in severe typhoons and see to it that this loss is made up.

In October, the Zoological and Botanical Garden was honoured by a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. This was in connection with the World Wildlife Fund, but it also drew attention to the Garden's birds and mammals. The gardens are indeed nature's own little corner in urbanized Hong Kong. As a zoo, of course, we cannot compare for size with major zoos in other parts of the world. The lack of space prevents this. However, for quality and for the good design and upkeep of the aviary and the mammal houses, I think we can compare with the best in the world. The birds and mammals are kept in a comfortable environment where they can be seen to good advantage by the public. For this, we owe a great deal to our Honorary Curator, Dr. K. C. Searle. His dedicated work over the years has produced the fine result that we now see and I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation of his efforts.

Turning to active sports, there will be a major development for squash. The Victoria Barracks squash courts, which I believe have been in existence for about 100 years, will be demolished. It will be replaced by a new squash complex of 18 courts. The complex will be air-conditioned and will include one exhibition court. This will have seating for spectators on three sides.

Of course, we would not wish to be over-lavish in expenditure but we must see to it that the courts are of good quality and suitable for top-class competition. Work on the project will commence late this year and will take about 18 months to complete. During the construction period, the league programme of the Hong Kong Squash Rackets Association will be disrupted and I hope they can make suitable arrangements. There will be another squash complex of 7 courts to be built by the Council on the Wan Chai Reclamation as part of Phase III of our recreational facilities there. It would be ideal if the Wan Chai courts could be built before the Victoria Barracks courts are demolished. However, due to unavailability of site, work on the Wan Chai facilities cannot be started until 1985 or 1986. This is a pity but such is life.

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