He said (in English):-The Urban Council Annual Report for 1984-85, which is submitted today, is different from its predecessor in size, shape and structure. In commending the Report for adoption, I would like to comment on these changes.
Firstly, the page size has increased. The Report is printed on A4 size paper, meaning that, compared with last year's Report, it is about two inches longer and one inch wider or perhaps I should say 45 millimetres longer and 25 millimetres wider.
At the same time, because the Report has been printed in separate Chinese and English editions, each volume is considerably lighter in weight than the previous dual-language hard-cover issue. The reduction is from 12 lb. to 1 lb. or, if you prefer it, from 850 grammes to 500 grammes.
There are practical advantages in this, and there are savings: for example, whenever one of us presents a copy to a distinguished visitor from overseas, we shall be giving him or her something less bulky to carry and pack—and less likely to strain a personal baggage allowance. And if we post the copy to someone in the United States or Europe, the cost—at current surface-mail rates—will be $13 instead of $18.
Secondly, I turn to the new shape resulting from the larger page dimensions. This has made possible a fuller and better photographic coverage. The pictures, not only are excellent in themselves, but they also vividly portray the wide range of Council activities and responsibilities.
Furthermore, this coverage is not restricted to what is colourful and prestigious; Members will note that the photo-record includes pictures of street cleaning, pest-control work and other essential if unglamorous activities. The illustrations reflect much credit on the photographers of the Public Information Unit, who work long and demanding hours and who are often on duty over the weekends.
Thirdly, and not the least important, the content and structure of the text calls for comment. This year's Report has a more logical arrangement of the subject-matter. It is divided into four parts: Culture and the Arts; Recreation and Sport; the Protection of Public Health; and Administration and Planning.
Anyone glancing through the Contents Page will find it easier to locate whatever he is looking for. As an example, perhaps I can cite two important areas of achievement that I touched on in the foreword to the Report—Planting-and-landscaping and the construction of Urban Council Complexes. For the two relevant sections in the body of the Report, one turns readily to Part II and Part IV respectively.
Lastly, you will have noted the title, 'Incomparable Hong Kong', and the sub-title, 'A City with Faith in its Future'. These phrases seem to me to reflect truly
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the pride that we feel in this unique city; they also remind us of on-going tasks and future challenges—challenges which I am sure the Council will meet with confidence and resolution.
In sum, the changes that I have mentioned are distinct improvements. This Report is a well-designed and competently compiled record of the Council's work from 1 April 1984 to 31 March 1985, and as such I move that we adopt it.
MR. H. M. G. FORSGATE, VICE-CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL seconded the motion (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
MR. PETER CHAN (in Cantonese):—I also congratulate all members of staff who have contributed towards these two reports. They are well done. However, one thing had been mentioned by a Councillor in one of the committees, I have not counted but one Councillor has taken the trouble to count the number of photographs in these reports, one particular person appears in 18 of those photographs, I think this can be improved upon and that person is you, Mr. Chairman. (laughter)
CHAIRMAN (English):-Does any other member wish to speak? I would like to exercise my right to reply and put on record that many times I have requested our CIO not to put my pictures in so many times. It is very embarrassing to me and I share equally the embarrassment of Mr. Peter CHAN on this subject. But at the very least, I notice that in the last month's City News, my photograph did not appear in any single instance.
DR. THE Honourable KIM CHAM (in English):—Sir, I notice there are three pictures of six animals, 4 are monkeys so you are amongst very good company, Sir.
CHAIRMAN (in English):-I think you are very conversant with the history of the human species.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
5. MR. HOWARD H. W. YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:-
'RESOLVED that the Public Health and Urban Services (Public Pleasure Grounds) (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) (No. 2) Order 1985 and the Public Swimming Pool (Designation) Order 1985 be made under section 106 and section 42A of the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'
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He said (in English):-The Urban Council Annual Report for 1984-85, which is submitted today, is different from its predecessor in size, shape and structure. In commending the Report for adoption, I would like to comment on these changes.
Firstly, the page size has increased. The Report is printed on A4 size paper. meaning that, compared with last year's Report, it is about two inches longer and one inch wider or perhaps I should say 45 millimetres longer and 25
millimetres wider.
At the same time, because the Report has been printed in separate Chinese and English editions, each volume is considerably lighter in weight than the previous dual-language hard-cover issue. The reduction is from 12 lb. to 1 lb. or, if you prefer it, from 850 grammes to 500 grammes.
There are practical advantages in this, and there are savings: for example, whenever one of us presents a copy to a distinguished visitor from overseas, we shall be giving him or her something less bulky to carry and pack-and less likely to strain a personal baggage allowance. And if we post the copy to someone in the United States or Europe, the cost-at current surface-mail rates will be $13 instead of $18.
Secondly, I turn to the new shape resulting from the larger page dimensions. This has made possible a fuller and better photographic coverage. The pictures, not only are excellent in themselves, but they also vividly portray the wide range of Council activities and responsibilities.
Furthermore, this coverage is not restricted to what is colourful and prestigious; Members will note that the photo-record includes pictures of street cleaning, pest-control work and other essential if unglamorous activities. The illustrations reflect much credit on the photographers of the Public Information Unit, who work long and demanding hours and who are often on duty over the weekends.
Thirdly, and not the least important, the content and structure of the text calls for comment. This year's Report has a more logical arrangement of the subject-matter. It is divided into four parts: Culture and the Arts; Recreation and Sport; the Protection of Public Health; and Administration and Planning.
Anyone glancing through the Contents Page will find it easier to locate whatever he is looking for. As an exemple, perhaps I can cite two important areas of achievement that I touched on in the foreword to the Report- Planting-and-landscaping and the construction of Urban Council Complexes. For the two relevant sections in the body of the Report, one turns readily to Part II and Part IV respectively.
Lastly, you will have noted the title, 'Incomparable Hong Kong', and the sub- title, 'A City with Faith in its Future'. These phrases seem to me to reflect truly
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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the pride that we feel in this unique city; they also remind us of on-going tasks and future challenges challenges which I am sure the Council will meet with confidence and resolution.
In sum, the changes that I have mentioned are distinct improvements. This Report is a well designed and competently compiled record of the Council's work from 1 April 1984 to 31 March 1985, and as such I move that we adopt it.
MR. H. M. G. FORSGATE, VICE-CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL seconded the motion (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
MR. PETER CHAN (in Cantonese):—I also congratulate all members of staff who have contributed towards these two reports. They are well done. However, one thing had been mentioned by a Councillor in one of the committees, I have not counted but one Councillor has taken the trouble to count the number of photographs in these reports, one particular person appears in 18 of those photographs, I think this can be improved upon and that person is you, Mr. Chairman. (laughter)
CHAIRMAN (English):-Does any other member wishes to speak? I would like to exercise my right to reply and put on record that for many times I have requested our CIO not to put my pictures on so many times. It is very embarrassing to me and I share equally the embarrassment of Mr. Peter CHAN on this subject. But at the very least, I notice that in the last month's City News, my photograph did not appear in any single one instance.
DR. THE Honourable Kim Cham (in English):---Sir, I notice there are three pictures of six animals, 4 are monkeys so you are amongst very good company,
Sir.
CHAIRMAN (in English):-I think you are very conversant with the history of the human species.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
5. MR. HOWARD H. W. YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:-
'RESOLVED that the Public Health and Urban Services (Public Pleasure Grounds) (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) (No. 2) Order 1985 and the Public Swimming Pool (Designation) Order 1985 be made under section 106 and section 42A of the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'
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