IT is regrettable, though not surprising, that the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr James So, has chosen not to answer my letter (''Save threatened heritage'', South China Morning Post, May 6), or indeed to say anything concerning the imminent lossto Hongkong of two prominent historical buildings - the Wan Chai Methodist Church and the old High Street Hospital.
His silence speaks louder than words, especially the usual government claptrap about private landowners' rights and the enormous cost to the taxpayer of preserving our heritage.
There is an Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Why not use it? For the two buildings in question, it would cost the taxpayer nothing to save them.
It would require an amount perhaps equal to Mr So's salary plus perks, gratuity and pension, to renovate the Old High Street Hospital for modern use - and it would probably be money better spent. Mr So as head of the Antiquities Board can choose to ignore the issue, and let it go away; unfortunately this strategy will ultimately work.
Why does he not at least make a strong case for preservation, and let the other more powerful or more persuasive secretaries in the Administration explain why the buildings are not going to be saved? Let the charge of modern vandalism fall upon them.
What is more disappointing than Mr So's silence is that his appointees on the Antiquities Advisory Board also have remained quiet.