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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
makes it a local feature. It is an example of success. It adds colour to life in Singapore.
The Urban Council can copy this. We can make arrangements for our people, for example our retired citizens, to engage in this kind of pleasurable recreational activity. I think it may be a good idea to do so. We can set up test points and study the feasibility. We can gather experience for future reference. However, I hasten to point out that we must manage and arrange things adequately. Environmental hygiene is important. We should also pay special attention to the existence of bird-fighting or gambling activities. Or maybe we should find out if designated areas really attract genuine bird-appreciators. As a transitional arrangement so that elderly folks may enjoy normal leisure activities, I can accept a place for bird-appreciation. Mr. Chairman, I have spoken in support of the motion.
Mr. Joseph Lai Chi-keong (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I am glad that we are seeking to take care of the details of our citizens' livelihood at this formal forum. It gives me a feeling of warmth. When I went to school as a child, I learnt from teachers that China, as an ancient civilization, made four major inventions and that gunpowder was one of them. Our people did not attack with gunpowder, we sent up fireworks for appreciation on festive occasions or for celebrations. I was also told that Chinese people never doted on bull-fighting or cock-fighting activities. We kept fish, tropical fish or gold fish. We also appreciated birds. These activities have been handed down to the present. It shows that the Chinese people are peace-loving. Our peace-loving culture has enhanced our neighbourhood relationship.
Hong Kong is a democratic society. The principle of democracy is that the majority rules but that the interests of the minority should also be considered. This is a cold day today. Despite that, I can see a lot of elderly people present here to state their wish. Such direct exchange of feelings between Members and our citizens is to be congratulated on. I have no reservations in vowing support for the motion put forth by my friend Stanley NG. I hope Members will support him in the effort to take good care of every part of our citizens' livelihood. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—Does anyone want to speak? If not, I shall give my views as a Member.
Neither Mr. Stanley NG nor Mr. Joseph LAI Chi-keong is of senior age, but they share reminiscences of the past. It makes them mature and filled with warmth, care and love. They are positive examples of our respect for the elderly.
I agree that Hong Lok Street used to be a street where they sold birds. Kaifongs there knew of it, so did bird-appreciators. I am in full support of this motion to demarcate space for lovers of bird-appreciation. They may not be
Page 286 of 198
Page 286 of 498
328
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
makes it a local feature. It is an example of success. It adds colour to life in Singapore.
The Urban Council can copy this. We can make arrangements for our people, for example our retired citizens, to engage in this kind of pleasurable recreational activity. I think it may be a good idea to do so. We can set up test points and study the feasibility. We can gather experience for future reference. However. I hasten to point out that we must manage and arrange things adequately. Environmental hygiene is important. We should also pay special attention to the existence of bird-fighting or gambling activities. Or maybe we should find out if designated areas really attract genuine bird-appreciators. As a transitional arrangement so that elderly folks may enjoy normal leisure activities, I can accept a place for bird-appreciation. Mr. Chairman, I have spoken in support of the motion.
Mr. Joseph Lai Chi-keong (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I am glad that we are seeking to take care of the details of our citizens livelihood at this formal forum. It gives me a feeling of warmth. When I went to school as a child, I learnt from teachers that China, as an ancient civilization, made four major inventions and that gunpowder was one of them. Our people did not attack with gunpowder, we sent up fireworks for appreciation on festive occasions or for celebrations. I was also told that Chinese people never doted on bull-fighting or cock-fighting activities. We kept fish, tropical fish or gold fish. We also appreciated birds. These activities have been handed down to the present. It shows that the Chinese people are peace-loving. Our peace-loving culture has enhanced our neighbourhood relationship.
Hong Kong is a democratic society. The principle of democracy is that the majority rules but that the interests of the minority should also be considered. This is a cold day today. Despite that, I can see a lot of elderly people present here to state their wish. Such direct exchange of feelings between Members and our citizens is to be congratulated on. I have no reservations in vowing support for the motion put forth by my friend Stanley NG. I hope Members will support him in the effort to take good care of every part of our citizens' livelihood. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-Does anyone want to speak? If not, I shall give my views as a Member.
Neither Mr. Stanley NG nor Mr. Joseph LA! Chi-keong is of senior age, but they share reminiscences of the past. It makes them mature and filled with warmth, care and love. They are positive examples of our respect for the elderly.
I agree that Hong Lok Street used to be a street where they sold birds. Kaifongs there knew of it, so did bird-appreciators. I am in full support of this motion to demarcate space for lovers of bird-appreciation. They may not be
Page 286 of 198
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