PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Friday, February 1, 197^
CONTENTS
Page No.
Overseas industrial companies seek Hong Kong partners for joint ventures •••••••••••••••.....»••••••••••............•••••••••.••• *1
Restrictions on advertising and display lighting relaxed ....... 3
Proposed street alterations in Western in connection with Urban Renewal Pilot Scheme • ••••......••••••••.......................
New government quarters to be built in Kowloon Tong ••••••••.«•• 3
International Mail Centre will be equipped with modern sorting facilities.......•••••••••••••..................................• 6
Labour Commissioner commends safety standards in San Po Kong factory •••••••••................ •••••••..••..................... 7
Housing Authority to install communal aerials in Oi Man Estate.. 9 New Wu York Yu Clinic in Tsz Wan Shan opened ..................... 10
Six lots of Crown land being offered for sale this month ••••••• 11
Tenders invited for a patrol boat for Preventive Services ........ 12
More scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries ••••• 13
* « ♦ ♦ * 4c * * ♦
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time:7.^3 P»cu
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Friday, February 1, 1974
LOCAL PAKT1ISRS SOUGHT BY FOREIGN COMPANIES
For Joint Industrial Ventures
Information on 14 proposals by foreign companies for induct riel. J
joint ventures or licensing arrangements of possible interest to Hong
•Kong industrialists was issued today by the Commerce and Industry Dopax*tncnt.
They represent active inquiries which have boon processed by 1
the department’s Industrial Promotion Branch to the point that each of the foreign firns concerned is especially interested in discussirg joint ventures or licensing arrangements with potential local partners. j
/.nyonO interested is invited to contact Mr. Thomas Yiu, Assistant Trade Officer in the Industrial Promotion Branch, telephone 5-2J3?8l.
The branch is also dealing directly with a number of foreign compari.es specifically interested in Getting up wholly owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong. Sone of those projects arc heavily capital intensive and represort advanced technology.
The list of industrial investment projects in which local participation is invited is as follows:-
Ori;gin Interest 1 Nature
1. USA Manufacture of fibre-glass hockey sticks Joint Venture
2. USA Manufacture of machine components such as cylinders and hose lines Joint Venture
3. USA Manufacture of electrical and J oint Venture
electronic money handling machines
/4. USA .......
9 1 * 1 i Friday, February 1, 1974 - 2 -
Origin . Interest Kature
4. USA } Manufacture of pulsators which Sub-contracting
i regulate engine speeds
*5. USA Manufacture of electronic golfing Licensing
fairways Arrangement
■ 6* Manufacture of packaging machinery, Joint Venture
can handling machinery, and
conveyor systems
’?• Canada Manufacture of polystyrene beer Licensing
coolers and polystyrene insulating Arrangement
decorative panels
8. UK Production of textile products Joint Venture
9* Manufacture of television and Licensing
1 / • • record-player stands Arrangement
. a.
10. Ken Zealand Production of babywear and hand- Licensing
kerchiefs Arrangement
11. West Germany Manufacture of precision tools Licensing .
Arrangement
12. West Gemony Manufacture of printed circuits Joint Venture
13. Australia Production of precision machine Joint Venture '
tools
. 14. France Manufacture of chains and padlocks Joint Venture
I c I
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I «•. * ■ . 1 . • 1
1 * 1 1 *' 1
■ V '
8 \ ft
B • • a * — • * • •- • ■ ft
1 • ■ . . ft
1 • • ■ ' 1 1 *' 1
1 ' ' 1
Friday, February 1, 197^
- 3 -
LIGHTING RESTRICTIONS EASED * The permitted time for advertising and display lighting lias been extended by one hour from 7 p.m. to 11.JO p.m.
Announcing this today, Mr. Roy Porter, Director of Oil Supplies, nnid that the economy measures introduced by the Government over the past v/eete, together with the voluntary savings made by the public, had reduced Hong Kong’s fuel consumption in line with the anticipated 10 per cent reduction in oil supplies during the first quarter of 197^*
’’Accordingly it is now possible to extend the permitted tins for advertising and display lighting by one hour,” said Mr. Porter.
”However”, he concluded, ”1 must add that if we do not maintain our level of voluntary saving, or if the supply situation changes, the Government would have to consider readjusting the new hours, or oven the introduction of additional measures.”
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Friday, February 1, 197^
- 4 -
PROPOSED STREET CHANGES IN WESTERN
e**e««*
llic government intends to cari'y out a number of street altcTations in tho area in Western District commonly known as ’’cat street”.
The area is within the approved Urban Renewal District Outline Zoning Plan and now forms the first phase of the Pilot Scheme area, the layout plan for which has been adopted by the Director of Public Works.
The layout plan proposes that the existing streets bo laid out as pedestrian ways with Upper Las';.r Row forming a shopping promenade.
!
Substantial alterations will be carried out linking Hollywood Road with Queen’s Road Central, roughly along the line of parts of Sai Street and Lower I-ascar Row. Parts of Sai Street, Water Lane, Tung Street will be closed from Queen’s Road Central.
Tho existing streets in this area are very steep, narrow and obstructed by hawkers. In redeveloping the ’’cat street” area, it is considered that the former traditional character could with advantage be recreated in a more contemporary form which would provide for the separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, a Public Works spokesman said.
There will be a substantial reduction in the level between the existing Lower Lascar Row and the new road adjoining Nos. 18/20 Lower Lascar Row. e •
In order to retain access to this side of the building, tne spokesman added, the Government is prepared to consider providing an elevated platform, in conjunction with a retaining wall to support tho building, that v.’ould replace the access to this side of the building and tho private lane.
/However
Friday, February 1, 19?4
- 5 -
t ,
However, during construction access will only be available
from Tank Lane.
The closing date for objections to the proposals is March 1, 1972*.
- 0 - -
NEV/ GOVERNMENT QUARTERS
New staff quarters will be built in Kowloon for those government
staff who are eligible for allocation of a flat.
The site of the new quarters is to the east of Broadcast Drive opposite Marconi Road. Work on forming it for building narks is expected to begin in March.
On completion, of this work, in about August this year, a construction contract will be let for building the superstructure.
The quarters will consist of three blocks and will have a total of 51 units.
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/6 .....
Friday. February 1, 197^ t •
- 6 -’ MAIL CENTRE WILL HAVE MODERN SORTING FACILITIES *•«***« The million International Mail Centre to be built on the Hung Hom Reclamation will be equipped with some of the most advanced machinery for letter and mail sorting.
A Bpolzosman for the Post Office said today that the machines would minimise manual work involved in processing mail and reduce time needed for sorting.
On the construction of the centre, he said piling work wo’ild begin in tho first half of this year.
When completed, the steel frame of the building will be put up to be followed by the main construction work.
The two-storey centre, one of the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia, will have on operating space of about 80,000 square feet.
Meanwhile, the government is to set aside more than 10,000 square feet of foreshore and seabed at Hung Hom for tho construction of piers for the centre to facilitate mail handling to and from launches. ■» This will include the receipt and despatch of surface mail. Tho ciso of the area involved was described in a notice in today’s gonetto which calls on all persons having objections to tho proposal or any claim of private ri.ht to submit their objections or claims in writing to the Director of Public Works within two months.
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Friday, February 1, 1974
, - 7 -
SAFETY STANDARDS OF SAN PO KONG FACTORY PRAISED
The Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Ian Price today praised the management and workers of a largo Kowloon watch-strap factory for their successful efforts in keeping down the industrial accident rate.
Mr. Price was visiting the Stelux Manufacturing Company Limited in San Po Kong - the fifth in a series of factory visits to enable him to lieop up-to-date about local working conditions. Re was accompanied by Hr. Barry Walsh, Principal Information Officer, and Mr. Stanislaus Tsao, Labour Officer in charge of the Industrial Undertaking Unit.
After touring the factory, Mr. Price said he was impressed by the factory’s high standard of housekeeping and excellent layout, which provided good and safe working conditions^
He told workers they had contributed greatly to accident prevention by playing their part in maintaining a good standard of housekeeping. ”If all workers in Hong Kong were as safety conscious as you, the number of accidents at work would not have reached the present disturbing level,” ho said. P
In tho factory, with a work force of 2,100, there has not been one fatal accident during the past ten years, and there have been less than 10 minor accidents u year. ’’This is a record of which management, foremen and employees should bo proud; and their success in accident prevention sets a good example to other factories,” Mr. Price said.
/During a
Friday, February 1, 1974
- 8 -r
During a discussion with management on safety policy, the Commissioner was pleased to learn that foremen were given responsibility of ensuring safe working practices. He was particularly impressed by the safety devices on the machinery, some of which were specially designed by foremen.
"By virtue of your enlightened attitude, your employees are ab3e to participate in the promotion of industrial safety," ho told Mr. A.E. Gazelcy, the General Manager. "This sense of involvement is vital in accident prevention.”
Nr. Price was told that in addition to preventive safety devices and saf > work methods, management and workers co-operated in providing r criedial measures in case of accidents. A full-time nurse was engaged to p?*ovide preliminary medical treatment to injured workers, and 21 employees held First-Aid Certificates issued by the St. John Ambulance Association.
The Commissioner pointed out that at present thero was a grave shortage in industry of personnel trained in first-aid. However a recent, amendment to Factories and Industrial Undertakings (First Aid in Registrable V/orlcplace) Regulations, gives recognition to a wider range of qualifications for first-aiders.’ Those now include courses run by the Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil Aid Service and the Hong Kong Red Cross.
"It is of the utmost importance that first-aiders should be available on the factory floor to give emergency treatment to injured workers," ho said. "I hope the new regulations will enable industry to recruit more workers with first-aid training, so ease the present shortage.”
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Friday, February 1, 197^
- 9 -
TV AERIALS IN ESTATES f
Communal television aerials will be installed at the Housing Authority’s newest estate - the Oi Man Estate at Ho Man Tin.
This service to tenants is expected to be available later this year.
”0i Man has been chosen initially for this pilot scheme and if it proves acceptable, it is our intention to expand this service to other estates”, a Housing Authority spokesman said.
Tenants at Oi Man need not budget for the cost of installation and maintenance as it is the Authority’s intention to include the cost in the rental for easy administrative purposes.
Tlie Authority has advertised for contractors interested in carrying out such installation to register with the Housing Department so that a .list cun be drawn up from which tenders might be invited in the future.
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/10
Friday, February 1, 1974
- 10 -
HXAIIP1T3 OF PUBLIC CO-OPERATION WITH GOVEWEHT •
Dr. Choa Lauds Public Spirit Of Brothers At Clinic Opening ftftftftftftftft
The Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. Gerald Choa, said today completion of the new Wu York Yu Clinic in Tsz Wan Shan was "another good exsample of public co-operation with the government in the setting up of more nodical institutions."
Ho was speaking at the opening ceremony of the new three-storey clinic, towards the construction of which two prominent local bankers, Mr. Wu Yoo-sun, chairman of the Wing Lung Bank, and his brother, Mr. Wu Jieh-yoc, l*ad donated 3800,000 in memory of their late father, after when the clinic is named.
Dr. Choa said the clinic, with six consulting rooms, three treatment rooms, an out-patient department, a dispensary, and a maternal and child health centre, would be providing services from Monday onwards that were much needed by the growing population in the rapidly-developing Tcz Wan Shan area.
Jie noted that the clinic was being opened to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Wing Lung Bank, "as one of the important financial institutions contributing significantly to the economy of Hong Kong."
Ho referred to the two brothers as civic-minded residents who, although actively involved in providing financial services to the community had not lost sight of the needs of the poor and the sick.
Dr. Choa said they were following the precept and example of their late father, who did not hesitate to help the poor and the needy.
/Before »•••••••
Friday, February 1, 1974
- 11 -
Before inviting Mr. Y/u to unveil a plaque and declare the clinic open, Dr. Clioa thanked all members of the Medical and Health Department, and the Public Y’orTos Department, wh< had had a part to play in the planning, construction, equipping, and other work in connection with the V/u York Yu Clinic.
- 0 ------------
LAND SAIBS urn*
Two lots of Crown land in Chai Wan with a total area of 20,350 square foot suitable for industrial development will bo put up for auction later this month.
Also for sale, will be two residential lots located in Chai Wan and Tin Hau Temple Road. They measure 48,000 square foot and 18,000 square feet, respectively.
Tl:o auction will take place in the City Hall Lecture Hoon at 2. JO p.n. on February 22.
Meanwhile, two lots of Crown land in Tung Yuen Street, San Ka Tenon with a combined area of 47,380 square foot, are being offered for sale by tender.
Located near the Yau Tong coastline, they are suitable for industry and/or godown purposes requiring direct access to the harbour.
Tender forms, notices and conditions of sale are available from tnc Crown Lands and Survey Office, Murray Building, Garden Hoad, Hong Kong, or from the Kowloon Government Offices in Nathan Road.
Closing date"for tenders is 12 noon on March 1, 1974.
Friday, February 1, 1974
- 12 -
PREVENTIVE SERVICE NEEDS MOTOR BOAT
******
Tenders are now invited for the supply of a motor boat on hire at hourly rates to the Preventive Service of the Commerce and Industry Department for a period of one year starting from April 1, 1974.
The boat will be used to convoy Preventive Service officers to chips at anchor in the harbour and for patrols within Hong Kong waters.
It is expected that the total sailing time per month will not be less than 200 hours and the total waiting time 500 hours*
Forms of tender and further particulars may be obtained from the General Office of the Preventive Service Headquarters, Room 1020, Rumsey Street Multi-Storey Car Park Building, 10th floor.
They must be submitted before 12 noon on February 22*
Details of tendering are published ?n today’s gazette*
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/13
Friday, February 1, 197^
- 13 -
MORE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COMMONWEALTH STUDENTS
*******
The Hong Kong Commonwealth Scholarships Selection Committee, of which the Director of Education is the Chairman, will be able in future to award more scholarships to well qualified post-graduate students from Commonwealth countries,
Thijs follows approval by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council of the financial commitment involved in increasing from two to four the number of awards made each year under the Commonwealth Scholarhsip and Fellowship Plan.
These Commonwealth Scholarships are tenable at the universities in Hong Kong for a period of two years with the possibility of extending for a further year if the institution concerned makes the proposal.
The Selection Committee, which includes two representatives from each of the universities, is scheduled to meet in April to consider applications and to select candidates for this year*s awards.
The two Vice-Chancellors are of the opinion that it is desirable for any institution of higher learning to have a number of students from overseas both for the effect on academic standards as well as to enable local students to meet students from different backgrounds and environments.
”Hong Kong has benefited from this scheme under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and has received more than it has given,” a spokesman for the Selection Committee said.
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Friday, February 1,
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies e »> v •> $ ©
Tno following priceri were real inert today (Friday) nt ealen under the Rice Control Scheme and at tbo Vegetable Marketing OrganimtlcA Wholesale Market and the Fish. Marketing Organisation Wholcoalo Market at
Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon. Supplies nnd WholesaleJVlccf]_c£
• Availability VJholosalo Px*ico
Gmdo of Supply (fl/c^tty)
Chjnn 2-AC9- • Average
„ ,, w old crop See How Good ' i;8o
- new crop
S.C.Jion - old crop. •• r*
Po llgai Good 1.47
•*
Chu Cho *- r.n
Thai Rico iop;Hmoio Good 1.74
10-15/0 Brokpns mb
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
• Good 1.32
A1 Super • 1.42
Wholo Glutinous •*
U.S, Rico Good 1.74
Australian Riou ••
P^djjtan^Jtico . Good 1.42 •
Taiwan Rico ** ■ * ; •t*
/Supplies nnd o©e*o«o
Friday, February 1, 1974
• Supplies and V/holenalo Prices of Marino Fish
Availability Wholccale Price
Species of Supply . , X^Zcatty)-----
• nirh I-OX7 • Average
Golden Thread Normal 5.5 3.6 4.5
Big-Eyes Normal 3.0 0.8 1.8
Squid Scarce 7.0 3.5 5.0
Hair-Tails Good 2.4 0.8 1.5
Lizard Fishes Limited 2.5 1.0 1.9
Croakers Normal 2.2 0.8 1.5
Con ger-Pilre -Fol s Good 3.0 2.0 2.9
Melon Coat Normal 2.6 1.3 1.8
Breams Normal 5.2 4.0 5.0
Yellow Belly Normal 2.0 1.0 1.6
Mackerels Good 5.0 3.6 4.0
Red Goat- Fish •• Normal 1.5 0.8 1.0
Fork-Tail Good 1.6 0.9 1.2
Horsc-Hoad Normal 6.5 4.0 5.3
llolon Seed Limited 3.0. 1.7 2.5
Ponrfrcts Scarce 12.0 9.0 10.0
Goroupas Scarce 10.0 6.5 8»j5
Yollow Croaker — ••
/Supplies and
Friday, February 1, 1974
• . • *.
• fiuCTlioa end Wholonala Pricoo of •
• • XocfQlTJPrpdu codVoFotablefl •
•I , Saza Availability £1.512^— Wholcnalo Pried Kirch J®2 AveyAng.
Slonarins cabbage Normal Normal White pabbago m j — Normal . . Chlnooo Lottuoo /n.4 vmTa Normal Chinese Kulo . . •• Normal SprlnB union • •- . . Normal Splnaoh . , „ • . ’ Normal Whtor orofls ; ’ a. ji ‘ Scar 00 Jjoaf nuotard cabba^o limited ' ‘ Tomato 1.4 0.6 ,°.7 1.0 0.8 0.7 1.0 0.4 1.4 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.3 6.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.5 1.0 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.3 1.0
fluwnlloo end TOiolon^.J’rieonjjM^A^ll^ wolrfht). •
• Availability ofJ5vP21Y— V/holocala Prico
(Avornjjo)
Pork
Normal
328.5
0 -
. U. u|
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Saturday, February 2, 1974
CONTENTS
Pago No.
Governor and Colonial Secretary to open two new government subsidized secondary schools next week...................... 1'
Mr. Charles Ching appointed a Queen’s Counsel .............. 2
Road and drainage work to be carried out in Sha Tin shortly ................................................... 2
Party for the elderly people in Kwun Tong • .................. 3
Present G.P.O. site to be used for commercial development .• 4
Thore uill be ah issue of Daily Information Bulletin on Sunday •.»•••••............................................. • 3
Retirement of Director of Education ........................
1 to lease. time: 2>3C P«n.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Saturday, February 2, 197^
, •- 1 -
GOVERNOR ANT COLONIAL SECRETARY TO OPEN TWO NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS
{Iwo new government subsidized secondary schools will be opened next week, marking another milestone in the provision of places in the fully /aided sector, a spokesman for the Education Department said today.
Each project is a 2^-claGsroom secondary school for 920 pupils.
The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, will open one of tho schools -the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lee Ching Dea Memorial College - on Tuesday at 3.00 p.m.
The other project, the William Booth Secondary School, will be opened by the Colonial Secretary, Mr. Denys Roberts next Saturday (February 9) at 3.00 p.m. This school is named after tho founder of tho Salvation Army, who aro the sponsors and operators of the school.
Both projects have been built on land granted free to tho sponsors by the Government. In addition, the Government made capital grants towards construction costs of up to 80 per cent of the total cost of building and equipment. In the case of the Tung Wah, a special grant for difficult site works was also given.
Hotc to Editors: You are invited to have the two opening
coremonies covered.
The Lee Ching Dea Memorial College is at . Cloud View Road near Tin Hau Temple Road, Hong Kong while The William Booth Secondary School is in Yuk Wah Street, Tsa Wan Shan, Kowloon.
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Saturday, February 2, 197^-
- 2 -
MR. CHARLES CHING APPOINTED A QUEEN’S COUNSEL *******
The Queen has been pleased to give directions for the appointment of Mr. Charles Ching to be one of Her Majesty’s Counsel for Hong Kong.
Mr. Ching, who is the son of the late Mr. Henry Ching and Hrs. Ruby Ching, was born in Hong Kong on October 7* 1935, and was educated at the Diocesan Boys’ School, Hong Kong, King's College, Taunton and at University College, Oxford.
He was called to the English Bar (Gray’s Inn) on November 25f 1938 and was admitted as a Barrister in Hong Kong in October, 1959 •
In the years 1958 to 1959, he served as a Pupil in the Chambers of lir. Ralph Gibson, Crown Office Row, Temple.
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ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORK IN SHA TIN
*******
Road and drainage work will begin next month in Sha Tin in keeping with the rapid development in the area.
The work mainly involves the surfacing of about 3^0 feet of dual carriageways fronting the Sha Tin Government Secondary School, Stormwater drains and other ancillary drainage works will be carried out.
The works, expected to be completed in August, have been designed and construction will be supervised by the Highways (N.T.) Division of the Highways Office, Public Works Department. ----------------------------------0----------
/3........
• Saturday, February 2, 197^
- 5 - ... ;
PARTY FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN KWUN TONG .j • ■ •
A Lunar New Year party to entertain 200 senior residents of Kwun Tong will be held on Tuesday (February 5) at the Kwun Tong Community Centre.
This is a joint project organized by the Community Centre, the Kwun Tong Resettlement Estate Kaifong Welfare Association and the Kai Liu Village Resident’s Fraternity Association.
Mr. Wong King-tong, Warden of the Community Centre, explained that this function was an annual event to foster the virtue of respecting the elderly in the community.
”It also provides a channel for volunteers to be involved in meaningful service and promotes co-operation among local organizations,” he added. * . * .
The party, which will last from 6 to 9 p*m., will be for those aged 70 or above.
Programmes will comprise a Cantonese opera, a Chinese dinner, presentation of souvenir banners to the volunteers and distribution of gifts. - f •
r ----------o----
Saturday, February 2, 1974
- 4 -
G.P.O. SITE TO BE USED FOR COMTiERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
******
The present General Post Office site is to be used for commercial development.
Commenting on this today, a Government spokesman said the decision had been reached after careful consideration of all the varying claims for land in the Central District.
In particular, the need for open space and circulation areas had boon considered in some detail.
The conclusion was that the Central District was already bettor served in this respect than most urban areas of Hong Kong. The waterfront was being redeveloped to provide an extensive public concourse; Statue Square was only a few minutes away from the G.P.O. site and the present Cricket Club grounds nearby were earmarked for a public park.
’’While consideration will continue to be given to the needs for open space in the Central District, it is felt that office workers in the vicinity of the present G.P.O. building are already well catered for.” he commented.
’’There is a pressing need for further commercial and office development in this area,” he added. ’’This is the inevitable outcome of increasing confidence in Hong Kong’s growth as a financial centre-
’’The planned redevelopment of several buildings in the Central District by the Hong Kong Land Investment Company Ltd. is now at an advanced stage, and the designs include extensive elevated walkways and pedestrian bridges.
/’’The designs....... •
1
Saturday, February 2, 1*74
- 5 -
nThc designs also take into account the requirements of the Mass Transit Railway and, in particular, the station concourse to be incorporated within the present Alexander House site?'
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SUIWAY D.I.B.
******
Note to Editors: * There will be an issue of the Daily
Information Bulletin tomorrow (Sunday). Copies will be available for collection at the G.I.S. Press Room, 6th floor, Beaconsfield House, at 2.JO p.m.
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*
4 I
*
• c
Saturday, February 2, 1974
- 6 -
RETIREMENT OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
* i
A Government spokesman announced today that permission to retire from the public service-for -purely personal reasons has been granted by the Secretary of State to Mr. John Canning, Director of Education.
Educated at Glasgow Univeristy, Mr. Canning, who is 49, -came to Hong Kong as an Education Officer in 1952 and first taught at King George V School. Later, he was posted to Queen’s College, whore he was appointed Principal in 1958.
In 1959? he became an Assistant Director of Education and, in 19&7, a Deputy Director. He was appointed Director of Education in 19&9 and became an official member of Legislative Council at the same time. He was appointed an Official Justice of the Peace in 19&&.
Mr. Canning will be leaving Hong Kong in August. The Government spokesman said that Mr. Canning’s successor as Director of Education will be announced later.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
*• t
Sunday, February 5, 1974
NEW JOB FOR PRISONS INSPECTOR
To Review Management Procedures Of Prisons Department
******
Hong Kong’s first Inspector of Prisons has been appointed to regularly review management procedures of the Prisons Department, to ensure effective implementation of its policies, and to report on recommendations for improvements.
The man chosen for the task is Mr. David Hampton, who has been Senior Superintendent of the department in charge of young offenders.
In this permanent post, he will be able to look more in depth into the management of the various prisons institutions, including security aspects and liaison with the Police.
In this, he will be helping the Commissioner of Prisons most of whose time has been taken up by administrative work.
"The new post is modelled on the prison inspectorate system in the
U.K. which was introduced in 1969 5 following recommendations of the Mountbatten Report on reorganisation of the prison service there," Mr. Hampton said.
i
"The Inspectors there were specially appointed to direct attention on regular inspection of prison services, separate from normal executive functions," he said.
/To assist ........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Sunday, February 3, 197^
- 2 -
To assist him in his new task, he was attached for 6 weeks late last year to the British Home Office to understudy the inspectorate system.
“I was impressed with the wealth of knowledge of the inspectors, and the experience has been both instructive and useful,” he said.
”To set out on the work of the new post,” Mr. Hampton said, “much systematic information is required of the establishment and work of the various institutions in Hong Kong.”
These number 14 at present — 12 penal institutions and a Halfway House in addition to a Staff Training Institute.
’’And in order to be effective and to carry through any recommendations, credibility is essential,” he said.
This, he was confident, after 26 years’ service in the department, he had. So had the Chief Officer and four Principal Officers who will assist him in his inspection work.
”As Inspector of Prisons, I will make systematic arrangements to report 'to the Commissioner of Prisons on any short-comings and needs of the prisons institutions, and to ensure that policies and standing orders are effectively carried out,” he said.
”1 will also make recommendations where inspection reveals that alternatives to existing procedures are preferable.
“There will be follow-up inspections to examine the implementation of recommendations and to look at the progress,” he added.
Mr. Hampton emphasised, however, that his work was not a fault-finding mission but rather constructive efforts in helping tie various institutions to perform their roles better.
“A fresh look at things is always helpful,” he said.
• •••«■•• • • ■ (
Note to Editors: Copies of a picture of Mr. Hampton are available for
collection at the GIS press room, Beaconsfield House, 6th floor.
- - 0 -
PRH 7
n-( ran
GISl
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Monday, February 197^
CONTENTS
Page Ho.
Sites at Sha Tin and on Tsing Yi Island made available for
storage of oil supplies from China • .........................
Hong Kong delegate returns from ECAFE session in Bangkok ......... 5
Governor opens Second Hong Kong Arts Festival..................
A.F.S. officers pass compressed air breathing apparatus course
Youth development training course to start next month .......... 7
Improvement of Yuen Long nullah bund.........................
Distribution of D.I.B. •«•••••••..............................
**«**»**4.
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
-'telease time: 7*30 p.m.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Monday, February 4, 1974
1
OIL SUPPLIES STORAGE SITES
The Government has made available sites at Sha Tin and on Tsing Yi Island for the storage of oil supplies from China.
Announcing this today, the Deputy Colonial Secretary and Chairman of the Oil Policy Committee, Mr. Michael Clinton, said that these facilities would enable China Resources Company to import significant quantities of oil to Hong Kong on a regular long term basis.
China Resources Company has indicated that it has secured from China the allocation of some 300,000 tons of various oil products for Hong Kong during 1974. This represents about seven per cent of Hong Kong’s total oil demand.
Mr. Clinton said that these supplies would clearly be most welcome in the light of the expected 10 per cent shortfall in our Middle East supplies. However, he added that of these products the additional supply of fuel oil from China would be only four per cent of our requirements for fuel oil. This meant that it was still vital for the community to economise in the use of electricity which was the major consumer of fuel oil.
He said that the Government’s decision on the storage sites was the outcome of discussions held with China Resources Company, who would purchase the land by private treaty grant.
Two sites are to be provided at Sha Tin and these comprise 2$ acres of formed land, situated alongside the railway line near the junction of Tai Po Road and Fo Tan Road. Oil and other products from China would be transported there by rail.
/The site .......
Monday, February 4, 197^
2
The site on Tsing Yi comprises seven acres of formed land at the south-west corner of the island, alongside the drainage reserve adjacent to the Peninsula Electric power station. Tankers from China would berth there to unload.
In addition to providing these two storage sites, the Government proposes to construct a railway siding at Sha Tin, which will remain government property but will be available to China Resources Company for deliveries to its adjoining storage area. It is anticipated that this siding will take about two months to build.
It is also proposed to construct a spur railway line at Hung Hom, bringing into operation the sidings already built there so that light diesel oil can be off-loaded directly into barges and conveyed to the storage tanks of other oil companies.
Mr. Clinton added that the discussions which he had held with the management of China Resources Company had been most cordial and he was sure that the Hong Kong community as a whole would be extremely pleased at this news.
-------0----------
/3.......
Monday, February 4, 197^
- 3 -
HK DELEGATE RETURNS FROM ECAFE SESSION IN BANGKOK ******
Mr. John Roberts, Assistant Director of Commerce and Industry, returned to Ilong Kong after attending the ninth session of the Asian Industrial Development Council (A.I.D.C.) in Bangkok.
Mr. Roberts will be submitting a report to the Trade and Industry Advisory Board on matters under discussion at the meeting, which was held under the auspices of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE).
The object of the A.I.D.C. is to accelerate industrialisation in the ECAFE region by the promotion of multi-national industrial projects and the provision of industrial advisory and technical services.
-------0---------
HOIIG KONG-POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS 1971 MAIN REPCRT Chinese Version Published , ******
Note to Editors: The Chinese version of the ’’Hong Kong
Population and Housing Census 1971 Main Report” has been published.
It is now on sale at $10 per copy in the Government Publications Centre, Star Ferry Concourse, Hong Kong.
------- 0--------
A..........
Monday, February 4, 1974
- 4 -
GOVERNOR OPENS SECOND H.K. ARTS FESTIVAL
******
The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, today welcomed the Hong Kong Arts Festival as ”a stimulus and a catalyst” to stimulate for residents and visitors alike the concept of Hong Kong as a cultural and artistic as well as a commercial and tourist centre.
Sir Murray was speaking at the opening concert of the Second Hong Kong Arts Festival by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the City Hall this (Monday) evening.
He said the idea of the Festival was to build on the natural advantages of Hong Kong as a meeting place of cultures and ?ommunications» to offer the art of many cultures, in large and small events, but ’’all at the highest level of excellence”..
The i.dea was to do this for the pleasure it would bring and for the knowledge it would give of other cultures and to encourage people in Hong Kcng to widen their lives by enjoying or practising the arts, Sir Murray said.
Following is the full text of the Governor’s speech:
’’Sir Kenneth, Ladies and Gentlemen:
’’Tonight Hong Kong extends its welcome to the second Hong Kong Arts Festival.
”1 would like to thank the many public and private organisations which have supported this Festival and in particular the Urban Council, the Hong Kong Tourist Association, British Airways and the Hong Kong Hotels Association, and all those who have taken part in the scheme to subsidise seats for students*
/”! would .......
Monday, February 4, 1974
"I would like in particular to thank the artists who have come from overseas to make the Festival for us» Hong Kong is honoured by their presence and Hong Kong will make them very welcome.
nI am delighted that this year so many of Hong Kong’s own artists are participating.
"Mignt I say a special word of welcome to Mr. Iwaki and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who are inaugurating the Festival tonight.
,F?he idea of this Festival is to build on the natural advantages of Hong Kong as a mooting place of cultures and communications, to offer for a month tne art of many cultures, in large and small events, but the
highest level of excellence. The idea is to de this for the pleasure it vri 11 bring and for the knowledge it will give of other cultures; to encourage people in Hong Kong to widen their lives by enjoying or practising the arts; but also to stimulate for residents and visitors alike the concept of Hong Kong as the cultural and artistic as well as a commercial and tourist centre which it could be.
"This leaven has already begun to work. It is no coincidence that since the last Festival our Youth Orchestra lias performed with credit abroad, a professional orchestra has been formed and that the project for an Arts • • - 4 •
Centre is at last making progress. The interest was always there, but the Festival has acted as a stimulus and a catalyst.
"Thore is indeed much which the Festival can do for Hong Kong. It is therefore with the greatest pleasure that I declare open this 2nd Hong Kong Arts Festival."
Monday, February 197^
- 6 -
COMPLETION OF COMPRESSED AIR BREATHING APPARATUS COURSE
By Seven Auxiliary Fire Services Officers
********
Seven Auxiliary Fire Services officers have passed a 1O-day Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus course - the first members of the Services to do so.
They are Station Officer Mak Wing-chuen and Assistant Station Officer Lee Yiu-huen (Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station); Assistant Station Officer Fung Yuen-shan (Kwun Tong Fire Station); Station Officer Lai Bing-fu (Tsuen V/an Fire Station), Assistant Station Officer Fung Pak-shun and.
Station Officer Hung Ping-wong (Harcourt Road Fire Station); and Station Officer Hou Wai-ming (Aberdeen Fire Station).
The group received their training at the Fire Services Training ■
School, Pat Heung, Nev; Territories over five week-ends in September last year.
They can now instruct other Auxiliary Firemen in the use of breathing apparatus •
A spokesman for the Fire Services Department said: ’’Being able to X operate breathing apparatus is an essential qualification for a Fireman, but Auxiliaries were previously not trained in its use.”
As the Director of Fire Services recognised this meant they lagged behind their full-time colleagues, he directed that a training course covering • ■ \
theory and practice be held, the spokesman added.
The seven who passed hare been presented with certificates by the Director of Fire Services Mr. Harry Wood.
--------0--------- /7.....................
Monday, February 1974
- 7 -
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TRAINING COURSE »»*♦«***»
Tho Tai Hang Tung Community Centre is starting another youth development training course this month along the lines of a similar course last year.
"Young people nowadays need the kind of training and guidance that will give them an opportunity to develop their insight into society and this tho course will aim to do," said Mr. Sit Sui-lun, Warden of the
Centre.
It will begin next Tuesday (February 12) and last for eight months.
"Tho course has been planned to enable the young people to gain a broader perspective in life and to develop a genuine concern for the social environment in which they live," Mr. Sit said.
Various methods will be used in getting this across to tho participants and part of the course will be in the form of a guidance scheme. The course will be conducted by volunteers, many of whom had themselves attended the first one.
Programmes will be scheduled in groups to develop thinking, interest tnd creativity in addition to providing assistance frith school-work.
Anyone interested in joining this course can obtain application forms from the Community Centre in Tong Yam Street, Tai Hang Tung, or by telephoning >-0O1919-
_ 0 _ _
Monday, February 4, 1974
8
D'iPROVEMENT OF YUEN LONG NULLAH BUND
To Carry Vehicular Traffic
******
The nullah bund between Tai Kei Leng and Tong Tau Po in Yuen Long will bo improved shortly to carry vehicular traffic.
The improvement work will mainly involve the strengthening of about one mile of the existing nullah bund.
At the Tong Tau Po end, a turning, circle will also be constructed.
The new road will have a 10-foot-wide carriageway with a 3j6-foot-wide footpath on one side.
Work on the project will start in April and will take about four months to complete.
Commenting on the project, a spokesman for the Public Works Department said: "The sealing surface on the bund, which is heavily used by both lorries and cars, has shown signs of deterioration and has become inadequate in strength to carry vehicular traffic."
Ho added that the new road, when completed, would provide better access to villages adjacent to the nullah between Tai Kei Leng and Tong Tau Po which have a population of over 15,<X)0. ’*
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Monday, February 4, 19?4
- 9 -
NOTICE
In order to save time and paper, it has been decided to change the system of printing the Daily Information Bulletin, so that it will take the form of clipped copies of news items sent over the teleprinter.
We arc taking the opportunity to check the Distribution List for the D.I.B. to ensure all the people now on the List and wish to continue receiving the D.I.B. will get their copies.
Please help us by filling in the form below and return it at your earliest convenience to the Press Officer, News Division, Beaconsfield House, 6/F, Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong.
I wish to continue receiving copies of the D.I.B
Name: ~------------------------------------------
Address:
Monday, February 4, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
000000
The following prices v/cre realised today (Monday) at sales under th© Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Marlcot and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon:
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rice
Grade Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (8/catty)
China^ Rico Average
« - old crop Seo Mew Good No Sale
- new crop 1.84
S.C.Jion - old crop Good No Sale
1.78
Po llgai Good 1.47
Chu Cho Good No Sale
Thai Rico Good No Sale
100^5 Whole
10-15# Brokens Good No Sale
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Super Good . 1J>2
Whole Glutinous Good 1.82
U.S. Rice Good 1.7^
Australian Rioo Good No Sale
Pakistan Rice Good . •• No Salo
Taiwan Rico Good ; X . No Sale
•
/Supplies and dcttote
Mondayt February 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
/Species Availability of Supply Wholesale Price __(8/catty)
$ • High Low • Average
Golden Thread ' Good 4.8 3.5 4.0
Big-Eyes Good 2.2 0.7 1.5
Squid Limited 6.5 3.0 5.2
Hair-Tails Good 2.7 0.8 1.7
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.45 1.2 2.0
Croakers Normal 2.4 0.8 1.4
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 3.3 2.4 2.8
• Melon Coat Good 2.2 1.2 1.4
Breams Normal 5.0 4.0 4,5
Yellow Belly Good 1.5 0.75 1.1
Mackerels Normal 5.5 4.0 5.0
Pod Goat Fish Good 2.5 0.7 1.7
Fork-Tail Good %5 1.0 1.2
Horse-Head Normal 5.5 3.0 4.0
Melon Seed Normal 3.8. 2.0 2.7
PomfYets Scarce 9.5 8.5 9.0
Garoupas Normal 7.5 5.5 6.5
Yellow Croaker •• ••Mi M
/Supplies and «.»«»•«•
. ।
Monday, February 4? 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
Locally Produced Vegetables
Stea •• Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)
Low Average
Flowering cabbage Limited 1.6 0.6 1.2
White cabbage Limited 0.8 OoJ 0.5
Chinese Lottuoo Normal. 0.6 0.2 0.4
Chinese Kale Limited 1.4 0.4 0.9
Spring onion Good 0.8 0.2 0.5
Spinach Good 0.6 0*2 0.4
Water cross ■ Normal 1.0 0.2 0.6
Loaf mustard cabbago Scarce 0.4 0.2 0.3
Tomato Limited 1.5 0.5 1.2
and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight)
Availability Wholesale Price
Of Supply ( 8/ picul)
• (Average)
Pork Limited • 290
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Tuesday, February 5, 197^-
CONTENTS
Page Np_.
Governor opens the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lee Ching Dea Memorial College........................................ • • 1
Port activities have been on the increase for the past three years ........................................................
Two new flyovers to be built over the Garden Road roundabout.. 6
Water supply to Stanley and Repulse Bay to be improved............ 7
Some 400 disabled to attend party organized by the Social Welfare Department ............................................ $
New traffic arrangements in Kowloon ............................. 9
*******
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release- tine:. P«i-
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Tuesday, February 1974
- 1 -
GOVERNOR PRAISES TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS
For Its Role In Social And Educational Services
******
The government has relied heavily on the co-operation and support of voluntary organisations to provide social and educational services for Hong Kong, the Governor said today.
Speaking at the opening of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lee Ching Dea Memorial College, Sir Murray MacLehose said: "The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals has always been one of the leaders in this voluntary partnership with the Government."
He praised the important role it played in education and in providing medical care for the needy for over a hundred years.
"Its seven primary and four secondary schools with over 12,000 pupils represent a fine contribution, and it has plans for a further three secondary schools," the Governor said.
Sir Murray pointed out that the targets for post-primary education set for 1976 were now well on the way to achievement and plans for the next stage were being formulated.
"The aim as you know is to ensure that all in the 12-14 age group receive a minimum of three years’ secondary education, and that 40 per cent of the 12-16 age group will secure places in five-year courses, "lie said.
The liveliness of the public debate on this high expansion of secondary education stimulated by the Education Board’s Green Paper, he added, had been refreshing, and showed how valuable this method of public consultation could be.
Sir Murray asked the young people, who benefit from the expanding educational facilities, not to forget their responsibility to the people of Hong Kong, who had played a very substantial part in the provision of secondary
education
Tuesday, February 5, 1974
- 2 -
The new school is located at Cloud View Road near Tin Hau Temple Road, It has*24 classrooms for over 900 students.
Following is the full text of the Governor’s speech:
"Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
"I am very pleased to be here today to officiate at the formal •T- •
opening of the Tung Wali Group of Hospitals Lee Ching Dea Memorial College.
"For over a hundred years, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals has been known for its provision of medical care for the needy,, but its educational work is equally important. Its seven primary and four secondary schools with over 12,000 pupils represent a fine contribution, and it has plans fcr a further three secondary schools.
"In providing social and educational services for our population, the Government has relied heavily on the co-operation and support of the many voluntary organisations which have become established within our community. The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals has always been one of the leaders in this voluntary partnership with the Government. I am most grateful for this, and Ilam reassured-by your address, Mr. Chairman, that the Government can. count' un your - continued co-operation and support in the years to come. •_
’HVe' are well on our way to achieving the targets for post-primary education- set for 1976, and we are now formulating our plans for the next stage. The aim as you know is to ensure that all in the 12 - 14 age group receive a minimum of three years’ secondary education, and that 4Cfl£ of the 12 - 16 age group will secure places in 5-year courses.
/"The modalities «»•••.«
Tuesday, February 197^
- 3 -
"The modalities of this high expansion in secondary education are now the subject of a public debate stimulated by the Education Board's Green Paper. The liveliness of this debate has been refreshing, and shows how valuable this method of public consultation can be. But whatever the road chosen, the challenge to our resources will be formidable, but I am sure that with the support of the voluntary organisations and of the public it can be met.
"Finally, to the young people who benefit from Hong Kong’s ever expanding educational facilities I have this to say: never forget your responsibility to the people of Hong Kong, who have played a very substantial part in the provision of secondary education. When you leave school - and, indeed, while you are at school - take part in activities designed to help those less fortunate than yourselves.
"In doing this, you will do a service to Hong Kong and follow the fine example set by the Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals."
-------0---------
Tuesday, February 5, 1972*-
- k -
UiCREiJSE IN PORT ACTIVITIES
There has been a general upward trend in port activities in the last three years, according to statistics released by the Marine Department today.
/□.though the number of ocean-going ships entering Hong Kong has been decreasing, the amount of cargo throughput has been steadily on the increase..
In 1973, 7,338 vessels entered port, 469 less than the previous year, while the cargo throughput,, including all types of oil imports, was 15,940,120 long tons, an increase of 11.5 per cent or 1,64?,554 long tons over 1972.
Commenting on the statistics,, a spokesman for the department explained that the decrease in the number of ships entering port was due to the advent of container ships.
"All three containers berths at Kwai Chung are now operational and handling the large (60,000 tons gross) ’third generation1 container ships/1 he said.
’Those are progressively replacing smaller conventional ships on certa.5n trades, mainly to the U.S.A., Europe and the United Kingdom.
’’Indications are that about 40 per cent of all dry cargo imports and exports are presently carried in containers, ” he added.
The i nfl nx of larger ships is shown by the increase in the total net tonnage of ships entering port.
/In 1971, ......
Tuesday, February 5, 1974
- 5 -
In 1971, it was 24.26 million tons. The figure went up to 28.23 million tons in 1972 and 31.01 million tons last year — this despite fewer number of ships coming in.
The port statistics also showed a marked decrease in the number of passengers arriving by sea, coming down from 26,097 in 1971 to 11,t>55 in 1972, and a mere 8,802 in 1975.
’’Several reasons can be attributed to this fall-off, ” the Marine Department spokeman said,"not least of which are the increasing running costs for passenger ships and the increasing number of cheaper chartered air passages which are now available.”
On the other hand, however, the number of passengers travelling to and from Macau has shown a significant increase.
In 1971, the figure was 3,193,855, increasing to 3,861,876
in 1972, and 4,^96,507 last year.
The spokesman said that in view of the escalation in passenger movements, the government would completely reprovision tlic Macau Ferry Terminal to meet the increasing demands on the facility.
-------0---------
/6.......
Tuesday, February 5? 19?4
- 6 -
FLYOVERS FOR GARDEN ROAD
Tvzo new flyovers are to be built over the Garden Road Roundabout to cope with the increasing volume of traffic in the Mid-Levels area.
One will be about 3&0 feet long and will link Magazine Gap Road to Garden Road, while the other, approximately ^50 feet in length, will carry eastbound traffic on Robinson Road across the existing roundabout to Magazine Gap Road.
Ground level roads in the vicinity will also be widened as a part of the improvement project. •» •
Commenting on the project, a Public Works spokesman said: ’’Traffic congestion at this location already occurs during peak hours and is expected to increase with the completion of residential development currently taking place in the Mid-Levels.
’’When completed, the new flyovers will enable all major traffic movements at the junction to flow freely, thus considerably increasing the present capacity.”
Work is scheduled to start in April and is expected to take about 12 months to complete.
Note to Editors: Copies of a sketch showing the new flyovers
will be distributed separately in the press boxes this evening.
-------0----------
/7........
Tuesday, February 5, 1974
- 7 -
IMPROVEMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
To Stanley And Repulse Bay Area
«»**«****
A new break-pressure tank, capable of holding 12,500 gallons of water, will be built shortly at West Bay to improve the water supply to the Stanley and Repulse Bay area.
At the same time, about 200 feet of main will be laid in conjunction with the project.
The new tank will replace the existing one which serves premises at Headland Road and the low lying area^of Repulse Bay.
*
Work on the project will begin next month and is expected to take about four months to complete.
Commenting on the project, a spokesman for the Public Works Department said that the existing tank, which only has a capacity of 11,000 gallons, was built before the war and cracks and leakage had developed resulting in wastage of water and the possibility of contamination. ”To cope with the present demand a bigger tank with larger inlet
pipe is necessary,” he said
Tuesday, February 5, 197^
- 8 -
LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY FOR 400 DISABLED
*♦♦♦♦ ♦*
Some 400 disabled people from all over Hong Kong are to be entertained at a Lunar New Year Party on Friday (February 8).
They will be the guests of the Social Welfare Department’s Kwun Tong Settlement For The Severely Disabled and the Kwun Tong Kai Liu Area Committee.
The disabled are from institutions run by the Social Welfare Department, the Spastics Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation.
Relatives and friends of the disabled have also been invited to make this party for them as enjoyable as possible.
The party will be held at the Kwun Tong Community Centre from 2 to 4.J0 p.m.
Officiating will be Miss Annie Chan, Assistant Director (Social Work) of the Social Welfare Department; Mr. Michael Sze, City District Officer Kwun Tong; Mr. Wong Wah-sang, Managing Director of Chung Wali Ship Building Company and Mr. Lok Chuen-pan, Chairman of the Kai Liu Area Committee.
A varied programme of entertainment has been arranged and will include folic dance, a magic show, a dragon dance and a demonstration of the Chinese martial art Kung Fu.
During the party gifts donated by a number of commercial firms will be distributed to the disabled.
Students of Baptist College, scouts from the Shing Talc Street Boys’ Centre and members of the Kwun Tong Youth Service Group will act as volunteers to help run the party.
Note to_ Editors: You are
8) at the Kwun
Tong, Kowloon.
welcome to cover the party on Friday (February Tong Community Centre at 17 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun
0 - -
Tuesday, February >, 1974
- 9 -
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON
*******
Nov/ traffic arrangements will be introduced in a section of Waterloo Rond on Thursday (February 7) to facilitate the construction of tho next phase of the Waterloo Road flyover.
From 10.30 a .m. on Thursday, right turns from Waterloo Road northbound into Boundary Street will be prohibited.
All vehicles wishing to make this turn will be diverted along Prince Edward Road, Knight Street and then into Boundary Street.
Through traffic travelling norHwnlR along Wmtorl on Bn-a will not bo affected by the arrangements.
Appropriate traffic signs will be in position to guide motorists.
0 - -
Tuesday, February 5, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guide To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
*44*4*
Tho following prices were realised today (Tuesday) at sales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon:
Supplies and V/holosale Prices of Rice
Availability Wiolesale Price
Grade of Supply (8/catty)
China Rice Average
„ ~ old crop Seo Mew J' booa 1O84
•• new crop
S.C.Jion - old crop. Good
Po Hgai Good 4 ■e
Chu Cho j Good
Thai Rice
lOqTWiole _ Good «a»
10-15^ Brokens • - Good
A1 Super Extra Good •
A1 Super Good 1.42
Whole Glutinous Good «•
U.S, Rico • Good 1.74
Australian Rice Good ••
Pakistan Rice . Good
Taiwan Rice Good .. r M
• • • . . . . % > • /Supplies and *••••••
ruesday, February.?. 19?^
Supplies and ^.olesalc Prices of Marine Fish
Species Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)
• High Low • Average
Golden Thread Good 5.2 3.2 4.2
Big-Eyes Good 2.7 0.8 1.8
Squid Scarce 6.5 2.8 5.5
Hair -Tails Normal 2.2 1.0 1.5
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.3 1o0 1.8
Croalcers Good 1.8 0.7 1.2
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 3.3 2.4 3.0
Melon Coat Good 1.9 1.2 1.4
Breams •• «■ w
Yellow Bolly Good • • 1.5 Oo? 1.2
Mackerels 1 Normal 5.3 3.8 4.2
Rod Goat Fish Good 2.7 0.6 1.7
Fork-Tail Good 1.6 0.9 1.3
Horse-Head Limited 5.5 4.0 4.8
Melon Seed Normal 3.5- 2o0 3.0
Poof rets •• •» • -
Garoupas Limited 8.0 5.5 7.0
Yellow Croaker «■ ••
/Supplies and •_«
Tuesday, February.5, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Locally Produced Vegetables
Availability Wholesale Price
Typo of Supply (8/catty)
nigh Low Avora^e
• < Flowering cabbage Limited 1.6 0.6 1.2
White cabbage Normal 0.8 0.3 0.5
Chinese Lettuce Normal. 0.7 0.2 0.45
Chinese Kale Limited 1.4 0.4 0.9
Spring onion Good 0.8 0o2 0.5
i. Spinach . Good 0.6 0*2 0.4
Water oross • Normal . 1.0 0*2 0.6
Leaf mustard cabbage 4 Scarce 0.4 0*2 0.3
Tomato Limited 1.5 0.5 1.2
Supplies and Wholesale Pricoa of Pork (Live weight) Availability Wholesale Price of Supply ( 8/ picul)__
• . (Average)
Pork Limited * ^90 * • • - - - - 0
PRH
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 6, 197^
COt: LENTS
Page No*
W.H.O. consultant winds up initial study on agricultural pollution in Hong Kong ..........................................1
Response to new juvenile identity card scheme encouraging •••••
Prisons Headquarters moving to Murray Road Multi-Storey Car Park Building ................................ . • •...... 3
Hong Kong student wins music scholarship........................ 4
Three pre-war buildings in Des Voeux Road West declared dangcrous ............................... > •................
First phase of this year’s anti-polio campaign nearing completion ...................................... ............. 6
Temporary water interruptions in Fanling and Wong Tai Sin...... 7
*4**4r4.4t**
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply f basic food commodities
Release time:
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Wednesday, February 6, 197^
- 1 -
AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION IN HONG KONG
W.H.O. Consultant Completes Initial Study
********
The visiting Public Health Engineering consultant, Professor Peter C.G. Isaac, has completed his initial fact-finding tour of Hong Kong and is leaving this week.
Professor Isaac, of the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, was commissioned by the World Health Organisation to advise the Hong Kong government on the treatment and disposal of wastes, especially pig and poultry manure, from the local agricultural industry.
Since his arrival on January 27, he has gone round the New Territories to see the extent of pollution and has had discussions with people concerned with the local problem, including government officials.
He has been gathering information for his study and acquainted himself with waste treatment proposals currently under investigation by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.
Foil owing his return to Britain, he will make recommendations as to the directions in which future research, trials and planning could most advantageously be conducted.
As some of his work here may be applicable to problems in other parts of the world, the World Health Organisation will be fully informed of the results of his joint study with the Hong Kong government.
Note to Editors: Professor Isaac will be available for interviews at 5 p.m.
this Friday (February 8) in Room 14o4 of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department on the 14th floor of the Canton Road Government Offices. Your representative is welcome to attend.
It should be appreciated however that answers Prof.
Isaac may give to problems on such an involved subject at the beginning of the project, will naturally be of a tentative nature.
-------0---------
/2..........
Wednesday, February 6, 197^
- 2 -
ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO NEW I*D. CARE SCHEME
********
Some *1-2,000 children have been registered during the last three months for the new type of juvenile identity cards which were introduced last November.
A spokesman for the Registration of Persons Department said response to the new identity cards scheme was encouraging, but he noted that come children in the 11-year age group who were not attending school had net yet come forward to register.
He urged parents and guardians of these children to register them for the new cards as soon as possible. They can do so by calling at any of the department’s branch offices or sub-offices.
Children not attending school should be accompanied by their parents or guardians when registering for the new cards. They should bring with them their birth certificates and previous juvenile identity cards, if available, the spokesman said.
The identity card of the parent or guardian should also be produced to facilitate registration.
The new juvenile identity cards are similar to adult cards and include the holder’s photograph, full personal name in English and Chinese, date and place of birth, and nationality — thus making i£ easier for the holder to identify himself when applying for jobs or for schooling purposes.
/Meanwhile, ••••••
Wednesday, February 6, 197^
- 3 -
Meanwhile, special facilities are being provided for registering school children in the 11-year age group. For their convenience, registration teams from the department are visiting schools to take down their particulars so as to save them the trouble of calling at registration offices.
Primary schools which have not yet been visited are invited to contact the department for this service by calling 3-7179^6 or 3-687340 during office-hours •
Children between 12 and 17 years old who already hold a juvenile identity card need not yet apply for the new cards.
--------0---------
PRISONS HEADQUARTERS MOVING TO NEW PREMISES
*********
The Prisons Department Headquarters will move from Arbuthnot Road to new premises at Murray Road tomorrow (Thursday)•
It will occupy the 10th floor of Murray Road Multi-Storey Car Park at No. 2 Hurray Road, Hong Kong. The new telephone number will be 3-260071.
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A.........
Wednesday, February 6, 1974
4
HONG KONG STUDENT WINS MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
******
A Hong Kong student, Miss Eva Lau, has won a £2,000 scholarship awarded by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Miss Lau, a Form V pupil of St. Paul’s Co-educational College, is the 1973 winner of the scholarship, which is awarded annually and jointly to India and Hong Kong.
’’Miss Lau’s achievement means that for the 14th successive year the scholarship has been won by a Hong Kong student,” a spokesman for the Education Department’s Music Section said today.
Every year seven scholarships are provided by the Associated Board for students from beyond the British Isles. Each scholarship is tenable for three years at one of the Royal Schools of Music in London.
Each award amounts in all to about £2,000, which includes tuition fees, a grant of £^00 a year towards living expenses and a contribution towards the cost of a passage back home at the end of the course.
Miss Lau was awarded the Licentiate Diploma in Pianoforte Performing at the recent Examinations and it was on the basis of this result that she was selected by the visiting panel of Examiners from London for scholarship consideration by the Board.
As a young pianist Miss Lau has gained many awards in the Annual Schools Music Festival including the Advanced Challenge Class Trophy which she won in 1972.
Miss Lau first took piano lessons at the age of six and her present teacher is Miss Tu Yueh Sien.
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/5........
Wednesday, February 6, 1974 r •
- 5 -
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
******
The Building Authority today declared No. 19 Des Voeic: Road West to be in a dangerous condition and Nos. 21 and 23 liable to become dangerous.
The Principal Government Building Surveyor said that these four-storey pre-war buildings were re-inspected subsequent to observing that, while the demolition of adjoining dangerous buildings had apparently no deleterious effects, rapid deterioration of the brickwork in the ground floor of the kitchen block of No. 19 Res Voeux Road West had occurred within a sliort time and despite extensive shoring. ,(This is evidenced by fractures and crushing of brickworks*' and there is a risk of failure leading to a collapse•”
’’The condition of the kitchen block in Nos. 21 and 23 Ros Voeux Road V/ost is such that the demolition of any one block would adversely affect that adjoining and there would be a danger of failure during demolition. In thoso circumstances it is considered necessary to close and demolish all 9 three buildings,11 he added.
Notices of intention to apply for closure orders of these buildings were posted today*. The application will be heard in Victoria District Court at 9*>Q a.m. on March 20.
-------0---------
/6........
Wednesday, February 6, 1974
- 6 -
ANTI-POLIOMYELITIS CAMPAIGN 1974
*********
A total of 14,588 doses of vaccine was administered during the two weeks ending on January 19 in the first phase of this year’s anti-poliomyelitis campaign, according to statistics issued today by the Medical and Health Department.
During the period, 7,002 first-dose, 4,099 second-dose, and 3,487 booster-dose of the vaccine were administered.
Of these, 3,884 were administered among children on the Island, 6,167 in Kowloon, and 4,737 in the New Territories.
The campaign is in two phases. The first phase began on January 2, and will continue until February 16. The second phase will be carried out between March 18 and the end of April.
During the campaign, anti-poliomyelitis vaccine is available free at all government out-patient clinics and maternal and child health centres. n
Wednesday, February 6, 1974
- 7 -
WATER INTERRUPTIONS
*»***.*♦
Water supply to a number of premises in Fanling and Wong Tai Sin will be interrupted tomorrow and on Friday (February 8) to facilitate road works in the areas.
The temporary stoppage in Fanling will begin at 10 p.ra, tomorrow, and will last until 6 o’clock the following morning.
The premises affected are those along Man Kam To Road between Hung Kiu San Tsuen and han Kam To5 Lo Wu Railway Station, inoTndinp* Iran Lam To Police Post; Muk Wu Tsuen, San Uk Ling, Muk V/u and the Indus River Pumping Station, and those along Han Kam To Road, Shcung Shud.
The temporary water interruption in Wong Tai Sin will start from 1 a.m. on Friday and last for five hours.
The area affected is bounded by Tung Tau Tsuen Road, Tung Lung Road, Tung Fat Road, Tai Shing Street, including Block six to Block 13 of the Tung Tau Estate.
- - 0 - -
. .Wednesday, February G, 19?4
. 4 « / • • •
CONSUMER ADVISOR* SERVICE
Dally Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
llio following prices were realised today (Wednesday) at sales
under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and tho Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Shn Wan, Kowloon?
Supplies and Wholern7e r icer ' Rice
• Availal VTnoleaal
Grado of Supp.i > (F/catt?, _
China Rice Average -
r •* ** oil °p Seo Mow x - now crop Good «• -4 1.80
• S.C.Jion - old crop —
Po Ilgai Good 1.4?
Chu Clio
Thai Rico V6$r u'oio Good 1.7^
• 10^15/a BroJiens Good l.c-9
A1 Super Extra • rw
A1 Super Good • 1.42 •
Whole Glutinous •
UJk Jlico Good 1.74
Australian Rioo •M • •w •
Pakistan Rico, • • •
• Taiwan Pico *— - • / •• <
/Su J.-
Wednesday, February 6, 1974
, ■‘’■irtpljcs and Wholesale Prices of r'.A
Availability VJliolesale Prico
inecion of Sunniy. (ft/catty)
G>Tdc?i tfhroDd C.-’l nifh Low •. "...O' AyeyaRQ. -’’.o
r>‘ . Good ?..79 0.6 1.7
Gq-xid Ilormal 6.9 >.0 5.2
Hwr-Tails Good J;o0 1.4 2.5
Lir.yrd Fishes Normal 2.5 1.0 1..8
Ovoakors Normal 2.1 1.1 1.6
Co?'4‘,rr^Pilce-EeXn Normal 2.5 2.8
Melon Coat Good 2.5 1.35 2.0
p-’e.r^s Limited 5.0 3.8 4.0
fellow Belly Good 1.2 0.3 1.0
?*.?.ckorols Normal 4.2 3.5 4.0
1 " Coat rich Good 2.4 0.7 2.0
Fork~Tail Good 1.4 1.0 1.2
*icr^c-l!or.d Normal 5.5 3.0 4.0
Melon Seed Good 3.5- 1.8 2.8
Scarce 10.0 9.0 9.5
Cnroupas Normal 8.5 5.2 7.0
Ycj Ion Croaker - • rw *r»
/Supplies Plld Qe aen « 0
Wednesday, February 6, 19?4
’ Supplies and Wholesale Prices^of locally Produced Vegetables
Availability SunolV Wholesale Price (g/catty)
H1& IiOW /Esissa.
Flowering cabbage White cabbage Chinese Lettuce Chinese Kale • Spring onion Spinach . . Water oresn • Loaf mustard cabbage Tomato Limited Normal Normal Normal Normal A* Normal Normal Scarce y Limited 1.6 0.8 0.7 1.2 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.5 1.6 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.5 1.2 0,5 0.5 0.8 0.5 d.5 0.6 0.35 1.2
Wholesale Prices of Pork (Liye_ weight)
• i Availability of Supply __ Wholesale Price ( g/ picul. (Average)
< Pork • Normal • 290
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Thursday, February 7, 197^
CONTENTS
Pago No.
S1.8 million programme to improve refuse collection services in housing estates .........................................
Special variety show for factory workers ..................... 2
Three lots in Chai Wan to be auctioned next month............ 3
Lunar Jew Year party for staff of Medical and Health Department ..................................................... 4
Experimental scheme to improve traffic flow along Castle Peak Load on holidays ........................................ 5
Immigration Department installs special telephone line to deal with enquiries........................................... 6
*******
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: 7• OQ P« m •
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Thursday, February 7, 197k
- 1 -
9
BETTER LAP SAP COLLECTION SERVICE IN ESTATES
The Housing Department has earmarked 81.8 million to improve the refuse storage and collection system in a number of the earlier public hou*sing estates.
The project forms part of the department’s ambitious programme of bringing about a better living environment for tenants in the estates.
The $1.8 million will be spent on the construction of more covered refuse collection points, the introduction of a new refuse collection method, Joiov/n as the "pakamatic system", and the provision of a free door-to-door refuse collection service.
Fourteen refuse collection points are now under construction in 11 estates, including the''two most populous estates at Tsz Wan Shan ana Wong Tai Sin, at a cost of more than $850,000.
These collection points, built of concrete and corrugated iron, will eliminate the sanitary nuisance associated with the storage of refuse.
By employing the ’’pakamatic system” refuse can be tipped mechanically from specially designed bins into collection vans. Apart from labour-saving it will reduce the nauseous smell during conveyance.
The existing refuse rooms in the estates will have to be slightly converted in order that the pakamatic system can be adopted.
\ The work will cost about 8^00,000.
Other improvement works costing another $500,000 include the provision of more refuse rooms and construction of junk collection points.
- - 0 - -
2
GET-TOGETHER FOR FACTORY WORKERS
Seven factories in San Po Kong .are co-operating with tho Social Welfare Department’s Community Centre in Wong Tai Sin to organise a Lunar Hew Year Variety Show for about 1,000 of their staff.
This is the first time that such a project for factory workers has been conducted in the area which is mainly industrialsaid Mrs. Henrietta Chen, Warden of the Centre.
1 Though factory workers can also join in any of tho activities organised in the district, very little in the way of direct services has been organized for this group of our community, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to arrange something for them.”
This out-reaching to factory workers, she .said, was to help them make full use ol their leisure hours at the same time giving them an outlet for their talents.
It would also promote inter-factory relationship and community efforts among them.
/mother aim, Mrs. Chen explained, was to provide managements with an opportunity to show their concern for the welfare of their employees.
This function, she said, will act as a stepping-stone towards achieving these goals and it was also hoped to involve more factories in future•
The variety shov; will be held on Saturday (February 9) at tho hall of Ho Lap College at 15 Tseuk Luk Street in San Po Kong starting at 8 pcu.
Hote to Editors: You are welcome to cover the variety show
on Saturday night. *«
~ 0 -_______ /?,
Thursday, February 7, 197^
• 3 -
THREE LOTS FOR SALE
Two lots of Crown land for industrial development will be offered for sale at a public auction in the City Hall early next month*
One is located at the junction of Cheung Loe Street and Kut Shing Street in Chai Wan and measures about 5,1^0 square feet. The other covers about 17,652 square feet off Lai Chi Kok Road in Kowloon.
A third lot, suitable for private residential development will also bo put up for sale. It is located off Chai Wan Road on the Island and has an area of about 17,000 square feet.
The auction will be held at 2.50 p.m. on March 8 in the City Hull lecture room.
Full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the Public Enquiry Sub-office, Central Government Offices (West Wing), ground floor, Hong Kong, and from the Crown Lands and Survey Office, Kowloon Government Offices, z»05 Nathan Road, 10th floor, Kowloon.
------------------0---------
9
A .......
• Thursday, February 7i 1974
- 4 -
1EDIC/X AID H3ALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF PARTY
♦»***♦**
Hundreds of children of staff members of the Medical and Health
Department will attend a party in the grounds of the Kowloon Hospital on Sunday (February 10).
. This trill bo the third such party organised by the departmentfs staff society. The aim is to entertain staff children, and at the sane time to enable the parents themselves to get together.
Dr. Gerald Choa, Director of Medical and Health Services, will
preside at a lucky draw.5
A varied programme has been drawn up, including a band concert, pop songs, lion dancing, a magic show, and a merry-go-round. Highlights of the afternoon will be the lucky draw and a tug-of-war.
Note to Editors:, The party will be held on the lawn by the entrance to the West Wing, Kowloon Hospital, Argyle Street, from 1 p.m. to 5 p»ra» You are invited to have it covered.
\ -------0 - - - -
Thursday, February 7, 1974
- 5 -
SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD
*******
An'experimental traffic management scheme is to be introduccbd on Sundays and public holidays along a section of Castle Peale Road to reduce traffic congestion.
The scheme, to come into force on April 5 for a trial period of two months, will involve the movement of goods vehicles. During that time, goods vehicles will not be permitted to travel on Castle Peak Road between its junction with Sha Tsui Road in Tsuen Wan and Causeway Road in Tuen Mun between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. - •• • - -
It is similar to the scheme which has been in operation along Clearwater Bay Road during the past three summers and which has proved very successful.
A Transport Department spokesman said today that the proposed scheme is intended to reduce traffic congestion caused by slow moving lorries and by heavy vehicles breaking down.
It would also give priority to passenger transport for a few hours to enable people to have reasonably quick access to beaches and other recreational areas along this section of Castle Peak Road.
”If the scheme proves successful in reducing traffic congestion, we’ll consider extending it for a longer period through the summer,” the spokesman added.
■/He emphasised ..•••••
Thursday, February 7j 1971+
- 6 -
He emphasised that with the implementation of the scheme there would still not be a total ban on the movement of goods vehicles to and from the western side of the New Territories; alternative routes were still available on Tai Po Road, Route Twisk, and on Castle Peale Road outside the restricted hours.
Permits may also be issued to allow goods vehicles to move on this road during the restricted period where this is essential and where no alternative arrangements can be made.
Applications for permits should be made to the Transport Department at No. 2 Murray Road, 9th floor, Hong Kong (Murray Road I-Iulti-storey Car Park Building). » <
-------0---------
IMMIGRATION ENQUIRIES BY PHONE
******
A direct line has been installed in the enquiry section of the Immigration Department to meet the growing demand of the public for immigration information.
The number of the direct.line is 5—^33118. Anyone who has a question relating to immigration procedure or v/ho wishes to obtain appropriate application forms may phone in anytime during office hours.
The Enquiry Section of the department•<is located on the 15th'floor of International Building and provides .the public with a wide range of facilities, including general enquiry on immigration matters, form distribution and form filling advice.
The officer-in-charge of the section is a Commissioner for Oaths and is authorised to administer statutory declarations for members of the public.
-------0---------
Thursday, Feburary 7, 1972*
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
The following prices were realised today (Thursday) at sales undor tho Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Choung Sha Wan, Kowloon:
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rice
Grade Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (fl/catty)
China Rico Average
„ ~ old crop Seo Mew - new crop Good MB *■
S.C.Jion - old crop new crop Good 1778
Po llgai Good *•
Chu Oio - Good ••
Thai Rico loaHSoio Good 1 *•
lO-ISfo Brokcns Good w»
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Super Good 1.42
Whole Glutinous Good ••
U.S, Rice • Good 4.?4
Australian Rioe Good *•
Pakistan Rice Good
Taiwan Rico Good t *•
• /Supplies and •••••••
Thursday, February 7>. 1974
f • Strtvlies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish f
A Species • Availability of Supply Wholesale Price f (8/catty)
High Low - Average
Golden Thread Good 5.50 3.00 4.00
Big-Eyes Good 2.70 0.70 1.80
Squid Normal 6.80 2.50 5.00
Hair-Tails Good 2.80 1.20 2.10
Lizard Fishes •• Normal . 2.40 1.00 1.80
Croakers Good 2.30 0.90 1.60
Con^er-Pike-Eels Normal 3.50 2.5O 3.00
Melon Coat • Good 2.80 1.80 2.20
• Brearis Normal 5.50 3.00 4.50
Yellow Belly Good 1.50 0.80 1.20
Mackerels Limited 4.50 3.50 3.80
Rod Goat Fish Good 2.00 0.60 1.50
Fork-Tail Good 2.00 1.30 1.80
Horse-Head Normal 5.20 3.50 ' ’■ 4.80
Melon Seed Normal 5.80. 2.50 3.50
Pocrfrots Scarce 11.00 9.00 10.00
Garoupas Normal 8.50 • 5.50 6.00
Yellow Croaker * • OB • • •*
/Supplies and ••••••»
Thu • a r Supplies and Wholesale Prices of • • • rsday, February 1974
Locally Produced Vegetables
/ Typo Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)-
High Low Average
Flowering cabbage Limited 1.8 0.8 1.4
White cabbage Limited 1.0 o.4 0.7
Chinese Lettuce Normal- 0.8 0.5 0.6
Chinese Kale Limited 1.4 0.5 1.0
Spring onion Normal 0.8 0.5 0.6
Spinach . Normal 1.0 0.5 0.?
Water cress Normal 1.0 0.5 0.7
Leaf mustard cabbage Scarce 0.5 0.2 0.35
Tomato * » •• Limited 1.8 0.6 1.4
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight)
• Availability of Supply Wholesale Price ( 8/ picul) _
• (Average)
Pork Normal • 290
A
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Friday, February 8, 1974
CONTENTS
Page no*
New Waterworks Bill to improve water service procedures ••• 1
Provisional Mass Transit Railway Authority to be established •............................................. • • • 4
Hong Kong textile trade may benefit from negotiations under new rules . ................................................ 5
British educationalist here to advise or. teacher training • 8
Retired Government Mechanical Inspector honoured . ............. 9
Kowloon company fined $1,500 for storing dangerous goods .. without a licence .......................................,9 10
Man jailed for impersonating Labour Officer...............• • 11
Party for children of Post Office staff....................... 12
Fun fair for 6,000 children in Wong Tai Sin.................... 1J
!rHong Kong Day” spectacular in London a big hit .............. 14
******
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time; 7,45 p.ru
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
Friday, February 8, 197^
- 1 - . .
WATER SERVICE PROCEDURES TO BE STREAMLINED
*»#****« , • * . • 1 A.new Waterworks Bill,, which was published in today’s gazette,
should lead to improved water service procedures from which both the public and the Waterworks Office will benefit.
The bill will eliminate certain anomalies which have arisen under the existing legislation. As one example, it provides that the registered consumer, v/ho is responsible for the payment of water charges, must either < live on the premises in question or own them or manage them.
Thio provision should help to combat the problem of the absentee consumer who fails either to pay a bill or to see that it is passed on to the appropriate occupant of the premises.
A spokesman for the Waterworks Office pointed out today that y * the existing ordinance has been in existence since 1938 and has not been revised since then with the exception of very minor amendments. Changes have become necessary in order to bring the legislation up-to-date and to meet'"present-day circumstances.
While much of the essence of the old ordinance has been retained, it has been re-written as part of the updating process by expanding certain section and making provision for new requirements.
Among the most important of the new provisions is, firstly, the introduction of a new category of person known as the agent who is required to be responsible for the custody of the communal water services.
In many multi-storey buildings there are plumbing services which are used in common by more than one consumer because there is no individual direct connection from the Waterworks main to the premises.
/Under the
Friday, February 8, 197^
- 2 -
Under the old ordinance, no one could legally do held responsible for the custody and maintenance of this communal service, but this will now be rectified by the appointment of an agent who will be the person responsible for any charges arising in connects on with the maintenance of the common parts of the plumbing service.
He will also be required to inhabit or owr« the premises or be responsible for managing all or part of them.
It should be a straight-forward matter to apply this requirement * ' * '' 1
to new buildings. But it is expected that the verification of agents to be approved for existing buildings may take some time..
Secondly, there is the provision whereby the consumer must either live on the premises or own them or be responsible for managing them.
• *
Under the existing ordinance, anyone vzho ceased to occupy, own or manage premises could remain a consumer and this has led to difficulties in collecting bills for water consumed, because the consumers could no longer be traced.
The liability of the consumer or agent will continue until e ’
he is either replaced by another consumer or agent or his under taking is cancelled by the Water Authority, even though he may cease to occupy or to bo responsible for the premises
Thirdly, there is a provision about the mapping of gathering grounds which modifies similar provisions in the old ordinance, so that there will be no limitation on the Crown’s right to dispose of mapped land.
/However, lessees
Friday, February 8, 1974
- 3 -
However, lessees of land falling within a gathering ground may be required to carry out certain drainage or other works so as to protect the water supply from pollution or damage where the lease conditions do not make the lessee subject to such requirements.
The cost of such works will be borne by the government, and a further provision allows for the payment of compensation to lessees who suffer damage or loss as a result of drainage or other works they must carry out in gathering grounds to meet the Water Authority’s requirements.
Maps of the gathering grounds will be deposited in the appropriate Land Office and notices that they have been deposited will be pub!nshed in the Government Gazette. Before the Water Authority maps new gathering grounds or extends existing ones, he will be required to consider preserving the traditional rights of persons to take water for agricultural and domestic purposes from the grounds.
Fourthly, under the old ordinance it was an offence for any work on a plumbing service supplied from a government main.to be undertaken without the approval of the Water Authority.
Tliis is no longer the case and minor alterations or repairs may be carried out, provided the materials conform to the requirements of the ordinance. Licensed plumbers will be advised of the type of work which may be sc undertaken.
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A....
Friday, February 8, *197^
- 'i -
9
PROVISIONAL K-T-R- AUTHORITY Q'O EE SET UP
r_: <1 e i> 4 r.
Published in the government gaaette today is a bill, providing for the C6tablir.hr/jnt of a Mass Transit Railway Provisional Authority.
The Authority will be net up as an interim measure io continue the work of the T’nr.r. Transit Steering pending the creation later
this year of a statutory corpcrntion to hrthe- railway into operation -The Chairman of the ProMisioaal Authority will be the Financial Secretary, and the membership v/ill bo the r?mo as for the Steering Group-
A government spokes’ «':n. explained today that. the Provisional Authcrity was a necessary step because it could exercise certain executive nowers not vested in the constitution of the Strorir^: Group*
For instance, the* Steering .Group )- d ho lo</1 capacity to cnrlcy staff and there was no other suitable agency of the government available for this purpose.
The responsibilities of the Provisional Authority v/oiild cover not only appointment of staff, but also arrangements for the supply of services and equipment.
’’Although negotiation of the contract for the construction and equipment of- the first four stages of the Mass Trans5 L Railv/ay will bo the responsibility of the Provisional Authority, it is not proposed that the Authority will enter into a contractual relationship with the selected contractor. This will be a matter initially for the government and eventually for the corporation,” the spokesman added.
---0 - -
Friday, February 8, 197^
- 5 -
HEAVY ROUND OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS FOR HONG KONG
*******
The Deputy Director of Commerce and Industry (Commercial Relations), Mr. Bill Dorward, today expressed the hope that negotiations under the new set of rules to cover trade in cotton, wool and manmade fibres would lead to a happier situation for the Hong Kong textile industry.
They were generally more favourable from Hong Kong’s point of view than those which existed previously, he said.
Mr. Dorward, who was addressing the Rotary Club of Kowloon North, said that the year ahead contains a heavier negotiating schedule than any we have ever known.
It would start next month when an American delegation nrrived to renegotiate the Hong Kong/U.S. textiles agreement.
In addition, Hong Kong would be involved in a whole series of negotiations, mainly overseas, with Canada, Austria, Sweden, Norway, possibly Greece, and definitely the European Economic Community.
’’This last one promises to be one of the biggest ever, now that the EEC contains nine member states, including Britain,” said Mr. Dorward.
As well as textile negotiations, the schedule included international meetings of real significance to Hong Kong, mainly to be held in Geneva.
’’These will be concerned with fundamental rules of vzorld trade, and I doubt if there is anywhere in the world where these are more important than right here,” he added.
/Mr. Dorward •••••••
Friday, February 8, 1974
- 6 -
Mr. Dorward said that the basic set of rules which have provided Hong Kong with its main protection against unfair and unreasonable treatment are in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
”1 don’t think I can stress too strongly how important the protection of the GAIT has been for Hong Kong,” he said.
”If the situation in the 1950s and 1960s had been similar to what it was back in the 1930s when there was no GATT, then I seriously doubt if Hong Kong’s success in international trade would have been nearly as great.
”Many of our industries would have found themselves faced with barriers of one kind or another in important markets as soon as they have begun to penetrate those markets.”
I'ir. Dorward said that, in negotiating trade agreements, Hong Kong —— being a free port — really had no concessions to give in the normal sense because it does not restrict imports to protect local industry nor docs it have a custom tariff.
It was also well known here and abroad that except under the most extreme provocation, Hong Kong would not move away from its free port policy to retaliate.
”1 think that the secret of our modest success is that we do our homework very thoroughly and, when we make a deal, we live up to it. As a result Hong Kong has, I believe, a reputation in international trade policy circles for lenowing its business and acting with integrity. And believe me that reputation is worth money in the bank.”
/Mr. Dorward said .......
Friday, February 8, 197^
- 7 -/
Mr. Dorwsrd said the community in general was in debt to the members of the Textiles Advisory Board, whose members must rank among the finest public servants, paid or unpaid, in Hong Kong.
"They give freely of their time and advice and often leave their own business interests at short notice to travel across the world with one of our delegations so that, as a negotiation proceeds, we officials can break off and consult our advisers at short notice," he said.
On occasions, he added, the entire board, about 14-strong, has gone off to Washington or London to be available foi* immediate consultation during major negotiations.
i\Qte to Editors: Copies of the full text of Mr. Dorward’s
speech in English are boxed for collection.
-------0---------
Friday, February 8, 197^
- 8 -
TEACHER EDUCATION ADVISER ON SIX-WEEK VISIT
: ■■ ■ - • 3.. •' . ’
• *****
A British teacher education adviser, Mr. Chai, is Stephen Griffith o arrived in Hong Kong last night cn a six-week visit at the invitation of the Edvaatior Department.
Mr. Griffiths, ^9t who is the Deputy Principal of the Sidney Webb College in London - d college of education specifically for mature students -will advise the department on the professional training of teachers.
Jie will -r- tai’ with senior officials of the department, including the principals of th three colleges of education.
Arrangements have been made for him to visit ' • - vry and secondary
5 . • 4 • • •
schools, the colleges of edu th- Hill i cel I ZM" ■ ..tv.t
raid the two universities.
Mr. Griffiths will r review existing pla for the expansion of facilities for the .lion t.achers, a spokesman for the Education Department said today.
Ml7e believe Mr. Griffiths* advice will help us to plan the future development of teachc.' tic:; in . Kc:.the spok^man said.
He pointed out th t the Sidney Webb CoLh.v : . ...coined
by the Inner London Education Authority, is a constituent cell the University ' Londe • stitute of Education.
• On successful Tplet; n of their course, students of the College-whose ages range from 24 to 50 **?ceive the Certificate in Education of the University of London. It is also possible- f'r them to si4, for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, if they fulfil the necessary con It ices.
/Mr. Griffiths
R*idayt February 8f 197^
• - 9 -
Mr. Griffiths was himself a mature student having worked in a variety of occupations before becoming an educationalist.
He joined the Sidney Webb College 12 years ago and has served on the Academic Board of the University of London Institute of Education and h:.- has been chairman of some of its committees.
--------0 -------
DEVOTED SERVICE RECOGNISED
******
Mr. Kwong Sain-poey, a retired Mechanical Inspector of the Public Works Department, has been awarded the Imperial Service Medal for devoted service.
The award has been approved by Her Majesty the Queen.
Mr. Kwong was in the public service for about 25 years before retiring in December last year.
He joined the government before World War II and was appointed a temporary foreman in the Electric and Mechanical Office in July 19^6^ working his way up to Mechanical Inspector II.
During the latter part of his service, Mr. Kwong devoted his titre to the re—organisation of the Caroline Hill Workshop, earning the respect of his colleagues through his ability and integrity.
--------0 - - - -
/10
Friday, February 8, 1974
- -
COMPANY FINED FOR STORING DANGEROUS GOODS WITHOUT LICENCE
*******
A Kowloon company, which ”jumped the gun” by storing dangerous goods before receiving a licence from the Fire Services Department, was fined $1,500 by Hr. F.W. Blackwell at Tsuen Wan Magistracy today.
The case arose out of an operation on January 15 by officers of the Fire Prevention Bureau against kerosene hoarders. The company, Hoong Wah Kong and Company Limited, of 322, Sai Yeung Choi Street, pleaded guilty.
Mr. P.R. Millest, prosecuting, told the Court that the company had applied for a dangerous goods licence from the Fire Services Department, but had started to store the goods before it was issued.
’’They jumped the gun,” said Mr. Millest. He added the Ure cervices Department were satisfied that the requirements for storing dangerous goods were being complied with.
Mr. George Willis, representing the defedants, said the offence was ’’merely technical” in that there was no danger becuase the storage izanks were of the approved type and the storage area was in an isolated spot away from residential habitation.
“The Fire Services Department will be inspecting the premises soon and I very much doubt that the required licence will be refused,” he said.
Imposing the fine, Mr. Blackwell said: ’’This type of jumping the gun is not to be encouraged.” ----------------------------------0---------
/11
Friday, February 8, 197^
- 11 -
BOGUS'LABOUR OFFICER JAILED
****** £
A man who impersonated a Labour Department officer in an attempt to trick a factory owner into giving him SfiOO was today sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.
The man, Wan Chuen-man, 25» painting worker of Room 1508 at the Tsz Wan Shan Housing Estate, appeared before Mr, T,J. Ryan in San Po Kong Magistracy.
The court was told that Wan telephoned the personnel manager of an electronics factory in To Kwa Wan on December 28, claiming to be an officer of the Labour Department. He asked for #800 for an advertisement in a publication he said was called the Annual Labour Department Staff Welfare Report.
The personnel manager was suspicious and contacted the Labour Department, who immediately informed the police.
When Wan kept an appointment at the factory to collect the money, he was arrested.
Mr. Ryan sentenced Wan.to six months’ imprisonment for impersonating a public officer, and nine months for obtaining property by deception, the sentences to be served concurrently.
The Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Ian Price, today praised the factory management for its quick action. "All too often in these cases, factory managements either pay up and complain when it is too late, or, even worse, pay up and say nothing,” he said.
/”We regularly .......
Friday, February 8, 197^+
- 12 -
”uo regularly warn factory owners against con-men like these• Every factory owner should be aware that no publication of the Labour IJepartracnt carries any form of advertisement whatsoever, and no officer of ray department is authorised to collect any money in this way.
"Anyone who is approached for money by any person claiming to be an officer of the Labour Department, should immediately contact the Labour Department or the Police.
”I’y department is at the moment preparing handbills warning factory owners about these cases and telling them what steps to take if they have the slightest suspicion. These handbills will be sent out soon,” Mr. Price said.
-------0---------
DAY OF FUN FOR POSTMEN’S FAMILIES
*********
The Post Office Recreation Club will be playing host to some 1,000 children of post office staff at its annual children’s party this Sunday (February 10).
The event will take place at che club’s grounds in Caroline Hill Road and will last from 1 p.m. to 5 p*m.
Apart from amusement stalls, donkey rides and games, there will be stz^gc shows by artistes from Radio Hong Kong, RTV and TVB, as well us music perforraancesby the Band of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment, and a road safety deomonstration by the Royal Hong Kong Police.
There will also be a lucky draw and prizes will be presented by
Mrs. M. Addi, wife of the Postmaster General.
Note to Editors: Reporters and photographers will be welcomed •
Friday, February 8, 1974
13 -
... . FUN FAIR FOR 6,000 CHILDREN
One of the biggest Fun Fairs ever to be held for children in Hong Kong this year will take place at the Social Welfare Department’s Community Centre in Wong Tai Sin on Sunday (February 10) when some 6,000 children in the district will have a day of fun and games.
This function, to celebrate the Lunar New Year, is an annual affair that has been held since 1963* This year it is organized by the eonmrunity. centre and 20 children and youth welfare agencies and schools in Wong Tai Sin District.
Altogether there will be 16 stalls at which the children will be able to try their luck and skills in a variety of games. Other entertainment will include judo demonstrations, a lion dance, a Chinese classical dance and harmonica and folk music.
The fair will begin at 10 a.m. with the judging of booths to be followed by the opening ceremony which will be officiated by Mrs. Ko Shiu-wah, Chairman of the Children and Youth Division of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
Hrs. Henrietta Chen, Warden of the Community Centre and Chairman of the Fun Fair Organizing Committee, said the money raised on this occasion will be incorporated into, the welfare fund of the Wong Tai Sin District Federation of the Welfare Services of*the AgecU
The Fun Fair will be held in three 'sessions each with 100 volunteers manning the stalls and scouts and members of the St« John’s Ambulance Brigade to look after the children and provide any first-aid service that may be required.
Note, to Editors: You are welcome to cover this Fun Fair on Sunday (February
10) at the Wong Tai Sin Community Centre at, 104 Ching Tak Street, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon. It will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 6 p.m.
---0 - -
/14
Friday, February 8, 197^
_ 14 -
HONG KONG DAY SPECTACULAR IN LONDON DRAWS BIG CROWD
The Arts Theatre in London’s Great Newsport Street near China
Town was packed on Wednesday night when the Chinese community‘JTtaged a ”Hong Kong Day” spectacular — one of the highlights of events during the London Tourist Board’s month-long ’’London Entertains” promotions, z
The spectators were treated to a two-hoyr entertainment programme
of films and variety shows which included a lion dance, Chinese folk dances and a display of ’’Kung ^u”.
Two lion dance experts who had been flown from Hong Kong to load i < the lion procession during the Chinese New Year celebrations again displayed their skill while Chinese students from the London University performed
a variety of Chinese folk dances.
Two films about Hong Kong — ’’Magic Stone” and ’’Hong Kong Symphony”
— were shown to the delight of the 350 spectators.
’’Hong Kong Day” was a joint effort of the Chinese community, the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Hong Kong Government Office in London.
The Hong Kong Commissioner, Mr. S.T. Kidd, and the European representative cf the HKTA,..Mr, Donald Jones, attended the function to give their personal supports.
Friday, February 8, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
••••»•
The following prices were realised today (Friday) sales under tho Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and tho Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon:
Sunniies and Wholesale Prices of Rico
Grado China Pico Availability of Supply VJiolosalo Price (S/catty)
Average
„ „ - old crop Sco Mov' - new crop Good 1?84 •
S.C.Jion - old crop Good «•
Po llgai Gocd «■
Chu Cho Good
Thai Pico lO^HSiolo Good M
Brokons Good •n»
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Super Good 1.42 •
Whole Glutinous Good ••
• U.S. Rico Good 1.74
Australian Ripe Good
Pakistan Rico. Good —
Taiwan Pico Good , 1
/Supplies and •••••••
Fridayt February 8t 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
Availability Wholesale Price
Species of Supply (g/catty)
High Low • Average
Golden Thread Good 5.2 3.5 4.2
Big-Byes • Good 2.4 Oo? 1.5
Squid Normal 6.5 5.2 4.5
Hair-Tails Normal 2.0 1o0 1.6
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.5 1.0 1.6
Croakers Good 2.4 0.9 1.5
Conger-Pikc-Eols Normal 3.7 2.7 3.0
Melon Coat Normal 2.5 1.7 2.0
Breams Normal 5.5 4.0 5.2
Yellow Belly * Good 1.5 0.8 1.3
Mackerels Normal 6.5 3.0 4.5
Rod Goat Fish Good 1.95 0.6 1.6
Fork-Tail Good 1.7 0.9 1.2
Horsc-Hoad Normal 5.8 3.5 5.0
Melon Seed Normal 5.8. 2.0 3.0
Pomfrcts Scarce 12.0 10.5 11.0
Garoupas Normal 7.0 5.8 6*5
Yollow Croaker ••
/Supplies and
4
‘ Friday, February 8, 1972*
£B1 Wh°lCfia33 Prices of
Locally Produced Vcp-etables
Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (g/catty)
Hi (ft low • Average
Flowering cabbage Limited 2.20 1.00 1.60
IThito cabbage Limited 1.00 O.'lO 0.70
Chinese Lettuce Limited. • 1.00 O.'lO 0.70
Chinese Kale Limited 1.60 o.6o 1.20
Spring onion Normal 0.80 0.30 0.60
Epinaoh . Normal . 1.20 OjiO 0,80
Vater cross Normal 1.20 O.'iO O.oO
Loaf Mustard cabbage Scarce 0.60 0.20 O?iO
Tojsato % Limited 1.80 0.50 1.'iO
F.uwpllni^nnd TOiolorale Pricon of Pork (Live weirht) <
• Availability oLiiEIffilS . Wholesale Price ( S/p^cul) ,
« • (Average) . -
Pork Normal • 'Ssso -
•
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Saturday, February 9, 197^
CONTENTS
Parrc No.
Board of Enquiry calls for tighter security measures at Siu
Lam Psychiatric Centre .....................................
Training youth leaders the laboratory way ..................
Eleven acres of land to be reclaimed at Arberdeen Harbour.. *+
Nev/ pumping station to be built in Central ................
Immigration Director to attend meeting of International Civil Aviation Organisation ................................
More roads and drains to be constructed at Pak Tin Estate..
There v/ill be a D.I.B. issue tomorrow......................
Reiease time:
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Saturday, February 9, 197^
- 1 -
CALL FOR TIGHTER SECURITY AT SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE
Board Of Enquiry Submits Recommendations
********
Improved security measures are needed at the Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre•
A government spokesman said today that this was the finding of the Board, of Enquiry into the escape of prisoner Ho Cheung on January 29* The Board’s recommendations included a proposal for a second perimeter fence.
1’Their investigation into the circumstances of the escape included a thorough inspection of the buildings at Siu Lam,” said the spokesman.
"They reported that these showed a high standard of security, generally meeting the requirements of such an institution.
"The Board found, however, that there was a need to reinforce the perimeter fencing, creating a sterile area with the addition of a second fence to thwart escapes from the inside or rescue attempts"from the outside•" The Board also called for a more careful check on the classification of prisoners employed on maintenance tasks and garden work at the centre, to ensure that prisoners with a higher security risk were not engaged in such duties.
Jith regard to the latter category of prisoner, the report urged immediate consideration of the need for more distinctive clothing, and the spokesman said that a working party had been set up within the Prisons Department to examine this proposal.
/This........ •
Saturday, February % 197^
- 2 -
"This working party is also considering other aids to identification, including a charge in the prisoners’ identity cards, which carry a photograph and thumb print, to introduce a colour code based on classification,” said tho spokesman.
Ho added that some of the Board’s recommendations had already been acted upon. These included a check of the existing fence in tho garden aroa to guard against further escape.
Commenting on the circumstances leading to the escape of prisoner Ho, tho Board considered that disciplinary action should be taken against certain members of the staff at Siu Lam and the spokesman said that appropriate measures would in fact be taken against those named in tho report•
”’.7o arc conscious of the conflicting interests of an institution involving both therapeutic programmes and security,” he added.
"An officer with special responsibility for security at Siu Lam is now under training. He will be appointed to the post within the next few weeks.”
_______0_________
/J.........
V I 7
Saturday, February 9, 1972*
- 3 -
LABORATORY THAINING ON YOUTH LEADERSHIP
* 4 * ♦ * * * ★ ♦
To help young people develop their expertise in group leadership the Youth Work Unit of the Social Welfare Department has organised a series of three courses that wil 1 use the laboratory method of instruction.
The courses will be of different duration. The first one, an evening course, will commence on March 21 and consist of four sessions being hold twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays to be followed by a weekend camp.
This course will be held from 7 to 9 p»n. at the department’s Lady Trench Training Centre in Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai. The weekend camp will take place at the Tsung Tsan Youth Centre in Thi Po. Participation is open to youths aged 17 to 25 of secondary school educational level or above, and all those completing it will receive a certificate.
Mr. Antonio Chu, Officer-in-charge cf the Youth Unit, explained that methods to be used in this course will include role-playing and
■c f,mailer group discussions.
"The laboratory method will be used because its basic philosophy is that people can learn better through experience or experimenting what they do in a secure environment,” said Mr. Chu.
"It is participating in such group activities that the youths will be able to develop their sensitivity to their surroundings, as well as achieve a better understanding of themselves and factors of human rel atiorahip which are so essential to the development of leadership in a person,” he said.
/Applications .......
Saturday, February 9, 1974
Applications to join this course can be made to either of the Youth Work Offices in Hong Kong pud Kowloon. These are situated in room $08 Causeway Pay Magistracy Building, Hong Kong (Tel. 5-712467), and on the top floor of the Kowloon Government Building, 405 Nathan Road, Kowloon (Tel. >384111 ext. 3J1).
Similar courses will be held in April and May.
-------0---------
PROPOSED RECLAMATION AT ABERDEEN
*********
Some 11 acres of new land are to be formed in Aberdeen Harbour to provide land for the widening of Aberdeen Main Road.
The road widening scheme, together with other roadwork projects, will help relieve traffic congestion on the roads both approaching and passing through Aberdeen.
The reclamation is to be formed of foreshore and seabed in Aberdeen Harbour, and will extend from VJu Nam Street to Aberdeen Government Primary School.
A large part of the reclaimed area not devoted to roadwork will be developed as public open areas.
0 - -
Saturday, February % 197^
PUMPING STATION IN CENTRAL
********
A salt water pumphouse is to be built at Edinburgh Place in Central to provide cooling water for the air-conditioning system of the Murray Road Carpark and the future Murray Building II.
Construction work is expected to begin in April this year and will talas about six months to complete.
The pumping station will be constructed below ground level behind the existing seawall near Queen’s Pier and will house four pumping units.
To make room for the new pumphouse, the present Albany Nullah near Queen’s Pier will be diverted.
The works have been designed by the Port Works Division of the Public Works Department which will supervise the construction.
-------0---------
IMMIGRATION DIRECTOR TO ATTEND TRAVEL TALKS
*#»*«****
The Director of Immigration, Mr. William Collard will leave for Bangkok on Monday (February 11) to represent Hong Kong at the regional facilitation meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Problems on facilitation of movement of passengers at international airports will be discussed among other things.
Mr. Collard will be accompanied by Mr. ken Smith, Airport General Manager. They are expected to return to Hong Kong on February 21.
-------0---------
/6.........
Saturday, February 9, 1974
- 6 -
ROAD AND DRAINAGE FACILITIES JtT PM TIN ESTATE
********
Work will begin shortly to put in roads and drains for the developing public housing estate at Pak Tin.
Upper Pak Tin Estate - mainly used for rehousing people from the Lower Shek Kip Mei Estate which is under re-development —is at present housing about 16,700 people, including 1,000 who moved there recently from the Tai Hang Sai Cottage Area.
When fully developed towards the middle of 1976, the estate will be able to take in 45,000 people.
A spokesman for the Housing Department said that most of the housing units in Pak Tin Estate will be reserved for the Shek Kip Mei rehousing operation which will probably take another five to six years to complete.
To cope with the expanding population in the estate, a proper bus terminus and a parking area of some 6,000 square yards will also be built.
At present, construction work includes a provision of about 5,000 foot of roadways varying in width from 34 feet for main roads to 20 feet for secondary roads. About 7,400 feet of stormwater drains will also be laid.
Work will begin in about twe months and be completed towards the end of next year. --------------------------------u---------
SUNDAY D.I.B.
********
Note to Editors: There will be an issue of the Daily Information
Bulletin tomorrow (Sunday)• Copies will be available for collection at 3 p»m. that day from the G.I.S. Press room, 5th floor, Beaconsfield House.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Sunday, February 10, 1?7-F
CONTENTS
Miniature cities in Mew Territories will have every modern
facility: Estimated cost 88,500 million •••••••................ 1
No refunds of rates are payable on vacant premises ............
Taxpayers urged to settle tax bills by crossed cheque through the mail . •. •..............................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Sunday, February 10, 197^
- 1 -
ESTIMATED 88,5QO MILLION TO BE SPENT ON NEW TOWNS
Plans Envisage Polytechnics, Clinics, Schools, Pools, Cultural Centres
ELanning of the new towns in Sha Tin, Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan has taken on a new concept to keep the towns in line with, existing development in the respective districts and to bring community facilities up-to-date . ’ . .KJ
with the ones provided in urban areas.
’’The basic idea is to build up the new towns as balanced, self-contained entities, which are at the same time related to the overall development of the whole of Hong Kong,” a government spokesman explained.
The total cost of the development of the three new towns is estimated at 88,500 mi]J ion. Of this, $5jO7O million has been al1coated to Sha Tin. Tsuen Wan, although covering a larger area to be developed, is getting a smaller amount of 82,700 million due to the fact that considerable development has already been completed in the area.
One new feature in the planning is the inclusion of technical institute and teacher training facilities.
Each of the three new towns has plans for a polytechnic, and two technical institutes. One technical institute is expected to come into operation in Kwai Chung in 1975, in keeping with the government’s target of having five such institutes in commission by 1976/77.
/Public
Sunday, February 10, 1974
2
Public facilities to be provided in the new towns range from abattoirs to swimming complexes, and it is intended that development of such facilities should be reasonably well advanced before full occupation so as to attract more people to move in.
For recreation, the maximum amount of open spaces has been planned and there aro long term plans for the construction of cultural centres.
Primary and secondary schools, ambulance depots, fire stations, polyclinics, police stations, office buildings and car parks have all been planned.
Site investigation is also being carried out in Tsuen Wan for a vehicle crusher and vehicle testing station.
Reclamation is to be carried out in Tuen Mun to provide a site for a wholesale fish" market.
The target population for the new towns are as follows:
1-973/7^ W*fl2 22^1
Sha Tin 25,000 .236,000 461,000
Tuen Mun 37,500 149,000. 464,000.
Tsuen Wan 398,000 721,000 836,000
In order to achieve a reasonably broad-based community, private residential areas will be provided in addition to public housing.
With the geographic location of the new towns, especially in Sha Tin, there is a great danger of their becoming dormitory towns of the urban area where people have to commute between their places of work and their homes, the spokesman noted.
/To prevent
Sunday, February 10, 1??4
- 3 -
To prevent this development, industrial sites are provided in the neighbourhood of the housing estates so that job opportunities will be available right at the door—steps of the new town residents.
however, with the shifting of industries and population into the new towns, new and up-to-date necessary transport and communications systems will have to bo provided to cope with the higher traffic density.
-------0---------
NO REFUNDS OF RATES ON VACANT PREMISES
The Commissioner of Rating and Valuation, Mr. Raymond Fry, today reminded ratepayers that no refunds of rates are payable on vacant domestic premises.
This regulation came into force on January 1 this year. Provi on.ql y ratepayers could obtain a refund of half the rates paid when their premises became vacant.
Mr. Fry said the new regulation applies to any premises designed wholly or primarily for domestic purposes. It also applies to any promises which, immediately prior to becoming vacant, were used for domestic purposes.
However, owners of vacant non-domestic premises such as shops, offices, factories etc. can claim a refund of half of the rates paid, provided proper notice has been given to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation.
An explanatory leaflet entitled "Refunds" is available free of charge at the offices of the Rating and Valuation Department, at public enquiry counters and Tenancy Inquiry Bureaux and at District Offices in the New Territories.
-------0---------
A..........
Sunday, February 10, 19?4
- 4 -
SETTLE YOUR TAX BILL BY POST: PUBLIC URGED
********
Members of the public were today urged to pay their taxes by crossed cheques and mail them to the Inland Revenue Department.
A spokesman for the department pointed out that the collectionoffices were usually very busy at this time of the year when most people had to pay their salaries and profits tax.
Queues in these offices have been needlessly long in recent days, the spokesman said, because so many of the people who pay by hnvo
chosen to do so in person or by messenger, and to wait for a receipt.
file waiting time for everyone would be greatly reduced if those paying by crossed cheque would send them by post, he said.
However, taxpayers who must have their cheques delivered by hand con make use of another service. Sbr their convenience as well as for others, they can leave the payment documents at the counter in a sealed envelope addressed to the Collector. A receipt wi13 be given through the post.
’’Nothing is gained by waiting for a receipt for a payment by cheque, provided always that it is crossed,” the spokesman said.
Tho Inland Revenue Department’s collection offices are in the Club Lusitono Building in Ice House Street and at the old Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building in Nathan Road.
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Monday, February 11, 197^
CONTENTS
Page No,
Myl ti-prill ion dollar Wai Yip Street extension to ease traffic on Kwan Tong Road ............................................. 1
Temporary water cut in Yau Ma Tei on Thursday • • • •........ • • • • 2
Symposium to alert teachers on the symptoms of drug-taking among youths ••.••..••••••••••••••••........................ •••••••
Fund-raising wall: to mark 10th anniversary of Kwun Tong Community Centre ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••......•••••••♦.........•••••
First auction of •’lucky” car numbers this year................
Causeway Bay restaurant fined $500 for smoke nuisance ••••••••• 7
Public again warned against racketeers selling illegal huts ••• Firemen kept busy fighting grass fires...................... •
****$******
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: '/.CO p.;?..
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Monday, February 11, 1974
- 1 -
MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR ROAD SCHEME IN KWUN TONG
To Improve Traffic Flow
******
Plans are in hand to construct an alternative route to Kvain Tong Road as part of the North East Kowloon Corridor Scheme*
The project is designed to improve traffic flow in the Kinin Tong area, as well as to facilitate development of the Kowloon Bay Reclamation. ' r
Funds amounting to 825 million have recently been approved by the Finance Committee.
The new route will be a dual-two-lane extension of Wai Yip Street running parallel to and just to the west of Kwun Tong Road. It . ? ’ ’r will join Kwun Tong Road about mid-way between Clearwater Bay Road and Ngau Tau Kok Road.
The project is being carried out in two parts. The first and major phase, on which work has already started, involves the eonstruction of a grade separated intersection at the place where the new road joins Kwun Tong Road, and the construction of a section of the mass transit railway tunnel.
This tunnel will lie under Kwun Tong Road, linking the mass transit Kowloon Bay depot with the railway system itself, and has to be built in conjunction with the present road project.
The grade separated intersection will allow both oastbound and
• ► 9 • •
westbound traffic to merge with and diverge smoothly from the main Kwun Tong Road traffic.
/A contract .......
Monday, February 11, 1974
- 2 -
A contract for the remaining part of the project, involving the extension of Wai Yip Street, will be let when sites at the Kowloon Bay Reclamation are available for construction work.
The whole road duplication scheme has been designed in such a way to allow for future improvements to adjacent road junctions, including those at Ngau Tau Kok Road, and planned development roads on the Reclamation.
-------o---------
TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI
*******
Water supply to a number of premises in Yau Ma Tei wn11 be interrupted for five hours on Thursday (February 14) starting from 1 a.m.
The temporary.stoppage, is to facilitate a test for leakage in the area. ■ w
The area affected is bounded by Jordan Road, Canton Road, Austin Road, and Woo Sung Street.
4
---------------------------o---------
Monday, February 11, 1974
- 3 -
SYMPOSIUM ON DRUG ABUSE FOR TEACHERS
**»*»«*«
The Education Department has invited the principals of all secondary schools and their teachers to attend a one—day symposium on drug abuse later this month.
The symposium, organised by the Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Education Department, will be held at the Grantham College of Education on February 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 ”Ihe aim of this symposium is to acquaint teachers with the latest information on. drug abuse education so that they will be on the alert for signs and symptoms of drug-taking among young people,n a spokesman for the department said today.
The Deputy Director of Education (Professional), Mr. Ho Nga-ming will open the symposium.
There will be four speakers during the morning session which includes a question time and a film show.
In the afternoon three speakers will address the teachers followed by an open forum.
Principals have been asked to nominate teachers who wish to attend the symposium. Nominations should be submitted by next Wednesday.
Note to Editors:
You are invited to have the symposium covered
on February 23.
/For your •••«••
Monday, February 11, 197^
- 4 -
For your information the names of tho speakers and their subjects are as follows:
Prof* M.B. Roberts, Department of Pharmacology, University of Hong Kong, on ’’Opium and Derivatives; ”
Dr. 'J. J. Oram, Chairman, Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry drug abuse subcommittee, on "Non-opiate addictive Drugs;"
Mr. R. Edgley, Chief Chemist, Forensic Laboratory, on "Identification of drugs & detection of symptoms;" Chief Superintendent John Rumbelow, Narcotics Bureau} Royal Hong Kong Police Force, on "The position of Hong Kong in world narcotics;"
Mr. Ross Penlington,•Legal Department, on "Position in relation to the Law;"
Mr. James Ch’ien, Superintendent of Social Service, Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts, on ’Treatment and Rehabilitation," and
Dr. George Ou, Consultant Psychiatrist in Charge, Hong Kong Pychiatric Centre, on "Methods of Prevention."
-------0---------
' „ Monday, February 11, 1974
- 5 -• •
COiSIUNITY CENTRE’S 1OTH ANNIVERSARY
The Social Welfare Department’s Community Centre in Kwun Tong is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this month and to mark the occasion it v/ill be organising a walk over a 14-mile course to raise money for the Community Chest, •i
About $00 people, comprising members of the community centre and the four Estate Community Work Offices in Ngau Tau Kok, Sau Mau ping south 9 and central and Lara Tin, are expected to take part in the walk.
Hr. Wong King-tong, Warden of the Centre, said the idea was originally suggested by some members of the centre because they felt it would be a meaningful gesture to help celebrate the anniversary, while at the same time fostering the spirit of relationship among its members and those of the other offices.
The walk v/ill begin at 8 a.m. on February 17 at the Kwun Tong Recreational Ground, near the Kwun Tong Swimming Pool, taking the route along Tsui Ping Road, Hip Woo Street, Sau Mau Ping Road, PoYam Road, Ko Chiu Road % to Li Yue Mun Road from v/here they will return to the starting point.
The money collected by participants from the sponsors v/ill be presented to the Community Chest on February 2J, the day on which j the Community Centre was opened 10 years ago.
" ' ’ ' /6........ .
Monday, February 11, 1974
- 6 -
TWENTY "LUCKY" CAR PLATES FOR SALE
The first auction of’lucky” car numbers for 1974 will be held at tho City Hall on Saturday (February 16), and a feature will bo the auction of the registration number 8888.
This number, which at one time was on the official car used by the former Secretary for Chinese Affairs, is considered by many to be particularly lucky. The Cantonese word for eight sounds very similar to the Cantonese word 1’prosper.”
Saturday’s auction of 20 special registration numbers will begin at 10 a.m. in the theatre in the City Hall Low Block.
The following is the full list of numbers to be auctioned:
432 661 4000 6677 8888
HK151 HK1001 HKJJ66 AA5555 AA7777
BB747 BB333 AR81 AR200 AF1122
AK22 AL1 AL666 AS88 AS111
Proceeds of tho auction will go to the Government Lotteries Fund for charitable purposes
Successful bidders at tho auction will be required to pay by cash or cheque immediately after the bidding.
The vehicle registration mark will be assigned only to a vehicle which is registered in the name of the successful bidder within 12 months of the date of the auction.
0 - -
Monday, February 11, 1974
RESTAURANT FINED FOR CAUSING SMOKE NUISANCE
****»«
The management of a Causeway Bay restaurant was today fined 3500 for causing a smoke nuisance.
The case was heard before Mr. P. Flannery at Central Magistracy. The Kingsburg Restaurant Ltd. of 1 Leighton Road was found guilty of failure to abate a smoke nuisance caused by the emission of dark smoke from the chimney of the restaurant.
In July last year, Smoke Inspectors of theAir Pollution Control Unit of the Labour Department found that the dark smoke emitted from the chimney of the restaurant was causing the imminence of a smoke nuisance. A written notice was served to the restaurant giving 30 days to reduce the dark smoke emission.
After the 30 days’ .period expired, Smoke Inspectors made regular observation on the emission of smoke from the chimney of the res tai ir ftnt to see whether the requirement of the notice was being followed.
On November 277 it was found that in a period of four hours the total time for dark smoke emission was almost two hours.
A summons was subsequently taken out against the restaurant.
The Labour Department’s Smoke Abatement Adviser, Mr. Ken Higginson pointed out that the emission of dark smoke was due to inefficient combustion techniques. He urged fuel users to exercise more care in preventing smoke nuisance•
- - - 0----------
Monday, February 11, 197^
- 8 -
ILLEGAL HUTS IN KWUN TONG TO BE CLEARED
***»*«
Illegal construction of huts in the Hong Ning Road area of Kv/un Tong has continued despite repeated warnings by the Housing Department.
A spokesman for the department pointed out today that a number of demolition operations were carried out recently on squatter huts built by racketeers in the area. In the latest operation last Saturday (February 9), 75 such structures were pulled down.
; He again warned members of the public to beware of offers of huts for sale in the area.
The spokesman said the entire area will be cleared on February 22 and the land will be turned into a public playground.
’’All huts in this area have been surveyed, and those eligible have already been offered licensed area accommodation.
’’All persons found living in illegal structures on the clearance day will be regarded as tresspassers and may be evicted. Their huts will be demolished and their property will be confiscated,” the spokesman said.
He advised persons occupying huts in the area to remove their property before the clearance day.
-------0---------
/9........
Monday, February 11, 197^
- 9 -
FIkEMEN KEPT BUSY
******
With the return of dry weather, Fire Services personnel are once more being kept busy fighting grass fires.
There were more than a dozen such fires today, when the humidity level was under 50 per cent for most of the day. The majority were in the New Territories and others occurred on Hong Kong Island.
A Services spokesman appealed to the public to be extra careful during the current very dry weather, particularly when throwing matches or cigarette ends away. "Make sure they are properly out,” he said, "or they can very easily start a blaze.”
He said that 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s fires are caused through careless disposal of lighted matches and cigarette ends.
0 - -
Monday, February 11, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guide To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies * . 000900
Tho following prices were realised today (Monday) sales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Haricot and the Fish Marketing Organicaticn Wholesale Marlzot at Choung Sha Won, Kowloon:
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rice •
Availability Wholesale Price
of Supply (8/cstty)
China Rico Average
„ old crop See Ken s' Good 1.8 1.84
- now crop
S.C.Jion - old crop Good ••
Po Hgai -• Good * ea
Chu Cho Good
Thai Rico lOOjTUhole Good 1.74
1O-1So Brokpns 1 Good
A1 Super Extra Good ■»
A1 Super Good 1.42 •
Whole Glutinous Good e»
U.S. Rice • Good 1.74
Australian Ripe Good a
Pakistan Rico . .Good «u»
Taiwan Rico I Good
/Supplies and oooe««a
Monday, February 11, 197^
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
Species Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (8/catty) Hipji Low • Average
Golden Thread Good 5.3 3.8 4.5
Pig-Eyes Good 2.8 0.8 1.8
Squid Normal 6.2 3.8 4.8
Hair-Tails Normal 2.8 1.2 2.0
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.75 1.0 2.0
Croakers • Normal 2.5 0.7 . 1.8
Conger-Pike-Eels Limited 3.3 2.4 3.0
• Melon Coat Good 2.2 1.25 2.0
Breams Normal 5.0 4.0 4.5
Yellow Belly ' ’* Good 2.2 0.8 1.5
Mackerels Normal 4.8 3.5 4.5
Red Goat Fish - Good 2.3 0.7 1.5
Fork-Tail Good 2.0 1.3 1.8
Horse-Head Limited 6.5 3.6 5.5
Melon Seed Good 3.6. • 2.5 3.2
Ponfrets ■■ o» ■B U
Garoupas Good 7.5 5.5 • 6.0
Yellow Croaker Limited 7.5 7.0 7.2
♦ • ■ - • /Supplies and < • • ■
% Monday, February 11, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
Locally Produced Vegetables
Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)
High Low Average
Flowering cabbage Limited 2.4 1.2 1.8
White cabbage Limited 1.0 0.4 0.8
Chinese Lottuoe Normal .1.0 0.2 0.7
Chinese Kale Limited 1.8 0.6 1.4
Spring onion Normal 0.7 0.3 0.5
Spinach Normal 1.0 0.2 0.7
Water cross ■ Normal 1.0 0.3 0.6
Loaf mustard cabbage Scarce 0.7 0.2 0.5
Tomato Limited 1.8 0.6 1.2
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight)
• Availability Wholesale Price of Supply ( 8/ picul)
• (Average)
Pork • • Normal • JOO - 0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
CONTENTS
Page No.
Legco to debate Independent Commission Against Corruption Bill tomorrow...............................................
Drop in deaths and injuries from industrial accidents last month....................................................... 2
Second phase of Ngau Tau Kok clearance completed .........• 4
Winners of anti-narcotics comic strip contest announced •«• 5
Revised clearway hours on sections of Tong Mi Road and Nathan Road ................................................ ?
Traffic changes on Tai Po Road to facilitate building of elevated road............................................... ?
Restaurant in North Point fined for unauthorised furnace installation.............................................. 8
Illegal storage of dangerous goods can lead to heavy finos ..................................................... o
*****>»
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: 7*00
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
- 1 -
IMPORTANT BILLS SET TO PASS THROUGH LEGCO TOMORROW
Debate on legislation relating to the Independent Commission Against Corruption resumes in the Legislative Council tomorrow when two unofficial members will give their views.
Speaking will be the Hon. Woo Pak-chuen and the Hon. Hilton Cheong-L^en. The bill will then be considered in Committee before its third and final reading to complete its passage through the Legislative Council.
The two unofficial members will also comment on the Official Languages Bill which makes both English and Chinese official languages in Hong Kong. It is also due to complete its passage through the council at tomorrow’s sitting.
Other bills scheduled for second and third readings are: The Securities Bill, the Protection of Investors Bill, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, the Prevention of Bribery (Amendment) Bill, and the Prisons (Amendment) Bill.
Unofficial members will be asking 11 questions on a wide range of subjects, including the position and consumption of fuel, keeping rice prices stable, employment of overseas domestic servants, pensions, and assistance to subverted voluntary organisations to meet expenditure on salaries.
The annual report by the Accountant General for the 1972/73 financial year will be tabled at tomorrow’s meeting.
-------0---------
/2........
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
- 2 -
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT TOLL DOWN
But No Room For Complacency Warns Labour Commissioner *********
Sixteen people were killed and 2,1^1 injured at work in the first month of this year.
Announcing the figures today, the Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Ian Price, said: "These figures are less than the Jk dead and 2,446 injured in January 1973* Unfortunately, this is more likely to be due to the Lunar Nev; Year being in January this year, rather than to any dramatic increase in the application of work safety methods.
"However, I still hope that the major Industrial Safety Exhibition at the recent CMA Fair is showing an effect in increasing consciousness of safety among managements and workers."
,rI have also made a number of new safety regulations in recent months, including the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulations; the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations -which become effective on May I; the Quarries (Safety) Regulations; the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting । Gear) Regulations 1974, which will become effective on November 1 this year; and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (First Aid in Registrable Workplaces) (Amendment) Regulations," Mr. Price added.
"The first four regulations provide more stringent controls to improve general working conditions, and the last set of regulations -in an effort to ease the shortage of trained first-aid personnel in ■industries - recognises a wider range of qualifications for them."
/The Commissioner .......
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
’!>
The Commissioner disclosed that his department was now working on further safety regulations and was planning further intensive courses at its Industrial Safety Training Centre in the Canton Rond Government Offices.
He reiterated his appeal to industry to participate fully in the promotion of industrial safety. "It is everybody’s business to prevent accidents from happening," he said, "but work safety will not be achieved until workers and employers cultivate a much greater sense of safety awareness.
’Employers have the responsibility of drawing up safety policies and providing safe working conditions; foremen and supervisors are responsible for ensuring safe work methods; and workers have an obligation to work safely *• both for their own-good and for the good of their families and of their f ell ov>- workers.1 ’
hr. Prioe urged employers, foremen and supervisors to take advantage of the free advisory service and training facilities available at the industrial Safety Training Centre, which can be contacted by ringing 3*664270 or >661438.
-------o---------
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
4
NGAU TAU KOK CLEARANCE COMPLETED
******
The second phase of the Ngau Tau Kok clearance operation involving some 70 structures was completed smoothly today (Tuesday),
Housing Department staff and men started the operation early in the morning and finished the job by about noon.
Hie area has now been handed over to the Crown Lands and Survey Office of the Public Works Department, and is being fenced off.
Many of the more substantially built structures were demolished by the factory operators employing their own contractors.
The cleared land, lying west of Kwun Tong Road on the Kowloon Bay Reclamation, is needed for the construction of a mass transit railway depot.
Today's clearance operation affected J1 factories, four shops, and 19 families comprising 64 people.
Ei^it families comprising 37 people who are eligible for public ■ housing have moved to Kwai Shing and Lam Tin Estates. The others have been offered licensed area sites at Ma Tsai Hang.
A. total of S417,j540 has been paid to 11 factory operators and another $17,800 to two shop owners as ex-gratia allowances.
Thirty-* two factory units in Kwun Tong Factory Estate have al so been offered to eight factory operators. Another two operators were given licensed area .sites in Ha Kwai Chung to rebuild their factories.
Mr. David Weeks, Administrative Officer (Clearance) said the operation coulu only have been such a success with the full support and co-operation of those affected.
me first phase of the Ngau Tau Kok clearance operation involving more than 1p0 factories, shops and about 100 other structures was carried out last Juno.
--------0---------
/5.........
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
- 5 -»
RESULTS OF ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIP COMPETITION
Winners of the ’Keep Hong Kong Drug Free1 comic strip competition have been named.
The competition, sponsored by the Education and Publicity Subcommittee of the Action Committee against Narcotics, was divided into two sections •— Post-Secondary and Secondary.
The first prize in the Post Secondary contest was won by 20-year-old Chan Pak-shun of Shue Ian College.
In second place was 19-year-old Fung Ka-kui of Bishop Bianchi College of Careers while third prize went to Miss Kwan Shun-choi of Sir Robert Black College of Education.
Seventeen-year-old Pang Cho-yiu, a form V student in the Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School won the top award in the Secondary section.
Second prize went to Miss Lam Yuk-shiin of St. Catherine’s School for Girls, Kwun Tong while in third place was Miss Tse Chau-ming of the Belilios Public School.
The winners will receive cash awards ranging from $100 to $500. Eight other students will receive a consolation prize of $50 each for their outstanding entries.
There were over 250 competitors.
The panel of judges comprised Mr. John Chan, art Director of TVB, Kr» Lee Kwok-fai of the Education Department, Mrs. Emmy Chan of the Lutheran World Ibderation and Mrs. Dolly Ng of the Government Information Services.
/••The aim
Tuesday, February 12, 197**
, 6 -
t
•’The aim of the competition,” a spokesman of ACAN said, ”is to involve students in the campaign against narcotic drugs, to make then aware of the problem and to contribute towards the community in which they have a part to play.”
Moto to Editors: You are cordially invited to send t reporter/
photographer to cover the prize giving ceremony. It takes place on Thursday (February 1**) at 3 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Lutheran World Federation, 33 Granville Road, Kowloon. Rev. K.L. Stumpf, chairman of the Education and Publicity Committee will present the prizes.
Copies of photographs of the winning entries in both sections are boxed for collection.
-------0---------
/7........
Tuesday, February 12, 197^
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN N-W KOWLOON EASED
The clearway restriction hours on sections of Tong Mi Road and Prince Edward Road in north-western Kowloon have been relaxed considerably.
The sections involved are Tong Mi Road between Lai Chi Kok Road and Prince Edward Road, and Prince Edward Road between Tong Mi Road and Nathan Road.
Originally the clearway, which was introduced late last year to facilitate the construction *?? f elevated road, operated between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
However, following further traffic surveys in the area it was decided, that the clearway restrictions should only operate during peak periods — 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
During these times, no motor vehicles except franchised buses will be allowed to pick up or set down passengers or to load or unload goods.
TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS At PIPER’S KILL
********
Minor traffic diversions are to be introduced along the eastbound carriageway of Tai Po Road to facilitate construction works at the Piper’s Hill Interchange.
The new arrangements will come into force on Thursday (February 14) and will last for six days.
Motorists an the area are advised to exercise extreme care during this period. Warning signs will be posted to guide them.
-------0--------- /8.........................
i
0'
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
8 -
RESTAURANT FINED FOR UNAUTHORISED WORKS
* * * * * *
The management of Garden Restaurant Company Ltd., located at 72-74 Hing Fat Street, Hong Kong, was today fined $1,400 at Central Magistracy for having installed furances in the kitchen of the restaurant without the prior approval of the Commissioner of Labour.
Under the Clean Air (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimneys) (Ins tai 1 at j on and Alteration) Regulations, an occupier who wants to install, alter or modify any furnace , oven, chimney or flue on his premises must obtain approval from the Commissioner before the commencement of the work.
Mr. David Lin, Assistant Commissioner of Labour, said today that factory and restaurant owners should submit plans and specifications of such work at least 30 days before the commencement of the work.
uAn approval certificate will be issued if the design of the work is found to be of a suitable standard from the point of view of combustion engineering and air pollution,” he said.
- - o - -
/9........
Tuesday, February 12, 1974
- 9 -
STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS
*******
Illegal storage of dangerous goods is a serious offence which can have disastrous consequences, a Fire Services spokesman warned today.
AU licences for the storage of dangerous goods, other than explosives, he said, are obtainable from the Fire Services Department and must be applied for before storage begins.
’’However, a licence is granted only after the most stringent safety precautions have been met. With conditions as they are in Hong Kong, it is vital that kerosene, diesel or petrol is sold only from licensed premises where the risk of fire has been minimised,” the spokesman said.
He reminded the public that anyone contravening the Dangerous Goods regulations was liable to a fine of $8,000 and six months1 imprisonmen17 plus confiscation of the goods.
- - 0 - -
Tuesday, -February 12, 197^
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guide To Wholesale Market Price© And Supplies
tjOtrCOO
Tho following prieon wore roelised tedry (Tuosr’.'y) at under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Crganioutlen Wholesale Market and tho Fish Marketing Organisation Vfaoleoalo:l!artot nt .Gioung Cha Uan, Kcv/lcon:
fim7yi5.cn and Vniolosn3o Priccp o? Rica
Grado Availability O.olocalo Prico (n/entty)
China Rico •
„ old crop moo Mow ~ non crop Coed •M C9
S.C.Jion - old crop Good
Po Ilgai Good
Chu Clio Good
[Thai Rico lOCfFwiole Good f 1»?4
1 10-15# Brokens * - Good rw
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Super Good 1.^2 '
Vfaolo Glutinous Good t
TL S. R i c e • Good 1o7^
Australian Rico Good «=•
Pakistan Rico Good 10^2
Taiwan Rico Good . . <•
/Supplies and oomooo
Tuesday, February 12, 197^
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
Species Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (8/catty)
Hiffr Low •' Average
Golden Thread Normal 5.70 3.50 4.50
Big-Eyes Good 3.00 0.80 2.00
Squid Limited 6.50 3.00 5.00
Hair-Tails Limited 2.50 1.00 1.80
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.70 0.90 2.00
Croakers Normal 1.80 0.80 1.20
Conger-Pike-Eels Good 3.50 2.60 3.00
Melon Coat Good 2.10 1.30 1.80
Breams Limited 5.20 4.50 5.00
Yellow Belly Good 1.50 0.70 1.10
Mackerels Normal 5.50 3.50 4.50
Hod Goat Fish Good 2.40 0.60 1.30
• i Fork-Tail Good 1.60 . 0.90 1.20
Horsehead Limited 6.50 3.50 ■ 4.80
Melon Seed Normal 1 3.20. 1.50 2.80
t Poafrets Scarce 11.00 7.00 9.00
Garoupas Normal 8.00 5.50 7.00
Yollovz Croaker • — *•
* • •
/Supplies and .,••••••
Tuesday, February 12, 1$7Jt
• Supplies and Wholesale Prices. 9\ locally Produced Vegetables
%yr>e Availability — Wholesale Price (8/cnt.ty)
High V— • • • Lon Av era go - —-
Flowering cabbage Limited 2.^ 1.2 1.8
White cabbage Limited 1.2 0o5 0.8
Chinese Lettuce Normal. 1.0 0.25 0.6
Chinese Kale Scarce 1.8' 0.8 1.4
• Spring onion Normal 1*0 0oZ> .0.7
Spinach . Normal 1.0 0.2 0.6
Water oroGfl Normal .1.0 0.3 0o7
Loaf mustard cabbage Scarce 0.8 0.3 0.5
Tomato Limited 1.8 0.6 1.2
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of PorkJ^ZS- weight) •
Availability Wholesale Price
• • of Supply ( S/picul U (Average)
Pork Good • • 300
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 13» 197^
CONTENTS
Page No.
Mr. Denis Bray gives assurance that the less widely spoken
Chinese dialects will not be discriminated against........•*••»• 1
Call for longterm programme to improve Chinese language ........ 3
Steps being taken to recruit senior staff for underground railway •••••••••••••............................................. 5
Progress of implementation of McKinsey recommendations being reviewed ......................•.....•.........................
Less fuel oil consumed by power companies • •................... 7
Close watch on rice prices being maintained............•........ 9
Government studies applications for supplementary subventions by voluntary agencies............................................ 11
British advice sought on Community Service Orders scheme •••••• 12
Pension increase end arrears to local and overseas pensioners will bo fully paid within two months ••••••...................... 13
Consumer Advisory Service meant as a guide for housewives • •••• 14
Decision on Kennedy Road Junior School project soon ••*•••••••• 15
Legco will keep a close watch on the use of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s powers .«•»•................... 16
Securities Bill completes passage through L. gislative Council.•• 18
Seven Bills passed at today’s Legco sitting .................... 20
Scheme to allocate plastic raw materials .................... 21
New estate welfare building handed over to Social Welfare Department .....................•...............................
********
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: 3*30
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Wednesday, February 15» 197^
- 1 -
MO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LESS WIDELY SPOKEN CHINESE DIALECTS
*«»****»«
Non-Cantonese speaking Chinese people will not be discriminated against under the provisions of the Official Languages Bill.
This assurance was given in the Legislative Council today by the Secretary for Horae Affairs, the Hon. Denis Bray.
Ho pointed out that although the bill made no mention of the official version of spoken Chinese, the government in its oral dealings with Cantonese speakers would use Cantonese. The use of any dialect, Mr. Bray added, "will be governed by the practicality of situations*"
As an example of non-discrimination against those people who speak Chinese dialects other than Cantonese, Mr. Bray quoted the provision of a clause in the bill which allows parties and witnesses in court to speak in any Chinese or English dialect they wished.
Mr. Hfray made it clear that apart from the two offficial languages, it would be up to the court whether or not to permit the use of any other language in court proceedings.
Turning to practical suggestions raised by Unofficial Members, Mr. Bruy emphasised that it was now general government policy to reply to * « •• • • • •
Chinese communications in Chinese. Seme departments had, in fact, conducted correspondence in Chinese for over twenty years.
The Chinese Language Branch of the Home Affairs Department liad started taking steps to improve and standardise the quality of Chinese communications, and Chinese typewriters would be used more.
/On the
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
2 -
On the qualification of Interpreters/Translators, he said they would be trained in Mandarin and other spoken Chinese dialects; the use of Chinese as the medium of teaching in schools was being studied and considered as a separate issue.
Ho stressed that the government was determined to use the two languages for communication in the most effective way that could be done.
"I do not believe anyone nowadays finds himself seriously inconvenienced in his communication with the government if he has a reasonable command of Chinese or English,” he said.
-------0----------
Wednesday, February 13, 1974
- 3 -w * LANGUAGE BILL PASSED
Call For Further Improvements In Standard Of Chinese
******
The government was today urged to draw up a long-term programme to improve the standard of the Chinese language among residents and *to use simple Chinese in its communications with the public.
The suggestions were made by the Hon. Hilton Cheon^-Leen when speaking in support of the Official Languages Bill which passed its third and final reading in the Legislative Council this afternoon.
Steps should be taken, he said, to improve and standardize the quality of Chinese communications with the public, such as by avoiding the use of esoteric and outmoded terms or by giving too literal a Chinese translation of the English original.
In this regard, the forthcoming publication of the bilingual glossary, containing nearly 30■<000 terms commonly used by government departments, would be a step in the right direction, he said.
Mr. Cheong^Leen appreciated that improvements in the standard of Chinese could not be achieved overnight as it might require ’’strategic decisions” by the government. But he emphasised that there should be no undue delay arising from any government department in answering members of the public in the Chinese language. ”As soon as it is practicable, all communications in the Chinese ian5ua3o government departments to the public should be typewritten instead of handwritten.”
/Mr. Cheong-Loen.........
Wednesday, February 1J, 197^
- 4 -
Mr. Cheong-Leen also asked for consideration to be given to giving Mandarin equal status with Cantonese, in due course, as Mandarin is the national dialect of the Chinese people.
As both English and Chinese were now official languages, he said, the question now would centre on whether the Chinese language is being effectively used as a medium of communication in the government’s relations with the Chinese speaking members of the community.
"In the years to come it will be even more fully realised than it is today that the Official Languages Bill will have done much to reaffirm the cultural dignity and pride of the Chinese residents of Hong Kong,’1 he said.
Commenting on the bill, the Senior Unofficial Member, the Hon. Woo Pak-chuen, asked for an assurance that in the courts the parties and witnesses would be permitted to speak in Cantonese or any other Chinese dialect they wished to.
He welcomed the bill in that it demonstrated the government’s earnest intention that the language problem shall no longer of itself present any difficulty in communication between the government and the people.
-------0---------
/5.........
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 5 -
RECRUITMENT OF UNDERGROUND RAILWAY STAFF UNDERWAY
******
Steps are being taken to engage senior staff for the Mass Transit Railway while negotiations with the Japanese consortium leading up to the signing of a contract for the construction of the underground railway proceed.
This is to ensure that there will be no delay if terms are agreed, the Attorney General, the Hon. John Hobley, said today when moving the second reading of the Mass Transit Railway Provisional Authority Rill..
The bill provides, as an interim measure, for the establishment of a Provisional Authority consisting of the Financial Secretary and other members appointed by the Governor.
’’The members of the Provisional Authority will be incorporated so that, in particular, the Authoi ity may enter into contracts,” Mr* Hobley said.
He explained that the Steering Group, which has been handling the negotiations, was not empowered to enter into contracts of employment or other legal arrangements before the Mass Transit Railway Corporation was established. The future Corporation will eventually own and operate the railway.
Mr. Hobley said the powers of the Provisional Authority would be limited.
Its resources will consist of the monies in the Mass Transit Fund, finance which it may raise through bank borrowing and credits on the supply of materials purchased abroad.
/’’It is.......
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 6 -
”It is intended that initially almost all members of the Authority will be government officers, but some of thorn may be replaced in due course by some of the chief officers to be engaged by the Authority for the future Mass Transit Railway Corporation,1’ the Attorney General said.
He emphasised that the composition of the Provisional Authority ”does not indicate in any way the composition of the Board of the future Corporation.”
Provision is also made in the bill, to protect the words ”mass transit” and ’’underground railway” and the Registrar of Companies may refuse to register another company whose name includes those words or others likely to suggest a connection with the Mass Transit Railway.
Debate on the bill was adjourned.
-------0----------
PROGRESS OF GOVT REORGANISATION UNDER REVIEW
****** X • • • • •
The government is reviewing the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the McKinsey management consultants, the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Denys Roberts, said today.
He told Council in reply to a question from the Hon. Lee Quo-wei that the unofficial members would be given information on the subject as soon as the review was completed.
- - - - 0---------
/7........
Wednesday, February 13, 197^-
- 7 -
POWER COMPANIES SAVE MORE FUEL THAN EXPECTED
******
The power companies consumed less fuel oil than expected in tho seven weeks between December 15 last year and February 1 this year.
The actual consumption was 167,000 tons, or about 16 per cent below the expected 198,000 tons, the Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, said in Legislative Council today.
He pointed out however that it was difficult to predict electricity consumption, and hence fuel oil consumption by the power companies, because for example of changes in the weather, and holidays.
Bearing this in mind, it appeared that oil consumption by the companies was reduced by about 12 per cent during the same period.
This economy, he said was in anticipation of the 15 per cent reduction in the normal 1974 oil supplies expected last December and the 10 per cent reduction expected now.
"Reduced oil consumption by the power companies over the seven weeks in question was the result of an amalgam of deliberate economies achieved by both the public and the power companies aimed at preserving unrestricted availability of electricity to industry,” he said.
Tho economies, he noted, included restrictions on the use of electric lights outside certain hours, a total ban on floodlighting, an earlier introduction of Summer Time, comprehensive save-fuel publicity, a reduction by about 50 per cent of the power companies’ spinning reserve, and a reduction of two por cent (4 volts) in the power companies’ voltage emission.
/The Financial •••••••
Wednesday, February 13, 1974
8 -
The Financial Secretary pointed out that statistics on oil stocks in Hong Kong could fluctuate widely between particular dates due to slight changes in the schedule of tanker deliveries.
Although stocks rose between mid-December and the end of January, because tho anticipated cutback in supplies did not occur until the end of January, tho 10 per cent cutback from traditional sources had now begun.
It was only prudent that the percentage reduction in consumption should be kept above the expected percentage reduction in supplies because we could not bo sure in present world oil uncertainties that the cutback would only be 10 per cent.
’The outlook could change at very short notice for reasons beyond our control,” ho said.
In reply to a question from Dr. the Hon. S.Y. Chung, Mr. Haddon-Cave gave a list of comparative figures for the stock level of various oil products.
In September 1973, the stocks of kerosene were good for about 44 days of normal consumption, while at the end of last month, they were sufficient for 49 days. «
Tho stocks of petrol were sufficient for 36 days at tho end of last month, compared with 30 days at the end of last September, while the stocks of automotive and industrial diesel oil were sufficient for 30 days at tho end of last month, three days less than at the end of January last year.
Mr. Haddon-Cave emphasised that variation in these stock levels should not give anxiety because it could be due to changes in delivery schedules, and besides it was expected that additional supplies were to start coming from China towards the end of this month.
fn?hero is every reason to believe that stocks will be maintained at satisfactory levels,” he said.
-------0--------- /9....................
Wednesday, February 15? 197^
- 9 -
CLOSE WATCH ON RICE PRICES MAINTAINED
********
A careful watch over price mark-ups on rice at all levels of the trade is being maintained by the Commerce and Industry Department.
Departmental inspectors visit between 70 to 100 retail outlets every working day, covering different areas each day, to ensure that price tags are displayed on rice offered for sale and that prices generally match the quality of rice on offer.
This was stated at today’s Legislative Council meeting by the Director of Commerce and Industry, Mr. David Jordan, who said that most retail shops are offering rice in the price range #1.50 to #2.10 per catty.
”In the light of import costs and trade overheads I think this is about right,” he added. ”But it is the practice of almost all rice shops to blend rice of different qualities and it is important that the consumer should buy selectively.”
Mr. Jordan, who was replying to a question from Mr. Hilton Cheong-Loen, said that the Commerce and Industry Department continues to watch the international supply position for rice very carefully.
”Dcoring in mind the high quality of rice that our consumers demand, and our total dependence on imports, I am satisfied we are securing our rice supplies at prices as favourable as world market conditions permit,” he said.
/”We certainly ........
Wednesday, February 13, 1974
- 10 -
"We certainly can buy rice at lower prices and during our period of supply difficulty last year we did so. This cheap rice has been available on the local market for over six months but very little of it has been sold."
llr. Jordan said that he did not think there was a need to sot up a system for dealing with complaints about overcharging. The most effective way for the customer to deal with what he considers to be overcharging was to take his custom elsewhere.
He pointed out that there are between 4,000 to 5,000 retailors competing for the consumers1 business. While any complaints that wore received would be investigated, the consumers’ best safeguard was the existence of competition in the retail trade.
-------0---------
/11
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 11 -
ADDITIONAL SUBVENTIONS FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES BEING STUDIED «***$**#
The government is currently considering requests for supplementary subventions to meet salary increases from voluntary organisations who receive discretionary grants.
The Secretary for Social Services, the Hon. Li Fook-kow said today that a reply will be made as soon as possible to the organisations * concerned.
He was replying to a question from the Hon. Li Fook-wo who wanted to know what steps were being taken to assist subverted voluntary organisations to meet their current expenditure on salaries in view of the steep increases in prices.
The Secretary for Social Services said that there arc two main methods of subventing voluntary erganisations — by discretionary grant and by deficiency grant.
Subventions on a discretionary basis was a form of partial aid, he added, and the organisations are normally expected to meet contingencies by raising additional funds from other sources if necessary.
However, increases in costs (including salaries) are taken into account when determining the subvention for an ensuing year.
/Organisations ••••••
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 12 -
Organisations being subvented on a deficiency basis - mainly aided schools and certain major medical organisations - receive sufficient funds to assist them in applying to their own staff salary increases approved for comparable posts in the public service.
Tho government takes an active role in the administration of these organisations, including control over the number and grades of staff required, and over their salary scales and appointments.
Such control is not exercised in the case of agencies receiving discretionary grants.
-------0---------
ADVICE SOUGHT ON COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS SCHEME
*******
The government is making enquiries regarding the operation of a new system in England whereby courts may order certain offenders to do unpaid community service work instead of imposing other sentences.
The Attorney General, the Hon. John Hobley, told the Legislative Council that the possibility of introducing such a scheme in Hong Kong had been considered by a departmental working party.
However, there were differing views as to the suitability and practicability of such a scheme, he said, and advice has been sought as to bow the idea is working out in practice in Britain.
-------0--------- /13.......................
Wednesday, February 1J, 197^
13
FULL PAYMENT OF PENSION INCREASE AND ARREARS BY APRIL *******
The eight per cent increase in pensions announced last October will be fully paid to all local and overseas pensioners within the next I
two months, the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Denys Roberts, told the Legislative Council today.
Replying to a question from the Hon. Wilfred Wong, Mr. Roberts said the increase had been paid to local pensioners since November 1ast year, and arrears for the period April to October 1973 will be paid at the end of this month..
As regards overseas pensioners, the increase had been paid to some of them in January. The rest would be paid this month while the arrears would be paid by the Crown Agents within the next two months.
In answer to a question from the Hon. Lee Quo-wei, the Colonial Secretary said there will be no increase in the minimum uncommuted pension payable to civil servants retiring at the age of 55 so that the minimum amount will be equal to that receivable under the Public Assistance Scheme.
’’The pension of a public officer is based on his retiring salary and his length of service. It is therefore earned by him and it would not be appropriate for a supplement of the kind suggested to be added to it,” Mr. Roberts explained.
However, a public officer is eligible on equal terms with all members of the community for benefits provided under the Public Assistance Scheme, he added.
-------0---------- ......................
Wednesday, February 13? 197^
- 14 -
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE MEANT AS A GUIDE FOR HOUSEJIVES
*********
The Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave said today the Consumer Advisory Service serves the function of a guide for housewives so that they could gauge retail margins of basic food commodities.
The service came into operation last November as an authoritative daily guide to wholesale prices and supplies of rice, vegetables, marine fish and pork.
Mr. Haddon-Cave explained that the release *of retail prices would hardly benefit the individual housewife, since they would be averages or ranges based on information collected from a large number of retail outlets over a wide geographical area.
He was replying to a question from the Hon. Hilton Cheong-Leon on the effectiveness of the Consumer Advisory Service.
The Financial Secretary referred to a speech he made in the Council last November when he said the service was provided so that "with experience in interpreting changes in this information •••• the housewife will be able to sec clearly for herself whether retail margins are reasonable The government monitors developments of prices, supplies, and traders1 margins very carefully, he added, and "there would be merit in. the appropriate UliELCO group periodically meeting, and being briefed by, the government officers associated with this monitoring process."
-------0---------
/15.........
n
*
Wednesday, February 1J, 197^
- 15 -
DECISION ON KENNEDY ROAD JUNIOR SCHOOL PROJECT SOON
********
The preposed Kennedy Road Junior School is expected tc be completed by summer next year if approval to commence building works is given within the next few months.
Speaking in the Legislative Council this afternoon, the Hon. David McDonald, Director of Public Works, said that a proposal had already been submitted to upgrade the project to Category A of the Public 17 or Ils Programme
"I understand that it will be considered by the Public Works Sub-Committee of Finance Committee in April," he said in answer to a query from the Hon. Peter Williams regarding the progress of upgrading the school project.
Hr* McDonald added that if the upgrading were approved, building work would be completed by the end of August, 1975-
The site of the Kennedy Road Junior School is located at Stubbs Road near Victoria Heights.
/16..........
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 16 -
CLOSE WATCH WILL BE KEPT ON ICAC POWERS
******
The Independent Commission Against Corruption was urged to give priority attention to the provision of adequate protection to those who are prepared to come forward to give information on corruption.
The extent of protection,-the Senior Unofficial Legco Member, the Hon. Woo Pak Chuen said, would determine in large part the success of the new Commission.
While giving every support of the Unofficials to the new Commission which he described as a ”fenrl ss independent body”, he noted that its powers were wide and extensive, and that it would be necessary for the Council to ensure always that they were not abused.
Ho said he was sure however that the new Commissioner would use the new powers most carefully. ”It is because of oi.r trust in Mr. Cater that wo agree to the granting of these powers,” he said.
He was also confident that Mr. Cater would be supported by most of the people of Hong Kong and he called upon every member of the community to adopt a new outlook on corrupt practices.
”It is only by widespread determination to eradicate this evil that success can be achieved,” he stressed."
He said it was unfair to criticise the new organisation as being in effect the old one in new guise because it was inevitable that previous personnel should continue in their employment during the interim period when new staff were being recruited.
/However, •••••••
Wednesday, February 1J, 1974
- 17 -
However, although recruitment was urgent, it was necessary to select carefully new staff whose integrity would be beyond suspicion.
The Hon. Hilton Cheong-Leen also spoke in support of the new indopondent Commission and its work.
He did not agree with the often repeated view that corruption had always been a way of life with the Chinese.
’’Corruption is not an exclusive characteristic of the Chinese;
it is just part of human nature whether in Hong Kong or in any other major city in Asia or elsewhere,” he said.
He noted that unlike some other places, people in Hong Kong could speak openly about corruption and heartily criticise the government on corruption without the risk of being deported or put in jail.
Ho emphasised however that top secrecy should be preserved and complainants and informants given every protection against exposure and victimization, if the Commission was to get active public co-operation.
To maintain people’s confidence in the Commission, he said, it : • ’ I *
was also necessary to take maximum precautions to disallow those who wore or who had been with the Commission to criminally make use of any information they had access to.
- .----C---------
/18
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 18 -
SECURITIES BILL PASSES WITH AMENDMENTS
Hong Kong’s stock exchanges will now be required to contribute to only one common compensation fund instead of setting up their own individual funds for the protection of investors.
This is provided in the amended Securities Bill which passed its third and final reading in the Legislative Council today.
The amendment to the part dealing with the compensation fund scheme was one of many moved by the Financial Secretary, Mr. Philip Haddon-Cave.
"In principle,” Mr. Haddon-Cave said, "the compensation scheme is simply a form of insurance to protect the investor up to a stated level in case a member of a stock exchange defaults, and the fund from which compensation is to be paid is to be made up of a contribution from each of the exchanges on the basis of a uniform sum for each individual member.’' Although the scheme as originally proposed in the bill was substantially changed, the Financial Secretary emphasised "the basic principles have boon maintained."
Under the bill, each exchange is obliged to deposit with the compensation fund in respect of each of its members a sum equal to 525,000 in cash and an irrevocable bank guarantee for a further 525,000. However, in respect of this latter requirement, the Commission for Securities may exempt an exchange from compliance if it is satisfied that the exchange is operating a satisfactory guarantee system protecting its own members.
/Mr• Haddon-Cave ••••••••
Wednesday, February 13, 1974
- 19 -
lir • Haddon-Cave made it clear that the onus to provide money for tho fund is on each exchange. How it raised the money was a matter entirely for each exchange to decide.
The primary and immediate purpose of the bill, he explained, is to give more protection to the investor rather than to protect the interests of the broking community. He added, however, that it was not intended in any way to frustrate the legitimate activities of brokers.
’’Indeed, brokers have every right to be protected from unscrupulous clients and staff, but it is the government’s view that this should be achieved by their own arrangements rather than by statutory means.”
Summing up, the Financial Secretary said: ”in a Bill as complex as this dealing as it does with a constantly evolving industry, it is inevitable that further amendments will be necessary —— perhaps sooner rather than later.
’’Indeed, should the Securities Commission and the government bo persuaded that certain amendments are necessary even before a Part is implemented then we would be prepared to introduce them; but I hasten to say that this would not be agreed to lightly for the provisions of the Bill as enacted must now be tested by experience.”
Earlier, the Hon. Woo Pak-chuen called on the stock exchanges and all stockbrokers to accept the Securities Bill ”in good spirit and with the determination to co-operate with the Commissioner for Securities in putting those provisions into effect,”
’’The final result is a piece of legislation which should servo both to ensure propur and adequate regulations of stock exchange transactions in Hong Kong and to enhance the international reputation of Hong Kong as a financial centre,” he said.
-------0---------
,/20.......
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 20 -
SEVEN BILLS PASSED
*******
Seven bills passed their third and final readings in the Legislative Council today.
They were: the Independent Commission Against Corruption Bill 197^j "tiie Securities Bill 1973? the Protection of Investors Bill 1973? the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill 197^j the Prevention of Bribery (Amendment) Bill 197^, the Official Languages Bill 197^ and the Prisons (Amendment) Bill 197^ •
The Mass Transit Railway Provisional Authority Bill 197^ was read for the first time and debate on the second reading was adjourned.
Reports tabled during the session included the annual report of the Accountant General for the year 1972-73, the report of the Brewin Trust Fund Committee and the annual report of the Li Po Chun Charitable Trust Fund.
-------0---------
/21........
Wednesday, February 13, 197^
- 21 -
SCHEME TO ALLOCATE PLASTIC &U MATEKLJS
Ot**«**
The Commerce and Industry Department is tc provide administrative support for a scheme which will allocate two essential raw materials to local plastics firms.
Proposals for the scheme were originally made by the three main plastics manufacturers’ associations to the Commerce and Industry Department. These proposals have been discussed a number of times between importers, manufacturers and DC & I officials.
At a comprehensive discussion today between representatives of the associations, major importers of plastic raw materials and officials of the Commerce and Industry Department, it was agreed that the associations, in conjunction with the importers, would jointly operate a quota allocation scheme and that DC 8c I would provide administrative support.
A small committee has been set up to agree- thu details of the scheme. The intention is to help smaller manufacturing concerns which arc facing difficulties in obtaining sufficient supplies of polystyrene and polyethylene, the two materials involved in the scheme.
It is hoped that at least five million pounds of these materials will be made available by importers and the larger manufacturing concerns for distribution to the smaller factories.
/Mr. Jimmy ••••••
Wednesday, February 1J, 197^
- 22 -
I
Mr. Jimmy McGregor, Deputy Director of Commerce and Industry, said after the meeting: ,rPhe department has been in constant contact with major importers and the larger manufacturers and they have indicated support for an allocation arrangement, provided it is properly organised, ”Wo do not propose to physically gather a stockpile of materials together, nor shall we control prices. What we have in mind is a system whereby factories registered under the scheme will be issued with an authorisation to go to a specified supplier and collect a quantity of materials. The quantity will be based on the production capacity of their machinery and other relevant factors of production.”
Initially, it is expected that the allocation of materials will be made on a ”rnce and for all” basis, with deliveries beginning in early March, but a further share-out will be considered if circumstances warrant it.
Mr. McGregor said that, although the supply situation was still uncertain, there wore indications that the position may improve in a few months’ time.
In the meantime, the Commerce and Industry Department was prepared to assist the administration of this scheme, which represented a genuine attempt by the trade and industry to help the small-scale manufacturers.
-------0---------
/23........
Wednesday, February 15, 197^
- 25 -
ICT ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING HANDED OVER TO S.W.D.
******
Ihe Housing Department today (Wednesday) handed over to the Social Welfare Department the keys of a new Estate Welfare Building that has just been completed in the Lam Tin Housing Estate*
This is the second such building in the Estate, and will be the seventh which the Social Welfare Department is operating in different Public Housing Estates.
As with the others, space in this new Estate Welfare Rm Td-j ng will be allocated to various welfare organisations to provide a variety of services to people living in the surrounding area.
These services will include vocational classes and group activities, a youth centre, a library, a day nursery and a pre-vocational training centre for mentally retarded children from 14 to 16 which the department will operate in addition to providing other services.
Situated in Kai Tin Road within the Estate, it will be known as the Lam Tin Estate Welfare Building (West). The other Estate Welfare Buildings already in use are located in Lam Tin (East), Shek Loi, Tsz Wan Shan, Ngau Tau Kok and in Sau Mau Ping south and central.
-------0---------
Wednesday, February 15, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies *
The following prices were realised today(Wednesday) at Bales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation VJholccalo Market and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Marlcot at *
Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon:
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rice
Grade Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (g/catty)__
China Rico Average •
_ old crop Soo Mew _n, * •* new crop Good 1.84 •
S.C.Jion - old crop now crop Good 1.78
Po Hgai Good •a
Chu Clio Good
Thai Rico Td^ri/hoio Good 1.74
Brokcns • Good
t A1 Super Extra Good • «■
A1 Super Good t 1.42 •
Whole Glutinous Good ••
• IJ.S. Rice Good 1.74
Australian Ripe Good •• ■ •
Pakistan Rico Good . . 1.42
Taiwan Rico Good
/Supplies end oooeooa
Wednesday, February 1Jf 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
Species Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (8/catty)
Hifft Low Average
Golden Thread Good 5-4 3.0 4.4
Big-Eyes Good 2.8 0.7 1.8
Squid Limited ; 6.3 3.0 5.5
Hair-Tails normal 3.3 1.5 3.0
Lizard Fishes . Normal 2.7 1.4 2.4 "
Croalcers Good 2.4 0.7 1.7
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 3.3 2.5 2.8
Melon Coat Good 2.4 1.5 1.8
Breams Limited 5.0 4.0 4.8
Yollow Belly Good 2.2, 0.8 1.5
Mackerels Normal 5.4 4.0 4.5
Red Goat Fish Normal '■ 2.8 0.8 1.7
Fork-Tail Good 1.5 1.2 1.4
Horse-Head Normal 5.5 3.5 4.6
Melon Seed Normal 3-2 . 1.6 2.8
Porrfrots Scarce 9.0 8.0 8.5
Goroupas Normal 6.0 5.5 5.8
Yellow Croaker M •B BB
। • • •
• /Supplif ?s and •.
Wednesday, February 13»
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
Locally Produced Vegetables Availability Wholesale Price
of Supply
Low Average,
Honoring cabbage Limited 2.4 1o2 1.8
White cabbage Limited 1.6 0.6 1©2
Chinese Lottuoe Limited 1.2 0.3 0.8
Chinese Kale Scarce 1.8 0.8 1.4
Spring onion Normal 0.8 0.3 0.6
Spinach . Normal 1.2 0.3 o©8
Water cross Normal . 1.2 0.4 0.8
Loaf mustard cabbage Scarce 0.8 0.3 0.5
Tomato Limited 2.0 0.8
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live, weight) •
Availability Wholesale Price
• of Supply ( (5/ picul).
• • (Average) •
Pork Good • • JOO
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Thursday, February 14, 1974
CONTENTS
Page No.
Letter of Intent for Mass Transit contract to be signed tomorrow..............................................•••••••• 1
Passing out parade for prisons officers.............•••«•••••• 2
Serious rise in measles cases - parents urged to have their children immunised ........................................... J
Rent increase on 75 estate welfare organisations deferred ... 5
Section of Tung Lo Wan Road to remain permanent one-way route ........................................................ 6
Export quota controls extended to a fifth category of plastic raw materials .•••••••.................................... 7
514 labour disputes settled last month by Labour Relations Service......................................................... 8
Temporary resiting of Wang Tau Hom hawkers for clean-up operation....................................................... 9
Two-day careers seminar for senior secondary school students .................................................... 10
Special traffic arrangements in Kowloon on Sunday for fund-raising walk................................................... 11
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: 7*45 p.m.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Thursday, February 14, 1974
. - 1 '• / •
LETTER CF INTENT FOR MASS' TRANSIT CONTRACT
To Be Signed Tomorrow mum
A Letter of Intent to negotiate a contract for the construction and equipment of the first four stages of the Mass Transit Railway will be signed by Mr. Philip Haddon-Cave, Financial Secretary and Chairman of the Mass Transit Steering Group, and issued to the Japanese Consortium tomorrow (Friday) morning. s
Announcing this today, a government spokesman explained that, since the decision made by the government on December 11, 1973 to seek negotiations with the Japanese Consortium for the conclusion of a contract, the Mass Transit Steering Group had held five formal meetings with representatives of the Consortium to discuss matters pertaining to the Letter of Intent.
"Although these meetings have been spread over a period of two months," he said, "the discussions, which were held in a cordial atmosphere, had proceeded steadily and in a businesslike manner, with both sides demonstrating good faith and affirming their intention to successfully conclude a contract"•
He added that "the Letter of Intent, which enshrines the government’s stated requirements and establishes the term within which the formal contract will be negotiated, is a key stage in progress towards the building of the mass transit railway and marks the penultimate step in the long sequence of events towards selecting a contractor for the scheme and concluding a contract."
/The Japanese
Thursday, February 14, 1974
- 2 -
The Japanese Consortium is led by the Mitsubishi Corporation, with Messrs. JardineMatheson and Company Limited as their local representatives. Mr. H. Sakamaki, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Corporation, will be coming from Tokyo to receive the Letter of Intent from the Financial Secretary.
The press are invited to attend the signing ceremony which will bo held tomorrow in the Reception Lounge, 1st Floor, East Wing, Colonial Secretariat at 12:J0 p.m.
-------0---------
PRISONS OFFICERS ON PARADE
A passing out parade for about 100 prisons officers and cadets will be held at the Prisons Department Staff Training Institute at Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley, at 11 a.m. on Saturday (February 2J).
Mr. David Hampton, Inspector of Prisons, will inspect the parade.
Also in attendance will be the band of the Cape Collinson Training Centre.
Note to Editors: Your representatives are welcome to cover
the occasion and to attend a reception following the parade.
-------0---------
Thursday, February 14, 197^
- 3 -
SERIOUS RISE IN INCIDENCE OF MEASLES ।
11 Deaths, Jo7 Notifications In January Cause Concern
**•♦*•*•♦
Eleven children aged between six months and two years died from measles in January this year — the highest monthly total since 19^7, when 201. deatlis from the disease were recorded.
In addition, 367 cases were notified — the highest monthly total since January 1967, when 951 notifications were received.
. Dr. K.L. Thong, Deputy Director of Medical and Health Services (Health), said today those figures — seen against the 21 deaths and 1,0;A notifications for the whole of 1973 — were causing serious concern.
He regretted that despite annual immunisation campaigns, and widespread publicity, public co-operation had been poor. There were two campaigns last year, the latest being in December, yet there had been no significant response.
As a result, the department had advanced the date of the annual measles immunisation campaign for 197^ from May to February 18. For a month from that date, there would be intensive publicity to urge parents of susceptible children up to five years to have them immunised.
Free vaccine would be available at all the 37 maternal and child health centres throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories run by the Medical and Health Department.
Mobile teams would visit housing estates and other areas, and as an added service, would call on any institution on request to inoculate children in groups of 20 or more. The request could be made by a telephone call to the departments regional health offices — Hong Kong Island 5-^35531; Kowloon 3-010111 ext. 3^7; New Territories 3-866825-
/Dr. Thong
Thursday, February 14, 1974
**- 4 - •
Dr. Thong urged parents to take advantage of this service to help the department in its attempt to arrest the rising incidence of the ♦ disease, and to prevent a possible outbreak of a full-blown measles epidemic in Hong ’Cong during the remainder of this cold season.
He recalled that in 1973, of the 80,14? live births registered, only 25,028 children under one year were inoculated, or J1.2 per cent# Taking account of other susceptible children who were also inoculated last year, the total reached 48,285.
’£his is clearly unsatisfactory,” Dr. Thong said. "Parents must be much better than that, and the time is now.”
He made a special appeal to parents in housing estates, because of the 11 deat’is recorded in January, six were from families living in estates. Measles being a highly infectious disease, he explained that only inoculation could prevent it from spreading among children in large concentrations of population.
Dr. Thong recalled that the last epidemic of the disease occurred in the wintoz'-spring of 1936-67. Free anti-measles vaccine became available on a yoax^-round basis from December 1967#
Since then, the incidence of, and deaths from, measles had remained low "due in part to the immunisation facilities."
Dr. Thong repeated the warning that although measles was regarded by many people as a common childhood disease and perhaps not a very serious one by itself, danger reposed in the complications that could arise from it — such as bronchitis, pneumonia, middle ear infection, and encephalitis.
He strongly advised parents not to persist in the wrong belief that "every child should be made to go through an attack of measles instead of being prevented from getting it, or having it suppressed." ------------------------------------0---------
Thursday, February 14, 1974
5 -t i 75 ESTATE WELFARE ORGANISATIONS WIN ONE YEAR RESPITE FROM RENT INCREASES Rent Of 89 Others To Go Up
Tho Housing Authority announced today it has decided to defer until April 1, 1975 the rent increases on 75 lettings to voluntary organisations operating social welfare activities, clinics, schools and religious activities in its various estates.
These 75 lettings are those not presently receiving subventions from the Social Welfare Department. Planned rental increases for another 89 lettings will however go ahead.
* • The Housing Authority will shortly be writing to inform them of the decision.
Tho deferment of rent for one year will enable tho Social Welfare and other government departments to assess those agencies’ eligibility for future subventions relating to rentals.
However, if any of then should find it difficult to meet the new rents after one year, they can apply to tho Housing Authority for reconsideration of their cases on an individual basis.
“It is not the intention of the Authority to deprive estate tenants of the various social services offered by those agencies,0 a Housing Authority spokesman emphasised.
’ He explained that as the Authority is bound by law to be self-supporting financially, it was inappropriate for the Authority to undertake the government function of subsidising welfare agencies operating in the various estates, most of which were previously charged by tho government at a nominal monthly rental of S1.
/Menawhile,
Thursday, February 14, 1974
- 6 -• Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Department assured tenants of the 89 other lottings, who are already in receipt of financial assistance from the department, that tho bill for their increased rents would be mot in full on April 1, 1974.
TfTho department has made provision for the sum of 82.5 million for tho financial.year 1974/75 for this propose," a EOT), spokesman said.
-------0---------
ONEWAY TRAFFIC ONLY ALONG TUNG LO WAN ROAD
• G p c. q p v > £
Tlie section of Tims ^an Road between Causeway Road and Moreton Terrace on Hons Kong Island will remain a permanent one-way road for westbound traffic#
Tho road was first routed one-way westbound in April last year to facilitate drainage works.
A spokesman for tho Transport Department said: ,rTho one-way routing has eliminated congestion caused by motorists on Tung Lo Wan Road cutting across two lanes of traffic to turn right at the junction of Causeway Road and Hing Fat Street."
Another improvement resulting from the re-routing was the reduction in tho amount of traffic turning right from Tai Rang Road into Tung Lo Wan Read.
Tho section of Tung Lo Wan Road between Moreton Terraco and Tai Rong Road will remain open to two-way traffic, whilo Moreton Terrace is to remain one-way northbound.
- - O - -
Thursday, February 14, 1974
- 7 -
EXPOET QUOTA CONTROLS ON -ELASTICS EXTENDED mm
The Connorce and Industry Department announced today that export quota controls aro to bo imposed on. a fifth category of plastic ran materials*
Tho item concerned, polymerisation and copolymerisation resins, moulding and extrusion compounds, appears under category 581298 in tho Hong Kcng Irrporta and Experts Classification Liat.
It has boon decided to impose export quot~ controls on this category because the quantities licenced for export since January 1 arc substantially above the monthly average for 1973.
The issue of export licences has been suspended until quotas have been allocated and notified to tho trade.
An export licensing scheme to cover 55 different categories of plastic raw materials nos introduced at tho beginning of the year.
Tho four items on which controls are already in force are polypropylene, low density and high density polyethylene and P.V.C. resins.
Mr. Jinny McGregor, Deputy Director of Commerce and Industry, said it was already clear that tho application of a licensing system at the begnnnj ng of the year had helped to stabilise the supply position of essential raw materials to the plastics industry.
,FJe uro only applying export quota controls when it becomes apparent that re-e:q?orts of specific categories have reached a level which could disturb the traditional pattern of supplies available for local consumption,n ho added.
/“Trade and ©«....
Thursday, February 14, 1974
- 8 -
’’Trade and industrial sources have agreed that the licensing and quota controls have also helped to reduce price fluctuations.”
In the meantime , the department is pressing ahead on detailed administrative planning for a share-out of two basic plastic raw materials — polystyrene and polyethylene — among the smaller firms.
At least five million pounds of these materials will be made available for distribution during March by importers and the larger manufacturing concerns.
-------0---------
LRS HELPS SETTLE 314 LABOUR DISPUTES
The Labour Relations Service of the Labour Department handled 4?9 industrial disputes last month, and helped settle J14 of them.
As a result of agreements reached, employees received a total of $249,503 in settlement of outstanding wages, payment in leiu of notice, statutory holiday pay, bonuses, severance pay and other ex-gratia payments. During the month, 115 cases were referred to the Labour Tribunal, eight to the Legal Aid Department and two to District Courts. The remaining 40 cases were either withdrawn by the applicants or settled by direct negotiation.
In addition to conciliation work, officers of the Service also hwndlnd 2,94? consultations and enquiries about labour laws, industrial relations and personnel management,
------0--------- Z?9.................
Thursday, February 14, 197^
- 9 -
WANG TAU HOM HAWKERS GET NEW SITES
Hore thin 140 hawkers in Wang Tau Hom Estate were today offered new sites near Clock 14 to continue their trade.
These hawkers, whose stalls were originally at areas around Blocks 12 and 13, had to leave the place temporarily to enable Housing Department staff to carry out a tidy-up operation.
Work will start immediately to resurface the entire area and add in a proper drainage system. The site will be marked out properly and the • hawkera will bo able to move back in several weeks.
Today’s tidy-up operation is part of a continuing environmental improvement exercise aimed at improving the living condition of the tenants of the older public housing estates.
More than 200 structures and hawker stalls and about 120 illegal shop extensionsworo demolished in the operation. Most of the structures were voluntarily pulled dov/n by their owners.
Mr. Chan Harh-chung, District Estate Manager, Central, said the operation could only have been carried out so smoothly with the full co-operation of the tenants and hawkers.
tPFhjii nas duo to the fact that they knew quite well that the exercise was carried out for the good of the eotato tenants,” he said.
-----0------
/10
- 10 -
f
cahefri r^.rniAh r.”’:?.r.?7r?»
CUO000
f^ rproern seminar for some ChQ senior secondary school
students io to be hold at the I.:., a ■ • .. -
February 25 ar.d 2^®
The noninnr will bo organised jointly by the Youth Krnployment ’ ■ ■
School Careers Cnidr-nce Cc-rritton, c/. :gv? -.;•••g careers tor-./horn <-?cn seven major schools .* "*. Kum Teng-.
$h0 coni--or c*m to pvovzdo the ntv'dontn, many o.*. viic.i c'ro their final year of schooling, r/ith a wide rr?.go of infevration w enable them to nako n vrso choice c/' ervoo:?®
55-o rrorgvr-e vr?.n .• h/P b ;.-nol diner/.sic-o and tho distribution of erre-’s lit—atv-o n-jr^nd by tho Inbevv Pn^tronto
Errjortc from cer:r.orca9 tho goverr-:or>t end inch’stry nill deliver tai hr. on nark with connutorc, social uork, nursing, apprentice tcai. ling, government jobn for secondary school leavers, and employment and further studies®
A panel discussion on jobs connected with tho tourist industry vrf.31 bo posted by roprosentativea from airl?ncs, hotels and travel agencies, end ezrports from tho textile, printing and building industries mP. load a •discussion on nork in industry«>
Tho seminar will bo the first of its kind in'Kwvn Teng® Senior form students in tho Kurin Tong oren ro;/ n.pnly through their '•'.> f other interested stv.donts chonld contact !'? r'^ivk. rn. c >■_ •. j t Kok Caritas Centre nt 3 r' ■-'•■■
it
Thursday, February 14, 1974
- 11 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUNDAY’S CHARITY WALK
Special traffic arrangements are being introduced in conjunction with the Community Chest’s annual ’’Walk for a Million” in Kowloon on Sunday (February 17) •
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. from the Kwun Tong Recreation Ground and will finish at the same place at about 6 p.m. The route will take walkers into the foothills around the Kwun Tong area.
Because of the large numbers of people expected to participate the following traffic arrangements will be implemented between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The link road connecting Junk Bay Road and Anderson Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic, including vehicles connected with the walk. In addition, vehicular traffic using Anderson Road from the link road to Rennie’s Mill will be restricted to franchised buses and emergency vehicles only.
Motorists in the area are advised to drive with extreme caution. Traffic police and other police units will be on hand along the route to assist those taking part in the Walk and to ease traffic congestion.
Appropriate traffic signs will also be posted to guide motorists.
- - 0 - -
Thursday, February 14, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies / * *
Tho following prices were realised today (Thursday) at Bales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and tho Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at
Choung Sha Wan, Kowloon:
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rice
Grado China Rice Availability of Supply Wholesale Price ($/catty)
Average -
„ old crop Seo Mon ~ new crop • •
S.C.Jion - old crop
Po Ilgai M —
Chu Cho 9 «■
Thai Pico lOcjnSoie Good 1.74
10-15# Brokens • Good 1.69
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Super Good . 1.42
Wholo Glutinous Good
* U.S, Rice Good 1.74
Australian Rioe Good -1.72 •
Pakistan Rico Good 1.42
yaiv/an Rico •• •• • •
/Supplies end •••••••
Thursday, February 14, 197k
Suftplies and Wholesale Trices of Marine Fish
Species • - Availability of Supply Wholesale Price
• High (8/catty) Average
Low •
- Golden Thread Good •5.3 3.5 ■ 4.3
; Big-Byes Good 2.7 0.8 2.1
Squid Limited 6.5 5.2 5.0
Hair-Tails Normal 3.0 1«2 1.7
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.9 %2 2.0
Croalcors Good 2.4 0.7 1.5
Conger-Pike-Eels Good 3.3 2*2 2.8 -
• Melon Coat Good 2.4 1.5 1.8
Breams Limited 5.0 3.8 4.8
Yellow Belly Good 2.2 0.8 1.3
Mackorols Normal 5.0 4.5
Red Goat Fish Good 2.6 0.8 2.0
Fork-Tail Normal 1.7 0.8 1.3
Horso-Hoad Limited 6.5 3.5 4.8
Melon Seed Normal 3.2. 2.2 2.7
Poofrcto Scarce 12.0 8.0 9.5
Garcrupas Normal 8.0 5.0 6.0
• * Yollow Croaker Mi • • • /Supplies and •• •
4
Thursday, February 14V 197^>
• f Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
locally Produced Vegetables
Availability ' of Supply -Wholesale Price (8/catty)
High Lon Average
Honoring cabbage Limited 2.0 1.0 1.5 —
White cabbage Limited 1.4 0.5 1.0
Chinese Lottuoe Limited 1.0 0.3 0.7
Chinese Kale f Scarce 1.8 0.8 1.4
Spring onion Good 0.6 0.3 P.5 •
Splnaoh . Normal 1.0 0.3 0.7
Water oross : Normal 1.0 0.25 0.6
Loaf mustard cabbage Scarce 0.8 0.3 0.5
Tomato Limited 2.0 0.8 1.4
Supplies end Wholeeale Pricon of Pork (Live. weight)
Availability of Supply Wholesale Price ( 8/ piculL_
(Average)
Perk . . Good r • • 300
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Friday, February 15, 1974
CONTENTS
Page Iio,
Public Assistance special allowances will be raised from April,. 1
Deficit of 3242 million recorded for first seven months of this financial year •••••••••••••....................................... 3
One-year extension of EEC tariff preferences on certain manufactured and semi-manufactured products •••••••»••••••••••••••• 4
Registration of voters begins for next year's Urban Council elections ••••••••••••••••...........•.......................... 5
Review of Hong Kong’s public relations effort in Europe......... 8
Cheung Sha. i/an and Sham Shui Po to be declared smoke control area ••••••••«••••••••......................................... 9
Fund-raising walk for Community Chest this Sunday ............. 10
Experimental "mini-roundabout” at junction of Tai Po and Ching Cheung roads ................................................. 11
More non-manual workers will be covered by Workmen's Campensation and Employment ordinances ••••••••............................. 1J
Call for sophisticated organisation of Careers Masters .......... 14
Daily guide to vzholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time:8.15 p«m«
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
JYiday, February 151 197^
- 1 -/ •
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SPECIAL ALLOV/ANCES TO BE INCREASED
The Social Welfare Department will increase from April 1 this year the special allowances paid to certain people drawing public assistance.
The allowances are to help with the expense of medically approved extra diet and certain other expenses such as those related to boarding charges for disabled children, and removal.
Announcing the revision, the Assistant Director of Social Welfare in charge of the Social Security Division, Mr. IVederick Clark, said: ••Those new increases will help to ensure that those with special needs do not suffer hardship through the rising cost of food.”
He added that special allowances had been of particular concern to him when in the U.K., and, as promised on his arrival in Hong Kong last November, he had undertaken a review which had resulted in these improvements.
Mr. Clark went on to explain that the special dietary allowance is paid to persons who are certified by a doctor at a government hospital or government subvented medical institution as suffering from a post-operative condition or certain other illnesses or who require a fluid diet.
”At the moment people in this category are given an extra 8100 a month on top of the public assistance payments. This higher level allowance will go up to $140 a month•”
’ Those who are certified as suffering from liver disease» kidney dTsease or as requiring an ulcer diet, now get an allowance of SCO but will be getting S?0.
/The other
jyiday, February 15» 197^
- 2 -»
The other discretional allowances, he said, would also bo more generous. The boarding charges for disabled children will be going up to a maximum of 375 a month in addition to the basic level of public assistance.
The maximum allowances for removal expenses will be revised from 8250 to 8500 for a single person, from 8500 to 8600 for a family of two to three people, and from 8600 to 8700 for a family of four persons or more. In addition the allowance of 820 will be increased to $26 per month for those who are provided with free board and lodging by friends and relatives.
, Mr, Clark said those at present receiving continuing special allowances will automatically be paid the new levels from April 1 if they are receiving public assistance at that date.
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/3.......
Friday, February 15» 197*>
- 3 -
I $242 MILLION DEFICIT RECORDED
For First Seven Months Of Current Financial Fear ouoeee
The government accounts for the month of October 1973 dhow a deficit of $88 million compared with a surplus of $91 million in October 1972.
This has resulted in a total deficit of $242 million for tho first coven months of this financial year.
Total revenue for the month at $3J>7 million was $21 million less than in October 1972. The total revenue for the first seven months of the financial year was $2,319 million - $283 million more than in tho same period tho previous year.
Expenditure amounted to $435 million, an increase of $158 million over October 1972. This brings the total expenditure for the first seven months of the financial year to $2,561 million, which was $612 million more than the same period tho previous your.
-------0---------
r
..........
Friday, February 15, 1974
- 4 -f
I
EEC TO CONTINUE TARIFF PREFERENCES FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Th© United Kingdom, tho Republic of Ireland and Denmark have aligned their respective Gonoralieod Systems of Preferences with that of tho original European Economic Community.
Announcing this today, tho Director of Commerce and Industry, Mr. David Jordan, said that with effect from January 1, 1974, tho nine member countries of the enlarged European Economic Community would continue their Gonorolicod Systems of Preferences for a period of one year.
Tho Commerce and Industry Department will continue to accept applications for Certificates of Origin, Form A, which are required for exports of products under claim to preferential duties on entry into the countries of the enlarged European Economic Community.
Under the E.E.C. Scheme, duty free entry are available for a wide range of manufactured and somi-manufaoturod products (except textiles and footwear) to pro^dotorminod quota levels.
When tho quota level of each category has boon filled, subsequent imports of tho goods ooncomod will attract normal rates of duty. Certain agricultural products are also allowed entry into tho countries of tho E.E.C. at reduced rates of duty.
Tho origin rules of the present scheme remain basically the saao &b that of tho original schema. Full details.of tho method of • • applying for tho Certificate of Origin, Form A, are included in a circular to tho trado which the department is issuing today.
Friday, February 15, 1974
- 5 -
NEW OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER AS URBAN COUNCIL ELECTORS
Electoral Registration Cycle Begins To-day
Registration of voters for the March 1975 Urban Council elections begins today (Friday).
Those entitled to vote in the elections but who have not yet registered have another opportunity to have their names included in the Urban Council Electoral Register.
The new list of electors will be compiled during the fouivmonth period starting today. The compilation of the new register will be in two stages.
During the first stage, people who are qualified as electors under one of the 23 categories of the Urban Council Franchise, but who have not previously registered, can apply by post to have their names included in the new register.
The applications must be sent to the Registration Officer, Urban Council Elections, Mr. Jack Mitchell, Registration of Persons Department, Head Office, 4th floor, Causeway Bay Magistracy Building, Hong Kong. It is from those postal applications that a Provisional Register will be compiled between Juno 16 and August 15, 197^*
Electors whose names appear in the current Final Register of Electors published in January last year need not apply again since their names will be carried forward to the nen Register. However, they should keep the Registration Officer informed of any changes in their business or residential addresses.
/The second
Friday, February 15, 1974
- 6 -
The second stage is the opening of the Provisional Register for public inspection for two weeks from August 16 to 51 ° This register will be on display at the Electoral and Jury Section of tho Registration of Persons Department at Ka Cheong Building, 4 Sunning Road, 7th floor, Hong Kong.
,rIt is during this time that latecomers can apply in person to have their names included in the Final Register”, Mr. Mitchell said.
Categories under the franchise include taxpayers, jurors, members of tho civil service, members of any of tho auxiliary services, doctors, lawyers, journalists, rate-payers, teachers, Justices of the Peace, clergymen, nurses, university graduates and school certificate holders.
Since many people are undoubtedly qualified to register under two or more categories of the franchise, tho number of eligible voters is thought to be in the region of about 250,000 persons. However, only 5%824 voters are on tho present register.
flThis is an opportunate time for people who want to show their support for the Urban Council to register as electors. Those who are uncertain under which category they qualify, can check the Urban Council Franchise which lias boon published in today’s newspapers or refer to the application form which also lists all categories of tho franchise”, Mr. Mitchell said.
People who qualify under two or more categories, may register under the category of their choice.
Besides having to qualify under one of the categories, a person must also be over 21 years of age and have lived in Hong Kong for the past throe years.
/Anyone who
Friday, February 15, 1974
- 7 -
Anyone who wishes to register by post must complete a form (called ’Form 1’) and return it to the Registration Officer before June 15, 1974.
The form is in English and Chinese. It may be completed in either language and can be posted to the Registration Officer. No stamp is necessary as postage has been prepaid.
Forms can be obtained from any Post Office Enquiry Counter, City District Office, District Office in the Nen Territories, enquiry counters of government departments as well as from any Registration of Persons Department Office.
Anyone who is not sure whether he is qualified should write to the Registration Officer for advice or telephone 5-762120 or 5^765912.
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Friday, February 15 > 197^
- 8 -
t •
REVIEW OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORT OVERSEAS
The government is to review Hong Kong’s public relations effort in Europe.
The Commissioner for Television and Films, Mr. Nigel Watt, will leave for London this (Friday) evening on the sVart of a tour of countries in the European Economic Community, surveying Hong Kong’s publicity output in this area.
In addition to London, Mr. Watt will visit Brussels, Rome, Milan, Bonn, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Paris, the Hague and Amsterdam before rcturing to Hong Kong at the end of March.
Commenting on this assignment, a government spokesman said: ’’When he was appointed to his present post in 1972, it was decided thax Mr. Watt should undertake this survey as soon as the introduction of the new television stations in Hong Kong was sufficiently advanced.
”Now that the first main transmitter of the competitor stations is operating, the way is clear for an orderly development of the remaining services.*. ‘
T,
’’Therefore it seems appropriate that this survey should not be further delayed.”
In the course of his tour, Mr. Watt will hold discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Hong Kong Government Office in London, and with British Embassy officials, Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Hong Kong Tourist Association representatives in Europe.
During his six weeks’ absence from Hong Kong Mr. Ian Kingsley will undertake the duties of Commissioner for Television and Films.
- 0 ------------ /9..........................
r.--:’' • Fotrunry 15, 1974
- 9 •*
another jk:oke cohthol afza
Cheung Sha Wan and Shan Shui Po are gazetted today as a smoke control area, bring ire to '•*• ’ • th-.? nv. her of ever.-, in Ik:?;? Kong in which factories or other fuel toners c.nn b<> f^od frr •**'- < ,-Vr* pollution limits.
Four other areas have already been declaimed smoke control areas -Kwim Tong in 1960, Sha Tin in 1952, North Point in 1964 and Tsuon Wan last year.
Under today’s gazette notice, members of the public in Cheung Sha Wan and Shan Shui Po are given 21 days to make recommendations or objections to the declaration, which is due to become effective on April 16, 1974.
Under the Clean Air Ordinance. an occupier of any premises within the smoke control area who operates a furnace, oven or chi.-zoy emitting dark smoke for more than six minutes in a period of four hours, or more than three minutes at any one time, is liable to a 82,000 fine. Eo can also be fined 850 for every 15 minutes during which the offenco continues.
The Labour Deportment’s Smoke Abatement Adviser, Mr. Ken Higginson, said today the emission of smoko darker than the legal limits was simply a result of inefficient combustion techniques, which also unnecessarily increased fuel bills.
Ho said members of his staff - who could be contacted by ringing 3-688924 or 3-6889>4 during office hours - could give fuel users free advice on how to increase the efficiency of their fuel usage and reduce their air pollution.
/l!t9 Higginson
Friday, February 159 197^
. 10 -
# • •
Mr* Higginson said fuel users in Cheung Sha ’Van and Sham Shui Po would be advised by mail of the necessary precautions they should make to comply with the laws.
-------0---------
WALK FOR CHARITY
The Social Welfare Department’s Princess Alexandra Community Centre in Tsuen Wan is organizing a walk this Sunday (February 17) to raise money for the Community Chest’s ’’Walk For A Million”.
This is the second occasion that the Centre and its member committees have organized such a project. Last year they raised $8,000*
Mrs. Margaret Au, Warden of the Centro, said this year it was planned to have more people participating, particularly non-members, and it was hoped that more money would be raised.
Registrations and sponsor forms are being handled by the Group Work Unit in the Centre which is located at Tai Po Road, Tsuen Wan and anyone interested in joining should apply there. .
, -----0---------
/11 ...o.o.
Friday, February 15» 1974 * » - 11 -
NCW IT’S MINI-ROUNDABOUTS
First it was mini-skirts, then mini-buses. Now the traffic experts in Hong Kong are to introduce an experimental mini-roundabout.
This new road system will come into force at the junction of Tai Po Road and Ching Cheung Road next Wednesday (February 20).
It is all part of the majoi traffic diversions necessary to facilitate the construction of the 88 million Piperfs Hill Interchange which forms part of the Kowloon Foothills Road Corridor (Route 4).
The central island of the "mini-roundabout” will have a diameter of only 14 feet. However, the system has been designed in such a way. that the configuration of the junction can be adjusted quickly, if necessary, to suit traffic conditions.
. A spokesman for the Transport Department said today that to make the system work efficiently it is essential that motorists approaching the junction give way to traffic on their right. »
,fIf all motorists strictly observe this priority system the new roundabout will operate with minimal delays; on the other hand, if the priority system is ignored then it is probable that severe congestion and long, delays will occur.” .
Because of this, the spokesman said, it is in the motorists own interests to observe the priority (and direction) signs which will be in position. The Police will also be on hand for the first few days to assist and advise motorists. /At the
Friday, February 15, 1972*
- 12 -
At the same time and for a period of about three months, there will also be a height limitation of 15 feet 9 inches imposed on both carriageways of Ching Cheung Road at the construction site.
Note to Editors: Copies of a sketch map showing the location of the mini-roundabout are boxed for collection.
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00000.0
Friday, February 15» 197^
- 13 -
MORE NON-MANUAL WORKERS TO BE PROTECTED
Under Workmen1s Compensation And Employment Ordinances ********
Two bills aimed at providing statutory protection for many Hong Kong employees are gazetted today.
The bills increase from $1,500 to $2,000 the monthly income limit on nor*-manual employees covered by the provisions of the Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance and Employment Ordinance.
At present, a non-manual worker is not covered by the laws if his monthly earnings exceed $1,500. All manual workers are covered, regardless of income.
The Employment (Amendment) Bill 197^- will come into operation immediately, if passed by the Legislative Council. The Workmen’s Compensation (Amendment) Bill 197^ would become effective on a date to be specified.
Commenting on the bills today, the Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Ian Price, said the intention of raising the wage ceiling in the two bills was to keep pace with wage growth.
”In recent years, wages for manual and non-manual workers have increased steadily,’’ he said. ”Thus, a non-manual worker who was protected by the Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance and the Employment Ordinance in 1970 may well be excluded now from the ambit of the ordinance because his monthly wages have increased beyond $1,500. This upward revision will give hfm continued protection under the law.”
Mr. Price added that the Workmen’s Compensation bill also proposes to increase the scale of workers’ compensation payments in line with the increase in wago ceilings.
The two bills will shortly be introduced into the Legislative Council. ------------------------0--------- ' ......
Friday, February 15, 197^
- 14 -
NEED FOR SOPHISTICATED ORGANISATION OF CAREERS MASTERS
"Main Thrust Must Be In Schools" - Mr. Lowe
4c*****
A more sophisticated organisation of Careers Masters in schools is needed in Hong Kong, the Deputy Director of Education (Administration), Mr. Charles Lowe said today.
It was therefore vitally important, he noted, to bin Id up and improve a regional organisation based on the Education Department to sustain and support such an organisation.
"Much has been done; much more requires to be done," he said. "Careers guidance is an essential function of the schools.
"The Labour Department can be of help but the main thrust must be in the schools."
Mr. Lowe pointed out that it was only the teachers who have a true insight into the personalities and abilities of their students.
He called for the setting up of top-level and grass—roots machinery because "closer co-operation is vitally important and is required in this enormous field."
Speaking at the Christian Alliance College’s Speech Day, Mr. Lowe said Hong Kong Was now "at something of a cross-road in education," and he was sure the ideas that interested bodies and the public had been encouraged to express would grow into policy.
"This is an excellent thing. The system of education and the schools in a very real sense belong to the people of Hong Kong.
/"They in ........
Friday, February 15? 197^
- 15 -
,fThey in fact pay for them and they must have a major say in what the schools offer and how the system works. It is their system.” Mr. Lowe also spoke about the need for a sense of direction.
”Do not forget that education is complicated and the idea that more teachers, more money and more schools are all that is needed has in England been shown wrong,” he said.
The English parents did not like the large comprehensive schools on which future policy had been planned.
In Hong Kong, whatever the outcome, the following points must be considered:
* The rival claim of quantity and quality. Without very great care they cannot both exist.
* Relevance to the future needs of the students after they have left school and are in a future society.
* The place of book-learning on the one side and culture on the other in school.
* The need for increased cost effectiveness. Do we get value for money?
* The need for adequate financial investment in the Education Service«
* The need for increased emphasis on attitudes and values.
Mr. Lowe emphasised that ’’schools must make pupils fit for society but society itself must be fit for students and not contradict the moral values they have been given in school.”
The Deputy Director said examinations must be stopped from control1j ng the education given in Hong Kong schools and from controlling the attitudes of teachers and pupils.
/’’Nor must........
Friday, February 15? 197^
- 16 -
”Nor must Matriculation and Advanced Levels have a back—lash affecting the whole secondary system.
”A first step would be to examine on the teaching syllabus and not on the examination syllabus. This is easier said than done/1 Mr. Lowe said.
Hong Kong students are among the most gifted in the world but tend, through no fault of their own and owing to competitive pressures, to concentrate on subjects relevant to the intended examinations and professions.
He urged students not to neglect the cultural field.
A student becoming a doctor must be interested in music and literature, Eastern or Western. The student of art and design must be interested in biology, language and general knowledge. "What is important is some understanding cf the whole human experience,” he said.
Prizes and certificates were distributed by Mrs. Lowe during the ceremony•
Note to Editors: Copies of the full text of Mr. Lowe’s
speech are boxed for collection.
0 - -
JViday, February 151 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE •
Daily Guide To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies “ »
The following prices were realised today (Friday) at Bales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at
Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon:
Supplies, and Wholesale Prices of Rice
• Availability Wholesale Price
Grado of Supply (g/catty)
China Rice Average
„ „ -old crop See Men ~ ncw crop Good 1~84 •
S.C.Jion - old crop Good 1.78
Po Ilgai Good «■
Chu Cho Good ••
Thai Rico lOCyFwhole Good 1,74
1O-15/S Brokens Good
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Supor Good . 1.42
Whole Glutinous Good ••
U.S, Rico Good 1.74
Australian Rioo Good «■
Pakistan Rice Good «■
Taiwan Rico Good , •
/Supplies and •••••••
A
Friday, February 15» 1974
Supplies and V/holesale Prices of Marine Fish
Availability Wholesale Price
Species of Supply ' (g/catty)
Low • Average
Golden Thread Good 5.0 3.5 4.0
Big-Eyes Good 2.8 0.9 1.8
Squid Normal 6.J 3.5 5.0
Hair-Tails Good <1o5 0o7
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.75 1.3 2oO
Croalzors - Good 2.6 1.4 2o0
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 3.2 2.5 2.8
• Melon Coat Good 2.8 1.6 2o0
Breams. Normal 4.5 3.5 4.0
Yellow Belly Good 2.4 0.7 1.4
Mackerels Limited 4.5 3.0 4.0
Red Goat Fish Good • 2.95 0.7 1.8
Fork-Tail Normal 2.2 1o0 to?
Horse-Head Limited 6.5 3.5 5.5
Molon Seed Normal 3.6. 2.5 2,8
Pomfrots r •» 0 *>•
Qaroupas Normal 6.7 5.0 6.0
Yollov/ Croaker ••
/Supplies and •.<
Friday t February 15« 197^
• Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
r Locally Produced Vegetables
Availability of Supply •Wholesale Price (S/catty)
High Low Avcrago
Flowering cabbage Normal 1.6 0.8 1.4
White cabbage Limited 1.4 0.5 1.0
Chinese Lettuce Limited 0.8 0.3 0.6
Chinese Kale Normal 1.6’ 0.6 1.2
Spring onion Good 0.6 0.2 0.4 •
Spinach . Normal 0.8 0.2 0.5
Water oross Normal 1.0 0.25 0.6
Leaf mustard cabbage Scarce 0.8 0.3 0.5
Tomato Limited 1.8 0.7 1.2
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight)
Availability of Supply Wholesale Price ( 8/ picul), _ •
. • • (Average)
Pork . Good • • 300
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Saturday, February 16, 1974
CONTENTS
Page No.
Allocation scheme to be introduced for plastic raw materials ................................................ 1
Director of Social Welfare to open new nursery.............. 2
Retirement of Northcote College of Education principal .. 3
Royal Observatory report on January’s weather .............. 4
Three lots of Crown land to be auctioned shortly............ 5
Release time; 2»>0
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Saturday, February 16, 1974
- 1 -
ALLOCATION SCHEME FOR PLASTIC RAW MATERIALS Qualifying Conditions Announced ******
Conditions under which local plastic firms can participate in an allocation scheme for two essential raw materials were announced today by the Commerce and Industry Department.
The full details are being issued by circular to about 2,100 firms registered with the department.
About five million pounds of polyethylene and polystyrene will be made available for allocation to smaller factories next month by major plastics manufacturers and importers of plastic materials.
The scheme is open to all factories registered for the production of plastic goods on or before February 13, 1974, and whose registration is still valid.
To qualify, a registered factory must have a total injectionmoulding machine capacity of not more than 30 ounces, and its consumption of polyethylene and polystyrene in 1972 and 1973 must not have exceeded an average of 20,000 pounds per month in total.
Factories interested in participating in.the scheme are required to fill in an application form and return it to the Commerce and Industry Department not later than February 22.
A department spokesman said that particulars given in the form will be checked by authorised departmental staff, and any applicant making a false claim will be disqualified from the scheme.
/In due •••••••
Saturday, February 16, 1974
- 2 -
In due course, the department will issue to qualifying factories
written authorisations for presentation to designated suppliers in order to obtain sale and delivery of a specified quantity of materials.
Further information about the scheme can be obtained by contacting
the Industrial Development Branch of the Commerce and Industry Department. Inquiries should be referred to either Mr. T.Y. Poon, Trade Officer (Tel. >-247516) or Miss Z.C.A. Wong, Assistant Trade Officer, (Tel. >-445884).
- - 0 - -
D.S.W. TO OPEN NEW NURSERY
*******
Note to Editors: The Director of Social Welfare, Mr.
Kenneth Topley, will be officiating at the Opening Ceremony of the Po Leung Kuk’s new Yum Jee Nursery situated in Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday (February 19).
Mr. Topley will be addressing the gathering in Chinese and copies of his speech, both in English and Chinese, will be available through G.I.S. that day.
- - 0 - -
Saturday, February 16, 19?4
- 3 -
RETIREMENT OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION PRINCIPAL
******
Mr. Arthur Hinton, 53, Principal of the Northcote College of
Education will go on pre-retirement leave next Tuesday after 21 years service in the Education Department and five years Colonial Service.
He will be presented with a gift from his friends and colleagues on Monday. The Director of Education, Mr. John Canning, will make the presentation.
Mr. Hinton joined the Colonial Service in 1948 and arrived in
Hong Kong in February 1955 on transfer as an Education Officer from Malaya.
He was immediately posted to King George V School as a teacher
of history. After seven months he was transferred to King’s College and in September 1954 he was sent to Queen Elizabeth School where he became Acting Principal five years later.
In February i960, he was promoted to Senior Education Officer and in April 1964 to Senior Principal.
Mr. Hinton was transferred to Northcote College of Education in August 1967 where he served as Principal until his retirement.
During his long service, Mr. Hinton has taken £art in a number of seminars and conferences on education and youth affairs in Hong Kong, Japan and the Philippines.
He was an active member of the Hong Kong Teachers Association of which he was at one time President.
Note to Editors? You are invited to have the presentation ceremony covered. It will be held at 11.30 a.m. on February 18 in the Education Department’s Conference Room, Lee Gardens, 3rd floor, Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
- - 0 - -
A
Saturday, February 16, 1974
- 4 -
JANUARY’S WEATHER
******
The weather last month was dry with above normal sunFthlno.
The total rainfall fo^ the month was only 3.9 mm which was 27.8 mm below normal.
The total sunshine during January amounted to 169.1 hours, representing 23.7 hours above normal.
During the month, no tropical cyclone warning signals or strong monsoon signals were hoisted and no thunderstorm or heavy nai'n warnings were issued. However, one aircraft was diverted due to adverse weather conditions.
maximum temperature of 23.8 degree Celsius was recorded on January 19 and 21, and a minimum temperature of 10.8 degrees was recorded on January 2.
Note to Editors: A full report of last month’s weather
prepared by the Royal Observatory will be distributed separately in the press boxes this afternoon.
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Saturday, February 16, 1974
- 5 -
CROWN LAND SALE
******
Three lots of Crown land in the New Territories will soon be put up for public auction.
The first lot, situated at Silverstrand, Clearwater Bay Road, is for private residential purposes. It has an area of 28,900 square feet.
It will be auctioned at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, (February 19) at the District Office, Sai Kung, located at the San Po Kong Government Offices, 692 Prince Edward Road.
The two other lots will be offered for sale on Tuesday (March 5) at 2.30 p.m. in the Yuen Long Town Hall, Yuen Long.
One of the lots, situated in Tuen Mun area, has been reserved for industrial or go-down purposes. The other, located in Yuen Long, is restricted to non-industrial usage.
Fill 1 particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from and sale plans inspected at the New Territories Administration, North Kowloon Magistracy, Tai Po Read and at the various District Offices, New Territories.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Monday, February 18, 197^
CONTENTS
Page No.
Decision reached on estate shop tenancy transfers ............. 1
Director of Social Welfare assures non-subvented welfare agencies in estates on future operations ...................... 3
Policy on rent revision of estate welfare premises explained .................................................. 6
Hore than 11,000 applications for rent increases received •• 8
Winners of Industrial Safety poster competition announced •• 9
Plastic firms invited to apply for polyethylene and polystyrene shares................•.......................... 11
Mew format for Daily Information Bulletin ................... 12
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time? 7*00 p.m.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Monday, February 18, 197^
- 1 -
MEW DEAL FOR ESTATE SHOP TENANTS
*******
The Housing Authority has agreed to continue allowing shop operators on monthly tenancies in the 25 Group B estates to transfer their tenancies. This will apply equally tn incoming tenants as well as the sitting tenants. - •
This decision was taken after extensive consultations between the Authority and the government.
However, to remove any possible scope for irregularities, all such transfers must be made by surrendering the tenancy to the Authority, which will then re-let the premises by inviting public tenders through advertisements. The re-letting premium will go to the outgoing tenant.
At the same time the Authority has confirmed that a simple fixed tenancy agreement, similar to the existing’tenancy card, should be signed by the shop tenants. The new agreement will incorporate these arrangements, and also the previously agreed terms hovering change of trade, succession and inheritance.
To allay tenants’ fears about loss of security, the new agreement * • will not be for a fixed term as originally proposed, but on monthly terms, continuing in force indefinitely.
There will, however, be provision for rent adjustments at appropriate intervals and for termination if there are persistent and blatant breaches of the tenancy conditions.
/A Housing •••••••
Monday, February 18, 197^
- 2 -
A Housing Department spokesman, commenting on the decision, pointed out that shop tenants had been worried that they might be evicted by the Authority at the end of a fixed term agreement, so that the Authority could then re-let their shops at a profit. The new arrangements completely remove these fears since the re-letting proceeds will go to the out-going tenant.
He further said that re-lettings carried out by the Authority would be likely to produce higher premia for the outgoing tenants as the incoming tenant would no longer have to be an estate resident, as hitherto.
It would take a little time for the new agreement to bo prepared, but the department would be writing to all the affected Group B shopkeepers in the near future to explain the position.
In the meantime the revised policy would be applied with immediate effect.
Note .to_editors:. Copies’ -of the Governor’s reply to the tenants’
petition are boxed for your information together with copies of the letter from the Housing Department informing the tenants of the new arrangements.
0 - -
Monday, February 18, 1974
- 3 -
ASSURANCE TO NON-SUBVENTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ******
The Director of Social Welfare today assured effective non-subvcnted welfare organizations that are now providing useful welfare services in public housing estates that they need not fear about their operations in future•
Hr. Kenneth Topley gave this assurance to the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and its member agencies when he spoke at the Council’s spring quarterly meeting held at Caritas House in Caine Road, Hong Kong.
The theme of the meeting was "Public Housing Rental Policy and its effects on Social Services”.
Rent increases for premises occupied by these agencies have been deferred for a year by the Housing Authority to give time for the Social Welfare and other government departments to study their cases in more detail with a view to providing the money to them.
Tho increases for those agencies which are already subvcnted by the Social Welfare Department will, however, come into effect on Ap-H 1 1, but those will be paid in full for them by the department.
The Housing Authority decided last year that for reasons connected with financing, it was no longer acceptable that only nominal rents bo paid by welfare organizations, and therefore rents would, from April 1 this year, be calculated at the rate of 50 cents per square foot.
"The Social Welfare Department noted this intention and made arrangements to include in its subvention proposals for 1974/75 adequate funds to cover these increased rents for tnose welfare agencies which receive subventions through the department,” Mr. Topley.said.
/This was .......
Monday, February 18, 1974
t*7" ( • •'
- 4 -
This was intended to ensure that those agencies which wore participating directly in the 5-year Plan would not be hindered in their operations•
’*Dhe finances of subvented welfare organizations are of immediate concern to the Social Welfare Department since these organizations arc, by definition, providing services of clear use to the community and thus are supported by public funds,” Mr, Topley pointed out.
He said their allocations will not be reduced by the provision of the rent subsidy which is an additional element extending the total subvention amount.
However, since the increases were announced it appears that there are some 87 other operations carried on in public housing estates / of a welfare, religious, medical or educational nature which will also attract higher rents than before.
The organizations responsible for these operations had applied to the former authorities for accommodation in public housing estates at a ncmiiul. rent and, after enquiries to appropriate government departments, these requests were granted.
”The information available to the Social Welfare Department and, no doubt, to other relevant government departments, about these organizations and their operations is limited, particularly in respect of their current status,” Mr. Topley said.
’’Moreover,, funds are available only in respect of welfare organizations which arc at present subverted. In view of the need to assess the current status of all these organizations and their operations, the Housing Authority has agreed to waive the higher rents on these precises until April 1, 1975* It is hoped that this will provide adequate time to resolve the current situation. ” /The decision •••••
Monday, February 18, 197^
. i
- 5 -
The decision to waive the rent increases for one year, he said, had been the result of discussions between the Social Welfare Department *
and the Housing Authority.
It will bo necessary, he said, for the Social Welfare Department to make recommendations to the Social Welfare Advisory Committee (SWAG) in respect of those organizations and operations which are of a welfare nature.
’’There arc at present arrangements for the refund of rates to welfare organizations providing services useful to the community and it should not be insuperable to extend this arrangement to cover the refund of both rents and rates,” he noted.
The question then arises of what criteria should be used for making these recommendations for refund, Mr. Topley said.
While it would not be possible to anticipate the decision of SWAC,
i
he said, it appeared that these criteria would be important, namely, doos the organization’s operation in the premises provide a valuable service? Are the promises fully occupied and used? And are the services provided available to the public as a whole and not only to a membership group?
The Director said these criteria would be fair and reasonable, and would not be so stringent as those applied to organizations seeking subvention. ”It should be possible to make comprehensive recommendations to SVJAC in the early summer and effective organizations providing useful services should not need to fear regarding their future operations,” he said.
He pointed out that the Social Welfare Department would not bo able to make recommendations regarding clinics, schools and churches for which the Medical and Health, Education and Home Affairs Departments would be the respective sponsoring authorities, but those departments would be advised of the situation so that they can make appropriate arrangements.
-------0---------- /6.................
Monday, February 18, 197^
- 6 -
RENT REVISION OF ESTATE WELFARE PREMISES EXPLAINED !«*****«*
The increased rent on welfare premises would barely cover servicing, management and maintenance expenses but would not result in the Housing Authority realising any profit out of these lettings.
This was stated by Mr. Frank Carroll, Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management) this afternoon at the forum on "Public Housing Rental Policy and Its Effects on Social Services" organised by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
Previously, estates owned by the government - whether managed by the Authority (Government low cost housing estates) or by the Resettlement Department (resettlement estates) - were charged a purely nominal rent of 31 per month, regardless of size. Rates were additional to the rent1 in all cases where assessments were raised.
Mr. Carroll said when the new Authority came into being on April 1 last year, much thought was given to whether it should subsidise welfare services in the estates which was in fact a government function.
The Authority then decided that the rents of all such premises had to be reconsidered to ensure that the true cost to government of assisting these services in the estates would not be obscured by a hidden Housing Authority subvention.
"These decisions were made ir. principle in July last year with the intention that the various organisations should be notified that the now rents would come into force on the termination of their existing fixed term tenancies, whore these existed, or on April 1 this year, whichever was later.
/"It was .••••••
Monday, February 18, 1974
- 7 -
,TIt was thought that this would allow enough time for the individual cases to be considered by the Social Welfare Denartment and for the Authority to consider any special cases.
"Unfortunately, as sometimes happens, the administrative machine became clogged Up with other pressing matters and the notifications to individual organisations were not issued until December, which was too Into for the Social Welfare Department to be able to provide for all the appropriate lettings in 1974/75/’ Mr. Carroll said.
However, as a result of discussions between the Housing Department and the Social Welfare Department,the Authority has now agreed to defer the rent increases of all lettings where the SWD is unable to help immediately for a further period of one year from April 1.
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/8......
' , F-bruury 18, 197^
OVnR HtOOO APPLY FOR RENT INCREASES
More than 11,000 applications for rent increases have been received by the Il-tinr •"’.'I V >1vatic a )'?• -nt’ since ; V’-D.-.ccnbar last year when the now Kent Control LngirAaticn cane into operation.
Commenting c.i this la- > number, a -jpokoscan for the department said that the applications' wore being dealt with as quickly as possible and already come '5,500 certificates had been issued.
lie sold that the department was required to invite the tenant’s comments on each application for an increase in rent and processing of an application proceeded only when the tenant's cements had been received or, if no comments arc made, after a . Ah has elapsed.
Processing taker. about a further 21 days and is followed by the issue of a certificate of increase in rent.
The spokesmen added that it was then necessary for the landlord to notify his to A. ■ ■ ■' ■ ' * the rlxt0 from Which “
will be poyn-Ao. 1' - ■ will norr-xlly be at leant one month after the tenant receives tao lanc3J.ord’s notice.
-------0 ---------
/9........
Monday, February 18, 197^
- 9 -
RESULTS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION
Students from the Jockey Club Government Secondary Technical School have taken the lion’s share of the honours in this year’s Industrial Safety Poster Competition organised by the Industrial Safety Training Centre of the Labour Department.
They won first and second places and four special commendations in the competition for which there were more than 300 entries from students throughout Hong Kong.
First place in the competition went to Miss Ma Hak-mei, a 1?-year-old Form V student. Second prize went to Miss Ching Hang-mui, a Form IV student; and the third prize to Miss Lai Pic-woon, a student in Commercial Design at the Kwun Tong Vocational Training Centre.
Hiss Li Choi-wah and Messrs. Chan Ying-ming, Chan Sze-shing and Law Sai-yiu of the Jockey Club Government Secondary Technical School, and Mr. Wong Shi-liu of the Hong Kong Polytechnic were awarded consolation prizes.
The panel of judges comprised Mr. Kwok Chiu-leung, Inspector of the Art Section of the Education Department; Mr. John Hadfield, head of the Industrial Design Department of the Hong Kong Polytechnic; Mr. Joseph Law, Senior Safety Officer of Hong Kong United Dockyards Ltd., Mr. Nick Carter, Industrial Safety Training Officer and Mr. Wong Fat-kee, Factory Inspector of the Labour Department.
/Mr. Carter
Monday, February 18, 1974
- 10 -
Mr. Carter said today the judges were delighted with the high standard of design shown in the entries. "It was quite difficult to decide on the winning posters because the general standard was so good,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Neil Henderson, 11 present the prizes to the winners in a ceremony at the Industrial Safety Training Centre, in the Canton Road Government Offices at 4.00 p.m. on February 23.
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Monday, February 18, 197^
-.'11 -
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR PLASTICS SHARE-OUT
******
Plastic firms were urged today to apply without delay to the . Comorce and Industry Department if they wish to participate in a scheme for a share-out of two essential raw materials*
The closing date for applications to ^e submitted is Friday, February 22.
•Circulars giving details of the scheme, together with forms on which to apply, were issued to about 2,100 firms registered with the department at the end of last week.
About five million pounds of polyethylene and polystyrene will be made available for allocation to smaller factories next month by major plastics manufacturers and importers of plastic materials*
The scheme is open to all factories registered for the production of plastic goods on or before February 1J, 197^ ♦ and whose registration is still valid.
To qualify, a registered factory must have a total injection-moulding machine capacity of not more than JO ounces, and its consumption of polyethylene and polystyrene in 1972 and 197J must not have exceeded an average of 20,000 lbs per month in total.
£
Further information about, the scheme can be obtained by contacting the Industrial Development Branch of the Commerce and Industry Department.
Inquiries should be referred to either Mr. T.Y. Poon, Trade Officer (Tel. 5-2^7316) or Miss Z.C.A. Wong, Assistant Trade Officer (Tel. J-44J884).
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/12 .........
Monday, February 18, 197^
- 12 -
PROPOSED CHANGE IN DIB FORMAT
****»»$»*
Note to DIB Subscribers: In order to save time and paper, it is proposed to
change the present format of the Daily Information Bulletin.
The intention is to re-print news items in the same form as they are sent through the teleprinter, and ' clip them together for distribution.
We are taking this opportunity to review our Distribution List to find out whether current subscribers wish to continue receiving their DIB copies.
/ Those who wieh to have the new DIB sent
to them are asked to fill in the form below and return it not later than February 28 to the Press Officer, News Division, Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Sth floor, Hong Kong.
Subscribers who have already sent in their forms need not reply again.
I wish to continue receiving copies of the D.I.B'.
Name:_____________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________
Monday, February 18, 197^
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies %
The following prices were realised today (Monday) at sales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon;
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rfce
* • Grado Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (f/catty)
China Rico Average
_ .. old crop See Mew * - new crop Good 1?84
S.C.Jion - old crop Good ••
Po Ilgai Chu Cho Good Good
Thai Rice lOOfi I.Q1O1O Good 1.74
10-15# Brokens Good ea
A1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Super Good 1.42
Whole Glutinous Good
U.S. Rice ’ Good 1.74
Australian Ripe Good 1.72 •
Pakistan Rice Good • • .
Taiwan Rico Good •
• % • /Supplies and •••••••
Monday, February 18, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish •
9 Species • Availability of Supply , % Wholesale Price (S/catty) High Low - Average
Golden Thread Good 3.8 2.3 • 5.0
Big-Eyes Good 2.6 0.8 1.8
Squid Limited 5.7 3.0 4.5
Hair-Tails Normal 2.7 1*0 1.7
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.8 1.1 2.0
Croalzers Normal 2.4 0.8 • 1.8
Conger-Pike-Eels Good 3.0 2.2 2.8
Melon Coat . ’. Good 2.4 1.5 2.2
Breams Normal 4.8 3.5 4.5
Yellow Belly Good 2.1 0.8 1*5
Mackerels Good 4.0 3.5 5.7
Red Goat Fish Good 2.4 0.7 1.5
Fork-Tail Normal 1.4 1.0 1.2
Horse-Head Normal 5.5 2.5 4.0
Halon Seed Normal 2.6 . 1.6 2.0
Poafrets Scarce 9.0 8.0 8.5
Gcroupas Normal 6.0 5.5 5.8
' Yellow Croaker ■i • ♦ •>
/Supplies and
Monday, February 18, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of locally Produced Vegetables
Sffi® Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)
Hish Low Average
Flowering cabbage Normal 1.5 0.5 1.0
White cabbage Normal 1.0 0.3 d.7
Chinese Lettuce’ Normal- 0.7 0.2 o.5
Chinese Kale Normal 1.0 0.3 o.6
Spring onion Normal 0.8 0.3 0.6
•
Spinach . Good 0.7 0.15 0.45
Water oross • Normal 1.0 0.2 .0.6 •
Loaf mustard cabbage Limited • 0.7 0.2 0.45
Tomato Limited 1.5 0.6 1.2
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight) •
Availability Wholesale Price
• of Supply ( 8/ picul)
• (Average)
Pork ► / Good • ’ 300
• • 0 • •
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Tuesday, February 19, 1974
CONTENTS
Pago No.
Report on waste disposal study expected to be ready towards middle of this year • • ................................. 1
Additional supplies of Director’s manual on good boardroom practices available ......................................... 2
Po Leung Kuk praised for provision of welfare services ...... 3
Chai Wan Community Centre due for completion at the end of this year................................•*....•••.......... 4
Temporary closure of Tai Po Road to facilitate roadworks •••• 5
Water interruption in Tuen Mun ............................ 5
*****
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time:. .7.<Q0 P>u*
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Tuesday, February 19, 1974
STUDY ON WASTE DISPOSAL EXTENDED n \i crt Expected Hid-1974
Approval has been given to extend the scope of an investigation commissioned by the Public V/orlcs Department to determine tlio most suitable method or methods of solid waste disposal in Hong Kong.
The consulting engineers, Maunsell Consultants Asia, were originally appointed to undertake a comprehensive study cf solid waste disposal on Hong Kong Island following difficulties experienced in locating a suitable site for a second incineration plant on the Island.
A P.W.D. spokesman said the study was extended to cover Kowloon and the New Territories on the advice that the problem of solid waste disposal on Hong Kong Island should not be considered in isolation.
”It is necessary to consider alternative methods to incineration for the disposal of solid wastes not only becuase of the difficulties in finding acceptable sites for incineration plants but also because of the considerable time which must elapse between conception and actual operation of a modem incinerator to deal with large quantities of waste,” he said.
The consultants will be giving consideration to both long-term and shorter-term solutions to the problem and will prepare a programme for the provision of solid waste disposal facilities for the next ten years. This will include recommendations on suitable sites for treatment plants and tips.
A report is expected to be submitted by the middle of this year.
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/2.........
Tuesday, February 1% 1974
HANDBOOKS FOR DIRECTORS # $ * & « «
Fresh supplies of books recommended to directors by the Companies Lan Revision Committee are non available.
In its Second Report published last August the Committee urged all directors to acquaint themselves with the principal requirements of the law and the standards of ethical conduct followed by the best companies.
To enable directors to do so, the Committee arranged for supplies of two books prepared by or under the authority of the Institute of Directors in London to be made available.
Those were ’Standard Boardroom Practice1 giving advice on how directors should deal with the normal problems that arise in running a company, and ’The Company Director’ giving a concise outline of directors’ functions, rights and obligations.
Such was the response to the Committee’s advice that the supplies were sold out within a for/ days.
Copies of both books nay now be obtained from the Government Publications Centre, Star Ferry Concourse, Hong Kong. ’Standard Boardroom Practice1, now renamed ’Guidelines for Directors’, costs 012 per copy, ’The Company Director’ 835 a copy.
The demand for the Chinese version of ’Standard Boardroom Practice’ has been so great that the first printing of 1,000 copies has been sold out. A further supply is being printed and an announcement will be made when copies are available.
/5........
- 0 - -
Tuesday, February 19, 197^
5
PO LEUIIG KUK’S EFFORTS IN WELFARE SERVICES PRAISED «*••*«*•
The Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Kenneth Topley,today commended the Po Leung Kuk for its keen identification of welfare needs in various areas and for its efforts towards meeting these needs.
He was speaking at the opening of the Kuk’s Yum Jee Nursery in Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang. The day nursery is the first to be run on a non-profit-making basis by a reputable welfare organization in Wong Chuk Hang.
lfThis is indeed a welcome service for the residents in this area where the growing population is not yet matched by the provision of those day care services needed in an industrial society where more and more married women enter or remain in the labour force,” Mr. Topley said.
He noted that the Kuk was no newcomer in this field as it already operates three nurseries in the densely populated areas of Causeway Bay, Lam Tin and
Yau Tong.
”The good attendance of these existing nurseries run by the Kuk are indications of the demand for the service and, particularly, of the recognition of the good work done by the Kuk as well as the confidence people place in their standard and quality of service,” he said.
Mr. Topley pointed out that for working parents a day nursery is a much needed service and good standard nurseries are all the more important if the physical, emotional and social developments of children in their early years are to be promoted.
•Tn this project, the government is involved in the giving of annual subvention to meet a great part of the recurrent expenditure. With the experience of the Kuk and the government subsidy, it can be expected that the standard of service will be high,” he said.
Note to Editors:. Copies of Mr. Topley*s speech are boxed for collection.
A.........
- - o - -
Tuesday, February 19 j 197^
- 4 -
CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE
******
Residents in Chai Wan will not have to go far for recreational and group activities when a community centre, now under construction in the district, is completed by the end of this year.
The building cost of more than $2.3 million is being met by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The centre will be named in memory of the Council’s late chairman, Mrs. Mary Wong.
It will be known as the Chai Wan Community Centre - Mary Wong Memorial Building.
It is a six-storey building and upon completion will be operated by the Social Welfare Department.
The ground floor will accommodate a youth coffee bar, a basketball court and a multi-purpose hall. The first, second and third floors will be used for community work, children, youth and adult group activities and casework services.
A library with reading material suitable for both adults and children will occupy the fourth floor, while the fifth floor will house a nursery. The roof will be reserved for a playground.
Like other community centres, concerts, film shows and Chinese operas will be organised for young and old alike. They will be able to take part in social activities like painting and calligraphy, chess games, table tennis, Chinese boxing and judo.
All the services will be managed by the Social Welfare Department, the Chinese Young Men’s Christian Association and the Salvation Army.
-------o--------- /5.........
Tuesday, February 19? 1974
- 5 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TAI PO ROAD
*******
To facilitate the construction of a temporary overhead bridge at Ha Miu, the section of Tai Po Road near Ho Tung Lau will be closed at night from 11.45 p.m. to 6 a.m. this Friday and Saturday (February 22-23).
The road will be temporarily open to traffic for five minutes every hour during the closure. Traffic signs will be posted to guide motorists but they are advised to avoid the area on the two nights.
-------0---------
WATER CUT AT TUEN MUN
******
Water supply to a number of premises along Castle Peak Road will be interrupted for eight hours starting from 10 p.m. on Thursday (February 21) to facilitate a water mains connection at the 18)4 milestone.
The area affected by the temporary stoppage lies between the 16 and 20 milestones. It includes Tai Lam Chung Tsuen, Siu Lam Tsuen, Gordon Camp, the Psychiatric Centre, Siu Lam Hospital, Dragon Inn, Ching Wah Lane and Tseng Tau Wai Tsuen.
-------0---------
i J I ; i i » • 1 Tuesday, February 19> 1974 1 * . • • • . • • ••• .» «■ I CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE ‘ | Daily Guide To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies f ’ • 1 * . 1 The following prices wore realised today (Tuesday) a* sales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon: ’ 1 Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rice Availability Wholesale Price Grade of Supply (fi/catty) China Rice Average crop Gnnd — i Seo Men uooa •• new crop • । S.C.Jion ~ old crop Good Po Hgai Good Chu Cho Good Thai Rico • Good TD^rifliole ; 10-15^ Brokons Good • • A1 Super Extra Good .. _ Good ” A1 Super Whole Glutinous Good , O.S. Rice • Good I Australian Ripe Good Pakistan Rice Good • 1 Taiwan Rico 600(1 • 7 •’ • . ft /Supplies and •••••<• • I •• •• ***!>■
Tuesday, February 19, 1974
4 , gu&>H_eB and V.'holesale Prices of Marine Fish
• Availability Wholesale Price
Species * pf Supply (8/catty)
• Hifo Low ‘ J&ZSE2ES
Golden Thread Good 3.8 2.5 3.0
Big-Eyes Good 2.5 0.8 1.8
Squid Limited 5.5 2.5 4.5
Hair-Tails Good « 1.7 0.8 1.3
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.5 1.2 1.8
Croakers Normal 1.85 0.8 1.5
Conger-Pike-Eels Good 2.8 2.4 2.6
Melon Coat Limited 2.2 1.4 1.6
Breams Limited 4.8 3.0 4.0
yellow Belly Good 1.5 0.7 1.3
Mackerels Good 3.2’ 2oO 2.8
Bed Goat Fish Good 2.5 0.7 1.5
Fork-Tail Normal 1.5 1.0 1.2
Horse-Head Normal 5.0 3.2 4.2
Melon Seed Normal 3.0 • 1.8 2.7
Pozrfrets OB ••
Qaroupaa Normal 7.5 5.0 6.0
Yollov; Croaker —
/Supplies and ....
Tuesday, February 1% 197^
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
Locally Produced Vegetables *■> 4- Wholesale Price (8/catty)
Sep. - Availability of Supply
Honoring cabbage White cabbage Normal Normal High Low Average 1.4 0.4 0.9 0.8 0.2 0.6
1 Chinese Lottuoe Chinese Kale Norm elI. Good 0.6 0.15 0.45 • <• 0.8’ 0.2 0.5
Spring onion Spinach Water oross • Loaf mustard cabbage Tomato Limited Good Normal Limited Limited 1.2 0.4 0.8 0.7 0.15 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.55 0.6 0.2 0.4 1.6 0.6 1.2
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight)
Pork
Availability of Supply
Good
Wholesale Price ( 8/ picul)
(Average)
. JOO
0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 20, 1974
CONTENTS
Page No,
Comprehensive study to determine future development of the New Territories ........................................ 1
Temporary water interruption in Central on Friday morning •• 2
Sixteen-point increase recorded in January food index ..... 3
Free trade by mobile hawkers in estates unfair to regular stall-holders ............................................, • 4
Encouraging progress in apprenticeship scheme ••••»••••••••• 5
******
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: 7*00 p.m.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Wednesday, February 20, 197^
- 1 -
STUDY ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS
********
The government will spend $3*7 million to commission consulting engineers to carry out detailed engineering studies and site investigations of 12 areas in the New Territories.
The studies are to determine the problems and costs of preparing integrated development programmes for these geographical areas.
The consulting engineers will be working under the supervision of the newly-formed New Territories Development Department within the Public Works Department.
’’Such programmes are necessary if development is to proceed in a properly balanced manner with the provision of land for private residential, industrial use, and for community facilities,” a Public Works Department spokesman said.
”Whilst the individual development programme will take into account a balanced development for a particular area,” he continued, ”it is equally important that development must be integrated into an overall planned programme of development of the whole of the New Territories.”
Areas identified for development programme study include Shek Wu Hui, Tai Po, Lau Fau Shan, Tan Kwai Tsuen, Yuen Long, Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Fanling, Cheung Chau, Sai Kung (Tui Min Hoi), Tai 0 and Sham Tseng.
The engineering investigations are an essential component of the planning of those development areas and will take into account such matters as the ter>-year housing programme and the provision of land for community facilities and for private residential, commercial and industrial
use.
/"In towns
Wednesday, February 20, 197*+
- 2 -
"In towns like Yuen Long with a planned population of 100,000,” the spokesman said, "it is necessary to ensure that an adequate range of community facilities is provided to satisfy the various social requirements of the population and that land is also provided for industrial use so that
1 । * a balanced development is achieved."
For hew development on the outlying islands, the problem is to devise an overall programme that would achieve a balanced development, community facilities with associated supporting services and marine facilities
-------0---------
TEMPORARY WATER CUT
****** : . o - * f
Water supply to a number of premises in Central District will be interrupted for five hours starting from 1 a.m. on Friday (February 22) to facilitate a leakage test.
The area affected is bounded by Queen’s Road Central from Garden Road to Pottinger Street, and the south side of Des Voeux Road, Central up to Ice House Street.
------ 0---------
Wednesday, February 20, 197^
- 3 -
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN JANUARY FOOD INDEX
*«***« *
The General Consumer Price Index for last month went up by nine points to 1791 according to figures released today by the Census and Statistics Department.
The increase was due mainly to a substantial increase of 16 points in the index for foodstuffs.
The index for fuel and light rose by eight points while increases of four points each were recorded in the index for miscellaneous goods and that for services. Increases of one point each were recorded in the index for clothing and footwear, and that for durable goods.
Movements in the indexes for other sections of commodity were insignificant•
Compared with December 1973, there were incr< asos in the average retail prices of rice, bread and cakes, salt water fish, frosh water fish, poultry, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and eggs.
A spokesman explained that the supplies of many food items suffered from the customary interruption during the Chinese New Year festival period, and consumer demand is usually strong at this time when preparations are made for the festival.
As to non-food items, the rise in the index for services was mainly attributable to higher charges for hairdressing before the Lunar Now Year Festival.
o -
Wednesday, February 20, 1974
- 4 -
UNFAIR COMPETITION BY MOBILE HAWKERS
********
A. spokesman for the Housing Department said today that to allow mobile hawkers to trade freely at Yau Tong Estate would be ’’most unfair” to those operating in the estate modular market and the temporary bazaar.
He was commenting on criticism from about 40-50 mobile hawkers of the Yau Tong area that the Housing Department has been taking continuous action against them.
•U?here are 93 stalls in the modular market and 80 stalls in the temporary bazaar and we feel that tenants are already adequately served.
’’These hawkers would surely not be able to compete with the mobile hawkers who can move to the most advantageous sites,” a spokesman said.
Ho added that the mobile hawkers often caused obstruction and inconvenience to tenants in addition to creating a health hazard.
”It is our intention to continue with our routine action against illegal hawkers to ensure that the estate is tidy and clean,” he said.
The spokesman also appealed to estate tenants to boycott the mobile hawkers.
’•Tenants can help greatly in improving the cleanliness and general appearance of the estate and make it a better place to live in,” he said.
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/5.........
• i
Wednesday, February 20, 1974
- 5 -
MORE JOIN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
*******
There was a 25 per cent increase in the number of young people talcing up approved apprenticeship schemes in Hong Kong last year, the Labour Department’s Senior Training Officer, Mr. Horace Knight, said today.
Most of the apprentices were placed with their employers by the Industrial Training Division of the department.
"We have made very encouraging progress, particularly in terms of increased co-operation from major industrial organisations, as well as individual employers,” Mr. Knight said.
"Last year, 923 school-leavers took up apprenticeships in industry and government departments - 194 as technician apprentices and 729 as craft apprentices. Of these 923, we ourselves placed 783*
"This compares with 425 out of 750 in 1972, so we’re making considerable headway."
Mr. Knight said that last year, the Industrial Training Division had also helped 45 firms either to start apprentice training or to improve their existing programmes along the lines of his division’s formal training scheme.
There are now 165 employers running training schemes for some 2,500 apprentices. The majority of them work in automobile repairs and servicing, electronics, ship-building and repairs, and the building and tortile industries.
"Our basic objectives where apprentice training is concerned are twofold : to assist in building up an adequate supply of skilled manpower to sustain industrial growth and increasing industrial sophistication; and to create for our young people the training opportunities which lead to a career in industry.
Wednesday, February 20, 1974
- 6 -
,rWe are some way off from achieving our objectives, but with better co-operation from employers and a greater willingness on their part to accept our advice, I believe we will,” Mr. Knight said.
”Tho Industrial Training Division, for its part, is always ready to offer assistance to any employer who wishes to start an apprenticeship scheme or any schoolrleaver who wishes to become an apprentice,” he added.
Employers and school-leavers who are interested in apprentice training may contact officers of the Industrial Training. Division of the Labour Department at >.282523, extensions 71 and 82-
-------0---------
V'odnecday, February 20, 197^
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Pricea tod Sixpplico
I OOOOCO * %
Tho following pricea wero realised today (Wednesday) at calcs under the Rico Control Scheme and at tho Vegetable Marketing Organiaatlcn Wholesale Market and tho Fish Marketing Orgoniaation Wholocalo Market at
Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon: 'Supplies and Wholesale Prices .. • of Rice
• 'fchina Rico Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (^/cntty)_
Average
„ old crop See Men - new crop Gocd C3 O
S.C.Jion - old crop Good C3
Po Ilgai Good o
Chu Cho t Gocd o
Thaijlicq lO^H.holO Gocd C3
10-15# Brokens Gccd 9*
A1 Super Extra Gocd «
A1 Super Good 0
Whole Glutinous Gocd O
U.S„ Rico • • Gocd 0
Australian Ripe Good 0
Pakistan Rice 7niv/an Rico Gocd Good , o e»
/Supplies end ooaooo*
Wednesday, February 20, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
Species , Availability pf_Supply. Wholesale Price • (fl/catty)
nirh Low • Average
Golden Thread Good 3.20 2.50 2.80
Big-Eyes Good 2.50 0.70 1.60
Squid Normal $.00 2.50 4.50
Hair-Tails Normal * 2.00 0.90 1.50
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.40 1.00 1.*80 .
Croakers Normal 2.40 0.70 1.80
Conger-Pike-Eels Good 2.80 2.00 2.20
Melon Coat Limited 1.80 1.00 1.20
Breons Normal 4.20 3.30 4.00
Yellow BoLLy Good 1.70 0.70 1.30
Mackerels Good 2.90 2.60 2.80
Red Goat Fish Good 1.70 0.70 1.30
Fork-Tail Normal 1.60 1.00 1.10
Horse-Head Normal 4.60 2.50 3.50
Melon Seed Normal 2.80 • 1.50 2.00
PocrfYets Scarce 9.00 8.00 8.50
Gnroupaa Good 5.80 4.50 5.00
Yollow Croaker — ••
/Supplies and «•.
Wednesday, February 20, 197^
Supplies, and Wholesale Prices / >f
locally Produced Vegetables Availability jfrpo of Supply Flowering cabbage Normal White cabbage Normal Chinese Lottuoo Good • Chinese Kale Good • * * * I ITholesalo Price (8/catty) Nigh Low Aycrago 1,2 0.3 0.8 O.*8 0.15 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.35 « 0.8 0.15 0.45
Spring onion Normal 1.0 °<>3 0.6 Spinach . '^od 0.6 0.15 0.4 Wator orosB ' ' • ‘Oo8 Oo15 . °°5 Loaf mustard cabbago Limited 0.6 0.2 0. . Tomato Limited 1.6 0.5 1.0 Supplies and TOiolesale Prices of Pork (Live weight) Availability Wholesale R*ico of Supply ( 8/_ picul)_ • . (Average) Pork Go°a ’ 300
Hhq
GIS| W
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Thursday, February 21, 197^
CONTENTS
Pago No*
Formation of Sha Tin New Town enters new phase with further reclamation ••••••.................................•••*.*•••••• 1
Cultural and Recreational Committee established in Wong Tai
Sin........................................................ 2
Government Supplies Department holds annual children’s party on Sunday •••••••••••.........••••••••••••.....................
Director of Social Welfare will meet Press representatives tomorrow.......................................................
Seminar on higher studies organised by Tai Hang Tung Community
Centre •*••••••••••••••.............*•••*......................
Sixty-three building plans approved in January ................. 5
Arrangements for textile exports to USA announced............•
Fare increase for Hong Kong taxis under consideration ............ 7
Yau Tong hawkers warned against racketeers selling permanent stalls ........................................................... 8
T>iTy guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: 7*^Q P*rc*
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Thursday, February 21, 197^
- 1 -
MORE LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN
The formation of Sha Tin New Town will enter a new phase with the reclamation of a further 115 acres of land on the eastern coast of Tide Cove.
The reclaimed area will provide land for the construction of both private and public housing to accommodate 110,000 people.
Residential sites will be located on the reclaimed land as well as adjacent platforms formed as a result of associated earthworks.
Sites will also be marked out for the construction of recreational areas, a market, a hawker bazaar, a fire station, a civic centre and other community facilities.
Housing provided on the reclamation will complement the Lek Yuen Estate currently under construction in Sha Tin. The Lek Yuen Estate comprises seven blocks, and will house 23,000 people on completion.
Other provisions envisaged in the New Town are commercial and industrial areas, government and institutional facilities, and a number of service reservoirs.
- - - - 0 -------
/2........
Thursday, Fobraary 21, 1974
HWUGURATION OF CULTURAL AfJD RECREATIOKAL CO:"HTTEE «««««»«
The Cultural and Recreational Committee of the Wong Tai Sin Community Centre will bo officially inaugurated tomorrow (Friday).
The coroEozy will take place at tho Community Centre at 104, Ching
Tak Street, Wong Tai Sin, at 5.00 p.ru
Officiating will bo Mies Annie Chan, Assistant Director of Social Welfare, Mr. I.R. Strachan, City District Officer, Wong Tai Sin, Miss Linda Loe, Senior Education Officer, and Mr. Kwok Ka-chi , Principal Social Welfare Officer of the Social Welfare Department.
Tho Cultural and Recreational Committee was established in November 1968 by sixty schools in Wong Tai Sin District and is under tho Chairmanship of the Warden of tho Ccmmumity Centre there.
Mrs. Henrietta Chan, who presently holds tho position, said that since its founding tho Committee had successfully organised a number of useful activities, among which wore two seminars on “deviant behaviour of tho young in resettlement estates” and “social work and school education”.
The others included projects to miso funds for tho nelfaro of elderly people in tho area and tho formation of tho Wong Tai Sin District Children’s choir.
Over the next few months the Committee is planning to organise a number of different activities including a party for elderly people, a children’s night at Morse Park and a singing competition.
Note to Editors: You are welcome to cover the Inauguration Ceremony.
0 - -
000609#
Thursday, February 21, 1974
- 3 -
CHILDREN’S PARTY
The Government Supplies Department will host an Annual Children’s
Party for 1,000 children at the Department Compound at Oil Street, North
Point this Sunday (February 24) at 2 p.m.
Programmes of the day include music by Cape Collinson Boys Band, the A.M.S. Band, magic and acrobatic shows, side shows, cartoons, merry-go-round and train rides.
Representatives of the press are welcome to cover.
-------0---------
’•MEET THE MEDIA” SESSION
Note to gditors: The Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Kenneth
Topley, will answer questions from the Press on the work of his department at a "Meet the Media” session tomorrow (JYiday).
Also attending will be the Deputy Director, Mr. Thomas Lee, and the Assistant Director (General), Mr. Frederick Clark.
The session will be held in the 35 mm. theatre, G.I.S., Beaconsfield House, 5th floor. It begins at 3 p.m.
You are welcome to send your representative to cover the session.
Television crews are advised to arrive early to give them ample time to set up their cameras.
-------0---------
/’♦
i ' *
Thursday, February 21, 197^
- 4 -
SEMINAR ON HIGHER STUDIES
Some 200 senior secondary students from schools in Tai Hans Tung and its surrounding areas have been invited to attend a seminar on higher studies this Saturday (February 2J).
The seminar will be held at the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre and is intended to give the students a chance to obtain more information about enrolment, curriculum, and other details about the prospects of postsecondary and university education.
Representatives from the Hong Kong University, the Chinese University, the Baptist College and the Education Department have been invited to speak.
This is the second such seminar that the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre and the West Kowloon Youth Guidance Council have organised this year to help Form Five Students in deciding what they are going to do in future.
Note to Editors? You are welcome to cover the seminar which will be held from 2.00 to 5*00 p.m. on Saturday (February 25) at the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre at Tong Yam Street, Tai Hang Tung, Kowloon.
-----0-----
1
Thursday, February 21, 1974
- 5 -
BUILDING PLANS APPROVED
A total of 6j building plans were approved in January, according to statistics released today by the Buildings Ordinance Office.
Twenty-*three of the plans were on Hong Kong Inland, 1J in Kowloon and 27 in the New Territories.
They include multi-storey apartment/couzicrcial buildings in Percival Street, Lockhart Hoad and Uiu Kwong Street in Sau Mau Ping.
Plans for a 40-storoy building at Fortress Hill Road include a car park on five lower*-ground floors.
Forty now building projects wore given permission to start work lust month.
Occupation certificates wore issued for 42 domestic and non-domestic premises, including tcnement/cozmorciol buildings in Wanchai, North Point, Chatham lioad and Kwai Chung.
Consent was also given during the month for the demolition of 51 buildings.
------0----------
/O Q.O.O.
Thursday, February 21, 1974
TEXTILE EXPORT ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED
In a notice to exporters on textile exports to the United States, the Director of Commerce and Industry has announced the arrangements for the disposal of uncommitted balances of cotton, m.m.f. and wool quotas for 1973/74 under an open-to-all export authorisation scheme.
Trade associations and companies on the Commerce and Industry Department’s mailing list for these notices will receive copies shortly.
Copies are also available from the receptionist counter on the ground floor of the department, 46 Connaught Road, Central.
Anyone wishing to seek further information is invited to contact either of the following officers of the department:
Mr. Y.K. Tong - Industry Assistant Tel. No. 5-239625
Mr. C.Y. Cho) - Industry Assistants
Mr. M.O. Wong) Tel. No. 5-448686
-------0---------
Thursday, February 21, 1974
- 7 ->
TAXI FARE INCREASE BEING CONSIDERED
♦-x *******
A. possible fare increase for taxi operators on Hong Kong Island is being considered by the Transport Department. An earlier application by Kowloon taxi operators is in its final stage of processing,
A spokesman for the department today emphasised that the application by Hong Kong operators had not been rejected. The decision lay with the Governor in Council and not the Transport Department.
The Hong Kong operators are seeking to increase the existing fl ag-fal 1 from 51.50 to 52.00, and the rate per mile from 51.00 to 51.50.
The spokesman said that the operators had more recently backed up their application by producing detailed audited accounts of their operation.
’’Obviously there has been a rise in operating costs during the past twelve months or so, and the application must be considered in this light,” the spokesman added.
However, because the Hong Kong operators submitted their application well after an application was made by the Kowloon operators, it is only reasonable that theirs should be considered first.
The spokesman said that when the Kowloon operators submitted their applications, the Hong Kong operators indicated that they were not seeking a fare increase at that stage.
-------0---------
Thursday, February 21, 197^
- 8 -
HAWKERS WARNED ABOUT IMPOSTORS
********
The Housing Department today advised illegal hawkers in the
Yau Tong area to beware of a group of people who claimed to be able to get hawker stalls for them.
It is believed that some hawkers have already paid sums of money to these people in the hope of getting a hawker stall.
”A report should be made to the Police if anyone should use this as a pretext to solicit money/1 a spokesman for the Housing Department urged.
He explained that it was impossible to take in more hawkers on the estate as tenants are .already adequately served by the modular market and temporary bazaar, which have a total of more than 170 stalls.
Meanwhile, Housing Department staff continued their routine tidy-up operation today to ensure that the estate is tidy and clean®
-------0---------
Thursday, February P.% 3974
zn77f:oT;v sewh.:
Da5Jy C.?ido To I ? ksV. :'■ -■■■ -.t Price:’ !i nd ottppli ;•< '■ <• -•!•••>* ♦
Tno following prices wove rcnliccd tedr.j (Thursday) at c -cn under the Rico Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organ:’ a at •*<t. nholrralo Market and the Fish Marketing Organ?.nation Wholonalo Marlrot cit f'? r- glia Uan} Kowloon: ■
Supplies and VJholoaale Prices of Rico
Grado Availability V of S’-pplv hblocalo Price (t /t atty)
China Fico Awuyigq •
_ - old crop Seo Mew - nor; crop Good «•>
SoC.Jien - old crop Good
Po Hgai Good
Cha Cr..o Good r»
7} i Rico '' • r* x - * • V'holo Good •w
Brnlrons Good
A'1 Super Extra Good 1.52
A1 Super Good . 1.42
Whole (Rutinous Good •m
• U a^^j^iee Good 1.?4 •
Australian Rice Good «
Palcintan Rico Good •
yaiv/rn .RicQ1 Good * •*
/Supplies and Aeoaoe
Thursday, February 21, 197U
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish • 9
• •Availability Wholesale.Price
Species of Supply (8/catty)
• • % Lo w • Average
• Golden Thread Good 3.2 2.2 ■ 2.8
Big-Eyea Good 2.7 0.7 1.8
Squid Limited 5.8 3.0 5.0
Hair-Tails Normal <2.4 0.8 1.7
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.3 1.0 1.8
Creators Normal 2.2 0.8 ’ 1.5
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 2.4 2.0 2.2
• Melon Coat Normal 2.2 1.8 2.0
Breams Normal 4.5 3.5 4.0
Yellow Bolly Good 1.7 0o8 1.2
Mackerels Good 3.6 2.8 3.2
♦ K Rod Goat Fish Good 1.2 0.55 0.8
Fork-Tail Normal 1.0 0.7 0.9
Horso-Hoad Normal 5.0 2.8 4.0
Halon Seed Normal 2.5 . 1.8 2.2
Poafrcts Limited 9.0 7.5 8.0
Garoupas • Normal 6.5 4.5 5.5
Yollow Croaker Scarce 8.0 6.5 . 6.8 •
• • • • /Supplies and •
Thursday, February 21, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
• locally r Produced Vegetables
• Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)
Type
Iliri low AveraflO
Flowering cabbage Normal 1*4 < 0.5 1.0
White cabbage Normal * 0.8 0.2 0.5
Chinese Lettuce Normal. 0.6 0.15 0.4
Chinese Kale Good 0.8 0.2 0.5 0.6
Spring onion Normal 1.0 0.5
• Good 0.7 0.15 0.45
Spinach . . 0.5
• Good 0.8 0.15
Water oross 0.45
loaf mustard cabbage Limited 0o7 0.2
« • *» Limited 1.6 0.5 1.0
Tomato
nnd Wholesale Prices of Pork. (Live weight) •
• Availability of Supply __ Wholesale Price ( 8/ picul). .
• • (Average)
Good . 500
Pork
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Friday, February 22, 1974
CONTENTS
Page No, Three-month operation to groove airport runway surface to ensure landing safety......................................
Computerised driving licences to be issued ................... 4
i‘our buildings in Central District declared dangerous • •••• 5
Civil Aid Services to hold annual exercise......6
Kwun Tong Community Centre celebrates tenth anniversary ... 8
Four lots of Crown land put up for sale by tender............. 9
Official opening of careers seminar tomorrow ................ 9
Important role of ferry service emphasised................... 10
Proposed minibus stops turned down to avoid traf fi c congestion ...........................................
Passing-out parade of prisons officers ......................
*******
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Italease time: 7.30 p,m.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
x.viUuy, February 22, 197z?
- 1 ..
GROOVING NEW SURFACE OF AIRPORT RUNWAY
Work To Talco Three Months ft ft <k ft ft ft ft
Work on grooving the now surface of the runway at Kai Talc is to start early this sumnior.
The decision to groove the surface and to begin this operation as soon as possible follcv.-s a series <•' oxlz.iustxve tests conducted by the Civil Engineering Office of Public Works Department in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department.
A P.V/.D. spokesman explained today that the object of the tests was to examine a range of technical options on methods, materials and timings and so arrive at the most effective moans of improving the frictional characteristics of the now surface•
nA vast amount of data was gathered, including technical information from other intemnti.onal aimovts.
tests at Kai Talc included trial grooving of limited areas and experiments with grit—blasting as a possible short-term roughening process. These were supplemented by I2u-netor tests, which take the fora of towing a Mu-meter at varying speeds and in varying weather conditions in order to measure the coefficient of friction.
“The tine and effort spent on these tests, which were carried out by consultants under P.VJ.D. supervision, have now amply proved their worth. The answer that lias emerged is a clear indication that grooving is the best solution, and we now know the most effective way of timing and phasing this operation.”
/Work on
•p. 22, 1974
- 2 -
Work on the initial phase of grooving is expected to start in May. This work will last about three months. The estimated cost is about 31»3 frill ion.
These grooves will be so spaced as to allow supplementary grooves to be cut in between them at a later stage should this prove necessary.
Much of this initial work will have to be carried out nt night, and this will mean the closure of the runway for part of the night during the throe-month period.
The spokesman recalled that the overlay of the runway surface was completed last August. ‘The old surface had been grooved for the last 18 months of its operational life.
’’It is impossible to groove a new overlay immediately because the surface is not sufficiently hard, and it is very important to get the timing and phasing right in order to avoid working abortively on premature grooving which might subsequently break up and possibly lead to prolonged and complete closure of the runway. Hence the importance of the tests.
fll7o are very satisfied with the quality of the new surface. As regards its frictional characteristics, the Mu-meter tests show that by international standards the runway rates as good in dry weather and average in very wet weather.
’’This means that the frictional standard in wet weather may be marginally lower than that of the old runway surface, but against this must be set an improvement in the cross fall drainage standard and the elimination of puddles or ’birdbath0 areas (where shallow layers of water gathered) on the old runway.”
/A spokesman
Friday, February 22, 1971*
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department said that the Department fully concurred with the decision to groove and was pleased that the technical questions had been solved. "We have informed the airlines and the pilots1 association of the decision, and naturally they are pleased about it."
The spoilsman commented: "It is impossible to make a runway too safe. Which is why we welcome the decision to start grooving as soon as possible.
He concluded: ’These works, combined with the fact that the new overlay is daily becoming harder and rougher with use, are going to give us a very fine surface by any standards."
-------0---------
A....
Friday, February 22, 19?4
- 4 -
COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCES TO BE ISSUED «««**«*
Driving licences produced by computer will be issued by the Transport Department from next Monday (February 25)•
However, provisional driving licences and instructors’ permits will continue to be issued in the present format.
During the initial stages, the computer licence will be inserted in the existing boolict-type licence.
Tliis temporary measure will continue until the enactment, within the next two months or so, of amending legislation which will enable the new licence to be laminated.
Once the legislation is approved, the laminated licence will be similar to the Hong Kong identity card, and will be more convenient to carry than the present one.
A spokesman for the Transport Department said today that the new computer*-produced driving licence being introduced from Monday will not be issued over the counter. It will be sent to an applicant by recorded postal delivery after it has been data-processed.
"Applicants should not, therefore, expect the issue or return of their licence at the counter. This new procedure has been adopted as a countercheck on the address of the person holding or applying for a licence," the spokesman added.
For this reason, applicants must ensure that all details on the forms are correct. At the same time they are encouraged to send in their applications by post rather than through personal attendance at the licensing offices.
Applications for renewal of driving licences and changes of particulars on the forms recently introduced can be sent by post or in person to the Transport Department’s Licensing Offices at 2 Murray Road, ground floor, Hong Kong, or Pul Ching Road, ground floor, Kowloon.
•-------0.......... ........................
Friday, February 22, 1974
- 5 -
BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS
I
♦♦♦**♦*
The Building Authority today declared 177 and 179 Wing Lok Street to be in a dangerous condition.
It also declared 181 Wing Lok Street and 17 Bonham Strand West liable to become dangerous.
In a statement issued this morning, the Principal Government Building Surveyor said that these four storey pre-war buildings were inspected during the course of planned surveys in the area.
It was discovered that the brick-work in the party-wall between 177 and 179 V/ing Lok Street was severely bulged, crushed and fractured.
It is considered that as there is imminent danger of a local collapse, precautionary shoring should be erected immediately and an application for closure is to bo made.
Owing to defects in the party-wall between 179 and 181 Wing Lok Street it is further considered that there is a risk of failure leading to collapse during or after the demolition of the adjoining buildings.
Therefore closure is considered necessary and the subsequent demolition would involve removal of the access staircase to 17 Bonham Strand West.
Notices of intention to apply in the Victoria District Court at 9-30 a.m. on March 22, 197^ for closure orders on all four buildings were posted today.
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/6........
Friday, February 22, 1974
- 6 -
C.A.S. HOLDS ANNUAL EXERCISE
The Civil Aid Services will hold its annual exercise this Sunday (Februazy 24) to ensure that volunteers’ training is up-to-date and that they arc fully prepared and ready for any emergency which may arise.
Duo to the fuel economy drive, the colony-wide exercise will be reduced to a regional one held simultaneously on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, with a limited movement of vehicular traffic.
The exercise, code-named "Yellow Stone”, is set in Hong Kong against a background of simulated events during the tropical cyclone season.
After seven days of continuous rainfall, there result many isolated landslides, collapse of old tenement houses, flooding and road blockages*
The Civil Aid Services has been alerted to be ready to render assistance, if necessary, at very short notice.
On February 24, a further torrential downpour occurs, causing severe damage to property and posing a threat of landslides. The Commissioner, C.A.S., mobilises 600 officers and members in the early hours of the morning to assist in the rescue of victims from a large landslide which has occurred in a squatter area near Wong Nai Chung Reservoir, and in a squatter area near the Kowloon Reservoir.
/Many huts
Friday, February 22, 1974
- 7 -
Many i’.uts have been swept away in a landslide of mud, earth and rock. About 100 people are unaccounted for and are either trapped, injured or lost.
All Warden Zones in Hong Kong and Kowloon have been alerted and sections of Wardens move to the site to begin rescue work under the Mobile Tactical Command Unit. The heavy Rescue Units have been deployed in the New Territories to assist in a similar exercise in Tsuen Wan district, and arc not available for use during Exercise Yellow Stone in the urban area.
Note to Editors: You are invited to send a representative to
cover the exercise at the site at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir. A Civil Aid Services press liaison officer will meet members of the Press on the site at 10.50 a.n. on Sunday to brief them on the situation and the rescue methods being employed.
For further enquiries, please contact Mr. Chan Chun-ying, Principal Training Officer of the C.A.S. on telephone 5-778241, ext. 73*
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/8........
Friday, February 22, 197^
8
COMMUNITY CENTRE CELEBRATES TENTH ANNIVERSARY
******
The Social Welfare Department’s Community Centre in Kwun Tong marks its 10th Anniversary tomorrow (February 23).
The Community Centre staff will be holding an anniversary celebration at which Mr. Thomas Lee, Deputy Director of Social Welfare, will address the gathering. He will also present certificates of appreciation and souvenirs to volunteers and members of the centre.
Winners of various competitions organised by the Centre during the past year will also receive their prizes which will be presented by the City District Officer (Kwun Tong), Mr. Michael Sze, and the Divisional Superintendent of Police (Kwun Tong), Mr. Patrick O’Regan.
In addition, the money which was raised by the Centre’s members in last Sunday’s ’’Walk for a million” will be handed over to a representative of tho Community Chest.
Some 500 guests comprising local leaders of the district, heads of schools and members of the Centre’s council have been invited.
Note to Editors; You are welcome to cover the Centre’s 10th Anniversary Celebration tomorrow. It will begin at 3.00 p.m. The Kwun Tong Community Centre is located in Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong.
-------0-------- /9...................................
Friday, February 22, 197A
- 9 -
CROW UNT SALES t « t * £ ».«
Four lots cf Crc-.n land in Hung hoi.. ^ond liil'j. have been put up for sole by tender* 4
The sites have a totcl area of more than ’+O,tx.O square foot, and are all earmarked for funeral parlour purposes.
The two sites in Hung Hoti are Located off ’finslow Street, and those at Diamond Hill are situate-! off Po Kwong Village Road*
Closing date for the acceptance of tenders is 12 noon on March 29 (Friday).
Forms of tendei.. tender notices ad condition or sale may be obtained from the Crown Lands and Survey Offices on the 19tl' floor of Murray Building, Garden Road and on tne ^Oth floor of the Kowloon Government Offices, 40$ Nathan Road.
Sales plans can. also bo inspected.
a'-WRS SBiTNAR
****♦♦♦
Note to Editors > A two-day careers seminar will be offiHariy opened by tee Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Lao Mon—catv at tne Kwon Tong Government Technical Secondary School, 90 Kung .uok Road., Kwun Tong tomorrow vSaturday’ au 10>50 a©m,
Iou are invited to send a reporter to cover the opening ceremony.
AO ....
• 0 -
Frid?y, February 22 ? 1974
- 10
ISERIES COMIML’E TO PLAY LiPOPTANT HCL2
The ferry companies Lave not been overlooked in the government's long-term planning even lough ferries de not require .flyovers and underpasses to cross each others*’ paths without collision.
’’Waterborne transport will always piny a vital role in our development,” the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr. Derir Bray, said today at the launching of the newest Hong Koi^ and Yaumati ferry at the Hong Long Shipyard in Tai Kok Tsui*
truce reminder that thia haibour ic the reason .by Hong Kong is here in tnc first place,5’ hr ua’d. ’’and irs strategic importance has not changed one whit.
”It is in 5 tself _. ready-made and compa?at5.v 5ji expensive highway
for fast conmiuar.cutions.. “
He said the cross-harbour tunnel h.-d not taken away all the traffic from the ferry Gcn/.anict- he saw tha. far fror nearxng the end of thoir usefulness, the ferries were about to embark upon a ’’whole new era of activity.”
The new i’era’v ’’Man Kung’1 is the longest (210 feet) vessel so far coinm.iss5.oned. by the Company •
At a full-load tonnage of ,322, it nolds about 90 cars on both decks. It will ply on uhe Jordan Soad — Jubilee Street route.
too >» w .
Mote to Editc.vs; Cv^pies of the full text of Mz.. Bray’s
speech are distributed separately through; the G.T„Se press boxes.
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* o c • q e
Friday, February 22, 1974
- 11 -
ADDITIONAL P.L.B. STOPS IM CENTRAL RULED OUT
The government, after careful consideration, has decided that xt is not practicable to approve the introduction of two additional public light bus stops in the Central area.
The suggestion for the two stops — one in Ice House Street and the other in Queen’s Road Central west of Jubilee Street — was put forward by representatives of mini-bus associations at their last meeting with the Transport Department.
The Chief Transport Officer for Public Transport, Mr. Peter Miller, told the representatives at another meeting today that the suggested Ice iovj Street stand was ruled out after a detailed traffic survey was carried ouv.
The survey revealed that the use of this section of the road oy Ini-buses would create severe traffic congestion at the point where Lower Albert Road joins Wyndham Street.
During peak hours, Wyndham Street is already heavily choked wi-xh .. and the problem would become intolerable if mini-buses were allowed into rho x As for the suggested stand in Queen’s Road, near Jubilee Street ; h ..
Mt 11 or said that this was turned down because of its close proxxrixty co the existing mini-bus stand in Wellington Street, only a few yards away.
He pointed out that since the introduction of the third stage of che Central District Traffic Arrangements early last month, there had been a big •improvement in traffic flow in the Central area. This was particularly not.’.cjaoi in Queen’s Road Central, Des Voeux Road Central and Connaught Road Central.
/The Stanley
Friday, February 22, 197^
- 12 -
The Stanley Street route for mini-buses will be improved vzith the introduction soon of restrictions on the loading and unloading of goods vehicles during certain hours.
Mr. Miller also reiterated that the existing PLB stard in Des Voeux Road Central next to Statue Square will be closed within the next month or so<>
The PLB representatives were first told of this move last year as the site will be needed for future works connected with the mass transit scheme.
However, to compensate for the loss of Statue Square, the Transport Department is to open up a new section of the mini-bus stand near Connaught Centre. This will be opened as soon as the Statue Square stand is closed, and will be capable of holding some 60 PLB’s.
Mr. Miller added that access to this stand is likely to be improved in the near future by new traffic routing.
The Connaught Centre stand and the one near the vehicular ferry pier, both of which have only been in operation for about two months, are proving quite popular.
The mini-bus representatives were also informed of another new arrangement to reduce congestion. From next Friday (March 1) no PLB’s, except those holding a permit, will be allowed to travel westwards along Peak Road from its junction with Magazine Gap Road.
This measure is necessary to eliminate the serious congestion at the^ Upper Peak Tram Terminus caused by mini-buses plying for hire in the area on Sundays and public holidays.
The PLB association representatives were first told of the decision several months ago.
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Friday, February 22, 1974
- 15 -
PASSING-OUT PARADE
*******
Note to Editors: A passing-out parade for about 100
prisons officers will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at the Prisons Department Staff Training Institute at Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley.
Mr. David Hampton, Inspector of Prisons, will inspect the parade and address the recruits.
You are invited to have the occasion * covered. Copies of Mr. Hampton’s speech in English will be boxed at the G.I.S. tomorrow.
0 - -
Friday, February 22, 197’1
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guide To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
5ho following prices v/aio realised today (Friday) sales under the Nice Co:. I -.Jl Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Sha Won, Kowloon:
Sunnlioc and Wholesale Prices. of _Rice
Gcado China Rico Availability of Sunply Wholesale Price (g/catty) . ‘,
Ayerago
„ •- old crop mCQ Mow ~ ncv/ crop Good Good 1.84 •
S.C.Jion - old crop Good * 1.78
po llgai •• — •
Chu Clio - ••
Thaij*ico *100$ Whole Good 1.74
10-15$ Brotans A1 Super Extra • • •
A1 Super Good . 1.32/1.42
Whole Glutinous Good 1.82
U.S. Rice Good 1.74
Austi^Jan^Rioo • «• •
Pakistan Rice • * e
Taiv/an Rico - • •A
/Supplies end «••••«»
Friday, February 22, 1974
SupnHof. Wholesale Pi'-ices of
Local 1.^ Produced Vere tab] es
Sxpx Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/cntty)
Lo?/ Average
Floworing cabbage Limn ted 1©6 0.6 1*2
White cabbage Normal 0o8 0o2 0*5
Chinese Lettuce Normal. 0.6 0*15 oJf «
Chinese Kalo Normal 0.8 0*2 0.5
/tyring onion Good 0.8 0.2 0.5
Spinach . Normal 0.7 0*2 0.5
Water cross Normal 0.9 0.2 0.55
Loaf mustard cabbage Limited Oo7 0*2 O.'i5
To’uiato v . Limited 1.6 0.5 1*0
V/llolesa.lq Pricos of Pork (Live v/cight) •
Availability Wholesale Price
of Supply , ( SZ p>^)-
* (Average)
Pork Good ’ 300
-------0 --------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Saturday, February 23, 1974
CONTENTS
Pa£e No,
Students urged to think more positively about careers in industry ........................................................1
Employment survey shows 627,230 people were working in registered
industrial establishments last December..........••••••......... 3
Hong Kong’s prisons service compares favourably with those in
Britain .......................••••••••••.......••••••••••••• 4
New traffic arrangements in Kowloon Tong next week ••••<•••• 5
Party for elderly estate residents tomorrov/ ........••••*•• 6
More than 12,000 doses of anti-poliomyelitis vaccine administered in past three weeks ................................... 6
Pelease time? 2.30 p>n«
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Saturday, February 23, 197^
STARTING A CAREER
Labour Department Ready To Help
********
Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Lao Mou-chi, today urged Hong Kong students to make greater use of the services offered by the Labour Department in beginning their working life.
Mr. Lao was speaking while officially opening a two-day careers seminar being held at the Kwun Tong Government Technical Secondary School.
The seminar, jointly organised by the Ngau Tau Kok Caritas, careers teachers from seven major secondary schools in the Kwun Tong District, and the Labour Department, is being attended by some 800 students -many of them in their final year at school.
Mr. Lao urged the students to think more positively of careers in industry through apprenticeship training schemes. He told them to approach the Industrial Training Division of the Labour Department for free assistance and advice on the growing career opportunities opening up through such schemes.
Mr. Lao also said more school leavers should take advantage of the department’s Local Employment Service, which provides a free service aimed at bringing prospective employees in touch with employers with suitable job vacancies.
/The Assistant........
Saturday, February 23, 1972*
2 -
The Assistant Commissioner, praising the efforts of the Kwun Tong careers teachers in organising the seminar, urged schools to play a greater part in preparing young people for a career. He said more schools could include careers content in their curricula, disseminate available careers information, and release students to attend careers talks and seminars.
"And the Youth Employment Advisory Service of the Labour Department is always ready to help by way of co-ordinating careers programmes and organising careers activities," Mr. Lao said.
"One very encouraging start has been made at this seminar, for this is the first seminar in which careers teachers at schools have been actively involved in planning and preparation. Let us hope that this is the first of many such activities."
The seminar’s two-day programme of careers talks and panel discussions covers such subjects as work with computers; social work; nursing; apprentice training; government jobs for secondary school leavers: and employment and further studies.
There will also be special panel discussions on the tourist industry and three major manufacturing industries - textiles, electronics and electrical products.
-------o--------- /3........
Saturday, February 23, 1974
- 3 -
DECEMBER EMPLOYMENT FIGURES
»*»**«**
The total work force last December in industrial undertakings registered with or recorded by the Labour Department was 627,230, according to a survey by the Census and Statistics Department.
This represented an increase of 7,993 as compared with September 1973i and 2,143 compared with June last year.
The total number of such undertakings surveyed was 22,533i which was 923 more than in September 1973.
The survey indicated an increase in employment in a number of industries, including garments (+2,112), bleaching and dyeing (+1,202), cotton spinning and weaving (+911), metal products (+832) and glove making (+824).
On the other hand, there were drops in the work force of the plastics industry (-2,545), knitting industry (-1,346) and wigs industry (-744).
The survey also recorded a total of 7,203 vacancies. The main vacancies were: garments 2,318, electronics 1,747,metal products 374 and plastics 391*
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I - .
/4........
Saturday, February 2j5j 1974
- 4 -।
PRISON SERVICES UP TO STANDARD
lie*#***
Hong Kong’s prisons services compare favourably with the best penal institutions in Britain, according to the newly appointed Inspector of Prisons, Mr. David Hampton.
Addressing new recruits at their passing out parade at the Prisons i
Department Staff Training Institute this (Saturday) morning, Mr. Hampton said; "Recently having been to the United Kingdom and visited numerous prison establishments, by comparison I can assure you that, as a discipline service, you can be rightly proud."
However, there were problems within the department, especially at Stanley Prison, he said, "and these problems have got to be squarely faced."
To indicate the importance that is attached to this, all the new graduates would be posted at Stanley.
Mr. Hampton told the officers that one of the greatest problems at Stanley is overcrowding. Plans are- in hand to reduce this, he said, but in the meantime the officers must be vigilant and aware of the difficulties that overcrowding brings.
He noted that the. department was going through a tremendous amount of reorganisation, changes in handling prisoners and a change in institutional roles. - - -
But the uniformed officer, he stressed, "is still the backbone of the prison service."
Note to Editors: Copies of Mr. Hampton’s speech are boxed
for collection.
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Saturday, February 2J, 1974
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON
********
A temporary timber footbridge will be erected on Monday night (February 25) at the Waterloo Road-Prince Edward Road junction to improve pedestrian crossing facilities during the construction of the Waterloo Road Flyover.
Motorists arc advised that traffic diversions will be in operation for short periods between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. while the two main spans of the bridge are put up.
A Transport Department spokesman said some delay to traffic in Waterloo Road was inevitable and he advised drivers to avoid the area during the hours of work on the bridge.
Meanwhile^ Stafford Road will be re-routed to allow only east-bound traffic as from 10 a.m. on Tuesday (February 26). At the same time, Cambridge Road will be re-routed one-way for east-bound traffic.
These arrangements are intended to improve traffic circulation on both sides of Waterloo Road.
Traffic signs will be posted to guide motorists.
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/6 ...
*
Saturday, February 23, 1974
- 6 -
PARTY FOR ELDERLY
*******
Three welfare organisations in the Shek Lei Public Housing Estate in Tsuen Wan will be hosting a party for elderly people of the- estate tomorrow (Sunday).
The party, which is for 70 people who are aged 75 or over, will be held at the estate’s welfare building beginning at 2.30 p.m.
It is being organised jointly by the Shek Lei Youth Centre, the Hong Kong ^federation of Youth Groups and the Social Welfare Department’s Community Work Office.
A. variety of entertainment has been planned for the old people who will also be given a gift parcel each.
Some 25 youth volunteers will be helping out at the party.
-------0---------
ANTI-POLIO CAMPAIGN
********
A total of 12,006 doses of vaccine was administered during the three weeks ending on February 9 in the first phase of this year’s anti-poliomyelitis campaign, according to statistics issued today by the Medical and Health Department.
During the period, 4,933 first-dose, 4,172 second-dose, and
2,901 booste2>-dose of the vaccine were administered. Of these, 3,406 were administered among children on the Island, 5? 991 in Kowloon, and 2,609 in the New Territories.
The first phase of the campaign began on January 2 ended on February 16. The second phase will be carried out between March 18 and
the end of April
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Monday, February 25, 197^
CONTENTS
Page No«
New express mail service available from March ................ 1
Temporary water interruption in Sai Kung area............. 2
Radio and television coverage of Budget Speech on Wednesday •• 5
First-aid training course for industrial workers ............. 5
Lady MacLehose opens new welfare building for Po Leung Kuk ••• 7
Over 1,000 firms apply for share-out scheme of plastic raw materials.......•••••.•»•••••••...............................
Hong Kong con overcome its problems .......................... 10
The Governor to open the Tsing Yi Bridge on Thursday.......... 11
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release tine: 7«0^ P*m«
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Monday, February 25, 1974
NEW EXPRESS MAIL SERVICE
*******
An egress mail service will be introduced on Friday (March 1), the Post Office announced today.
It will bo available to and from 19 places. They are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and West Germany.
A Post Office spokesman said the object of the new service is to enable a nail item to secure expeditious delivery in the country of destination.
’This may be achieved either by the use of a special messenger or by ensuring that the iten secures the earliest possible delivery by other means,” he said*
Further information about express services available may be obtained at any past office, he added.
The spokesman said it is advisable that items intended for the express service should be posted at post office counters.
The fee for all categories of mail is S5 in addition to the normal postage•
An express label, which is obtainable at any post office, should be affixed to each item on the upper left hand side of the address, but in the absence of a label, the item may be marked "Express” in bold red lettering*
Express letter items may also be posted in street posting boxes provided that they bear the full postage, the Express fee, and an Express indication.
/Express mail
Monday, February 25, 1974
- 2 -
Express mail received in Hong Kong from other countries v. •-- J. he specially dealt with to ensure expeditious delivery.
"It is hoped to extend the express mail to and from other countries in the future," the spokesman said.
The Express service is not available for items posted in Hong Kong for local delivery.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT
Water supply to a number of premises in Clearwater Bay -end, Ho
Chung Valley and Sai Kung will be interrupted for 24 hours starting from 8 p.ra. on Wednesday (February 27).
The temporary stoppage is to enable Waterworks stall to connect water mains.
Areas and villages affected include Ma Yau Tong, Ronnie’s Hill, Yau Yue Wan, Hang Hau Town, the Shaw Studios, Silverstrand, Tai Po Tsai, Tai Po Tsai Au, Nam Wai, Wo Mei, Nam Pin Wai, Mok Tse Che, Ho Chung, Pal: Wai, Luk Hei, Pale Sha Wan, Pak Kong, Tai Chung Hau, Tsui Keng, Ta Ho Tun, ro Lo Che and San On Village.
- - 0 - -
/3
Monday, February 25, 1974
- 3 -
WEDNESDAY IS BUDGET DAY Live Radio Broadcasts Of Financial Secretary’s Speech ******
Hone Kong’s budget for the coming financial year will be made known this Wednesday (February 27) when the Appropriation Bill 1974 is presented to the Legislative Council.
The proceedings will start at 2.30 p.m. during which the Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, will move the second reading of the bill and outline the main features of estimated revenue and. expenditure for 1974/75.
The estimated heads of expenditure will be set out in the schedule of the bill to be published in a Gazette Extraordinary at 2.30 p.m.
Debate on the second reading of the bill will be adjourned and resumed on March 13 and 14 when unofficial members will Lav- an opportunity to speak on the financial and economic state of Hong Kong and the general principles of government policy and administrations as indicated by the bill and estimates.
The debate will be resumed on March 27 (and continue on March 28 if necessary) when the official members will reply to points raised by their unofficial colleagues.
The council will then consider the bill in committee which will be-followed by the formal third reading.
As in previous year^, the proceedings will be comprehensively covered by the radio and television stations.
/The Financial .......
Monday, February 25, 1974
- 4 -
Tho Financial Secretary’s speech on Wednesday will be broadcast live over Radio Hong Kong’s Chinese (RHK 1 and 2) and English (RHK 3 and 4) services*
Commercial Radio’s Chinese Service will broadcast the proceedings live on channel one with normal news coverage on channel two; while the station’s English Service will issue Budget ’’flashes” in its hourly headlines with taped excerpts in the 6 p.m. news bulletin. These will be repeated in the local news roundup at 6.55 a.m. and 7.55 a.m. on Thursday.
Budget excerpts will also be broadcast the following Sunday (March 5) in Commercial Radio’s ”The Week In Review” at 11 a.m. and 12 noon.
Both TVB and RTV will cover the meeting in their regular news programmes*
Tho Budget Debate in March will also be broadcast live on RHK 2 (Chinese) and RHK 4 (English), as well as on channel one of Commercial Radio’s Chinese Service. The arrangements for the station’s English Service are the sane as for V/eanesday, except that there will be no ’’flash” in hourly headlines.
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/5
Monday, February 25, 1974
- 5 -
FIRST-AID COURSES FOR WORKERS
Tho Industrial Safety Training Centre of the Labour Department is to run a series of first-aid training courses for employees in industry from March to May.
Separate courses, to be run in conjunction with the St. John Ambulance Association, will be held on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and Tsucn Wan. The courses will require attendance at one morning session each week for eight weeks.
Mr. David Lin, Assistant Commissioner of Labour, said today those who passed the examination at the end of the courses would bo given full recognition under tho Factories and Industrial Undertakings (First Aid in Registrable Workplaces) Regulations, tho Quarries (Safety) Regulations and the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations.
Under tho Factories and Industrial Undertakings (First Aid in Registrable Uorlcplaces) Regulations, a proprietor must provide a qualified first aider for every 100 workers he employs.
Tho first course in the series will begin on March 25 and finish on May 13 at the St. John Ambulance Association Headquarters, 2 MacDonnoll Road, Hong Kong.
The second course will begin on April 10 at the Kowloon headquarters of th> Association, 104 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, ending on May 29.
The third course will be organised at the Princess Alexandra Community Centre, Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan, beginning on March 29 and ending on May 1?.
/Each participant
Monday, February 25, 197^
- 6 -
Each participant in tho courses will be required to nay the St. Jolin Ambulance Association S1? for a copy of a first-aid manual, and for the certificate awarded him if ho passes the course.
Ur. Lin said there was a serious shortage of trained first-aid personnel in factories, quarries and on construction sites.
’’This joint venture with the St. John Ambulance Association io one of the stops being taken by the Labour Department to help ease the shortage• ”
Mr. Lin urged employers to apply early on behalf of employees whom they xviched to attend the courses, as the enrolment would be limited to 30 for each course.
Ho particularly reminded building contractors that when the now Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations came into force on May 1, they would have to have a suitable number of properly qualified first-aid personnel on their sites.
Hr. Lin said applications for the courses could be made by writing to the Industrial Safety Training Centre, Labour Department, Canton Road Government Offices, Kowloon, or simply by telephoning Mr. V/ong Lan-kuong at >688458 during office hours.
- - 0
Monday, February 25, 197^
- 7 -
LADY MACLEHOSE OPENS NEW PO LEUNG KUK BUILDING
********
Lady MacLehose today commended the Po Leung Kuk for its response "to the changing needs of a fast-growing society as in Hong Kong."
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Kuk’s new welfare building at Link Hoad, she cited the new welfare centre and the increased provision _V" :
of day nurseries as examples of the Kuk’s "quick response" to meet these needs•
The new welfare building, she said, would "provide much improved facilities for the training of girls with behaviour problems and for
• U. the care of unmarried mothers and babies as well as for the vocational
training of the children residing at the Kuk".
The following is the full text of Lady MacLehose1s speech:
flI am delighted to be here today to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Po Leung Kuk’s new welfare building.
"Po Leung Kuk is a welfare organisation with a long history of commendable service and achievements in the community, particularly in its provisions for children and girls in need of care and protection. The Kuk provides residential and day care services for children and girls it • . : •
who, for one reason or another, are deprived of a normal homo or whose families are unable to care for them. Thus, care and protective services are extended from the age 0 to 21 including the orphaned , the abandoned, the mentally retarded, and unwed mothers.
/"The Kuk .....
Monday, February 25, 197^
- 8 -
f*2hc Kuk has always been sensitive to the changing needs of a fast-growing society as in Hong Kong. Its quick response to these needs is reflected in the increased provision of day nurseries and, particularly, in the establishment of this new building which will now provide much improved facilities for the training of girls with behaviour problems and for the care of unmarried mothers and babies as well as for the vocational training of the children residing at the Kuk.
"Problems relating to young persons like deviant behaviour and unmarried motherhood are serious ones for a modem society. To meet these problems, adequate trained staff and good physical facilities are essential. I am glad to hear that the Kuk is working along these lines and I am sure that with these additional facilities of the new welfare building, we can expect a very high quality of service for those in care. The Kuk, I understand, will be engaging staff with the right qualities and experience to embark upon this important work.
fTI admire the foresight and efforts of the chairman and directors of the current board and those of the last two years who initiated and carried through this project. I would also like to express my appreciation of the very generous contributions towards this project from the many individuals and funding organisations; which include the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Government Lotteries Fund.
"May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Li, the Chairman, and his directors and staff for the excellent work which they have done to bring about the successful completion of this fine building and wish the Kuk every success in the many areas of community service in which they are so deeply involved."
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Manday, February 25, 1974 - 9 -» • ♦
OVER 1,COO FIRMS APPLY FOR PLASTICS SHARE-OUT
******
Arrangements for a share-out of two essential plastic raw material5 among local plastics firms are now being finalised by the Commerce and Industry Department. *
Applications to participate in the share-out have been received from over 1,000 firms, and these are being checked out by staff in the department’s Industrial Development Branch to ensure that they meet the qualifying conditions.
Importers and larger manufacturing firms are providing more than 5,000,000 pounds of polyethylene and polystyrene for distribution next month.
The share-out is intended to help smaller firms who arc facing \
difficulties in obtaining supplies. v
To qualify, a registered factory must have a total injection-moulding machine capacity of not more than 30 ounces, and its consumption of polyethylene and polystyrene in 1972 and 1973 must not have exceeded an average of 20,000 lbs per month in total.
The closing date for applications was Friday, February 22.
Qualifying factories will receive written authorisations from the
Commerce and Industry Department for presentation to designated suppliers to secure sale and delivery of a specified quantity of materia?
The share-out scheme was proposed by the three main plastic manufacturers’ associations and supported by the major importers of plastic raw materials.
Consultations were held with officials in the Commerce and Industry Department which agreed to give administrative assistance to the scheme, z
-------0--------- /10.......................
• a
Monday, February 25, 1974
HONG KONG CAN OVERCOME TODAY’S PROBLEMS
The District Commissioner, New Territories, Mr. David Akers-
Jones, told New Territories Rotarians this evening that Hong Kong, with its practice at survival and enterprise, would overcome the problems confronting us today.
Speaking at the New Territories Rotary Club's weekly gathering
at the Peninsula Hotel, the Commissioner said that Hong Kong, like the rest of the world, was facing ’’enormous problems.”
However, he added, Hong Kong was better off than others who had had no real practice in adversity.
Turning to Government’s future targets, such as housing for the people of Hong Kong, development plans for the New Territories townships and the need to examine more closely the problems of the rural area, Mr. Akers-Jones said that: ”AU these plans are a great challenge to us, and to meet it we will need to exert ourselves, perhaps more than over before.”
- - 0 - -
Monday, February 25, 197^
- 11 -
RESTRICTIONS ON CARS USING ROADS ON TSING YI ******
The multi-million dollar Tsing Yi Island bridge will be officially opened by the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, on Thursday (February 28).
The 2,000 foot long bridge, which spans the fast flowing tidal waters of the Rambler Channel, links Tsing Yi Island and Kwai Chung. It has been built by a consortium of six companies operating on the island at a cost of about S21 million.
The access road at the Kwai Chung end of the bridge has been completed, but due to a temporary shortage of bitumen, the surfacing of the roads on the island has been delayed.
The roads themselves have been constructed and only await the final surfacing.
However, because of the limited capacity of the roads on Tsing Yi, all motor vehicles, except those displaying permits issued by the Commissioner for Transport, will be prohibited from using the approach road to the bridge and the bridge itself.
A spokesman for the Transport Department said today that those wishing to obtain permits should apply either to the District Officer, Tsuen Wan, who will forward the applications to the Commissioner for Transport, or direct to the Transport Department headquarters, 2 Murray Road, Hong Kong.
The District Officer, Tsuen Wan will also be authorised to issue permits valid for one day only and applications for these would be made to him.
i
Appropriate traffic signs will be in position to ‘guide motorists.
-------0---------
Monday, February 25, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
******
I
Tho following prices were realised t .day (Monday) at sales under tho Rice Control Scheme and at tho Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and tho Fish Marketing Organisation Wholes lo Market at Cheung Cha Wan, Kowloon:
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rico
Grado Availability of Sr nly < Wholesale Price (8/catty) r
China Rico / er.-'j-a .
„ - (>ld crop Soo Mew * •• new crop Good •M
SaC.Jion - old crop Good • 1c?3
Po Heal Good
Chu Cho ' Good w
Thai Rice id^H-Gjofo • Good । V 4 M
10-15# Brokens Good w
A1 Super Extra i Good 1.52
A1 Super Good 1.42 t
Whole Glutinous Good **
U.S. Rice Good 1.7'f
Australian Rioo Good 1.72
Palciatan Rico Good . * 1.42
Taivzan Rico Good ,. 1.52
• /Supplies and ouuot
Monday, February 25> 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
Availability Wholesale Price
Species of Supply (8/catty)
Hiph Low • Average
Golden Biread Good 4.7 3.2 3.8
Big-Eyes Good 2.8 0.7 2.0
Squid Limited 6.2 3.0 5.2
Hair-Tails Good 2.8 1.0 2.0
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.8 1.2 1.8
Croalzers Normal 1.8 0.8 1.5
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 3.2 2.0 2.5
Melon Coat Good 2.6 1.8 2.0
Breens Normal 4.5 3.0 4.2
Yellow Belly Good 2.6 1.0 1.8
Mackerels Normal 4.0 3.5 3.7
Hod Goat Fish Good 2.0 0.8 1.6
Fork-Tail Normal 1.7 1.5 1.0
Horse-Head Normal 6.2 3.2 5.2
Melon Seed Normal 4.0. 2.5 3.0
Pomfrets Scarce 10o0 8.5 9.0
Garoupas Normal 6.0 5.0 5.8
Yellow Croaker — - •*
/Supplies and •••••••
Monday, February 25, 1974
Suppliers and Wholesale) Prices of
Locally Produced Vegetables
type. Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)
High Low Average
Flowering cabbage Scarce 2.0 0.8 1.5
White cabbage Limited 1.0 0.4 0.7
Chinese Lottuoe Limited 1.0 0.4 0.7
Chinese Kale Limited %5 0.5 1.0
Spring onion Normal 0.8 0.3 0.6
Spinach Limited 1.0 0.4 0.7
Water cross Limited 1.2 0.3 0.8
Loaf mustard cabbage Limited 0„8 o©3 0.5
Tomato Limited 1.4 0.4 0.3
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight) Availability Wholesale Price of Supply ( 8/ picul)
• • (Average)
Pork Good ’ 300
-----0------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Tuesday, February 2o, 1974
CONTENTS
Page No,
Nev/ four-year Arrangement Regarding International Trade in Textiles .............................................•••••«• 1
A second Labour Tribunal to be established.................... 3
Colonial Secretary to visit four centres run by the Social Welfare Department ............................................ 5
Management called on to increase supervision at construction sites....................................................... 7
Two buildings in Central District declared dangerous ........... 9
Quota system for share-out of two essential plastic raw materials ........>..........................•••••••••••••••• 10
Changes in tariff system of power company..................... 12
Power for Police to enter private buildings tc enforce lighting restrictions....................................... 14
♦♦♦
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Release time: 7->3^
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Tuesday, February 26, 197^
- 1 -
ARRANGEMENT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES
*********
The Government of the United Kingdom yesterday (February 25) acceded to the Arrangement Regarding International Trade in Textiles on Hong Kong’s behalf.
The Arrangement was concluded on December 20 last year in
Geneva foil owing several months of intensive negotiations among representatives of some 40 governments, including Hong Kong, under the auspieeo of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
It runs for four years from January 1, 197^ •
The new Arrangement, covering cotton, wool and man-made fibre textiles, replaces the Cotton Textiles Arrangements which expired on '•« December 51 1975 after being in effect for over eleven years.
Commenting on the new Arrangement, a spokesman of the Commerce and Industry Department said that while Hong Kong still believed in free • • • • • • • trade and would prefer to see all such restrictive arrangements removed, the new terms represented an improvement on the Cotton Textiles Arrangement.
Of particular significance is a provision for a Textiles Surveillance Body to oversee the workings of the new Arrangement.
Such international supervision will offer a new protection for the interests of the exporters whose trade is liable to be restricted.
/The spokesman •••••
Tuesday, February 26, 197^
The spokesman said that in the course of 197^, Hong Kong would
be joining consultations with a number of importing countries, including the USA and the European Economic Community, to modify the existing restraint arrangements and bring them into line with the terms of the new Arrangements
These consultations should lead to a substantial improvement in the terms ur.de^wjhi-ch Hong Kong textile exports are at- present restrained *
0 - -
/3
Tuesday, February 26, 197^
- 3 -
SECOND LABOUR TRIBUNAL TO BE SET UP ***•*•
A second Labour Tribunal will come into operation on ICriday (March 1), to provide a quicker service of settling disputes between workers r.nd employers over monetary claims.
Leanwhile, another Chinese-speaking presiding officer, Mr. Henry hong V/ei-chow, has been appointed by tne Government to preside over the no:? tribunal.
Mr. Wong, a former President of the Tenancy Tribunal, is now on a familiarization visit to the various sections of the Labour Department ard factories.
The second tribunal is located at Sincere Building, 9th floor, Des Voeux Road, Central.
Mr. Michael Wong, the Presiding Officer of the Tribunal, explained that the location of the new tribunal was chosen because it is situated conveniently near bus stations end ferry piers as well as the head office.
The new tribunal has its own court room, offices for tribunal officers and a general office. However, any person who wants to make enquiries or seek information are requested to call at the Registry of the head office at Permanent Comfort Building, first floor, 7^-77 Connaught Road, Central or telephone 9-^36666.
The first Labour Tribunal was set up in March last year under the Labour Tribunal Ordinance. It aims at providing a quick, inezzponsive and informal method of settling monetary disputes between workers and employers and has been proved very successful.
/During the •••••••
Tuesday, February 26, 1974
- 4 -
During the first elevon months of its operation ending n January, n total of 1,011 claims, involving about 82.4 million, has boon filed at tie tribunal.
The number of claimants totalled 2,185 while thoro v/oro 1,070 defendants.
Of all the claims, 842 hnd been heard and a total of about 0850,000 had boon awarded to the claimants.
Mr. Michael Wong said the main claims wore for wages in lion of notices and arrears.
’’There were also claims for statutory holiday pay, double pay, bonus, sic?noss allowance, overtime allowance, commission, rebates and recovery of de onit paid under contracts of employment,” he added.
Mr. Wong also pointed out that over 90 per cent of the claims filed wore referred to the Tribunal by the Labour Department where attempts at reconciliation bad been unsuccessful.
’’The tribunal in no way supersedes the Labour Relations Service of the Labour Department and it only strengthens the hands of too deuerrtment’s conciliation officers,” he stressed.
“Its main function is to deal mostly with claims by individual workers against employers for money due either under a contract of employment or under the provisions of the Employment Ordinance,” Mr. Wong said.
’’The Labour Tribunal is the first tribunal in the Judiciary to conduct proceedings in the Chinese language," Mr. Wong added.
-------o --------
/5 .a.....
Tuesday, February 26, 197^
- 5 -
CCLC1IIAL SJCJ3TARY TG VISIT SOCIAL WELFARE DEPAmiEOT
•••*»*«**«
The Colonial Secretary, Mr. Denys Roberts, will be visiting the Social Welfare Department on Thursday(February 28) afternoon to see some of the work that the Department is doing.
Accompanied by Mr. Kenneth Topley, the Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Roberts nill be visiting four centres which the Department operates in Kowloon.
At the Centres he will be shown the varied type of work which the Department undertakes in providing rehabilitation for disabled people, care of abandoned children, supervision of juveniles and activities for the community.
Hr. Roberts will first call at the World Rehabilitation Fund Day Centre at 487* Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong. This is a three-storeyed non-residential centre run by the Department’s Rehabilitation Division.
Since it was opened in 1968, the Centre has been providing full time vocational training courses for disabled adults and a pre-vocational training course for the younger disabled. This latter course consists of both informal education and practical work.
There is also a sheltered work shop in the Centre for severely disabled people who are unable to take jobs outside.
At present, the Centre accommodates about 500 people with disabilities ranging from physical liandicaps to mental retardation.
From there Mr. Roberts will travel to the Children’s Reception Centre run by the Family Services Division at Lung Fung Street, Chuk Yuen. It is at this Centre that the Department takes care of children who are abandoned, found wandering, or unwanted bec iuse Mvry are illegitimate.
/The Centro
Tuesday, February 26, 1974
- 6 -
The Centre provides care, guidance, informal education and recreational activities for those under its charge.
Tiie children stay in the Centre usually for about six months or less during which time arrangements are made to find new homes for them.
From there the Colonial Secretary will drive to Begonia Hoad Boys Home in Yau Yat Chuen. This is a combined remand and probation home for boys, and it is operated by the Probation and Corrections Division of the Department.
This is a five-storeyed building designed to accommodate 164 boys under the ago of 16 for three specific purposes, namely, for remand or detention, for those who are in need of care and protection and for probation cases.
Careful supervision and observation is made of these boys in this home and vocational training, primary education and recreational activities are arranged to enable them to develop a new outlook in life and make something better of themselves when they leave.
The final stop Mr. Roberts will make is at the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre in Tong Yam Street, Tai Hang Tung, one of five run by the Group and Community Work Division.
The Centre functions as the focal point for activities in which people in the surrounding area can participate whenever they have free time. The Centre was opened in 1966.
Note to Editors: You are welcome to cover Mr. Robert’s visit on
Thursday (February 28). His visit will start at 2.35 p.m. and last until about 5*00 p.m.
Transport will be provided and anyone wishing to make use of this facility should meet at the Social Welfare Department, Public Relations Unit, Room 528A, 5th floor, Loe Gardens (entrance next to First National City Bank) at 1.15 that day.
-------0---------
/7........
Tuesday, February 26, 197**
- 7 -
MORE SUPERVISION ON WORK SITE OPERATION URGED
Three workers were killed and 305 injured last month in accidents on Hong Kong construction sites, according to figures released today by the Labour Department. Two of the fatal accidents involved vehicles carrying materials or men on worksites.
The Industrial Safety Training Officer of the Labour Department, lir. Nick Carter, said many construction site accidents involving transport were due to bad work practices.
"Bad driving, bad loading, bad mechanical conditions, striking against structures or overhead lines, hitting men or other vehicles, falling into excavations and carrying unauthorised passengers are common examples," he said.
Mr. Carter called on managements of construction sites to increase supervision on site operation and to maintain machinery and vehicles in efficient working order.
"Preventive maintenance will not only keep transport running, but also save repair costs," he said. "It helps prevent accidents and allows smooth operation, avoiding unnecessary hold-ups."
Mr. Carter advised drivers on construction sites to follow job instructions and to observe danger signals while driving.
He said: "Before moving off, a driver should check by walking around his vehicle to ensure that no other worker is being put at risk. And unless the driver has a clear view around his vehicle, he should reverse only under the direction of an attendant.
/"Accidents involving .......
Tuesday, February 26, 1974
- 8 -
’’Accidents involving vehicles falling into excavations or tipping over can be avoided by providing fixed stops at a distance from the edge of excavation or tipping points.
”Cnly close supervision by management and good practices by workers v/ill help to cut down accidents on construction sites.”
-------0---------
/9........
Tuesday, February 26, 197^
- 9 -
BUILDINGS IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
The Building Authority today declared 18} Wing Lok Street and 19 Bonham Strand Vtest to be in a dangerous condition.
In a statement issued this morning, the Principal Government Building Surveyor said that these four-storey pre-war buildings have been under observation for some time.
There is evidence of continuing deterioration in the brick-work at the rear which has now reached a stage at which it is considered there is a risk of collapse.
In addition extensive decay was observed in timbers to the floors and roof.
The position is further aggravated by defects in the party-walls between 17 and 19 Bonham Strand of which the former will be the subject of an application for closure in the near future.
Notices of intention to apply for Closure Orders in Victoria District Court at 9.30 a.m. on March 26 were posted today.
-------0---------
10........
Tuesday, February 26, *19?^
- 10 -
QUOTA SYSTEM FOR PLASTICS SHARE-OUT
Distribution of two essential raw materials to local plastics firms which have applied to receive supplies under a share-out scheme will be worked out on a quota basis, the Commerce and Industry Department announced today.
The quotas will be calculated as a percentage of the supply requirements for March submitted by each firm, based on the amounts of materials available.
More than 1,100 firms have applied to receive allocations under the scheme, and over 90 per cent of the applications meet the qualifying conditions.
The details of the quota system were approved at a meeting yesterday of the working committee set up to institute the scheme. It comprises representatives of the three main plastic manufacturers associations, importers of plastic raw materials and officials of the Commerce and Industry Department.
Two types of polystyrene — high impact and general purpose — will be the first plastic raw materials to be allocated. The quota will amount to 80 per cent of requirements submitted by each firm.
Firms participating in the scheme will be notified of arrangements for collecting their allocated quota shortly. They will receive a written authorisation which must be presented to a specified supplier within 14 days of its receipt.
/Allocation of .......
Tuesday, February 26, 1974
- 11 -
Allocation of supplies of polyethylene will bo arranged within the next few days. There are five categories of this material but quotas will be issued initially for only three of these. In the main category, the allocation will amount to 45 per cent of demand, and in the two others to 25 per cent of demand.
The Commerce and Industry Department will continue to seek from i *
importers additional quantities in the final two categories before deciding on allocations.
In all, over 5^000,000 lbs of polystyrene and polyethylene will be allocated and all quota allocations will be issued within the next 10 days.
-------0---------
Tuesday, February 26, 197^
- 12 -
CHANGES IN TARIFF SYSTEM OF PCWER COMPANY
******** e I '
The Government has considered two major changes in the tariff system of the China Light and Power Company Ltd. which, in their overall effect, will not result in any increase in the current price to the consumer.
Announcing this today, a Government spokesman said that the changes would be introduced with effect from April 1, and the Company was giving due notice to consumers.
He pointed out that some nine years ago, the government and the Company had agreed on a scheme of control under which the return to the Company is not permitted to exceed 13^ per cent of net fixed assets• .
But he added that the scheme of control does not require the Company to seek the approval of Government to alter their tariffs, provided the effect does not result in the Company’s return exceeding the permitted maximum. This is not so in the case of the charges now to be made.
”Ihe Government has been concerned to protect consumers from any unnecessary or excessive charges,” said the spokesman, ’’and this intention has been achieved in the arrangements now to be introduced by the Comparjy."
He explained that ”on the one hand, there will be an increase in tariff of one cent per unit, while on the other, a revised formula for calculating the fuel clause will mean - at current oil prices - that the customer pays approximately one cent per unit less for his electricity.
/,rIn effect, •••••.
Tuesday, February 26, 1972*
- 15 -
,rIn effect, therefore, these two changes cancel each other out.” In addition to the two major changes, the spokesman said
that there would also be a minor change in the rate reduction rebate, under which a slightly lower rebate would now be passed on to the general tariff consumer •
He explained that under the scheme of control, a rebate is payable to the customer from a fund maintained by the Company. Over the last few years, this fund has been progressively decreasing, because the amount paid into it by the Company, under the terms of the arrangement with the Government, lias been less than the amount paid out to consumers in the form of rebate.
’Tile change that will be implemented to correct this imbalance will affect the consumer only very slightly," he said. "The smallest bills will not bo affected at all, and no bill will increase by more than S3.5O."
Ho added that to date no proposals for changes in tariff had been submitted to the Government by the Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd.
-------0---------
/14........
Tuesday, February 26, 1974
- 14 -
POWER TO ENTER BUILDINGS TO ENFORCE LIGHTING LAW ******
Police officers may now enter private comnereial premises for the purpose of enforcing the Emergency (Advertising, Display and Floodlighting) (Restriction) Order 1973*
Authority to enter these buildings to enforce the lighting restrictions has recently been given by the Director of Oil Supplies, Mr. Roy Porter.
The authority does not, however, permit Police officers to enter or search domestic premises except with further specific approval given by the Director.
Since the Order came into effect last December, the Police have prosecuted over 200 offenders whose advertising and display lights are located in public places.
Shops and other commercial concerns using these lights inside shopping arcades and private commercial buildings outside the permitted hours could not be prosecuted hitherto as the Police had no powers of entry into them.
With the authorisation, Police officers can now issue summonses to offenders located in all these premises.
Furthermore, they may enter shops for the purposes of checking on the interior display lighting.
"Many shops located in arcades have so far been ignoring the Order," Mr. Porter said.
"They are now much more likely to be prosecuted as a result."
He stressed, however, that the authorization should not be regarded as a further restriction but only as a fairer application of the present regulations• -----------------------------------0---------
Tuesday, February 26, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies
Tho following prices were realised today (Tuesday) at Balc3 under tho Rice Control Schema and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market and tho Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Marlcot at
Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon: Sunnlies and Wholesale Prices of Rice
Grado China Rico Availability of Supply _ < VJiolosalo Prico (S/catty)
Average
„ ~ old crop See Mew ~ new crop Good
S.C.Jion - new crop Good 1.?o
Po Hgai Good 1.4?
• Good
Chu Cho • •
Th al kice 100f> Uholp Good M
10-1# Brokens Good CW
y A1 Super Extra Good W
A1 Super Good 1 1.42 •
Whole Glutinous Good
U.S, Rice Good M
Australian Rioe Good 1.72
Pakistan Rico Good •*
Taiwan Rico, Good . '«• • • • 1.52 0
• *
• . ’s *
Tuesday, February 26, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
% Species e • Availability of Supply Wholesale Price
High (8/catty) Average
Low •
Golden Thread Normal 5.00 3.20 4.00
Big-Eyes Good 2.70 1.00 1.80
Squid Limited . 6.20 3.50 4.00
Hair-Tails Good J.40 1.20 2.80
Lizard Fishes .. Normal 2.90 1.20 1.80
Croakers Good 2.40 1.20 2.00
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 5.30 2.40 3.00 •
Melon Coat Limited 3.20 2.00 2.80
Breams • Limited 6 .00 3.50 5.00
Yellow Belly • Good 2.40 0.80 1.20
Mackerels Limited 4.50 3.50 4.00
Ka
Rod Goat Fish Good 2.50 0.70 2.00
Fork-Tail Good • 1.60 1.00 1.40
Horse-Head Limited V.oo 4.00 5-50
Melon Seed r Normal 3.10 . 1.70 2.80
Poofrcts Scarce 10.00 8.00 9.00
Garoupas Normal. 7.oo 5.50 6.00
Yellow Croaker • • •
• •
/Supplies and •••••«•
, . Tuesday, February 26, 1974
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of • ’ • • • . Locally Produced Vegetables
Availability Wholesale Price
SffiS of Supply (8/catty)
• High Low Averse
Flowering cabbage Scarce 2.5 1.0 1.8
• <
White.cabbage Limited 1.2 0.4 0.8
Chinese Lettuce’ Limited 1.4 0.5 1.0
• Chinese Kale Limited 2.0* 0.8 . 1.4
Spring onion Limited 1.0 0.4 0.8
Spinach , Limited 1.5 0.5 1.2
Water cross • . Limited 1.6 0.5 1.0
Leaf mustard cabbage Limited 0.8 0.3 0.6
Tomato • .. Limited 1.5 0.5 1.0
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Llvo weight)
• Availability Wholesale Price
p_f Supply ( 8/ picul)
i (Average)
• <
Pork Good • 300
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 27, 197^
CONTENTS
Page No.
Tax increases affecting drivers, smokers and drinkers announced ..................•••••••••........................ 1
Tax relief for plant and machinery depreciation • • • • •.... 5
Big increases in government spending on public services ..... 6
Deficit Budget for next financial year......................... 9
Surplus for 197^*7^ predicted to be 3200 million .......• «••• 11
The Financial Secretary explains new budget proposals on television .••••••••....................................... 13
Long-term look at Hong Kong’s capital expenditure ........... 16
West Point-Lai Chi Kok cross-harbour bus route starts soon.•• 20
Mini bus restrictions near Upper Peak Tram Terminus ......... 21
Immigration Department’s Investigation Division moves to new offices •••••••••••••••••••.......••••«••«•••................. 21
***********
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supply of basic food commodities
Pel ease time: 9«0C
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
TAX Oil LIQUOR AND TOBACCO AND CAR LICENCE FEES INCREASED
Train Fares And Parking Charges Likely To Go Up
41*## *****
A series of tax.increases affecting motorists, drinkers and smokers came into effect at 2.30 p.m. today (Wednesday).
The increases apply to duties on intoxicating liquor, tobacco, vehicle licences and first registration of vehicles.
In outlining the revised rates during his Budget speech, the Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, also noted that train fares and off-street parking charges are likely to go up in the near future.
With immediate effect, fees for vehicle licences will bo based on two platforms according to engine capacity, instead of six, with the dividing line at engines of 1,500 cubic centimetres.
For private cars with an engine capacity of 1,500 cc or less , the licence fee will be 3400 a year, while owners of cars above this capacity will pay 31,000 a year.
The new licence fee for public cars will be 31,150, that of taxis 3320, that of motorcycles and motor-tricycles 3200, while that for public light buses is doubled from 33,000 to 36,000 a year.
In the case of goods vehicles, four now platforms are introduced with the following rates.
20 cwt and under at 3300
over 20 cwt and up to 45 cwt at 3600
over 4-5 cwt and up to 75 cwt at 3900, and
31,200 for heavy goods vehicles.
/These increases ••••••
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
2 -
These increases in vehicle licences are expected to bring
in an extra 373 million in the coming financial year.
Tax on first registration of vehicles is also raised with immediate effect from 10 to 13 per cent of the value of the vehicle, but the scope of the tax alone remains unchanged. Commonwealth Preference Tax, which applies to all types of motor vehicle not of Commonwealth origin, remains at 15 per cent.
No increase is proposed in drivers1 licences for the time being, but it is intended to apply the licence fee to each endorsement on a licence in an effort to discourage licence holders from maintaining unused endorsements which permit them to drive various different classes
oils also remain unaffected.
parking,
to 35 after April 1 this year.
it is proposed to revise half-day
of vehicles.
Duties on hydrocarbon
As for off-street car
charge for temporary car parks
Liquor Duties
The new rates of duty per gallon
Grapebrandy
Other spirituous liquor including liqueurs, whisky, gin, rum and vodka.
Sparkling wines
Still wines
Cider
Imported beer
Locally brewed beer
Non-European-type wines
Noi>-Eur opcan-type imported spirits
Non-European- type locally distilled spirits
for intoxicating liquors are:
324
316.50
311
35
60 cents
30 cents
20 cents
33
31
85 cents /There will •«*•••
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 3 -
There will be corresponding increases for liquors above specific strength.
On a standard (reputed quart) bottle of brandy, the increase is 34, of whisky 32.75^ of sparkling wines 32, of still wine less than 31, and of beer five cents. The new rates will benefit the revenue by some 347 million in 1974/75.
Tobacco Duties
Duties on tobacco are raised by 25 per cent, as from today In round figures the increases are 32 a pound for unmanufactured tobacco, 32.80 a pound for cigars, 32.70 a pound for cigarettes,and 32.20 for other manufactured tobacco, except Chinese prepared tobacco.
In terns of a packet of cigarettes, the increase will be about 10 cents whether manufactured locally or imported.
The extra revenue derived from these increases will be 337 million The Financial Secretary also proposed a number of tax reforms, including one to add a further 10 per cent surcharge to the present five per cent surcharge for late payments of earnings and profits taxes and rates. This is intended to encourage prompter settlements.
On rates, the Financial Secretary proposed to bring the present 11 per cent rate charge applicable to the New Territories up to the 15 per cent level as in urban areas.
However, he suggested that for the first four years of assessment newly rateable areas (excluding extensions to existing rating areas) should be rated at 11 per cent only so that the change will not be too sudden.
/For 1974/75
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 4 -
For 1974/759 the effect will be that the rate charge for Area D (Tsuon Wan) which has been subject to rates since 1956, will increase to 15 per oont from April 1, this year. The rate charge for Tsing Yi will bo 11 per cent until April 1, 1978. f
As regards property tax in the New Territories, a proclamation will be published in the government gazette on March 29 requiring property tax to bo collected from non-owner occupied properties in Area D and E of the New Territories.
In the coming financial year, the full General and Urban Council rates will bo collected from the Housing Authority in respect of Group B Housing Estates (former resettlement estates).
However, as the Housing Authority has not yet completed its revision of rents for Group B Estates, it is proposed that the government should put the Authority in funds to pay the additional rates for two years.
On rail fares, the Financial Secretary said he would be taking a close look at the profitability of the Kowloon-Canton Railway. Indications, he said, are that present fares are too low and will have to be ransed when the new train set and carriages come into use.
Foos and charges on a multitude of services and on permits, licences, certificates and other official documents would also be raised. Forty of them had been identified for which higher rates could virtually be introduced straightaway.
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/5.........
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 5 -
TAX RELIEF PROPOSED
*«*»**
Several tax concessions were proposed by the Financial Secretary, the Hon, Philip Haddon-Cave , this afternoon when he presented his budget to the Legislative Council.
The first involves increasing the allowance for depreciation of plant and machinery from one-fifth to one-quarter as from the year of assessment 1974/75, This would cost the revenue $10 million.
He also intended to invite the Board of Inland Revenue to adopt a new table of rates of depreciation to be effective for years of assessment commencing on or after April 1 this year, at a cost to the revenue of not less than $20 million in 1974/75<
The second proposal for relief involves raising the exemption limit for estate duty ft om $200,000 to SJOO,OOO. This would result in a possible reduction in revenue of more than 81 miJlion in the coming financial year.
Under the third proposal, transfers of shares, marketable securities and property by way of outright donations to designated charitable institutions will be exempt from stamp duty in the same way as bills of exchange which constitute gifts are exempt. The loss to revenue is unknown, but the linancial Secretary believed it would be small. z
Mr. Haddon-Cave also proposed to abolish valorem stamp duty on student loan documents.
The Financial Secretary did not propose to raise the allowance for charitable donation^< . J* : • -+■ the present 10 per cent allowance was the
maximum that should be deducted from the personal assessment, earnings or profits of donors.
0
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 6 -
RECORD SPENDING ON COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN 1974/75
Total Estimated Budget Expenditure Tops 56,000 Million *********
Government spending from General Revenue on social, community and other services for the people of Hong Kong in the coming financial year will amount to an estimated 55,747 million — the highest in Hong Kong’s history. This represents an increase of 51,538 million or 50 per cent over the original estimate for 1975/74.
In addition, the Housing Authority and the Urban Council — both of which are financially autonomous — will spend another 5524 million, bringing the total estimated expenditure on public projects in 1974/75 to 56,071 million.
The money will be spread out over six main groups of services, all reflecting hefty increases (see appendix IX of draft Estimates).
Topping the expenditure list, as in previous years, is the Social Services group which comprises education, medical and health, housing social welfare, and labour.
A total of 52,567 million — representing nearly 40 per cent of total expenditure — will be channelled into these areas, most of it towards education. Compared to the original 1975/74 estimate, this represents on increase of 5716 million.
/The breakdown •••••
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 7 -
The breakdown of 32,3$7 million for social services, with comparisons with the original estimates for 73-74 in brackets, are:
Education : 31,O69 million (3817 m)
Housing : 3 580 million (3278 m)
Medical and Health : 3 499 million (3442 m)
Social Welfare : 3 206 million (3102 m)
Labour : 3 13 million (3 12 m)
Next in line is the Community Services group with an estimated total of 31,741 million, representing about 29 per cent of the total estimated expenditure. This will be allocated as follows:
Transport, Roads and
Civil Engineering : 3830 million (3486 m)
Water Supply : 3510 million i (3450 m)
. • • • • • .• Amenities and related services (including those to be provided
by the Urban Council) : 3330 million (3208 m)
Fire Services < . : 3 71. million (3 62 m)
Spending on General Services, the third largest group accounts for 3834 million or about 14 per cent of total expenditure. This group includes:
Law and order • 35 A million (3385 m)
Defence • 3119 million (8126 m)
Administration • 3103 million (3 98 m)
Revenue collection and financial control 8 73 million (3 72 n)
Public relations • 3 25 million (3 25 m)
/Economic •••«..
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 8 -
Economic Services at 3599 million accounts for about 10 per cent of the total estimated expenditure and includes:
3308 million for communications (3182 m)
3118 million for airport and harbour services (3112 m)
3114 million for other economic services (395 m)
3 million for primary products (327 m)
3 16 million for commerce and industry (315 m)
Common Supporting Services will receive an estimated 3262 mill ion, which represents about four per cent of total expenditure in 1974/75*
Of this, 3190 million will go towards building development and electrical and mechanical engineering (8153 m); 326 million to government launches and the government dockyard (331 m); 322 million to government supplies (315 m) and 324 million to government printing (92T m).
Other expenditure which cannot be allocated to any cf these groups amounts to 3143 million or about two per cent of total expenditure* • ■ •. V
It includes 382 million for passages, telephones, telegrams etc. (334 m); and 361 million for government quarters (358 m).
The balance of the total estimated expenditure for the coming year is made up by pensions and gratuities and the public debt which together account for 3125 million»
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/9........
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 9 -
367 MILLION DEFICIT FORECAST IN 1974/75 BUDGET
A deficit of more than 367 million is forecast in the draft Estimates of general revenue and expenditure for the new financial year starting April 1, 1974.
The new budgeted deficit is based on the 1974/75 estimated general revenue and expenditure which do not include estimates of the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Urban Council, both of which are now financially autonomous.
If the reimbursements of the Mass- Transit Railway Corporation* various revenue proposals the Financial Secretary announced in his budget speech and other known expenditure commitments are taken into account, the forecast is for a small surplus of 320 million.
It is estimated that general revenue will continue to grow in the coming financial year to reach 35,679 million — 3957 million more than the original 1975/74 estimate.
Most of it will come from internal revenue which is shown in the draft Estimates to yield 32,551 million. Internal revenue includes earnings and profits tax, bets and sweeps tax, estate duty and stamp duties.
Land sales are shown to bring in an estimated 3459 million, duties 3485 million, postal services 3184 million, airport and air services 3195 million, Kowloon-Cant on Railway 3572 million, and general rates 3595 million.
/In the........ •
Wednesday, February 27, 197^
- 10 -
In the analysis of all revenue including the income of the Urban Council and Housing Authority by source ir. the appendices to the draft Estimates: '
DIRECT TAXES arc forecast to raise 31,780 million, or per cent of total revenue.
INDIRECT TAXES will account for 31,586 million, or 28 per cent of total revenue, and
OTHER REVENUE will bring in 32,313 million, representing 41 per cent of total revenue.
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Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 11 -
SURPLUS OF 3200 MILLION PREDICTED FOR 1973-74
******
The Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, today predicted that the surplus for the financial year 1973-74 would be 5200 million.
In his budget speech in the Legislative Council, he said that the revised estimates of revenue and expenditure were put at 55,276 million and 54,833 million respectively, yielding a surplus of 3443 million.
He said he would ask Finance Committee next month to appropriate a further 3300 million for the Government’s equity contribution to the Mass Transit Railway Corporation.
The Financial Secretary said this sum would be credited to the Mass Transit Fund and together with the 3500 million already in the Fund, would represent ’’the agreed figure for the Government’s equity contribution in cash terms for the first four stages of the Railway.”
’’Thus,” he said, ’’the revised estimate of the surplus for 1973-74 must be reduced by 8300 million to 3143 million.”
However, on the basis of daily receipts and payments recorded in the Treasury’s cash book up to February 18, it could be that the revised estimate ”is a little on the low side4 and I predict, therefore, that the surplus trill be 3200 million (net of the 3300 million for the Mass Transit Fund),” Mr. Haddon-Cave said.
/Speaking on .......
Wednesday, February 27, 197^
- 12 -
Speaking on revenue, the Financial-Secretary said the revised estimate of revenue for this year at 55,276 million represented an increase of 3340 million on actual revenue in 1972-73.
After discounting the element in actual revenue in 1972-73 fo-' , * . • • •
revenue transferred to the Urban Council and the Housing Authority from
April 1, 1973, the increase in revenue for the General Revenue Account is »
8.7 per cent.
Mr. Haddon-Cave described the rate of increase as the ’’lowest” since 1967/68..
But, he added, it followed a year in which ’’both recurrent and capital revenue were exceptionally buoyant as a result of the high level of turnover on the stock exchanges and the state of the property market.”
Turning to expenditure, the Financial Secretary noted that for the fourth consecutive year, actual expenditure in 1973-74 was likely to exceed the original estimate and by no less than 5424 million or by 9*6 per cent.
Referring to the main items of recurrent account, he said that the eight per cent salary increase for the public service, the adjustment to Police pay and the special adjustment of certain public service salaries accounted for 5133 million of the total figure of excesses.
The net cost of additional posts approved and filled during the year accounts for another 335 million.
Salary increases by subvented organisations cost no less than S14O million, ’’reflecting the very substantial cost of revising teachers’ salaries,” Mr. Haddon-Cave said.
Increased rates for public assistance and for infirmity and disability allowances to keep them in line with cost-of-living movements and a larger than anticipated case load, account for a further 538 million.
-------0--------- /13
Wednesday, February 27, 197^
- 13 -
FjS. SPEAKS ON BUDGET ON AIR
********
The Financial Secretary, Mr, Philip Haddon-Cave, spoke on the 197^75 budget in a broadcast this (Wednesday) evening.
The following is the full text of his talk:
"Good Evening:
"This afternoon I presented the 197^-75 budget to Legislative Council•
"I was able to announce that in 1973-7^ we would acheive the $500 million surplus I budgeted for in last year’s budget speech; and that, despite a most turbulent year on the foreign exchange markets, we would begin 197^75 with available fiscal reserves of over $3,000 million after putting aside $800 million in the Mass Transit Railway Fund.
"So I was able to prepare this year’s budget speech from a position of some strength. But I had to consider the estimates of revenue and expenditure for 197z+-75 knowing that there were uncertainties about our economic prospects over the next few months as a result of the international oil crisis, and in the wider context of the likely cost of our policies and programmes as they are being developed.
"Consequently, I decided that there could be no question of my budgeting for a deficit in 197z+-75« In order to bring the budget into balance I had to do two things: first, trim the expenditure estimates as submitted by departments down to $5,700 million, which still puts them $900 million up on likely expenditure this year. And, secondly, I had to put forward proposals to raise extra revenue of about $175 million
/after allowing
Wednesday, February 27, 197^
- 'ft -
after allowing for several proposals for tax relief the main ones being to encourage investment. The net result is that, in 197^75, I am budgeting for a small surplus of about $20 million after allowing for certain unavoidable commitments likely to arise during the year.
flNow only time will tell whether I have taken sufficient account of the impact of the oil crisis on our economy and hence revenue yields. The fact is we cannot afford to draw down our reserves in a year in which-, by a few relatively painless adjustments, the budget can be balanced. Thore is a very simple reason for this: the cost of our expanding public services and of our huge capital works programmes will be immense^ And- even on the assumption that there is a steady growth of revenue after the present turmoil is behind us, our reserves must be kept in liand in case revenue unexpectedly fails to live up to our expectations in any year*
l1I explained the likely trend of expenditure over the three years 1975-76 to 1977-78 at length in the budget speech. I pointed out that, as far as I could see at the moment, the cost of carrying out our various policies and programmes over these three years probably exceeded the funds likely to be available by about 84,000 million.
nAs the cost of running existing services wild. always tend to have first call on our available funds, we must look at this shortfall of 34,000 nri-1 linn in the wider" context of the cost of our capital works programmes over a longei- period cf, say, ten years. The cost of these
/programmes is • ••*.
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 15 -
programmes is tending to outstrip the funds which I can readily assume will be available# But provided we watch what we are doing in the year immediately ahead and in the medium term - the three following years -I do not think we need trouble ourselves too much at this stage with the longer term.
JTo sum up then: I am budgeting for a safe balance in 1974*75 so that we can safeguard our policies and programmes in the three following years. Even so, so that we can finance expenditure cn capital works of nearly 32/2 thousand million in each of these three years, we shall have to find an extra 8500 million a year over and above the extra 8175 million to be raised next year. I intend that we should find this extra money by additional taxation and by- raising loans for projects which can properly be financed this way. We shall have to spread the other-82,000 million worth of expenditure over later years. Yet, total Government expenditure in 1977-78 - four years from now - will be nearly 573^ thousand million compared with about 85/2 thousand million in 1974-75* So, though this year’s budget is a cautious one, I have made it so for a very good reason: to protect our future.
’•Goodnight.”
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/16 .......
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 16 -
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OVER NEXT 10 YEARS TO BE 325,000 MILLION ««»******
The order of cost of projected capital works over the ten years ending 198>-84 at 1974 prices will be nearly 325,000 million, the Financial Secretary, Mr. Philip Haddon-Cave, said today.
In his budget speech, he said there was a difference of some 37,000 11 t on between this figure and the resources which he assumed
would be available at current tax rates, namely, 3l8,OOO million.
"Fortunately," he said, "in view of the time span involved, it is neither necessary nor would it be realistic to do so - to consider now how programmes might be cut back and/or additional resources raised."
The order of cost figure of 325,000 million, he said, might prove to be on the high side for various reasons. "Equally, it may also prove to be on the low side, for other unavoidable projects are bound to come forward.”
It was also difficult to be definitive about the availability of additional resources over such a time span, the Financial Secretary added.
So, for the moment, Mr. Haddon-Cave said, he did not propose to worry unduly about the position over the ten years as such but the difference of 37,000 million between the order of cost and assumed resources "must not grow any larger."
But he said we must consider that part of the difference that falls within the forecast over the three years ending 1977-78, namely some 34,000 million.
/Only S2f040 .......
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
- 17 -
Only32|O4O million of this difference can be covered by additional resources through higher taxation, additional capital revenue and the raising of loans.
"So there will have to be- a re-phasing of 31,960 million worth of expenditure to later years or various adjustments and economies,” the Financial Secretary said.
He said the growing domination of the new towns in the pattern of capital expenditure led to three obvious possibilities so far as the residual difference of 31,960 million was concerned.
The first would be to hold back expenditure on the now towns so that it does not unduly damage the pace of development works not connected with the new towns.
The Financial Secretary ruled out this possibility as the effect of • • • ■ * ’• .* this would be to delay the ten-year housing plan.
.7.7' *•
He also ruled out the second possibility, which was to proceed with the now towns at all costs in terms of development elsowhore.
”So we must look to a third possibility which is in the nature of • • • " ■ ' • ’ ’ . ’ ■’ c • ' ' ’ a compromise: that is to say, to maintain over the forecast period all capital expenditure except that related to the new towns and to other public housing at the level proposed for 1974-75.”
This approach, he said, would reduce the difference by some 31,420 mil 1 ion to *3540 million.
/ihe only
Wednesday, February 2?, 1974
- 18 -
The only way of eliminating the difference finally would be to defer expenditure amounting to 3540 million on the new towns, Mr. Haddon-Cave said, unless the the Housing Authority could generate additional contributions from its own resources towards the cost of public housing.
The estimate for the new town is S3,310 mi1]ion over the three ■ i • •* ’
years of the forecast.
So to defer 3540 million worth of expenditure on them ’’would not be all that serious,” the Financial Secretary said.
Mr. Haddon-Cave said he believed that the economy could bear some extra taxation necessary to help finance the extra 3680 million needed to raise the level of annual capital expenditure to $2,480 nil15w He also believed that we could raise loans to finance a few self—liquidating projects.
”So it should be feasible to cut back and phase (on plans, remember, not actual expenditure) in a rational way,” he said.
Commenting on financial control, the Financial Secretary «aid there had been a tendency to concede applications for supplementary provision regardless of wider budgetary considerations.
”We have reached the point where a new attitude is required if our developing policies are not to be seriously prejudiced. Wo must now look much more carefully at the margin of advantage to the community of each proposal to spend more,” he said.
/On fees
Wednesday, February 27, 197^
- 19 -
On fees and charges, the Financial Secretary said we must vigorously update and keep up to date, our system of fees and charges for those goods and services which were not a fair charge to general tax revenue.
"This means ensuring that the full cost of these goods and services is covered.”
He suggested that we could not afford to allow social and political considerations unduly to influence our management of public utility undertakings.
Our system of licences, he said, must be updated and kept up to date in terms of what the market will bear.
On general rates, he said we could no longer afford to surrender rate revenue as a result of postponing revaluations.
The Financial Secretary suggested that there were three ways in which yields from earnings and profits taxes could be raised: by increased efficiency in tax administration; by rectifying the eroding effect of case law on the width of the profits tax base; and by raising the standard rate of 15 per cent.
On capital revenue, he said we must continue to nurse with great care our major source, land.
On loans, the Financial Secretary proposed that Hong Kong should invoke our borrowing rights with the Asian Development Bank.
He said Hong Kong should negotiate further loans over the forecast period.
He added he would pursue this idea further during the annual * *• • V . •
meeting of the Bankfs Board of Governors in Kuala Lumpur in April.
--------Q - - w -
/20 .......
Wednesday, February 27, 197^
- 20 -
NEW CROSS—HARBOUR BUS ROUTE STARTS ON FRIDAY
******
A new cross harbour bus service jointly operated by Hong Kong’s two franchised bus companies — KMB and CME — will come into operation on Friday (March 1).
The service, known as Route 105, will operate between Lai Chi Kok and West Point with the buqes passing through Central District.
There will be a peak hour frequency of one bus every six minutes while the off-peak frequency will be 12 minutes.
The service is designed to link the fast developing residential area around Lai Chi Kok with Central. It will also supplement the existing Route 104 with which it shares a common route for much of the journey.
Route 104 operates between Pak Tin and West Point and the common route begins at the junction of Nathan Road and Prince Edward Road.
This means that during peak hours the two services should provide a bus every three minutes along the common section of the route* At the sane time, Route 104 will be extended to Sands Street in West Point.
The flat fare for Route 105 will be $1 (50 cents after passing through the tunnel).
The first buses will leave the termini at Lai Chi Kok and West Point at 6>57 a.m. and the last buses will leave at 11«50
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- /?-1........
Wednesday, February 27, 19?4
- 21 -
BETTER TRAFFIC CIRCULATION NEAR PEAK TRAM TERMINUS
******
The section of Peak Road west of Magazine Gap Road will be closed to public light buses this Friday (March 3) to improve traffic circulation near the Upper Peak Tram Terminus.
This restriction applies to all public light buses except those authorized in writing by the Commissioner for Transport.
Appropriate traffic signs will be set up to show the restricted area.
-------0---------
REMOVAL OF INVESTIGATION DIVISION
******
The Investigation Division of the Immigration Department will move to the 11th and 14th floors of Li Po Chun Chambers, 185 Des Voeux Road Central on Monday (March 4).
The Division is formerly on the 26th floor of International Building.
The new main exchange number will be 5-458031 with extension 60 for enquiries.
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Wednesday, February 27, 197^
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guide To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies . 0^0000 t
The following prices wore realised today (Wednesday) nt sales under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Wholesale Marlcot and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Cheung Sha Won, Kowloon:
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Rice
• Availability Wholesale Price
Grade of Supply (S/catty)
China Rico • Average —
„ .. - old crop Sec Mew x Good
- new crop rw
S.C.Jion - old crop Good
Po Ilgai Good
Chu Clio Good •»
Thai Rico * lO^n^oTe Good CH
10-15$ Brokens Good c®
A1 Super Extra Good e»
A1 Super Good ' 1.42 • •
Whole Glutinous Good
< U.S. Rice, • Good
Australian Riop Good re
Pakistan Rico Good ■ m
Taiwan Rico Good 1.4?
/Supplies and •o«aa««
Wednesday, February 27, 1974
4 Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Marine Fish
• • Availability Wholesale Price
Species of Supply (8/catty) Low - Average.
Golden Thread Good 5.00 3.50 4.20
Big-Eyes Good 2.80 0.60 1.80
Squid Limited 6*00 2.50 4.50
Hair-Tails Good 3.20 1.00 2.00
Lizard Fishes Normal 2.70 1.00 2.00
Croakers Good 2.20 1.00 1.80
Conger-Pike-Eels Normal 3.40 2.00 3.00
Melon Coat Normal 2.90 1.80 2.20
Breons Normal 5.00 4.20 4.80
Yellow Belly i Good 2.00 0.80 1.30
Mackerels Limited 5.00 3.60 4.50
Ped Goat Fish Good 1.70 0.55 1.30
Fork-Tail Normal 1.40 1.00 1.30
Horse-Head Normal 6.bo 3.00 5.00
Melon Seed Normal 3.10 • 2.40 2.80
Poof rets Limited 10.00 7.50 9.50
Gcroupas Normal 7.00 5.50 6.00
Yellow Croaker ■w • — •• •
/Supplies and •••
Wednesday, February 2?, 197^
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of
Locally Produced Vegetables
SffiS Availability of Supply Wholesale Price (S/catty)
4 Low Average
Honoring cabbage Limited 2.4 1.0 1.8
White cabbage Normal 0.8 0.3 0.5
Chinese Lettuce Normal 1.0 0.25 .0.7
Chinese Kale Limited 1.8 0.8 1.4
Spring onion Normal 0.8 0.3 0.6
Spinach Normal . 1.2 0.4 0.8
w. Water oross Normal 1.4 0.4 0.8
Loaf oustard cabbage Scarce 0.7 0.3 0.5
Tomato Limited 1.5 0.5 1.0
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Live weight)
Availability » Wholesale Price
of Supply ( 8/ picul)
• • (Average)
Pork Good • 300
-------- o-------- •
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Thursday, February 28, 1974
CONTENTS
Page No,
The Governor opens Tsing Yi Bridge.......• •............... 1
New airport manager appointed • •........................... 4
Twenty-six rural committees to hold elections ••••••••••••• 5
Public urged to make use of public enquiries service ••••*• 6
New route to bo introduced for the Peak maxicab ............
Graphic guides to the budget ...............................
Appointment of another three Community and Youth Officers • 11
Civil Aid Services tc hold presentation ceremony tomorrow.. 15
Staff recruitment for Mass Transit Railway corporation..... 14
Demonstration of noise pollution levels ..•••••••••......... 15
Awards for winners of industrial safety poster competition. 16 Hong Kong annual report on sale on Saturday.............. 18
Teaching aid seminar to be held for New Territories teachers ...............•...................................
***********
Daily guide to wholesale prices and supplies of basic food commodities
Release time: 8.5,0
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Thursday, February 2o, 197’*
- 1 -
GOVERNOR OPENS TSING YI BRIDGE t (0109*
The Governor, Sir Purray MacLehose, said today the people of Rong Kong should not bo dismayed by the world-wide problems and "prudently and confidently doing what is in our power now, so as to develop new wealth and new prospects for our people in the future."
He was speaking at the opening of the S21 million Tsing Yi Bridge — the first major' one built in Hong Kong — which links the fast-dovcloping areas of Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi.
The bridge is built by a consortium of six companies which operate on Tsing Yi, and some 2J4 miles of approach roads were built by the government for the project.
Sir Murray said: "To live, Hong Kong must continue to grow. Growth requires new land for industry and for those who work in industry to li'c on and enjoy. The land is there, but the problem is access to it."
The construction of the bridge, particularly by private enterprise, Sir Murray said, had the highest significance for Hong Kong, "because it points the way along which much of our future growth will lie."
The following is the full text of Sir Murray’s speech:
"Sir Lawrence, Ladies and Gentlemen:
"I am greatly honoured that the Directors of the Tsing Yi Bridge Company should have invited me to open this bridge, which the company has built for Hong Kong and for which the government will assume responsibility.-
"Its construction and donation on these terms is therefore a unique as well as a particularly happy and striking event. It is also of the highest significance for Hong Kong, because it points the way along v/nich much of our future growth will lie.
/"To live
Thursday, February 2o, 197^
2 -
”To live Hong Kong must continue to grow. Growth requires new land for industry and for those who work in industry to live on and enjoy. The lard is there, but the problem is access to it. The provision of access is one of our i.;o.-.t urgent priorities - hence the new tunnel to Shatin, the motor road to Castle Peak, the projects to double track the railway, and build a tunnel to Zibcrdeen. <
”.jo this project providing access to Thing Yi lead:, in a field which is vital io the future of Hong Kong.
’’And it is all the more striking for being a bridge, because bridges, like ships, have a fascination all their own. However functional they cannot entirely escape either beauty or romance. And this is the first big bridge Hong Kong has known. In this crowded territory, with so many empty islands, it can surely not be the last.
HI do most sincerely congratulate and thank all those concerned with its construction. As an act of private enterprise by a group of businessmen it is as far-sighted and imaginative as it is generous.
nHong Kong needs such imagination and ^commercial courage if it is to maintain its extraordinary growth. It needs the combination of international and local capital so happily evident in this company, and so fitting to the great international centre of industry and commerce which Hong Kong now is. It needs too, the partnership between private enterprise and the Government that in this case has coupled a fine bridge with the approach oysters to serve it.
”It is particularly happy for all of ug that the moving spirit in this project, as in so many far-sighted and hard-headed benefactions to hong Kong by his family, Lawrence Kadoorie, was knighted in the How Year List.
/nI should .......
Thursday, February 2o, 197**
- 3 -
”1 should like to end with this thought. At present, Hong Kong, like the rest of the world, is confronted with new problems and now uncertainties caused by inflation and oil shortage. Against this background the construction and opening of this bridge are happily timed. It reminds us not to bo dismayed by these forces, largely outside our power, but to continue prudently and confidently doing what is incour power now, no as to develop new wealth and new prospects for our people in the future.’1
-------0--------
A.....
Thursday, Febnary 23, 1974
- 4 -
NEW AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER
An aviation administrator with world-wide experience is coning to Kong Kong this week to take up the post of Airport General Manager, Ue is Mr. H.M. (Johnny) Johnston, who has been doing similar work, and holding the same title in Edinburgh Airport in Scotland since 1971.
He will take over from Mr. Ken Smith who will be returnin’-; to Australia in April.
Hr. Johnston is 55 and is married with two sons.
Ho first joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Scotland in 19**7 rr. on Operations Officer after a distinguished career with Bomber Command during the war. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, the Distiwuished Flying Cross and a Mention in Despatches.
Ho has had extensive previous experience in a number of civil aviation osts, including that of Director of Civil Aviation in Nyasalnnd, and Aviation Gro-nd Services Controller of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in jiigeria.
The out-going Airport General Manager, Mr. Ken Smith, was a Senior Ziirnort Director at Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport before coming to Hong Kong.
He was temporarily seconded here after urgent requests were made to the Australian and British airport authorities for a suitable replacement to the late Mr. Bill Morgan, the previous Manager.
/Mr. Smith .......
Thursday, February 28, 197^
Hr. Smith, who is well-known for his professionalicm and expertise in aviation work, is leaving Hong Kaj-g . .’• c*' an c.. tended tour ol 1': months.
Honours bestowed on him include a Distinguished Flying Cross and a K-'iiticn in Despatches during the war.
--------0---------
RURAL CCMKITTEi; ELECTIONS
Twenty-six Rural Committees in the New Territories are holding elections of office-bearers next month.
The term of office of the prornnt office-bearers will expire by the end of next month.
The elections will be held between March 1 and March 22.
The Rural Committees are Cheung Chau, Tsing Yi, Shataukok, Tung Chung, Fanling, Ma Wan, Peng Chau, Cheung Shui, Hang Hau, Tsuon u*an, Takwuling, Toi 0, San Tin, Sai Kung, South Lantao, Sai Kung (North), Tai Po, Hui Wo, Shop Pat Heung, Sha Tin, Ping Shan, Lamina (North), Tucn Mun, Lama (South), Pat Heung and Kam Tin.
Note to Editors: For details concerning the elections, please
contact the liaison officers of the five District Offices concerned.
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/6........
Thursday, February 28, 1974
PUBLIC T?XCa4S TO USE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE
« « * * ♦ * • • *
Monbors of the public are welcome to make use of the public enquiry service of the Home Affairs Department and the Nev/ Territories Administration.
During the past year, the Home Affairs Department has dealt with nearly 1.5 million enquiries and cases, showing nn increase of about 6.5 per cent over the 1972 figure.
These enquiries covered nearly every subject but were mostly concerned with rent control and tenancy, housing and public assistance.
Mrs. Dora Taylor, Officer-in-charge of the Information Division of Home Affairs Department, said that members of the public are most welcome to approach her division or any of the 19 public enquiry service centres at the 10 City District Offices and sub-offices as well as the two Tenancy Inquiry Bureaux for their enquiries. Their telephone numbers are listed out ns follows:-
A. hong Mong Island
Information Division 5-456581
City District Office (Western) 5-480452
Aberdeen Sub-office 5-524429
City District Office (Central) 5-259172
Central Enquiry Sub-office 5-220051
City District Office (Wan Chai) 5-752477
City District Office (Eastern) 5-712658
Shaukiwan Sub-office 5-690121
Chai Wan Sub-office 5-567167
Tenancy Inquiry Bureau (H.K.) 5-452845
5-452802
/B. Fowloon •••••••
Thursday, February 28, 1974 - 7 - ...
B. Kowloon
City District Office (Shamshuipo) 3-816916
Cheung Sha Wan Sub-office 3-704033 *
City District Office (Mongkok), 3-809731
Tai Kok Tsui Sub-office 3-933433
City District Office (Yau Na Tei) .3-674852 • .. ' r f • •
City District Office (Kowloon City) >-013731
Bung Hum Sub-office 3-639449
City District Office (Wong Tai Sin) 3-229701
• i t.','. .
Tsz Wan Shan Sub-office 3-241872
. ■ City District Office '(Kwun Tong ) 3-423431
Sau Mau Ping Sub-office 3-461247
Tenancy Inquiry Bureau (Kowloon). 3-685924
3-685928
■- - • : , ■ I* • *
1 . *» •
Tho How Territories Administration also runs foyr public enquiry service centres to cater for members of the public living in the New Territories.
During the past year, they have dealt with over 57 thousand enquixles • and cases. Residents of Now Territories are welcome to contact any of t’lbse four centres for tnoir enquiries. The telephone numbers arc listed out bclow:-piotrict Office, Tsuen Wan
Shek Loi Public Enquiry Service Centre 12-238666
Kwai Chung Public Enquiry Service Centre 12-230225
District Office, Tai Po
* MP «• • • —■ MM > ■ l^i —M—M. ■ IM
Cheung Shui Public Enquiry Service Centre12-906170
Pictrich Office, Yuen Long ‘ • •
Yuen Long Public Enquiry Service Centre 12-760261 Ext. 44 - n at .. s* ■» -
— ------------------------- /8...................
Thursday, February 28, 197^
- 8 -
PEAK MAXICAB EXTENDS SERVICES $*«««***
The Peak Maxi^ab service which began operating in May 1972 is to extend its services.
Beginning tomorrow (Friday) a new route will be introduced between Central District and Mount Austin Road on the Peak* *
From the Peak, the buses will travel via Mount Austin Road, Peak Road, Plunkett’s Road, Plantation Road, then back to Peak Road. Barker Road, Magazine Gap Road, Garden Road, Jackson Road, Chater Road, Club Street, Connaught Road Central to the existing stand near the City Hall»
On the journey from Central, the buses will also call at Barker Road, Plantation Road and then terminate in Mount Austin Road.
There will be a flat fare of $1.
The operating frequency of the new service will vary from 10 to
15 minutes. However, the existing route, which includes Mount Kellett
Road, Guildford Road and Mansfield Road, will continue to operate on its present schedule with a frequency varying from five to 15 minutes on weekdays and increased to every four minutes on Sundays and Public Holidays.
A spokesman for the Transport Department said today that the new route could be adjusted in the light of operating experience gai ned over the next few months. i
"It’s hoped that with the introduction of the additional route, more motorists will be encouraged to leave their cars at home, thus helping to ease traffic congestion in Central,” the spokesman added.
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/9.......
Thursday, February 28, 1974
- 9 -
EASY BUDGET GUIDE
*******
The complexities of the budget presented in the Legislative Council yesterday are explained at a glance in a handy-sized eight-page booklet now available to the public.
Entitled f,The 1974—75 Budget: A Graphic Guide”, this publication forms one of a series published in connection..with the annual budget debate.
This year the attractive cover design for the series is in green and blue, featuring a 1974 Hong Kong dollar and a batch, of the computer cards which play a vital role in the government1s accounting procedures.
The contents of the Graphic Guide include a simple visual chart showing the sources of revenue and the main breakdown of-expenditure. Various tables, illustrated with thumbnail symbols, depict the budget 4 priorities and the relationship between social, community, economic, general and other services.
There are also graphs to show how expenditure on these services has grown over the past decade and how both revenue and expenditure have climbed from under 81,500 million in 196>64 to the latest estimates of well over 85,600 million for 1974-75.
The Graphic Guide are available free at the Government Publications Centre in the Star Ferry Concourse, the Government Information Services in Beaconsfield House and the City District Offices.
/Also
Thursday, February 28, 197^
- 10 -
Also available free on request at the Government Information Services ar© the complete text of the budget speech delivered yesterday by the Financial Secretary and the Supporting Financial Statements and Statistical Appendices extracted from the 197^-75 Estimates.
On sale at the Government Publications Centre at S2.50 is a 38-page booklet entitled ’’The 197^75 Budget: Economic Background”, which provides a valuable analysis of Hong Kong’s economy, backed up with numerous graphs and tables.
A companion volume is the "Estimates of Gross Domestic Product 1966-72”, prepared by the Census and Statistics Department and priced at S4.
Note to Editors: Copies of a photograph of the various
publications are boxed for collection.
ar--t. Thursday, February 28, 197^
- 11 -
MORE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS APPOINTED ~.r.
********
.• •• oil i , J
The Social Welfare Department today appointed another three Community and Youth Officers in the implementation of the second stage of the Scheme.
The new officer^., are Mrs. Henrietta Chen who is to be CYO for
Wong Tai Sin District; Mr. Alfred Chui Wing-man, CYO far Kowloon City and Mr. Lam Pin^-lcuen, CYO for Mongkok.
Mr. Stephen Law, Senior Principal Social Welfare Officer in charge of the Group and Community Work Division under which the scheme operates, said it was intended originally to appoint five CYOs in the second stage of the scheme, but because the cross transfer of staff was involved it <
was decided to appoint only three this time to ensure there is no disruption of the work within the department as a whole.
’’This does not mean any set-back in the scheme because we expect to be able to appoint the other two in April," he explained.
Today’s appointments bring to nine the number of CYOs appointed since the ^'scheme was formally established on December 5 last year.
The three new CYOs have had a number of years1 experience in
Youth and Community Work and two of them, Mr. Chui and Mr. Lam had previously been District Community Officers for Yaumatei and Wanchai respectively, the experiment from which the present scheme was evolved. Mrs. Chen was previously Warden of the Wong Tai Sin Community Centre.
/They will .......
1
Thursday, February 28, 1974
- 12 -
They will be functioning from temporary accommodation within
their districts. Plans are in hand to fix them up with permanent offices.
For the time being their addresses will be:-
CYO Kowloon City at 32, Wuhu Street, ground floor, Hung Hom;
CYO Wong Tai Sin Community Centre at Ching Tak Street, Kowloon; and CYO
Mongkok at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Yim Po Fong Street, Kowloon.
Note to Editors: Photographs of the three new CYOs appointed
today are distributed separately in the press boxes this evening.
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/13
Thursday, February ?8, 1974
- 13 -, • >
C.A.S. roJSENTATION CEREMONY •*. - • «•
Lonfj oorvico medals and training certificates will bo presented to 80 officers and members of tho Civil Aid Sorvicoo in n ceremony to bo hold tomorrow (Friday) evening.
Dr. Gerald Choa, Director of Medical and Health Sorvicoo, will officiate nt tho ceremony, which io to bo hold at tho Royal Hons KonS Regiment (Tho Volunteers) Parade Ground in Sports Road, Happy Valley.
Thirty-two members of tho Corvico will bo receiving Civil Dofonco Long Corvico Medals, while 48 others will rocoivo certificates qualifying thorn ns C.A.B. Instructors, fltatic/Mobllo Crano Operators or Forklift and Tractor Oporators.
Tho band of tho Aittdliary Medical Corvico will perform during tho ceremony.
Moto to Editors^ You are invited to send roportors and/or ’**' ** photographers to cover tho presentation ceremony,
it vrf.ll start at 6o>0 p.m** tomorrow.
r. r» r. Q «
/l4 .0.0000
Thursday, February 28, 197^
- 14 •
•RECRUITING STAFF FOR MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION
********
The Mass Transit Railway Provisional Authority today announced the commencement of a recruitment exercise to fill the top managerial posts of the future Mass Transit Railway Corporation.
A spokesman for the Authority said that the top six posts are those of Chairman, Managing Director, Director of Engineering, Director of Finance, Director of Administration and Director of Operations. He added that "because of the magnitude of the Mass Transit Railway project and the importance of obtaining the highest quality management for the future Corporation, it is essential to advertise these posts as widely as possible internationally in order to attract applicants of the right calibre and who possess the required experience."
"For this reason," he continued, "P.A. Management Consultants Ltd. have been appointed to assist with the recruitment exercise."
Through the firm’s world-wide connections, advertisements will be placed in the United Kingdom and other European countries, Canada and Australia. All the posts will also be advertised in Hong Kong.
It is expected that it will take about five to six months before those persons eventually appointed to these posts will be ready to assume duty.
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/15........
Thursday, February 28, 1974
- 15 -
NOISE POLLUTION DEMONSTRATION
******
Sone unusual machines will be run in the quiet vicinity of the
Central Government Offices tomorrow (Friday),
There will be a compressor, the noise of which in a pneumatic drill should be familiar, and there will be an instrument to measure the sound level it produces.
Listening intently will be members of the Noise Pollution Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee on Environmental Pollution, whose broad aim is to look for ways to make Hong Kong a quieter place to live in.
Tho ’’noise demonstration” will help them to know the intensity of a noise both in terms of decibels and as a practical experience. »»
They wi 11 also hear for themselves better ways of running a compressor, for there is a new model which has a sound reducing device.
The sound level from this sound-reduced compressor will also bo measured and compared with the old model.
The Noise Pollution Sub-Committee is chaired by Mr. Henry Litton,
Q.C. Its unofficial members are Mr. John Marden, Mr. Hilton Cheong—Leen, Dr.
Norman Ko Wah Man, Mr. W.M. Sulke, Mr. Geoffrey Yeh and Mr. Carl F. Nielsen.
Its official members come from various government departments concerned with various aspects of noise pollution.
Note to Editors: You are welcome to send your representatives
to cover the ’noise demonstration’. It will be hold at 4 p.m. at the Central Government Offices East Wing Carpark.
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Thursday, February 28, 197^
- 16 -
INDUSTRIAL S.JETY POSTER COMPETITION
«**»****« ■ ’ ...... • !•
The Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Mr. Neil Henderson, today praised the students who took part in this year’s industrial safety poster competition for their contributions to accident prevention*
Mr. Henderson was speaking this afternoon while presenting awards to winners in the Labour Department’s sixth industrial safety poster competition which was held at the Industrial Safety Training Centro, of the Labour Department.
’The use of posters is an important weapon in the continued drive to reduce accidents at work,” he said.
’They are a major method of reminding workers and management of the importance of safety rules and good working practices, and warning them of potential hazards at workplaces.”
Mr. Henderson said that as part of its efforts to promote work safety, the Labour Department was now issuing safety posters at the rate of one a month, and the output would be increased as soon as tho current paper shortage was over.
In congratulating prize-winners in this year’s competition, Mr. Henderson gave particular praise to the teachers of the Jockey Club Government Secondary Technical School, whose students took six of the eight prizes awarded. There were more than 300 entries.
/First place •••••••
r
Thursday, February 28, 197^
17
'i
First place in the competition went to Miss Ma Hak-mei, 17, a Form V student at the Jockey Club School, and second prize went to Miss Ching Hang^-miu, 17, a Form IV student. Third prize was won by Miss Lai Pio-wocn, 18, a student in Commercial Design at the Kwun Tong Vocational Training Centre.
Hiss Li Choi-wah, 17, and Messrs. Chan Ying-ming, 16, Chan Sze-shing, 17, and Law Sai-yiu, 15, of the Jockey Club Government Secondary Technical School, Mr. Wong Shi—liu, 20, of the Hong Kong Polytechnic, were awarded consolation prizes.
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/18.........
Thursday, February 28, 1974
- 18 -
ANNUAL REPORT ON SALE ON SATURDAY
”Hong Kong 1974,” the government’s annual report for 1973, goes on sale on Saturday.
Published for the second year in succession in its new larger format, the book includes 88 full-page colour photographs of various aspects of life in Hong Kong and was produced by the Government Information Services.
The report was edited by Anthony Tobin, a Senior Information Officer, and designed by Arthur Hacker, Creative Director of GIS’s publicity division. Most of the photographs were taken by GIS photographer David Au.
Included in the publication are colour sections on the Hong Kong/ China border area, the City Museum and Art Gallery, the territory’s islands and development at Shat in.
This year’s print order has been increased from 20,000 to 23,000 after last year’s edition sold out. However, the price will remain the same, 513.
”Hong Kong 1974” will be available at all leading bookstores and the Government Publications Centre, Star Ferry Concourse, Hong Kong.
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/19.....
Thursday, February 28, 1974
19
SEMINAR FOR AIDED PRIMARY TEACHERS IN N.T.
*********
About 100 teachers and heads of small aided primary schools
in reacta areas of the New Territories will tomorrow attend a seminar which lias been specially organised for them by the Education Department.
As some of these schools have only one room for different closes
of pupils, the teachers will be given advice on the latest teaching methods and on the use of teaching aids to cope with the situation.
During the seminar, there will be talks on integration cf subjoc
and time-tabling arrangements as well as on the teaching cf the four main subjects in primary schools - Chinese, English,Arithmetic and Social Studios.
A film show on audio visual aids will be shown to the touchers after which there will be group discussions.
Moto to Editors: You are invited to have the seminar covered.
The seminar will be held in the Education Department1 c Eza^iinations Division’s Hall on 10th floor of the Canton Road Government Offices, Kowloon from 9.00 a.mf to 4.00 p.m.
0 - -
Thursday, February 28, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
Daily Guido To Wholesale Market Prices And Supplies r »
Tho following prices were realised today (Thursday) at soles under the Rice Control Scheme and at the Vegotablo Marketing Organisation Wholesale Haricot and the Fish Marketing Organisation Wholesale Market at Choung Sha Wan, Kowloon;
’ Supplier? and Wholesale Prices of Rico
Grado Availability of Supply * VlioloGalo Price (S/catty)__
China Rico Average,
' ,, ~ old crop Seo Hew •- now crop Good ••
S.C.Jion - old crop.. Good 1,74
’ new crop 1.7o
Po Ilgai Good ••
... • •
Chu Clio Good ■M
Thai Rico
lOOffUhole Good
10-15# Broicons Good ••
A1 Super Extra Good • •*
A1 Super Good 1.42 1 ■ •
Whole Glutinous Good
• •
U.S, Rico ‘ Good
Australian Rioo Good ••
•
Pakistan Rice. Good •
Taiwan Rico Good , • ••
/Supplies and
Thursday,
February 28, 197^
and Prices of Marine Fish
Species Availability rsf AnnulV Wholesale Price (g/catty)
High Low • Average
Golden 'Hire ad Good 5.50 3.00 4.00
Good 2.60 0.70 1.80
Big-Eyes Limited 6.00 2.80 4.00
Squid Good 5.20 1.60 2.00
Hair-Tails Normal 2.60 1.30 1.80
Lizard Fishes Good 2.40 1.00 1.70
Croakers Normal 3.00 2.30 2.80
Conger-Pike-Eels Good 2.80 1.80 2.00
Melon Coat Normal 5.00 5.00 4.00
Breams Good 1.50 0.80 1.10
Yellow Belly Normal 5.50 3.50 4.50
Mackerels Normal 2.60 0.60 1.20
Red Goat Fish Good 1.50 0.80 1.20
Fork-Tail Normal 5.70 3.80 4.00
Horse-Head Normal 3.20 • 2.40 2.70
Melon Seed Limited 10.00 8.00 9.00
Ponfrcts Normal 6.00 5.00 5.50
Gcroupas • - ••
* Yollon Croaker
/Supplies and ...
Thursday, February 2o, 197^
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of locally Produced Vegetables
/ Availability Wholesale Price
nypo of Supply (S/catty)
High Low Average
Flowering cabbage Limited 2.4 < 1.0 1.8
White cabbage Normal 0.6 0.2 0.5
Chinese Lottuoo Normal. 0.8 0.2 0.6
Chinese Kale Limited 1.6 0.8 1.2
• • Spring onion Good 0.7 0.2 0.5
Spinach . Normal 1*0 0.3 0.7
Water oross . Normal 1.0 • 0.25 0.7
Loaf mustard cabbage Scarce 0.7 0.2 0.5
Tomato * Normal 1.4 0.5 1.0
Supplies and Wholesale Prices of Pork (Livo weight)
Availability Wholesale Price
■ ‘ of Supply _____( g/ picul),.
. . ’ (Average)
Pork Good ’ >0°
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