Q How can Hong Kong better protect its heritage?
I wish to salute the brave young men and women who physically defended the Star Ferry clock tower for their beliefs. The unfortunate demolition of the clock tower reminds me of my own small participation in preserving the Kowloon-Canton Railway Terminal clock tower.
As a young architect, I and two young British fellows teaching at the University of Hong Kong went to see a Mr Wilson, secretary of the then Urban Council.
After a long debate, Mr Wilson said that it was not practical to preserve the terminal as the land was needed for a cultural complex development.
We said the cast-iron structure was historically unique and could be conserved for multi-use as a semi-outdoor exhibition, bazaar, dry market place, music performance, or Cantonese opera. Mr Wilson said the structure was deteriorating and in need of constant repair, which would cost a lot of money for maintenance.
I asked him if, when his parents got old and their physical health deteriorated and when it would cost a lot of money to maintain their well-being, he would let them die to avoid constant medical costs. Mr Wilson said that it was not a fair analogy, as the cultural complex was eventually meant for the enjoyment of the public.
