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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
PRH 7
CONTENTS PAGE N0‘
TOO NEW COINS WILL, BE PUT INTO’CIRCULATION IN AUGUST., 1
SAME ALLOWANCES WILL BE APPLIED TO PEOPLE WHOSE
WATER CONSUMPTION IS MEASURED BY COMMUNAL METERS .... 2
ACAN REPORT FOR 1973-74 PUBLISHED ..................... 3
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SYMPOSIUM ON PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE ON MONDAY ............................................. 4
ANOTHER ANT I-POL IO CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.................................... 5
COMMANDER OF BRITISH FORCES TAKES SALUTE AT FIREMEN’S PASSING OUT PARADE .......................;............ 6
SITE FORMATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF KWAI CHUNG INCINERATOR COMPLETED ............................... 7
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EXPECTED TO VISIT GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS ON SUNDAY .............................. 7
HONG KONG DELEGATION TO ESCAP PLENARY SESSION RETURNING TOMORROW.................................... 8
KAU U FONG PLAYSTREET SCHEME TO BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER SIX MONTHS .................................... 8
TOO RECREATION CENTRES IN SHAUKIWAN REOPENING ......... 9
PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOLS PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN EDUCATION ...........................10
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ATTENDS CENTENARY OPEN DAY OF ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE ................................. 11
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Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975 - 1 „
NEW GOINS TO BE INTRODUCED IN AUGUST ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE FIRST COINS IN THE PHASED PROGRAMME OF A NEW COINAGE RANGE — THE $2 AND THE 20-CENT COINS — WILL BE PUT INTO CIRCULATION IN AUGUST ON SCHEDULE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE FIRST BATCH OF NEW COINS WAS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR TWO WITH SUBSEQUENT SHIPMENTS TO FOLLOW, BUILDING UP TO A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY IN AUGUST.
THE NEW $2 AND 20-CENT COINS ARE SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN THE EXISTING $1 AND 10-CENT COINS, AND THEY HAVE A DISTINCTIVE SHAPE INCORPORATING SCALLOPED EDGES TO MAKE THEM EASILY RECOGNISABLE.
COMMENTING ON THE SHAPE OF THE NEW COINS, THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED A POINT RECOMMENDED BY THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ADD NEW ROUND COINS TO THE EXISTING RANGE WITHOUT CAUSING CONFUSION.
ON THE OBVERSE SIDE OF THE COIN IS A PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN BY MR. ARNOLD MACHIN, OBE, RA. THE CREST OF THE ARMORIAL BEARING ON THE REVERSE SIDE REMAINS UNCHANGED. THE CREST CONSISTS OF A ROYAL LION OF THE IMPERIAL CROWN HOLDING A PEARL, INDICATING THE SMALL BUT PRECIOUS NATURE OF HONG KONG.
ANOTHER DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF THE NEW COINS IS THE WAY IN WHICH THE WORDS +QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND+ IS PLACED ON THE SIDE BEARING THE PORTRAIT. ON THE PRESENT 31 AND 10-CENT COINS THE WORDS START ON A LEVEL WITH THE CROWN AND RUN FROM RIGHT TO LEFT UNDER THE PORTRAIT. ON THE TOO NEW COINS, THE SAME WORDING APPEARS BUT RUNS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PRICES OF COPPER AND NICKEL ARE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN THE TOTAL COST OF PRODUCING COINS, AND THE ACTUAL COST WILL NOT THEREFORE BE KNOWN UNTIL DELIVERY COMMENCES. BUT IT WAS EXPECTED THAT WHEN THE NEW RANGE OF COINS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED IT WILL RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT ANNUAL SAVINGS.
OTHER NEW COINS SCHEDULED IN THE’PHASED PROGRAMME ARE NEW 31 COINS IN 1976 AND 5O-CENT AND 35 COINS IN 1977.
NOTE TO ED I TORSs
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE TOO NEW COINS WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION TODAY.
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SATURDAY,, MARCH 1, 1975 ?. r *
COMMUNAL WATER METERS s SAME ALLOWANCES APPLIED « « n n n « n « «
THE GOVERNMENT POINTED OUT TODAY THAT THE BUDGET PROPOSALS ON WATER CHARGES CONTAIN NO ELEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WHOSE WATER CONSUMPTION IS MEASURED BY COMMUNAL METERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATERWORKS OFFICE SAID THAT SOME PEOPLE APPEARED TO BE UNAWARE THAT IN CALCULATING CHARGES FOR CONSUMPTION UNDER A COMMUNAL METER THE BILLING AUTHORITY DOES AND WILL DO THE FOLLOWING THINGS 8“
H IT TAKES COUNT OF THE NUMBER OF FLATS WHOSE SUPPLIES COME UNDER THE METER.
K IT APPLIES THE FREE ALLOWANCE OF 2,666 GALLONS IN A FOUR-MONTH BILLING BY MULTIPLYING THIS FIGURE BY THE NUMBER OF FLATS INVOLVED.
K IT WILL SIMILARLY APPLY THE PRINCIPLE OF UNCHANGED CHARGES FOR CONSUMPTION OF UP TO 14,000 GALLONS IN A FOUR-MONTH PERIOD BY MULTIPLYING THAT FIGURE BY THE NUMBER OF FLATS INVOLVED.'
FOR EXAMPLE, IN A BUILDING WITH 10 FLATS THE FREE SUPPLY IN A FOUR-MONTH PERIOD WOULD BE : 2,666 X 10 ° 26,660 GALLONS. THE CONSUMPTION CHARGED AT THE UNCHANGED RATE OF $53 PER UNIT OF 1,000 GALLONS WOULD BE : 14,000 X 10 » 140,000 GALLONS. ONLY CONSUMPTION ABOVE THIS FIGURE WOULD BE CHARGED AT THE HIGHER RATE OF $6 PER 1,000 GALLONS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE NUMBER OF COMMUNAL METERS STILL IN EXISTENCE WAS A SMALL PROPORTION OF ALL DOMESTIC METERS - ABOUT 30,000 OUT OF 580,000 - AND THAT IT WAS STEADILY DECREASING AS COMMUNAL METERS ARE REPLACED BY INDIVIDUAL ONES.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
3 -
ACAN REPORT FOR 1973-74 PUBLISHED
THERE ARE MORE DRUG ADDICTS IN THE 25-29 AND 40-64 AGE GROUPS AND LEAST IN THE 15-19 AGE BRACKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS FINDING WAS COMPILED FROM RETURNS COVERING THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1972 TO MARCH 31, 1973 RECEIVED BY THE CENTRAL REGISTER OF DRUG ADDICTS OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN).
OTHER FINDINGS, REVEALED ‘lN THE ACAN 1973-74 REPORT PUBLISHED
TODAY ARE 3
n THERE WERE ABOUT 50 MALE ADDICTS TO 1 FEMALE ADDICT, ALTHOUGH THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE SEXES IN THE GENERAL POPULATION IS ABOUT EQUAL0
H ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF ALL DIVORCED OR SEPARATED PERSONS APPEAR TO BE DRUG ADDICTS0
H SIXTY PERCENT OF ADDICTS LIVED IN TEMPORARY STRUCTURES OF SHARED LIVING QUARTERS0
H THERE WAS NO STRONG EVIDENCE THAT ADDICTION WAS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY PARTICULAR OCCUPATION0
H TWO-THIRDS OF ALL ADDICTS CLAIMED THEY HAD NEVER COMMITTED ANY NON-DRUG OFFENCES0
H OF THOSE WHO HAD COMMITTED NON-DRUG OFFENCES, TWO-THIRDS WERE INVOLVED IN OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY0 AND
H HEROIN ADDICTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGER ONES, WERE MORE WILLING TO ATTEND TREATMENT.
WHILE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG ARE OF A HIGH STANDARD, THE REPORT NOTED, THEY ARE NOT YET LARGE ENOUGH TO CATER FOR THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS IN HONG KONG, ESTIMATED TO BE AS MUCH AS 100,000.
DURING THE YEAR REPORTED, 6,387 PATIENTS, INCLUDING 262 WOMEN, WERE TREATED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS AND THE DISCHARGED PRISONERS’ AID SOCIETY.
/A THREE-YEAR .....
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
A THREE-YEAR METHADONE MAINTENANCE PILOT PROJECT, AI MED AT ASCERTAINING THE VALUE OF THE THERAPY BEFORE PLANNING FOR MASS TREATMENT, WAS STARTED IN DECEMBER 1972. THE LESSONS LEARNT SO FAR HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING, THE REPORT SAID, BESIDES OTHER PUBLICITY MEASURES TO SPREAD THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE, THE ACTION COMMITTEE LAUNCHED A THREE-MONTH PILOT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN • IN OCTOBER 1973.
A RESEARCH COMPANY LATER HELPED TO PINPOINT THE TYPE OF PUBLICITY WHICH HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT, AND EXPERIENCE THUS OBTAINED WOULD BE USED IN THE PLANNING OF FUTURE CAMPAIGNS.
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NOTE TO EDITORS!
COPIES OF THE ACAN REPORT WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION TODAY. _ _ _ o
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SYMPOSIUM ON PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE K « H ft 8 « «
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL DECLARE OPEN A SYMPOSIUM ON PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE AT THE CITY HALL ON MONDAY (MARCH 3) <AT 9.30 AM.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, DR. H.P. ROME, PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION, WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
THE SYMPOSIUM, SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE WORLD PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION, IS THE FIRST ON PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE EVER HELD IN HONG KONG.
OVER 200 DELEGATES FROM MORE THAN 20 COUNTRIES WILL ATTEND THE SYMPOSIUM, WHICH WILL LAST FOR THREE DAYS.
THERE WILL BE SIX SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS, DURING WHICH BOTH FOREIGN AND LOCAL EXPERTS IN THE RESPECTIVE FIELDS WILL PRESENT OVER 30 PAPERS ON PSYCHOSOMATIC SUBJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE SYMPOSIUM THAT THE PRESS IS WELCOME TO THE OPENING CEREMONY ON MONDAY AT 9.30 AM BUT THEY MAY NOT BE PRESENT AT THE SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME OF THE SYMPOSIUM.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
5
ANTI-POLIO CAMPAIGN ft ft it ft ft
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY LAUNCHED ANOTHER MONTH-LONG ANTI-POLIO CAMPAIGN TO +MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF IMMUNITY AGAINST THE DISEASE*.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH POLIOMYELITIS HAD HOW BEEN VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE VACCINE IN 1963, THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY. - .
HE FELT THAT DESPITE THIS GREATLY IMPROVED SITUATION, POLIOMYELITIS STILL POSED A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE CURRENT DRIVE IS THE SECOND IN THE DEPARTMENT’S 1975 ANTI-POLIO CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME, THE FIRST BEING IN JANUARY WHEN 26,320 DOSES OF THE VACCINE WERE ADMINISTERED. OF THE TOTAL, 6,927 WERE F.IRST-DOSE, 9,228 SECOND-DOSE, 10,775 BOOSTER-DOSE.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT FOR A CHILD TO BE IMMUNISED THREE DOSES OF VACCINE WERE REQUIRED WITH AN EIGHT-WEEK INTERVAL BETWEEN THE FIRST.AND SECOND DOSES. A THIRD DOSE SHOULD BE TAKEN A YEAR LATER.
THROUGHOUT THIS MONTH, POLIO VACCINE IS AVAILABLE AT ALL GOVERNMENT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES, INOCULATION POSTS AND GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED PARENTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE FACILITIES AND TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN IMMUNISED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. J
HE EXPLAINED'THAT POLIO VACCINE WAS, IN FACT, AVAILABLE FREE AT ALL MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES AND INOCULATION POSTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, AND THE CAMPAIGNS CARRIED OUT EACH YEAR WERE INTENDED TO REMIND PARENTS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE VACCINE SO THAT THEY COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SERVICE.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975 - 6 - 1
C.B.F. TAKES SALUTE AT
FIREMEN’S PASSING OUT PARADE
« N K « ft
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, LIEUTENANT GENERAL SIR EDWIN BRAMALL, lOLD FIREMEN TAKING PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THEY HAD CHOSEN A FINE JOB AND A FINE WAY OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
THE C.D.F. WAS ADDRESSING 100 FIREMEN WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED A 26-WEEK INITIAL TRAINING COURSE AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID; +YOU HAVE CHOSEN-A FINE JOB AND A FINE WAY OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY - NOT AN E.ASY OR SAFE AND QUIET JOB, AND ALL CREDIT TO YOU FOR CHOOSING SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS- BUT A JOB THAT WILL REQUIRE ALL YOUR STRENGTH, INITIATIVE, COURAGE AND COOL-1 IEADEDNESS.+
SIR EDWIN TOLD THE FIREMEN THEY WOULD FIND THEMSELVES IN MANY EMERGENCIES - TURNED OUT AT SHORT NOTICE FROM THEIR MEAL TABLES AND BEDS - AND THEY COULD EXPECT TO HAVE TO FACE DANGER AND BE TIRED, HOT AND WET IN THE SUMMER, COLD AND WET IN THE WINTER.
+BUT YOU WILL HAVE THE SATISFACTION OF KNOWING THAT YOU ARE SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND HELPING TO SAVE LIVES AND PROPERTY,+ HE SAID.
* I
HE RECALLED THAT, LAST YEAR, THE FIRE SERVICE WAS CALLED UPON NO LESS THAN 12,052 TIMES AND SAIDs +THE FIRE SERVICE NEEDS YOU BADLY, AND I CONGRATULATE YOU ON BEING SELECTED FOR THIS FINE SERVICE AND FOR YOUR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE OF BASIC TRAIN ING.+
GENERAL BRAMALL ALSO SENT HIS +GOOD WISHES+ TO THE SENIOR COURSE OF OFFICERS AND AMBULANCE MEN AT PRESENT ATTENDING ADVANCED COURSES AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL. +AND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT, TOO, TO THE RECRUIT OFFICERS ON PARADE,+ HE SAID. +YOUR COURSE IS A TOUGH ONE AND YOU STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO WITH IT, BUT IF YOU WORK HARD AT YOUR STUDY AND YOUR DRILLS, ALL 19 OF YOU WILL BE PASSING OUT IN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME AND I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT THAT.+
GENERAL BRAMALL INSPECTED THE PARADE AND TOOK THE SALUTE DURING THE MARCH PAST. HE LATER WATCHED THE NEWLY QUALIFIED FIREMEN GIVE A FIREFIGHTING DEMONSTRATION.
THE PARADE WAS THE 20TH TO BE HELD SINCE THE TRAINING SCHOOL FIRST OPENED IN 1968. IT WAS COMMANDED BY MR. P.N. BUCKINGHAM, ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER. MUSIC FOR THE PARADE WAS PROVIDED BY THE BAND OF BRIGADE OF GURKHAS.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 1,
1975
- 7 -
CONSTRUCTION OF KWAI CHUNG INCINERATOR x x x x x x
THE KWAI CHUNG INCINERATOR -- PROBABLY THE LARGEST AND MOST MODERN IN ASIA AND SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS OF EXTREME HIGH MOISTURE CONTENT IN THE REFUSE — WILL SOON TAKE SHAPE ON THE RECLAMATION AT GIN DRINKER’S BAY.
SITE FORMATION HAS Al.READY BEEN COMPLETED AND FIRMS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING ARE BEING INVITED TO BE INCLUDED 111 A SELECTED TENDER LIST FOR THE SUPPLY AND FABRICATION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE.
MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS COMMISSIONED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HAVE DESIGNED AND WILL SUPERVISE THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL REQUIRE SOME 3,000 TOHS OF FABRICATED STEELWORK.
ANOTHER MULT I-MILL IOH DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT WAS SIGHED IN NOVEMBER, 1973.
WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL BY LATE 1970, THE KWAI CHUNG INCINERATOR WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE 900 TOHS OF REFUSE A DAY AND, IF REQUIRED, UP TO 1,2.00 TONS A DAY.
IT IS DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE HEAT PRODUCED BY THE BURNING REFUSE CAN BE USED TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY WHICH IN TURN WILL OPERATE THE INCINERATION PLANT.
I
GASES PRODUCED WILL BE DISPERSED AT A HIGH LEVEL, WHILE DUST EMISSION WILL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM BY HIGH-EFFICIENCY DUST EXTRACTION EQUIPMENT.
THE INCINERATOR WILL NORMALLY OPERATE 24 HOURS A DAY AND WILL GREATLY HELP TOWARDS DISPOSING THE GROWING VOLUME OF DAILY REFUSE.
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GOVERNMENT HOUSE GROUNDS OPENING TO PUBLIC TOMORROW X X -X X.X X -X
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE VISITING THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) ARE REMINDED TO ENTER THE GROUNDS DY THE MAIN GATE AND LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE TO OTHERS. 9
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE GARDENS WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM.
THEY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTIFUL AZALEAS IN FULL BLOOM AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. .
SCOUTS AND POLICEMEN WILL BE PRESENT, AND VISITORS ARE REQUESTED TO COOPERATE WITH THEM TO AVOID OVERCROWDING.
VISITORS ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE HOUSE ITSELF.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
- 8
H.K. DELEGATION TO ESCAP PLENARY SESSION RETURNING if « « « i! n
NOTE TO EDITORS!
MR. T.K. ANN, EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, WHO IS LEADING A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE 31ST ESCAP PLENARY SESSION, WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SUNDAY.(MARCH 2) BY PA FLIGHT 002, ETA 1800 HOURS.
ON ARRIVAL HE WILL MEET THE PRESS AT THE AIRPORT PRESS .CONFERENCE ROOM.
RETURNING WITH MR. ANN WILL BE ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE DELEGATION, MR. JIMMY MCGREGOR, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR. D.J.C. JONES, WILL TAKE THEIR PLACE FOR THE REMAINING PART OF THE SESSION.
THE 31ST ANNUAL PLENARY SESSION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP) OPENED LAST WEDNESDAY IN NEW DELHI AND.WILL LAST UNTIL FRIDAY, MARCH 7.
THE REGION’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ITS PROBLEMS ARE DISCUSSED AT THE ANNUAL SESSION.
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EXTENSION OF PLAYSTREET SCHEME « « if « n k
THE EXPERIMENTAL PLAYSTREET SCHEME IN WHICH KAU U FONG IN CENTRAL IS TURNED INTO A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS HAS PROVED SO POPULAR THAT IT IS BEING EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER SIX MONTHS, MR. BERNARD MUI, THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER FOR THE DISTRICT SAID TODAY.
MR. MUI SAID THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS* CLUBS ASSOCIATION WHICH HAD BEEN PROVIDING EQUIPMENT AND ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN IN THE AREA DURING THE INITIAL THREE-MONTH TRIAL PERIOD, HAS AGREED TO CONTINUE DOING SO WHEN THE SCHEME STARTS AGAIN ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2 AT 2 P.M. k
THE ASSOCIATION’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHEME, HE SAID, HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MAIN FACTORS FOR MAKING THE PLAYSTREET SO POPULAR WITH THE CHILDREN.
THE KAU U FONG PLAYSTREET SCHEME WAS BEGUN ON OCTOBER 13, 1974 WHEN THE STREET, WHICH IS LITTLE USED BY TRAFFIC AT WEEKENDS, WAS TURNED INTO A CHILDREN’S PRECINCT IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATION SPACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE VICINITY.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
9
RECREATION CENTRES IN SHAUKIWAN REOPENED n w h k n « k 1
YOUTHS AND VILLAGERS OF THE HOLY CROSS PATH VILLAGE AND SHING ON VILLAGE IN SHAUKIWAN MAY ONCE MORE SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIMES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE RECREATION CENTRES.
SOME MONTHS AGO STAFF OF CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN) CAME TO KNOW THAT THE RECREATION CENTRE IN HOLY CROSS PATH VILLAGE WAS BADLY DAMAGED BY RUTHLESS YOUNGSTERS, AND THAT THE RECREATION CENTRE IN SHING ON VILLAGE NEEDED BRUSHIHG-U? AND ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT.
THE ROTARY CLUB (EAST) HONG KONG HAD GENEROUSLY DONATED_ A SUM OF OVER $40,000 FOR THE REPAIRING AND RE-EQUIPPING OF THE TOO RECREATION CENTRES.
THE RECONSTRUCTION WORK STARTED ON THE JANUARY 2 THIS YEAR AND WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY. >.
TO COPE WITH FUTURE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS OF THE TWO CENTRES, THE SHAUKIWAN SUB-OFFICE OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN) HAS INITIATED THE ORGANISATION OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, COMPRISING OF EXECUTIVES OF THE WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS OF THE TOO VILLAGES INVOLVED, LOCAL VOLUNTEERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
ABOUT 40 LOCAL VOLUNTEERS ARE NOW ATTENDING TRAINING COURSES GIVEN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SO AS TO PROMOTE BETTER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES UPON THE RE-OPENING OF THE TOO CENTRES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE RE-OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TOO CENTRES WILL TAKE PLACE_ TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 3.00 PM. MR. STEPHEN Y.S. HO, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN) WILL OFFICIATE THE CEREMONY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER .TO COVER THE EVENT.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
10
PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOLS PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN EDUCATION »
PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN PROVIDING SCHOOL PLACES - NOT ONLY THROUGH THE BOUGHT PLACES SCHEME FOR THOSE PUPILS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED A GOVERNMENT ASSISTED PLACE, BUT ALSO AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SCHOOL PLACES PROVIDED WITH GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION THIS EVENING.
MR. TOPLEY EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THEIR PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND URGED THEM TO KEEP ABREAST OF NEW IDEAS ON CURRICULUM CONTENT AND TEACHING METHODS - + IN OTHER WORDS A WILLINGNESS TO EXPERIMENT AND TO MOVE WITH THE TIMES.*
+THESE TOO COMPLEMENTARY ROLES OF QUANTITY AND QUALITY WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A STIMULATING CHALLENGE WHICH I AM SURE YOU WILL ACCEPT,:- THE DIRECTOR SAID.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE AND TO KEEP COMPETITIVE, PRIVATE SCHOOLS WOULD OFFER A HIGHER STANDARD OF EDUCATION TO THEIR PUPILS, HE SAID.
THIS WAS ALL TO THE GOOD BECAUSE THE ULTIMATE AIM OF ANY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE FOCUSSED ON THE WELFARE, DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT OF ITS PUPILS.
+IN DOING THIS,* HE SAID, +YOU WILL ALSO HELP TO SWEEP AWAY MANY OF THE MISCONCEPTIONS THAT ARE HELD BY THE PUBLIC ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOOLS.*
THE DIRECTOR HOPED THAT HIS MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION WOULD RESULT IN A VALUABLE EXCHANGE OF FACTS AND IDEAS WHICH WOULD HELP TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IN GENERAL, AND THE PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS IN PARTICULAR.
+WITH A FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN US WE STAND A GOOD CHANCE OF RECOGNISING, ANALYSING AND SOLVING OUR MUTUAL PROBLEMS,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN DIRECTING A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF ITS EFFORTS TOWARDS THE EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS. .
THIS FOLLOWED THE PROVISION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACE FOR ALL CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE, MR. TOPLEY SAID
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SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1975
11
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE PLAYS LEADING ROLE IN EDUCATION « x- a x- x
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE FOR PLAYING A LEADING PART IN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE CENTENARY OPEN DAY OF THE COLLEGE, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT EVER SINCE ITS FOUNDATION BY THE LA SALLE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS IN 1875, ST. JOSEPH’S HAS ESTABLISHED AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
+THIS REPUTATION HAS BEEN BASED NOT ONLY ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PUPILS BUT ON THE ALL-ROUND EDUCATION WHICH THE SCHOOL HAS PROVIDED.+
<THE SCHOOL HAS ALWAYS RECOGNISED THAT INTELLECTUAL ATTAINMENT ALONE IS NOT THE BE-ALL AND END-ALL OF EDUCATION. IT HAS ENCOURGAED PARTICIPATION BY ITS PUPILS IN THOSE ACTIVITIES AND PURSUITS WHICH PROVIDE FOR PHYSICAL, AND ABOVE ALL, SPIRITUAL AND MORAL GROWTH,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS ONLY IN THIS WAY THAT A SCHOOL COULD FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY AND CHARACTER.
THE SCHOOL’S SUCCESSES IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS HAD BEEN WELL MATCHED BY ACHIEVEMENTS IN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND IN SPORTS AND GAMES.
ST. JOSEPH’S ALSO ENCOURAGED ITS PUPILS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE.
+IT IS NOT SURPRISING, THEREFORE, TO FIND AMONG THE OLD BOYS OF ST. JOSEPH’S AN IMPRESSIVE NUMBER OF MEN WHO HAVE COME' TO BE LEADERS IN ALMOST EVERY WALK OF LIFE WITHIN OUR SOCIETY - IN THE PROFESSIONS, IN BUSINESS AND IN MANY COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES INVOLVING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MOTORISTS ADVISED TO REPLACE BOOKLET DRIVING LICENCES BY LAMINATED CARD TYPE...................... 1
OVER 68,000 PATIENTS RECEIVED PHYSIOTHERAPHY IN 1974 2
REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES FOR FIREMEN TO BE HELD OVER NEXT FOUR MONTHS ............................... 4
NEW ZIG-ZAG MARKINGS AT ZEBRA CROSSINGS COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW ..................................... 4
LAI KING ESTATE WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN JUNE 5
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG .............................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH P., 19750
1
MOTORISTS URGED TO REPLACE DRIVING LICENCES
• • a h n a n
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ADVISED MOTORISTS, WHO HAD BEEN NOTIFIED, TO MAKE PROMPT USE OF THE CURRENT SPECIAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME TO HAVE THEIR BOOKLET DRIVING LICENCES REPLACED DY THE MORE HANDY LAMINATED CARD TYPE.
UNDER THE SPECIAL PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED LAST DECEMBER TO SPEED UP THE CONVERSION PROCESS, NOTIFICATIONS WITH RETURN SLIPS ARE SENT TO LICENCE-HOLDERS I (J BATCHES AT INTERVALS, OFFERING THEM TOE OPPORTUNITY TO CONVERT THEIR DROVING LICENCES BEFORE THEY ARE DUE FOR RENEWAL.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED MOTORISTS WHO HAD RECEIVED SUCH NOTIFICATIONS TO TAKE UP THE OPPORTUNITY DY SENDING BACK AS SCON AS POSSIBLE THE RETURN SLIP TOGETHER WITH THEIR BOOKLET LICENCE, TWO 1-1/4” X 1” PHOTOGRAPHS AND THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD.
HE SAID SOME MOTORISTS, TO WHOM THE NOTIFICATIONS HAD BEEN SENT, HAD NOT YET SENT BACK THE RETURN SLIP TO THS DEPARTMENT FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER.
HE REMINDED THEM THAT THE SPECIAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME WAS SCHEDULED TO END IN AUGUST , AFTER WHICH LAMINATED LICENCES WOULD EE ISSUED ONLY ON RENEWAL, INITIAL ISSUE OF LICENCES, OR ON CHANGE OF PARTICULARS.
LICENCE-HOLDERS WHO HAVE AT PRESENT NOT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION WILL RECEIVE ONE AS THE PROGRAMME PROGRESSES, EXCEPT THOSE WHOSE LICENCES ARE DUE FOR RENEWAL WITHIN THE HEXT FOUR MONTHS. THESE LICENCE-HOLDERS WILL DE ISSUED WITH LAMINATED LICENCES ON RENEWAL, AS THE NEW TYPE OF LICENCES WILL EE ISSUED IN THIS CASE AS A MATTER 07 COURSE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RETURN SLIPS COULD EITHER DE SENT OR POSTED DACK FREE OF CHARGE. AFTER PROCESSING, THE DEPARTMENT WILL RETURN BY RECORDED POSTAL DELIVERY, THE NEW LAMINATED LICENCE, TOE INVALIDATED OLD BOOKLET LICENCE AND THE IDENTITY CARD.
HE STRESSED THAT ONLY IN THOSE CASES WHERE A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD HAD NOT DEEN ISSUED WOULD A PASSPORT OR SOME OTHER ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS DE CONSIDERED AS A SUBSTITUTE.
PHOTOGRAPHS MEASURING 1-1/6” X 1” , IF NOT READILY AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PHOTO-VENDING MACHINES INSTALLED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES AT THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING IN CENTRAL OH HONG- KONG ISLAND, AND AT PUI CHING ROAD, HO MAN TIN, IN KOWLOON.
_ „ „ „ 0 -
■ ) '
Sunday, march 2, 1975 - 2 -
GROWING DEMAND FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
AIM IS TO HAKE HANDICAPPED PATIENTS AS INDEPENDENT AS POSSIBLE H M n M H M ?$ «
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TREATED 60,255 PATIENTS IN 1974, COMPARED WITH 19,285 IN 1951 — A 254 PER CENT INCREASE,,
ATTENDANCES LAST YEAR TOTALLED 673,057, OR MORE THAN THREE TIMES THAT OF A DECADE AGO.
PHYSIOTHERAPY UNITS ARE ATTACHED TO THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, THE QUEEN MARV HOSPITAL, THE KOWLOON HOSPITAL, THE KOWLOON REHABILITATION CENTRE, THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL, THE WAN CHA! POLYCLINIC, THE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL, AND THE DAVID TRENCH REHABILITATION CENTRE.
PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN SOME ASSISTED HOSPITALS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
PHYSIOTHERAPY IS A METHOD DY WHICH A CURE IS ATTEMPTED THROUGH NATURAL PHYSICAL EXERCISE. THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST WAS ONCE CALLED BY MORE GENERAL TERM OF MASSEUR, OR MASSEUSE, BUT THIS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE MORE PRECISE TERM DECAUSE THE THERAPY IS HOW SCIENTIFIC, AND THERE IS MORE CONTROLLED EXERCISE TO IT FOR THE PATIENT THAN MERELY BEING MASSAGED.
PRESENT TREATMENT HAS DEVELOPED ALONG THE LINES OF THE GREATEST IMPROVEMENT IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME. INCREASING DEMAND HAS RAISED THE DEPARTMENT’S PHYSIOTHERAPY STAFF TO 79, HEADED DY MISS M.G. SMITH, SUPERINTENDENT PHYSIOTHERAPIST.
SIX OVERSEAS OFFICERS WERE RECRUITED LAST YEAR, AND 24 STUDENT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS ARE HOW IN A THREE-YEAR TRAINING COURSE AT THE KONG KONG PHYSIOTHERAPY TRAINING SCHOOL, WHICH OPENED IN I960.
PATIENTS COMMONLY REQUIRING PHYSIOTHERAPY INCLUDE VICTIMS OF TRAUMA, FRACTURES, STROKES, ARTHRITIS, SPINAL SPONDYLOSIS AND CHEST DISEASES. CHILDREN WHO HAVE HAD BRAIN DAMAGE ARE ALSO AMONG THOSE RECEIVING TREATMENT.
MISS SMITH SAYS THERE IS A GROWING DEMAND FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY BECAUSE AN EARLY RETURN TO NORMAL PHYSICAL CONDITION CONTRIBUTES TO A SPEEDIER TURNOVER IN HOSPITAL BEDS. MAXIMUM RECOVERY MEANS THAT A PATIENT CAN RESUME HIS OCCUPATION WITHOUT A LENGTHY AND NON-PRODUCTIVE CONVALESCENCE, A FACTOR OF CONSIDERABLE SIGNIFICANCE IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WHEN TRE VICTIM IS THE BREADWINNER.
/+NOT ALL PATIENTS
BUJ.FAY, IMHO’! 1975
- 3
*NOT ALL PATIEl TS MAKE A COMPLETE RECOVERY# AUD THIS MAINLY APPLIES TO BRAIN DAMAGE AND SPINAL CORD LESIONS,* MISS SMITH EXPLAINS, •'••THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM BRAIN DAMAGE ARE OFTEN PERMANENTLY AFFLICTED WITH PARALYSIS OF MUSCULAR MOVEMENTS. PATIENTS WITH SPINAL LESION MAY DE PARALYSED AND CONFINED TO WHEELCHAIRS, DUT THEIR INTELLIGENCE REMAINS NORMAL.*
MISS SMITH EMPHASISES THAT ^-SYMPATHY IS HOT SOUGHT BY SUCH HANDICAPPED PERSONS, DECAUSE ALL THEY WANT IS TO RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY AND DE ALLOWED TO PLAY A CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE.
*THEY MAY BE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, DUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF THEIR DAYS WITH OTHER PHYSICALLY-DISADLED, THOUGH THIS MAY HAVE TO OCCUR WHEN SPECIALISED TREATMENT IS NEEDED. THEY REALLY WANT TO BE ABLE TO DO ANY JOB WHICH THEY CAN MANAGE, AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE THEIR FRIENDS AS ANY ONE ELSE.*
MISS SMITH APPEALS FOR MORE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THIS FACTOR DY ACCEPTING THE PHYSICALLY-DISABLED IN SOME FIELDS OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, SO DR I NG I NG TO *A FRUITFUL CONCLUSION THE EFFORTS OF DOCTORS, NURSES, AND PARA-MEDICAL STAFF.*
NOTE TO ED I TORSs
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH ILLUSTRATING THIS ARTICLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG.
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 1975
~ „
FIREMEN TO RECEIVE REFRESHER TRAINING h h a n a a
’ . STAFF MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE ATTEND REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES OVER THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS.
EACH COURSE WILL LAST ONE WEEK AND BE ATTENDED DY UP TO 120 MEN HOLDING THE RANK OF STATION OFFICER AH') DELOW. THEY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BEGINNING ON MARCH 10 AND ENDING OH JULY 10.
A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE TRAINING WAS DESIGNED TO ENSURE STANDARDISATION OF PROCEDURES, DRILLS, EQUIPMENT USAGE AND TO ASSESS THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF PERSONNEL.
HE EXPLAINED THAT MANY MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE HAD BEEN TRAINED PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL IN I960 AND, EVEN SINCE THE SCHOOL HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED, THE SYLLABUS HAD BEEN UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN FIRE FIGHTING TECHNIQUES.
♦MEN WHO HAVE NOT HAD THE BENEFIT OF THIS UPDATING OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES WILL HOW BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COURSES WILL BE RESIDENTIAL. MEN FROM THE TACTICAL RESERVES WILL PERFORM WATCH DUTIES OH FIRE STATIONS WHILE PERSONNEL ARE AWAY UNDERGOING THE TRAINING.
------o - - - -
REMINDER ON ZIG-ZAGS « ft « «
™E tlEW Z,G"ZAG MARKINGS AT ZEBRA CROSSINGS, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE EXTRA PROTECTION TO PEDESTRIANS AND TO CUT THE ACCIDENT TOLL AT THESE CROSSINGS, COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THIS MEANS THAT AT ANY ZEDRA CROSSING WHICH HAS BEEN MARKED WITH THE ZIG-ZAG LINES IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE FOR ANY MOTORIST TO OVERTAKE, WAIT OR PARK WITHIN THE STRETCH OF ROAD DEFINED BY THE ZIG-ZAG MARKS.
DEFINED DY
IT WILL ALSO BE AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PEDESTRIAN TO CROSS THE ROAD IN THE SAME AREA. PEDESTRIANS MUST CROSS ON THE ZEBRA CROSSING ITSELF.
0 - - - -
/5
SUNDAY, rrnrcji 1975.
5
LA! KING ESTATE READY FOR OCCUPATION SOON n tt u a >•! a
CONSTRUCTION WORK OF ANOTHER HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATE IS FORGING AHEAD OH A 15-ACRE SITE IN KWAI CHUNG. THE FIRST TOO CLOCKS OF THE LA! KING ESTATE,, WHICH WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR ABOUT 6,C00 PEOPLE-WILL DE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN EARLY JUNE.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ARCHITECTS WHO ARE BUILDING THE ESTATE ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORITY. ARE MEANWHILE PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE TOO IS-STOfiGY BLOCKS.
TOO OTHER BLOCKS C7 15 AND 22 STOREYS HIGH ARE EXPECTED TO DE COMPLETED It! ABOUT A YEAR.
THE WHOLE ESTATE., COMPRISING SEVEN MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS. WILL EE READY DY JUNE NEXT YEAR HOUSING A TOTAL CF 27,000 PEOPLE. CONSTRUCTION COST IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT COO fllLlJoN.
THE ESTATE WILL DE SELF-CONTAINED WITH THE PROVISION 07 ALL FORKS CF SOCIAL AND WELFARE FACILITIES,, THERE WILL DE A SHOPPING CENTRE. POST OFFICE. WELFARE PREMISES. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS AS WELL AS RECREATIONAL GROUNDS.
A ROAD WILL ALSO DE BUILT LINKING THE ESTATE WITH THE SUPER-HIGHWAY TO PROVIDE A TRAFFIC LINK WITH THE URBAN AREA.
ROTE TO EDITORS!
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE FIRST TOO DLOCKS OF THE LAI KING ESTATE NEARING COMPLETION ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, DEACONSFILED HOUSE, 6/Fo CENTRAL.
** ° « «=» 0 «» —
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG x n « -x x
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS OH TUESDAY (MARCH 4), BEGINNING AT 1 A.M., TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND SAN TIN, KAM SHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN KAM TIN ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD, AND KAM TIN ROAD DETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND TSUEN KAM ROAD.
SEK KONG CAMP, KAM TIN SHI, KAM HING WAI, SHU! TAU TSUEN, SHU! MEI TSUEN, PAK WAI TSUEN AND KAM TIN MARKET WILL ALSO DE AFFECTED DY THE TEMPORARY WATER CUT.
- - - - o
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
URBCO ELECTORS REMINDED TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE ON WEDNESDAY............................................... 1
SIR MURRAY OPENS SYMPOSIUM ON PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE TODAY 4
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY HAS RETURNED TO TAP MUN ISLAND ........... 5
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO TELEPHONE AFFAIRS TO SEEK PUBLIC VIEWS ................................................... 1
METHADONE TREATMENT EXPERT LEAVING SHORTLY AFTER A TWOMONTH VISIT TO HONG KONG..................................... 8
HONG KONG RESERVOIRS ABOUT 72.4 PER CENT FULL................ 8
HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO OPEN 22ND C.D.O. OFFICE IN HO MAN TIN.............................................. •• 9
BAN ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES IN SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD ....... 9
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG...................................... 10
GOVERNMENT AUDITOR TO RETIRE AFTER 34 YEARS SERVICE ........ 10
ANTI-DRUG DRIVE IN CENTRAL DISTRICT....................... 11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hon§ Kong.Tel: 5-233191
f-WAY, MARCH 3, 3.975
1
WEDNESDAY IS IIRBCO ELECTION DAY N M i'l 15 ?'• •"•
WITH JUST OVER A DAY TO GO DEFORE THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS, THE RETURNING OFFICER, MRS. MABEL CHIU-WOON HAYES, TODAY REMINDED ELECTORS TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT BY VOTING OH WEDNESDAY.
POLL CARDS HAVE ALREADY DEEN SENT OUT TO ELECTORS INDICATING AT WHICH POLLING STATION THEY SHOULD CAST THEIR VOTE.
MRS. HAYES AGAIN REMINDED ELECTORS TO BRING THEIR POLL CARDS WITH THEM AND A MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION SUCH AS AH IDENTITY CARD OR DRIVING LICENCE.
THIS YEAR, THE HUMBER OF VACANCIES OH THE COUNCIL IS SIX-THEREFORE ELECTORS CANNOT VOTE FOR MORE THAN SIX CANDIDATES. THEY CAN VOTE FOR LESS, DUT A DALLOT PAPER WITH MORE THAN SIX VOTES WILL DE INVALID, MRS. HAYES SAID.
POLLING STATIONS WILL DE OPEN CONTINUOUSLY FROM 0 A.M. TO 0 P.M.
ELECTORS ARE ASKED TO REMEMBER THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SPEAK TO ANY OTHER ELECTORS WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF ANY POLLING STATION. THEY ARE ALSO FORBIDDEN TO TAKE ANY DALLOT PAPER, WHETHER MARKED OR UNMARKED, OUT OF THE POLLING STATION. THEY SHOULD DEPOSIT IN THE BALLOT BOX HO OTHER PAPER THAN THE BALLOT PAPER GIVEN THEM DY THE POLL CLERK.
MRS. HAYES ADDED THAT THE STAFF AT THE 13 STATIONS WILL DE THERE TO HELP ELECTORS SHOULD THEY ENCOUNTER ANY PROBLEMS.
THE POLLING STATIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL DE AT a KING’S COLLEGE HALL, 63A, BONHAM ROAD- THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL-THE HENNESSEY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 169 THOMSON ROAD-AND THE NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 080 KING’S ROAD.
IN KOWLOON THE STATIONS WILL BE AT 8 THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, ALONGSIDE THE EAST WING OF THE STAR FERRY TERMINAL- THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, 152 SAI YEE STREET- THE KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL, 332 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD- THE PERTH STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 6 PERTH STREET- THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 17 TSEUK LUK STREET- AND THE KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 240 NGAU TAD KOK ROAD.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THE POLLING STATIONS WILL DE LOCATED AT 8 THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN- THE HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, KAU YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG- AND THE WONG SHIU CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL, TA! PO ROAD, TAI PO.
/NOTE TO EDITORS .....
HOIIAW, MAT.CII 5, 1975
NOTE TO ED I TORSs
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO WISH TO VISIT ANY OF THE 13 POLLING STATIONS OR TO BE PRESENT AT THE COUNTING OF THE VOTES ON MARCH 5 (WEDNESDAY), URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION DAY, MUST COMPLETE FORM 20 - DECLARATION OF SECRECY - BEFORE A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, A PRESIDING OFFICER OR THE RETURNING OFFICER,
THEY SHOULD HAVE THE FORMS WITH THEM WHEN THEY CALL AT ANY OF THE POLLING STATIONS.
COPIES OF THESE FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE PRESS ROOM, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY YOU TO COVER THE ELECTION, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR. DAVID FORD, JP, WILL DE PLEASED TO ADMINISTER THE DECLARATION BETWEEN 3,30 P.M. AND 5 P.M. TOMORROW. THE RETURNING OFFICER, MRS. MABEL CHIU-WOON HAYES, WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE DURING OFFICE HOURS TOMORROW. NOMINEES ARE ADVISED TO RING HER ON H-95515 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. ALTERNATIVELY THIS DECLARATION CAN BE ADMINISTERED DY ANY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
TO MAKE RECOGNITION EASIER FOR STAFF AT THE POLLING STATIONS, SPECIAL LAPEL BADGES HAVE BEEN PREPARED. THESE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TOMORROW FROM G.I.S. 6/FL, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HOWEVER, THE COMPLETED DECLARATION FORM MUST BE PRODUCED FOR ADMISSION.
THE ATTENTION OF PRESS REPRESENTATIVES IS DRAWN TO REGULATION 29 OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS (PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS UNDER WHICH IT IS AN OFFENCE INTER ALIA TO' SPEAK TO ANY ELECTOR OR TAKE ANY PHOTOGRAPH WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF ANY POLLING STATION.
REGULATION 29 STATES fl-
29 (1) ANY PERSON OTHER THAN -
(A) THE RETURNING OFFICER OR AN ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICER0
(B) THE PRESIDING OFFICER OR AN ASSISTANT PRESIDING OFFICER-
(C) MEMBERS OF THE STAFF OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER-
(D) POLICE OH DUTY AT ANY POLLING STATION-
(E) A COMPANION OF A BLIND VOTER ACTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION 36,
/WHO SPEAKS TO ....
MONDAY, mp.cn 3, 1975
3
WHO SPEAKS TO ANY ELECTOR WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF J^LL. ES GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL DE ON CONVICTION THEREFORE TO A FINE OF
ANY POLLING LIABLE
FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS
(2) ANY PERSON WHO -
(A) TAKES ANY PHOTOGRAPHS"
(B) CANVASSES1’ OR
(C) DISPLAYS ANY POSTER,
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF ANY POLLING STATION SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL DE LIABLE ON CONVICTION THEREFORE TO A FINE OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.
(3) ANY ELECTOR WHO -
(A) TAKES ANY BALLOT PAPER, WHETHER MARKED OR UNMARKED, OUT OF THE POLLING STATION" OR
(B) DEPOSITS IN THE BALLOT BOX ANY PAPER OTHER THAN THE BALLOT PAPER GIVEN TO HIM BY THE POLL CLERK,
SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION THEREFORE TO A FINE OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND TO IMP RISONME NT FOR SIX MONTHS.
hap 5.9?^ " 4
GOVERNOR OPENS MED!CAL S.MPOSIUM a >$ a n n n
PSYCHONEUROTIC AND PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESSES APPEAR TO BE INCREASING IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
❖WITH THE STRESSES OF MODERN SOCIETY, ITS PROBLEMS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT, WE HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY FAMILIAR WITH PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS, BUT WE HEED TO KNOW MUCH MORE,* HE SAID WHEN OPENING THE SYMPOSIUM OH PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE IN THE CITY HALL THIS MORNING.
THE GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED, RECOGNISED THIS TREND AND ONE OF THE STATED OBJECTIVES IN THE MEDICAL WHITE PAPER WAS TO PROVIDE MORE SPECIALIST TREATMENT FOR PSYCHIATRIC CASES.
❖THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS OBJECTIVE WILL DEPEND LARGELY ON A SUFFICIENT HUMBER 07 TRAINED PERSONNEL BEING AVAILABLE TO US,* SIR MURRAY SAID, AND HE HOPED THAT THE SYMPOSIUM WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PSYCHIATRIC SPECIALISATION IN HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT, DESPITE APPARENT DEFECTS IN O'JR SOCIETY, A SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER STANDARD OF MATERIAL WELL-BEING HAD BEEN ATTAINED OVER THE LAST TWO AND A HALF DECADES. AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE PRESSURES ASSOCIATED WITH A MORE COMPLEX AND SOPHISTICATED LIFE — SUCH AS STEM FROM HIGH DENSITY AND HIGH-RISE EXISTENCE, A COMPETITIVE SOCIETY AND EHVIR0NMENT3\ POLLUTION.*
AS ELSEWHERE, HONG KONG ALSO HAD ITS CONFLICTS OF VALUES BETWEEN YOUNG AND OLD AND CONFLICT FROM CHANGES IN CULTURAL AND MORAL VALUES. ❖FORTUNATELY, THE CHINESE FAMILY UNIT STILL REMAINS A GREATER SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND COHESION THAN IN COMMUNITIES IN EUROPE AND AMERICA AND ELSEWHERE, DUT IT TOO IS WEAKENING UNDER STRONG HEW PRESSURE.*
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT, TRADITIONALLY, MEDICINE HAD TENDED TO BE CONCERNED MORE WITH THE BODY THAN WITH THE MIND, PROBABLY BECAUSE IN THE PAST PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS HAD DEEN MORE EASILY IDENTIFIED AND TREATED. DUT, TO THE PATIENT, AND THE GROUP AMONGST WHICH HE LIVED, PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS WERE AS REAL AND AS DISTRESSING AND AS DISABLING AS PHYSICAL ONES, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
*IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE AND TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF GENERAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS.*
NOTE TO EDITORS
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G.I.S. HEWS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
- - /5.........................
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 5.975
5
ELECTRICITY RETURNS TO TAP MUN ?$ it i': u K '
,__ THE 2,000 VILLAGERS 01- TAP MUN IN TA I PO NO LONGER HAVE TO
LIVE BY CANDLE LIGHT AND KEROSENE LAMPS.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY HAS RETURNED TO THE TINY ISLAND THANKS TO TALPO DISTRICT OFFICE WHICH DONATED A GENERATOR TO MAKE POWER SUPPLY POSSIBLE'."''
/.'THIS IS 3^7 THE FIRST TIME TAP MUN HAS HAD THE LUXURY OF A POWJsR SUP^Jc?.
ELECTRICITY FIRST CAME TO THE ISLAND IN 1964 WHEN A PRIVATE 7 COMPANY SET UP A GENERATOR. HOWEVER, BUSINESS WAS HOT BRISK AND /THE OWNER, DESPITE HIS EFFORTS TO KEEP HIS ENTERPRISE SOLVENT, zz HAD TO <CLOSE SHOP* IN 1970.
DURING THESE FEW YEARS LIFE AT TAP MUN WAS MISERABLE, ACCORDING TO VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR. LAM PAH-PING.
■c-WHAT WE REALLY MISSED WAS TELEVISION,* HE SAID.
OF COURSE, LIFE WAS ALSO INCONVENIENT IN OTHER WAYS. FOR EXAMPLE, MR. LAM SAID, SHOPS AND OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES WERE AFFECTED WHEN THERE WAS NO ELECTRICITY TO POWER MACHINES AND APPLIANCES, ESPECIALLY DEVERAGE COOLERS.
ADDED TO THIS, PEOPLE REMAINED INDOORS BECAUSE THE STREETS WERE UNLIT AT HIGHT. DURING THESE *DARK* YEARS THE VILLAGERS APPROACHED THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE SEEKING ITS HELP TO RESTORE POWER SUPPLY.
*BUT THIS IS NOT AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS,* SAID A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN.
*FIRST, YOU HAVE TO GET THE RIGHT GENERATOR, THEN A PLACE TO HOUSE IT, THEN PUT UP THE WIRING AND FINALLY TO ESTABLISH A WAY TO MAINTAIN IT. AND 07 COURSE, IT COSTS A LOT OF MONEY,* HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE STARTED A +TAP MUN ELECTRIFICATION CAMPAIGN* IN 1973. SOON AFTER, CARE SAID IT WOULD HELP, SO DID THE ARMY AND THE NAVY.
THE NAVY FIRST MADE A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE AREA AND THEN TRANSPORTED THE GENERATOR WHICH WAS DONATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO THE ISLAND. WITH THE ARMY’S HELP, TAP MUN’S HOUSES AND STREETS WERE WIRED UP. CARE PAID 75 PER CENT OF THE COSTS FOR BUILDING THE GENERATOR HOUSE, INSTALLING THE MACHINERY, AND WIRING.
/THE WHOLE PROJECT .....
HOBDAY, MARCH J, 1975
6 -
THE WHOLE PROJECT.COST 6120,000. JUST WIDER TWO-THIRDS OF THE COSTS.
WITH CARE CONTRIBUTING
Otl DECEMBER 10, 1974 THE LIGHTS AT TAP MUN WERE TURNED OH ONCE AGAIN.
LIFE IN THIS REMOTE ISLAND IS
VILLAGE ELDER, MR. CHAN JAH FAT.
VERY DIFFERENT NOW,
SAID
❖VILLAGERS ARE GOING OUT INTO THE STREETS AT NIGHT AND THE SOUND FROM TELEVISION SETS CAN DE HEARD AGAIN.*
NOTE TO ED ITORS3
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GENERATOR FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS NEWS ROOM, 6/FL.
ARE AVAILABLE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1973
-7 -
PHONE COMMISSION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS n n a m n
THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY HAS DECIDED TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS TO RECEIVE VERBAL REPRESENTATIONS FROM INTERESTED PARTIES*
THE DECISION WAS TAKEN AT THE FIRST FORMAL MEETING OF THE COMMISSION THIS MORtilNG.
FOLLOWING THE TWO-HOUR MEETING, THE SECRETARY, MR. DONALD TSANG. SAID THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD WELCOME REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON ANY MATTER RELATING TO ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE.
HE SAID DETAILS OF THE TIMING AND VENUE OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS WOULD BE NOTIFIED IN A SEPARATE PRESS RELEASE WHICH IS EXPECTED TO DE ISSUED TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MR. TSANG SAID THAT IN THE MEAN TIME, PEOPLE OF ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO MAKE WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS SHOULD SEND THEM TO THE SECRETARY. COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
THIS MORNING’S MEETING WHICH DEALT MAINLY WITH PROCEDURAL MATTERS ALSO DISCUSSED THE COMMISSION’S TERMS OF REFERENCE BROADLY AND CONSIDERED THE ORDER IN WHICH VARIOUS SUBJECTS INCLUDED IN THE TERMS WOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
THE MEETING, HELD IN THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT, BEGAN AT O.SO A.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY WILL BE BOXED TODAY.
/8....
— «* 0 * n O
'MONDAY, KARCH 3, J.975
- 8 -
-'HADONE TREATMENT EXPERT WINDS I’? HOHG KONG VISIT a ii n a » n
Of’r OF THE WORLD’S TO? EXPERTS OH METHADONE TREATMENT, DR. ROBERT NEWMAN, WILL BE LEAVING FOR THE UNITED STATES THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 9) AT THE END OF HIS TWO-MONTH VISIT TO EVALUATE HONG KONG’S DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT EFFORTS.
HIS VISIT IS JOIH7LV SPONSORED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
DURING THE PAST TOO MONTHS DR. NEWMAN, WHO IS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, ADDICTION PROGRAMME, IN THE NEW YORK CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HAS DEEN LOOKING INTO TOE OVERALL EFFORTS HADE IN HONG KONG TO COMBAT THE DRUG ADDICTION PROBLEM WITH A VIEW TO EXPLORING OTHER WAVS AND MEANS.TO IMPROVE EXISTING METHODS OF TREATMENT.
HE HAS VISITED TOE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S VARIOUS METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES AND HAS HAD TALKS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONCERNED WITH THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ADDICTION.
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NOTE TO ED I TORSg
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL DE HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, ON THURSDAY, MARCH 6, AT 2.30 PM WHEN DR. NEWMAN WILL TALK ABOUT HIS VISIT AND ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATING TO DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.
WEEKLY WA
—__,„-ATION REPORT fl K- « fl H H
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN (MONDAY, MARCH 3) STOOD AT 48,7. 72.4 PER CENT OF THE FULL,CAPAQI THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT
GALLONS, COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE
,743 M PRESE
OF ITS FULL CAPACITY 0FK0,500 M
LL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM
TODAY
MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING Y OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT ,793 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
OVER COVE WAS 37,231 MILLION
LION GALLONS OH THE SAME DAY
STORAGE REPRESENTS 73.7 PER CENT
LLIOH GALLONS.
A TOTAL OF 0.1 KM (TRACE INA) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 71.6 MM (2.02 IN.)
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY STANDS AT 80.6 MM (3.17 IN.)
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1975
9 -
OPENING OF NEW CDO SUB-OFFICE a a a w n n
THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT IS SETTING UP ITS 22ND OFFICE residents M S^°nE G0MVEM,Et,T SERV,CE T0 S0MS 15’G0°
THE HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE OF KOWLOON CITY CDO WILL BE £-T£,£.,.A!ZLY 0PEr° OfJ WEDNESDAY (MARCH 5) AT b PM BY MR. AUGUSTINE KAM CHUI- DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS AND FOUR RESIDENTS OF a&.sul ,!U0K"CII0(’ “>• ™,s
THE NEW OFFICE IS AT THE. GROUND ESTATE AND ITS TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE
ASSISTANT CITY DISTRICT OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (LI A ISON)o 3-029181 OR 3=029102
PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER# 3-020312
FLOOR 07 BLOCK 8 OF HO HAN TIN
AS FOLLOWSc-
AND
IT WILL PROVIDE THE FULL RANGE OF CDO SERVICES, INCLUDING PUBLIC ENQUIRY AND STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES.
M2. BILLY LAM, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (KOWLOON CITY), POINTED OUT THAT THE SETTING UP OF THE HEW SUB-OFFICE IS TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF RAPID DEVELOPMENTS IN HO MAN Tit) DISTRICT, INCLUDING THE BUILDING OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, ROAD WORK EXPANSION AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS#
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PIIOTOSRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 5).
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN CHAI WAN
..... W,TH EFFECT FR0M 10 AM TOMORROW (MARCH 4) PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP AND SET DOWN PASSENGERS ON THE SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN WAN TSUI ROAD AND SAN HA STREET DAILY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT,
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT IS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA. ---------------------------0-------
/no.....
ifoav, ijarch sr.
- 10 ~
WATER CUT X .•$ X X
WATER SUPPLY TO A HUMBER OF PREMISES IN YEUN LOHS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL DE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS THIS WEDNESDAY (MARCH 5) DEG IHHI NG AT 1 AM TO EHABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY GUT LEAKAGE TESTS.
, I
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AMD SAN TIN, KAM SHEUNG ROAD DETWEEN KAM TIN ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD, AND KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND TSUEN KAM ROAD.
SEK KONG CAMP, SEK KONG FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, KAM TIN SHI, KAM HING WAI, SHUI TAU TSUEN, SHU I MEI TSUEN, PAK WAI TSUEN AND KAM TIN MARKET WILL ALSO DE AFFECTED DY THE TEMPORARY WATER-CUT.
« 0
C3
GOVERNMENT AUDITOR RETIRING « ft « N H M Hr
AN AUDITOR WHO HAS DEEN WITH THE GOVERNMENT FOR 34 YEARS WILL RETIRE SHORTLY.
HE IS MR. SUNG CHO IU WHO WAS RECENTLY AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT.
THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, MR. G.E. LYTH. WILL PRESENT HIM A GIFT TIMS WEDNESDAY (MARCH 5) ON BEHALF Or HIS COLLEAGUES TO . MARK HIS RETIREMENT.
NOTE TO ED ITORS8
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, WHICH WILL EE HELD IN THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, 13TH FLOOR, ON WEDNESDAY AT 4.30 PM.
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1975
11 -
ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN IN CENTRAL n « -x x n n it
A FIVE-DAY CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THE CURRENT ANTI-DRUG EDUCATIONAL DRIVE TO +KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE+ BEGINS TODAY IN CENTRAL DISTRICT.,
WHILE THE MAIN EFFORTS WILL CONCENTRATE ON STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC LIKE OFFICE WORKERS WILL ALSO BE INVOLVED.
THROUGHOUT THE FIVE DAYS UNTIL FRIDAY, THERE WILL BE AT LEAST ONE ACTIVITY A DAY STARTING OFF WITH A VISIT TODAY TO THE NARCOTICS BUREAU’S DRUG MUSEUM ORGANISED FOR A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL.
TOMORROW, IT WILL BE THE TURN OF TEACHERS AND THEY WILL BE DISCUSSING HOW THEY CAN HELP I’M PREVENTING DRUG ADDICTION IN SCHOOLS AT A SEMINAR TO TAKE PLACE AT THE COMMUNITY HALL OF CARITAS CENTRE IN CAINE ROAD. THIS BEGINS AT 2 P.M.
ANOTHER GROUP OF STUDENTS IS SCHEDULED TO VISIT THE DRUG MUSEUM AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY. LATER IN THE EVENING AT 6 P.M. OFFICE WORKERS WILL MEET AT A FORUM, AT THE CARITAS TOWN CENTRE IN ON LOK YUEN BUILDING TO DISCUSS THE TOPIC OF DRUG ABUSE. IN ADDITION THERE WILL BE AN EXHIBITION ON DRUG ABUSE AT THE CENTRE. THIS IS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AND ANYONE INTERESTED CAN DROP IN DETWEEN 10.30 A.M. AND 5 P.M.
THURSDAY WILL SEE STUDENTS GETTING TOGETHER FOR A THREE AND A HALF HOUR SEMINAR AT THE CARITAS CENTRE IN CAINE ROAD TO DISCUSS THE ROLE THEY CAN PLAY IN HELPING THE ANTI-DRIVE.
ALSO BEGINNING FROM NOON ON THURSDAY AN EXHIBITION OF DRUG SAMPLES, DRUG SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA AND EQUIPMENT. CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE MOUNTED ON THE TEMPORARY PAVEMENT NEXT TO CONNAUGHT CENTRE. TO CONTINUE ON FRIDAY, THIS IS THE FIRST SUCH OPEN-AIR EXHIBITION TO DE HELD AND WILL GIVE PASSERS-BY AN INSIGHT INTO THE PROBLEM.
THE FIVE DAYS OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, AND IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES WHICH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CYOS ARE ORGANISING FOR THE CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST PUBLIC MEETING OF TELEPHONE INQUIRY COMMISSION
THIS MONDAY ........................................... i
ADOUT 110 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS FIRMS REGISTER FOR INCLUSION IN TENDER LIST FOR MTR PROJECT................. 2
ANT I-DRUG CAMPAIGN IN MONG KOK .........................■ 2
SENIOR OFFICIALS TO INSPECT PROGRESS IN NEW TOWNS ....... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1975
1
PHONE PROBEs FIRST PUBLIC HEARING NEXT MONDAY »»»«««
A TOTAL OF FIVE PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY HAS BEEN ARRANGED OVER A PERIOD OF TOO WEEKS, ADDITIONAL HEARINGS WILL BE ARRANGED IF NECESSARY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION, SIR ALASTAIR BLAIR-KERR, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO HOLD THESE MEETINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBERS. THE FIRST WILL DE HELD ON MONDAY (MARCH 10) BEGINNING AT 0.30 AM.
THE DATES FOR THE OTHER MEETINGS WILL BE THE 13TH, 17TH, 18TH AND 21ST OF MARCH. ALL SITTINGS WILL BEGIN AT 0.30 AM.
SIR ALASTAIR SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE HEARINGS WAS TO RECORD EVIDENCE FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS BEFORE THE COMMISSION REGARDING THE AFFAIRS OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY.
❖SUCH HEARINGS WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, UNLESS THE WITNESS CONCERNED PREFERS TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN PRIVATE,* SIR ALASTAIR S i uu&SED.
HE SAID THAT PEOPLE WISHING TO GIVE EVIDENCE OR MAKE STATEMENTS SHOULD CONTACT THE SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-95334 TO ARRANGE A SUITABLE TIME.
❖THIS,* SIR ALASTAIR SAID, *W!LI, AVOID WITNESSES’ TIME AND THAT OF THE COMMISSIONERS, BEING WASTED.*
THE CHAIRMAN AGAIN REMINDED PEOPLE OR ORGANISATIONS THAT THEY COULD MAKE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ON ANY MATTER RELATING TO THE COMMISSION’S TERMS OF REFERENCE. THEY SHOULD SEND THEM TO THE SECRETARY, COMMISSION OF INQUIRY, ROOM 120, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONS KONG.
SPECIAL NOTICES OUTLINING THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMISSION AND THE DATES AND VENUE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL APPEAR IN THE MAJOR NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND OH THURSDAY.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1975
GOOD RESPONSE TO MTR CONTRACTS « a n n a « «
ABOUT 110 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS FIRMS HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE MASS TRANSIT PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY IN RESPONSE TO ITS RECENT INVITATION TO CONTRACTORS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION OH THE LIST OF TENDERERS FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY, SOME 70 FIRMS HAVE APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN RESPECT OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTS AND ABOUT FIRMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CIVIL CONTRACTS.
♦THE RESPONSE FROM LOCAL CONTRACTORS HAS BEEN STRONG AND THE INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS COME FROM MANY COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, EUROPE,-JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AH OFFICIAL LIST OF TENDERERS WILL BE DRAWN UP OVER THE NEXT MONTH OR SO, AND TENDER DOCUMENTS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THOSE PROSPECTIVE TENDERERS BEGINNING IN APRIL, HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 57 MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY STAFF, NOT MORE THAN A 100 AS WAS INDICATED IN REPORTS THAT APPEARED IN THE PRESS EARLIER THIS WEEK.
ANTI-DRUG PROMOTION IN MONG KOK a it a a a a
THE MONG KOK KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS RUNNING A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO HELP EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE DANGERS OF DRUG ADDICTION.
THE ACTIVITIES, WHICH STARTED LAST WEEK, INCLUDE A FILM SHOW AND A YOUTH FORUM DOTH OF WHICH HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE, IN ADDITION TO A CARTOON DRAWING COMPETITION, AH EXHIBITION AND A VARIETY SHOW.
ALL THE PROGRAMMES ARE DESIGNED TO STRESS THE EVIL AND HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUG ADDICTION. APART FROM GOVERNMENT OFF I GES IN THE DISTRICT, MANY OTHER ORGANISATIONS ARE ALSO INVOLVED IN THIS EFFORT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO REACH SOME 10,000 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
THE MONG KOK ANTI-DRUG COMMITTEE COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE, THE URBAN SERVICES ENTERTAINMENT OFFICE, THE LOCAL KAI FONG ASSOCIATION, U.K. FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS, CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE, SHARON YOUTH CENTRE AND THE MONG KOK YOUTH SOCIAL SERVICE TEAM.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1975 3 -
OFFICIALS TO INSPECT NEW- TOWNS « H it it it
NOTE TO ED ITOnSs
SIX SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, HEADED DY THE DEPUTY ™W£L.SECRET$RY» M*CHAEL CLINTON, WILL VISIT THE NEW TOWNS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO SEE WHAT PROGRESS IS BEING MADE.
THE PARTY WILL INCLUDE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY® THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. IAN LIGHTBODY® THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES- THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY® MR. DAVID JORDAN® AND THE POLITICAL ADVISOR, MR. A.E. DONALD.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE TOUR TO MEET THE PARTY AT I. EK YU N STATE IN SHA TIN. THE VISITORS WILL ARRIVE AT THE ESTATE AT 1J 45 A.M. AND WILL STAY FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES BEFORE PROCE ID I NG TO A! ?0.
A NINE-SEATER VAN (AM 3213) WILL PICK UP REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-POOL BEHIND THE POST-OFFICE AT 10.45 A.M. AND WILL RETURN TO KOWLOON STAR FERRY PIER AFTER THE VISIT TO LEK YUEN ESTATE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PRIMARY ONE ENTRANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SIT FOR A
FORMAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION ........................... 1
SPECIAL PAY-IN CENTRES FOR WATER FEES DE I NG SET UP FOR
CONVENIENCE OF N.T. RESIDENTS .......................... 2
PARENTS ADVISED TO BE CAREFUL IN SELECTING A NURSERY FOR THEIR CHILDREN ..................................... 3
MORE'RESIDENTS TRAVELLED TO CHINA DURING THE LUNAR NEW
YEAR PERIOD THIS YEAR ............................... 4
/
EDUCATION WORKING PARTY CALLS FOR PUBLIC VIEWS ON • REPLACEMENT OF S.S.E.E. ............................. 4
PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES HANDLED A RECORD 1.6 MILLION ENQUIRIES LAST YEAR ................................... 5
TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTION IN WONG TAI SIN............. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1975
1
NO ENTRANCE EXAM FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE it
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ASKED THE SUPERVISORS OF ALL AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO INVITE APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY 1 ON MARCH 15.
IN A CIRCULAR TO THE SUPERVISORS, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY), MR. LAM TAT-LAU STATED THAT SELECTION OF PUPILS SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE MONTH SO THAT AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THE NEED FOR PRIMARY CLASSES FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR COULD DE MADE.
HE EMPHASISED THAT IN SELECTING PUPILS THE SCHOOLS HAD BEEN ASKED TO ABANDON FORMAL TESTS IN ATTAINMENT INCLUDING THOSE FOR CHINESE, ARITHMETIC OR ENGLISH SUBJECTS.
THE SCHOOLS COULD SEND LETTERS TO SUITABLE CANDIDATES AND THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS INVITING THEM TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW. THE CHILDREN APPLYING FOR ADMISSION SHOULD BE SIX YEARS OLD OR UNDER EIGHT YEARS OF AGE BY WESTERN RECKONING ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1975
MR. LAM SAID IT WAS NOT CORRECT AS REPORTED IN A NUMBER OF NEWSPAPERS THAT THESE CHILDREN WOULD BE REQUIRED TO TAKE AN ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY 1.
HE DENIED THAT SUCH AN EXAMINATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR. IN FACT, MR. LAM SAID, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS NOT IN FAVOUR OF FORMAL TESTS FOR THE ADMISSION OF THESE CHILDREN.
IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT FINANCIAL STRINGENCY AND OF THE COMPETING CLAIMS FOR OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ASSESSING THE NEED FOR PRIMARY CLASSES FOR THE 1975-76 SCHOOL YEAR, MR. LAM SAID.
TO ASSIST WITH THE ESTIMATE, APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY 1 IN ANY GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOL WILL BE ASKED TO GIVE THE NAMES OF ANY OTHER SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE ALSO APPLIED.
THE SUPERVISORS AND HEADS OF THE AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS CONCERNED HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SEND LISTS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF THE CANDIDATES’ APPLICATION FORMS TO THE APPROPRIATE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICERS AT THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON SUB OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY APRIL 15. THE SCHOOLS WILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION FORMS.
MR. LAM ALSO ASKED THE SCHOOLS TO INVITE APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY 2 AND OTHER CLASSES AS SOON AS PRIMARY 1 ENROLMENT WAS COMPLETED.
/A LIST ......
UEKESDAY, MARCH 5, 1975
2
A LIST OF THE PROPOSED CLASS ORGANISATION SHOWING THE ACTUAL ENROLMENT FOR EACH CLASS TOGETHER WITH STAFFING REQUIREMENTS SHOUID RE SENT TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER CONCERNED SO THAT ADMISSION OF PUPILS WOULD BE FINISHED BY MAY 15.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR REMINDED THE SUPERVISORS AND HEADS THAT APPROVAL OF CLASS ORGANISATION WAS SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION OF THE ACTUAL ENROLMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1975.
HE TOLD THEM THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO COMMITMENT IN THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW TEACHERS BEFORE APPROVAL HAD BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THESE MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN NOT ONLY TO ENSURE THAT PRIMARY CLASSES WERE FULLY UTILISED BUT ALSO TO SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S MONEY WAS NOT WASTED.
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SPECIAL PAY-IN CENTRES FOR WATER FEES » M 8 « II
<
TEMPORARY COLLECTION CENTRES FOR WATER FEES FOR THE THIRD PERIOD LAST YEAR WILL BE SET UP AT SHEUNG SHUI AND FAN LING FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS THERE.
THE SHEUNG SHUI COLLECTION CENTRE WILL BE LOCATED AT THE SHEUNG SHU I PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE AT SHEK WU HUI AND WILL BE OPEN ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (MARCH 11 AND 12) NEXT WEEK.
THE FAN LING CENTRE WILL BE SET UP AT THE FAN LING RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AT LUEN WO HUI ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (MARCH 13 AND 14).
BUSINESS HOURS ON ALL THE FOUR DAYS WILL BE FROM 9 A.M.
TO 1 P.M.
THESE TEMPORARY COLLECTION CENTRES ARE OPERATED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE.
A SPOKESMAN TODAY STRONGLY URGED RESIDENTS IN THE TOO DISTRICTS TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES WHICH ARE SPECIALLY PROVIDED FOR THEM.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1975
ADVICE TO PARENTS ON NURSERY PLACEMENTS a « n m n
PARENTS SHOULD EXERCISE CARE WHEN CHOOSING A NURSERY IN WHICH TO PLACE THEIR CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, ADVISED TODAY.
EVEN THOUGH THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE 1975 WHICH SPECIFIES THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND THE MINIMUM PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT REQUIRED IN A CHILD CARE CENTRE, HAD BEEN PASSED, HE SAID, IT HAD YET TO COM3 INTO EFFECT.
PARENTS SHOULD THEREFORE CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT, HYGIENIC CONDITIONS AND FIRE PRECAUTION MEASURES OF NURSERIES BEFORE DECIDING IN WHICH ONE TO PLACE THEIR CHILDREN. IT WAS ALSO ESSENTIAL, HE STRESSED, TO KNOW WHETHER THERE WERE SUFFICIENT STAFF TO CARE FOR THE CHILDREN.
MR. LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK’S NEW -NURSERY ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCK 0 IN THE VALLEY ROAD HOUSING ESTATE IN KOWLOON. THIS NURSERY, WHICH HAS PLACES FOR CO CHILDREN DETWEEN THE AGES OF TWO AND SIX, WILL CATER TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN THE AREA.
WITH ITS OPENING, HE NOTED, THE KUK NOW HAD SEVEN NURSERIES AND A CRECHE WHICH TOGETHER CAN LOOK AFTER SOME 700 CHILDREN.
MR. LEE SAID THESE NON-PROFIT-MAKING NURSERIES HAD DEEN , SET UP DY THE KUK IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR SUCH PLACES TO HELP PARENTS WHO DOTH HAVE TO WORK OR WHO HAVE TO RAISE TOO LARGE A FAMILY OF CHILDREN.
HE SAID THE KUK WAS WELL AWARE OF THE TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE THAT PRE-SCHOOL YEARS MAY HAVE ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL GROWTH OF THE YOUNG AND HAD DONE ITS DEST TO RECRUIT FULLY-TRAINED STAFF FOR ITS NURSERIES.
♦ITS EFFORTS ARE REFLECTED IN THE RISING STANDARD OF THE SERVICE BEING PROVIDED. I AM SURE THAT IN FUTURE, WITH THE WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE GAINED OVER THE YEARS TO RELY ON AND THE PUBLIC MINDEDNESS AND DEDICATION OF THE DIRECTORS TO GIVE IT ENCOURAGEMENT AND DRIVE, THE PO LEUNG KUK WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND ITS CHILD CARE SERVICES.*
HOWEVER, MR. LEE POINTED OUT, CHILD CARE WAS ONLY ONE OF THE AREAS IN WELFARE SERVICES IN WHICH THE KUK HAD BEEN ACTIVE IN THE 100 YEARS SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED.
0
A
t !
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1975
MORE TRAVEL TO CHINA DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR ft « ft ft ft ft
A TOTAL OF 133,642 PEOPLE TRAVLLED BY TRAIN TO CHINA DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIOD. THIS IS 1,484 MORE THAN LAST YEAR.
BETWEEN FEBRUARY 2 AND 26, THE MAXIMUM NUMBER ON ANY ONE DAY WAS 18,941, AN ALL TIME RECORD. IT EXCEEDED LAST YEAR’S RECORD OF 13,940 BY NEARLY 5,000.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY SAID THAT IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT ECONOMIC SITUATION, ORIGINAL FORECASTS WERE THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE GOING TO CHINA THIS YEAR WOULD DROP BY SOME 20 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, DURING THE EARLIER DAYS OF THE PERIOD THE NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS TURNED OUT TO BE MUCH HIGHER THAN THAT OF LAST YEAR ALTHOUGH IT LOWERED SOMEWHAT IN THE LATER DAYS.
THE SPOKESMAN ATTRIBUTED THE BETTER RESULT TO THE ADDITIONAL COACHES, INCREASED FREQUENCY OF TRAINS AND IMPROVED IMMIGRATION ARRANGEMENTS AT LOWU.
VIEWS ON REPLACEMENT OF S.S.E.E. WANTED ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION TODAY REMINDED EDUCATIONAL BODIES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT OR MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO DO SO BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
THE WORKING PARTY, WHICH WAS SET UP BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION LAST NOVEMBER, DECIDED AT ITS FIRST MEETING IN DECEMBER TO INVITE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EDUCATION AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS HEADS AND TEACHERS OF GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND PRIVATE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
WRITTEN COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY, WORKING PARTY ON THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, C/0 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR, IIYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1975
5
RECORD NUMBER OF CASES HANDLED BY PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES . ft ft ft n « »
A NEW RECORD OF 1,616,729 ENQUIRIES AND CASES WERE HANDLED BY THE 23 PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 124,570 AGAINST THE 1973 FIGURE OF 1,492,151, ACCORDING JO THE 1974 STATISTICAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, MOST OF THE ENQUIRIES WERE CONNECTED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (110.547 CASES), THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT (93,669 CASES), THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT (75,600 CASES) AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT (61,181 CASES).
THE DEMAND FOR APPLICATION FORMS AND PAMPHLETS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD ALSO INCREASED FROM 577,528 IN 1973 TO 670,100 IN 1974.
THE REPORT NOTED THAT MOST OF THE APPLICATION FORMS WERE FOR GOVERNMENT VACANCIES, GOVERNMENT HOUSING ESTATES, RENT INCREASES, APPLICATION AND ENTRY FORMS OF THE TOO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES. LEAFLETS AND BOOKLETS CONCERNING PROCEDURES AND FUNCTIONS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WERE ALSO VERY POPULAR.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC, THREE MORE ENQUIRY CENTRES WERE RECENTLY SET UP AT NGAU TAU KOK, YAU TONG AND HOMANTIN AT THE SAME TIME, NEARLY ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES ARE PROVIDING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE THROUGHOUT LUNCH HOURS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO VISIT THE CENTRES DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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WATER CUT ft ft ft
A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIM WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR FIVE HOURS AS FROM 1 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 7) WHEN WATERWORKS STAFF WILL BE CARRYING OUT A TEST FOR LEAKAGE IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE PREMISES BOUNDED DY TAI SHING STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, SHEUNG TAK STREET, SHA TIN PASS ROAD AND CHO! HUNG ROAD, INCLUDING LOUER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE BLOCKS 1 TO 2, 20 TO 25, AND KA! MING LAU.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DECORATIONS TO MARK ROYAL VISIT SHOULD NO I DETRACT. FROM HONG KONG’S OWN COLOUR .............................. 1
INVITATION TO APPEAR BEFORE TELEPHONE PUBLIC HEARINGS
RECEIVED POOR RESPONSE ................................... 2
VISITING CONSULTANT ON ADDICTION TREATMENT PRAISES HONG KONG’S ADDICTION PROGRAMMES .............................. 3
SPRING PARTY FOR 500 ELDERLY RESIDENTS 1N WESTERN DISTRICT................................................ 5
WATER SUPPLY TO WONG TAI SIN AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF TEMPORARILY............................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1975
1
DECORATIONS TO DESIGNS SHOULD NOT DETRACT h n «
MARK ROYAL VISIT
FROM HONG KONG’S OWN COLOUR
K « «
WHEN THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH VISIT HONG KONG IN MAY, DECORATIONS OF BUILDINGS AND INTERESTING URBAN LANDMARKS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN SUCH A WAY AS NOT TO DETRACT FROM HONG KONG’S PARTICULAR COLOUR AND PICTURESQUENESS.
EXPLAINING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SA I Ds +TIIE IDEA IS TO ENABLE THE ROYAL COUPLE TO SEE AS MUCH.OF HONG KONG AS IT REAL!.'' IS. EXCESSIVE DECORATION CAN HAVE THE EFFECT OF DISTRACTING THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE FROM HONG KONG’S OWN NATURAL BEAUTY AND CHARM *
THE SPOKESMAN MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT PROVIDE A CENTRAL DECORATIVE THEME, BECAUSE IT WAS FELT THAT THIS SHOULD BE LEFT TO PUBLIC INITIATIVE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN *MORE VARIED, MORE COLOURFUL, AND MORE INTERESTING DISPLAYS.*
*HOWEVER, THERE IS NOTHING TO STOP FIRMS, ORGANISATIONS AND ’ INDIVIDUALS FROM DECORATING THEIR OWN PREMISES, PROVIDED THAT THIS DOES NOT OBSTRUCT PUBLIC VIEW OR MOVEMENT ALONG THE PAVEMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
❖THERE IS ALSO NO OBJECTION TO THE SETTING UP OF CEREMONIAL ARCHES, OR PAI LAUS, AT SUITABLE SITES.*
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DECORATE EDINBURGH PLACE, AND THE MAIN THOROUGHFARES WILL BE BRIGHTENED UP WITH POTTED FLOWERS ATTACHED TO THE CENTRAL DIVIDES.
CONCERNING THE LATTER, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ALREADY AT WORK GETTING READY SUFFICIENT FLOWERS IN TIME FOR USE DURING
THE ROYAL VISIT.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1975.
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+POOR+ RESPONSE TO PUBLIC PHONE HEARINGS a mt a o
THE RESPONSE TO THE INVITATION TO APPEAR BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARINGS OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE TELEPHONE COMPANY DURING THE NEXT TOO WEEKS HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS -.-■POOR*.
THE SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION, MR. DONALD TSANG SAID THAT UP UNTIL LATE THIS AFTERNOON ONLY TOO PEOPLE HAD CONTACTED HIM AND ASKED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMISSION IN PUBLIC.
<-THIS IS SURPRISING, + HE SAID, ^PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE APPARENTLY STRONG PUBLIC REACTION TO THE PROVISONAL INCR \SES APPROVED LAST MONTH.■>
MR. TSANG EXPLAINED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS, AT THIS STAGE, WAS TO RECORD EVIDENCE FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISHED TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS ON MATTERS FALLING WITHIN THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMISSION.
HE ADDED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE ALSO WELCOME TO REQUEST HEARINGS IN PRIVATE OR TO SUBMIT WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS
MR. TSANG EMPHASISED THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD NOT SUMMON WITNESSES TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMISSION TO ANSWER SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS DURING THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
MR. TSANG REPEATED HIS REQUEST THAT ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISHED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMISSION DURING THE COMING OPEN HEARINGS SHOULD TELEPHONE HIM AND OBTAIN AN APPOINTMENT. HIS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-95334.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1975
3
CONSULTANT PRAISES ADDICTION TREATMENT IN HONG KONG BUT SEES NEED FOR ADDITIONAL APPROACHES
« H « ft ft a
i\ VISITING CONSULTANT OH DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT FROM AMERICA, DR. ROBERT NEWMAN, HAS SPOKEN HIGHLY OF HONG KONG’S TREATMENT PROGRAMMES WHICH HE SAYS ARE +AS EFFECTIVE AS ANY COMPARABLE PROGRAMMES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.♦
HOWEVER, HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE EXISTING PROGRAMMES TO BE COMPLEMENTED BY NEW APPROACHES TO REACH A GREATER PROPORTION OF THE LOCAL ADDICT POPULATION.
DR. NEWMAN, WHO HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF THE ADDICTION PROGRAMMES OF THE NEW YORK CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, IS WIND’ > UP HIS TWO-MONTH VISIT TO LOOK INTO THE OVERALL EFFORTS MADE iN HONG KONG TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ADDICTION.
HIS VISIT IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. DURING THE PAST TWO MONTHS, HE HAS VISITED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S METHADONE MAINTENANCE . CENTRES AND HAS HAD TALKS WITH VARIOUS INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS CONCERNED WITH THE DRUG ADDICTION PROBLEM.
DR. NEWMAN SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE WORK CARRIED OUT BY GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE FIELD OF ADDICTION, BUT HE FELT THAT MORE SHOULD AND COULD DE DONE TO *REACH OUT* A GREATER NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS.
♦WHILE HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF THE EXISTING PROGRAMMES,* HE SAID, +THE FACT IS THAT THEY ARE REACHING OUT ONLY A RELATIVELY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE ESTIMATED 80,000 ADDICTS.*
HE ADVOCATED THE INTRODUCTION OF AN *AMBULATORY DETOXIFICATION PROGRAMME* — A SHORT-TERM TREATMENT REQUIRING NO HOSPITALI SA I I ON.
THIS TREATMENT, HE SAID, COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE QUITE ECONOMICALLY AND COULD ATTRACT APPLICANTS IN LARGE NUMBERS. IT WOULD INVOLVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF GRADUALLY DECREASING DOSES OF METHADONE UNTIL, AFTER ABOUT THREE OR FOUR WEEKS, THE PATIENT IS ♦DRUG-FREE* AND NO LONGER DEPENDENT ON DRUGS.
+SUCH WITHDRAWAL TREATMENT IS CLEARLY NOT CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING LONG-TERM CURES FOR MOST PATIENTS, BUT EVEN A TEMPORARY PERIOD OF ABSTINENCE IS OBVIOUSLY OF BENEFIT TO THE PATIENT. AND WHEN MANY THOUSANDS OF ADDICTS CAN BE DETOXIFIED EVERY YEAR, THE IMPACT ON THE GENERAL COMMUNITY WILL DE SUBSTANTIAL,* HE SAID.
/DR. NEWMAN
I
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1975
- A -
DR NEWMAN STRESSED THAT IN TREATING A COMPLEX AND. CHRONIC CONDITION SUCH AS NARCOTIC ADDICTION, IT WAS WRONG TO VIEW SUCCESS IN ALL-OR-NONE TERMS.
+THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS INDEED AN ALTERNATIVE TO THAT NEXT DOSE OF ILLICIT HEROIN OR OPIUM,* HE SAID.
THE CONSULTANT SEES A NEED FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF TREATMENT APPROACHES TO TACKLE THE DRUG ADDICTION PROBLEM FROM ALL FRONTS.
ANOTHER NEW TREATMENT TECHNIQUE DR. NEWMAN PROPOSED WAS AN OUT-PATIENT DRUG-FREE PROGRAMME THAT REQUIRES NO CUSTODIAL CARE AND THE ASSOCIATED SEPARATION FROM FAMILY AND EMPLOYMENT.
+IT IS WRONG TO ASSUME THAT ANY ONE FORM OF TREATMENT CAN, BY ITSELF, SOLVE THE PROBLEM, * HE SAID.
DR. NEWMAN WILL SHORTLY SUBMIT HIS PROPOSALS TO THE DIRECTOR oc medicm and health services, dr. gerald choa. his specific ■ RECOMMENDATIONS WILL THEN BE CONSIDERED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, ACAN.
/5
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1975
5
SPRING PARTY FOR THE ELDERLY
SOME 500 ELDERLY RESIDENTS FROM WESTERN DISTRICT WHO ARE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ARE TO BE TREATED TO A SPRING PARTY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 9).
THE GUESTS, ALL OF WHOM ARE OVER THE AGE OF 65, WILL BE ENTERTAINED BY THE CHINESE DRAMA GROUP OF RADIO HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE OPERA TROUPE OF THE CHUNG SHAN CLANSMEN’S ASSOCIATION.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL RECEIVE GIFT PARCELS OF BISCUITS, MILK MEDICINAL OINTMENT AND OTHER ITEMS DONATED MAINLY DY THE FRIESLAND TRADING COMPANY, PACIFIC BISCUIT AND CONFECTIONARY COMPANY LTD., NESTLE’S PRODUCTS (H.K.) LTD., AND KUN WING FOOK MEDICINE COMPANY.
HE PARTY IS ORGANISED BY FOUR SERVICE GROUPS ATTACHED TO THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AND WILL BE HELD AT KING’S COLLEGE IN BONHAM ROAD FROM 2.30 TO 5 PM.
IT IS BEING FINANCED FROM FUNDS RAISED LAST MONTH AT A VARIETY SHOW ORGANISED DY FIVE YOUTH GROUPS IN THE CENTRE.
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WATER INTERRUPTION « K- « « 8
WATERWORKS STAFF ARE TO CONDUCT ANOTHER TEST FOR LEAKAGE IN WONG TAI SIN DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF SATURDAY (MARCH 8).
TO FACILITATE THE TEST, WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE AREA WILL BE TEMPORARILY TURNED OFF BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON SATURDAY.
AFFECTED WILL BE PREMISES BOUNDED BY TAI SHING STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, SHA TIN PASS ROAD AND SHEUNG TAK STREET, INCLUDING LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE BLOCKS 3 TO 5, 15, 18 AND KAI MING LAU.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
r*K»«mcnrr>c»ca.
FEWER NUMBERS OF PRIVATE DOMESTIC FLATS COMPLETED IN 1974 .............................................. 1
NINE MORE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING IN SEPTEMBER ............................. 2
TWELVE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEING BUILT TO PROVIDE MORE
SCHOOL PLACES ..................................... 3
ANNUAL STAFF PARTY OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ON SUNDAY ............................................. 3
REPORT OF THE PHONE PROBE COMMITTEE WIL.L BE PUBLISHED 4
HONG KONG (COINAGE) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1975 .............. 4
INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION TEAM OH TWO-WEEK TRIP TO AUSTRALIA ............................................. 5
EMPLOYERS URGED TO STRENGTHEN SERVICE FOR YOUTH CAREER
GUIDANCE ........................................... 6
1975-76 VALUATION LIST AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION 7
SECTION OF ELEVATED ROAD IN KOWLOON DUE FOR COMPLETION
SOON ............................................... ..8
|- , ।
FUND-RAISING FAIR FOR OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL . 9
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR DECEMBER SHOW 0133 MILLION
SURPLUS .............................................. 9
t
ANTI-DRUG VARIETY SHOW IN SHAU KEI WAN ..................10
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Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Ft..IDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
1
LESS DOMESTIC FLATS COMPLETED LAST YEAR X X X JJ X X
THE HUMBER OF DOMESTIC UNITS PROVIDED BY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS LAST YEAR SHOWED A DECREASE, BY 1973 STANDARDS. BUT A SMAIL INCREASE OVER THE AVERAGE FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS.
DURING 1974 SOME 19,000 DOMESTIC UNITS WERE PROVIDED IM THE METROPOLITAN AREA — THE URBAN AREA OF HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON AND PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MAINLY TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.
IN 1973, THERE WERE 23,700 UNITS WHILE THE YEARLY AVERAGE FOR THE PERIOD 1964-74 WAS 10,000 UNITS.
FOR 1975, THE FORECAST FOR NEW DOMESTIC UNITS IS 13,600 AND FOR 1976, 12,400 UNITS, WHICH ARE WELL DELOW THE AVERAGE.
THESE FIGURES ARE COMPILED BY THE RATING. AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT FOR ITS 1975 PROPERTY REVIEW WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN APRIL.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AMD VALUATION, MR. R.A. FRY DISCLOSED THAT DETAILS OF THE PART OH DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION HAVE ALREADY BEEN PREPARED AND OTHER SECTIONS WILL SOON BE COMPLETED. '
OF THE 19,000 UNITS COMPLETED IM 1974, MR. FRY SAID, 7,000 . UNITS WERE STILL VACANT AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
♦THIS FIGURE IS NOT PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT,+ HE ADDED, +AS MANY OF THE VACANT PREMISES WERE OHLY COMPLETED DURING THE LAST THREE MONTHS.*
THE OVERALL SITUATION SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE — THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VACANT UNITS IM THE METROPOLITAN AREA IS ESTIMATED AT 10,500 UNITS IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE IN 1973 WAS 10,000.
HOWEVER, MR. FRY NOTED THAT 1974 WAS A PARTICULARLY GOOD YEAR FOR THE SUPPLY OF LARGE AND MEDIUM FLATS AND THERE WAS AS A RESULT A MARKED INCREASE IN THE HUMBER OF VACANCIES IN THESE FLATS.
FOR THIS TYPE OF FLAT IN NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS, THERE WAS A FALL IN THE RENTS TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR. BUT FOR THE OTHER CLASSES OF FLATS, LITTLE CHANGE IN RENTALS WAS RECORDED
THE DOMESTIC RENTAL INDICES CONTINUED UPWARDS FOR ALL CLASSES OF PROPERTY, MR. FRY CONTINUED, THE OVERALL INCREASE BEING 15 POINTS OR NINE PERCENT DURING THE YEAR.
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT ALL THE PREMISES INCLUDED IN THE INDICES ARE SUBJECT TO THE CURRENT RENT CONTROLS WHICH PERMIT MODEST INCREASES.
+THE INCREASE IS AN INCREASE ON RENTS WHICH ARE UNDER RESTRAINT AND THE RENTAL REMAINS GENERALLY DELOW CURRENT MARKET LEVELS, <• HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
2
WHOLE DAY SCHOOLING IN NINE MORE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS h n n « n n
NINE MORE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY ISLAND AND FOUR IN KOWLOON - WILL SCHOOLING FROM SEPTEMBER 1975.
SCHOOLS - FIVE ON HONG KONG RE-INTRODUCE WHOLE DAY
THEY’BRING TO 21 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS ON WHOLE DAY OPERATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY. THESE SCHOOLS ARE IN AREAS WHERE THERE ARE SUFFICIENT PRIMARY PLACES.
PARENTS OR GUARDIANS WHO WISH TO SEEK ADMISSION FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIMARY 1 IN THESE SCHOOLS AND OTHER Bl-SESSIONAL GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ARSENAL STREET POLICE, SAI YING PUN, TAI HANG TUNG, EASTERN-HOSP ITAL ROAD AND PERTH STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS) FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR CAN DO SO BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND 15.
❖APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ALL GOVERNMENT, PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THIS PERIOD,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONLY CHILDREN BORN BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2, 1967 AND SEPTEMBER 1, 1969 WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY MUST BE SIX YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER EIGHT BY WESTERN RECKONING ON ' SEPTEMBER 1, 1975.
❖BIRTH CERTIFICATES SHOULD BE PRODUCED WHEN PARENTS OR GUARDIANS GO TO THE SCHOOLS TO OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS,* HE SAID.
ALL COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL NAMED AS THE FIRST CHOICE ON THE FORM BY MARCH 20.
SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER ON OR BEFORE MARCH 28 AND INTERVIEWED AT THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED ON APRIL 2.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID s +CHILDREN WILL NORMALLY BE ADMITTED TO SCHOOLS WHICH SERVE THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THEY LIVE ACCORDING TO THE ZONING SYSTEM USED IN PREVIOUS YEARS UNLESS THE PLACES IN A PARTICULAR SCHOOL HAVE ALL BEEN TAKEN UP.
+CARE WILL BE TAKEN SO THAT CHILDREN FROM THE SAME FAMILY ARE NOT SEPARATED.*
PLACES IN POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT *APPLICATION FORMS ARE FREE, NO ENTRANCE FEE IS CHARGED FOR ADMISSION TO ANY GOVERNMENT SCHOOL AND HO TUITION FEE IS CHARGED IN ANY GOVERNMENT CHINESE PRIMARY SCHOOL.*
A FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE SHORTLY ABOUT THE ADMISSION OF PUPILS TO PRIMARY 2 TO 6 IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS. PARENTS SHOULD WAIT FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE APPLYING FOR PLACES IN THESE CLASSES.
/3 ■>•••••
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
3
O
12 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNDER CONSTRUCTION «««»«««
TWELVE NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH ARE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION WILL PROVIDE SOME 11,000 MORE PLACES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN DURING THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
FUNDS FOR THESE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED AND ASSISTED PROJECTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE 1975-76 DRAFT ESTIMATES AND ALLOW FOR THE EXPANSION OF EDUCATION SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRESENT APPROVED POLICIES.
THE TOTAL BUILDING COST OF THESE SCHOOLS IS MORE THAN 565,300,000. FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT WILL REQUIRE ANOTHER 56,600,000.
+AT LEAST 80 PER CENT OF THESE COSTS ARE BEING BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE BALANCE IS BEING MET BY THE SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TOO OF THE NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNDER CONSTRUCTION ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE IN KOWLOON ANQ FIVE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES
ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE SECONDARY FIELD IS THE INCLUSION IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS TO ENABLE THEM TO CONVERT BY STAGES TO FULLY SUBSIDIZED STATUS UNDER THE UNIFIED CODE OF AID FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
PENDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THIS COMMITMENT IN THE APPROPRIATION BILL, THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SCHEME SHOULD DE ABLE TO PROCEED IN SEPTEMBER 1975, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ABOUT 42,000 PLACES ARE PROVIDED IN THESE 36 SCHOOLS.
PARTY FOR 1,000 CHILDREN K « «
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD PARTY FOR CHILDREN OF ITS STAFF MEMBERS ON SUNDAY (MARCH 9) Af THE DEPARTMENT’S COMPOUND IN OIL STREET, NORTH POINT. ■
BY SOME 1,000
THE PARTY AN ANNUAL EVENT, WILL BE ATTENDED .
CHILDREN PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE MUSIC BY THE CAPE COLLINSON BOYS BAND AND THE A.M.S. BAND, BICYCLE PERFORMANCE, SIDE SHOWS A LION DANCE, CARTOON SHOWS AND MULE RIDES.
9
NOTE TO EDITORSs
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE PARTY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 1.30 P.M.
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
- '>
PHONE PROBE REPORT TO BE MADE PUBLIC k n « n n a
THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY WILL BE PUBLISHED AFTER IT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY THE CHAIRMAN, SIR ALASTAIR BLAIR-KERR, SAID s +THE DECISION WAS TAKEN-IN VIEW OF THE WIDE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE TELEPHONE ISSUE.* • >
HE ADDED THAT UNDER THE TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE COMMISSION MUST SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR WITHIN. SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ITS FIRST SITTING.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO SIR ALASTAIR’S INVITATION TO APPEAR BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARINGS OF THE COMMISSION HAS IMPROVED SLIGHTLY.
BY LATE THIS AFTERNOON, EIGHT PEOPLE HAD MADE APPOINTMENTS TO APPEAR DURING THE HEARINGS NEXT WEEK, BUT THIS IS STILL REGARDED AS RATHER DISAPPOINTING.
A NUMBER OF WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS HAS ALSO BEEN RECEIVED BY THE SECRETARY, MR. DONALD TSANG, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMISSION.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECRETARY HAS SENT PERSONAL INVITATIONS TO ALL THOSE KNOWN TO HAVE PREVIOUSLY EXPRESSED VIEWS ON THE ISSUE TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMISSION.
ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION WISHING TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMISSION IN PRIVATE OR IN PUBLIC OR MAKE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD DO SO BY TELEPHONING MR. TSANG ON 5“95334, OR BY WRITING TO .HIM AT ROOM 120, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING, LOWER ALBERT'ROAD, HONG KONG.
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HONG KONG (COINAGE) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1975
AN ORDER ENABLING GOLD TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF COINS ISSUED IN HONG KONG FOR LEGAL TENDER HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
THE ORDER — THE HONG KONG (COINAGE) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1975 — WHICH HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE QUEEN IN COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 12, SHALL COME INTO OPERATION ON THE DAY ON WHICH IT IS PROCLAIMED IN
HONG KONG BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO MINT A SPECIAL GOLD COIN TO MARK THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO HONG KONG IN MAY.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
5
M SR EGOR LEADS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION TEAM TO AUSTRALIA if n « « a a
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. JAMES MCGREGOR, LEAVES FOR SYDNEY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR TALKS WITH AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIALISTS ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP BRANCH FACTORIES IN HONG KONG.
THE TWO-WEEK TRIP IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS WHICH THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT DURING 1975 AND 1976 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
THE TOO ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR MANY YEARS IN CLOSE LIAISON TO PROMOTE THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY FROM THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO HONG KONG.
THIS HAS BEEN DONE THROUGH SEMINARS, MISSIONS, REGIONAL CONF: FENCES AND DIRECT APPROACHES TO INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES.
' THIS PROGRAMME HAS BEEN INTENSIFIED FOR 1975, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE TOO ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT AT LEAST FIVE MAJOR PROMOTIONS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES DURING THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, AIMED AT ATTRACTING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES , TO HONG KONG.
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS OFTEN STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT, EXPERTISE AND PARTICIPATION TO HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
MR. MCGREGOR POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 240 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN HONG KONG WHICH WERE FULLY OR PARTLY FOREIGN-OWNED AND THAT THESE EMPLOYED AT LEAST 65,000 WORKERS AT THE END OF 1974. THEY REPRESENT HIGH STANDARDS OF MANAGEMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETING EXPERTISE, HE ADDED.
i MR. MCGREGOR SAID THAT AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED HIGH TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND MANY AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES HAD PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO HONG KONG’S PRESENT STATE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
IN ENGINEERING, PARTICULARLY, HE BELIEVED THAT.AUSTRAL I AN INDUSTRIAL KNOWLEDGE COULD BE MOST HELPFUL TO HONG KONG.
+WE ALREADY HAVE A USEFUL AUSTRALIAN ELEMENT IN OUR INDUSTRY AND WE ARE PROPOSING TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO INCREASE THIS. THIS ISN’T A BAD TIME TO TRY,+ MR. MCGREGOR ADDED.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
EMPLOYERS URGED TO PROVIDE CAREERS GUIDANCE FOR YOUTHS ft ft ft ft ft ft
A SENIOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED EMPLOYERS TO STEP UP THEIR EFFORTS TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH CAREERS GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION ON JOB PROSPECTS IN HONG itQNG.
THE APPEAL CAME FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS. SOO MOK SAU-HA, IN A LUNCHEON SPEECH TO THE ROTARY CLUB (WEST) AT THE HILTON HOTEL.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT ORGANISED VISITS TO FACTORIES AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTH GROUPS. \
HOWEVER, THIS SERVICE WAS ONLY RENDERED.ON A LIMITED BASIS BECAUSE OF THE INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS WHO WERE WILLING TO ENTERTAIN SUCH VISITS AND THE LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF VISITORS ON EACH TRIP.
+CAREERS GUIDANCE,+ SHE SAID, +IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ASPECT IN THE LIFE OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND ITS SCOPE IS SO LARGE THAT A JOINT EFFORT RATHER THAN THE EFFORT OF A SINGLE AGENCY IS REQUIRED.
+THERE SEEMS TO BE SPECIAL ROLES FOR THE VARIOUS BODIES AND ORGANISATIONS TO PLAY.*
MRS. SOO SAID A NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS WERE ALREADY ADOPTING A VERY SYMPATHETIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS CAREERS GUIDANCE.
+WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE EMPLOYERS, MANY MORE EMPLOYERS, ALLOWING ORGANISED GROUPS OF STUDENTS TO VISIT THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS AND MAKE AVAILABLE THEIR STAFF OR EVEN THEMSELVES TO DELIVER SPECIFIC TALKS ON THEIR RESPECTIVE TRADES OR OCCUPATIONS.*
ON THE ROLE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SHE SAID IT OFFERED ITS EXPERTISE IN THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, CONNECTIONS WITH EMPLOYERS, KNOWLEDGE OF THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION AND THE ACTUAL JOB SITUATIONS.
THE DEPARTMENT ACTED AS ADVISER TO CAREERS TEACHERS, SUPPLIED THEM WITH INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG AND UPDATED THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN CAREERS GUIDANCE.
IN ADDITION, IT ARRANGED TALKS BY EXPERTS IN THE VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES AND VISITS TO FACTORIES AND FIRMS FOR STUDENTS, ENABLING THEM TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES WHAT WORKING IN THESE JOBS WAS LIKE.
/Y1RS. SOO WENT ON...........
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
MRS. SOO WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE FORM OF CAREERS SERVICES AND THE KIND OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE WOULD DEPEND ON DEMAND — THE DEMAND OF CAREERS TEACHERS, OF THE STUDENTS, THE YOUNG PEOPLE, THEIR PARENTS AND OF THE EMPLOYERS AS A WHOLE.
♦WHATEVER SUGGESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN AMD WILL BE PUT FORWARD, WILL, I AM SURE, BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT,<■ SHE SAID. *WE IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE ALWAYS READY TO EXAMINE SUCH PROPOSALS WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING BETTER SERVICES.♦
0 - -
VALUATION LISTS FOR 1975-76 AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION TOMORROW
n « n a « m
THE VALUATION LISTS FOR 1975-76 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
FOR 21 DAYS, ENDING ON MARCH 28, THEY WILL BE DISPLAYED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS AT THE OFFICES OF THE COLLECTOR OF RATES IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, SECOND ’FLOOR, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT ANYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH THE INCLUSION OR OMISSION OF ANY PREMISES IN THE LISTS, OR DISAGREES WITH THE FIGURE OF RATEABLE VALUE ASSESSED, MAY SERVE OH THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE LIST DURING THESE 21 DAYS.
FORMS FOR THIS PURPOSE ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE AT 1 GARDEN ROAD, TEL. HO. 5-249021, AND AT HEW MERCURY HOUSE, 17TH AND 1BTH FLOORS, 22 FENWICK STREET, HONG KONG, TEL. NO.j, 5-201424.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THERE IS A RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL SHOULD THE COMMISSIONER NOT AGREE TO A PROPOSAL.
♦THOSE WHO ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR ASSESSMENT AND WHO INTEND TO LODGE A PROPOSAL ARE INVITED FIRST TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE VALUER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AREA IN WHICH THE PREMISES ARE SITUATED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE WILL GLADLY BE GIVEN.*
THESE ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE AT NEW MERCURY HOUSE, BUT THOSE CONCERNING PREMISES SITUATED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD BE MADE AT THE HEAD OFFICE AT 1, GARDEN ROAD.
o -
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
SECTION OF ELEVATED ROAD NEARING COMPLETION it -x n n k -x
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN SECTION OF THE ELEVATED ROAD ALONG GASCOIGNE ROAD DREW NEARER TO COMPLETION TODAY WITH THE PLACING IN POSITION OF THE LAST TOO GIANT PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS WHICH WILL SUPPORT THE SURFACE OF THE ROAD.,
IN ALL, THERE ARE 190 SUCH PRESTRESSED DEAMS USED TO FORM THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD. THE LAST TOO BEAMS WERE TOWED THIS MORNING FROM A SITE OFFICE WHERE THEY HAD BEEN PRE-CAST TO A LOCATION HEAR THE DIOCESAN GIRL’S SCHOOL AND LOWERED INTO POSITION BY TOO CRANES.
THE BEAMS ARE EACH 74 FEET LONG, AND WEIGH 28 TONS EACH. THERE ARE NINE SUCH BEAMS SPANNING EVERY PAIR OF PIERS OF THE ELEVATED ROAD. WHEN AH EIGHT-INCH THICK LAYER OF CONCRETE IS LAID OVER THEM, THEY PROVIDE A CARRIAGEWAY OF 40 FEET WIDE.
NOTING THE NEED TO MAINTAIN TRAFFIC USING GASCOIGNE ROAD UNIMPEDED BY THE WORK, THE RESIDENT ENGINEER, MR. TSE JOP-TOA, SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE SMOOTH PROGRESS OF THE WORK.
THIS SECTION OF THE ELEVATED ROAD, WHICH IS ABOUT 2,200 FEET LONG, STARTS FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD NEAR WYLIE ROAD, TERMINATING AT THE YAU MA TEI MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK. •COSTING ABOUT 820 MILLION AND DESIGNED BY P.W.D. HIGHWAYS OFFICE ENGINEERS, THIS SECTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY OR AUGUST THIS YEAR. WORK ON THE 24-MONTH CONTRACT FOR THIS PHASE BEGAN IN OCTOBER 1973.
THE WESTERN SECTION WHICH HAS YET TO BE BUILT WILL PASS THROUGH THE YAU MA TEI MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK (STAGE II) AND LINK UP WITH THE TONG MEI ROAD EXTENSION ADJACENT TO THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER. IT IS ABOUT 2,000 FEET LONG. FOUNDATION WORK ON THIS SECTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN EARLY NEXT MONTH.
'-.I ' -|
TllIS ELEVATED ROAD - GASCOIGNE ROAD TO TONG MEI ROAD - FORMS PART OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SCHEME WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO DISTRIBUTE TRAFFIC AND PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELEVATED ROAD ALONG GASCOIGNE ROAD WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION TODAY.
/9 •
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
- 9 -
FUND RAISING DRIVE FOR HOSPITAL n n « n
A FUN FAIR TO RAISE FUND FOR OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MARCH 9) AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE IN CHING TAK STREET.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE AND 18 VOLUNTARY WELFARE SERVICE AGENCIES IN WONG TAI SIN, THE FUN FAIR WILL PROVIDE A DAY OF FUN AND GAMES FOR ADOUT 9,000 CHILDREN IN THE AREA.
+IT IS HOPED THAT THE FAIR WILL GIVE THE YOUNG SERVICE GROUPS A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY WORK, ABOUT 140 SCOUTS, JUNIOR RED CROSS MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS WILL BE HELPING OUT AT THE FAIR IN VARIOUS WAYS,* MRS. HENRIETTA CHEN, THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER SAID.
THE FAIR WILL COMMENCE AT 9.30 A.M. WITH THE JUDGING OF GAMES STALLS. REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL OFFICIATE AT A BRIEF OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT.
DECEMBER ACCOUNTS SHOW 3133 M. SURPLUS «««««««
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR DECEMBER 1974 SHOW A SURPLUS OF $133 MILLION COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $213 MILLION IN DECEMBER 19?3. ri ■ • ,
THIS HAS REDUCED THE ACCUMULATED DEFICIT TO $673 MILLION FOR THF FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. IHIS DEFICIT COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $410 MILLION THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PREDICTED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR AS A WHOLE.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE MONTH AT $646 MILLION WAS $3 MILLION LESS THAN IN DECEMBER 1973. TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $513 MILLION -$77 MILLION MORE THAN DECEMBER 1973.
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/10.....
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1975
10
ANTI-DRUG VARIETY SHOW n « ft « it it
THE SHAU KEI WAN YOUTH COUNCIL, WHICH COMPRISES MEMBERS OF EIGHT YOUTH GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT, HAVE ORGANISED THEIR OWN ANT I-DRUG VARIETY SHOW IN SUPPORT OF THE CURRENT KEEP HONGKONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN.
THE SHOW WHICH WILL INCLUDE POP AND FOLK SONGS, AN ANTI-DRUG PLAY, FOLK DANCES AND A LUCKY DRAW, WILL BE HELD AT ST. MARK’S SCHOOL IN SHAU KEI WAN FROM 8-10 P.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
SOME OF THE SONGS WILL HAVE AN ANTI-DRUG THEME AND HAVE BEEN COMPOSED BY THE MEMBERS. DURING THE EVENT, BOOKLETS AND BOOKMARKS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE 500 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND. TICKETS ARE FREE AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SALVATION ARMY SHAU KEI WAN CENTRE.
' THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE FOR EASTERN DISTRICT IS PROVIDING GUIDANCE AND OTHER ASSISTANCE TO THE ORGANISERS.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
NEED FOR A MORE INFORMAL AND ACTIVITY-BASED APPROACH IN ENGLISH TEACHING STRESSED.................•............. 1
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OPENS NEW EMERGENCY KITCHEN IN CORNWALL STREET ...»................................ 2
SAME MATERNITY LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WOMEN TEACHERS IN
GOVERNMENT AND FULLY AIDED SCHOOLS DEGINNING FROM APRIL 1 3
ANOTHER RECLAMATION PROJECT TO PROVIDE MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN................................. *
DIRECTOR OF COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION WILL MEET THE PRESS NEXT TUESDAY............................................... 4
GAMES DAY TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE BETTER USE OF
PLAYGROUNDS IN LAM TIN.................................... 5
NEW ROAD BRIDGE IN KOWLOON TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ........ 5
MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL SCHOOL TO HOLD OPEN DAY TOMORROW 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong..Tel: 5-233191
SA’i IRDAY, MARCH 8, 1975
1
MORE INFORMAL APPROACH IN ENGLISH TEACHING NEEDED n n « if i:
NEED FOR A MORE INFORMAL AND ACTIVITY-BASED APPROACH IN T TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN HONG KONG PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOi WAS STRESSED TODAY BY MR. JOHN TANDY, PRINCIPAL INSPI OR (ENGLISH), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
❖THERE IS STILL TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WRITTEN HOMEWORK AND TESTS AND FAR TOO MUCH RELIANCE BY THE TEACHER ON THE TEXTBOOK, PARTICULARLY AT THE PRIMARY AND LOWER SECONDARY LEVEL WHERE THE TEXTBOOK SHOULD BE A GUIDE AND REFERENCE BOOK FOR THE TEACHER AND NOT OVER-USED BY PUPILS IN THE CLASSROOM,❖ BE TOLD A MEETING ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS’ UNION.
IT WAS NOW VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE NEEDS OF ALL PUPILS SHOULD BE CATERED FOR AND THAT PUPILS IN THE LOWER ABILITY RANGE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED' AT THEIR OWN PACE IN THE LEARNING OF ENGLISH, HE STRESSED.
COMMUNICATION, HE SAID, WAS THE MOST NEEDED SKILL IN HONG KONG AND TEACHERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT PUPILS LEAVING SECONDARY SCHOOL SHOULD BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND AND CONVERSE IN SIMPLE, EVERYDAY ENGLISH.
-THE AVERAGE NATIVE SPEAKER DID NOT USE LONG COMPLICATED CLAUSES, AND SELDOM USED MANY OF THE TENSES FOUND IN ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS EITHER IN SPEECH OR IN WRITING. THE TREND IN SPOKEN AND WRITTEN ENGLISH AMONG NATIVE SPEAKERS WAS TOWARDS CLEAR EXPRESSION IN SHORT, USUALLY SIMPLE SENTENCES, AND TEACHERS OF ENGLISH WERE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THIS TREND IN THEIR TEACHING.
MR. TANDY SAID THERE WERE GOOD SUPPORT FACILITIES IN HONG KONG TO SECURE STANDARDS OF ENGLISH, AND TEACHERS WERE URGED TO MAKE THE FULLEST USE OF THEM.
HE SPOKE ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, WHICH OPERATES AS PART OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE (ENGLISH) AND HAS A HONG KONG AND KOWLOON UNIT. THE CENTRE RUNS REFRESHER COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1965 OVER 5,000 TEACHERS HAVE ATTENDED ‘THESE COURSES, AND MORE THAN 7,000 ADVISORY FOLLOW-UP VISITS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THESE TEACHERS IN THEIR SCHOOLS.
/THE CENTRE .....
)
SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 1975
»'!’E CENTRE HAS A LARGE SUPPLY OF TAPED MATERIAL WHICH IS DUB: FREE FOR SCHOOLS (THE SCHOOLS SUPPLYING ONLY THE TAPES),
AND 0 DATE OVER 13,000 LANGUAGE TEACHING TAPES HAVE BEEN SENT TO DOLS.
Fl’ERE IS A SPECIALIST LIBRARY AND INSPECTORS ARE ALWAYS AVA ABLE DURING OFFICE HOURS TO GIVE ADVICE ON TEACHING METHODS AND ESENTATION OF TEXTBOOK MATERIAL.+ MR. TANDY SAID.
THE ENGLISH SECTION ALSO PRODUCED THE ENGLISH BULLETIN AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING NOTES WHICH WERE ISSUED FREE TO SCHOOLS AND PROVIDED PRACTICAL ADVICE OH TEACHING METHODS.
MR. TANDY FELT THAT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING SITUATION IN HONG KONG WAS IMPROVING, AND THAT TEACHERS WERE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THEY WERE NOW MUCH MORE AWARE OF MODERN LANGUAGE TEACHING METHODS AND, MOREOVER, PREPARED TO USE THEM, BUT THEY NEEDED MORE ENCOURAGEMENT, NOT ONLY FROM THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE BUT ALSO FROM THE HEADS OF THEIR SCHOOLS'*,
SWD’S NEW EMERGENCY KITCHEN « a « « « a
NOTE 70 ED I TORSs
' THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S NEW KITCHEN WHICH SUPPLIES MEALS AND RELIEF ARTICLES DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS HAS COME INTO OPERATION.
IT IS SITUATED IN CORNWALL STREET, KOWLOON, NEXT TO THE CHAK YAN BOYS CENTRE AND REPLACES THE OLD KITCHEN PREVIOUSLY LOCATED NEAR THE POLYTECHNIC IN HUNG HOM.
A VISIT IS BEING ARRANGED FOR MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN SEEING HOW THE KITCHEN WORKS.
THIS WILL BE ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON (MARCH 11) AT 2 P.M. MR. LU YU-HUA, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (OPERATIONS), THE MAN IN CHARGE OF EMERGENCY RELIEF, WILL BE ON HAND TO SHOW MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AROUND AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
, , TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY SHOULD MEET AT THE S.W.D.’S PUBLIC RELATION UNIT IN ROOM 528A ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF LEE GARDENS NOT LATER THAN 1.45 P.M. ON TUESDAY. /
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/3.....
A I • „ ilARCII 0, 19??
" 3 <■'
NEW MATERNITY LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS
FOR WOMEN TEACHERS it it it it it it
■/OMEN TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND FULLY AIDED PRIMARY AND SEC. DARY SCHOOLS WILL HAVE THE SAME MATERNITY LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS. THE MAY BE GRANTED MATERNITY LEAVE OF NORMALLY UP TO 10 WEEKS BAS' OH MEDICAL ADVICE.
TEACHERS WITH AT LEAST ONE ACADEMIC YEAR’S OR 12 MONTHS’ SERVICE WILL BE GRANTED MATERNITY LEAVE ON HALF-PAY° THOSE WITH LESS THAN ONE ACADEMIC YEAR’S SERVICE WILL BE GRANTED MATERNITY LEAVE WITHOUT PAY.
BOTH CATEGORIES OF TEACHERS WILL HOWEVER RECEIVE FULL PAY DURING THAT PART OF THEIR MATERNITY LEAVE WHICH FALLS WITHIN A MAJOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY PERIOD - CHRISTMAS, EASTER AND SUMMER VACATION. FOR TEACHERS IN FULLY AIDED SCHOOLS CHINESE NEW YEAR MAY REPLACE CHRISTMAS OR EASTER IF IN THEIR SCHOOLS THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY IS LONGER THAN EITHER OF THE OTHER TWO HOLIDAYS.
MATERNITY LEAVE EXCEEDING 10 WEEKS, IF RECOMMENDED BY A DOCTOR, MAY ALSO BE GRANTED HP TO A TOTAL ABSENCE OF SIX MONTHS, BUT THE ADDITIONAL LEAVE WILL DE WITHOUT PAY EXCEPT FOR SUCH PARTS OF THE LEAVE FALLING WITHIN MAJOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS DURING WHICH TEACHERS WILL RECEIVE FULL PAY.
MATERNITY LEAVE IS NOT COUNTED AS SICK LEAVE WHICH IS GOVERNED BY OTHER REGULATIONS. THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR SICK LEAVE ENTITLEMENT TO BE USED FOR MATERNITY LEAVE.
THE REGULATIONS FOR MATERNITY LEAVE FOR TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 1, 1974, THE SAME DATE THAT ’NEW PROVISIONS GOVERNING MATERNITY LEAVE FOR ALL GOVERNMENT STAFF WERE INTRODUCED.
THE NEW REGULATIONS ARE BEING EXTENDED TO THE FULLY AIDED SCHOOLS AND WILL COME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR IN VIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINAL STAGE OF THE EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN SCHEME ON THAT DATE WHEN THE SALARIES OF WOMEN TEACHERS IN THESE SCHOOLS REACH PARITY WITH THEIR MALE COLLEAGUES.
THE PRESENT MATERNITY LEAVE REGULATIONS ARE SET OUT IN AN APPENDIX TO THE CODE OF AID FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THE SUBSIDY CODE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS. GRANT AND SUBSIDISED SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THESE REGULATIONS WILL BE AMENDED ACCORDINGLY.
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A
SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 1975
MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND TO BE FORMED IN THEN MUN X ft ft X X X
MOTHER RECLAMATION PROJECT WILL SOON 'BEGIN IN TUEN MUN AS /■ URTHER STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
A TOTAL OF 9,000 SQUARE METRES (0.9 HECTARE) OF LAND WILL BE I" CLAIMED BETWEEN MOUSE ISLAND AND THE EXISTING RECLAMATION NEAR TUEN MUN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET. FILL MATERIAL WILL BE EXCAVATED FROM THE HILLSIDE TO THE NORTH-EAST OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR THE 18-1/2 MILESTONE. ABOUT 90,000 CUBIC METRE OF MATERIAL WILL BE REQUIRED.
THE RECLAMATION WILL FORM A PART OF THE INDUSTRIAL LAND IN ' TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR TEMPORARY USES UNTIL REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH, AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO.COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION - PRESS CONFERENCE ft ft ft ft ft «
NOTE TO EDITORS :
THE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION, MR. JOHN CHADWICK, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR, ON TUESDAY (MARCH 11) AT 11 A.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND.
THIS PRESS CONFERENCE WAS TO HAVE TAKEN PLACE LAST THURSDAY MORNING BUT WAS POSTPONED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.
• /5
SATURDAY^ flAliCii 8, 1975
GAMES DAY I fl LAM TIN ft ft- ft ft ft ft
\ GAMES DAY TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE BETTER USE OF "'GROUNDS THROUGH MORE ACTIVE TYPES OF RECREATION WILL BE !.D TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE FOOTBALL PITCH IN TAK TIN STR. ET, LAM TIN.
SOME 700 YOUTH AND CHILDREN WILL BE COMPETING IN A SERIES OF DIFFERENT GAMES INCLUDING RELAY RACE, SKIPPING, LEAP FROG AND A HOOP RACE.
THE EVENT WILL BE OPENED AT 1.30 P.M. BY MR. CHIU. YIM-SHUN, DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, AND MR. KWOK NAl-SIK, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER, WHOSE OFFICES IN KWUN TONG ARE SPONSORING THE EVENT.
THE ORGANISERS ARE THE TWO LAM TIN ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT- THE FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS’ LAM TIN CENTRE- THE YMCA LAM TIN CENTRE AND THE CHURCH OF GALILEE’S CHILDREN CENTRE.
NEW ROAD BRIDGE IN KOWLOON ft- ft ft ft ft ft
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH ON A ROAD BRIDGE AT THE NORTH END OF ANDERSON ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE ABOUT 10 METERS WIDE AND 62 METERS LONG, WITH FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES.
IT WILL BE LINKED BY APPROACH ROADS TO THE FUTURE ANDERSON ROAD WHICH IS NOW BEING RE-ALIGNED TO RUN FROM THE ANDERSON ROAD SERVICE RESERVOIR TO CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
THE BRIDGE IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 10 MONTHS.
THE PROJECT'WILL BE CARRIED OUT AS A SUB-CONTRACT TO A CURRENT CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE REBUILDING OF ANDERSON ROAD.
’ THE SERVICE RESERVOIR, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IS SITUATED ON THE HILLSIDE OFF ANDERSON ROAD NEAR CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
IT WILL HAVE A STORAGE CAPACITY OF TOO MILLION GALLONS WHEN COMPLETED. IT IS PART OF A SCHEME TO EXTEND FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE HIGH LEVEL AREAS IN NEW KOWLOON EAST WHICH INCLUDES SHUN LEE TSUEN.
SATURDAY, MARCH 0, 1975 •
6 <.
OPEN DAY AT MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE « k n n a h h
JIE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO SHOW WOR!' HONE BY STUDENTS.
VISITORS WILL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT VARIOUS TYPES OF EQUIPMENT IN THE WORKSHOP. THERE WILL BE A FURNITURE DESIGN DISPLAY IN THE INSTITUTE’S HALL. INFORMATION ABOUT THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE WILL ALSO DE AVAILABLE.
THE NEW PRINCIPAL OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IS MR. HUGH CAMERON, WHO HAS HAD 12 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN INDUSTRY. HE TAUGHT FOR 10 YEARS AT LANCHESTER POLYTECHNIC IN ENGLAND AND DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS HAS DEEN HEAD OF ENGINEERING AT A COLLEGE IN SCUNTHORPE.
MR. CAMERON’S PUBLISHED PAPERS INCLUDE ONE PRESENTED TO THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS ON THE USE OF COMPUTERS IN DESIGN OF DIESEL ENGINES AND A NUMBER ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SUBJECTS BASED ON EXCAVATION WORK CARRIED OUT IN ENGLAND FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT.
SINCE HIS ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG LAST MONTH, MR. CAMERON HAS VISITED VARIOUS BRANCHES AND DIVISIONS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE^ INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION OF THE LABOUR. DEPARTMENT, THE POLYTECHNIC, A NUMBER OF SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, SOME FACTORIES AND THE TRAINING CENTRE OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S OPEN DAY TOMORROW BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 6 P.M. MR. CAMERON WILL BE PLEASED TO GIVE INTERVIEWS TO MEMBERS OF THE MASS MEDIA DURING THE OCCASION.
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PRH 7
I-
I
DAILY INFOiaWlt>N BULLETIN
n a h h
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS RECRUITED AN ORNITHOLOGIST TO CARRY OUT A STUDY ON THE BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS AND FEEDING HABITS OF CERTAIN LOCAL BIRDS WHICH ARE AN ACTUAL OR A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO AIRCRAFT USING KAI TAK AIRPORT.
THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-YEAR STUDY, WHICH BEGAN EARLY LAST YEAR, IS PART OF A LONG-TERM PROGRAMME TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BIRDSTRIKES ON AIRCRAFT AND THE ATTENDANT DANGER TO AIRLINERS AND THEIR PASSENGERS.
MR. DAVID MELVILLE, THE ORNITHOLOGIST, WAS RECRUITED LAST YEAR FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHERE-HE HAD BEEN INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL DIRDSTRIKE HAZARD AT Tl}E SITE OF THE PROPOSED THIRD LONDON AIRPORT.
SINCE HIS ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG LAST FEBRUARY HE HAS BEEN MAKING REGULAR VISITS TO THE AIRPORT AS WELL AS THE OUTLYING ISLANDS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO ASSESS THE NUMBER OF BIRDS PRESENT.
MR. MELVILLE SAID THAT WHILE MANY SPECIES OF BIRDS MAY BE A HAZARD TO AIRCRAFT, THE HONG KONG STUDY IS CONCENTRATED ON ELACK-EARED KITES, SHORE BIRDS AND SEAGULLS SINCE THESE PRESENT THE MAIN HAZARD TO AIRCRAFT.
SINCE MANY BIRDWATCHERS HAVE LITTLE INTEREST IN COMMON BIRDS, HE SAID, THERE IS LITTLE BACKGROUND MATERIAL AVAILABLE AND SO THE STUDY HAS HAD TO START FROM THE DEG I NN I HQ. DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE STUDY THE MAIN OBJECTIVE HAS DEEN TO COLLECT DATA.
WHILE THERE MAY ONLY DE ONE OR TWO HUNDRED KITES IN HONG KONG DURING THE SUMMER, THERE ARE ABOUT 1,000 PRESENT IN THE WINTER. KITES ARE MIGRATORY AND THOSE WHICH SPEND THE WINTER IN HONG KONG PROBABLY COME FROM CHINA.
MOST KITES ROOST AROUND THE PEAK AND ON STONE-CUTTERS’ ISLAND. KITES ARE MAINLY SCAVENGING BIRDS AND FEED OH SUCH ITEMS AS DEAD RATS, FISH AND SMALL BIRDS.
SEAGULLS ARE USUALLY PRESENT IN HONG KONG BETWEEN OCTOBER AND
THE END OF MARCH. MANY OF THE GULLS, THE MOST NUMEROUS OF WHICH
IS THE BLACK-HEADED GULL, SPEND THE DAY IN THE HARBOUR AREA FEEDING
ON SMALL FISH AND REFUSE. THEY ROOST OH THE SEA TO THE SOUTH OF
MMMA ISLAND AND RECENTLY 6,500 GULLS WERE COUNTED FLYING TO ROOST THERE.
A WIDE VARIETY OF SHORE BIRDS HAVE BEEN SEEN AT THE AIRPORT BUT USUALLY OHLY SMALL NUMBERS ARE PRESENT AT ANY ONE TIME. MOST OF THE BIRDS APPEAR DURING THE SPRING AND AUTUMN MIGRATION SEASONS.
/COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICS .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SWAY, MARCH 9, ^75
C* «■
'3MPREHENSIVE STATISTICS ARE BEING COMPILED ON BIRDSTRIKE INC’ -NTS.
•CORDING TO THE LATEST FIGURES RELEASED DY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEI ’ENT, 22 COLLISIONS BETOEEtl BIRDS AND AIRCRAFT WERE REPORTED IN ' IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF KAI TAK IN THE PAST TOO YEARS. IN TWO OF • )E CASES, THE AIRCRAFT INVOLVED HAD TO UNDERGO REPAIR. DURING THE • ’•.ME PERIOD EIGHT FLIGHTS WERE DELAYED BY CONCENTRATIONS OF BIRDS AROUND THE RUNWAY.
MOREOVER, 86 DEAD BIRDS WERE PICKED UP FROM THE RUNWAY AND EXAMINED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT DURING 1974.
WHILE THE STUDY IS UNDERWAY, SEVERAL SHORT-TERM MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO CONTROL DIRD NUMBERS AT THE AIRPORT. THESE INCLUDE A SPECIAL BIRD PATROL SUPPLIED DY THE AIRPORT FIRE SERVICE WHOSE AIM IS TO DISCOURAGE BIRDS FROM FREQUENTING THE RUNWAY. WHEN BIRDS ARE SIGHTED ON OR NEAR THE RUNWAY THE BIRD PATROL ATTEMPTS TO SCARE THEM AWAY USING A SHORTGUN.
DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS THE BIRD PATROL HAS TAKEN ACTION TO FRIGHTEN BIRDS AWAY ON 79 OCCASIONS.
A NUMBER OF GULLS FREQUENT THE METAL BOOM WHICH STANDS AT THE SOUTH-EAST END OF THE RUNWAY PROMONTORY. MR. MELVILLE HAS PROPOSED THAT WIRES BE PLACED ALONG THE TOP OF THE BOOM TO PREVENT THE BIRDS FROM LANDING.
- AFTER ONLY ONE YEAR OF THE STUDY, MR. MELVILLE WAS RELUCTANT TO DISCUSS LONG-TERM MEASURES SINCE BIRD NUMBERS AND BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS CAN CHANGE CONSIDERABLY FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT DUE TO FACTORS SUCH AS CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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TENDERS CALLED FOR 01 MAN ESTATE SHOPS a n « « n a
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCIES FOR SEVEN SHOP PREMISES AT 01 MAN ESTATE.
THESE SHOP SPACES, LOCATED NEAR THE MARKET AREA, WILL BE THE LAST AVAILABLE AT THE ESTATE APART FROM THOSE AT ITS COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.
4 THE RENT OF TOO SHOPS AT CHUNG MAN HOUSE EACH MEASURING 1.227 SQ.FT., INCLUSIVE OF AN ATTACHED DOMESTIC UNIT OF 357 SQ.FT., HAS BEEN FIXED AT 53,400 PER MONTH.
THE RENT FOR THE OTHER FIVE SHOPS AT HONG MAN HOUSE EACH WITH A FLOOR AREA OF 617 SQ.FT. AND AN ATTACHED DOMESTIC UNIT OF 591 SQ.FT. HAS BEEN SET AT $2,950 PER MONTH.
ALL SHOPS HAVE BEEN FIXED FOR DESIGNATED TRADES, INCLUDING RICE AND GROCERY, DRUGS AND COSMETICS AND HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS.
TENDERERS MUST STATE THE AMOUNT OF PREMIUM THEY ARE PREPARED TO OFFER FOR A THREE-YEAR TENANCY OF THE SHOPS.
CLOSING OF TENDERS WILL DE AT NOON ON THE 21ST OF THIS MONTH.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BRISK BUSINESS AT GENERAL POST' OFFICE’S PHILATELIC SALES COUNTER ............................. 1
RADIO HONG KONG’S LAW PROGRAMME PROVES POPULAR*....... 2
QUIZ COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN IN TSUEN WAN ............3
TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS EXCEEDS 48,000 MILLION GALLONS .................................. 3
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i.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1975
SPECIAL STAMP COUNTERS POPULAR ft » « « M
BUSINESS HAS BEEN BRISK AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE’S PHILATELIC SALES COUNTER SINCE ITS OPENING ON JANUARY 16 THIS YEAR.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ITS FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION, BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS AT THE COUNTER AMOUNTED TO 616,730, WITH A TOTAL OF SOME 3,560 CUSTOMERS.
SALES AT THE COUNTER COMPRISE RECENT COMMEMORATIVE STAMP ISSUES AND SOUVENIR FOLDERS CONTAINING STAMPS OF THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE ISSUE. <THE STAMPS MOST IN DEMAND ARE THOSE COMMEMORATING THE CENTENARY OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION,<• THE SPOKESMAN SAID. THE CENTENARY SET CONSISTS OF THREE STAMPS IN THE 10-CENT, 50-CENT AND 62 DENOMINATIONS.
' ANOTHER FACILITY AVAILABLE IS THE HAND-STAMPING OF COMMEMORATIVE COVERS. LOCAL CUSTOMERS CAN HAVE THEIR ADDRESSED COVERS STAMPED AND RETURNED IMMEDIATELY OVER THE COUNTER. AS FOR COVERS SENT OVERSEAS, A SPECIAL POST DOX IS PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE HAND-STAMPED BEFORE DISPATCH.
DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION, A TOTAL OF 6,250 COVERS HAVE DEEN STAMPED AND HANDED OVER THE COUNTER FOR LOCAL CUSTOMERS, WHILE 950 COVERS HAVE DEEN RECEIVED IN THE SPECIAL POST DOX FOR OVERSEAS RESIDENTS.
WITH REGARD TO OVERSEAS ORDERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID AT PRESENT THEY WERE ACCEPTED ONLY WHEN NEW COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS WERE ISSUED. HOWEVER, THERE ARE PLANS TO EXPAND THIS SERVICE TO INCORPORATE DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS FOR OVERSEAS PHILATELISTS.
THIS SPECIAL COUNTER SERVICE HAS ALSO ATTRACTED QUITE A NUMBER OF, TOURISTS INTERESTED IN STAM? COLLECTION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- 0 - -
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1975. - 2 -
’THE LAW’ DRAWS WIDE AUDIENCE a a a a a a
THE NEW CHINESE RADIO PROGRAMME WHICH AIMS AT GIVING THE LAYMAN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTRICATE WORKINGS OF THE LAW IN HONG KONG is proving VERY POPULAR,,
THE PROGRAMME, ENTITLED *THE LAW*, WAS INTRODUCED TOWARDS THE END OF JANUARY AND IS BROADCAST ON RHK-1 EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 7.SO P.M.
IT TAKES THE FORM OF A TALK AFTER TELEPHONE THE STUDIO AND ASK QUESTIONS SUBJECT OR ON GENERAL LEGAL MATTERS.
WHICH LISTENERS MAY RELATING TO THE
SO FAR, SIX TALKS HAVE DEEN GIVEN DY MR. KENNETH KWOK, WHO WAS ONE OF THE FIRST GRADUATES FROM THE LAW DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. THE TOPICS GAVE A BR'EF INTRODUCTION TO TENANCY LEGISLATION, MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE, SECURITY OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, LEGAL AID, SICKNESS AND ACCIDENT AT WORK, CHEQUES, COMPANY LAW, PUBLIC ORDER, AND CORRUPTION.
ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAMME’S PRODUCER, MR. CHU PUI HING, MANY PEOPLE CALLED IN EVEN BEFORE THE START OF THE PROGRAMME.
MOST OF THE TIME, HE SAID, PEOPLE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOPIC OF THE TALK, WHILE OTHERS ENQUIRED ABOUT LAWS RELATING TO THEIR JODS.
JUDGING FROM THE QUESTIONS, MR. CHU SAID, MOST PEOPLE ONLY HAD A VERY BASIC IDEA ABOUT THE LAW. *THEY USUALLY FAIL TO COMPREHEND WHAT EXACTLY A PARTICULAR LAW MEANS OR WHAT PROTECTION HE GETS UNDER IT.*
THE PROGRAMME IS MAINLY EDUCATIONAL, BUT IT HAS ITS PRACTICAL USES. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A LISTENER HAS DIFFICULTY IN ACQUIRING THE SERVICES OF A LAWYER PROPER ADVICE WILL DE GIVEN. IN MOST CASES, ENQUIRERS ARE REFERRED TO THE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME OF THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES WHERE THEY WILL RECEIVE FURTHER ASSISTANCE.
MR. CHU FELT CONVINCED THAT DY THE END OF THE SERIES OF
12 SCHEDULED TALKS, LISTENERS WOULD HAVE A MUCH BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
_ „ 0
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1975
3
CHILDREN’S QUIZ COMPETITION M il M r< M
A QUIZ COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 10 AND 14 YEARS OF AGE WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 18, AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN SiARTI NG AT 8 P.M.
WHILE IT WILL MAINLY CONCENTRATE ON QUESTIONS OF GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND CURRENT AFFAIRS, THERE WILL ALSO DE SOME ON DRUGS. THIS IS INTENDED TO GET THE CHILDREN TO READ UP ON THE SUBJECT OF DRUGS AND THEREBY INDIRECTLY EDUCATE THEM ON ITS EVILS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT AT LEAST 200 CHILDREN WILL PARTICIPATE.
PARTICIPANTS CORRECTLY ANSWERING THREE OR MORE CONSECUTIVE QUESTIONS WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE. AWARDS WILL BE MADE DY MRS. MARGARET AU, WARDEN OF THE CENTRE, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE QUIZ.
- THE EVENT IS ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN.
- - 0 - -
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT H « H M
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (MARCH 10) STOOD AT 48,005 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 71.3 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 679300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 42,793 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 35,782 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 34,114 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 72.3 PER CENT Olf ITS. FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
A TRACE OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL ODSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS.79.5 MM (3.13 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 89.2 MM (3.51 IN).
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES HAVE TO DE LICENSED ANNUALLY TO ENSURE SAFETY ................................................. 1
DISABLED PEOPLE RAISED MONEY FOR COMMUNITY CHEST .............. 2
, )
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................. 2
EXPERT IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS TO GIVE TALK ON ’’EXAMINING
ENCL I SH ’’ e.a....o.o.oeooooe0oooooooooooooo«oooc i.oodooooo 'i
MAIL SERVICES TO KHMER REPUBLIC SUSPENDED ................. 3
GOVERNOR TO ATTEND ANNUAL SPRING RECEPTION HELD BY HOME
A.FF AI RS DEP AR I MEN i o....©.................................. L*
TAX-FREE INTEREST RATE REDUCED FROM 3-1/2 PER CENT TO 2-1/2
PER CENT ooooooooooooooooo o.o ooooooooooooooooooooaoooooonoon
FIRST SHIPMENT OF NEW COINS HAVE ARRIVED .................. 5
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION VISIT SCHOOLS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION .. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel; 5-233191
r
TUESDAY, MARCH 1915
- 1 -
DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES TO DE LICENSED ANNUALLY n « m m n n m
VEHICLES USED FOR CARRYING COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ARE TO BE LICENSED ANNUALLY BEGINNING FROM APRIL 1.
THE LICENCE FEE IS 350 PER YEAR AND APPLICATIONS SHOULD DE MADE IN WRITING TO THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, ASIAN HOUSE, HENNESSY ROAD.
A CENTRE IS BEING SET UP AT HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION TO START INSPECTING VEHICLES NEXT MONTH.
A CERTIFICATE OF ROAD-WORTHiNESS ISSUED DY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF EACH VEHICLE MUST ALSO DE PRODUCED WHEN THE VEHICLE UNDERGOES INSPECTION,
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT REMINDED VEHICLE OWNERS THAT UNDER EXISTING REGULATIONS THE FINE FOR CONVEYING INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS WITHOUT A LICENCE IS 32,000 AND ONE MONTH IMPRISONMENT AND THAT A FINE OF 35,000 MAY BE IMPOSED, PLUS TWO MONTHS IMPRISONMENT, FOR CARRYING COMPRESSED GASES WITHOUT A LICENCE,
THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED NOT TO LEAVE A VEHICLE UNATTENDED WHILE CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS AND NOT TO SMOKE OR CARRY MATCHES OR LIGHTERS ON THESE VEHICLES.
A CIRCULAR LETTER EXPLAINING THE NEW REQUIREMENTS HAS
. ALREADY DEEN SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES LICENSED DY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO CONVEY DANGEROUS GOODS,
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD DEEN CONCERN ADOUT THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND FIRES INVOLVING VEHICLES USED TO CONVEY CATEGORY 2 (COMPRESSED GASES) AND CATEGORY 5 (INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS) DANGEROUS GOODS,
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION HAD REQUIRED ALL VEHICLES INTENDED FOR CONVEYING THESE TWO CATEGORIES OF DANGEROUS GOODS TO DE INSPECTED AND APPROVED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT BEFORE BEING PUT INTO USE. BUT AT THAT TIME THESE VEHICLES ONLY HAD TO BE LICENSED ONCE AND NOT ANNUALLY AND BECAUSE OF THIS MANY ACCIDENTS HAD OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF WEAR AND TEAR COUPLED WITH LACK OF CARE AND MAINTENANCE BY VEHICLE OWNERS,
. TO ENSURE THAT SAFETY STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED, DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO DE LICENSED ANNUALLY.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT LACK OF MAINTENANCE OF SAFETY STANDARDS WAS MOST DANGEROUS. -c-APART FROM THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLES CONCERNED, OTHER ROAD USERS WOULD ALSO DE ENDANGERED,■> HE ADDED.
TUESDAY,, MARCH 11, 1975
PRESENTATION TO COMMUNITY CHEST « H H ft ft ft
A GROUP OF DISABLED PEOPLE DURING
A SUM OF 8997.90 RAISED DY
THF ’WALK FOR A MILLION’ HELD ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON JANUARY 19 TIIIS YEAR. WILL DE PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST OH FRIDAY (MARCH 14).
THE PRESENTATION WILL DE MADE AT THE COMMUNITY CHEST OFFICE IN ROOM 724, GLOUCESTER BUILDING, WEST WINS AT 2.SO PM.
A TOTAL OF 25 PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED UNDER THE CARF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT REHABILITATION CENTRE IN ABERDEEN TOOK PART IN THE WALK AND FOUND THEIR OWN SPONSORS.
MAKING THE PRESENTATION WILL BE 19~YEAR°0LD CHEUNG WIHG-YIU, REPRESENTING THE WHEELCHAI REDOUND PARTICIPANTS AND 16“YEAR~0LD WONG YUET-KWAI, REPRESENTING THE OTHERS.
O O O O O
NOTE TO ED I TORS 8 YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER
—--------------the presentation.
0
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR. AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEAiH SENTENCE PASSED ON JANUARY 9, 1973 ON KWAN YIP~CHUEN SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
KWAN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHENG CHING.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1975
3
LINGUISTICS EXPERT TO GIVE TALK n n « it n «
NOTE TO ED ITORS8
AM EXPERT IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS, DR. ALAN DAVIES, WILL GIVE A TALK ON +EXAMIHING ENGLISH* TO ENGLISH TEACHERS AND LECTURERS AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
DR. DAVIES, WHO IS THE DEPUTY HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, IS HERE IN HONG KONG OH AN OFFICIAL VISIT.
ATTENDING THE TALK TOMORROW WILL BE PANEL CHAIRMEN OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION LECTURERS, ENGLISH INSPECTORS AND EDUCATION OFFICERS OF THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PoM. AND LAST TWO HOURS.
GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IS AT GASCOIGN ROAD, KOWLOON.
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MAIL SERVICES TO KHMER REPUBLIC it it it it it it
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT AIR SERVICES TO THE KHMER REPUBLIC (CAMDODIA) ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED, AND AIRMAIL CORRESPONDENCE AND AIR PARCELS POSTED IN HONG KONG FROM FEBRUARY 28, 1975 ONWARDS HAVE DEEN DELAYED.
THE POST OFFICE REGRETS THAT NO LETTERS OR PARCELS FOR DESPATCH BY AIRMAIL TO THE KHMER REPUBLIC WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
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A
1
MARCH 11, 1975 h "
SPR
AT
GOVERNOR TO ATTEND H- . . ’O?;-1*!. FPRING RECEPTION •:t ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
. GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY 1'1ACI Fl'X WILL ATTEND THE ANNUAL
ECEPTIOtl TO BE GIVEN BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENf
! RESTAURANT, CITY HALL OH MARCH 13 (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON
OIF 600 COMMUNITY LEADERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF CITY DI: ULF COMMITTEES. AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES. VOll.NTARY AGENCIES And KA IFONG ASSOCIATIONS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
THE RECEPTION IS AN ANNUAL FUNCTION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC.
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. E.P. HO, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. AUGUSTINE KAM CHUI AND OTHER STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE THE GUESTS.
SENIOR
' 4
NOTE TO ED I TORS a
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED EVEN' WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 5.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY.
TO COVER THE
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TAX-FREE INTEREST RATE REDUCED ft ft ft ft ft ft
AS FROM TOMORROW (MARCH 12) THE MAXIMUM RATE OF INTEREST WHICH CAN DE PAID DY LICENSED BANKS WITHOUT DEDUCTION OF INTEREST TAX WILL BE REDUCED FROM 3=1/2% TO 2-1/2% PER ANNUM.
THIS FOLLOWS FROM THE DECISION OF THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION, ALREADY ANNOUNCED, TO REDUCE THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS TO 2-1/2% AS FROM THE SAME DATE.
THE CHANGE ALSO MEANS THAT INTEREST TAX WILL IN FUTURE BE DEDUCTED FROM INTEREST PAYMENTS ON THE GOVERNMENT 3-1/2% REHABILITATION LOAN. HOWEVER, INTEREST PAID AT UP TO 3-1/2% PER ANNUM BY THE HONGKONG ELECTRIC CO. LTD., AND THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS CO. LTD. WILL CONTINUE TO DE EXEMPT FROM INTEREST TAX
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/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1975
- 5 ••
FIRST SHIPMENT OF NEW COINS ARRIVED n n « n «
THE FIRST SHIPMENT OF NEW $52 AND 20-CEHT COINS HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TO ENABLE OPERATORS OF CO(N-dOUNTI NG AND COI ^OPERATED MACHINES 70 TRY THEM OUT ON THE MACHINES'.,
THERE ARE 1,009 COINS OF EACH OF THE TWO DENOMINATIONS IN THIS SHIPMENT, AND THEY WILL DECOME LEGAL TENDER IN AU3UST.
THE NEW 82 AND 20-CENT COINS WHICH HAVE DEEN MINTED IN THE ROYAL MINT IN DR ITA IN, ARE SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN THE EX I ST I NS 81 AND 10-CENT COINS, AND THEY HAVE A DISTINCT SHAPE INCORPORATING SCALLOPED EDGES SO THAT THEY CAN DE ADDED TO THE EXISTING RANGE WITHOUT CAI’S I NG CONFUSI OH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID THAT SUBSEQUENT SHIPMENTS OF THE HEW COINS WOULD DE ARRIVING WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO BUILD U? A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY FOR CIRCULATION IN AUGUST.
V OTHER COINS SCHEDULED IN THE PHASED PROGRAMME OF A NEW COINAGE RANGE ARE HEW 31 COINS IN 1976 AND 35 AND gfr-CENl COINS IN 1977□
OOOOOOO -K
NOTE 70 ED ITORSc
<-ww=:7:=u»oe>JL---^-=»
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE FIRST SHIPMENT OF NEW COINS WILL DE DOXED FOR COLLECTION.
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/6
TUESDAY^ MARCH 11, 1975
- 6 ..
TOPLEY TO VISIT SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND (
« n h n n n
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, WILL SPEND TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORN I NS VISITINS THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MISS ELIZABETH ROWE, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (SPECIAL EDUCATION).
MR. TOPLEY WILL ARRIVE AT THE EBENEZER SCHOOL, 136 POKFULAM ROAD. HONG KONG AT 9.15 A.M. WHERE HE WILL DE MET BY THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL, hr, k.J. Harsimi, .
THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND PROVIDES EDUCATION, TRAINING AND BOARDING FACILITIES FOR 103 CHILDREN RANGING FROM FIVE TO 18 YEARS OF AGE.
THE PRESENT SCHOOL BUILDING WAS OPENED IN JANUARY 1962 AND THE SCHOOL IS IN RECEIPT OF EDUCATION SUBSIDY AND SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION FOR ITS RECURRENT EXPENSES.
AFTER SPENDING AN HOUR IN THE SCHOOL, MR. TOPLEY WILL THEN LEAVE FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE AT THE SIR ELLIS KADOORIE PRIMARY SCHOOL (WESTERN), 20 HOSPITAL ROAD, SAI YING PUN, ARRIVING THERE AT ABOUT 11 A.M.
HE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE DIAGOHSTIC AND REMEDIAL SERVICES PROVIDED DY THE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES RELATING TO VISUAL, AUDITORY, PHYSICAL AND SPEECH HANDICAPS.
THE VISIT WILL END AT 12.10 P.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER MR. TOPLEY’S VISIT TOMORROW.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
, MARCH
CONTENTS
THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION MUST GO ON — SAYS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES ................................
DELEGATION OF TRADE NEGOTIATORS LEAVING FOR E.E.C. TEXTILE lALKo IN DRUSSELS .oo................................_____
12, 1975
PAGE NO.
. 1
2
A TOTAL OF 35 DU ILDINGS PLANS HAS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY .... 3
FPnnYTn|AriS CAfl fJ0W UGG f'GW ELEVATED WALKWAY NEAR HUNG HOM
FEP.l . I I ER ®"""«»000000000000000000006000000000000000000000 4
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON CITY ON SATURDAY ..................... 4
SIR- MURRAY TO ATTEND CIVIL AID SERVICES’ DINNER PARTY ..... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
’AMT’-GRAFT FIGHT MUS
RI’ - DAVID . GOD
THERE CAM DE MO TURN IMG BACK OR SLOWIMS DOWN NOW 111 THE FIGHT AGAIN?? CORRUPTION, THE DIRECTOR OF II; FORMATION SERVICES, MR. DAVID FOR; •■'.MD TODAY.
HE WAS GIVING HIS PERSONAL VIEW ON RECENT SUGGESTIONS THAT HONG KONG HAD ALREADY WASHED ENOUGH DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC AMD THAT THE TIME HAD COME TO CALL OFF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
ADDRESSING ROTARIANS OF ISLAND EAST, MR. FORD NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD ATTRACTED MUCH ADVERSE PUBLICITY THROUGH CASES EXPOSED IN COURT, AND THE HEXT TWO YEARS WOULD PROBABLY SEE MORE OF THE SAME. AS FAR AS UE WAS CONCERNED, HOWEVER, THERE WAS ONLY ONE WAY TO STOP PEOPLE CALLING HONG KONG CORRUPT — DY TOTALLY ERADICATING CORRUPTION FROM OUR SOCIETY.
❖ALREADY THERE ARE SIGHS OF A CHANGE OF ATMOSPHERE AND THE LOW STANDARDS OF HONESTY WHICH FOR SO LONG HAVE PERMEATED MUCH OF OUR COMMUNITY ARE DECOMING NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE TODAY,<• HE SAID. ❖BUT WE ARE, NF.VERTHLESS, EMBARKED UPON A COURSE OF ACTION WHICH WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO PROVOKE A FAIR AMOUNT OF NOISE ON ALL SIDES.•>
- MR. FORD WAS PERSONALLY AGAINST SUGGESTIONS FOR GENERAL AMNESTIES AND WONDERED HOW THE ADVOCATES COULD POSS IDLY SEE AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION I fl IT.
❖COULD ANYBODY REASONABLY ACCEPT THAT ANYBODY WHO WAS CORRUPT BEFORE MARCH 12, 1975 AND DECLARED THE PROFITS HE HAD MADE FROM CORRUPTION DE ALLOWED TO MOVE OH QUIETLY?* HE ASKED. HE ALSO QUESTIONED THE EFFECT THIS WOULD HAVE OH THE MORALE OF HONEST PEOPLE WHO HAD SEEN THAT CRIME DID IN FACT PAY PROVIDING THEY ADMITTED IT AFTERWARDS.
❖WE ARE, I SUGGEST, A FAR CRY FROM THE SITUATION WHEN GENERAL AMNESTIES ARE A REASONABLE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION THAT THE ICAC SHOULD NOW DE STEERED AWAY FROM THE POLICE FORCE AND CONCENTRATE OH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MR. FORD SAID THE LEGAL SITUATION WAS QUITE CLEAR IN THAT THE ICAC HAD A STATUTORY DUTY TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS ABOUT CORRUPTION AND THERE COULD DE HO QUESTI OH OF PUTTING ASIDE REPORTS ABOUT ONE PARTICULAR DEPARTMENT.
❖ IF THE COMMISSION WERE TO BE MANIPULATED IN ANY WAY FOR POLITICAL REASONS, ITS CREDIBILITY WOULD SURELY DISAPPEAR OVERNIGHT.*
/IT WAS NOT
'ciir'^wr, riAr.o'- 12, 1975
IT WAS HOT SURPRISING, UE WENT GN, '-IA7 HALF THE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNED THE POLICE FORCE BECAUSE ITS MEMBERS COME IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC, MORE SO THAN om: DEPARTMENTS, ANOTHER REASON WAS TEAT IN OUTER DEPARTMENTS A LARGE PROPORTION OF CORRUPTION IHVOLVED.PEOPLE WHO WERE SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE THEY WERE GETTING AND THEY WERE UNLIKELY TO COMPLAIN UNLESS SOMETHING WENT SOUR,
MR. FORD SAJI) THE VAST HUMBER OF HPHE37 POLICEMEN WERE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND SOUGHT HO FAVOURS FROM THE FORCE,
MR. FORD AGREED THAT WE MUST GUARD AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF TOE ICAC EXCEEDING ITS POWERS OR I f.’r R 5 NS I EQ THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS, BUT SAID THERE WAS.HO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING, AND THE INNOCENT HAD NOTHING TO FEAR FROM THE ICAC,
*IN ANY CASE THE CHECKS AND BALANCES WHICH HAVE DEEN BUILT INTO THE LAV/ AND THE PROCEDURES TO DE ADOPTED ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGHED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT.*
ON THE MEDIA’S ROLE, MR. FORD FELT THERE WAS A SPECIAL \ RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE SCRUPULOUSLY FAIR REPORTING GF CASES UNDER INVESTIGATION. *OUR MUCH TREASURED PRINCIPLE OF THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS MUST NOT DE ALL.OWED TO IMPINGE UPON THE FREEDOM AND RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL,* HE STRESSED,
—• «oc>0«»eac3*a
TRADE DELEGATION LEAVES FOR EOE,C, TEXTILE TALKS « h a
A DELEGATION OF TRADE NEGOTIATORS FROM THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT LEAVES FOR BRUSSELS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EEC OH A HEW TEXTILE ARRANGEMENT.
THE LONG-DELAYED NEGOTIATIONS ARE HOW SCHEDULED TO START ON MARCH 17.
MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, IN CHARGE OF COMMERCIAL RELATIONS, WILL LEAD TOE NINE-MAN TEAM.
HE WILL BE ASSISTED DY MR. PETER TSAO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, IN CHARGE OF COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE COMMON MARKET AND INTERNATIONAL ORGAN ISATIOHS.
THE DELEGATION WILL DE JOINED DY HONG KONG’S MINISTER AND COUNSELLOR IN THE DRITISU EMBASSY IN BRUSSELS, MR. CLAUDE BURGESS AND MR. PAT DODGE.
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I
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1975 - 3 -
35 BUILDING Pl .ANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY ii it N M <
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE BUILDING PLAN OF THE CADLE CAR TERM!NAL/RESTAURANT COMPLEX IN THE OCEAN PARK AT NAM LONG SHAN ROAD, ABERDEEN.,
THE PROJECT WAS AMONG 35 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH BY THE BUILDING AU'tllCRITY, INCLUDING 13 OH HONG ICONS ISLAND, 12 IN KOWLOON AND 10 IN THE HEW TERRITORIES. THIS COMPARES WITH A TOTAL OF 34 PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY, AND.61 IN FEBRUARY, 1974.
ALSO AT THE OCEAN PARK IN ABERDEEN, CONSENT HAS DEEN GIVEN FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS TO BEGIN WORK. THESE INCLUDE A WAVE TANK, SEAWATER RESERVOIRS AND THEIR COMPLEMENTARY PLANT HOUSES. OTHER PROJECTS TO WHICH CONSENT HAS BEEN GIVEN ARE A CANOE CENTRE IN STAHLEY DAY, A 24=CLASSR00H SCHOOL BUILDI NS IN HAM CHEONG STREET, AND ADDITIONAL STOREYS TO AN EXISTING BUILDING AT KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL.
IN AU., CONSENT HAS DEEN GIVEN DURING VUE MONTH TO A TOTAL OF 42 PROJECTS TO COMMENCE WORK.
A TOTAL OF 51 COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN.FEBRUARY, THE TOTAL DECLARED VALUE OF THESE BUILDINGS AMOUNTED TO OVER S95 MILLION.
THESE INCLUDE A SCHOOL BUILDING FOR THE HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE IN TAI HANG TUNG, A CLUB BUILDING, AND A STORE AND GAMES ROOM
• BUILDING OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IN DEAS RIVER, SHEUNG CHUI. .
twenty-Two BUILDINGS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG WERE GIVEN DEMOLITION CONSENT IN THE MONTH, INCLUDING TWO DANGEROUS BUILDINGS ON CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
Q
WEDNESDAY,- MARCH 12, 1975
ELEVATED WALKWAY J'. JJ .H
IN HUNG HOM BEADY Ji H M
HONS KONG POLYTECHNIC WITHOUT HOM FERRY PIERS NOW THAT THE RAHWAY TERMINUS SITE AT HUHS HOM
PEDESTRIANS CAN REACH THE MAKING A DETOUR FROM THE HUBS ELEVATED WALKWAY SPANNING THE
IS READY FOR USE.
THIS ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY WHICH INCLUDES ONE FOOTBRIDGE AT EITHER END, LEADS FROM THE WATERFRONT AREA HEAR THE TWO FERRY PIERS AT HUNG HOM TO YUK CHO! ROAD HEAR THE POLYTECHNIC, IT PROVIDES A PERMANENT EASY DIRECT ACCESS TO THE SCHOOL FROM THE PIERS.
WITH THE AVAILABILITY OF THE WALKWAY FOR PEDESTRIAN USE, THE RIGHT OF WAV ACROSS THE RAILWAY TERMINUS SITE, WHICH HAS BEEN A TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PEDESTRIANS, WILL DE CLOSED AS FROM SATURDAY, MARCH 15*
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF P.W.D.’S RAILWAY DIVISION, MR. S. GRUNDERG, SAID THAT THE PROGRESS OF WORK AT THE TERMINAL SITE ALSO NECESSITATED THE CLOSING OF THE RIGHT OF WAY ACROSS IT.
HE SAID THAT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GO TO THE POLYTECHNIC FROM THE FERRY CONCOURSE AT HUNG HOM ON FOOT SHOULD USE THE ELEVATED WALKWAY. . .
UNAUTHORISED ENTRY INTO THE TERMINUS SITE WILL DE STRICTLY PROHIBITED, HE ADDED.
- _ „ _ o - <•
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON CITY
■M il « ii ii M
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CHY WILL DE TEMPORARILY TURNED OFF BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 6 A.M. ON uAjIRDAY (MARCH 15) TO ENABLE WATERWORKS OFFICE WORKERS TO carry out LEAKAGE
TESTS.
AFFECTED WILL DE PREMISES BOUNDED DY JUNCTION ROAD, WANG
TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU KOU STREET, FUNG KO STREET, HENG LAM STREET ' n LmL£V^STATG INCLUDING THE U.K. BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION HOSPITAL AND JUNCTION ROAD RESITE AREA.
/5
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1975
- 5 -
GOVERNOR TO ATTEND C.A.S. DINNER n n n n « «
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT A CHINESE DINNER PARTY TO BE GIVEN BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AT THE GLOUCESTER RESTAURANT OH FRIDAY (MARCH 1A).
ABOUT 650 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF C.A.S. WILL ATTEND. ,
SIR MURRAY WILL DE MET ON ARRIVAL DY THE COMMISSIONER, MR. P.C. WOO, AND THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, M3. J.A. FORTUNE.
AMONG THE GUESTS WILL DE DR. G. CHOA, THE HON. L.M. DAVIES, M2. B.F. SLEVIH, COL. I.G. DANIEL AND MR. J.W. CHAMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSs
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE WELCOMED TO COVER THE EVENT FROM 7.30 P.Mo TO 8.10 P.M. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD DO SO OH THE GROUND FLOOR HEAR THE LIFT ENTRANCE TO iHE GLOUCESTER RESTAURANT. HO PHOTOGRAPHS WILL DE ALLOWED DURING THE RECEPTION PRIOR TO THE DINNER AND IN THE DINING HALL AFTER 7.-0 P.M
COPIES OF THE COMMISSIONER’S SPEECH WILL DE AVAILABLE TO * MEMBERSOF THE PRESS AT 7.30 P.M. Ai THE GLOUCESTER RESTAURANT.
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PRH
sis
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CLARIFIES THE SITUATION CONCERNING THE PROCESSING OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES ...
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION OUTLINES THE BROAD AIMS OF EDUCATION AND FUNCTIONS OF SCHOOLS ......................
12,340 INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT BY FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OFFICERS LAST MONTH .....................................
SIR MURRAY STRESSES THAT THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME IS STILL
A TOP PRIORITY ............................................. 5
TWO BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND DECLARED DANGEROUS ... 6
NEXT T.O.E.F.L. TEST WILL BE HELD ON MAY 19 ................ 7
LABOUR DEPARTMENT OPENS ANOTHER OFFICE IN KOWLOON .......... 8
i ’ .
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Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
«• q ..
PROCESSING OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES CLARIFIED
X X X X X X
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DREW ATTENTION TO A REPORT IM AM ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER TODAY CONCERNING A SURVEY COVERING THE LAS" THREE MONTHS IN 1974 THE FINDINGS OF WHICH ALLEGE THAT MORE THAN SO PER CENT OF THOSE OH PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HAVE TO WAIT FOR FOUR WEEKS OR LONGER BEFORE RECEIVING ANY HELP.
HE SAID THAT WHILE AT FIRST GLANCE THE FIGURES GIVEN IN THE SURVEY SUGGESTED A DISTURBING PICTURE, THE SURVEY INVOLVED OHLY IN ANY SENSE A COMPARATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF CASES WHICH WERE HOT IN ANY SENSE A VALID STATISTICAL SAMPLE.
• %
*ON THE CONTRARY, IT SEEMS FROM WHAT WE KNOW THAT THEY WERE CASES DRAWN FRCM THE AGENCIES WHICH PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY, AMD FAR FROM BEING A RANDOM SELECTION OF ALL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES FROM WHICH GENERAL CONCLUSIONS ■ MIGHT DE DRAWN, THE SURVEY CASES WERE THOSE HANDLED DY THE AGENCIES THEMSELVES.*
THE OVERALL IMPRESSION GIVEN, HE WENT ON, IS THAT IT IS THE DEPARTMENT WHICH WAS NECESSARILY AT FAULT. FOR EXAMPLE THE SURVEY.MAKES NO MENTION OF PROBLEMS WHICH THESE FAMILIES MAY HAVE AND WHICH, CLEARLY, MIGHT WELL TAKE LONGER THAN AVERAGE TO PROCESS IN TERMS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE NEED FOR DETAILED ENQUIRIES.
❖THE AGENCIES THEMSELVES ARE WELL AWARE OF THE FACT THAT IN QUITE A HUMBER OF FAMILY CASES, PARTICULARLY THE KIND THE SURVEY TOUCHED OH, A GREAT DEAL OF FOLLOWUP ACTION IS NECESSARY, FOR EXAMPLE, TO VERIFY STATEMENTS OR OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION.
❖THERE ARE ALSO OCCASIONS WHEN IT HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN POSSIBLE FOR THE FIELD WORKER TO CONTACT THE APPLICANT, OR IN OTHER INSTANCES, THE CLIENT DOES HOT CO-OPERATE IN COMPLETING THE INVESTIGATION FOR CHE REASON OR ANOTHER. YET THE SURVEY MAKES NO MENTION OF SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE POINTED OUT.
❖NOR DOES IT BRING OUT THE POINT THAT OUR FIELD UNITS CAN, AND DO, MAKE EMERGENCY CASH PAYMENTS WHILE OUR ENQUIRIES ARE PROGRESSING. OVER THE PERIOD COVERED DY THE SURVEY WE MADE ABOUT 600 SUCH PAYMENTS WHICH PUT DELAYS IN COMPLETING CASES IN A RATHER DIFFERENT LIGHT,* HE SAID.
rOLIOTOJG
OOO
HE FOLLOWING FIGURES FOR THE; DEPARTMENT MAY HELP TO PUT JIE SITUATION IN BETTER PERSPECTIVE B
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES IN ACTION
DECEMBER 1974
A) CASES BROUGHT FORWARD IN FIELD UNITS ON 2,364
1ST OF THE MONTH (i.E. STILL UNDER ACTION)
B) NEW CASES RECEIVED DURING THE MONTH 2,764
C) CASES AUTHORISED FOR PAYMENT 2,053
D) CASES REJECTED AS UNSUCCESSFUL . 793 ,
E) CASES CARRIED FORWARD TO HEXT MONTH 2,267
IT WILL BE SEEN THAT THE WORKING LOAD CF NEW CASES HAS BEEN MORE THAN MATCHED IN TERMS OF CASES ^DROUGHT FORWARD* AND -c-CARRIED FORWARD*, THIS MEANS THAT THERE HAS DEEN HO BUILD-UP OF ARREARS OF THE KIND WHICH WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE ARISEN IF THE FIGURES OF THE SURVEY WERE AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE.
•MH REGARD TO THE PERIOD COVERED Hl THE SURVEY (OCTOBER -DECEMBER) HOWEVER IT IS TRUE THAT WE HAD DIFFICULTIES IN OUR CENTRAL PAYMENTS CONTROL SECTION WHERE CASH ORDER BOOKS ARE PREPARED, A BACKLOG CF CASES HAD BEGUN TO DUILD-UP MAINLY BECAUSE WE WERE PROCESSING CASES MUCH QUICKER IN THE FIELD UNITS AND FOR THIS REASON SOME DELAYS IN THE ISSUE OF THE BOOKS WAS EXPERIENCED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID,
THE SITUATION HAS HOW DEEN PUT BACK OH A PROPER FOOTING THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF CERTAIN MEASURES INCLUDING SHIFT WORK IN THE CENTRAL PAYMENTS CONTROL, THE ADDITION OF, EXTRA MACHINES AND THE DRAFTING CF EXTRA STAFF FROM OTHER OFFICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT,
*WE HAVE DEEN AND ARE CONTINUING TO CARRY A HEAVY BURDEN AND IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT SEVERAL EASEMENTS IN PROCEDURES WERE INTRODUCED IN THE FIELD UNITS TO ENABLE US TO KEEP PACE. WE HAVE ALSO INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY THE AMOUNTS OF READY CASH IN THE FIELD UNITS FOR EMERGENCY PAYMENTS, TAKEN TOGETHER THESE MEASURES WILL ENABLE US TO CONTINUE TO SERVICE CUR PRESENT CASELOAD OF 44,000 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES AND 54,000 DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES CASES WITHOUT CAUSING HARDSHIP TO THE PEOPLE WE ARE HERE TO SERVE,* HE SAID.
Thursday, march 13, 1975
- ■> -
BROAD AIMS OF EDUCATION OUTLINED
M « M ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SPOKE ABOUT THE BROAD AIMS OF EDUCATION AND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SCHOOL WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF "Al PIES SHAN THIS AFTERNOON.
HE CONSIDERED THIS TOPIC TO DE FUNDAMENTAL TO THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
MR. TOPLEY SAIDn -{-SCHOOLS MUST OFFER EVERY POSS IDLE OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICEABLE TALENT TO MANIFEST ITSELF, WHATEVER DIRECTION IT MAY TAKE AND HOWEVER LIMITED IN RANGE IT MAY DE.
•MT FOLLOWS, THEN, THAT THE Alt! OF EDUCATION SHOULD DE TO ' DEVELOP TO THE FULL THE POTENTIALITIES OF EVERY CHILD AT SCHOOL, IN ACCORD ALWAYS WITH THE GENERAL GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY OF WHICH HE IS A MEMBER.*
HE SAID THERE WERE TWO EXTREME VIEWS OF WHAT WERE THE FUNCTIONS OF SCHOOL. THE FIRST VIEW WAS THAT IT SHOULD SOLVE ALL PROELEMS OF SOCIETY" WHILE THE SECOND WAS TO GET CHILDREN THROUGH EXAMINATIONS.
MR. TOPLEY POINTED OUT THAT THESE WERE POLAR EXTREMITIES.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SCHOOL WERE HOT DIFFICULT TO RECOGNISE SINCE IT SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING ENDS IN VIEWS
ft TO PROVIDE THE KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WHICH IS DEST SUITED TO INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT0
ft TO STIMULATE AND GUIDE HEALTHY GROWTH IN THIS ENVIRONMENT"
ft TO ENABLE CHILDREN TO ACQUIRE THE HABITS, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE, INTERESTS AND ATTITUDES OF MIND WHICH THEY WILL NEED FOR LIVING A FULL AND USEFUL LIFE" AND
ft TO SET STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR, EFFORT AND ATTAINMENT BY WHICH THEY CAN MEASURE THEIR OWN CONDUCT.
! I • —
CHILDREN IN THESE GOOD SCHOOLS -c-WILL SHOW THE ENERGY WHICH COMES FROM THE NATURAL FLOW OF VITALITY, THE KNOWLEDGE WHICH RESULTS FROM THE FREE PLAY CF INTELLIGENCE, THE EVIDENT CARE AND THOROUGHNESS WHICH ARISE FROM A RIGHT SENSE OF VALUES, AND THE HAPPINESS WHICH ACCOMPANIES THE FEELING THAT THEY APE DOING THINGS WORTH DOING AND DOING THEM WELL,* THE DIRECTOR SAID.
MR. TOPLEY STRESSED THAT MODERN EDUCATION MUST ADAPT ITSELF TO MODERN NEEDS. - ' A ?
/<THE CITIZEIS ....
THURSDAY, MARCH 1J, 1975
•5-THE citizens of tomorrow will be citizens of a more complex AND MORE DIFFICULT WORLD THAN THAT OF YESTERDAY.
•^SOCIAL CONTACTS ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT AND MORE VARIED, AND CHILDREN WILL NEED TO LEARN TO MIX WITH A GREATER VARIETY OF TYPES OF INDIVIDUAL THAN THEIR PARENTS PROBABLY KNEW AND TO UNDERSTAND THE POINT OF VIEW OF PEOPLE IN OTHER LANDS DESIDES THEIR OWN.
*THEY WILL NEED, MOREOVER, TO ACCOMMODATE THEMSELVES TO SUDDEN CHANGES OF PROCESS AND METHOD IN THE OCCUPATIONS THEY ARE LIKELY TO TAKE UP, AND EVEN TO DE PREPARED TO TRANSFER THEMSELVES FROM ONE OCCUPATION TO ANOTHER.
+THE INDIVIDUAL, THEREFORE, MUST NOT ONLY BECOME MORE ADAPTABLE AS A WORKER, DUT MUST ALSO DE IN A POSITION TO SELECT FOR HIMSELF SOME WORTHY AND USEFUL WAY OF OCCUPYING HIS FREE TIME. THE AVERAGE CITIZEN MUST DE A MAN OR WORMAN OF COMMON SENSE AND BREADTH OF VIEW,-.- HE SAID.
0
FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS KEPT BUSY X X X X X X
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OFFICERS HAD ANOTHER BUSY TIME LAST MONTH. CARRYING OUT 12,340 INSPECTIONS — AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT ”.4o EVERY DAY. THE TOTAL FOR JANUARY WAS 15,139.
AS USUAL. THE LARGEST NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS RELATED TO MEANS OF ESCAPE TOTALLING 5,657. OF THIS FIGURE, 4,721 WERE IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS. A FURTHER 1,205 GENERAL COMPLAINTS WERE ALSO LOOKED INTO.
THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES INSPECTED WAS 2,855. INSPECTIONS RELATED TO THE CARRIAGE AND STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS NUMBERED 591 AND THERE WERE 779 INSPECTIONS OF VENTILLATION SYS I EMS N BUILDINGS AND IN INDUSTRY. A TOTAL OF 376 INSPECTIONS OF FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATIONS WERE CONDUCTED. OF WHICH 281 WERE IN RESPECT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRY AND THE REMAINDER OF BUILDINGS. ELEVEN FIRES WERE INVESTIGATED BY BUREAU
GOVERNMENT OFFICERS.
OTHER INSPECTIONS INCLUDED PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY (68) RESTAURANTS AND NIGHT CLUBS (219), SCHOOLS (392), AND TIMBER-YARDS (27). THERE WERE FIVE INSPECTIONS OF NEON SIGNS AND 85 MISCELLANEOUS INSPECTIONS.
DURING THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR, THE BUREAU CARRIED OUT AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 15,000 INSPECTIONS EVERY MONTH. THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT WAS 1,103, AND FINES TOTALLING 8444,765 WERE IMPOSED. A TOTAL OF 6,267 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOllCES WERE ISSUED. Q
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1975
<_» v CJ
FIGHT AGAINST CRIME STILL A MAJOR CONCERN, SAYS GOVERNOR » N M M -J ft ft
THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, EMPHASISED TODAY*
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A SPRING RECEPTION HOSTED DY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT It! THE CITY HALL FOR SOME 600 LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES 07 CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND KAIFOHG ASSOCIATIONS*
SIR MURRAY THANKED THE COMMUNITY LEADERS FOP THEIR SUPPORT IN THE CLEAN HONG KOKS AND FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME CAMPAIGNS, AND IN PARTICULAR FOR SUPPORTING THE POLICE*
•c-NEVER LET US FORGET THAT' IT IS OUR POLICE FORCE THAT WE TURN TO IN TIMES OF TROUBLE,* THE GOVERNOR SAID* *THEY HAVE SERVED THIS COMMUNITY MAGNIFICENTLY ON MANY SUCH OCCASIONS IN THE PAST AND I KNOW THEY WILL CONTINUE TO SHOULDER THE DURDEN OF MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER IN OUR COMMUNITY ERAVELY AND EFFICIENTLY**
IN THIS, HE ADDED, EVERY CITIZEN.
THE POLICE DESERVED EVERY SUPPORT FROM
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS WERE BEGINNING TO ESTABLISH A HEW RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER, AS WELL AS WITH THE POLICE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS. *THIS IS THE RIGHT WAV TO ACHIEVE BETTER THINGS IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECIIo
*1 AM DELIGHTED TO MEET YOU ALL AGAIN HERE AT THIS ANNUAL SPRING RECEPTION.
*THE PAST YEAR HAS HOT DEEN AN EASY ONE FOR HONG KONG, AND THE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED ONSET OF A WORLD-WIDE RECESSION HAS RAISED MANY DIFFICULTIES FOR US. GREAT AS THESE HAVE DEEN, AND GENUINE AS I KNOW THE HARDSHIP ON INDIVIDUALS IS, THE EFFORTS OF ALL OU.T PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER HAVE SO FAR DROUGHT HONG KONG THROUGH THESE DIFFICULTIES BETTER THAN MOST OTHER COMMUNITIES.
*FOR THE GOVERNMENT THE DOWN-TURN HAS MEANT THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SOME OF THE THINGS THAT NEED DOING AS QUICKLY AS WE AND YOU WOULD WISH. BUT I ASSURE YOU A GREAT DEAL WILL STILL DE DONE. FORTUNATELY THERE ARE GROUNDS FOR HOPE OF SOME UP-TURN DEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
I
nOdLD LUCE © o • • o
THURSDAY, MARCH 15, "975
♦ I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU HAVE DONE IN ENCOURAGING PURL IC SUPPORT FOR THE CLEAN HONG KONG AND FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME CAMPAIGNS., IN PARTICULAR. I HAVE BEEN HEARTENED DY THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT YOU ARE GIVING THE POLICE. NEVER LET US FORGET THAT IT IS OUR POLICE FORCE THAT WE TURN TO IN TIMES O- TROUBLE. THEY HAVE SERVED THIS COMMUNITY MAGNIFICENTLY ON MANY SUCH OCCASIONS IN THE PAST AND I KNOW THEY WILL CONTINUE TO SHOULDER THE DURDEN OF MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER IN OUR COMMUNITY BRAVELY AND EFFICIENTLY. IN THIS THEY DESERVE. AND I AM SURE WILL RECEIVE, THE UNSTINTED SUPPORT OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US. THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME REMAINS A TCP PRIORITY.
❖I HAVE MET MANY OF YOU ON YOUR HOME GROUNDS DURING TME PAST YEAR. I HAVE SEEN HOW, WITH YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT. THE PEOPLE OF KONG KONG IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS ARE BEGINNING TO ESTABLISH A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER, WITH THE POLICE, AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS. THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO ACHIEVE EETTER THINGS IN THE FUTURE.-
❖I CONGRATULATE YOU ON ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND I THANK YOU FOR IT
<■! NOW ASK YOU TO RAISE YOUR GLASSES AND DRINK A TOAST WITH ME TO A HAPPY NEW YEAR.*
TWO BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS
•m a it ?s
THE
DU ILDI NG AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED THE BUILDINGS IN NOS. 2 AND 4 STAVELEY STREET ON HONG KOHS ISLAND TO DE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR. THE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING AT HO. 2 AND THE FOUR-STOREY DU ILDI NG AT THE HO. 4 STAVELEY STREET HAD DEEN UNDER OBSERVATION FOR SOME TIME BECAUSE OF THEIR GENERALLY DETERIORATED CONDITION. THE TWO BUILDINGS ARE ALSO SHARING A COMMON STAIRCASE.
RECENT INSPECTION REVEALED "HAT THE VERY WEAK CONDITION OF THE BRICKWORK TO THE REAR MAIN WALLS AND,LIGHT WELL WALLS AND THE REINFORCED CONCRETE SUPPORTS "0 "HE KITCHEN CLOCKS. TOGETHER WITH THE ADVANCED STATE OF ROT "0 THE ROOF TIMBERS OF NO. 4 STAVELEY STREET, HAD HOW REACHED A POINT WHERE- CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION COULD t!0 LONGER DE DEFERRED, HE SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9oE0 A.M. OH APRIL 10, 1975, WERE POSTED TODAY.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1975
— 7 "
, T.O.E.F.L, TEST
n it n n
THE HEXT T.O.E.F.L. TEST WILL DE HELD OH MAY 19, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED EXAMI HATIOH ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE IN MAY, ENTRY FOR THIS TEST WILL DE CONFINED TO THOSE CANDIDATES WHO ARE IN URGENT NEED OF T.O.E.F.L. SCORES, OHLY CANDIDATES WHO CAN PRODUCE WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF INSTRUCTIONS FROM AH OVERSEAS COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY TO TAKE THE TEST WILL DE REGISTERED, ENTRY FOR THE T.O.E.F.L. TEST TO DE HELD IN SEPTEMBER WILL DE UNRESTRICTED.
COPIES OF THE bulletins information .J AND REGISTRATION FORM
CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY OF TRE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES3 THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 11TII FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON= OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIP SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, BONAVENTURE HOUSE, 2ND FLOOR, 91, LEIGTHON ROAD, HONG K0N3= AND INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, 403 J. HOTURG HOUSE, 4TH FLOOR, 5/15 HANKOW ROAD, KOWLOON.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY FOR INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE. THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS IN PERSON, TOGETHER WITH THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD OR PASSPORT, TO THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON, BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 4 P.M. FROM MARCH 17-21 (MONDAY ° FRIDAY),
HO LATE ENTRIES WILL DE ACCEPTED, THE TEST FEE OF HK08O.OO PER CANDIDATE MUST DE PAID OH OR DEFORE MARCH 24 (MONDAY) AT THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE, EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 11TH FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
FEES MAY DE PAID BY CROSSED CHEQUE PAYABLE TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SENT THROUGH THE POST TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS.
ca o ca ca 0 o O O «3
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1975
0 8
HEW LABOUR OFFICE It! KOWLOOH it it it it it it
THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OPENS ANOTHER NEW OFFICE IN KOWLOOH ON MONDAY (MARCH 17).
THE NEW OFFICE OH THE FIRST FLOOR OF FOOK TOA MANSION, 8-12 SUNS WONG TOI ROAD, KOWLOON, WILL CATER FOR INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN KOWLOON CITY, PARTS OF TO KWA WAN, WANG TAU HOM, AND WONG TAI SIH AREAS. ENQUIRIES CAN DE MADE DY TELEPHONING 3=019996.
THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT IS MAINLY CONCERNED WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (AGED 14 TO 17) It! INDUSTRY.
UNDER THE LAW, WORKING HOURS FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS ARE RESTRICTED TO EIGHT HOURS A DAV AND 43 HOURS A WEEK.
STATUTORY CONDITIONS ARE ALSO LAID DOWN ON THEIR GENERAL WELFARE RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF REST ROOMS AND SITTING FACILITIES, REST DAYS AND RESTRICTION OF EMPLOYMENT It! DANGEROUS , TRADES.
THE UNIT OPERATES 12 OFFICES It! ALL MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE HEW TERRITORIES.
THERE ARE SEVEN OFFICES IN KOWLOON SERVING SHAM SHU I PO, CHEUNG SHA WAN, YAU MA TEI, TO KWA WAN, KWUt! TONG AND KOWLOON CITY° THREE It! THE HEW TERRITORIES OPERATING IN TSUEtl WAN, YUEN LONG AND TAI PO AND TWO ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
gisi hrnial
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
” — " m io — , ni — ■ m ■
BUILDING PROJECTS BENEFICIAL TO HONG KONG ARE GIVEN PRIORITY STATUS ....................................... 1
AIR PASSENGERS ASSURED OF SAFETY AT KAI TAK AIRPORT ... 3
MOCK AUCTIONS WILL BE CONTROLLED TO PROTECT PUBLIC
INTEREST............................................... 4
C.A.S. URGED TO CONTINUE GOOD SERVICES ................ 6
CAMP FOR RURAL SERVICE VOLUNTEERS THIS WEEKEND ........ 7
TOUGHER SENTENCES TO DETER VIOLENT CRIMES ............. g
LATEST HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE .......... 9
BUILDING CONTRACT FOR WO CHE ESTATE TO BE INVITED SOON ... 10
HONG KONG MAKES PROGRESS IN CONTROLLING TUBERCULOSIS . 11
YUEN LONG SITE UP FOR AUCTION ........................ 12
EXPRESS KAI TAK/CENTRAL COACH SERVICE TO START NEXT WEEK . 13
SHAM SHU I PO WILL HAVE A NEW GAMES HALL NEXT JANUARY.14
PASSING OUT PARADE OF PRISONS OFFICERS ............... 14
1
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5'233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 1A, 1975
1
PRIORITY FOR IMPORTANT BUILDING PROJECTS X X X X X
I HE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IS PLAYING AN ACTIVE AND VIGOROUS PART IN THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME OF PRIORITY FOR IMPORTANT DF.VELOPMEtl I PROJECTS WHICH CAN IMPROVE THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG,
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TONIGHT BY THE HEAD OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, MR EDWARD KENNARD, IN A TALK TO THE PENINSULA LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, HE REVEALED THAT HIS OFFICE WAS HANDLING 50 BUILDING PROJECTS WHICH HAD BEEN GIVEN PRIORITY STATUS BY THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE OF THE BENEFITS THEY WILL BRING TO THE COMMUNITY,
❖THEY INCLUDE,* HE SAID, ^PROPOSALS FOR LARGE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, OIL STORAGE DEPOTS, A MANUFACTURING PLANT FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY AND THE LIKE,
❖PRIORITY STATUS MEANS THAT EVERY GOVERNMENT OFFICER CONCERNED WITH A SELECTED PROJECT IS BOUND TO TREAT HIS PART IN PROCESSING IT AS A MATTER OF URGENCY,* THE PROJECT WOULD BE REVIEWED AT REGULAR AND FREQUENT INTERVALS *S0 THAT THE DELAYS INVOLVED IN CORRESPONDENCE TO AND FRO CAN BE AVOIDED.*
MR KENNARD, WHO IS PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, EXPLAINED THAT THERE ARE TWO COMPLEMENTARY SYSTEMS FOR THE GRANTING OF PRIORITIES.
❖FIRSTLY, WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT, HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS ARE HELD TO DETERMINE WHETHER PROJECTS IN iHE PIPELINE MERIT PRIORITY. THE MAIN CRITERIA ARES’IS THE SCHEME IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST? FOR EXAMPLE, DOES IT PROVIDE HOUSING ON A LARGE SCALE? DOES IT ATTRACT OVERSEAS CAPITAL? DOES IT INTRODUCE NEW INDUSTRIES INTO HONG KONG? CAN IT PROCEED QUICKLY IF GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT?’
❖SECONDLY, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WILL ALSO GRANT PRIORITY TO OTHER PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS WHICH MEET THE REQUISITE CRITERIA. THIS IS DONE THROUGH THE B.0.0. PRIORITIES COMMITTEE WHICH CONSIDERS APPLICATIONS FROM ANY DEVELOPER OR HIS AGENT.
❖QUITE RIGHTLY,* MR KENNARD ADDED, ❖ALL DECISIONS MADE IN THIS COMMITTEE REQUIRE RATIFICATION FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.*
IN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS, THE COMMITTEE TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE FOLLOWING CRITER I As *IS THE SCHEME IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST? HAS IT THE SUPPORT OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS? IS CAPITAL READILY AVAILABLE? CAN WORK START IMMEDIATELY?*
MR KENNARD SAID THAT THE CONCEPT OF GIVING PRIORITIES IN THIS MANNER WAS A NEW ONE, ❖AND WE MUST WELCOME IT, FOR IT GIVES US A CHANCE TO THINK AND ACT POSITIVELY AND NOT JUST LEAVE IT TO THE DEVELOPER TO SORT OUT THE DIFFICULTIES FOR HIMSELF.*
/EE gaVE .,o
FRIDAY, MARCH 1L, 1975
2
HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE PRIORITY SYSTEM WOULD NOT MEAN ANY UNDUE DELAYS FOR OTHER NEW BUILDING PROJECTS. HE SAID THAT HIS OFFICE HAD ELIMINATED THE BACKLOG OF PROPOSALS WHICH HAD RESULTED FROM THE RAINSTORM DISASTERS OF 1972. +WE NO LONGER HAVE THIS BACKLOG, AND ALL PLANS ARE BEING PROCESSED WITHIN THE STATUTORY PERIOD LAID DOWN BY LAW.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAD A VERY GOOD RECORD FOR THE PACE AT WHICH IT PROCESSES PLANS, HE SAID, COMPARED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL AVERAGE, FOR EXAMPLE, IN SUCH PLACES AS NEW YORK, TOKYO, PARIS, LONDON ETC.
+1 KNOW OF ONE PROJECT IN CENTRAL LONDON, FOR EXAMPLE, WHICH HAS STILL NOT RECEIVED PERMISSION TO GO AHEAD SOME 10 FRUSTRATING YEARS AFTER GOING THROUGH ’THE PROPER CHANNELS.’+
IN HIS ADDRESS MR KENNARD ALSO TOUCHED ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS*
ANTI-LANDSLIDE MEASURES -- HE DISCLOSED THAT HE WAS FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE STAFF OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DIVISION WHICH WAS SET UP WITHIN THE B.0.0. AFTER THE 1972 DISASTERS. THIS DIVISION IS STAFFED BY CIVIL ENGINEERS WHO CHECK ALL PLANS FOR BUILDINGS WHERE A SITE STABILITY PROBLEM COULD ARISE.
UNAUTHORISED WORKS AND ALTERATIONS : HE EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF AVAILABLE STAFF, HIS OFFICE STILL HAD TO CONCENTRATE ON THOSE IRREGULARITIES WHICH COULD ENDANGER LIFE AND LIMB. BUT HE ADDED: +WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING IN DEPTH THE WHOLE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL WORKS (INCLUDING THOSE WHICH ARE ANTI-SOCIAL AND NOT DANGEROUS) TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE MANPOWER WE ARE LIKELY TO HAVE AVAILABLE FOR ACTION IN THIS FIELD IN THE FORESEABLE FUTURE.+
MR KENNARD POINTED OUT THAT THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE NOW INCLUDED TWO FULLY QUALIFIED WOMEN BUILDING SURVEYORS AND THERE WAS A THIRD UNDER TRAINING. +BUILDING CONTROL,<■ HE REMARKED, +IS NO LONGER EXCLUSIVELY A MAN’S WORLD, AND I HOPE THAT MORE OF THE SO-CALLED ’GENTLE SEX’ WILL BE JOINING OUR RANKS IN THE FUTURE.+
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
PASSENGER SAFETY AT KAI TAK IS WELL LOOKED AFTER if « If « X if
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT TODAY ASSURED AIR PASSENGERS USING KAI TAK AIRPORT THAT THEIR SAFETY IS FULLY PROVIDED FOR BOTH BY THE AIRLINES AND THE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS COMMENTING ON NEWSPAPER REPORTS CONCERNING THE RECENT MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION (IFALPA) WHICH NAME SEVERAL AIRPORTS AS BEING DEFICIENT FOR VARIOUS REASONS, INCLUDING SLIPPER I NESS OF RUNWAY AND INADEQUACY OF APPROACH LIGHTING AND INSTRUMENT APPROACH GUIDANCE SYSTEMS.
AS HONG KONG IS INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF AIRPORTS, THE REPORTS MIGHT GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT KAI TAK IS DEFICIENT IN THESE LISTED AREAS, WHEREAS NO CRITICISM IS LEVELLED AT KAI TAK’S APPROACH GUIDANCE SYSTEMS, OR RUNWAY CONDITION.
+IN FACT KAI TAK’S FACILITIES IN THESE AREAS ARE OF A VERY HIGH STANDARD, + HE SAID.
+THE ALLEGED DEFICIENCY CONCERNING HONG KONG IN THE IFALPA REPORT IS SPECIFIC TO SEPARATION BETWEEN RUNWAY AND TAXIWAY AT KAI TAK THEREFORE IT IS OF INTEREST THAT THE ADEQUACY OF THIS SEPARATION WAS THE SUBJECT OF A STUDY BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SOME YEARS AGO WHEN IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RISK OF AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT ARISING FROM RUNWAY/TAXIWAY SEPARATION WAS NOT GREATER THAN THE RISK ACCEPTED IN OTHER FACETS OF AIRCRAFT OPERATION.
+NONETHELESS, CONSULTANTS ENGAGED TO CARRY OUT THE LONG TERM PLANNING INVESTIGATION OF THE HONG KONG AIR TRANSPORT SYSTEM WERE COMMISSIONED TO CARRY OUT A FURTHER DETAILED INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER IN 1973/74 AND CONCLUDED THAT THE EXISTING RUNWAY/TAXIWAY SEPARATION AT KAI TAK PROVIDED AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF SAFETY FOR ALL AIRCRAFT PRESENTLY OPERATING THROUGH HONG KONG.
+INDEED THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATIONS GIVES ASSURANCE IN THIS RESPECT, BY CONFIRMING THAT MEMBER PILOTS OF THE ASSOCIATION WOULD NOT BE FLYING INTO AIRPORTS WHICH WERE NOT CONSIDERED SAFE.
+AIR PASSENGERS USING KAI TAK MAY THEREFORE REST ASSURED THAT THEIR SAFETY IS FULLY PROVIDED FOR BOTH BY AIRLINES AND THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.*
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/4 ..
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
4 -
MOCK AUCTIONS TO BE BANNED X H W « X «
MOCK AUCTIONS ARE TO BE PROHIBITED AND OFFENDERS ARE LIKELY TO END UP IN JAIL, IF PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION GAZETTED TODAY IS ACCEPTED.
THE PROVISIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE MOCK AUCTIONS BILL WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY THAT THE EXISTING LAW ONLY COVERED THE OPERATION OF GENUINE AUCTIONS, BUT FROM PAST EXPERIENCE IT WAS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CONTROL MOCK AUCTIONS AS WELL TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
BECAUSE OF THE ABSENCE OF LEGISLATION ON MOCK AUCTIONS, HE SAID, CHARGES WERE UNSUCCESSFULLY BROUGHT LAST YEAR AGAINST SOME PERSONS WHO WERE THOUGHT TO HAVE CONDUCTED A MOCK AUCTION WITH THE INTENTION TO DEFRAUD.
THE DEFENDANTS WERE ACQUITTED IN COURT BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH THE COURT HELD THAT A BUSINESS WAS BEING CONDUCTED WHICH HAD THE APPEARANCE OF AN AUCTION, THE WHOLE PROCEEDINGS WERE IN FACT A SHAM AND THE CHARGE AGAINST THE DEFENDANTS OF CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS OF AN AUCTIONEER WITHOUT A LICENCE COULD NOT BE UPHELD.
AT THE TIME, THE COURT WAS OF THE OPINION THAT NO LICENCE WAS NEEDED TO CARRY ON THE SORT OF BUSINESS (ALTHOUGH UNDESIRABLE) WHICH THE DEFENDANTS HAD BEEN CARRYING ON, AND THAT THE LAW NOW IN FORCE DID NOT COVER MOCK AUCTIONS.
THE BILL NOW SEEKS TO PROHIBIT MOCK AUCTIONS AND LAYS DOWN A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR FIVE YEARS AGAINST AN OFFENDER FOUND GUILTY ON INDICTMENT OF PROMOTING OR CONDUCTING, OR ASSISTING IN THE PROMOTION OR CONDUCT OF, A MOCK AUCTION.
UNDER THE BILL, A SALE OF GOODS BY WAY OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING WILL BE TAKEN TO BE A MOCK AUCTION IF DURING THE SALE ANY ARTICLE IS SOLD TO A BIDDER AT A PRICE LOWER THAN THE AMOUNT OF THE HIGHEST BID, OR IF ALL OR PART OF THE PRICE PAID IS SUBSEQUENTLY REFUNDED, OR IF PART OR ALL OF THE MONEY HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE PERSON (OR HIS ASSISTANT) CONDUCTING OR PROMOTING THE AUCTION.
AN AUCTION WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED A MOCK AUCTION IF THE RIGHT TO BID FOR ANY ARTICLE IS RESTRICTED TO PERSONS WHO HAVE BOUGHT OR AGREED TO BUY ONE OR MORE ARTICLES* AND IF ANY ARTICLE IS GIVEN AWAY OR OFFERED AS A GIFT, OR IF AN ARTICLE IS WRAPPED OR PLACED IN A CONTAINER WITHOUT THE CONTENTS BEING DISCLOSED.
/HOWEVER......
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
- 5 -
HOWEVER, SALES OF GOODS IN SUPPORT OF CHARITIES ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL.
THE BILL CARRIES A PROVISION WHICH STIPULATES THAT THOSE WHO OPERATE A MOCK AUCTION IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE BILL WILL BE LIABLE TO PAY COMPENSATION TO ANYONE WHO HAS SUFFERED FINANCIAL LOSS AS A RESULT OF HAVING PURCHASED AN ARTICLE AT THE AUCTION.
THE VARIETIES OF ARTICLE FOR SALE AT MOCK AUCTIONS ARE SET OUT IN A PRESCRIBED LIST IN THE BILL. THEY INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PLATES, CLOTHING, PICTURES, CHINA, ANTIQUES, JEWELLERY, HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, ORNAMENTS, MUSICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS AND SO FORTH.
- - 0 -
/6.......
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
6
C.A.S. URGED TO CARRY ON GOOD WORK if « « « K If
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY URGED MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES TO REACT POSITIVELY TO THE FINANCIAL STRINGENCY WHICH THEY WERE NOW SUBJECT TO LIKE EVERY ONE ELSE.
+THE PROBLEM+ HE TOLD C.A.S. MEMBERS, +IS NOT HOW TO GET THE CUTS REINSTATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE -- THOUGH THIS IS A FAIR OBJECTIVE — BUT HOW TO REORGANISE YOUR AFFAIRS SO THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE AS MUCH OF THE SAME KIND OF SERVICE AS POSSIBLE WITH LESS MONEY.+
HE SAID THAT THIS WAS WHAT EVERY DEPARTMENT WAS NOW TRYING TO DO, AND HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT ALL WOULD +EMERGE THE BETTER FOR IT.+
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER PARTY GIVEN BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AT THE GLOUCESTER RESTAURANT, THE GOVERNOR ASSURED THAT A GREAT DEAL WOULD STILL BE DONE IN SPITE OF THE CURRENT RECESSION AND THAT THERE WERE GROUNDS FOR EXPECTING SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE WORLD ECONOMY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
SIR MURRAY ALSO NOTED THAT THROUGHOUT THE PAST YEAR, C.A.S. HAD CONTINUED TO RENDER INVALUABLE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND UNDER THEIR EXPANDED DIRECTIVE THEY HAD VENTURED INTO NEW FIELDS WITH CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH:
+1 AM VERY PLEASED TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN AND TO ENJOY YOUR HOSPITALITY THIS EVENING: PARTICULARLY SO BECAUSE I HAD UNFORTUNATELY TO MISS YOUR ANNUAL DINNER LAST YEAR.
+THROUGHOUT THE PAST YEAR, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES HAVE CONTINUED TO RENDER INVALUABLE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY. UNDER YOUR EXPANDED DIRECTIVE YOU HAVE VENTURED INTO NEW FIELDS, AND WITH CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS. I AM SURE I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY IN THANKING YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK.
+1 KNOW HOW DISAPPOINTED YOU ALL MUST BE THAT YOUR EXPANSION PROGRAMME MUST NOW SUFFER A TEMPORARY SETBACK IN THE FACE OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SITUATION. I SHARE YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT AS THE WORK YOU DO IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE. HONG KONG CANNOT ESCAPE THE EFFECTS OF WORLD-WIDE RECESSION. FOR AS LONG AS THIS CONTINUES, I AM AFRAID WE SHALL BE UNABLE TO DO SOME OF THE THINGS WE WANT TO DO AS QUICKLY AS WE WANT TO DO THEM.
+BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT A GREAT DEAL WILL STILL BE DONE, AND I AGREE WITH YOU, MR. COMMISSIONER, THAT THERE ARE FAIR GROUNDS FOR EXPECTING SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE WORLD ECONOMY BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
/♦BUT MEANWHILE
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
+BUT MEANWHILE YOU ARE SUBJECT TO FINANCIAL STRINGENCY LI KF £&Y2I!ML?E- ' D0 UME vou TO REACT TO THIS POSITIVELY. THE THOUPH Th?sK?I ™L:J?n,£UTS R£IRSTATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE -THOUGH THIS IS A FAIR OBJECTIVE - BUT HOW TO REORGANIZE YOUR AFFAIRS SO THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE AS MUCH OF THE SAME KIND OF POSSIBLE WITH LESS MONEY. THIS IS WHAT EVERY DEPARTMENT rno ?t Tr!YING T0 D0> AND 1 NO DOUBT WILL EMERGE THE BETTER r U»< I I.
C. A. st' C«VtLCAMJ0A?E“,E™AtJN?MWS , & W ™U™.< I HD
IS® L0“ SE"E ™P
aaih +1 KNOW THAT GOOD CHINESE FOOD MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO GET
* WOULD NOT HOLD YOU UP FROM YOUR DINNER ANY LONGER v^nA DEF0RE 1 S,T DOWN, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU ALL TO RAISE* YOUR GLASSES AND DRINK WITH ME A TOAST TO THE C.A.S.+
_____0._____
WEEKEND CAMP FOR 11. T. YOUTH X X X $ $
THE PAK KAU ENGLISH COLLEGE IN KAM TIN AND THE LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISE A RURAL SERVICE VOLUNTEERS’ CAMP TO TAKE PLACE AT THE TSUEN WAN YOUTH TRAINING CAMP FOR 30 N.T. YOUTHS THIS WEEKEND.
THERE WILL BE A TALK ON +THE VALUE AND ROLE OF THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE+ GIVEN BY MR. BILLY WONG, ASSISTANT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER (YUEN LONG) BEFORE THE CAMP STARTS.
THE CAMP PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF A BARBECUE, A GROUP DISCUSSION, TALKS AND SOME RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. A SEMINAR ON +YOUTH LEADERSHIP+ WILL ALSO BE HELD.
THE AIMS OF THE CAMP ARE TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN RURAL COMMUNITY SERVICE BY PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OF THE RURAL MOBILE SERVICE.
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/8
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
- 8 -
TOUGHER PENALTIES PROPOSED FOR WEAPON CARRIERS h it « « n n
TOUGHER PENALTIES ARE PROVIDED FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF POSSESSING OFFENSIVE WEAPONS UNDER A DRAFT BILL PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THE NEW LEGISLATION — KNOWN AS THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 — SEEKS TO RAISE THE PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE OF POSSESSING OFFENSIVE WEAPONS FROM A FINE OF ©1,000 OR IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS TO A FINE OF ©5,000 OR IMPRISONMENT FOR TOO YEARS.
THIS OFFENCE IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE UNDER SECTION 33 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE WHICH NORMALLY CARRIES A MANDATORY MINIMUM CUSTODIAL SENTENCE OF SIX MONTHS BUT DIFFERS FROM IT IN THAT IT MAY BE COMMITTED IN PRIVATE PREMISES.
AT THE SAME TIME, ANOTHER BILL -- THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 — WHICH SEEKS TO MAKE THE COMMON PARTS OF ALL PREMISES "PUBLIC PLACES" IS ALSO GAZETTED TODAY FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THIS WILL MEAN THAT THE CARRYING OF AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE IN THE SHARED OR COMMON PARTS OF ANY BUILDING SUCH AS STAIRCASES, CORRIDORS AND LIFTS, WILL CARRY THE MANDATORY CUSTODIAL SENTENCE PROVIDED IN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION.
THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO TRANSFER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUING PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION PERMITS FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, APPLICATIONS MADE ON BEHALF OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF PERMITS FOR FLAG AND FLOWER DAYS OR OTHER FORMS OF STREET COLLECTIONS ARE PROCESSED INITIALLY BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT BEFORE PERMITS ARE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
THIS PROPOSED TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE’S CURRENT POLICY OF EMPLOYING ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO THE MAXIMUM EFFECT, AND HIVING OFF DUTIES THAT CAN BE CARRIED OUT EQUALLY WELL BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS OR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
IF THE BILL WERE PASSED, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WOULD STILL ACT AS A CONSULTING AUTHORITY, AND TAKE OUT PROSECUTIONS FOR BREAKERS OF CONDITIONS OF PERMIT IF NECESSARY.
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/ 9.....
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975.
9
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT ON SALE if if if if if if
+HONG KONG 1975,+ THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1974, GOES ON SALE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS.
THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THE CHINESE EDITION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED ON THE SAME DAY AS THE ENGLISH VERSION. THE CHINESE EDITION USUALLY FOLLOWED THE ENGLISH BY TOO OR THREE MONTHS.
HOWEVER, THIS YEAR A TEAM OF TRANSLATORS FROM THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE EDITOR OF THE ENGLISH VERSION, TO PRODUCE A SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION.
THE BOOK INCLUDES MORE THAN 70 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 AIRPORT, UNIVERSITIES, TEMPLES, BUTTERFLIES, MODERN ART, MARKETS AND POP STARS. THE ANNUAL PUBLICATION WAS PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
THIS YEAR’S ENGLISH PRINT ORDER HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 23,000 TO 30,000 AFTER LAST YEAR’S EDITION SOLD OUT. THE PRICE HAS BEEN INCREASED SLIGHTLY TO S15.
HONG KONG 1975, ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL LEADING BOOKSTORES AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF HONG KONG 1975 AND A SAMPLE OF
SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS IN IT WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION LATER TODAY.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
FOUNDATIONS FOR WO CHE ESTATE ALMOST COMPLETE ft # « « n ft
PILING WORK FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S WO CHE ESTATE IN SHA TIN IS NOW WELL IN HAND AND TENDERS FOR THE FIRST BUILDING CONTRACT WILL BE INVITED IN MAY.
WO CHE, WHICH IS ADJACENT TO LEK YUEN ESTATE AND ONLY A STONE’S THROW FROM SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION, WILL EVENTUALLY BE THE HOME OF 34,000 PEOPLE.
THE BUILDING CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE TO IN-TOWER BLOCKS AND A GARAGE. THIS PHASE OF WORK WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 2,200 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS TO ACCOMMODATE 15,000 PEOPLE. THESE FLATS, SIMILAR TO THOSE AT 01 MAN ESTATE, WILL ALL HAVE A PRIVATE BALCONY, KITCHEN, TOILET AND SHOWER.
TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR, PILING WORK WILL ALSO START ON THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX WHICH WILL SERVE ESTATE TENANTS AS WELL • AS RESIDENTS IN THE SHA TIN AREA.
WHEN COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1978, THE ESTATE WILL HAVE SIX TWIN-TOWER BLOCKS, THREE SLAB BLOCKS TOGETHER WITH A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AND SIX SCHOOL BUILDINGS. THE SLAB BLOCKS WILL CONTAIN TWO-BEDROOM FLATS EACH OF 590 SQUARE FEET.
HOUSING DEPARTMENT ARCHITECTS HAVE ALSO RESERVED 16 ACRES OF LAND WITHIN THE ESTATE BOUNDARY AS OPEN SPACE FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ESTATE TENANTS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A HOST OF WELFARE FACILITIES TO MEET THEIR NEEDS.
THE BUILDING PROGRAMME OF THE ESTATE IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS, AND RECLAMATION WORK WILL SOON START IN SHA TIN HOI AT HA WO CHE TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE TOO.
APART FROM THE ESTATE BLOCKS, FACILITIES TO BE BUILT ON THE RECLAMATION INCLUDE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO REPLACE THE TEMPORARY WORKS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE VICINITY, A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION, AN AMBULANCE DEPOT AND A FIRE STATION.
ABOUT 1.2 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILLING MATERIAL WILL BE TAKEN FROM BORROW AREAS ADJACENT TO LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD FOR RECLAMATION PURPOSES. THESE BORROW AREAS WILL IN TURN BE FORMED FOR SUBSEQUENT USE.
IN ADDITION, 700 METRES OF RIVER WALL WILL BE BUILT ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER EXTENSION WHICH FLOWS THROUGH THE AREA INTO SHA TIN HOI, PARTLY TO RETAIN THE RECLAMATION AND PARTLY TO PROTECT IT FROM THE SEA.
RECLAMATION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY THIS YEAR AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN JUNE 1976, WHEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL MOVE IN TO START PILING WORK FOR THE SECOND PHASE OF THE ESTATE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
11
HONG KONG MAKES +IMPORTANT PROGRESS* IN CONTROL OF TB n m n « n n
TWO LEADING BRITISH CHEST SPECIALISTS HAVE SUGGESTED THAT MORE HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS BE CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG TO ALERT PEOPLE WITH PERSISTENT COUGH, LOSS OF WEIGHT, FEVER OR OTHER SUSPICIOUS SYMPTOMS, TO GO IMMEDIATELY FOR AN EXAMINATION IN GOVERNMENT CLINICS.
•’•THE LAUNCHING OF SUCH CAMPAIGNS WILL BE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO HASTENING THE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF TUBERCULOSIS,* SAY PROFESSOR J.G. SCADDING AND DR. WALLACE FOX.
PROFESSOR SCADDING WAS PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE AT THE CARDIOTHORACIC INSTITUTE, BROMPTON HOSPITAL, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, AND DR. FOX IS DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL’S TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST DISEASES RESEARCH UNIT.
IHEY HAVE BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS THE PRESENT POSITION OF TUBERCULOSIS AS A HEALTH PROBLEM WITH A VIEW TO ADVISING ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.
IN A JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY AT THE END OF THEIR VISIT HERE, THE TWO SPECIALISTS SAID IMPORTANT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN HONG KONG DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF TUBERCULOSIS.
MUCH OF THIS, THEY SAID, HAD BEEN THE RESULT OF RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT SERVICES, BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND THOSE OF THE ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST DISEASES ASSOCIATION AND HAVEN OF HOPE SANATORIUM IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BRITISH MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL.
THE RESEARCH, WHICH HAS BEEN DIRECTED ESPECIALLY TO THE PROBLEMS EXISTING IN HONG KONG, HAS LED TO IMPORTANT CHANGES IN METHODS OF TREATMENT AND CONTROL.
PROFESSOR SCADDING AND DR. FOX SAID THE RESEARCH HAD ESTABLISHED THAT IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO TREAT MOST PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM TUBERCULOSIS WITHOUT ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL.
+THE SUCCESS OF THIS DEPENDS ON THE AVAILABILITY, THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT CHEST CLINIC SERVICE, OF FULLY SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION OF COMBINATIONS OF ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS DRUGS WHICH HAVE BEEN SHOWN BY RESEARCH TO BE EFFECTIVE IN HONG KONG,* THEY SAID.
BOTH PROFESSOR SCADDING AND DR. FOX SPOKE HIGHLY OF THE B.C.G. PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG, WHICH THEY SAID HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ACHIEVING THE VACCINATION OF AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH PROPORTION OF NEW-BORN INFANTS.
/+THERE IS
Friday, Karch 14, 1975
- 12 -
♦THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THIS HAD BEEN AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE DRAMATIC REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN DEVELOPING SERIOUS FORMS OF TUBERCULOSIS.+
THE SPECIALISTS SAID THAT WITH THE DIMINUTION IN THE NUMBER OF CASES OF TUBERCULOSIS TO BE EXPECTED IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, CLINICS AND HOSPITALS WOULD BE ABLE TO DEVOTE MORE ATTENTION TO OTHER IMPORTANT DISEASES OF THE BRONCHI AND THE LUNGS.
THEY SAID THIS WOULD LEAD TO THE NEED FOR SOME ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES, BUT THESE WOULD BE GRADUAL, AND THEY SAW NO GREAT DIFFICULTY IN PLANNING FOR THEM.
-----0------
CROWN LAND SALE
THE LEASE OF AN 8,700-F00T LOT IN YUEN LONG WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE LAND IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL DEVELOPMENT AND IS SITUATED AT YUEN LONG CENTRAL AREA, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2.30 P.M. ON APRIL 1 AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, TAI PO ROAD, KOWLOON AND AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, TAI PO, SAI KUNG, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON AND ISLAND, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
13
NEW LUXURY COACH SERVICE AT KAI TAK k « if n n ii
PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO AND FROM KAI TAK AIRPORT WILL FIND IT MUCH EASIER TO OBTAIN PUBLIC TRANSPORT WITH THE INTRODUCTION NEXT WEEK OF A NEW LUXURY COACH SERVICE WHICH PROVIDES EXPRESS TRANSPORT BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND HONG KONG ISLAND.
WITH THE BACKING OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THE KOWLOON AND CHINA MOTORS BUS COMPANIES WILL INTRODUCE THE CROSS-HARBOUR COACH SERVICE FROM MONDAY (MARCH 17) BETWEEN THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING AND THE CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS. '
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE NEW SERVICE WOULD BE TRIED OUT FOR A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, AND WOULD BE" OPERATED ON A GUARANTEED SEAT BASIS.
HE SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SERVICE HAD RESULTED FROM DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENTS, TOGETHER WITH THE BUS COMPANIES, IN THEIR CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT.
THE NEW SERVICE, DESIGNATED ROUTE 200, IS IN ADDITION TO A SIMILAR COACH SERVICE, ROUTE 201, INTRODUCED LAST MONTH BY KMB BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND TSIMSHATSUI IN KOWLOON. THE EXISTING 32 FARE FOR ROUTE 201 WILL BE REDUCED TO 31 ONLY WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIRPORT-CENTRAL COACH SERVICE SHOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MAKING IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO GET PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO AND BACK FROM THE AIRPORT.
IT WOULD PARTICULARLY PROVE CONVENT I ENT TO TOURISTS, AS ONE OF ITS FEATURES IS THAT ALL HOTELS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT LIE ALONG THE ROUTE, EACH HAVING AN ADJACENT BUS STOP SERVED BY THE COACH SERVICE, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, IT STOPS IN GLOUCESTER ROAD VERY NEAR TO SOME HOTELS IN CAUSEWAY BAY AREA, HE ADDED.
ROUTE 200, USING 42-SEATER COACHES, WILL OPERATE AT 15-MINUTE FREQUENCY, WITH THE FIRST RUN LEAVING THE CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS AT 7 AM AND THE LAST AT 8.15 PM AND THE FIRST RUN LEAVING THE AIRPORT AT 7.35 AM AND THE LAST AT 7.35 PM. THE FARE IS A FLAT 33.
COACHES BOUND FOR THE AIRPORT WILL TRAVEL VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, PEDDER STREET, CHATER ROAD, MURRAY ROAD, QUEENSWAY, ARSENAL STREET, WATERFRONT ROAD, FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, HONG CHONG ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD, MA TAU WEI ROAD, CHI KIANG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND OLYMPIC AVENUE.
JOURNEYS FROM THE AIRPORT TO CENTRAL WILL OPERATE VIA OLYMPIC AVENUE, TAM KUNG ROAD, MA TAU WEI ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD, HONG CHONG ROAD, CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, WATERFRONT ROAD FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD, WATERFRONT ROAD, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, QUEENSWAY, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET.
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/14
14 -
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1975
GAMES HALL FOR SHAM SHU I PO RESIDENTS ft ft ft ft ft ft
AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL STREET SPORTS GROUND TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
BE BUILT NEXT TO THE BOUNDARY MORE RECREATIONAL SPACE FOR
WORK ON THE HALL WILL BEGIN IN MID-MAY AND TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
IS EXPECTED
IT WILL BE A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL FOR GAMES, GYMNASTICS AF OJHER SOCIAL FUNCTIONS. IT WILL HAVE AN AREA OF ABOUT 26,000 SQoFTo
™E BUILDIWG WILL CONSIST OF A GAMES HALL FOR SPORTS AND BALL GAMES, A 1,OOO-SQUARE-FOOT STAGE FOR OPERAS AND 01 HER PERFORMANCES, AND A SEATING AREA FOR MORE THAN 700 SPEClAlORS. IT COULD ALSO BE USED FOR FILM SHOWS.
PTrtrir°™ER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, LAVATORIES STORE ROOMS, OFFICES AND A COMMITTEE ROOM.
OA1I™E ®AMES HALL WILL BE LOCATED AT THE SOUTH SIDE OF BOUNDARY STREET SPORTS GROUND WHICH IS AT THE CORNER OF SAI YEE STREET AND BOUNDARY STREET.
0 - -
PRISON DEPT RECRUITS GRADUATE m m « a
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR INSPECT A PASSING AT 11 AM TOMORROW INSTITUTE.
OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR. DAVID FORD, WILL OUT PARADE OF ABOUT 60 GRADUATING PRISON OFFICERS (SATURDAY) AT THE STANLEY STAFF TRAINING
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OCCASION.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1975
CONTENTS PACE NO.
THIRTEEN LOTS OF CROWN LAND WITH A TOTAL AREA OF OVER MONTHS0 SQUARE FEET WILL BE aUCT1ONED IN THE NEXT SIX residents in kwun tong will have a new recreation
GROUND BY NEXT YEAR........................................... 2
director of information services addressed 6o graduate assistant prison officers at passing out parade .............. 3
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR PAYMENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DURING EASTER PERIOD .............................. 5
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN......................... 5
4 -
APPLICATION FORMS FOR DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLE LICENCES WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF SUCH VEHICLES....................... 6
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION URGES TEACHERS TO IMPROVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES ................................................... 7
CLEAN-UP DAY AT WONG TAI SIN ESTATE ON SUNDAY................. 8
Issued by Government information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1975
1
LAND SALES FORECAST FOR HEXT SIX MONTHS ft ft ft X ft $
A TOTAL OF 13 LOTS OF CROWN LAND COMPRISING FOUR RESIDENTIAL SITES, ONE RESIDENTIAL/BROADCASTING STUDIO SITE, TWO NON-INDUSTRI AL SITES AND SIX INDUSTRIAL SITES WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE DURING THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS AND SURVEY IN HIS LAND SALES FORECAST FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD BETWEEN APRIL 1, AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1975.
THE TOTAL AREA OF LAND TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 232,060 SQUARE FEET.
IN ADDITION, A FLAT IN KOWLOON WILL BE SOLD IN THE SAME PERIOD.
THE TOTAL AREA OF THE FOUR RESIDENTIAL SITES IS ABOUT 69,950 SQUARE FEET. THEY INCLUDE SITES AT CHUNG HOM KOK ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND MARCONI ROAD IN KOWLOON.
THE RESIDENTIAL/BROADCASTING STUDIO SITE MEASURING 35,000 SQUARE FEET IS SITUATED AT BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON.
OF THE TWO NON-INDUSTRI AL SITES, ONE MEASURING 3,200 SQUARE FEET IS LOCATED IN ABERDEEN WHILE THE OTHER WITH AN AREA OF 18,500 SQUARE FEET IS IN CHAI WAN.
FIVE OF THE SIX INDUSTRIAL SITES RANGING FROM 10,670 SQUARE
FEET TO 23,500 SQUARE FEET ARE SITUATED IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AND SZE SHAN STREET AREAS IN KOWLOON. THE REMAINING LOT IS IN ABERDEEN.
PARTICULARS OF THE LAND SALES FORECAST TOGETHER WITH PLANS SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE LOTS TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.
THEY MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HEADQUARTERS IN TAI PO ROAD, AND THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
COPIES OF THE FORECAST LIST MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE AT ANY OF THE ABOVE OFFICES OR BY WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE.
THE EXACT SALE DATES FOR EACH LOT WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND ADVERTISED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE LANGUAGE NEWSPAPERS IN DUE COURSE.
/AT THS TIKE
SATURDAY, UAP.CH 15, 1975
- ?.
r'J of ADVERTISING, conditions of sale and sale plans WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
THESE PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICES OR AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE IN CENTRAI GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE PROVISIONAL SALES SIX-MONTH PERIOD UP TO SEPTEMBER 30, SEPARATELY IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES
FORECAST LIST FOR THE 1975, WILL EE DISTRIBUTED TODAY.
- - 0
RECREATION GROUND FOR KWUN TONG
RESIDENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL TOWN OF KWUN TONG WILL HAVE A 225,000-SQUARE-FGOT RECREATION GROUND NEXT YEAR.
THE RECREATION GROUND, SITUATED IN HONG NING ROAD, WILL HAVE FOUR MIN I-SOCCER PITCHES, ONE BASKETBALL AND VOLLEY BALL COURT, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND GARDEN AREA.
THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO BUILDINGS. ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING WILL BE A KIOSK AND SHELTER. A CHILDREN’S LIBRARY, WITH AN AREA OF SOME 3,700 SQUARE FEET, WILL OCCUPY THE UPPER FLOOR.
CHANGING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE WHICH ALSO HOUSES THE WATCHMAN’S OFFICE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAI IN PAST YEARS MANY SITES IN KWUN TONG HAD ALREADY BEEN DEVELOPED INTO RECREATION GROUNDS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS NEW PLAYGROUND WOULD FURTHER BENEFIT RESIDENTS OF THIS DENSELY-POPULATED AREA.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/5
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1975
3
STANDARDS OF PRISON RECRUITS RAISED H « ft X X
iHE STANDARDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE RECRUITED BY THE PRISONS DEPART-MEi.i HAVE BEEN HIGHER BOTH IN TERMS OF EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND GENERAL CALIBRE BECAUSE OF COMPETITION FOR POSTS.
ADDRESSING SOME 60 GRADUATE ASSISTANT OFFICERS AT A PASSING OUT PARADE THIS MORNING, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR. DAVID FORD, SAID THAT THE FACT THAT MORE PEOPLE WERE JOINING THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WAS A REFLECTION NOT ONLY OF BETTER PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, BUT ALSO OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WERE ANXIOUS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN A MEANINGFUL WAY.
MR. FORD SAID ONE OF THE MANY DIFFICULT TASKS AHEAD OF THEM WOULD BE THE CARE OF THE EVER INCREASING NUMBER OF YOUNG CRIMINALS WHO HAD COMMITTED VIOLENT CRIMES.
HE BELIEVED THAT THEIR PERSONAL ABILITIES AND THE PERIOD OF TRAINING THEY HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED WOULD ENABLE THEM TO FACE THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL SPEECH OF MR. FORD AT THE PASSING OUT PARADE AT THE STANLEY STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE TODAY:
+IT IS A VERY GREAT PRIVILEGE AND PLEASURE FOR ME TO TAKE YOUR PARADE THIS MORNING.
+MY CLOSE AND HAPPY ASSOCIATION WITH THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT AND MY ADMIRATION FOR IT GOES BACK OVER SEVEN YEARS TO THE TROUBLED DAYS OF 1967 WHEN PRISON OFFICERS WERE CALLED UPON TO SHOULDER A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF EXTRA WORK AS A RESULT OF THE DISTURBANCES. .NOR HAS THE PRESSURE LET UP SINCE THEN AS THE INCREASED AMOUNT
OF CRIME HAS MEANT THAT THE PRISONS HAVE BEEN CROWDED AND THE STRAIN ON PRISON OFFICERS INCREASED.
+1 HAVE SPENT A DAY OR TWO IN STANLEY PRISON MYSELF WHEN IN EASTER OF 1973 THERE WERE A FEW PROBLEMS HERE. THAT PERIOD ENABLED ME TO WITNESS AT CLOSE QUARTERS THE SKILL AND EXPERIENCE WHICH PRISON OFFICERS NEED TO DEAL WITH THE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS IN WHICH THEY INEVITABLY FIND THEMSELVES FROM TIME TO TIME.
+THERE ARE ON PARADE TODAY 60 ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND THERE ARE IN THE DEPARTMENT 227 MORE OFFICERS UNDER TRAINING. IN ADDITION I AM TOLD THERE ARE 158 MORE APPLICANTS ON THE WAITING LIST FOR POSTS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT. THIS ENCOURAGING SITUATION IS, I AM SURE, A REFLECTION NOT ONLY OF THE BETTER PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WHICH HAVE RECENTLY BEEN INTRODUCED, BUT ALSO OF THE FACT THAT THERE IS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHO ARE ANXIOUS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN A MEANINGFUL WAY, AND QUITE RIGHTLY BELIEVE THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO THIS BY JOINING THE PRISONS SERVICE. COMPETITION FOR POSTS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT HAS ENABLED THE COMMISSIONER TO RAISE STANDARDS BOTH IN TERMS OF EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND IN THE GENERAL CALIBRE OF THOSE ACCEPTED. ALL THIS IS VERY ENCOURAGING AND AUGERS WELL FOR THE CONTINUING SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
/+THAT SUCCESS .....
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1975
+THAT SUCCESS DEPENDS UPON TWO THINGS - THE ADEQUACY OF YOUR INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF YOUR STAFF. ALTHOUGH BECAUSE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES SOME OF THE COMMISSIONER’S AMBITIOUS MAJOR BUILDING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE MAY NOW TAKE LONGER TO IMPLEMENT, NEVERTHELESS, THE LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE WILL GO AHEAD AND THE WORK WHICH IS ALREADY BEING DONE TO IMPROVE SECURITY AND FACILITIES IN YOUR INSTITUTIONS WILL CONTINUE. YOU CAN, THEREFORE, LOOK FORWARD TO A STEADY IMPROVEMENT IN CONDITIONS OF WORK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
+EETTER BUILDINGS CAN HELP YOU CARRY OUT YOUR JOB EFFICIENTLY. BUT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS THE SUCCESS OF YOUR DEPARTMENT DEPENDS LARGELY UPON YOUR PERSONAL ABILITY.
+YOURS IS NEVER AN EASY JOB AT THE BEST OF TIMES. AMONGST THE MANY DIFFICULT TASKS AHEAD MANY OF YOU MAY NOW FIND YOURSELVES LOOKING AFTER THE EVER INCREASING NUMBER OF YOUNG CRIMINALS WHO
HAVE
WILL
OVER
DEEN CONVICTED OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE, THIS TASK IN PARTICULAR CALL FOR ALL THE SKILL AND DISCIPLINE WHICH YOUR TRAINING THE PAST SIX MONTHS HAS INSTILLED INTO YOU.
+BUT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE CHOSEN THIS CAREER IN THE FIRST PLACE
IF YOU DID NOT BELIEVE YOU POSSESSED THE PERSONAL QUALITIES NECESSARY TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF IT. NOR WOULD YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THIS STRENUOUS PERIOD OF TRAINING IF YOUR INSTRUCTORS DID NOT HAVE FAITH IN YOUR ABILITY. SO YOU CAN, AND I AM SURE WILL, FACE YOUR FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE.
♦THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN YOU WILL BE SUBJECTED TO ALL SORTS OF PRESSURES. AND YOU MAY OFTEN BE TEMPTED TO ABANDON THE PRINCIPLES WHICH YOU NOW KNOW TO BE RIGHT. BUT THE FINE BEARING, SMARTNESS AND DISCIPLINE WHICH YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED TODAY_LEAVES ME IN NO DOUBT THAT YOU WILL FACE UP lO SUCH CHALLENGES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR AND I WISH YOU ALL EVERY SUCCESS IN THE YEARS AHEAD.+
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1975
- 5 -
PAYMENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DURING EASTER H M H K K K
ARRANGEMENTS SIMILAR TO THOSE MADE FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FOR PAYMENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND OTHER ALLOWANCES, WILL AGAIN BE INTRODUCED AT POST OFFICES AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES LATER THIS MONTH. UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, MOST PEOPLE RECEIVING THESE ALLOWANCES WILL BE ABLE TO GET THEIR MONEY BEFOREHAND IF THEIR PAY DAYS FALL WITHIN THE COMING EASTER HOLIDAYS.
THE EASTER HOLIDAYS WILL BE FROM MARCH 28 TO 31 INCLUSIVE AND THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PAYMENTS WILL BE8
DAYS ON WHICH DAYS ON WHICH
PAYMENTS ARE DUE PAYMENTS CAN BE COLLECTED
MARCH 28 MARCH 25
MARCH 29 MARCH ?6
MARCH 30 MARCH 27
MARCH 31 APRIL 1
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT URGED PEOPLE WHO ARE DUE TO GET THEIR MONEY ON THESE DAYS TO DO SO ON THE ALLOTTED DATES OTHERWISE THEY MAY CAUSE CONGESTION AT THE PAYMENT OFFICES AND MIGHT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. '
_ - - - 0 ----
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN
M « « « K
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN A NUMBER OF STREETS IN TSUEN WAN STARTING FROM 10 A.M. NEXT MONDAY (MARCH 17) FOR BETTER CIRCULATION OF TRAFFIC.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WANG LUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY FROM YEUNG UK ROAD TO MA TAU PA ROAD, FUI YIU KOK STREET TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND, AND LUNG TAK STREET TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
MEANWHILE TSI NG Yl BRIDGE, ALSO IN TSUEN WAN. TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 2 A.M. AND 6 TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (MARCH 18 AND 19).
WILL BE
A.M. NEXT
A SPOKESMAN WAS TO BE CLOSED
APPROPRIATE GUIDE MOTORISTS.
FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE BRIDGE TO FACILITATE LEVELLING SURVEYS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED AT THESE PLACES TO
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/6.......
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1975
6
APPLICATION FORMS FOR DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLE LICENCE K K « « if « « « «
APPLICATION FORMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SCHEME TO INTRODUCE ANNUAL LICENSING OF VEHICLES CARRYING COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS WILL BE SENT OUT TO KNOWN OWNERS OF SUCH VEHICLES BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT DURING THE NEXT THREE WEEKS.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY BY A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN, WHO ADDED THAT ANY OWNER WHO DID NOT RECEIVE AN APPLICATION FORM WITHIN THIS PERIOD SHOULD WRITE TO THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU REQUESTING ONE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANNUAL LICENSING WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE YEAR BEGINNING ON APRIL 1.
ALL VEHICLES USED TO CARRY COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE NEW REQUIREMENT WHICH WOULD ENTAIL AN INSPECTION AT HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION SOME TIME DURING THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. OLDER VEHICLES WOULD BE DEALT WITH FIRST.
+SOME OWNERS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEIR EXISTING LICENCES WILL NOT BE VALID AFTER APRIL 1,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID. HE ASSURED THEM HOWEVER THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE SO. +THE CURRENT LICENCE WHICH ALL CARRIERS OF DANGEROUS GOODS MUST POSSESS WILL CONTINUE IN FORCE UNTIL A VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND PASSED UNDER THE NEW LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT APPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF VEHICLES NOT ALREADY AUTHORISED TO CARRY DANGEROUS GOODS WOULD RECEIVE +SOME PRIORITY*. HE REMINDED ALL OWNERS THAT IT WAS AN OFFENSE TO CARRY DANGEROUS GOODS ON A VEHICLE WITHOUT A LICENSE AND THAT FINES OF UP TO $5,000 PLUS TWO MONTHS IMPRISONMENT COULD BE IMPOSED.
SATURDAY,, MARCH 15, 1975
7
TEACHERS URGED TO IMPROVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES «««««««
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY THIS EVENING URGED TEACHERS TO IMPROVE THEIR TEACHING TECHNIQUES, KEEP UP WITH MODERN EDUCATIONAL TRENDS AND MAINTAIN THEIR INTEREST IN YOUNG PEOPLE.
SPEAKING IN CANTONESE AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT TEACHERS SHOULD READ WIDELY FOR THEIR OWN ENRICHMENT, BE RECEPTIVE TO NEW APPROACHES TO TEACHING AND BE READY TO TRY THEM OUT IN THE CLASSROOM.
♦MORE IMPORTANT STILL, THE TEACHER SHOULD DEVELOP AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE HIS OWN TASTES AND TALENTS. HE SHOULD APPRECIATE THE COMPANIONSHIP OF HIS FELLOW MEN AND WOMEN, WHETHER THEY BE DOCTORS, SHOP ASSISTANTS, FARMERS OR FACTORY WORKERS. HE SHOULD TAKE A LIVELY INTEREST IN THE WORLD BEYOND THE SCHOOL CONFINES.
+IN SHORT, HE SHOULD CONCERN HIMSELF WITH SOME INTERESTS UNCONNECTED WITH EDUCATION IN ORDER THAT HE MAY RUB SHOULDERS WITH HIS FELLOW MEN AND ESCAPE FROM THE POSITION OF UNCHALLENGED AUTHORITY THAT IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH CLASS TEACHING,♦ HE SAID.
IT HAS BEEN SAID VERY OFTEN THAT TEACHERS ARE THE PILLARS OF AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. THE DIRECTOR SAID THIS WAS WORTH REITERATING AT THIS POINT IN TIME +WHEN WE ARE EMBARKING ON AN IMPORTANT PHASE OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WHEN WE ARE FACED WITH A VARIETY OF YOUTH PRODLEMS.+
HE EMPHASISED THAT +THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND THE PROPER NURTURE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE TO BENEFIT FROM THEM MUST DEPEND LARGELY ON THE PERSONAL QUALITIES OF THE TEACHERS, THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND THEIR SKILL.+
IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE WORK DONE BY THE HONG KONG TEACHERS ASSOCIATION MR. TOPLEY SAID HE WELCOMED THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THEM AGAIN SO SOON AFTER THE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAST NOVEMBER.
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/8 ....
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1975
- 8 -
CLEAN-UP DAY AT WONG TAI SIN ESTATE # K K ft M «
IT WILL BE +CLEAN-UP+ DAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE UPPER AND LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATES IN KOWLOON.
TWELVE CLEAN YOUR CITY ACTION GROUPS (CYCS) WILL BE GOING THROUGH THE BUILDINGS, MAIN ROADS AND STREETS OF THE ESTATES WITH BASKETS AND BROOMS TO SWEEP UP RUBBISH AND TIDY UP THE AREA GENERALLY.
THE CYCS WHICH ARE MADE UP OF ABOUT 300 YOUTHS AND CHILDREN, WERE FORMED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES IN THE DISTRICT - EIGHT BY THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, THREE BY THE TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE AND ONE BY THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE (KWUN TONG).
STARTING OFF SHORTLY AFTER 10 A.M. FROM THE COMMUNITY CENTRE THEY WILL FOLLOW THE ROUTE THROUGH MING TAK STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, SHAT IN PASS ROAD, SHEUNG TAK STREET, THEN BACK TO TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD THROUGH CHING TAK STREET, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, AND FINALLY RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THERE WILL BE A BRIEF CEREMONY TO GET THE OPERATION OFF THE GROUND. THIS WILL BE HELD AT THE BASKETBALL COURT OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRE IN CHING TAK STREET AND WILL BE OFFICIATED BY DR. DENNY HUANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND MR. MORRIS MORGAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE GROUPS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR TEAMS EACH RESPONSIBLE FOR A SPECIFIC FUNCTION.
ONE OF THE TEAMS WILL DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS AND'HANDBILLS TO RESIDENTS AND MAKE DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORT WHILE ■ ANOTHER WILL PUT UP POSTERS ON NOTICE BOARDS AND OTHER DISPLAY AREAS THE THIRD TEAM, ACCOMPANIED BY +LAP SAP CHUNG+, WILL MAN THE BROADCAST VAN PLAYING SONGS CONNECTED WITH THE CAMPAIGN AT FIVE DIFFERENT SPOTS. THE FOURTH TEAM WILL DO THE CLEANING UP AS THEY PASS THROUGH THE STREETS AND BUILDINGS IN THE TWO-HOUR OPERATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLEAN-UP.
0 ------
eis ra
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS BUILDING UP A SPECIAL 12-MAN TASK FORCE TO BOOST MANPOWER SUPPLY IN HONG KONG
1
FINAL PHASE OF LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE ALMOST COMPLETE .... 3
WATER CUT IN CENTRAL DISTRICT ON TUESDAY MORNING ...... 3
WORK ON ABERDEEN PILOT TUNNEL PROGRESSING WELL ........ 4
%
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUMDAY, MARCH 16, 1975
1
TASK FORCE TO BOOST MANPOWER SUPPLY ft n « ft n
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS BUILDING UP A SPECIAL 12-MAN TASK FORCE OF HIGHLY-QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED EXPERTS TO BOOST HONG KONG’S SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER,
THE AIM IS TO HELP INDUSTRY CREATE A RESERVOIR OF PROPERLY-TRAINED TECHNOLOGISTS, TECHNICIANS, CRAFTSMEN AND SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS TO KEEP IT AHEAD OF ITS MAIN TRADING RIVALS.
THE EXPERTS ARE DE I NG CAREFULLY RECRUITED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION, WHICH HAS DEEN EXPANDED SINCE THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WAS SET UP IN LATE 1973, THE ENTIRE TRAINING COUNCIL COMPLEX IS SERVICED DY THE DIVISION.
WHEN THE TASK FORCE IS FINALLY ASSEMBLED, EACH MAN WILL BE ASSIGNED TO HELP ONE OF HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR INDUSTRIES - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL, TEXTILES, AUTOMOBILE, DUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING, SHIPBUILDING, CLOTHING, PLASTICS, ELECTRONICS AND PRINTING,
SIX OF THE NEW RECRUITS HAVE ALREADY JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AND THE REST ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN SOON.
THE NEW OFFICERS, AND THEIR SPECIALITIES, ARE 8 MR. AU YEUNG MAN-TAK, (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING)- MR. MAK PING-FUN. (ELECTRICAL)-MR. YEUNG PUI-SANG, (TEXTILE)0 MR. CHONG SHIK-KAM, (AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING)- MR. WONG MAN-KAI, (BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING)- AND MR. MOW NGOl-CHEUNG, (MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING).
THE OTHER OFFICERS TO JOIN LATER WILL COVER SUCH INDUSTRIES AS SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP REPAIRS, CLOTHING, PLASTICS, ELECTRONICS AND PRINTING. THE DIVISION IS HEADED BY MR. HORACE KNIGHT, AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING) AND HIS NEWLY-RECRUITED DEPUTY, MR. T.Y. CHUI- BOTH MEN HAVE WIDE EXPERIENCE IN INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT.
MR. KNIGHT SAID TODAY THAT NEARLY ALL THE NEW OFFICERS IN HIS DIVISION - THOSE ALREADY ON THE STAFF AND THOSE TO COME -HAVE HAD WORKING EXPERIENCE IN EITHER THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTOR OR DOTH.
♦ALL OF THEM ARE EXPERTS IN THEIR OWN FIELDS, AND THEY WILL DE ABLE TO SPEAK TO INDUSTRIALISTS IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE,* HE SAID.
/+WE DELIBERATELY .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 1975
2
+WE DELIBERATELY AIMED OUR RECRUITING EXERCISE AT THIS, BC-'AUSF IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT PEOPLE IN INDUSTRY HAVE THE GREATEST Cr li-IDENCE IN OUR OFFICERS TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNISE AND DISCUSS TRAINING PROBLEMS, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, PROVIDE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THEM.
♦THE NEW OFFICERS - WHO WILL CARRY THE TITLES OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICER OR ASSISTANT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICER - HOLD QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED BY RECOGNISED INSTITUUUTIONS IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS.♦
MR. KNIGHT SAID THE TASK FORCE WOULD TAKE A TOO-PRONGED APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM OF INDUSTRIAL MANPOWER IN HONG KONG.
AS SECRETARIES OF TRAINING BOARDS OF THE TRAINING COUNCIL, THEY WOULD CONDUCT REGULAR MANPOWER SURVEYS IN I ND I VIDUA INDUSTRIES TO FIND OUT THE NEEDS AT ALL LEVELS AND TO BUILD UP A BASIS FOR FUTURE MANPOWER PROJECTION AND PLANNING.
SECONDLY, THEY WOULD ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST EMPLOYERS TO TRAIN IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE, MODERN AND SYSTEMATIC WAY, THE REQUIRED WORKFORCE ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS SHOWN IN THE SURVEYS.
MR. KNIGHT SAID PLANS WERE IN HAND TO SURVEY EVERY MAJOR INDUSTRY AT LEAST ONCE EVERY TOO YEAR.
♦THE DIVISION ALREADY HAS A VERY GOOD FRAMEWORK THROUGH THE PROPER APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEMES ESTABLISHED OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS,♦ HE SAID.
♦STARTING VIRTUALLY FROM SCRATCH, THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN 180 ESTABLISHMENTS USING OUR APPRENTICE-TRAINING SCHEMES, INVOLVING ABOUT 3,000 APPRENTICES WE HAVE PLACED WITH THEM.
♦BUT WE MUST BE FRANK - WE HAVE ONLY JUST SCRATCHED THE SURFACE.
♦TO ILLUSTRATE WHAT I MEAN, THE FIRST MANPOWER SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE DIVISION SHOW THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES NEED 3,000 NEW TECHNICIANS AND 10,000 CRAFTSMEN EVERY YEAR.
♦HOWEVER, WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, AND WITH A MORE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM INDUSTRY, WE SHOULD SEE A CLOSER CORRELATION BETWEEN THE VOLUME AND QUALITY OF TRAINING AND THE MANPOWER NEEDS OF INDUSTRY.*
MR. KNIGHT STRESSED THAT HIS HIGH-POWERED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS WOULD ALWAYS BE WILLING TO ASSIST ANY EMPLOYER WHO NEEDED ADVICE OR HELP ON PRODUCING GREATER SKILLS IN HIS WORKFORCE.
♦OUR SERVICE IS FREE, BUT THE BENEFITS TO OUR INDUSTRIES ARE TREMENDOUS,* HE SAID.
-------o--------
/3
SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 1975
LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE ft ft ft
NEARING COMPLETION H « ft
THE FINAL PHASE OF THE HOUSING ESTATE IS NEARING COMPLETION.
AUTHORITY’S LEI MUK SHUE
TOO OF THE SIX MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ARE BEING HANDED OVER TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR INTAKE. THE OTHER FOUR BLOCKS WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT JUNE.
THE ESTATE IS HOUSING ABOUT 30,000 PEOPLE AT PRESENT AND WILL DE ABLE TO TAKE IN ANOTHER 18,000 PEOPLE.
WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, THE ESTATE WILL BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. THERE WILL BE A LARGE COMMERCIAL CENTRE^AND "O^M^T^TH^
TOGETHER WITH ADEQUATE MARKETING RESIDENTS’ NEEDS.
THE ESTATE WILL ALSO THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND
HAVE A COMMUNITY HALL, A NURSERY, PREMISES FOR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS
- o - -
WATER CUT IN CENTRAL
A NUMBER OF PREMISES
IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL HAVE THEIR
, WATER SUPPLY TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS BEGINNING AT 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MARCH 18) TO FACILITATE A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE WATERWORKS OFFICE’S WASTE DETECTION SECTION
AFFECTED WILL BE THE AREA BOUNDED BY POTTINGER STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, WING WO STREET AND THE SEAFRONT.
- - o - -
SUNDAY MARCH 16, 1975
WORK ON ABERDEEN n ft
PILOT TUNNEL PROSRESSING ft « « n
WHEN YOU DRIVE ALONG MOUNT NICHOLSON ROAD IN THE MID-LEVELS. TRY TO IMAGINE TEAMS OF WORKERS BUSY DRILLING AND BLASTING A TUNNEL SOME 650 FEET BENEATH YOU.
THIS IS NO FANTASY. THE WORKERS ARE ON THE ABERDEEN PILOT TUNNEL PROJECT AND THEY HAVE NOW PROGRESSED NEARLY HALF A MILE FROM THE HAPPY VALLEY END OF THE TUNNEL AND ARE HEADING QUICKLY TOWARDS THE OTHER END AT ABERDEEN.
ACCORDING TO A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN, WORK ON THE PROJECT HAS BEEN PROCEEDING ON SCHEDULE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
THE 86 MILLION PILOT PROJECT WAS UNDERTAKEN TO INVESTIGATE THE ROCK AND SOIL CONDITIONS ALONG THE PROPOSED TUNNEL ALIGNMENT, AND TO FORESTALL PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT ARISE WHEN ACTUAL WORK ON THE TUNNEL DEGINS.
THE PILOT TUNNEL IS ABOUT SEVEN AND A HALF FEET HIGH AND FIVE FEET WIDE. TO ADVANCE A METRE, OR A LITTLE MORE THAN A YARD SOME 40 LBS OF DYNAMITE ARE REQUIRED TO BLAST THE ROCK SURFACE.
ABOUT 25 TONS OF THE DYNAMITE WOULD HAVE BEEN USED BY THE TIME THE TUNNEL IS BROKEN THROUGH, AND TEAMS OF WORKERS ARE NOW WORKING ROUND THE CLOCK TO DURROW THROUGH THE OTHER HALF OF THE 1.2 MILE TUNNEL.
WHILE THEY ARE WORKING UNDERGROUND, ROCK SAMPLES ARE REGULARLY TAKEN OUT FOR ANALYSIS BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS LABORATORIES SO FAR, MOST OF THE SPECIMENS WERE FOUND TO BE GRANITE AND VOLCANIC ROCKS WHICH SHOULD NOT PRESENT ANY MAJOR DIFFICULTY IN THE TUNNELING WORK.
THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE YEARS TO BUILD ONCE OFFICIAL APPROVAL IS GIVEN. ON COMPLETION, IT WILL HAVE TOO TUBES WITH TWO LANES EACH FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, AND WILL GREATLY SHORTEN TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
WEATHER IN FEBRUARY WAS WARMER AND DRIER THAN USUAL ........ 1
CALL FOR MORE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR BLIND WORKSHOP ............ 2
PROGRAMME FOR REORGANISING OF MOORING BUOYS IN VICTORIA HARBOUR INTROUDCED ....................................... 3
CHARITY WALK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL ................................................... 3
THREE-DAY EXHIBITION OF ANTI-DRUG COMPETITIONS AT TAI HANG
TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE ...................................... 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR HEAVY VEHICLES IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD ....................................................... 5
TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN RESERVOIRS STOOD AT 47,423 MILLION GALLONS TODAY ............................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1975
1
FEBRUARY WARMER THAN USUAL ««««««
THE WEATHER LAST MONTH WAS WARMER, SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN USUAL WITH A TOTAL OF 35.7 MM OF RAINFALL WHICH IS 11.2 MM BELOW THE NORMAL AVERAGE FOR FEBRUARY.
DURING THE MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THERE WAS ONLY ONE MAJOR OUTBREAK OF THE WINTER MONSOON. THIS HAD CAUSED THE HOISTING OF THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL BETWEEN 3.20 A.M. AND 4 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 13.
THE MONTH’S WEATHER BEGAN WITH A CLOUDY AND MISTY CONDITION WHICH PERSISTED FOR ONE WEEK.
DURING THIS PERIOD, VISIBILITY AT THE AIRPORT AND IN THE APPROACHES TO THE HARBOUR WAS REDUCED TO LESS THAN 300 METRES ON MANY OCCASIONS. THE FOGGY WEATHER RESULTED IN TEN FLIGHT DIVERSIONS.
ON THE AFTERNOON OF FEBRUARY 7, THE FOG AND MIST WAS CLEARED BY A COLD FRONT WHICH CROSSED THE COAST OF HONG KONG.
THE COLD FRONT ALSO BROUGHT PERIODS OF RAIN WHICH PERSISTED UNTIL FEBRUARY 19, AND CAUSED THE TEMPERATURE TO DIP TO 12.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ON THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 10 - THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED FOR THE MONTH.
WEATHER IN THE LATER HALF OF THE MONTH WAS MAINLY FINE AND DRY.
THE YELLOW OR RED FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN FORCE ON 12 DAYS OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A FULL REPORT ON FEBRUARY’S WEATHER PREPARED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES LATER THIS EVENING.
-----0------
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1975
2
BLIND WORKSHOP WANTS MORE PUBLIC SUPPORT H « « ft H ft
THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND APPEALED TODAY FOR MORE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THE WAY OF REGULAR ORDERS FOR PRODUCTS WHICH ITS WORKSHOP CAN TURN OUT.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY, REV. K.L. STUMPF, SAID THE WORKSHOP WAS NOT JUST A HAVEN FOR THE BLIND AND DISABLED, BUT VIAS PROVIDING THEM WITH EMPLOYMENT AND A CHANCE TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE WORKSHOP COULD TURN OUT A RANGE OF 33 DIFFERENT PRODUCTS FOR HOUSEHOLD. INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL USE. THESE INCLUDED BROOMS OF VARIOUS TYPES, PACKING CASES AND BOXES, BESIDES TABLES, DESK CALENDAR STANDS AND UNIFORMS.
WOODEN DOORS ARE ALSO ONE OF THE ITEMS, REV. STUMPF NOTED AND SAID THAT THE WORKSHOP HAD RECENTLY SECURED AN ORDER FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR DOORS FOR AN HOUSING ESTATE.
MOST OF ITS PRODUCTS ARE SOLD TO THE GOVERNMENT BUT THE SOCIETY WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE SUPPORT FROM PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS ON A LONG-TERM BASIS.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY REV. STUMPF WHEN THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR. THOMAS LEE, HANDED HIM A CHEQUE FOR $500,000 FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND AS AN INTEREST FREE LOAN TO THE SOCIETY TO HELP IT ESTABLISH A WORKING CAPITAL FUND AND TO PAY OFF AN OVERDRAFT.
-----o------
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1975
5
HARBOUR MOORING BUOYS REORGANISED » » X » » 15
A PROGRAMME FOR THE RE-ORGANISATION OF MOORING BUOYS IS NOW BE INTRODUCED WITHIN THE VICTORIA HARBOUR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS RE-ORGANISATION IS TO WIDEN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN FAIRWAYS TO A MINIMUM WIDTH OF 1,300 FEET.
THIS WILL ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE NUMBER OF MOORING BUOYS WILL BE PROVIDED OFF STONECUTTERS ISLAND FOR VESSELS UNDER REPAIR AND THAT SOME MOORINGS BE PROVIDED FOR VESSELS UP TO 900 FEET IN LENGTH. IT WILL ALSO HELP TO RATIONALISE THE NUMBERING OF MOORINGS IN THE HARBOUR.
THE RE-ORGANISATION PROGRAMME WILL EXTEND OVER A PERIOD OF three YEARS„ THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD, NOTICES TO MARINERS WILL BE ISSUED MONTHLY, AS NECESSARY, GIVING DETAILS OF ALTERATIONS DURING THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND PROPOSED ALTERATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH.
- - 0 - -
FUND RAISING WALK FOR HOSPITAL n « « n «
THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT SAVE OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS ORGANISING A FUND RAISING WALK TO BE HELD ON APRIL 20 IN SUPPORT OF THE HOSPITAL.
THE COMMITTEE WILL GIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY WALK AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MARCH 19 (WEDNESDAY) AT 11.30 A.M. AT WONG TAI SIN C.D.O., KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
THE COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF COMMUNITY LEADERS AND PUBLIC SPIRITED CITIZENS IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT IN A JOINT EFFORT TO SAVE THE HOSPITAL FROM CLOSURE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT FUNDS.
THE HOSPITAL WITH 266 BEDS IS SITUATED AT SHAT IN PASS
ROAD IN WONG TAI SIN . IT HAS BEEN OPERATING SINCE I960 AND PROVIDES AN EFFICIENT BUT CHEAP CLINICAL AND OUT PATIENT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY RESIDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT.
NOTES TO EDITORS
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY.
- - o -
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1975
4
DISPLAY OF ANTI-DRUG COMPETITION ENTRIES K H If « « «
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION OF THE MORE INTERESTING AND NOTEWORTHY ENTRIES IN THREE ANTI-DRUG COMPETITIONS SPONSORED BY THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE OPENS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT TONG YAM STREET.
OPENING HOURS EACH DAY WILL BE FROM 10 A.M. TO 10 P.M.
WITH A ONE-HOUR BREAK BETWEEN 6 P.M. AND 7 P.M.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE THE BEST ENTRIES IN THE ESSAY, SLOGAN AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITIONS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE SUPPORTIVE EFFORTS FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN.
THE COMPETITIONS WERE ORGANISED BY SIX SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TAI HANG TUNG AND YAU YAT CHUEN.
ALTOGETHER 427 ENTRIES WERE RECEIVED AND 80 WERE SELECTED FOR SHOWING TO THE PUBLIC.
WINNERS IN EACH COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES ON FRIDAY AT A CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD TO MARK THE COMMUNITY CENTRE’S NINTH ANNIVERSARY.
/ MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1975
- 5 - <
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD n « n a « n \-
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED OH WEDNESDAY \ ’ARCH 19) FOR HEAVY VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG PRINCE EDWARD . D HEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON, IN ORDER .0 FACILITATE TRAFFIC FLOW.
FROM 10 A.M., A GROUND-LEVEL ROUTE WILL BE REINSTATED AT PRINCE EDWARD ROAD FOR WESTBOUND VEHICLES EXCEEDING FIVE TONS DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH FOR HEW SIGNS DIRECTING HEAVY VEHICLE TRAFFIC INTO THE NORTHERN MOST WESTBOUND LANE.
SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON WATERLOO ROAD WILL CONTINUE TO DE DIVERTED VIA EARL STREET, DUT WILL NOW CROSS TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND THEN PROCEED WESTWARD® ALONGSIDE THE PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TEMPORARY FLYOVER 10 REJOIN WATERLOO ROAD HEADING SOUTHWARDS.
MEANWHILE. MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE WHOLE LENGTH OF TSING Yl BRIDGE IN TSUEN WAN WILL DE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR A FEW HOURS IN THE MORNING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND ON WEDNESDAY FROM 2 A.M. TO 6 A.M.
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO ENABLE LEVELLING SURVEYS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE BRIDGE.
APPROPIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL DE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------o-------
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 47,423 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 70.5 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 41,903 MILLION GALLONS.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 36,388 MILLION GALLONS COMPARED WITH 33,543 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR.
PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 72.1 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
A TOTAL OF 7.5 MM (0.30 IN.) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL ODSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 115.0 MM (4.56 IN.).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY STANDS AT 103 MM (4.06 IN.).
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
T-U&&DAY, MARCH -49, 1975
COMTEMTS
PAGE MO.
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO GIVE THEIR
VIEWS ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL TOMORROW ......................... 1
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED IN KWAI CHUNG ROAD.................................................. 2
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN ........................................................ 2
GRAPHIC GUIDE TO BUDGET NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ........ 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
1
BUDGET DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW n « -x a n x
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC STATE OF HONG KONG AND THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIONS AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1975 AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
AT TOMORROW’S SESSION SEVEN MEMBERS WILL SPEAK IN THE FOLLOWING ORDERS DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN, THE HON. WILSON T.S. VIANG, THE HON. LEE QUO-WEI, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG, THE HON. ROGER LOBO, THE HON. MRS. JOYCE SYMONS AND THE HON PETER WILLIAMS.
SPEAKERS ON THE FOLLOWING DAY (THURSDAY) WILL DE THE HON.
JAMES WU MAN-HON. THE HILTON CUEONG-LEEN, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO, THE HON. J.H. BREMRIDGE, DR. THE HON. HARRY S.Y. FANG, THE HON.
MISS KO SIU-WAH, THE HON. LO TAK-SHING AND TOE HON. FRANCIS VUA-HAO TIEN.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TWO-DAY DEBATE WILL DE BROADCAST LIVE ON RHK 2 (CHINESE) AND RHK 4 (ENGLISH) AND ON THE CHINESE SERVICE • OF COMMERCIAL RADIO (CHANNEL ONE).
OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES ON APRIL 2, AND IF NECESSARY, TOE FOLLOWING DAY.
SIX NEW BILLS WILL DE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL AT TOMORROW’S SITTING. THESE ARE THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) DILL, THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) DILL, THE CORONERS (AMENDMENT) DILL, THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) DILL, THE CHINA FLEET CLUB INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) DILL AND THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) DILL.
0
2
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1975
TRAFFIC DIVERSION IN KWAI CHUNG ROAD n ft ft ft ft ft
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL DE INTRODUCED IN KWAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE DEGINNING FROM 11 P.M. ON MARCH 20 (THURSDAY) TO 6 A.M. ON MARCH 21 (FRIDAY).
THESE ARE DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE FALSEWORK FOR A SECTION OF THE INTERCHANGE FLYOVER AT KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO DE DISMANTLED SAFELY.
UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, VEHICLES ON THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD WILL DE DIVERTED INTO LAI KING HILL ROAD AND THEN THROUGH AN UNNAMED SLIP ROAD TO REJOIN KWAI CHUNG ROAD THUS BYPASSING THE WORK AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES LEAVING THE CONTAINER TERMINAL FOR KOWLOON WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW THE UNNAMED ROAD FRONTING THE CONTAINER TERMINAL INTO THE TSUEN WAN“BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND THEN THROUGH KWAI FU ROAD, HING FONG ROAD AND KWAI ON ROAD BEFORE TURNING INTO THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL DE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
■ o • ■ 0 “ ■“ <» o
NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE OPENING IN TSUEN WAN ft a ft ft ft ft
ENQUIRY centre operated by the DISTRICT OFFICE, TSUEN WAN WILL DE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON FRIDAY (MARCH 21) AT 11 AM.
ui. । STRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, MR. J.S. WARRAN,
WILL OFFICIATE Ai HIE OPENING CEREMONY, AT WHICH EIGHT LOCAl 2'™,TAR‘ES T0 CUT A’RIBBOri: THEY ARE MR. DEACON
CHUI, J.P., MR. CHAN PO FONG, J.P., AND MESSRS. PETER YEUNG KGwauK TAI’ C,!AfJ KW0N6 CHU£fJ» w°fJG KAI FU, HO TSI PING AND CHOI YUK VjAHo
CENTRE, THE THIRD OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND CHUNG ON STREET THE HEART OF THE INDUSTRIAL TOWNSHIP. IT HAS FUNCTIONING FOR A MONTH, DURING WHICH PERIOD 4,000 ENQUIRIES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS.
IS SITUATED
, RIGHT IN ACTUALLY BEEN
IT HANDLED ABOUT
THE OTHER TWO PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES ARE SITUATED IN KWAI CHUNG AND SHEK LEI.
IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
NOTE TO EDITORS! YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY COVERED.
_ _ 0 _ _
3
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1975
GRAPHIC GUIDE TO BUDGET AVAILABLE a « « « ft ft
AN EASY GUIDE TO NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET, WHICH WAS PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATE LAST MONTH, HAS BEEN PREPARED IN A HANDY-SIZED EIGHT-PAGE BOOKLET HOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
IT IS *THE 1975-76 BUDGETS A GRAPHIC GUIDE*, A DI-LINGUAL PUBLICATION WHICH FORMS ONE OF A SERIES PUBLISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ANNUAL BUDGET DEBATE.
THE BOOKLET, IN TWO-TONE GREEN, AND CARRYING THE NOW FAMILIAR AND DISTINCTIVE BUDGET DESIGN OF A HONG KONG DOLLAR AND A BATCH OF COMPUTER CARDS, IS AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES. CITY DISTRICT OFFICES WILL ALSO HAVE COPIES LATER THIS WEEK.
THE CONTENTS OF THE GRAPHIC GUIDE INCLUDE A SIMPLE VISUAL CHART SHOWING THE MAJOR SOURCES OF REVENUE AND ANOTHER GIVING THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ON MAJOR SERVICES.
THERE ARE ALSO GRAPHS TO SHOW HOW EXPENDITURE ON VARIOUS SERVICES HAS GROWN SINCE 1964-65 AND HOW BOTH REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE HAVE CLIMBED DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
ALSO AVAILABLE FREE ON REQUEST AT GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ARE THE COMPLETE TEXT OF THE BUDGET SPEECH.
ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT 65 IS A 33-PAGE BOOKLET ENTITLED *THE 1975-76 BUDGETS ECONOMIC BACKGROUND*. A COMPANION VOLUME IS THE *ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT 1961-1973* PRICED AT 64 A COPY.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF THE GRAPHIC GUIDE TO BUDGET WILL BE BOXED SEPARATELY FOR COLLECTION TODAY.
_ _ 0 - -
ROYAL VISIT PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, March 18, 1975
HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II A Brief Biography *******
The Queen was born in London on April 21, 1926, first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, subsequently King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Five weeks later, she was christened in the chapel of Buckingham Palace, and was given the names of Elizabeth Alexandra Mary.
The Princess spent her first years in London* She had her early education at home. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heiress presumptive, her studies were extended to include lessons on constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music, learned to ride, enjoyed swimming, and amateur theatricals. At 11, she enrolled as a girl guide, and later became a sea ranger.
As the Princess grew older, she began to take part in public life. Early in 19^2, she was appointed Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and on her 16th birthday, carried out her first public engagement, when she inspected the regiment. She also began, at about this time, to accompany the King and Queen on many of their tours within the United Kingdom. In 19^ shortly after her 18th birthday, she was appointed a Counsellor of State,'during the King’s absence from Britain on a tour, and for the first time, exercised certain of the functions of the Crown.
/After the •••••
2
After the end of the war, Princess Elizabeth’s public engagements grew in number and frequency, and she travelled extensively to attend public functions throughout the British Isles. Her first official visit overseas took place in 19^7, when she accompanied her parents and her sister Princess Margaret on a tour of South Africa.
Shortly after the return of the royal family from South Africa came the announcement of the engagement of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, (now His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh), son of Prince Andrew of Greece and a great-great-grandson of Queerl Victoria. Their wedding took place in Westminster Abbey on November 20, 19^7-
Prince Charles,.now the Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the throne, was born in 19^8, and his sister Princess Anne, in 1950- The third child of the Queen and the Duke, Prince Andrew, was born in 19^0, and.their fourth, Prince Edward, in 19^4. The Queen and the Duke celebrated their silver wedding in London in 1972.
In 1952, when King George VI’s illness made it inadvisable for him to carry out his projected visit to Australia and New Zealand, the Princess, accompanied by the Duke, took his place, and it was on the first stage of this journey, in Kenya, that she received the news of her father’s death and her own accession to the throne.
The Queen’s coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1955- The ceremony, attended by representatives of the Peers, the Commons and all the great public interests in Britain, the Prime Ministers and leading citizens of the other Commonwealth countries and representatives of foreign states, was brought home to many hundreds of thousands of the Queen’, subjects in a way never before possible.
/For the
5
For the first time in history, the coronation of a British monarch was recorded by television, as well as by sound broadcast, throughout the world.
The Queen acts as host to the heads of state of Commonwealth and other countries when they visit Britain. She receives other notable visitors from overseas, and holds investitures at which she presents orders, decorations and medals to people who have distinguished themselves in public life.
Every year, the Queen entertains some JO,000 people from all sections of the community at royal garden parties. She gives regular luncheon parties, to which people well-known for their activities in widely differing spheres are invited.
In addition, she appears on such public occasions as the services of the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle and other Orders, the Remembrance Day ceremony, and various services at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
The wide range of the Queen’s interests and activities, and the fact that they are recorded and broadcast by mass modern communications media, has brought about a closer relationship between the Queen and her subjects than was possible for any of her predecessors.
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■ ROYAL VISIT PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, March 18, 1975
r« HIS HOY AL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH A Brief Biography ♦ ♦♦♦♦
His Royal Highness the Prince'Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born at Corfu on June 10, 1921, son of Prince Andrew of Greece. When he renounced his royal title in 19^7 and became a British subject, it was under his mothers • family name, Mountbatten, , The Prince went to Britain at an early age to be educated. From a preparatory school, Cheam, he continued on to Gordonstoun.
In January 19^0, he went to sea as a midshipman in the battleship Ramillies and after serving in the cruisers Kent and Shropshire, was appointed at the. end of the year to the battleship Valiant in the Mediterranean Fleet. ■■
A few months later during World War II, came the battle of Cape Matapan, . where he was in charge of a section of searchlight control in Valiant.
After returning to Britain to qualify as a sub-lieutenant, Prince Philip was appointed to the destroyer Wallace. Promoted lieutenant in June 19^2, he became Wallace’s First Lieutenant in the following October.
In July 19^31 he took part in the Sicily landings when Wallace covered the Canadian beachhead. In 1944, he was appointed First Lieutenant in Whelp, and took part in the war against Japan.
/In July 1947
2
In July 1947, the engagement of Lieutenant Mountbatten to Princess Elizabeth was announced. The marriage took place in Westminster Abbey on November 20. Shortly before, King George VI created the bridegroom Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich and a Knight of the Garter% and authorised his use of the prefix ”His Royal Highness1’.
Since the accession of the Queen, the Duke has played an outstanding part in the nation’s life. He holds many important service appointments and acts as patron or president of a large number of organisations of national significance.
He interests himself in scientific and technological research and development,, in the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, and in the conservation and the state of the environment.
The Duke is a Privy Councillor. In September 1952, the Queen declared by Royal Warrant that he had ’’place, pre-eminence and precedence” next to herself on all occasions and in all meetings, except where otherwise provided by Act of Parliament.
In February 1957, it was announced that the Queen had granted to the Duke the style and dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom, and that he should in future be known as ”The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh”.
The Duke has accompanied the Queen on all her Commonwealth tours and state visits overseas since her accession as well as on tours and visits to all parts of the United Kingdom, and on his own account has visited a number of overseas countries.
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■■■ FKlIiiM) —
Ig si Iml
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
<=> •argots
NEW WAYS OF RAISING ADDITIONAL MONEY ADVOCATED BY UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS .................... 1
WILSON WANG BELIEVES THAT HIGHER TAXES AND CHARGES ARE INEVITABLE ........................................... 4
GOVERNMENT URGED TO CONSIDER THE PROSPECT OF INCREASING
SI ANBARD I A X RAlE oaoeooo.«oaooattOooo.ooooe.eoo..o...o... 7
MODIFICATIONS FOR MACAU FERRY WHARF TAX RECOMMENDED ...... 10
SPECIAL LOTTERY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ADVOCATED DY MR. ROGER LOBO ... O • .... O.OO...OO... 0 0 . 0 0 0 aooaoooo.ooooooo... ooooo. 12
REASSESSMENT OF POLICY ON SCHOOL FEE REMISSIONS URGED ... 14
AGREEMENT ON A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO RAISE EXTRA REVENUE FROM BETTING DUTY ALMOST COMPLETE ............... 16
JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED KINGDOM MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ...........«.......IB
RICE IMPORT QUOTA FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1975 '
ANNOUNCED ............................................. 19
GOVERNMENT PLANS TO ISSUE COMMEMORATIVE COLD COINS TO MARK EACH LUNAR NEW YEAR BEGINNING IN 1976 .............. 20
MR. E.l. LEE APPOINTED AS NEW COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS 21
MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLARIFIES MISCONCEPTIONS
REGARDING LEPROSY .................................. 23
TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE TO CELEBRATE ITS NINTH ANNIVERSARY ..................................... 24
BUILDING IN APLEICHAU DECLARED DANGEROUS ................ 25
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
1
ADDITIONAL TAXATION ADVOCATED
TO FORESTALL DELAYS IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ft ft ft ft ft ft
SOME UNOFFICIAL MFMDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ADVOCATED NEW WAYS OF RAISING ADDITIONAL MONEY — INCLUDING THROUGH HIGHER TAXATION — SO AS TO AVOID DELAYING THE MAJOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
OPENING THE BUDGET DEBATE, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN, EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE PROJECTED CUT BACKS IN EXPENDITURE WOULD JEOPARDISE THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES WHICH, HE STRESSED, <-ARE NECESSITIES, NOT LUXURIES.•> ■
<-THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE EQUALLY CONCERNED WITH THE LACK OF PROVISIONS FOR NEW PROPOSALS TO MEET RISING EXPECTATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND FOR THE PROBABLE INCREASE OF DEFENCE COSTS AS FROM APRIL 1976.<•
DR. CHUNG NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD REDUCED ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE IN THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR DY AN AVERAGE OF 10 PER CENT DUT HAD NOT REVEALED WHICH ITEMS HAD DEEN AFFECTED NOR HAD HE INDICATED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CUT BACKS ON THE MAJOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMMES.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO THESE PROGRAMMES, HE STRESSED, AND ANY DELAY MIGHT GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT TAKING THEM SERIOUSLY.
A GOOD GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED COULD HOT IGNORE ITS COMMITMENTS AND ’STOP-GO5 AS IT PLEASED, AND HE WARNED AGAINST OVER-REACTING TOO SENSITIVELY TO THE SHORT-TERM UPS AND DOWNS IN ECONOMIC PROGRESS. THIS WOULD LEAD TO INCONSISTENCY WITH DRASTIC REVERSAL OF EARLIER DECISIONS, SUCH AS IN THE CASE OF THE ABOLITION AND RE-INTRODUCTION OF ENTERTAINMENT TAX. FREQUENT RAPID CHANGES 0.-POLICY COULD IMPAIR THE GOVERNMENT’S CREDIBILITY, HE ADDED.
DR. CHUNG WONDERED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO REDUCE EXPENDITURE IN THE THREE FINANCIAL YEARS FOLLOWING 1975/76 OR LOOK AT OTHER MEANS OF INCREASING THE REVENUE.
THIS WAS IMPORTANT, HE SAID, BECAUSE IT WAS ALWAYS I00 LATE TO MAKE ANY MAJOR CHANGE IN THE BUDGET ONCE IT WAS PRESENTED, DUT THERE WAS STILL TIME TO MAKE SOME IMPORTANT ADJUSTMENTS FOR lIlE FORECAST PERIOD 1976/77 TO 1970/79. THE REDUCTIONS OF 31,709 MILLION, 31.300 MILLION AND 3909 MILLION FOR THESE THREE YlsARS, HE SAID’ WO&LD IN FACT DE MUCH LARGER IF INFLA I ION WAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
/dr. cnunG ooo..
WEKIESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
r? *»
DR. CHUNG SUGGESTED TOO POSSIBLE MEANS OF RAISING ADDITIONAL REVENUE - DY INSTITUTING A TURNOVER TAX OF ONE PER CENT WHICH PRESUMABLY COULD YIELD SOME $2,000 MILLION A YEAR, AND DY SETTING UP A COMPULSORY CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WHICH COULD GENERATE ABOUT $500 MILLION A YEAR BASED ON CONTRIBUTIONS OF FIVE PER CENT FROM EMPLOYERS.
ON TURNOVER TAX. HE NOTED THAT ABOUT 75 PER CENT OF THE 200,000 BUSINESSES REGISTERED IN HONG KONG MADE EXTENSIVE USE OF THE CITY’S COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE WHILE PAYING NO DIRECT TAXATION AND ONLY MINIMAL INDIRECT TAXES.
■o-l THINK IT IS TIME FOR THESE FIRMS TO CONTRIBUTE A FAIR SHARE OF OUR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE,* HE SAID.
THERE WERE MANY OTHER WAYS IN WHICH ADDITIONAL FUNDS COULD BE RAISED, HE ADDED, AND HE HOPED THAT THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE PROPOSED INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE WOULD .DE SUFFICIENTLY WIDE AND COMPREHENSIVE FOR THIS PURPOSE.
HE AGREED THAT THE LOW TAXATION STRUCTURE IN HONG KONG WAS AN ATTRACTION TO FOREIGN INVESTORS, BUT HE DID NOT DEL I EVE THAT INCREASED TAXATION, WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS, WOULD DETER THEM FROM COMING HERE AS THERE WERE OTHER EQUALLY IMPORTANT INCENTIVES, SUCH AS A HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE LABOUR FORCE, INDUSTRIAL PEACE, GOOD SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES AND SO ON.
ON THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES, DR. CHUNG SAID THE UNOFFICIALS SUPPORTED THE PROPOSED DIFFERENTIAL PRICING SYSTEM FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMERS AS IT WAS A SOUND ONE.
HE WAS CONCERNED, HOWEVER, THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO UNDUE HARDSHIP SUCH AS IN THE CASE OF SEVERAL FAMILIES OCCUPYING THE ' SAME FLAT WITH ONE METER. IT WAS HOT UNCOMMON FOR FOUR OR FIVE FAMILIES TO SHARE THE SAME FLAT AND CONSEQUENTLY THE LEVEL OF CONSUMPTION WOULD DE HIGH AND COULD REACH THE THIRD LEVEL FORCING THEM TO PAY THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF $5 PER THOUSAND GALLONS WHEREAS THEY MAY NOT DE ADLE TO AFFORD IT, HE SAID.
^THEREFORE, THERE WILL DE SOME HARDSHIP CASES OF THIS NATURE AND THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WOULD LIKE THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY INTO THIS MATTER TO SEE WHAT PRACTICAL MEANS COULD DE DEVISED TO ALLEVIATE THIS UNFAIR SITUATION WHICH IS CONiRARY tO THE SPIRIT OF THE PROPOSED DIFFERENTIAL PRICING SYSTEM.*
HE ALSO ASKED FOR AN ASSURANCE THAT THE 2,700 GALLONS OF FREE SUPPLY AND THE 16,000-GALLOH LIMIT FOR THE LOWER CHARGE OF $3 PER THOUSAND GALLONS WOULD DE MULTIPLIED DY THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL FLATS FOR COMPUTING WATER CHARGES IN A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING USING ONE COMMON WATER METER FOR ALL THE FLATS.
IN THE CASE OF HON-DOMESTIC WATER USERS, PARTICULARLY INDUSTRY, DR. CHUNG FELT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOT GIVEN A FAIR COMPARISON DETWEEN AH INDUSTRIAL CONSUMER AND A DOMESTIC CONSUMER.
/•THE LATTER
WF^IESW, MABCn 19, 1975
*THE LATTER USES WATER FOR COOK I MG AMD CLEANING AND THAT IS IT > HE SAID. *HOWEVER, AN INDUSTRIAL CONSUMER USES WATER FOR PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES AND GENERATES A CHAIN OF ECONOMIC BENEFITS NOT ONLY TO HIMSELF BUT ALSO TO THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FORM OF TAXES AND TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE FORM OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.*
MANY PEOPLE, HE WENT ON, QUESTIONED WHY THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT APPROACH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR MORE WATER SUPPLIES — HONG KONG’S CHEAPEST SOURCE OF WATER — PARTICULARLY WHEN OIL PRICES TODAY MADE DESALINATION SUCH AN EXPENSE PROCESS.
IF MORE WATER SUPPLIES COULD DE OBTAINED FROM CHINA, HE SAID, *THE AVERAGE COST OF OUR WATER WOULD DE LOWERED AND THE THREAT OF JEOPARDISING THE COMPETITIVE POSITION OF SOME OF OUR EXPORT-ORIENTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES COULD DE REMOVED.*
DR. CHUNG FULLY SUPPORTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO RAISE THE ASSESSMENT PERCENTAGE OF THE VALUE OF SUBSIDISED QUARTERS FROM 7-1/2 PER CENT TO 10 PER CENT. IN FACT, HE FELT THE PERCENTAGE SHOULD DE HIGHER AND SHOULD DE INCREASED YEAR DY YEAR UNTIL IT EQUALS THE FULL MARKET VALUE.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT FURTHER CONSIDERATION DE GIVEN TO INCLUDE OTHER BENEFITS IN KIND INTO THE TAXABLE INCOME OF AN EMPLOYEE.
DR. CHUNG FELT THAT THOSE ENJOYING FREE OR BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE, . TAXED IN RELATION TO THE COST PAID DY EMPLOYERS
SUBSIDISED HOUSING, WERE BEING UNDER FOR SUCH PRIVILEGES.
THIS STATUS IN THE SALARY TAX LAW HAD TWO UNDESIRABLE ASPECTS *IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, IT IS UNFAIR TO THOSE SALARY EARNERS WHO RECEIVE THEIR TOTAL REMUNERATION IN MONETARY FORM WITHOUT SUCH BENEFITS IN KIND. SECONDLY, IT GIVES THE EMPLOYEES WHO LIVE IN FREE AND SUBSIDISED HOUSING THE INCENTIVE TO PRESS THEIR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE OVER-GENEROUS AND OVER-SIZE QUARTERS,* HE SAID.
CASE OF GOVERNMENT AS AN EMPLOYER, EXiRAVACANT USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS.*
THIS WILL MEAN
0
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5.9, 1975
- A -
HIGHER TAXES * I NEV ITABLE* SAYS MR. WILSON WANG
FURTHER INCREASES IN TAXATION AND ON FEES AND CHARGES ARE INEVITABLE IF PLANS AND VISIONS FOR IMPROVED SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SERVICES ARE NOT TO BE JEOPARDISED, THE HON. WILSON WANG SAID DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE.
LIKE DR. S.Y. CHUNG, MR. WANG WAS CONCERNED OVER THE SOCIO-POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS THAT MIGHT FOLLOW THE CUT-BACKS IN EXPENDITURE AND HE FELT THE TIME HAD COME TO TAKE A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE PHILOSOPHIES AND PRINCIPLES OUTLINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHICH MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT BEARING ON FUTURE BUDGETS.
MR. WANG SERVED NOTICE THAT HE WOULD POSE SEARCHING QUESTIONS TO DEPARTMENT HEADS AT A LATER MEETING OF THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE, AND SAID HE WOULD GIVE HIS COMMENTS AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL.
ON REVENUE PROPOSALS, MR. WANG FULLY AGREED THAT CLEAR CUT IDEAS WOULD HAVE TO BE DEVELOPED ON THE VARIOUS ROLES OF THE DIFFERENT FEES AND CHARGES.
HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM LAY IN HOW TO CATEGORISE THE DIFFERENT SERVICES0 AND, SINCE MOST OF THEIR FEES AND CHARGES'HAVE TO DE DESIGNED WITH REFERENCE TO THE COST, HE WONDERED WHETHER THE ‘ GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE THE MACHINERY TO DETERMINE AND TO SHOW IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER, THE INDIVIDUAL COST OF EACH SERVICE FOR WHICH A FEE IS TO BE CHARGED.
*IT APPEARS OBVIOUS THAT IF WE ARE TO AVOID MISINFORMED PUBLIC REACTIONS, AND IMMATURE JUDGMENTS AT ANY TIME WHEN FEES OR CHARGES HAVE TO BE MADE, A MAJOR REFORM IN THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING SYSTEM TO ENABLE SUCH FIGURE TO BE READILY AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME.*
AS TO GOVERNMENT SALARIES, HE SAID THE FIRST PRIORITY SHOULD BE TO DETERMINE THEIR COST IN CONNECTION WITH THE VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED. THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO ASK *WHAT DO WE GET FOR THE AMOUNT SPENT?*
MR. WANG WENT ONa *DOES OUR SOCIETY RECEIVE VALUE FOR THE MONEY SPENT ON SALARIES AND PENSIONS AND ALL FRINGE BENEFITS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVANTS — HOUSING, LEAVE AND PASSAGES, EDUCATION ALLOWANCES, MEDICAL EXPENSES?
*IN SHORT, WE WOULD ALSO WANT TO MAKE AN ASSESSMENT ON THE COST EFFECTIVENESS AND THE PRODUCTIVITY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES. IF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO PREVENT PUBLIC SPECULATION ON THESE MATTERS, THE TIME FOR THEIR COSTING WOULD DE BETTER SOONER THAN LATER.*
/REFERRING TO
VJI'TOirsW, MARCH 19, 1975
REFERRING TO DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXATION, MR. WANG SAID THE RATIO OF 45 TO 55 WAS OFTEN TAKEN AS A GUIDELINE RATIO BETWEEN THESE TV/O FORMS OF TAX BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THOUGH HE HAD NOT EXPLAINED THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS.
HE COULD HOT UNDERSTAND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT O’J THE HEED TO FIND HEW SOURCES OF INDIRECT TAXATION AND TO AVOID BECOMING OVER°DEPENDENT UPON DIRECT TAXATION.,
4-1 WOULD THINK THAT DIRECT TAXATION OF ACTUAL PROFITS WOULD BE A FAIRER PASIS AND REPRESENT A MORE LOGICAL SYSTEM OF TAXATION. OVER“DEPF.[’DEHCE ON INDIRECT TAXATION MIGHT RESULT IN AH UNFAIR PROPORTION OF THE ECONOMIC DURDEN BEING SHOULDERED DY LOCAL DUS INESSMEN AND CONSUMERS,-:- SAID MR. WANG.
*IF AN EMPIRICAL FORMULA HAS TO DE ADOPTED AS A GUIDELINE, AND IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE IN RECENT YEARS, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT A MORE REALISTIC RATIO WOULD DE 55845 — RATHER THAN THE REVERSE.<■
INCREASES ON GENERAL RATES, MR. WANG CONTINUED, WOULD APPEAR AH EASY FORM OF TAXATION TO IMPLEMENT AND WOULD WIDEN THE TAX DASE TO A USEFUL EXTENT.
HOWEVER, HE FELT IT UNWISE TO RAISE GENERAL RATES DUE TO THE FACT THAT RENT LEVELS IN HONG KONG — THE SECOND HIGHEST IN THE WORLD — WOULD CONSTITUTE A HIGH PROPORTION OF COSTS IN ANY COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKING AND A CONSTANT DURDEN UPON EVERY DOMESTIC BUDGET.
RECENT RENT CONTROL POLICIES TOGETHER WITH A POSTPONEMENT OF REASSESSMENT OF RATEABLE VALUE WERE JUST BEGINNING TO DEMONSTRATE A GENERAL STABILITY IN THIS FIELD, AND MR. WANG HOPED THAT HO RETROGRADE STEPS WOULD DE IMPLEMENTED TO UPSET THIS FAVOURADLE TREND.
TOUCHING ON THE STANDARD RATE OF PROFITS TAX, HE FELT IT WAS HIGH TIME TO RECRUIT ALL THE BEST DRAINS AVAILABLE TO GIVE PROFOUND AND REALISTIC THOUGHT TO THE QUESTION OF A REALLY OPTIMUM PERCENTAGE OF STANDARD RATE FOR PROFITS TAX.
MT IS OPPORTUNE BECAUSE WE CAN NO LONGER OVERLOOK, OR DENY THE FACT THAT WE ARE FACING A SITUATION, WHERE A CHOICE MUST BE MADE BETWEEN INCREASING CUR REVENUE BY TAXATION AND CUllING DOWN ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL SERVICES, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRA-STRUCTURE OF OUR ECONOMY.--"-
HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY, UE SAID DEPENDED UPON ITS ABILITY TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTORS, AND A LOW RATE OF TAXATION WOULD ALWAYS DE HELPFUL.
/+Btra 'LOW' .......
VJFWSDAY, KARCH 19, 1975
♦BUT ’LOW’ IS A COMPARATIVE TERM. THE QUEST I OHS ARE 8 HOW LOW SHOULD THE RATE BE SET? ARE THERE HOT OTHER FACTORS THAT EXIST IN FAVOUR OF HONG KONG AS AH ATTRACTIVE VENUE FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS?*
ANY CUT BACK IN EXPENDITURE, HE SAID, WOULD MEAN CUTTING DOWN THE STANDARD OF LIVING, THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SOCIAL WELFARE.
IN ADDITION, THIS MUST HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT UPON THE QUALITY OF THE LABOUR FORCE.
♦THE FURTHER DEFERMENT OF OTHER PROJECTS WILL RESULT IN THE SLOWING DOWN OF THE DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE UPON WHICH OUR ECONOMY DEPENDS
-■.•WOULD NOT SUCH A COURSE DETER FOREIGN INVESTORS EVEN MORE THAN WOULD A FEW PERCENT INCREASE IH THE STANDARD TAX RATE? I WOULD RECOMMEND SERIOUS CONSIDERATION OF THE LATTER COURSE,* HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
- 7 -
HIGHER TAX RATE SUGGESTED
X X X X X
THE HOM. LEE QUO—WE I TODAY CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THE PROSPECT OF INCREASING THE STANDARD RATE OF TAXATION TO FINANCE ITS DEFICIT, BUT INDIRECT TAXATION, HE STRESSED, SHOULD REMAIN SIMPLE AND *NOT TOO HIGH*.
ADDRESSING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, HE NOTED THAT THE PROPOSED EXPENDITURE FOR THE COMING FISCAL YEAR WAS CLEARLY +MUCII MORE THAN OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES CAN PRODUCE AND MUCH LESS THAN OUR SOCIAL PROGRESS REQUIRES.*
POINTING OUT THAT THE FORECAST FOR EXPENDITURES FOR THE THREE YEARS THEREAFTER NEEDED EVEN MORE MONEY, HE SAID FURTHER CURBS IN EXPENDITURE WOULD AFFECT THE INFRASTRUCTURE, PARTICULARLY EMPLOYMENT.
TO BORROW, HE EXPLAINED, MUST NOT EXCEED A CERTAIN LIMIT AND TO FURTHER INCREASE INDIRECT TAX, FEES AND CHARGES COULD AFFECT THE COST OF PRODUCTION AND COST OF LIVING.
HOWEVER, MR. LEE CAUTIONED THAT THE AMOUNT OF ANY INCREASE IN DIRECT TAXATION *IS OF COURSE A MATTER THAT MUST DE GIVEN VERY CAREFUL AND SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TAKING ALL RELATIVE FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT.*
HE ALSO EMPHASISED THAT, ONCE AN INCREASE WAS DECIDED UPON, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INDICATE THAT SUCH A RATE WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR A PERIOD OF YEARS SO AS TO REMOVE ANY UNCERTAINTY OF FURTHER INCREASES AND MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE FOR THE INVESTORS.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID PERSONAL ALLOWANCES SHOULD DE APPROPRIATELY INCREASED IN ORDER TO AVOID HARDSHIP DEING INFLICTED ON THE TAXPAYERS OF LOW INCOME GROUP.
THE PRESENT LOW STANDARD RATE OF 15 PERCENT, HF. SAID, WAS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT ATTRACTIONS.
IF THIS PERCENTAGE WAS COMPARED WITH THOSE OF 45 PERCENT IN INDONESIA, *0 PERCENT IN MALAYSIA, AO PERCENT IN SINGAPORE, 35 PERCENT IN THE PHILIPPINES, 30 PERCENT IN THAILAND, 27 PERCENT IN KOREA AND 25 PERCENT IN TAIWAN, *THERE SEEMS TO DE SOME MARGIN TO PERMIT OUR TAX RATE TO GO UP, IF THERE IS SUCH A NEED.*
COMMENTING ON THE ARGUMENT THAT SOME OF THESE OTHER COUNTRIES NOW OFFERED MORE ATTRACTIVE INCENTIVES FOR INVESTMENTS, HE SAID THE MANY DAS IC FACILITIES THAT WERE UNIQUELY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG SHOULD MORE THAN OFFSET THE LACK OF SUCH INCENTIVES AS EXISTED ELSEWHERE.
*1 AM SURE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MUST HAVE GIVEN CONSTANT THOUGHTS OH WHETHER OUR LOW STANDARD TAX RATE SHOULD DE RAISED. IF IT IS FORCED UPON US TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A DETERIORATING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE WITH LOW TAX RATE AND AN IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE WITH SLIGHTLY HIGHER TAX RATE, I AM SURE THE MAJORITY WOULD PREFER THE LATTER.*
/IlRo LZE OOOOO
WFDNFDDAI, 11 ARCH 19, 1975
8 -
MR. LEE CONTINUED THAT HE COULD CERTAINLY SEE SOME WEAKNESSES IN HAVING TOO HIGH INDIRECT TAX. FEES AND CHARGES IN THAT THEY WOULD RESULT IN ADDED COSTS TO THE PRODUCTION AND, TO A SMALL DEGREE, THE COST OF LIVING.
4-IF THEY ARE TO GO TOO MUCH FURTHER, OUR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS WILL DE AFFECiED. ADDITIONALLY, THEY ARE ALWAYS OPEN TO THE ARGUMENT OF EQUITY,
*THIS IS ESPECIALLY SO IN RESPECT OF THOSE ITEMS WHICH ARE LEVIED FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN THEY JUST HAPPEN TO DE THE CONVENIENT MEDIUM THROUGH WHICH INDIRECT TAX, FEES OR CHARGES CAN DE EFFECTIVELY COLLECTED.*
PERSONALLY, MR. LEE THOUGHT THE TAX STRUCTURE SHOULD DE KEPT AS SIMPLE AS POSS IDLE AND SHOULD HOT HAVE TOO MANY ITEMS OR TOO HIGH AN INCREASE IN INDIRECT TAXATION, FEES AND CHARGES. *HOWEVER, I AM VERY MUCH IN FAVOUR OF ADDITIONS AND INCREASES IN THOSE ITEMS ON A COST OR FRANCHISED BASIS.*
ON THE QUESTION OF FINANCING THE DEFICIT DY CUTS IN EXPENDITURE AND BORROWING, HE SAID THIS COULD ONLY DE A TEMPORARY MEASURE AND OBVIOUSLY COULD NOT DE APPLIED INDEFINITELY.
♦THERE MUST DE A LIMIT — THE RIGHTFUL HOPES AND ASPIRATION OF THE COMMUNITY MUST DE RECOGNISED AND MET.*
HE FELT THAT SUBSTANTIAL CUTS IN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE
- WOULD FURTHER DURDEN THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION WHICH WAS ALREADY AFFECTED DY THE SLACKENING ECONOMY, AND *IT IS A MATTER WHICH DEMANDS URGENT CONSIDERATION.*
THE GOVERNMENT, BEING THE BIGGEST EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG, INCREASED THE STRENGTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT BY 0,509 PEOPLE IN 1974.
IF THE ESTABLISHMENT WAS TO BE LIMITED TO ONLY 1,609 IN 1975-76, MANY MORE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE TO TURN TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR JOBS. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WOULD DE ABOUT 3,009 POST SECONDARY GRADUATES PLUS AROUND 75,009 SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT.
♦BESIDES EMPLOYMENT, OTHER AREAS LIKE HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICINE, TRANSPORT AND SOCIAL WELFARE WILL ALSO INEVITABLY DE AFFECTED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER,* HE SAID.
ON BORROWING, MR. LEE SAID ACCORDING TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S ILLUSTRATION, HE FIGURED THAT THE LOANS OUTSTANDING AT ANY TIME SHOULD BE WITHIN THE RANGE OF 31,009 MILLION AND 31,509 MILLION.
/DUT THIO WOULD
WFDMESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
- 9 -
BUT THIS WOULD BE INSUFFICIENT EVEN TO COVER THE FORECAST DEFICIT OF 32.200 MILLION IN 1976/77. *IN ANY CASE, NOBODY WOULD DISAGREE THAT THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHICH WE SHOULD BE IN DEBT.*
ON THE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, HE SAID ITS FLOATING WAS SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED DUE TO THE WEAKNESS OF THE U.S. DOLLAR TO WHICH HONG KONG WAS LINKED.
THE CONTINUOUS INTERVENTION BY THE GOVERNMENT AND BANKS AS WELL AS THE RECENT DRASTIC REDUCTIONS IN INTEREST RATES HAVE WORKED EFFECTIVELY AT PRESENT TO CHECK THE FURTHER ADVANCE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO A MORE ACCEPTABLE LEVEL, BUT BASICALLY THE RATE MUST DEPEND, LIKE ANY OTHER COMMODITY, ON DEMAND AND SUPPLY.
OFF IXI NG NOW WOULD NOT SERVE ANY USEFUL PURPOSE AS LONG AS THE PRINCIPAL CURRENCIES ARE STILL FLOATING.
IN MANY OTHER OCCASIONS IN THE PAST, THE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAD TO ADVANCE QUITE WIDELY AND YET HONG KONG HAD DEEN ABLE TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION QUITE SUCCESSFULLY.
THE SAME HAD OTHER COUNTRIES. BADLY AFFECTED BY GOODS, HE SAID.
HAPPENED TO WEST GERMANY, JAPAN AND A FEW THEREFORE, HONG KONG BUSINESS WOULD NOT BE TOO THE RATES AS LONG AS THERE ARE DEMAND FOR OUR
/1O.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
10
MODIFICATIONS RECOMMENDED IN MACAU FERRY WHARF TAX it « mt m
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY SUPPORTED THE PROPOSED $5 PASSENGER TAX ON TRAVELLERS TO AND FROM MACAU, BUT RECOMMENDED A REDUCTION OF S3 IN THE CASE OF CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS AND FOR STEERAGE PASSENGERS.
THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG TOLD COUNCIL THAT THE UNOFFICIALS CONSIDERED A $2 TAX ON THESE TOO CLASSES OF PASSENGERS AN EQUITABLE ONE AND THE REDUCTION WOULD COST THE REVENUE ONLY 82.4 MILLION. IN FACT, HE DOUBTED THAT THE LOSS WOULD EVEN REACH THIS LEVEL SINCE THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS TO AND FROM MACAU WAS STEADILY RISING.
MORE PASSENGERS PASSED THROUGH THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL THAN THROUGH KAI TAK AIRPORT, HE SAID, AND YET +THE TERMINAL IS A BLIGHT AND ITS FACILITIES HOPELESSLY OUT OF DATE AND INADEQUATE.*
DESPITE REPEATED EFFORTS, HE WENT ON, HE HAD NOT DEEN ABLE TO PERSUADE THE PUBLIC WORKS SUBCOMMITTEE TO GIVE ANY PRIORITY TO REBUILDING THE TERMINAL OUT OF PUBLIC FUNDS, AND NEITHER HAD THE GOVERNMENT INDICATED WHETHER IT WAS PREPARED TO ACCEPT A • REQUEST FROM A GROUP WITH LARGE INTERESTS IN MACAU'TO DEVELOP A NEW AND MODERN MULTI-STOREY TERMINAL COMPLETE WITH PASSENGER - FACILITIES.
THE GROUP’S PROPOSAL WAS BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF MULTISTOREYED DEVELOPMENT FOR JOINT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE USE AND THE TERMS PROPOSED WERE THAT THE GROUP SHOULD HAVE THE USE AND PROFITS DERIVED FROM THE LOWER FLOORS WHICH WOULD PROVIDE VARIOUS FACILITIES FOR PASSENGERS.
MR. CHEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THIS CONCEPT HAD ALREADY BEEN ACCEPTED BY GOVERNMENT IN THREE OTHER FIELDS AND HE URGED THAT EARLY CONSIDERATION DE GIVEN TO THE GROUP’S PROPOSAL.
ON ANOTHER SUBJECT, MR. CHEUNG SAID THE UNOFFICIALS FELT THAT THE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE APPOINTED NOW AND BEGIN WORK THIS YEAR INSTEAD OF THE NEXT.
+WITH THE DEFICITS THAT FACE US IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, WE CAN BROOK NO DELAY IN RAISING NEW REVENUE, AND RAISING IT AS EQUITABLY AS POSSIBLE,* HE STRESSED. *IN OUR VIEW THIS TASK IS OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY.*
/BASED ON .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
- 11 -
BASED ON VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS, HE ESTIMATED THAT TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE FIVE YEARS 1974/75 TO 1978/79 WOULD AMOUNT TO SOME 339,500 MILLION, BUT MORE THAN THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE RAISED, HE SAID, IF SOCIAL SERVICES WERE TO BE RESTORED TO DESIRABLE LEVELS AND IF PROJECTS OF GREAT NECESSITY WERE TO DE PUT BACK IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
HE WELCOMED EFFORTS TO DEVISE MEANS OF RAISING MORE REVENUE FROM BETTING BY DRAWING GAMBLING AWAY FROM ILLEGAL OUTLETS, AND PERSONALLY WAS CONVINCED THAT VERY SUBSTANTIAL SUMS OF THE ORDER OF 3400 MILLION TO 3500 MILLION A YEAR COULD DE RAISED FROM GAMBLING.
♦THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, INDEED EVEN A CLERGYMAN, SUPPORTS RAISING MORE MONEY FROM THIS SERVICE, AND I WOULD WISH THAT QUICKER PROGRESS CAN BE MADE IN THIS DIRECTION,* HE SAID.
ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, MR. CHEUNG NOTED THAT PROVISION OF 3215 MILLION WAS NOW DE I NG MADE FOR PUDLIC ASSISTANCE AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES COMPARED TO 335.5 MILLION TWO YEARS AGO. AT PRESENT 40,000 CASES WERE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND 50,000 DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES.
+THE MONEY IS DESERVEDLY PAID OUT,* SAID MR. CHEUNG, BUT HE WAS ANXIOUS THAT *ASSI STANCE SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN ONCE THE RECIPIENT CEASES TO FALL WITHIN THE DEFINED CRITERIA.* CONSTANT VIGILANCE HAD TO BE EXCERCISED TO SEE THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN, HE STRESSED.
TOUCHING ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO BORROW FUNDS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS, MR. CHEUNG SAID HE WELCOMED THIS AND AGREED THAT THE FIRST VENTURES IN THIS REGARD SHOULD BE MODEST. HE RESERVED COMMENT ON WHETHER THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S LIMITATIONS AND GUIDELINES WERE CORRECT.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
12
HOUSING l.OTTERY PROPOSED mm
A SPECIAL LOTTERY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WAS ADVOCATED TODAY BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO AS AN ADDITIONAL MEANS TO ASSIST IN THE TASK OF PROVIDING ADEQUATE HOMES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE ’HOUSING LOTTERY’ COULD BE BASED ON 82 TICKETS DRAWN AT REGULAR INTERVALS. THIS, HE TOLD THE OPENING SESSION OF THE BUDGET DEBATE, COULD GENERATE CONSIDERABLE FUNDS AND GIVE ALL THOSE LIVING IN THE GROUP A AND B ESTATES, RESITE AREAS, AS WELL AS THOSE ON THE WAITING LIST, AN OPPORTUNITY OF OWNING A FLAT OF THEIR OWN.
THE CONCEPT OF SUCH A LOTTERY WAS NOT NEW, HE SAID, AND HE FELT THE TIME HAD COME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THE' POSSIBILITY. MR. LOBO APPRECIATED THAT THE MECHANICS OF HIS PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE TO DE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND WORKED OUT.
ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, MR. LODO BELIEVED IT TO BE *A FAIR AND REASONABLE* ONE. BUT IN SOME RESPECTS HE DOUBTED HOW CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO CARRY ON WITHOUT JEOPARDIZING ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACILITIES.
HE NOTED THAT THE AUXILIARY SERVICES HAD SUFFERED SEVERELY IN THE BUDGET, AND HE QUESTIONED THE WISDOM OF RUNNING DOWN THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WHICH HAD SERVED THE COMMUNITY FAITHFULLY IN EMERGENCY AS WELL AS IN NORMAL TIMES FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS.
THE COMMUNITY, HE WARNED, COULD NOW EXPECT TO BE DEPRIVED ■OF A LARGE PART OF THE SERVICES OF THE VOLUNTEERS ON OCCASIONS OF LARGE SCALE EMERGENCY SUCH AS DURING TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS.
*S0 SEVERE IS THE CUT THAT THE CIVIL AID SERVICES ARE FORCED TO REDUCE THEIR STRENGTH BY DISCHARGING 1,500 MEMBERS,* HE SAID. TO THEIR CREDIT, MANY CAS MEMBERS HAD OFFERED TO CONTINUE GIVING THEIR SERVICES WITHOUT THE PAYMENTS NOW MADE TO THEM.
URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE WHOLE QUESTION OF RUNNING DOWN THE CAS, MR. LOBO SAIDa *THIS IS A PEOPLE’S SERVICE IN WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN TAKE AH ACTIVE PART IN LOOKING AFTER THEIR OWN AFFAIRS AND ASSIST THE REGULAR SERVICES WHENEVER THERE IS THE HEED.*
MR. LOBO WONDERED WHETHER CUTS COULD BE AVOIDED BY A CHANGE OF POLICY IN AIR PASSAGES FOR CERTAIN CIVIL SERVANTS FROM FIRST CLASS TO ECONOMY CLASS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
/♦SENDING .....
WTOJESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
*SENDING SOMEONE ON LEAVE BY ECONOMY CLASS MEANS ONLY EIGHTEEN HOURS OF LITTLE OH NO HARDSHIP ONCE A YEAR AS AGAINST TH-: CLOSURE OF PART OF AH IMPORTANT SERVICE-* HE SAID. NOTING THAT THE DIFFERENCE IN FARE STRUCTURE COULD PRODUCE THE FINANCES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN SOME SERVICES HOW PRUNED-
MR. LOBO ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN ON PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD- UNLESS THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WAS ABLE TO PULL OUT A FEW RABBITS FROM HIS HAT. *IIIS VITAL DEPARTMENT WILL HOT DE ABLE TO CARRY OUT ALL ITS FUNCTIONS PROPERLY WITH THE PROPOSED FREEZE OH FUNDS AND PERSONNEL-*
ADDEDs fear SOME MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS MAY BECOME BEAUTIFUL SHOWPIECES WITH IMPRESSIVE EXTERIORS BUT WITH EMPTY. OR PARTLY EMPTY INTERIORS-*
_ L0D0 ALS0 ca*-LED FOR ANOTHER LOOK AT THE PROPOSED CUiS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICES-
THE SUMS INVOLVED,, HE SAID, WERE RELATIVELY SMALL BUT WERE SIGNIFICANT TO THE DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED, AND HE ASKED FOR AH ASSURANCE THAT PRUNING WOULD BE ADJUSTED SO AS TO ENABLE RADIO AND TV SERVICES TO DE MAINTAINED AT CURRENT LEVELS OF OPERATION-
-------0-------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975 - 1A =
REVIEW OF SCHOOL FEE REMISSIONS URGED ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE POLICY OF SCHOOL FEE REMISSIONS AT PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TERTIARY LEVELS SHOULD DE REASSESSED TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT ECONOMIES COULD BE MADE IN THESE DAYS OF FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, THE HON. JOYCE SYMONS SUGGESTED TODAY. •
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, SHE EMPHASISED THAT THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN FROM POOR HOMES MUST CONTI NUE TO DE WELL LOOKED AFTER, BUT SHE QUESTIONED THE JUSTIFICATION FOR SUBSIDISING PARENTS WHO COULD WELL AFFORD TO PAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION.
*OUR YOUNG FOLK CERTAINLY. DESERVE THE BEST, BUT IT MUST BE THE BEST WE CAN AFFORD IN YEARS OF DOUBTFUL ECONOMIC GROWTH13 AND IT IS IN THE HIGHEST INTEREST OF THE YOUNG THAT I URGE CAUTION IN THE WISEST USE OF OUR MONEY TO ENSURE A MEANINGFUL EDUCATION TO THE MANY MORE, BOTH NORMAL AND HANDICAPPED, WE WANT TO PREPARE FOR A RIGHTFUL PLAGE IN SOCIETY,* SHE SAID.
IF THERE WAS ANY DOUBT THAT THE EDUCATION WHITE PAPER COULD NOT DE IMPLEMENTED IN 1976, SHE SAID, A SERIOUS DIALOGUE SHOULD EE STARTED NOW TO STRETCH THE DOLLAR FURTHER IN THE EDUCATION VOTE BY REVIEWING THE POLICY OF THE REMISSION OF FEES AT THE PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TERTIARY LEVELS. SHE WARNED, HOWEVER, THAT IF THE GOVERNMENT DELAYED INITIAL IMPLEMETATION OF THE WHITE PAPER IN 1976, MOST TEACHERS AND PARENTS WOULD RIGHTLY DE MOST CRITICAL.
MRS. SYMONS STRESSED THAT THERE MUST DE A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS WHEN EDUCATION IS DEING PLANNED.
PRIMARY EDUCATION, SHE NOTED, WAS PROVIDED FREE FOR ABOUT 700,000 CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS AT A TOTAL COST OF ABOUT 8572 MILLION A YEAR.
*WHAT IS THE JUSTIFICATION FOR ALL THIS MASSIVE EXPENDITURE TO BE FREE, WHEN MANY OF THESE CHILDREN COME FROM HOMES WHERE THERE IS NO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY?* SHE ASKED. *NATURALLY THOSE CHILDREN WHO COME FROM NEEDY HOMES MUST NOT DE DEPRIVED OF AN EDUCATION, DUT IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE SITUATION NEEDS TO DE REASSESSED.*
AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL, THE RECURRENT COSTS OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS WAS ADOUT 850 MILLION AND OF AIDED SCHOOLS ABOUT $223 MILLION. AT PRESENT FORTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE STUDENTS IN FORMS ONE TO FIVE HAD THEIR FEES REMITTED AND 50 PER CENT OF THOSE IN FORM SIX.
/♦SHOULD WE .....
VIFWSDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
*SHOULD WE REALLY ACCEPT THAT SO HIGH A PROPORTION OF THE PARENTS OF STUDENTS AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL CANNOT AFFORD THE HIGHLY SUBSIDISED FEE OF 3400 PER ANNUM IN FORMS ONE TO FIVE AND 6610 IN FORM SIX?* THIS FEE, SHE ADDED, WAS ITSELF ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION OF THE COST OF THE PLACE TO THE TAX-PAYER.
IN CONTRAST, SPECIAL EDUCATION BADLY NEEDED TO BE EXPANDED ♦AND YET SUCH EXPANSION IS BEING CONTROLLED IN A NIGGARDLY FASHION.*
GOING ON TO TERTIARY EDUCATION, MRS, SYMONS ASKED IF ECONOMISE COULD ALSO NOT DE MADE *DESPITE THE VALIANT AND LEARNED EFFORTS OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE.*
THE COST OF 3250 MILLION FOR ABOUT 7,300 UNDERGRADUATES AND 3,410 (-ULL-TIME POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS WAS STAGGERING, SHE SAID, ON AVERAGE THE FEES IN THE UNIVERSITIES CONSTITUTED ABOUT ONE TENTH OF THE COST AND IN THE POLYTECHNIC VERY MUCH LESS,
MRS. SYMONS WENT ON TO SUGGEST THAT HONG KONG COULD DO WELL TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF A SMALL AUSTRALIAN TOWN WHERE PEOPLE ARE NOW DOING EXTRA WORK ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS IN AN ATTEMPT TO DEAT INFLATION.
THIS IDEA COULD BE CULTIVATED IN HONG KONG, SHE SAID, POINTING TO THE HEED TO MOVE AHEAD AS A COMMUNITY IN THE WHOLE AREA OF HARD WORK, DISCIPLINE AND VIABILITY.
IN PARTICULAR, SHE CALLED OH CIVIL SERVANTS TO WORK WITH RENEWED VIGOUR AND SAID THAT WHILE MANY OFFICERS WERE EXEMPLARY IN THIS, *NOT A FEW WHO ENJOY THE CONTENTS OF THE ’IRON RICE BOWL’ OF GOVERNMENT FORGET THAT MANY IN THE WORLD, AND ESPECIALLY
- IN OUR OWN AREA, HAVE NO WORK AND EMPTY RICE BOWLS.*
COMMENTING ON THE 330.5 MILLION BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE I.C.A.C., MRS, SYMONS SAID THE MONEY WAS IN PROPORTION TO DOTH THE INTRINSIC VALUE OF THE COMMISSION AND THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF HONG KONG.
THIS SUM WOULD BRING IN DIVIDENDS, SHE SAID, BOTH IN THE FORM OF FINES AND CONFISCATED CORRUPT MONEY — AMOUNTING EVEN NOW TO OVER 34 MILLION — AND * IMMEASURABLY MORE SO IN THE CLEANING UP OF THE NASTY PROBLEM OF CORRUPTION IN BOTH HIGH AND LOW PLACES.*
SHE HOPED, HOWEVER THAT +MANY MYSTERIES OF STAFFING COSTS AND PLANNED EXPANSION* OF THE I.C.A.C. WOULD DE REVEALED IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT ABOUT TO DE PUBLISHED.
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
C»
AGREEMENT NEAR ON HIGHER RETTING DUTY n tf n n « n «
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ARE REACHING AGREEMENT ON A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO RAISE EXTRA REVENUE FROM BETTING DUTY, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS DISCLOSED It! THE BUDGET DEDATE TODAY.,
HE DID NOT ELABORATE BUT SAID THE AGREEMENT WOULD GENERATE ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR SOCIAL PROJECTS ON THE ONE HAND, AND MINIMISE THE RISK OF DIVERTING MORE BETTING INTO THE HANDS OF ILLEGAL BOOKMAKERS ON THE OTHERo
IN FACT, THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN A DIVERSION FROM ILLEGAL TO LEGAL BETTING IN GENERAL, HE SAID, AND <-AS WE DUILD AND REFINE OUR LEGAL BETTING FACILITIES THIS SWING WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CONTINUE.
MR. WILLIAMS, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE JOCKEY CLUB, DID NOT AGREE THAT OFF-COURSE BETTING FACILITIES AND THE VARIED BETTING FORMS HAD ENCOURAGED PEOPLE TO DET MORE, RATHER, THEY HAD ENCOURAGED THE PERSON WHO DETS TO DO SO LEGALLY INSTEAD OF THROUGH ILLEGAL CHANNELS.
THE INCREASE IN BETTING THIS YEAR, HE ADDED, HAD COME FROM BETTING ON EXOTIC POOLS WHERE THERE WAS USUALLY A LARGE RETURN FOR A SMALL UNIT STAKE, AND THIS WAS WHERE THE ILLEGAL OPERATORS FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO COMPETE,
MR. WILLIAMS SOUNDED A WARNING THAT GREAT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR TO HONG KONG’S WELL-BEING FROM <CLUMSY AND MISJUDGED CHANGES IN OUR TAX STRUCTURE AND LEVELS,•> ONE EXAMPLE WAS THE SHARP DROP IN TOTAL REVENUE FOLLOWING HIGHER GOVERNMENT CHARGES FOR RUNNING A CAR, AND HE WAS SURPRISED THAT THIS HAD HOT DEEN REVIEWED ALTHOUGH HE APPRECIATED THAT OTHER POLICY CONSIDERATIONS MIGHT DE INVOLVED.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE ECONOMIC SUCCESS OF HONG KONG LAY IN ITS COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL SENSITIVITY. WHETHER OUTSIDERS SET UP BUSINESS HERE OR WHETHER THE WORLD DOES DUS I NESS WITH HONG KONG, HE SAID, DEPENDS GREATLY ON OUR TAX STRUCTURE AND FISCAL POLICIES.
MR. WILLIAMS SHARED HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES’ DISAPPOINTMENT THAT ALL ROUND EXPENDITURE MUST BE CUT AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE CHANGED.
HE STRONGLY SUPPORTED MR. ROGER LOBO’S PLEA TO AVOID CUT BACKS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICES. <■THESE PROVIDE A SERVICE POLITICALLY AND SOCIALLY VITAL IN DIFFICULT TIMES AND THE AMOUNTS ARE NOT LARGE. •>
/TOUCHING ON .....
nEnrnssDAY, march 19, 1975
- 17 -
A n.u nrSn,mTuLTS^l^f'IC,AL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE
A DIVIDEND WITHHOLDING TAX NEXT YEAR, MR. WILLIAMS SAID IT WAS MOS 1 DISAPPOINTING THAT IT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN ONE YEAR BEFORE THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE WOULD BE
TI1E V,EWS 0F Tt!E PUDI-1C OH THIS SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE TAX STRUC»URE COULD DE CONSIDERED.
-*v F,E FlfJAf]CIAL SECRETARY’S PROMISE THAT THE WITHHOLDING
TAX WOULD DE A MODEST AND REASONABLE ONE, MR. WILLIAMS FELT IT WOULD Si ILL DE A CONTENliOUS ISSUE DECAUSE OF THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES INVOLVED AND POTENTIAL INEQUITIES.
mao, nATHEn C0MPLEX LEGISLATION, HE POINTED OUT, IT WOULD
f'OST DES!nADLY REQUIRE TAX TREATIES WITH OTHER COUNTRIES AND THIS WOULD 1AKE TIME.
- - 0 - -
/18......
18 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED KINGDOM MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
M M it M it
DISCUSSIONS ARE PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE FUTURE FORCE LEVEL APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG IN THE LONG TERM AND ITS FINANCING.
THE OUTCOME OF THESE DISCUSSIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE AND EMBODIED IN A NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT, WHICH WILL RUN FROM 1ST APRIL 1976.
MEANWHILE BOTH GOVERNMENTS ARE AGREED THAT EARLY REDUCTIONS CAN BE MADE IN THE LEVEL OF THE GARRISON IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRESENT DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT. ACCORDINGLY ELEMENTS AMOUNTING TO APPROXIMATELY ONE MAJOR UNIT WILL BE WITHDRAWN DURING THE NEXT 18 MONTHS.
THESE ARE s-
ROYAL NAVY. SOME SMALL REDUCTION IN NAVAL STRENGTH AND SUPPORT.
ARMY. THE WITHDRAWAL OF C SQUADRON, 1 ROYAL TANK REGIMENT ~AND 20 LIGHT REGIMENT, ROYAL ARTILLERY, LESS ONE BATTERY. AT THE SAME TIME A NUMBER OF RELATED REORGAN I SATI ORAL MEASURES ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE DISBANDMENT OF 54 (HONG KONG) SUPPORT SQUADRON, ROYAL ENGINEERS AND 414, PACK TRANSPORT TROOP, ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT. 415 MARITIME TROOP, ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT, WILL BE REDUCED IN STRENGTH. lOGETHER WITH THESE MEASURES THERE WILL DE CONSEQUENT REDUCTIONS IN SUPPORTING SERVICES AND IN HEADQUARTERS.
ROYAL AIR FORCE. THERE WILL DE SOME REDUCTIONS IN THE "—" STRENGTH OF RAF KAI TAK.
I
THESE ECONOMIES IN SERVICE MANPOWER WILL LEAD TO A REDUCTION OF ABOUT 2OO LOCALLY ENLISTED PERSONNEL AMD 300 LOCALLY ENLISTED CIVILIANS. REDUNDANCY TERMS FOR LOCALLY ENLISTED CIVILIANS WILL DE IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING REGULATIONS.
0
/19
OOOOOO
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
1? -
NEW RICE IMPORT QUOTA ANNOUNCED SUPPLY POSITION HEALTHY n n n n n «
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE RICE IMPORT QUOTA FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1975 HAS DEEN FIXED AT 76,212 METRIC TONS*
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (TRADE), MR. PAUL WONG, EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW QUOTA — SMALLER THAN, THE PREVIOUS QUARTER’S QUOTA DY 2,170 METRIC TONS — TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE RELATIVELY LARGE STOCK (63,000 METRIC TONS) IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT AND THE IMPROVED OVERSEAS’ SUPPLY POSITION.
THE RICE CROPS POSITION IN THE REGION WAS ALSO FAVOURABLE, HE ADDED.
THE DECISION TO ISSUE A REDUCED QUOTA IS ALSO IN KEEPING WITH IAST YEAR’S RECOMMENDATION BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND SHOULD HAVE NO EFFECT ON RETAIL PRICES OR ON THE AVAILABILITY OF THE GRAIN ON THE LOCAL MARKET.
SINCE JANUARY 1, THIS YEAR, HONG KONG HAS IMPORTED A TOTAL OF 64,252 METRIC TONS OF RICE. OF THIS AMOUNT, CHINA SUPPLIED 27,067 METRIC TONS AND THAILAND 32,599 METRIC TONS. THE BALANCE WAS FROM THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA.
TIMEo 1852 HOURS/MAN/ MARCH 19, 1975.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 197!>
20 «
COMMEMORATIVE COINS FOR LUNAR HEW YEARS
X X X X X X
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO ISSUE A SERIES OF 12 SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COINS TO MARK EACH LUNAR HEW YEAR EEGINNING IN 1976, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, DISCLOSED TODAY. t
HE ANNOUNCED THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN HE MOVED A RESOLUTION TO SEEK APPROVAL FOR SETTING UP THE ♦SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT* WHICH WOULD ENABLE HIM TO ISSUE AND DEAL WITH SPECIAL AND COMMEMORATIVE COINS.
THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SUSPENSE ACCOUNT WHICH SHALL HOT, AT ANY TIME, DE IN DEBT TO AN AMOUNT EXCEEDING 820 MILLION.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO ISSUE UNDER THIS SUSPENSE ACCOUNT A' SPECIAL 81,000 GOLD COIN TO MARK THE VISIT TO HONG KONG BY THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.
THIS WOULD DE THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF 14 GOLD COINS WHICH, BESIDES DE I NG A SPECIAL LEGAL TENDER, WOULD HAVE COLLECTOR APPEAL.
FOR THE OTHER COINS, HE POINTED OUT THAT LUNAR NEW YEARS REPEAT THEMSELVES IN A 12-YEAR CYCLE.
*WHAT WE HAVE TENTATIVELY IN MIND IS THIS 8 BEGINNING IN 1976, EACH LUNAR YEAR WOULD DE MARKED BY THE ISSUE OF A GOLD COIN. THE OBVERSE SIDE OF THE COIN WOULD DEAR A PORTRAIT OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN AND THE REVERSE WILL DEPICT THE ANIMAL ASSOCIATED WITH THE LUNAR YEAR OF ISSUE.
*THE FIRST OF THESE LUNAR NEW YEAR COINS WOULD, THEREFORE, SHOW A DRAGON ON THE REVERSE SIDE,* HE SAID.
THIS WOULD MAKE A TOTAL OF 13 COINS, *BUT SO AS NOT TO DISCOURAGE THOSE COLLECTORS WHO FIND THE NUMBER 13 UNLUCKY, A SET OF 14 COINS WOULD BE MADE. THE 14TH COIN WOULD BE ISSUED TO MARK A FUTURE NOTEWORTHY AND IMPORTANT EVENT, AS YET UNDETERMINED.*
IN ADDITION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID A SPECIAL HIGH QUALITY CASE CONTAINING 14 COIN WELLS WOULD BE DESIGNED AND SOLD TO THOSE WHO DECIDED TO COLLECT THE FULL SET OF COINS.
*IN MY VIEW, A COMPLETE SET WOULD PROVE TO BE A VERY VALUABLE INVESTMENT INDEED TO HAND DOWN TO OUR GRANDCHILDREN.*
REFERRING TO THE COIN TO BE ISSUED IN MAY FOR THE QUEEN’S VISIT, HE SAID THAT THIS FINE QUALITY COIN, TO BE ISSUED IN PROOF AND IN UNCIRCULATED CONDITION, WOULD NOT ONLY SERVE TO COMMEMORATE A UNIQUE EVENT BUT ALSO, THROUGH THE OVERSEAS MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS BEING MADE, FURTHER ENHANCE HONG KONG’S IMAGE ABROAD.
FULL DETAILS OF THE COIN AND THE SALES ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE RELEASED SHORTLY, HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
- 21 ™
NO NARCOTICS COMMISSIONER ASPffltNEED
X X X X X
THE APPOINTMENT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY OF MR. E.l. LEE AS THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS TO SUCCEED MR. NORMAN ROLPH WHO LEAVES HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (MARCH 21) 011 PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE.
MR. LEE IS CURRENTLY DEPUTY SECRETARY IN CHARGE OF THE MANAGEMENT UNIT OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT.
MR. ROLPH WILL DE LEAVING HONG KONG AFTER SERVING ALMOST 30 YEARS WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
HE FIRST JOINED AS A POLICE CADET IN 1946 AND LATER THAT YEAR WAS APPOINTED AN ASSISTANT SUPER INTENDANT, WHICH WAS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS CULMINATING IN HIS APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN I960.
DURING HIS SERVICE WITH THE POLICE HE WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN 1961 AND THE OUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN 1966.
MR. ROLPH LEFT THE POLICE FORCE IN 1972 AND ASSUMED THE NEWLY CREATED POST OF COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS IN AUGUST OF THE SAME YEAR.
IN THIS POSITION, HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ERADICATION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND FOR THE REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS.
HIS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE NARCOTICS FIELD IN THE POLICE PROVED INVALUABLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT PLANS WHICH LED PROGRESSIVELY FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE PILOT SCHEME IN 1972 TO THE PREPARATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE PROBLEM OF DANGEROUS DRUGS IN HONS KONG APPROVED DY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HI MAY LAST YEAR.
IN JANUARY 1973, MR. ROLPH WAS AWARDED THE O.B.E.
MR. LEE SERVED IN TANGANYIKA AS A DISTRICT COMMISSIONER AND IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE FROM 1950 DEFORE TRANSFERRING TO HONG KONG IN 1961 AS A SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, STAFF GRADE B, IN I960.
IN JUNE 1972 HE WAS SECONDED FOR SPECIAL DUTIES WITH THE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, MCKINSEY AND CO., WHO HAD BEEN HIRED TO EXAMINE THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT. ON THE CONSULTANTS3 DEPARTURE IN JULY 1973 MR. LEE WAS APPOINTED TO HEAD THE NEW UNIT CREATED TO OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS.
/I’moR to
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
22 -
PRIOR TO HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY SECRETARY (MANAGEMENT) HE HELD A NUMBER OF SENIOR POSTS INCLUDING DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
HIS APPOINTMENTS IN THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WHERE HE HELD THE EX-OFFICIO RANKS OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, HAVE GIVEN HIM CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE OF THE METHODS USED AND THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN COMBATTING THE TRAFFICKING IN DANGEROUS DRUGS, BOTH LOCALLY AND OH AH INTERNATIONAL SCALE.
IN THIS LATTER FIELD HE ATTENDED THE FIRST REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTICS DRUGS HELD IN CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, IN 1971.
MR. LEE WAS AWARDED THE O^B.E. IN JUNE 1973.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
25 -
leprosy cases clarified
XXX
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WISHES TO CLARIFY THE POSITION IN REGARD TO LEPROSY AS A DISEASE AND THE LEPROSY CASES IN THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL. . r ’
THERF SEEMS TO DE A NUMBER OF MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING THE NATURE AND THE MODE OF TRANSMISSION OF THE DISEASE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY EMPHASISED THAT LEPROSY HAS DEEN SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO DE A DISEASE OF LOW INFECTIVITY, AND TRANSMISSION EVEN THROUGH LONG AND CLOSE CONTACT DOES HOT INVARIABLY HAPPEN.
THE DISEASE IS NOT TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE AIR. IT IS ALSO NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE DISEASE TO DE TRANSMITTED THROUGH EXCRETA OR THROUGH CONTAMINATION OF FOOD. OR DRINK.
IN FACT. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, WHO, RECOMMENDED THAT ISOLATION OF LEPROSY CASES IS HOT NECESSARY BECAUSE ONCE A PATIENT IS UNDER TREATMENT HE IS RAPIDLY RENDERED NON-INFECT!OUS.
THE OLD BELIEFS THAT LEPROSY IS HEREDITARY OR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED ARE TOTALLY UNFOUNDED.
AS FOR THE PRESENT PATIENTS IN LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL, THE MAIN REASON WHY THE MAJORITY ARE DE I NG ACCOMMODATED THERE IS BECAUSE THEY ARE HOT REALLY PATIENTS IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD, BUT HAVING HO HOMES TO GO TO THEY ARE GIVEN -s-HOSTEL* ACCOMMODATION IN THE HOSPITAL. A FEW OF THESE CASES ARE THERE ALSO BECAUSE THEY REQUIRE ATTENTION FOR THEIR RESIDUAL DEFORMITIES. THE CASES AT LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL, THEREFORE, POSE HO SIGNIFICANT HEALTH THREATS TO THE STAFF AND OTHER PATIENTS AT THE HOSPITAL ITSELF AS WELL AS PEOPLE IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
AS FOR THE FACILITIES FOR THIS GROUP OF PATIENTS AT THE HOSPITAL, IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THESE ARE MEDICALLY ADEQUATE. IT IS TO DE POINTED OUT THAT THE PATIENTS THEMSELVES ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT AND ARE WELL SETTLED IN THE NEW ENVIRONMENT.
NOTE TO ED I TORS3
IN VIEW OF THE PRESS INTEREST IN THIS MATTER, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES CORDIALLY INVITES MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO PAY A VISIT TO THE LEPROSY WARD OF THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE LOWER MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, NOT LATER THAN 10.30 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY 20TH MARCH, 1975). HOWEVER, FOR ETHICAL REASONS AND TO SAFEGUARD THE PRIVACY OF THE PATIENTS, MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED TO ENSURE THAT HO PHOTOS ARE TO DE TAKEN.
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/2'>
oooooo
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
COMMUNITY CENTRE CELEBRATES 9TH ANNIVERSARY n m n h
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HANG TUNG WILL CELEBRATE ITS NINTH ANNIVERSARY BY ORGANISING AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT OH FRIDAY (MARCH 21) FOR CHILDREN AND RESIDENTS OF THE AREA, GUESTS FROM SCHOOLS AND WELFARE AGENCIES WILL ALSO BE INVITED FOR THE OCCASION,
THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN AT 7,39 PoM. WITH A BRIEF OPENING CEREMONY OFFICIATED DY MR, ALFRED CHUI, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (OPERATIONS)„
AT THE SAME TIME, WINNERS OF COMPETITIONS ORGANISED OR ' SPONSORED DY THE CENTRE, INCLUDING COMPETITIONS ON ANTI-DRUG SLOGAN, ESSAY AND POSTER DESIGN, WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES,, '
THE PERFORMANCES TO FOLLOW WILL INCLUDE CHINESE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, FOLK SONGS AND DANCES, AND A PLAY,
THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE WAS OPENED IN 1966 AND APART FROM OFFICES OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION UNDER WHICH IT OPERATES, PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION FOR OTHER TYPES OF SOCIAL WELFARE WORK, ONE OF THESE IS A DEAF CLUD RUN BY THE REHABILITATION DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ANOTHER IS THE LUTHERAN WORLD SERVICE’S DAY NURSERY,,
LATER THIS MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY DIVISION’S FIELD UNIT FOR SHEK KIP ME! AREA WILL ALSO DE MOVING INTO PREMISES - IN THE CENTRE,
THE COMMUNITY CENTRE PROVIDES A CENTRALISED BASE IN TAI HANG TUNG FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND SERVICE GROUPS INTERESTED IN DOING COMMUNITY WORK OH A VOLUNTARY BASIS, MEMBERSHIP IN THESE GROUPS STAND AT 735 MADE UP INTO FOUR SELF-PRCSRAMMI NG GROUPS, 17 INTEREST GROUPS AND 21 CLUD GROUPS,
ITS LIBRARY WHICH SERVES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD HAS 16,055 BOOKS IN STOCK AND 6,213 REGISTERED BORROWERS., NEARLY 909 PEOPLE USE ITS FACILITIES DAILY,
THE CENTRE IS ALSO THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICES UNIT WHICH OPERATES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BRINGING BOOKS AND ARRANGING VARIOUS TYPES OF ACTIVITIES FOR VILLAGE YOUTH,
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/25
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1975
- 25 -
PRE-WAR BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS it et it it it
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED BUILDING AT NO. 231 MAIN STREET, APLEICHAU CONDITION.
A TWO-STOREY PRE-WAR TO BE IN A DANGEROUS
BUILDING SURVEYOR
ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT
THIS BUILDING HAD BEEN UNDER PERIODIC OBSERVATION FOR SOME TIME IN VIEW OF ITS ADVANCED STATE OF DETERIORATION, FOLLOWING THE
RECEIPT OF A COMPLAINT.
IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SAGGED MAIN ROOF TIMBERS, SEVERELY BULGED NORTH-WEST FLANK WALL AND THE ROTTED STATE OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBERWORK AROUND THE STAIRCASE AREA OF THE BUILDING WOULD LEAD TO A COLLAPSE. IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO ORDER THE CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION OF THIS BUILDING.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON APRIL 16 WAS POSTED TODAY.
_ _ 0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT URGED TO JOIN FORCES WITH PRIVATE INVESTORS TO CREATE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES............................. 1
CALL FOR REINSTATEMENT OF DEPENDENT PARENTS TAX ALLOWANCE . 4
POSITIVE POLICY NEEDED FOR MANAGEMENT OF RESERVES ........... 6
OPEN UP RESERVOIR AREAS FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES — SAYS BREMRIDGE ................................................ 8
CONCERN OVER STAFFING REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW HOSPITALS AND CLINICS .................................................... 10
GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN TO PROMOTE SOCIAL SERVICES WELCOMED .. 12
REAPPRAISAL OF HONG KONG’S APPROACH TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION URGED........................................... 14
DEBATE ON SEVEN BILLS ADJOURNED AT LEGCO ................... 16
ANNOUNCEMENT OF LOAN SCHEME TO ASSIST HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE STUDENTS .......................................... 17
MAJOR MANPOWER SURVEY OF BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY.................................................... 10
JOINT EXHIBITION OF 12 SECONDARY SCHOOLS .................. 19
ADMISSION FORMS OF CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION AVAILABLE TO
PRIVATE CANDIDATES ........................................
JAMES HAYES TO BECOME NEW DISTRICT OFFICER OF TSUEN WAN ... 20
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975.
UNOFFICIAL CALLS FOR JOINT GOVERNMENT/PRIVATE VENTURES TO CREATE MORE JOBS ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY URGED TO ENCOURAGE AND WORK TOGETHER WITH PRIVATE INVESTORS TO CREATE MORE INDUSTRIAL AND BUILDING PROJECTS WHICH, THE HON. JAMES WU SAID, WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO EASE THE CURRENT UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR. WU EXPRESSED GRAVE CONCERN OVER THE *DETERIORATING SITUATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN OUR MIDST AT THE MOMENT.*
HE ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 100,000 TO 150,000 OR OVER 10 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL WORKING POPULATION WERE OUT OF A JOB AT PRESENT. +THE IMMEDIATE PROSPECT COULD EVEN BE DIMMER WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF SCHOOL-LEAVERS, POST-SECONDARY AND UNIVERSITY GRADUATES AND REDUCED GOVERNMENT RECRUITMENT.*
ALTHOUGH THE LOCAL POPULATION MUCH PREFERRED TO *FEED BY THEIR OWN EFFORTS THAN TO LIVE ON RELIEF,* MR. WU SAID THERE APPEARED TO BE NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY WHICH JOINTLY OR SEPARATELY ACTED AT THE MOMENT TO PROVIDE DECISIVE AND IMMEDIATE MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE OR MODERATE THIS PROBLEM OF GREAT URGENCY.
HE SHARED THE FEELING OF A CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIST THAT FISCAL BUDGETARY POLICIES DEALING WITH TAXES AND PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, IN CO-OPERATION WITH STABLISING MONETARY POLICIES, SHOULD AIM AT A HIGH EMPLOYMENT AND GROWING ECONOMY, BUT ONE WITHOUT DEMAND-PULL INFLATION, AND HELP PROVIDE A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN WHICH THE PEOPLE COULD HAVE THE WIDEST OPPORTUNITY FOR ACHIEVEMENT.
ON THE INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING SCENE, MR. WU SAID HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED MAINLY LIGHT INDUSTRIES ON HIGH RISE FACTORIES.
IF NO GREAT REDUCTION WAS MADE IN THE PROPOSED PRICE OR RENT FOR THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES FOR LAND INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES, +1 CAN SEE LITTLE INDUCEMENT WITH LAND COSTING FIVE TO TEN TIMES AS HIGH COMPARED TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, AND AT A TIME WHEN OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS GENERALLY HAVE EXCESS CAPACITY AS A RESULT OF REDUCED DEMAND.*
MR. WU CRITCISED THE ABSENCE IN HONG KONG OF A +CENTRAL, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OR EXPORT-IMPORT BANK* WITHOUT WHICH, HE SAID, MANY INDUSTRIALISTS HAD STILL TO PAY INTERESTS AS HIGH AS FOUR TO SIX PER CENT ABOVE THE PRIME RATE OR SIX TO EIGHT PER CENT ABOVE THE SAVINGS RATE FOR MONEY TO FINANCE THEIR INVENTORIES AND EXPORTS.
/HE WENT......
TIITOSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT MANY PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS INVOLVING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND PROVIDING THOUSANDS OF JOBS WERE STILL BEING HELD UP BY ^-CUMBERSOME OR INDIFFERENT BUREAUCRACY,* TAKING YEARS TO DECIDE ON TOWN PLANNING AND LAND USE REQUIREMENTS IN THE URBAN AND RURAL AREAS.
A CONCERNED GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, COULD EASILY HELP, FOR ITS OWN REVENUE’S SAKE AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ECONOMY, IN THAT PROCEEDS FROM SALES OF COMPLETED FLATS COULD BE RECYCLED TO FINANCE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT TO HELP THE ECONOMY.
AT THIS TIME OF A SERIOUS RECESSION, ONE WOULD HAVE GRAVE DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER THE CONTINUED RESTRICTION OF THE USE OF HONG KONG’S LAND RESOURCES WOULD DE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC.
+THERE IS FOR ALL PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION AH ABUNDANCE'OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND PROVIDED WE OFFER ATTRACTIVE ENOUGH TERMS AND CONDITIONS WE CAN STILL FIND INVESTORS FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT TO DEVELOP BOTH THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AT LOWER COSTS TO ENHANCE OUR COMPETITIVE EXPORT POSITION IN THE LONG TERM AND TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT IN THE CURRENT RECESSION.*
HE ADVOCATED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD EMBARK ON AN EXPANSIONARY APPROACH, PARTICULARLY BY ENCOURAGING PRIVATE INVESTMENT WITH LITTLE FEAR OF THE PITFALLS OF SELF-INDUCED DEMAND-PULL OR COST-PUSH INFLATION AS IN OTHER ECONOMICS.
HE FELT THAT HONG KONG THRIVED MORE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE ON CONFIDENCE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE INDUSTRY OF ITS PEOPLE, AND POLICY THAT UNDERMINED OR DISCOURAGED THESE COULD ONLY BRING CALAMITY.
MR. WU NOTED WITH REGRET THAT THE WORK AND SCOPE OF THE ECONOMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE FELL FAR SHORT OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ EXPECTATIONS IN THE EVOLUTION OF ECONOMIC POLICIES. THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD, HE SAID, FELL INTO THE SAME CATEGORY.
<IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN PUZZLING TO ME THAT WITH ALL THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, FINANCE (AS EVIDENCED BY RECENT HUGE BANK DEPOSITS) REPUTED ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG, THERE IS THIS LACK OF PROPER CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION TO ACHIEVE EVEN BETTER RESULTS.
-■.•NOR COULD I SEE WHY THIS SHOULD NECESSARILY BE FOLLOWED BY MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROLS AND REGULATIONS WHICH MUST BE RESISTED WITH VIGOUR.*
OH TAXATION, MR. WU EMPHASISED THAT ANY NEW TAX INTRODUCED SHOULD NOT UNDULY DETER RE-IINVESTMENT OR FURTHER INVESTMENT IN SKILLINTENSIVE AND HIGHER TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURE.
HE WAS VERY MUCH AGAINST THE ONE PER CENT TURN-OVER TAX PROPOSED BY DR. THE HON CHUNG SZE-YUEN YESTERDAY, WHICH MR. WU REGARDED AS *1NFLATIONARY AND HIGHLY DAMAGING.*
/HE SAID
- 3
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
HE SAID THAT MANY HONG KONG BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES, GARMENT MANUFACTURING FOR EXAMPLE, HAD HIGH TURN-OVER FIGURES BUT VERY LOW MARGIN PROFITS, AND SUCH A TAX WOULD CREATE DIFFICULTIES AND DESTROY ALL INCENTIVES TO INVESTMENT WITH LOSS OF JOBS TO FOLLOW.
IN A FULL EMPLOYMENT SITUATION AS IN THE EARLY 1970S, HE SAID, PEOPLE WOULD NOT REALLY MIND PAYING FOR SOME OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES.
■{■POLITICALLY, WHAT YOU HAVE NEVER PROVIDED FOR IS NO LOSS, BUT EMPLOYMENT LOST OR CANNOT BE OBTAINED IS NOT ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT BUT HARSH IP.+
ON COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE, HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE SIGNS OF A HEALTHY CHANGE IN THIS DIRECTION, AND HE CONGRATULATED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND HIS OFFICERS FOR THEIR TACTICS IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE DUDGET, +NOT BY HIS USUALLY LENGTHY THOUGH BY NO MEANS MONOTONOUS SPEECH THE OTHER DAY IN THIS CHAMBER, BUT BY HIS EXCELLENT BACKGROUND INFORMATION, AND PARTICULARLY BY DESPATCHING IIIS CHINESE SENIOR LIEUTENANTS TO APPEAR AND ANSWER QUESTIONS IN THE TELEVISION PROGRAMMES. <•
THIS, HE ADDED, GREATLY SHORTENED THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP, AND PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE MAN IN THE STREET TO AIR HIS GRIEVANCE OR SIMPLY SATISFY HIS CURIOSITY, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING TREMENDOUSLY IN MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND OFF ICIALDOM.
HE WAS CONCERNED THAT PROPOSED CUTS IN THE RADIO HONG KONG APPROPRIATION, WOULD NOT AFFECT EFFECTIVE PROGRAMMES LIKE THESE.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE SAID THE TV PROGRAMME FURTHER ILLUSTRATED THAT WHERE A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WAS HEADED BY AN EXPATRIATE, IT WOULD BE A GREAT ASSET TO HAVE A CHINESE DEPUTY OR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WHO COULD PARTICIPATE IN DECISION-MAKING AND WHO COULD DE DEPENDED UPON TO SELL THAT DECISION.
HE ALSO CALLED FOR MORE CONTACTS AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CHINESE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND KA I FONG LEADERS.
REFERRING TO HOUSING FOR EXPATRIATE AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, MR. WU SAID GREAT SAVINGS COULD BE EFFECTED IF OFFICERS TOOK SMALLER FLATS WITH MODERN AMENITIES IN THE 1,000 TO 1,300 SQ. FT TYPE HIGH CLASS FLATS.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
- A -
CALL FOR REINSTATEMENT OF DEPENDENT PARENTS ALLOWANCE «»»»««
THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY URGED TO REINSTATE THE DEPENDENT PARENTS TAX ALLOWANCE, ABOLISHED TWO YEARS AGO, AND TO REDUCE EXISTING FEES IN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS.
ACCORDING TO THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MANY MIDDLE-1NCOME FAMILIES PAYING TAX HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY BECAUSE OF INFLATION AND RISING PRICES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH NON-WORKING PARENTS.
SINCE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD SEEN FIT TO REINTRODUCE ENTERTAINMENT TAX, THE ALLOWANCE OF {52,000 FOR EACH NON-WORKING PARENT LIVING IN THE TAXPAYER’S HOUSE-HOLD SHOULD ALSO BE REINSTATED TO EASE THE BURDEN ON THESE TAXPAYERS, HE SAID.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN STRESSED THAT LOOKING AFTER ONE’ PARENTS WAS A TRADITIONAL CHINESE VIRTUE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPECT AND UPKEEP. ^FURTHERMORE, IN THE LONG RUN THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE SAVING MONEY BY NOT HAVING TO BUILD SO MANY EXPENSIVE OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES AS IS THE CASE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.*
ON CAR PARK CHARGES, MR. CHEONG-LEEN FELT THEY SHOULD BE REVISED IN VIEW OF THE DRAMATIC DROP IN CAR PARK REVENUE FOLLOWING THE STEEP INCREASES LAST YEAR. ON PRESENT PERFORMANCE, THE REVENUE STOOD TO LOSE ABOUT $2 MILLION A YEAR, HE SAID.
*NOT ONLY THAT, BUT IN SOME OF THE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS, MORE THAN HALF OF THE CAR PARK SPACES SEEM TO BE CONTINUOUSLY EMPTY AND UNUSED.* BEARING IN MIND THE COST FOR BUILDING THEM AND THE FACT THAT THEY OCCUPIED PRIME LOCATIONS *IT IS AN UNNECESSARY WASTAGE OF VALUABLE SPACE.*
MR. CHEONG-LEEN ALSO PRESSED FOR AH ASSURANCE THAT THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN WATER CHARGES WOULD NOT CAUSE HARDSHIP, PARTICULARLY TO THOSE FAMILIES WHO SHARED THE SAME FLAT IN PRE-WAR BUILDINGS.
IN ORDER TO REDUCE HARDSHIP, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE MAXIMUM QUANTITY ATTRACTING THE PRESENT CHARGE OF S3 PER THOUSAND GALLONS, BE DOUBLED FROM 14,000 GALLONS TO 20,000 GALLONS FOR THE DIFFERENT FAMILIES LIVING TOGETHER AS A GROUP IN PRE-WAR FLATS IN THE MORE CONGESTED AREAS.
ON THE 2-1/2 PER CENT INCREASE IN BETTING DUTY, MR. CHEONG-LEEN FELT THIS SHOULD BE DOUBLED SO AS TO YIELD $55 MILLION TO GOVERNMENT REVENUE IN 1975/76.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHETHER OR NOT THE BETTING DUTY WERE TO BE 7-1/2 OR 12-1/2 PER CENT, THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE A NUMBER OF GAMBLERS WHO WOULD STILL PLACE THEIR BETS WITH ILLEGAL BOOKMAKERS.
/TURNING TO......
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
5
TURNING TO HOUSING, MR. CHEONG-rLEEN ASKED FOR AN ASSURANCE THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SLACKENING OF THE PACE TO PROVIDE DECENT PUBLIC HOUSING AT ECONOMIC RENTS FOR THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ON THE WAITING LIST FOR MANY YEARS.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER HOUSING FOR MIDDLE-INCOME GROUPS.
THE GOVERNMENT, HE SUGGESTED, SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE BANKING COMMUNITY TO MAKE MORE LOANS AVAILABLE TO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS AT LOW INTEREST RATES TO HELP REVIVE THEIR PROGRAMME OF BUILDING MEDIUM AND SMALL DOMESTIC FLATS.
IN ORDER TO STIMULATE MORE HOME OWNERSHIP, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ASSIST THE HONG KONG BUILDING AND LOAN AGENCY TO FIND MORE FUNDS TO ENABLE FAMILIES TO BUY THEIR OWN HOMES.
REFERRING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS PAY STRUCTURE TO SEE +WHETHER IN TODAY’S CIRCUMSTANCES, THE PUBLIC IS GETTING THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY IN TERMS OF EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE AND HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY DOTH AT THE DEPARTMENTAL AS WELL AS THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL.*
THE MCKINSEY REPORT HAD RECOMMENDED THE SETTING UP OF ANNUAL OPERATING PLANS FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS, HE NOTED, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THIS WAS STILL FAR AWAY FROM IMPLEMENTATION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD,AS PART OF HIS BUDGETARY STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS, PRESS FOR GREATER PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND TO PROGRESSIVELY ADJUST CIVIL SERVICE EMOLUMENTS FROM 33 TO 30 PERCENT OF 'TOTAL RECURRENT PROVISION.
ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROJECT, MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID THAT MANY PEOPLE WERE NOT CONVINCED OF THE NECESSITY TO BUILD SUCH A RAILWAY AT TIMES LIKE THESE, NOR WERE THEY CONVINCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD KEEP WITHIN THE REVISED ESTIMATED COST CEILINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT.
HE FELT THAT A FULL AND CLEAR STATEMENT ON THE NECESSITY AND FINANCING OF THE RAILWAY WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS DISPELLING SUCH MISGIVINGS.
ON THIS YEAR’S DEFICIT BUDGET, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS A SIGNIFICANT DEPARTURE FROM PREVIOUS TRADITION AND PRINCIPLE, MR. CHEONG-LEEN WONDERED WHETHER THIS STRATEGY WOULD BE FOLLOWED FOR THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS.
SHOULD IT BE THE CASE, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BUILD UP ITS FISCAL RESERVE POSITION TO A *MORE RESPECTABLE LEVEL* IN RELATION TO ITS ANNUAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE AND ENSURE THAT LOAN FINANCE FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE SHOULD DE LIMITED TO THE GOVERNMENT’S CAPACITY TO SERVE SUCH LOANS.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE ADDED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE DEFICIT AMOUNTS INDICATED IN ANNUAL *DEFICIT BUDGETS* WOULD NOT BE EXCEEDED.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 5.975
- 6 -
POSITIVE POLICY ON RESERVES URGED a n «« a
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADOPT A ^-POSITIVE POLICY* TO MANAGE HONG KONG’S RESERVES AND SHOULD CLOSELY INVESTIGATE THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S FISCAL RESERVES HAD BEEN ERODED TO A DANGEROUSLY LOW FIGURE OF ONLY 62,371 MILLION, AND IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT WORLD-WIDE ECONOMIC RECESSION *IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT A POSITIVE POLICY TO MANAGE OUR RESERVES RATHER THAN TO WAIT PASSIVELY HOPING THAT THE WORST IS OVER.*
MR. LI EXPRESSED SHOCK THAT TAX ARREARS HAD GROWN BIGGER AND SAID THAT ^SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE, THE SYSTEM OF TAX COLLECTION REQUIRES GREATER CONTROL.*
HE WAS SURPRISED THAT ONLY 85,790 PERSONS PAID SALARIES TAX IN 1973/74 - JUST OVER TOO PERCENT OF THE POPULATION. *1 FEEL THAT IT IS EXTREMELY NECESSARY FOR GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN ITS TAX COLLECTION SYSTEM EVEN FURTHER, WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING REVENUE AND PREVENTING TAX EVASION,* HE SAID.
NOTING THAT MANY PLANNED PUBLIC PROJECTS HAD TO BE POSTPONED OR SLOWED DOWN DUE TO FINANCIAL FACTORS, MR. LI URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE AN ASSURANCE THAT ONCE FUNDS BECAME MORE READILY AVAILABLE THE PROJECTS WOULD BE RESTORED TO A REASONABLE PRIORITY. WHILE THE PEOPLE’S BASIC NEEDS OF HOUSING, EDUCATION, SOCIAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES MUST HAVE AN OBVIOUS PRIORITY, HE SAID, *WE MUST ENSURE THAT OUR IDEALISM AND PLANNING DOES NOT OUTSTRIP FINANCIAL COMMONSENSE.* '
HOWEVER, THE MONEY MUST BE FOUND TO CARRY OUT THE PLANS FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL, AND IN THIS REGARD HE COMMENDED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BOLD INITIATIVE TO RESORT TO LOAN FINANCING.
MR. LI HIMSELF WAS IN FAVOUR OF OFFSHORE FINANCING AS AGAINST LOCAL FINANCING BECAUSE THE FORMER WOULD INCREASE THE MONEY BASE. *IT IS MORE EXPANSIONARY IN THAT OUR EXPORT AND EMPLOYMENT POSITION WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY CAPITAL INFLOWS,* HE SAID.
HE FELT THAT LOCAL FINANCING WOULD CAUSE THE INTEREST RATE TO RISE, WITH THE RESULT THAT INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL FLOW, BEING INTEREST-SENSITIVE, WOULD KEEP THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AT AN UNFAVOURABLE LEVEL. *IN OTHER WORDS, MUCH OF THE EXPANSIONARY EFFECTS WILL BE DAMPENED BY THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE EXCHANGE RATE.*
/MR. LI AGREED .....
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
7
MR. LI AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET FREE OF CONTROL BECAUSE IT WAS A SELF-ADJUSTING MECHANISM IN WHICH NO ONE-WAY MOVEMENT COULD CONTINUE FOREVER.
HE WAS DISTURBED, HOWEVER, THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOT RULED OUT THE USE OF INTEREST WITHHOLDING TAX AS A POSITIVE REGULATOR IN KEEPING AN ORDERLY MARKET. <T0 USE IT AS A REGULATORY DEVICE, SUBJECT TO OCCASIONAL DISCRETIONARY CHANGES, WILL ADD A COMPLICATING DIMENSION TO THE WHOLE PICTURE AND IT CAN NO LONGER BE RELIED UPON AS A STABLE SOURCE OF REVENUE,<• MR. LI SAID.
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE STRESSED THAT WASTAGE IN MANPOWER MUST DE AVOIDED. THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICE MUST DE INCREASED, OR AT LEAST MAINTAINED, AND SHOULD NOT DE AFFECTED BY ECONOMIES.
\ *
♦THE MERE FREEZING OR CUTTING DOWN ON THE TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT REALLY ACHIEVE THE DESIRED RESULT,♦ HE SAID, ADDING ♦PERHAPS REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF CAN MAKE FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY.^
TURNING TO THE $30.5 MILLION BUDGET FOR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, MR. LI EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE ESTIMATES WERE PRESENTED AS A ONE-LINE VOTE WITHOUT DETAILS, UNLIKE THE FORMAT USED DY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH GAVE THE BREAKDOWN FIGURES.
IF PAYMENT OF RENT OF QUARTERS AND OFFICE ACCOMMODATION WAS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION, THE TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE ICAC IN 1975/76 WOULD PROBABLY AMOUNT TO $35.2 MILLION, - NOT AN INSIGNIFICANT SUM, HE SAID.
♦WE WOULD BE FAILING IN OUR DUTY AND SURRENDERING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF BUDGETARY CONTROL IF WE WERE TO ACCEPT A BUDGET OF THIS SIZE ON A ONE-LINE VOTE BAS IS.♦
HE ASKED THAT THE COMMISSION’S ESTABLISHMENT AND SALARIES OF ITS STAFF TOGETHER WITH OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE BE PUBLISHED ON A BREAK-DOWN BASIS, IN THE SAME MANNER AS THOSE OF THE JUDICIARY AND THE PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION WHICH ARE ALSO INDEPENDENT BODIES WITH EXPENDITURE CHARGED TO GENERAL REVENUE.
♦THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TO ASSURE CRITICS AND CONCERNED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THE FUNDS USED FOR THIS IMPORTANT WORK ARE NOT BEING WASTED.♦
/8......
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
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OPEN UP RESERVOIR AREAS FOR RECREATION SAYS LEGCO UNOFFICIAL
H it H Ji ii Jf
THE HON. J.H. BREMRIDGE TODAY SUGGESTED THAT RESERVOIR AREAS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES SUCH AS BOATING, FISHING AND SWIMMING, AS HAD BEEN DONE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
+SOME OF THE RESERVOIRS BOTH ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE IN LOVELY AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE COUNTRY, AND I CANNOT SEE ANY CASE FOR NOT OPENING THEM UP FOR BOATING AND KINDRED ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID DURING THE BUDGET DEDATE.
NEITHER COULD HE UNDERSTAND ARGUMENTS THAT SUCH ACTIVITIES WOULD POLLUTE THE WATER, SINCE ALL RESERVOIR WATER SUPPLIES WERE FILTERED.
AS FOR THE COST, HE SAIDs *A FEW FRANCHISES FOR BOAT OPERATORS, ICE-CREAM VENDORS ETC. SHOULD COVER THE TOTAL COST INVOLVED TO GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING ACCESS.*
ON THE QUESTION OF HIGHER AIRPORT CHARGES, MR. BREMRIDGE AGREED THAT ALL WHO PROFITTED FROM THE AIRPORT SHOULD PAY THEIR SHARE TOWARDS THE CONSIDERABLE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OVER THE COMING YEARS. BUT HE FELT THAT THE INCREASES *MUST BE FAIRLY BASED, FAIRLY SPREAD OVER ALL USERS OF THE AIRPORT, AND NOT ARBITRARILY SURCHARGED ON A PORTION OF THE USERS.*.
WHILE IT WAS GRATIFYING THAT AIRPORT REVENUE IN 1975/76 WOULD INCREASE BY 333 MILLION TO 3233 MILLION, *THERE SHOULD BE SOME ASSURANCE THAT PROF ITlBlLITY IS KEPT WITHIN REASONABLE BOUNDS,* HE ADDED. IN THIS REGARD, HE QUESTIONED WHY THE AIRPORT PROF ITlBlLITY COMMITTEE SHOULD BE COMPOSED ENTIRELY OF CIVIL SERVANTS.
MR. BREMRIDGE TOOK EXCEPTION WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A SURCHARGE ON AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 6 P.M.
+IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE IRRELEVANT THAT SUCH A SURCHARGE IS THE PRACTICE AT SOME OTHER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS, NOT LEAST BECAUSE MANY OF THOSE SO AFFLICTED ARE NOTORIOUSLY INEFFICIENT,* HE SAID.
IN ANY CASE, THE PEAK HOURS AT KAI TAK WERE NOT BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 6 P.M. BUT FROM 2 P.M. TO 4.30 P.M., PURELY BECAUSE OF HONG KONG’S GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND THE CURFEW HOURS IN JAPAN. NOR WAS IT OPEN TO AIRLINES TO SURCHARGE THEIR FARES, HE SAID.
/HE ADDED:
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
- 9 -
HE ADDED# + IT IS ANYWAY ABSURD TO THINK THAT THE AIRLINES WILL CHANGE THEIR SCHEDULE BECAUSE OF A SURCHARGE OF $500 PER MOVEMENT. THE DEMURRAGE, FOR EXAMPLE, ON A 707 IS ABOUT $10,000 PER HOUR.+
AC LANDED THE NEW SURCHARGE *A SIGNAL EXAMPLE
0. RANDOM TAXA 110N+ WHICH SEEMED QUITE UNFAIR PARTICULAR! v ^c'Ta™SJ°I P0SSIBLE TO SURCHARGE THE FAR^S OR THE TRANSPORT PRICES AND AS THE SURCHARGE WAS NO DETERRENT.
WHILE HE ACCEPTED THE NEED FOR STRICT LIMITATION ON THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR, BREMRIDGE WANTED AN ASSURANCE THAT RECRUITMENT OF STAFF FOR ESSENTIAL PROJECTS WOULD NOT DE OVER-DELATED ON THE GROUNDS THAT COMPETITIVE BIDS WOULD HAVE TO BE MAfflt FOR SOME OF THE 1,600 POSTS WHICH HAS BEEN SET AS THE MAXIMUM NET INCREASE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE FOR NEXT YEAR.
HE ALSO ASKED FOR CONFIRMATION THAT PROJECTS LIKE THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL, TWO POLYCLINICS AND A SPECIALIST CLINIC WERE FIRM COMMITMENTS AND THAT THE NECESSARY STAFF WOULD DE PROVIDED FOR THEM.
COMMENTING ON CRITICISM THAT THE COMMISSION WAS TOO EXPENSIVE, HE SA IDs <-0F COURSE THE ICAC COSTS MONEY, BUT I CONSIDER liS BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR TO BE SINGULAR EXAMPLE OF MONEY THAT IS LIKELY TO BE WELL SPENT.*
S^RED UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES’ VIEWS THAT ON SHOULD BE REASONABLY FORTHCOMING ABOUT ITS ITS COSTS INCLUDING SALARIES, AND ITS INTENTIONS.
HOWEVER THE COMMISSI COMPOSITION,
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
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CONCERN OVER MEDICAL STAFF
DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG TODAY QUESTIONED WHETHER ADEQUATE PROVISION WAS BEING MADE TO MEET ADDITIONAL STAFFING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AND OTHER CLINICS WHICH ARE DUE TO OPEN THIS YEAR OR NEXT.
ONLY 273 EXTRA POSTS WERE PROVIDED IN THE 1975/76 DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR NEW PROJECTS WHICH TOGETHER WOULD PROVIDE 1,815 MORE BEDS, AND HE WONDERED HOW THIS COULD BE ENOUGH.
HE WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED WITH THE STAFFING OF PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL, WHICH WILL MAKE AVAILABLE MORE THAN 1,000 BEDS THIS YEAR, AND ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION AS TO HOW THE HOSPITAL WAS TO BE RUN.
THE 56 MEDICAL OFFICER POSTS ALLOWED IN THE ESTIMATES FOR BOTH THIS HOSPITAL AND THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL, HE SAID, +SEEMS TOTALLY INADEQUATE AND REPRESENTS LESS THAN HALF THE PREVIOUS PLANNING TARGET OF 137 MEDICAL OFFICERS IN 1975/76.+
IN HIS OPINION, THERE WAS LITTLE ROOM FOR REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS SINCE SOME OF,THEM WERE ALREADY UNDERSTAFFED.
+WHEN TIMES ARE DIFFICULT, IT IS TO BE EXPECTED THAT MORE WILL TURN TOWARDS THE GOVERNMENT FOR MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES, AND WE MUST BE INA POSITION TO RESPOND TO SUCH DEMANDS IF SOCIAL DISTRESS IS TO BE AVOIDED,+ HE SAID.
DR. FANG ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE TRAINING COURSES FOR CLINICAL INSTRUCTORS AND NURSE TUTORS WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT SEPTEMBER BUT WHICH HAD NOW BEEN PUT BACK AFTER 1975/76.
HE WONDERED WHETHER THE LIMITATIONS PLACED ON STAFF RECRUITMENT WOULD DELAY VARIOUS PROPOSED MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SUPPLY OF NURSING PERSONNEL, AND SUGGESTED THAT PRIORITIES BE RE-EXAMINED TO ALLOW THESE MUCH NEEDED AND LONG OVERDUE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED WITH EVERY POSSIBLE SPEED.
REFERRING TO THE LAMB REPORT SUBMITTED NEARLY NINE MONTHS AGO, DR. FANG ASKED WHAT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND WHETHER THE PRESENT FINANCIAL STRINGENCY WAS LIKELY TO DELAY IMPLEMENTATION IN SPECIFIC AREAS.
HE ALSO WANTED AN ASSURANCE THAT THE SHORTAGES OF EQUIPMENT AND ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS REPORTED BY MISS LAMB HAD, IF THEY EXISTED, NOW BEEN RECTIFIED.
/ON THE......
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
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ON THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, HE PERSONALLY FELT THAT METHADONE SHOULD BE USED ONLY AS AN ADJUNCT TO THE TREATMENT OF HEROIN ADDICTION AND NOT AS AN END IN ITSELF.
HE NOTED THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF OFFERING METHADONE TREATMENT AS AN OUT-PATIENT SERVICE HAD NOW BEEN ACCEPTED AND THREE MORE CLINICS HAD DEEN SET UP TO DISPENSE THIS SERVICE. DR. FANG SOUNDED A NOTE OF CAUTION, HOWEVER, AGAINST COMMITTING OURSELVES TO AN EVER INCREASING BURDEN ON THE TAX-PAYER’S MONEY IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN ADDICTS ON METHADONE.
STILL ON MEDICAL SERVICES, HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE WHY THE PILOT STUDY ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS IN OUTPATIENT CLINICS HAD NOT BEEN PURSUED, AND WHAT ARRANGEMENTS WERE BEING MADE TO ENABLE OUT-PATIENT CLINICS TO OPERATE AT' MAXIMUM ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY.
ON THE PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION OF THE INCREASED EXPENDITURE BUDGETTED FOR 1975-76, DR. FANG NOTED THAT NEARLY 370 MILLION, OR 41.65 PER CENT OF THE INCREASE, WOULD GO TO THE THREE LAWENFORCING DEPARTMENTS — THE POLICE, PRISONS AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS.
HE FELT THAT IF THE CRIME PROBLEM COULD BE CONTAINED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE INA BETTER POSITION TO DEVOTE A LARGER SHARE OF HARD EARNED RESOURCES TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE LIFE OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.
IN PASSING, DR. FANG SAID THERE. WERE MANY CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE RISING CRIME RATE +BUT THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT ONE OF THE MAIN CAUSES OF OUR UPSURGE IN CRIME IS OUR INABILITY TO IMPOSE DETERRENT SENTENCES, THAT IS TO SAY, ENFORCING THE LAW ON THE DEATH PENALTY.
HE SAID THIS INABILITY HAD BEEN FORCED ON HONG KONG BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AS A POLITICAL MOVE, TOTALLY IGNORING LOCAL SENTIMENTS ON THIS ISSUE.
+IN MY VIEW, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS A CASE TO ANSWER AND I URGE MOST STRONGLY THAT RENEWED EFFORTS BE MADE TO LIFT THE BAN ON IMPOSING THE DEATH PENALTY.*
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
12
GOVT’S CONCERN IN SOCIAL WELFARE APPLAUDED ft ft « a ft ft
THE HON. MISS KO SIU WAH WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN TO PROMOTE SOCIAL SERVICES DESPITE CURRENT FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, SHE NOTED THAT SPENDING ON SOCIAL SERVICES NEXT YEAR AT S3,057 MILLION REPRESENTED 41.8 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE — AN INCREASE OF 12.4 PER CENT OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR LAST YEAR.
SOCIAL WELFARE ALONE WOULD GET $326.7 MILLION INCLUDING #214.84 MILLION FOR THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES, REPRESENTING INCREASES OVER LAST YEAR OF 56.6 MILLION AND 550.34 MILLION RESPECTIVELY. THESE INCREASES IN THE PRESENT SITUATION SHOULD BE WELCOMED, SHE SAID.
IT WAS ALSO ENCOURAGING, SHE ADDED, THAT DESPITE A FORECAST DEFICIT OF $900 MILLION AND STRICT ECONOMY MEASURES, SUBVENTION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WOULD BE GRANTED AN INCREASE OF 16 PERCENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN OTHER AREAS WHERE THERE WERE ONLY TO BE RELATIVELY SMALL INCREASES, MISS KO WARNED THAT IT MIGHT NOT BE EASY TO MAINTAIN THE PRESENT AMOUNT AND LEVEL OF SERVICES OWING TO INCREASED OPERATIONAL COSTS.
-c-THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE-YEAR PLAN WILL CERTAINLY SUFFER A CONSIDERABLE SETBACK AND I DO HOPE THAT MORE PROVISION WILL BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO KEEP PACE WITH THE ONGOING PLANS,+ SHE SAID.
SHE EMPHASISED THAT VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT, SHOULD EXERCISE THE STRICTEST ECONOMY TO ELIMINATE WASTEFUL SPENDING.
SHE HOPED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE WOULD JOINTLY PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN CONSIDERING WHAT AREAS COULD BE STRENGTHENED AND WHICH PROGRAMMES WERE OVERLAPPING, OUTDATED OR IMPRACTICAL. +IN SOME CASES, A MERGER OF ORGANISATIONS OR PROJECTS MAY BE DESIRABLE+ SHE SUGGESTED.
/Hiss ko also .....
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
13
MISS KO ALSO URGED THAT MORE USE BE MADE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE — AN AREA OF GREAT POTENTIAL WAITING TO BE TAPPED AND EXPLORED. BESIDES ENCOURAGING MORE PEOPLE TO WORK TOWARDS A FULLER LIFE AND TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY, SHE SAID, USING MORE VOLUNTEER WORKERS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE WOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN SOME EXISTING PROGRAMMES AND CARRY OUT SOME PLANNED PROJECTS IN A MORE ECONOMICAL WAY.
REGARDING THE NECESSITY OF INCREASING REVENUE BY RAISING TAXES, FEES AND CHARGES, MISS KO SAID <HT IS WISE NOT TO ADD TOO MUCH BURDEN ON THOSE WHO ARE IN THE LOWER INCOME BRACKET.+
SHE QUOTED THE ECONOMIC BACKGROUND TO THE 1975/76 BUDGET WHICH PUT THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED AT THE END OF 1973 AT ABOUT 100,000 AND INDICATED A FURTHER INCREASE IN UNEMPLOYMENT IN 1974.
BECAUSE OF THE APPARENT UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION, GREAT PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND OTHER SPHERES OF EMPLOYMENT. <IT IS NECESSARY TO TAP ALL POSSIBLE RESOURCES, INCLUDING LOANS TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE ALL ENDEAVOURS IN THIS ASPECT,* SHE SAID.
SHE ADDEDs ^ALTHOUGH WE ARE FACING WORLD ECONOMIC RECESSION, IF WE EARNESTLY ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, CONSIDER SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMMES AS HIGH PRIORITIES, AND HELP PROTECT THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE LOWER INCOME BRACKET, WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS A MORE STABLE AND HEALTHIER ECONOMY IN THE LONG TERM.
+1 HOPE THE PROPOSED INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE AND THE OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED WILL TAKE THESE POINTS INTO CONSIDERATION IN THEIR TASKS. •>
MISS KO COMMENDED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR ITS SUCCESS IN CONTROLLING PRICES AND FIGHTING PROFITEERING, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO EMPHASIS MORE ON PROMOTING CONSUMER EDUCATION.
SHE HOPED THAT THE COUNCIL AND'THE ECONOMIC BRANCH OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT WOULD WORK CLOSER TOGETHER SO THAT THE COUNCIL COULD <-MAKE A MORE EFFECTIVE CONTRIBUTION IN RESPECT OF ISSUES AFFECTING CONSUMERS IN HONG KONG.*
------0-------
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
NEED FOR MORE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION if if if if if if
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN TODAY CALLED FOR A REAPPRAISAL OF HONG KONG’S APPROACH TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND URGED THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO BE STRINGENT WITH FUNDS FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THE ’MEAGRE’ $200,000 EARMARKED FOR PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT, HE SAID, *IS TOTALLY INADEQUATE.+ HE PERSONALLY FELT THAT A SUM TEN TIMES THIS WOULD BE MONEY WELL SPENT.
+ INDUSTRI AL PROMOTION IS AN EXPENSIVE BUSINESS, BUT THE RETURNS CAN BE VERY HANDSOME,* HE ADDED.
IN THE LONG TERM, HE SAID, THE ONLY WAY THE GOVERNMENT COULD OBTAIN MORE MONEY WAS BY ENSURING THAT ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES WERE STEPPED UP AND HONG KONG GOODS EARNED MORE. IT WAS VITALLY IMPORTANT THEREFORE TO INVEST IN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION SO AS TO WIDEN THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS SO THAT WHEN THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE IMPROVED HONG KONG WOULD BE IN A GOOD POSITION TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT.
MR. TIEN BLAMED FLOATING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE DOWN TURN OF HONG KONG’S TRADING PERFORMANCE, AND HE HOPED THAT A FIXED PARITY COULD DE SET SOON, PREFERABLY AT A LEVEL WHICH WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT HONG KONG INDUSTRIES’ COMPETITIVENESS IN FOREIGN MARKETS. ,
IN THE SHORTER TERM, HE FELT THAT SOME MEASURE SHOULD BE ADOPTED TO STOP THE INFLOW AND ENCOURAGE THE OUTFLOW OF UNWANTED U.S. DOLLARS. THIS, HE SUGGESTED, COULD BE ACHIEVED BY LOWERING THE PRIME LENDING RATE FOR INDUSTRY STILL FURTHER.
+A FURTHER REDUCTION IN LENDING RATES, AT LEAST FOR THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, WOULD ALSO GIVE SOME ALLEVIATION TO THIS HARD-PRESSED SECTOR DY PROVIDING THEM WITH A CHEAPER SUPPLY OF CASH,* HE ADDED.
MR TIEN ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO PRESS FOR EARLY REMOVAL OF EXTRA TARIFF QUOTAS IMPOSED RECENTLY BY AUSTRALIA ON A WIDE RANGE OF ADDITIONAL TEXTILE AND GARMENT IMPORT ITEMS OF WHICH HONGKONG WAS EITHER THE PRINCIPAL, W ONE OF THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS. THE RESTRICTIONS WERE INTRODUCED OUiSIDE THE SCOPE 0, THE INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENT REGARDING iRADE IN TEXTILES.
ON THE EUROPEAN FRONT , MR. TIEN WAS HOPEFUL THAT THE RECENT VISIT OF AN EEC DELEGATION WOULD LEAD TO THE REDUCTION AND EVENTUAL REMOVAL OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HONG KONG.
/HOWEVER,
I
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
- 15 -
HOWEVER, HE URGED THAT THE MOMENTUM BUILT UP BY THIS ON-THE-SPOT VISIT AND THE EFFORTS OF THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG OFFICIALS AT THE EEC BE KEPT UP BY INVITING OFFICIALS FROM EEC MEMBER STATE CAPITALS TO VISIT HONG KONG.
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE, HE SAID, WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY APPROVE ANY PROPOSALS MADE BY THE EEC DELEGATION.
ON THE FORTHCOMING NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EEC FOR A NEW TEXTILE AGREEMENT, MR. TIEN THOUGHT LOCAL MANUFACTURERS WOULD NOT OBJECT TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINTS ON OUR EXPORTS AS LONG AS THE DEMANDS WERE REASONABLE — *BY THAT I MEAN THAT THEY WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO TRADE AND TO IMPROVE ON ITS POSITION,* HE SAID.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WOULD BE VIGOROUS AND PRAGMATIC IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS.
HE WAS EQUALLY CONFIDENT THAT THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WOULD DO EVERYTHING HE COULD TO ENSURE A SATISFACTORY TREATMENT OF HONG KONG IN THE U.S. GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES.
♦GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE U.S. MARKET, THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE SCHEME. EXCLUSION FROM IT, OR DISCRIMINATION UNDER IT, COULD HAVE VERY SERIOUS EFFECTS, PROBABLY WORSE THAN THOSE OWE HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE EUROPEAN MARKETS,* HE WARNED.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
16
DEBATE ON SEVEN BILLS ADJOURNED
DEBATE ON SEVEN BILLS IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON HAS BEEN ADJOURNED.
IN ADDITION TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S APPROPRIATION BILL WHICH SETS OUT THE PROPOSED EXPENDITURE OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, THERE WERE THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE CORONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE CHINA FLEET CLUB INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 AND THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975.
I
THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL RAISES THE PENALTY FOR POSSESSING OFFENSIVE WEAPONS TO A $5,000 FINE OR TWO YEARS ' IMPRISONMENT AND TRANSFERS THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUING PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION PERMITS FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL MAKES THE COMMON PARTS OF ALL BUILDINGS, SUCH AS STAIRCASES, CORRIDORS AND LIFTS, +PUBLIC PLACES* SO THAT THE CARRYING OF AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON IN THESE PLACES WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE WOULD ALSO CARRY THE EXISTING MANDATORY CUSTODIAL SENTENCE.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMPANY SEEKING REGISTRATION AS A TRUSTEE COMPANY ARE REVISED UNDER THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL. BESIDES OTHER NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE ISSUED AND PAID UP CAPITAL OF SUCH A COMPANY WOULD HAVE TO BE NOT LESS THAN $1 MILLION1 AND THE VALUE OF ITS INVESTMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL WOULD HAVE TO BE $500,000.
THE CORONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL ENABLES THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO RECEIVE A MEDICAL REPORT AT THE SAME TIME AS THE CORONER TO AVOID DELAYS IN POLICE INVESTIGATIONS.
THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL TIGHTENS UP EXISTING FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND STREAMLINES DISCIPLINARY PRODECURES WITHIN THE SERVICES.
AT TODAY’S SESSION, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL — THE BOY SCOUTS ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 — ALSO PASSED ITS SECOND AND THIRD READINGS THROUGH THE COUNCIL.
THURSDAY. MARCH ?.D„ 1.975
- 17 -
LOAN SCHEME FOR BAPTIST COLLEGE STUDENTS k n n n n «
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED A LOAN SCHEME TO ASSIST HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE STUDENTS TO CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES SHOULD THEY BE AFFECTED BY THE COLLEGE’S DECISION TO INCREASE TUITION FEES.
THE COLLEGE HAS ANNOUNCED AN INCREASE OF FEES, EFFECTIVE FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, FROM 31,800 TO 32,800, FOR Afi ACADEMIC YEAR OF TOO SEMESTERS.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN ALLOCATION OF UP TO $1,485,000 FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO SET UC> AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN SCHEME TO STUDENTS AT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF LOAN FINANCE REQUIRED FOR 1975-76 WILL BE 45 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL INCOME THE COLLEGE MAY DERIVE FROM THE INCREASE OF TUITION FEES DY $1,000. THE ALLOCATION IS RENEWABLE ANNUALLY.
THE INTEREST-FREE LOANS TO STUDENTS WILL BE REPAYABLE IN 16 EQUAL QUARTERLY PAYMENTS OVER FOUR YEARS FROM THE TIME A STUDENT LEAVES THE COLLEGE.
LOANS UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $1,000 A YEAR WILL BE GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF A MEANS TEST TO STUDENTS WHO ARE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE TO PAY THE INCREASE IN FEES.
A STUDENT WHO QUALIFIES FOR A LOAN IN ONE ACADEMIC YEAR WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS HIS CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ALTER.
THE SCHEME WILL DE ADMINISTERED BY AN ALLOCATION COMMITTEE COMPRISING STAFF MEMBERS OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE COLLEGE STUDENTS AND WILL RECOMMEND LEVELS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN INDIVIDUAL CASES.
IT WILL ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY SCHOLARSHIP, REMISSION OF FEES OR OTHER AWARD WHEN ASSESSING THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF APPLICANTS, ALTHOUGH ANY AWARDS MADE ON THE BASIS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WILL NOT DETRACT FROM AN APPLICANT’S ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ALLOCATION COMMITTEE WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR FINAL APPROVAL AND FOR THE PREPARATION OF LOAN AGREEMENTS. LOANS WILL BE PAID BY THE TREASURY.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
MANPOWER SURVEY ON BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY m n h n « m
A MAJOR MANPOWER SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN APRIL 1 AND A, 1975.
THE SURVEY, THE THIRD OF ITS) KIND, IS CONDUCTED BY THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY WILL COVER ALL ACTIVE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SITES AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY AND THE CONTRACTOR FIRMS CONCERNED. ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FIRMS WILL ALSO DE SURVEYED AT THE SAME TIME.
QUESTIONNAIRE FORMS AND RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN DOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE WERE SENT TODAY TO ALL THE CONSTRUCTION SITES AND FIRMS.
THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED’ THE HUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING’ AND THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES.
DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, INTERVIEWERS WILL VISIT EACH OF THE PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION SITES AND CONTRACTOR FIRMS'TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE FORMS FROM EMPLOYERS. ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FIRMS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN THEIR INFORMATION DY POST.
THE SECRETARY OF THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, MR. WONG MAH-KAI STRESSED TODAY THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD DE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL SITE OR FIRM.
♦FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY, EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO CO-OPERATE DY PROVIDING THE ACCURATE INFORMATION SO THAT PLANS CAN BE FORMULATED TO MEET THE INDUSTRY’S MANPOWER NEEDS,<■ HE SAID.
0 - - - -
/19 000000
THURSDAY, MARCH 2D, 1975
- “>9 -
JOINT EXHIBITION OF PUPILS’ WORKS if if if if if if
A JOINT EXHIBITION OF THE WORKS DONE BY PUPILS OF 12 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IS BEING HELD AT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, CALDECOTT ROAD, PIPER’S HILL, TODAY (THURSDAY) AND TOMORROW (FRIDAY) BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 3.30 PM.
PLAYS AND MUSICAL ITEMS WILL DE PERFORMED DY THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN THE COLLEGE HALL.
THE EXHIBITION FOLLOWS A REPETITION OF LAST YEAR’S SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT OH INTEGRATED PROJECT TEACHING ON THE TOPIC ^-PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT* WHICH BEGAN OH MARCH 3 AND ENDED YESTERDAY,,
THE 12 SCHOOLS AREs CLEMENTI’MIDDLE SCHOOL0 GOOD HOPE SCHOOL- JOCKEY CLUB TECHNICAL SCHOOL- KEI CH! MIDDLE SCHOOL-HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL- POOI TO MIDDLE SCHOOL-PRECIOUS BLOOD GOLDEN JUBILEE SCHOOL- QUEEN’S COLLEGE- ST. CATHERINE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, KWUN TONG- SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL- TAK 01 GIRLS’ SCHOOL AND WAN YAH COLLEGE KOWLOON.
NOTE TO EDITORSs YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EXHIBITION COVERED.
0 «->«-* *-> o
H.K.C.E.E. ADMISSION FORMS FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES if if if if if if
rail A?‘1,SS,OW F0nf13 FOn THIS DEAR’S HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION ARE HOW AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES.
THEY ARE ADVISED TO COLLECT THE EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS.
M ADMISSION FORM AND A COPY OF INSTRUCTION TO CANDIDATES, ON THE DATES SPECIFIED ON THE INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATIONS POSTED TO THEM EARLIER.
nv AnniV Wtl° l!AS r30T RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION
BY APRIL 3 SHOULD CALL IN PERSON AT THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL
SERVICE KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE AT 393 CAN 1ON ROAD DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS ON APRIL 4 TO COLLECT THE DOCUMENTS.
lnc CAr3D33?ATES ARE REMINDED TO BRING WITH THEM THEIR HONG KONG nr 1 HJ?ARDS AriD T1JS HECEIPTS FOR PAYMENT OF ENTRY FEES FOR
IDENli FICA1 ION PURPOSES.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
•» 20 "
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TSUEN WAN n n « n n
TSUEN WAN WILL HAVE A NEW DISTRICT OFFICER AS FROM MONDAY (MARCH 26). HE IS MR. JAMES W. HAYES.
THE OUT-GOING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. JOHN WARREN, IS DE I NG TRANSFERRED TO THE FINANCE BRANCH OF THE COLONIAL SECRElARIAi.
MR. WARREN HAS DEEN DISTRICT OFFICER OF TSUEN WAN FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS.
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE ('<
GOVERNMENT SEEKS AUTHORITY 70 INTERVENE IN SERIOUS LABOUR DISPUTES .....................
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETS UP SPECIAL SERVICE TO HELP FIND JOBS FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS ........................ "
TENDERS CALLED FOR NEW FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN ABERDEEN
AND A? LEI CHAU , L-
PREVENTIVE SERVICE SMASHES TWO SYNDICATES ENGAGED IN DISTRIBUTING ADULTERATED LIQUOR ........................
COMMEMORATIVE ROYAL VISIT STAMPS WILL DE IN 81.70 AND
82 DENOMINATIONS ............................... ..
DC AND I OFFICIAL RETURNS TOMORROW AFTER TWO-WEEK INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS TRIP "0 AUSTRALIA ......
LAST MONTH’S CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR FOODSTUFFS SHOW SMALL INCREASES ......................................... 3
GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT MORE LAND TO DEVELOPERS OF ANOTHER CONTAINER TERMINAL IN KWAI CHUNG ................ S
VILLAGERS DISPLACED DY THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME WILL
DE MOVING INTO THEIR HEW HOMES SHORTLY .................. 9
S.W.D. TO HOLD ANNUAL SPORTS DAY THIS SUNDAY ......... .... 7
CHAI WAN COTTAGE AREA RESIDENTS OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING 11
Riniwnri «3C3>=>coc»cv
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
1
GOVT MAY RE AUTHORISED TO INTERVENE
IN LABOUR DISPUTES « x x x x
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TODAY ANNOUNCED PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR DEALING WITH SERIOUS LABOUR DISPUTES IN HONG KONG,
THIS WILL GIVE THE GOVERNMENT POWER TO INTERVENE IN AN INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE ■— BUT NOT TO IMPOSE A COMPULSORY SETTLEMENT.
THE LABOUR RELATIONS BILL, PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, PROVIDES FOR THE a
X APPOINTMENT OF A PUBLICLY-NAMED ^SPECIAL CONCILIATOR* TO TRY TO RESOLVE A DISPUTE WHEN ORDINARY CONCILIATION HAS FAILED.
X REFERENCE OF A DISPUTE TO VOLUNTARY ARBITRATION IF SPECIAL CONCILIATION IS UNSUCCESSFUL, OR, AS AN ALTERNATIVE-
X SETTING UP OF A BOARD OF INQUIRY, WITH JUDICIAL POWERS, TO EXAMINE AND REPORT ON THE DISPUTE.
ft IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND PARALLEL WITH OTHER PROCEDURES TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE, A SPECIFIED COOLING-OFF PERIOD COULD BE ORDERED DURING WHICH ANY PARTIES TO'THE DISPUTE — INCLUDING A TRADE UNION — MUST CEASE OR DEFER INDUSTRIAL ACTION OR RESUME NORMAL WORK IF A STOPPAGE HAS OCCURRED.
MR. PRICE SAID THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL COULD ORDER AN INITIAL COOLING-OFF PERIOD OF 30 DAYS, WHICH COULD BE EXTENDED BY ANOTHER 30 DAYS TO A MAXIMUM OF 60 DAYS, IF CONSIDERED NECESSARY.
HE SAID THAT SUCH AN ORDER COULD BE MADE ONLY WHEN THE SITUATION ARISING OUT OF A DISPUTE WAS LIKELY TO CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION IN THE SUPPLY OF GOODS OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES WHICH MAY a-
X BE GRAVELY INJURIOUS TO THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG, OR SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE LIVELIHOOD OF A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PERSONS0 OR
•X CREATE A SERIOUS RISK OF PUBLIC DISORDER OR SERIOUSLY JEOPARDISE THE INTERNAL SECURITY OF HONG KONG- OR
X ENDANGER THE LIVES OF A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PERSONS OR EXPOSE THEM TO SERIOUS RISK OF DISEASE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
/MR. PRICE SAID
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
2
MR. PRICE SAID THAT IN THE CASE OF A COOLING-OFF PERIOD ORDER, ANY PERSON WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WOULD BE GUILTY OF CONTEMPT AND MAY DE DEALT WITH AS BEING GUILTY OF CONTEMPT OF THE SUPREME COURT.
♦THE BILL HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ESTABLISH A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR DEALING WITH LABOUR DISPUTES INVOLVING TRADE UNIONS OR REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS OF WORKERS,* HE SAID.
♦THE ILLEGAL STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS ORDINANCE AND THE TRADE DISPUTES ORDINANCE WILL BE REPEALED ON THE LABOUR RELATIONS BILL BECOMING LAW.
♦HOWEVER, CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE REPEALED ORDINANCES WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE CRIME ORDINANCE AND THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE.*
MR. PRICE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DELIBERATELY AVOIDED THE IMPOSITION OF COMPULSORY SETTLEMENTS.
♦OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT ATTEMPTS TO IMPOSE COMPULSORY SETTLEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL,* HE SAID.
♦SETTLEMENTS HAVE OFTEN BEEN MADE WITHOUT ANY REGARD TO THEIR OVERALL EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY.
THE PROPOSED BILL HAS BEEN PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC.COMMENT BEFORE IT IS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, PROBABLY IN EARLY MAY.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A GUIDE TO THE BILL. IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
IT IS AVAILABLE AT ALL LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICES, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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/3
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS n « k a n «
THE SERVICE, HEADED BY A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, WILL BEGIN OPERATIONS IN JUNE.
,JHFSE TEACflsHS WILL BECOME REDUNDANT FOLLOWING THF PHASING OUT OF NEARLY 240 UNDER-UTILISED CLASSES IN URBAN AREAS.
empioymeSt Wese schools! “ill ass,st 710 70 F,“D ALT“"ATIVE
THE HEW CLASSES WILL BE
IN SCHOOLS IN NEW TOWNS, NEW HOUSING
ESTATES ,tJ 07l!ER DEVELOPING AREAS, AND IN AREAS WHERE THERE ARE SHORTAGES. MOST OF THESE CLASSES ARE NECESSARY TO MATCH THE SHIFT
IN
POPULATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, IS MOST CONCERNED WITH THE PRECARIOUS POSITION OF SUCH TEACHERS. HE FEELS STRONGLY THAT ANY VACANT TEACHING POSTS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARISING FROM NEW CLASSES, RETIREMENT AND WASTAGE, SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THESE TEACHERS.
SEPTEMBER THEY SHOULD GIVE PRIORITY TO TIIESE TEACHERS?
MR. LAM ASKED THEM TO NOTE THAT IN DETERMINING REDUNDANT TEACHERS AND OTHER STAFF IN THEIR SCHOOLS AS A RESULT OF REDUCTION OF CLASSES, THEY SHOULD ADHERE STRICTLY TO THE <LAST IN, FIRST OUT+ RULE.
IF THE REDUNDANT TEACHER SELECTED WAS NOT THE +LAST IN+ PERSON, FULL REASONS MUST DE GIVEN TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR REMINDED THEM THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR INFORMATION ON VACANT POSTS TO BE REPORTED TO THE RELEVANT AREA SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICERS.
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A
[ RIDAYp MARCH 21, 1.975
TENDERS CALLED FOR NEW FERRY SERVICE ft ft » « « «
GOVERNMENT TODAY INVITED TENDERS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO OPERATE A SCHEDULED PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS STARTING OH AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR OR LATER.
DETAILS OF CONDITIONS FOR TENDERS ARE SET OUT IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WOULD DE GRANTED A LICENCE TO RUH AND MAINTAIN A FERRY SERVICE ON AH APPROVED SCHEDULE TO CARRY PASSENGERS AND THEIR LUGGAGE. BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND A? LEI CHAU WITHIN ABERDEEN HARBOUR.
HE SAID THE FARES CHARGED FOR EACH TRIP SHALL HOT EXCEED 20 CENTS FOR ADULTS, 1.0 CENTS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12, AND 50 CENTS FOR EACH PIECE OR FOUR CUBIC FEET OF GENERAL CARGO.
THE SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED AT A FIVE-MINUTE FREQUENCY IN EACH DIRECTION BETWEEN 6 AM AND MIDHIGHT, HE SAID.
THERE ARE SPECIFIED MARINE FRONTAGES FOR THE PROVISION OF FERRY LANDING POINTS BY THE LICENSEE, AND THESE ARE, IN ABERDEEN, THE SEAWALL BETWEEN THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE GOVERNMENT PIER, AND AT AP LEI CHAU, iHE SHORE BETWEEN THE NORTH-EAST POINT OF THE ISLAND AND THE HUNG SHING TEMPLE.
EACH TENDERER SHALL STATE IN HIS TENDER THE AMOUNT OF MONTHLY RENT HE OFFERS GOVERNMENT, AS THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL PAY TO THE GOVERNMENT A FIXED MONTHLY RENT. IN ADDITION, RATES TO BE ASSESSED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION WILL BE PAYABLE ON THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF ANY PIER OR PONTOON.
EACH TENERER MUST ALSO ATTACH A DEPOSIT RECEIPT SHOWING HE HAS DEPOSITED A SUM OF 31,000 WITH THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL AT iHE TREASURY AS A PLEDGE OF THE DONA FIDES OF HIS TENDER.
THE DEPOSIT WILL BE RETURNED TO UNSUCCESSFUL TENDERERS, AND TO THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER AS WELL WHEN HE HAS FURNISHED, AS SECURITY, A SUM IN CASH OF THREE TIMES THE MONTHLY RENT AND A BOND TO THE VALUE OF AH EQUIVALENT AMOUNT.
TENDERS MUST BE SEALED AND IN DUPLICATE. ENVELOPES CONTAINING TENDERS SHOULD BE CLEARLY MARKED ^-TENDER FOR PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU* AND ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD. THEY SHOULD DE PLACED BEFORE 12 NOON ON APRIL 1.0 THIS YEAR, IN THE TENDER DOX SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY OH THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
HO LATE TENDERS WILL DE ACCEPTED. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT BIND ITSELF TO ACCEPT THE HIGHEST OR ANY TENDER.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 2 MURRAY ROAD, 9TH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
5
ADULTERATED LIQUOR SEIZED BY PREVENTIVE SERVICE ft ft it ft ft ft
OFFICERS OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE THIS WEEK HAVE SUCCEEDED IN MAKING LARGE SEIZURES OF ADULTERATED LIQUOR AND SMASHING TWO SYNDICATES ENGAGED IN THE BOTTLING AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE LIQUOR TO OUTLETS IN HONG KONG.
INVESTIGATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT BY THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
EARLIER IN THE WEEK, A COMPLAINT WAS RECEIVED THAT A MAN HAD SUFFERED FROM A STOMACH DISORDER AFTER DRINKING SOME CHINESE TYPE SPIRIT PURCHASED FROM A STORE IN SAN PO KONG, THE PREMISES WERE IMMEDIATELY SEARCHED AND 259 BOTTLES OF VARIOUS BRANDS OF CHINESE TYPE SPIRIT WERE SEIZED AND SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND TO BE ADULTERATED.
ENQUIRIES LED TO A FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE PREMISES OF A LIQUOR DEALER IN YUEN LONG WHERE ANOTHER 09 GALLONS AND 623 BOTTLES OF ADULTERATED CHINESE TYPE SPIRIT WERE SEIZED. ONE FEMALE HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND A MAN IS ASSISTING ENQUIRIES,
IT WAS LATER ESTABLISHED THAT THE ADULTERATED SPIRIT SEIZED WAS IN FACT RECTIFIED ALCHOHOL, CONTAINING TRACES OF PYRIDINE WHICH CAN BE INJURIOUS TO HEALTH,
MORE RECENTLY, ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC COMPLAINED THAT A BOTTLE OF PORT WINE PURCHASED FROM A STORE IN SHAMSHUIPO DID NOT APPEAR TO BE GENUINE. INVESTIGATION ON THIS RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE OF 1,029 QUART BOTTLES OF PORT WINE, ALL BELIEVED TO BE ADULTERATED.
THE CONTENTS OF THE SUSPECT BOTTLE, LABELLED AS AUSTRALIAN PORT WINE, WERE CERTIFIED ON ANALYSIS BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST TO CONTAIN A SUFFICIENT PERCENTAGE OF METHYL ALCOHOL WHICH IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH.
FOLLOWING THIS, AN INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED AT THE PREMISES OF THE WINE RETAILER FROM WHOM THE BOTTLE OF WINE WAS PURCHASED AND ALSO AT THE PREMISES OF HIS SUPPLIER IN SHAMSHUIPO. THESE RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE OF 755 QUART DOTTLES OF VARIOUS BRANDS OF PORT WINE, ALL BELIEVED TO BE ADULTERATED.
OFFICERS FROM THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE ALSO VISITED 21 PREMISES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON, SEIZING ANOTHER 274 BOTTLES OF ADULTERATED PORT WINE BEARING VARIOUS BRAND LABELS.
/A MAN IS
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
6
A MAN IS ASSISTING THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE WITH FURTHER ENQUIRIES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN PURCHASING ANY TYPE OF LIQUOR.
ANY GENUINE SUSPICION THAT LIQUOR MIGHT BE ADULTERATED SHOULD BE REPORTED TO ANY MEMBER OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE OR ALTERNATIVELY IN WRITING TO THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE POST OFFICE BOX, P.O. BOX 1363, GENERAL POST OFFICE, HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SEIZURES MADE BY THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE CAN BE TAKEN BETWEEN 11 AM AND 12 NOON TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE NEW QUEEN’S WAREHOUSE, GROUND FLOOR, RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, CENTRAL DISTRICT.
- - o
TOO STAMPS TO MARK ROYAL VISIT
IN CONVENIENT DENOMINATIONS OF ,<51.30 AND $2 ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE HISTORIC VISIT OF THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH TO HONG KONG IN MAY IS TO BE MARKED BY A SPECIAL ISSUE OF TOO COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS.
THE VALUES OF THE STAMPS ARE $1.30 AND $2. THEY ARE SUITABLE FOR MINIMUM AIR-MAIL CHARGES TO MANY COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES.
BOTH STAMPS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30.
THE MAIN FEATURE IS A JOINT PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE. THIS PARTICULAR PORTRAIT HAS NOT DEEN USED BEFORE IN A STAMP DESIGN.
APPEARING ON THE LEFT OF THE DESIGN IS THE HONG KONG COAT OF ARMS. THE STAMPS, IN FIVE COLOURS, HAVE BEEN PRINTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY THE LITHOGRAPHIC PROCESS.
A SPECIAL FIRST-DAY COVER HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THIS ISSUE BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT. THE COVERS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT 20 CENTS EACH.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE DESIGN OF THE STAMP ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE GIS PRESS ROOM.
_ - 0 - -
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975 - 7 -
MCGREGOR WOOS AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIALISTS
ft k ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. MR. JAMES MCGREGOR, RETURNS TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE END OF TWO WEEKS OF TALKS WITH AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIALISTS ON THE FEASIBILITY OF SETTING UP AUSTRALIAN BRANCH FACTORIES IN HONG KONG.
THE TRIP WAS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS PLANNED FOR 1975/76 BY THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
THE TWO ORGANISATIONS WORK IN CLOSE LIAISON TO PROMOTE THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY FROM THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO HONG KONG.
THIS IS DONE THROUGH SEMINARS, MISSIONS, AND DIRECT APPROACHES TO INDIVIDUALS IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE TWO ORGANISATIONS SHOULD CARRY OUT A NUMBER OF PROMOTIONS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES DURING THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS, AIMED AT ATTRACTING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES TO HONG KONG.
THERE ARE ALREADY SOME 240 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN HONG KONG WHICH ARE FULLY OR PARTLY FOREIGN-OWNED AND THESE EMPLOY MORE THAN 65,000 WORKERS. THESE ENTERPRISES REPRESENT HIGH STANDARDS OF MANAGEMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETING EXPERTISE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT POINTS OUT THAT MANY AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES HAVE PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO HONG KONG’S PRESENT STATE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID THAT IN ENGINEERING, PARTICULARLY, AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL KNOWLEDGE WOULD BE HELPFUL TO HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MR. MCGREGOR WILL TALK ABOUT HIS TRIP TO NEWSMEN IN THE VIP PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM AT KA I TAK. HIS ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL IS 6.30 P.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY), FLIGHT CX 100. YOUR REPRESENTATIVES IS REQUESTED TO BE IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM BY 6.30 P.M. THE DEPARTMENT’S PRO, MR. GERRY XAVIER, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THEM.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
8
FOODSTUFFS COST MORE LAST MONTH »»»»««
THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF RICE DROPPED LAST MONTH BUT FRESH WATER FISH, PORK, LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH VEGETABLES ALL COST MORE DUE TO REDUCED SUPPLIES AND HEAVY DEMAND DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIOD.,
AS A RESULT, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS IN THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX COVERING HOUSEHOLDS WITH A MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF BETWEEN $400 AND $1,499 ROSE BY THREE POINTS, WHILE THAT IN -THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR FAMILIES IN THE $1,500-82,999 EXPENDITURE BRACKET WENT UP BY TWO POINTS.
IN BOTH CASES, THE INDEX FOR SERVICES ROSE BY TOO POINTS EACH, MAINLY BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR HAIR-DRESSING BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDICES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
OVERALL, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR THE $400-81,499 GROUP STOOD AT 107, TOO POINTS HIGHER THAN THAT FOR JANUARY. THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR THE $1,500-$2,999 BRACKET WAS ALSO 107, COMPARED WITH 106 IN JANUARY.
THE OLD GENERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR FEBRUARY WAS 188, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF FOUR POINTS OR 2.2 PER CENT OVER JANUARY.
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EXTRA LAND FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL X ft fr X «■ X X-
MORE LAND MAY BE GRANTED TO THE DEVELOPERS OF THE FIFTH CONTAINER TERMINAL AT KWAI CHUNG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE GRANT OF A LOT FOR THE TERMINAL WERE NOW AT AN ADVANCED STAGE, THE MAIN AREA OF FORESHORES AND SEA BED REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPING IT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN NOTIFIED IN THE GAZETTE.
+IT HAS NOW BEEN FOUND NECESSARY TO GRANT AN ADDITIONAL SMALL AREA OF SEA BED IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT AN EXTENSION TO THE PROPOSED CONTAINER BERTH,+ HE SAID.
+THIS EXTENSION IS NECESSARY TO FACILITATE THE DOCKING OF LARGE CONTAINER SHIPS,* HE ADDED.
THE EXTENT OF THE ADDITIONAL AREA TO BE LEASED IS PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
ANYONE WHO HAS OBJECTIONS OR ANY CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT THEM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN THE NEXT TOO MONTHS.
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/9
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
- 9 -
NEW HOMES FOR DISPLACED VILLAGERS n n n k k «
SEVENTY-TWO LAN NAI WAN FAMILIES, COMPRISING 380 PEOPLE, WHO WERE AFFECTED BY THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THEIR NEW HOMES IN THE HEART OF SAI KUNG TOWN SHORTLY.
THE FIRST EIGHT BLOCKS OF THEIR NEW BUILDING HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND ARE NOW READY FOR OCCUPATION. THESE FOUR-STOREY BLOCKS PROVIDE 280 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS AND 72 SHOP SPACES ON THE GROUND FLOOR.
BALLOTING FOR THE FLATS AND SHOP PREMISES WAS HELD THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING AT THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE. THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CLIVE OXLEY, PRESIDED AT THE MEETING WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AS WELL AS A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WAS ALSO PRESENT.
+THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE BALLOTING IS TO ENSURE A FAIR ALLOCATION OF THE FLATS AND SHOPS TO EVERY VILLAGER CONCERNED,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE TERMS OF COMPENSATION, EACH FAMILY IS ENTITLED TO A 1,OOO-SQUARE-FOOT GROUND FLOOR PREMISES OR 0190,000 CASH IN LIEU. IN ADDITION, EACH MALE MEMBER OF THE FAMILY IS GIVEN A FLAT OR 080,000 AND EACH FEMALE MEMBER HALF A FLAT OR $60,000. SUBSIDIES ON FLAT DECORATION AND OCCUPATION AND REMOVAL ALLOWANCES WILL ALSO BE GRANTED WHEN THEY BEGIN TO MOVE TO THEIR NEW HOMES.
MEANWHILE, CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE LAST TWO BLOCKS IS WELL UNDERWAY AND SHOULD BE FINISHED TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR. WHEN COMPLETED, THE OTHER 38 FAMILIES FROM LAN NAI WAN AND SHA TSUI WHO ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THE RESERVOIR SCHEME WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE IN.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
-10
S.W.D.
STAFF ANNUAL SPORTS DAY if X X X X
SOME 400 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION WILL BE GATHERING TOGETHER ON SUNDAY (MARCH 23) FOR THEIR ANNUAL SPORTS AND GAMES DAY.
THIS WILL BE HELD AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM IN BOUNDARY STREET, KOWLOON, STARTING AT 9.30 A.M.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY COMPRISES 43 DIFFERENT EVENTS IN FIELD AND TRACK INCLUDING CHILDREN’S GAMES AND A WALKATHON FOR ADULTS. IN ADDITION THERE WILL BE TWO INVITATION RELAYS WITH TEAMS FROM VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OTHER DIVISIONS.
A BRIEF CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE END OF THE DAY WITH MR. HENRY AU, SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, WHO HEADS THE DIVISION, SAYING A FEW WORDS AND MR. LEE THIAM SWEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S CHILDREN AND YOUTH DIVISION, PRESENTING PRIZES TO WINNERS.
THE STAFF MEMBERS ARE FROM THE YOUTH WORK UNIT, LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICE UNIT AND COMMUNITY OR SOCIAL CENTRES IN WESTERN DISTRICT, WONG TAI SIN, TAI HANG TUNG, KWUN TONG, SHAM SHU I PO, TSUEN WAN, SHEUNG SHU I AND FANLING.
IT IS THROUGH THESE CENTRES AND UNITS THAT THE DIVISION PROVIDES A VARIETY OF SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. EACH CENTRE SERVES AS A CENTRAL MEETING PLACE FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND IS BASE ON WHICH TO DEVELOP ACTIVITIES, RELATIONSHIPS, GROUP INTERESTS AND A SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
COMMUNITY CENTRES ALSO PROVIDE UNDER ONE ROOF, NURSERIES, FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES, INTEREST GROUPS AND SOCIAL CLUBS, COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMMES AND MASS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. SIMILAR SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN WELFARE BUILDINGS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
WHILE COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL CENTRES OPERATE WITHIN THEIR OWN IMMEDIATE NEIGHBOURHOOD, THE DIVISION’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS PROVIDE THE EXPERTISE IN PROMOTING, DEVELOPING AND CO-ORDINATING COMMUNITY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES ON A DISTRICT LEVEL. THERE ARE CURRENTLY 12 CYOS, FOUR ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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/11 .....
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1975
11 -
CHAI WAN COTTAGE AREA RESIDENTS OFFERED HOUSING ft ft ft ft ft
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING TO ONE HUNDRED FAMILIES LIVING IN SECTION 3, EPWORTH VILLAGE, CHAI WAN COTTAGE AREA.
THE OFFER WAS THE RESULT OF A RECENT SURVEY CARRIED OUT . BY HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF WHICH FOUND THAT MOST OF THE STRUCTURAL EXTENSIONS WERE PARTIALLY UNSOUND.
LETTERS WERE DELIVERED BY HAND THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING TO TENANTS OF COTTAGE NOS. 1 TO 100, EXPLAINING THE POSSIBLE DANGER.
■{•PUBLIC HOUSING ACCOMMODATION WILL BE OFFERED TO TENANTS EITHER IN THE NEARBY CHAI WAN ESTATE IF THERE ARE CASUAL VACANCIES, OR IN ONE OF THE NEWER ESTATES IN KOWLOON,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SAID.
AFFECTED TENANTS SHOULD APPLY FOR REHOUSING AT THE CHAI WAN COTTAGE AREA OFFICE, BRINGING WITH THEM THEIR OCCUPATION PERMIT, HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND THE BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF THEIR CHILDREN.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 11.
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ROYAL VISIT PRESS RELEASE
Friday, March 21, 1975
TWO STAMPS TO MARK ROYAL VISIT
In Convenient Denominations Of S1.JO and 82
»*,*«*,«*
The historic visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Hong Kong in May is to be marked by a special issue of two commemorative stamps.
The values of the stamps are 81.30 and 82. They are suitable for minimum air-mail charges to many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Both stamps will be placed on sale at all post offices on Wednesday, April 30.
The main feature is a joint portrait of the Queen and the Duke* This particular portrait has not been used before in a stamp design.
Appearing on the left of the design is the Hong Kong Coat of Arms. The stamps, in five colours, have been printed in the United Kingdom by the lithographic process.
A special first—day cover has been prepared for this issue by the Information Services Department. The covers will be placed on sale at 20 cents each.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
■ ■TIIBflll ■ " iecy»
FEBRUARY HEALTH REPORT SHOWS CONTINUING FALL IN INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS ..................................... 1
THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND FOR SALE ............................... 1
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION PLANNED FOR THIS AUTUMN .............. 2
ADVANCE BOOKING FACILITIES FOR TRAIN PASSENGERS TRAVELLING FIRST CLASS ................................................ 2
WAI YIP STREET TO BE EXTENDED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC IN KWUN TONG .................................................... 3
*
PUBLIC REMINDED OF THE NEED TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
I
SATURDAY, MARCH 2?., 1975
*1 «
HEALTH REPORT FOR FEBRUARY
CONT I MU I MG FALL IN INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS k n n n ■:? n
HEALTH RETURNS FOR FEBRUARY ISSUED TODAY DY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOW A CONTIHU I NS FALL IN THE INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS.,
IN JANUARY, REPORTED CASES OF THE DISEASE TOTALLED 630, BUT NOTIFICATIONS WERE REDUCED TO 570 LAST MONTH. DACILLARY DYSENTERY CASES ALSO DROPPED FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH’S 42 TO 23.
THERE WERE INCREASES IN INCIDENCE OF CERTAIN INFECTIOUS DISEASES. NOTIFICATIONS OF TYPHOID ROSE FROM 41 TO 69, VIRAL HEPATITIS FROM 63 TO 89, AND CHICKENPOX FROM 75 TO 89.
AS FOR OTHER NOTIFIABLE DISEASES, THERE WERE EIGHT CASES OF MEASLES, ONE OF CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS, FIVE OF AMOEBIASIS, NINE OF FOOD POISONING, SEVEN OF SCARLET FEVER, FOUR OF TETANUS, AND ONE IMPORTED CASE OF MALARIA.
OF THE 62 DEATHS REPORTED DURING FEBRUARY, 53 .WERE CAUSED DY TUBERCULOSIS — A DROP FROM THE 67 DEATHS RECORDED IN JANUARY — AND FOUR DY VIRAL HEPATITIS., .
THE RECORDS OF DIPHTHERIA AND POLIOMYELITIS WERE AGAIN CLEAN. THE INCIDENCE OF OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SHOWED NO APPRECIABLE VARIATION.
DURING THE MONTH, HONG KONG REMAINED FREE FROM CHOLERA AND OTHER OUARAHTINABLE DISEASES.
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CROWN LAND SALE
k
THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WITH A TOTAL AREA OF MORE THAN 50,000 SQ.FT. WILL BE PUT OH SALE DY AUCTION HEXT MONTH.
TOO OF THEM — ONE SITUATED AT CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE OTHER AT MARCONI ROAD, KOWLOON — WILL.DE SOLD FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE LOT AT CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD HAS AN AREA OF 21,170 SQ.FT.
AND THE ONE AT MARCONI ROAD HAS AN AREA OF 10,2B0 SQ.FT.
THE REMAINING LOT WITH AH AREA OF 10,670 SQ.FT. IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT. IT IS LOCATED BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2.30 P.T1. OH APRIL 10 IN THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 22, \9qr5 ' i
FIRE SERVICES PLANNING FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION x
H « « H « «
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING A FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION TO TAKE PLACE IN THE AUTUMN.
THE EXHIBITION IS EXPECTED TO LAST FROM SEVEN TO TEN DAYS \
AND WILL PROBABLY BE HELD AT EITHER THE OCEAN TERMINAL OR THE N
CITY HALL.
A TOTAL OF 12 PRIVATE FIRMS DEALING IN FIRE PREVENTION \
EQUIPMENT HAVE BEEN INVITED TO TAKE PART AND SO FAR 11 HAVE ' RESPONDED FAVOURABLY.
A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SA ID NOVEMBER WAS A LIKELY DATE FOR THE EXHIBITION AS THIS WAS USUALLY THE MONTH WHEN THE NUMBER OF FIRES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BECAUSE OF DRIER WEATHER.
+THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE TO AROUSE PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF THE INCREASING FIRE DANGER IN HONG KONG,+ HE STATED, <AND WHAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT.* \
HE SAID AN INITIAL PLANNING MEETING WOULD BE HELD NEXT WEEK ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIRE SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND FIRMS TAKING PART.
THE EXHIBITION WILL DE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG. IF IT PROVES SUCCESSFUL, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO HOLDING ONE EVERY TOO YEARS.
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ADVANCE BOOKINGS j^TRA Hi^T ICKETS EXTENDED
NOVEMBER, AND 6,219 PEOPLE HAD MADE USE OF lHE SERVICE.
THF FAC 11 1TY WAS PARTICULARLY POPULAR OVER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIOD WHEN WK OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FLOCKED TO THE THE HEU TERRITORIES AND CHIBA. ■
THERE IS NO EXTRA CHARGE IF TICKETS ARE BOUGHT AT THE TIME OF MAKING THE RESERVATION.
nun I NG THE FOUR MONTHS THE SCHEME HAS BEEN OPERATION, NO PASSE T»VEnA SEAT ^HOUT^PURCHAS IH^AJICKET.
WITHOUT IMMEDIATELY PURCHASING THE TICKETS WILL WITHDRAWN.
/3 OOOOIt
/
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 1975
WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION K a ft ft ft ft ft
TRAFFIC IN KWUN TONG WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED WITH THE COMPLETION NEXT YEAR OF A PROJECT TO EXTEND WAI YIP STREET.
WAI YIP STREET, AT ITS JUNCTION WITH FOO YIP STREET, WILL EE EXTENDED 2,500 FT. UPON COMPLETION, IT WILL PROVIDE ANOTHER ROUTE FOR TRAFFIC TO AND FROM KWUN TONG.
THE NEW ROAD WILL BE A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY RUNNING PARALLEL TO THE MAIN KWUN TONG ROAD AND LINKING WITH IT AT THE FLYOVER AT ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL EAST OF THE CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE. IT WILL ALLOW BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC TO MERGE WITH AND DIVERGE FROM THE MAIN KWUN TONG ROAD TRAFFIC.
THIS NEW ROAD WILL ALSO FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PLANNED ROAD NETWORK IN KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION WHICH IS TO BE DEVELOPED INTO AN INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREA.
DRAINAGE WORKS OF THE NEW ROAD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF STORMWATER DRAINS AND SEWERS AND THEIR CONNECTION WITH THE MAIN DRAINAGE NETWORK.
CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THIS $3.6 M. PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JUNE AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
REMINDER TO REGISTER FOR I.D. CARDS k Ji a a ft
THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION, MR JOHN MITCHELL, TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC OF THE NEED TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS.
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS SHOULD REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARDS AT THE AGE OF 11 FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND YOUNG PERSONS REACHING THE AGE OF 10 MUST REGISTER FOR A^ULT IDENTITY CARDS.
MR MITCHELL ALSO CALLED ON ADULTS WHO HAVE NOT YET POSSESSED AN IDENTITY CARD TO COME FORWARD AND REGISTER THEMSELVES. '■
NEW ARRIVALS WHO INTEND TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS ARE ALSO REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO REGISTER FOR AN IDENTITY CARD, WHILE ID CARD HOLDERS ARE URGED TO REPORT TO THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT ANY CHANGE IN REGISTERED PARTICULARS.
FAILING TO REGISTER FOR AN IDENTITY CARD OR TO INFORM THE AUTHORITY ABOUT ANY CHANGE OF REGISTERED PARTICULARS IS AN OFFENCE WHICH CARRIES A FINE UP TO $1,000 AND A SIX-MONTH IMPRISONMENT.
- - o —
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
VISITING U.K. ENGINEER IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG’S +CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL ENERGIES* ............................... 1
REPORT ON 1974 PRIVATE HOUSING SURVEY NOW COMPLETED ....... 2
NEW CODE OF AID FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO COME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1 ............................................... 3
THREE-DAY CAREERS SEMINAR FOR SENIOR FORM STUDENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT......................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield.House;, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 1975
1
TOP U.K. ENGINEER DECLARES FAITH IN HONG KONG iS iS iS iS iS iS
A STATEMENT OF CONFIDENCE IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL FUTURE OF HONG KONG WAS MADE TODAY BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, SIR WILLIAM HARRIS, AT THE END OF A FOUR-DAY STAY HERE.
HE SAID THAT NO ENGINEER COULD VISIT HONG KONG AND FAIL TO BE IMPRESSED DY THE ^-CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL ENERGIES* WHICH HAD BEEN AND WERE BEING APPLIED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
HE ADDED 8 *APART FROM WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED ALREADY — VAST AND SOLID ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH WILL STAND ON PHYSICAL RECORD FOR MANY HUNDREDS OF YEARS — THE WORKS AND PLANS WHICH ARE IN HAND NOW, BOTH IN THE GOVERNMENT AND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, MERIT GREAT INTEREST AND SUPPORT.
*FOR A TERRITORY OF THIS SIZE, THE TOTAL ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT IS PROBABLY UNIQUE. AND EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE, TO ME, IS THE EVIDENCE OF THE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OF THE ENGINEERS WHO ARE SERVING THIS COMMUNITY.
*THE GOVERNMENT HERE DESERVES GREAT ADMIRATION FOR KEEPING GOING, IN TIMES OF CONSIDERABLE ECONOMIC DIFFICULTY, THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A VERY SUBSTANTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME --PARTICULARLY, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE BUILDING OF THREE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+THE VITAL AND ENTHUSIASTIC PART BEING PLAYED IN THIS PROGRAMME DY MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSION — OF BRITISH, CHINESE AND MANY OTHER NATIONALITIES — IS SOMETHING WHICH SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED OR EVER FORGOTTEN.*
DURING HIS VISIT SIR WILLIAM HAS TOURED SOME OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR ENGINEERING PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR SITE, THE DESALTER AND THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT WHICH IS CURRENTLY BEING EXTENDED.
HE HAS ALSO BEEN CONSOLIDATING HIS INSTITUTION’S EXISTING CLOSE CONTACTS AND LINKS WITH THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING BODIES HERE — NOTABLY WITH THE ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, WHICH IS NOW IN PROCESS OF TRANSFORMING ITSELF INTO A MORE INDEPENDENT AND AUTONOMOUS ORGANISATION.
/SIR WILLIAM’S .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 1975
SIR WILLIAM’S VISIT PROGRAMME VIAS ARRANGED BY MR, J.R. WHITAKER. DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERING.
COMMENTING ON THE RESULTS OF THE VISIT, MR. WHITAKER SAID TODAY a -:IT HAS BEEN A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR US. SIR WILLIAM’S STAY HAS NOT ONLY STRENGTHENED OUR LINKS WITH THE PROFESSIONAL BODY OF WHICH HE IS PRESIDENT. IT HAS ALSO SERVED TO INCREASE OUR AWARENESS OF THE LATEST IDEAS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PROFESSION ' RIGHT ROUND THE WORLD.*
THE PRESIDENT OF THE ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, MR. G.B. O’RORKE, ENDORSED THIS OPINION. *OUR DISCUSSIONS,* HE SAID, ♦HAVE GIVEN US A BETTER PICTURE OF THE CHALLENGES, PROBLEMS AND PRESSURES FACING THE PROFESSION IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
♦MORE THAN THAT, IT HAS SHARPENED OUR APPRECIATION OF THE STANDARDS AND IDEALS OF THE PROFESSION, AND HAS SHARPENED OUR IDEAS ON HOW MORE VIGOROUSLY TO DEFEND THOSE IDEALS.*
« 0 ««=»«• <•
1.976 PRIVATE HOUSING SURVEY REPORT X X }'. X X
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED ITS REPORT ON THE 1976 PRIVATE HOUSING SURVEY.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED FROM APRIL 11 TO 19 AND COVERED A RANDOM SAMPLE OF ALL PRIVATE, PERMANENT DOMESTIC LIVING QUARTERS IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS OF HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON, TSUEH WAN AND SIX MARKET TOWNS IN THE HEW TERRITORIES — YUEN LONG SAN HIJI, THEN MUN SAN HUI, SHEK WU HUI, LUEN WO MARKET, TAI PO MARKET AND TAI WAI.
INFORMATION WAS COLLECTED OH WHETHER HOUSEHOLDS WERE DOMESTIC OR COLLECTIVE, THE RELATIONSHIP OF EACH HOUSEHOLD MEMBER TO THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD, INCOME, TENURE, RENT, WHETHER HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS WERE PRESENT OR ABSENT AT THE SURVEY MOMENT, WHETHER ANY MEMBERS HAD APPLIED OR INTENDED TO APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND ON FLOOR AREA OCCUPIED DY THE HOUSEHOLD.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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/3 .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 1975
- 5 -
NEW CODE OF AID FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS »n« i
A NEW CODE OF AID FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL COME INTO FOfcCE ON APRIL 1, 1975. \
THIS CODE, WHICH SUPERSEDES THE SUBSIDY CODE (REVISED 1962K PRESCRIBES THE RULES AND CONDITIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHICH THE \ GOVERNMENT PROMOTES PRIMARY EDUCATION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR BY MEANS OF GRANTS TO SUCH PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
I
+THE NEW CODE IS, BY AND LARGE, A CODIFICATION OF EXISTING PRACTICE AND CHANGES MADE SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION IN SEPTEMBER 1971,+ THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY), MR. LAM TAT-LAU, SAID TODAY. A CIRCULAR IS BEING SENT TO SUPERVISORS AND HEADS OF ALL AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF THE NEW CODE.
SUCH CHANGES, HE SAID, INCLUDED INCREASES IN THE TEXTBOOK AND STATIONERY GRANT AND THE CAPITATION GRANT WHICH WERE INTRODUCED A YEAR AGO.
MR. LAM ASKED THE SUPERVISORS AND HEADS TO INFORM CLERICAL AND MINOR STAFF OF THEIR NEW PAID LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS UNDER THE CODE
INCLUDED IN THE CODE ARE THE NEW MATERNITY RULES FOR WOMEN TEACHERS WHICH COME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1 WHEN THE SALARIES OF WOMEN TEACHERS IN FULLY AIDED SCHOOLS REACH PARITY WITH THEIR MALE COLLEAGUES.
ONE SECTION OF THE CODE STATES THAT APPOINTMENT AND DISMISSAL OF STAFF SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS 76,77 AND 78 OF THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS 1971, IN CONFORMITY WITH THIS CODE OF_ AID, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH INSTRUCTIONS DY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
AS
MAY FROM TIME TO
TIME BE ISSUED
THE THREE REGULATIONS READ AS FOLLOWS
ANY MEMBER OF BE DETERMINED OF THE MANAGEMENT
+76. THE APPOINTMENT AND DISMISSAL OF THE TEACHING STAFF OF ANY SCHOOL SHALL BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL THE MEMBERS
COMMITTEE OF THAT SCHOOL.
+77. THE SUPERVISOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ISSUING TO ALL TEACHERS LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT WHICH SHALL SET
OUT -
/(A) CONDITIONS ......
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 1975
- l>
(A) CONDITIONS OF SERVICE-
(B) SALARY SCALE- AND
(C) CONDITIONS OF TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT
+78. THE SUPERVISOR SHALL DE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THE SALARIES OF ALL TEACHERS ARE PAID IN FULL WHEN DUE.+
THE CODE OF AID ALSO STATES THAT ON APPOINTMENT TO AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL, A TEACHER SHALL BE FURNISHED WITH A CONTRACT OF SERVICE AND IN ADDITION, OR ALTERNATIVELY, A LETTER OF APPOINTMENT.
SUCH CONTRACT OF SERVICE OR LETTER OF APPOINTMENT SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANNUAL RENEWAL, BUT MAY SPECIFY A PERIOD OF TIME TO WHICH ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS SHALL REFER.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, IT SHALL SPECIFY THE DATE FROM WHICH THE APPOINTMENT IS TO HAVE EFFECT AND THE MINIMUM PERIOD OF NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT TO BE GIVEN BY EITHER PARTY WISHING TO TERMINATE SUCH CONTRACT.
THE EMPLOYMENT OF A TEACHER WHO HAS SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED A PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF TWO YEARS, SHALL NORMALLY BE TERMINABLE DY THE GIVING OF THREE MONTHS’ NOTICE IN WRITING BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SCHOOL OR DY THE TEACHER.
ANOTHER SECTION OF THE CODE STATES THAT A SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SHALL ONLY DISMISS A TEAHCER FOR GOOD AND SUFFICIENT REASON, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ^PROCEDURE RELATING TO DISMISSAL OR TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A TEACHER* SHOWN IN AN APPENDIX TO THE CODE.
ALL STAFF IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS SHALL NORMALLY RETIRE AT AGE 60 EXCEPT IN SPECIAL CASES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE CODE STATED.
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SUNDAY, MARCH P.3, 1975
5
CAREERS SEMINAR FOR STUDENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT n n n n «
A THREE-DAY CAREERS SEMINAR FOR SENIOR FORM STUDENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE HELD FROM APRIL 2 TO 4 AT ST. PAUL’S COLLEGE, BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
IT AIMS AT PROVIDING INFORMATION OH CAREERS IN COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES. THE INFORMATION INCLUDES HIE NATURE OF VARIOUS JODS, DUTIES, SALARIES, PROSPECTS, TRAINING FACILITIES AND OTHER TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF 12 TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS ON TRADES AND INDUSTRIES BY REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT.
THESE INCLUDE NURSING, BANKING, SOCIAL WORK, SECRETARIAL WORK, TEACHING, AIRLINES, ADVERTISING, ACCOUNTING AND GOVERNMENT JOBS. THERE WILL ALSO BE TALKS OH APPLICATION FOR JOBS AND FURTHER STUDIES.
<IT IS HOPED THAT STUDENTS WILL DE ABLE TO MAKE A MORE SENSIBLE CHOICE OF CAREER AFTER ATTENDING THIS SEMINAR,-:- SAID MR. TSANG KIN-WOO, LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE.
STUDENTS IN OTHER DISTRICTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEMINAR AND SHOULD CONTACT MRS. KATHERINE SHEN OF WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 5-495141 FOR ENROLMENT.
0 - - - -
•v
ROYAL
■ VISIT PRESS RELEASE • •
Sunday, March 23, 1975-
THE QUEEN’S EXTENSIVE JOURNEYS ABROAQ
Visit Td Hong Kong-44th In Series Since 195.2
******* • .
-’When'the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive in Hong Kong in May en roMe to a state visit to Japan, it will be their 44th trip abroad since 1952. C -
In that year, the Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, had reached Kenya on the first stage of a visit with Prince Philip to Australia and New Zealand.
They had gone in place of the Queen’s father, King George VI, who had been prevented by illness from making the tour. Not long after their arrival, news of the death of the King was announced, and the Princess, now Queen, had to cancel the remainder of the tour to return to London.
The Queen’s programme of annual visits in her role as Sovereign began in 1955, when she and the Duke made an extensive tour of Commonwealth countries including Bermuda, Jamaica, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Ceylon, Aden, Uganda, Malta and Gibraltar.
Non-Commonwealth countries also visited during this tour included the Republic of Panama, and Libya, where the Queen and Prince • • • • • • • ■ •’
Philip were received at Tobruk by King Idris.
/When the Queen .....
2
When the Queen visited Canada in 1957, she was the first Sovereign to open a session of the Canadian Parliament, the 23rd. After this, the Queen and Prince Philip spent four days in Washington as guests of the late President Eisenhower. The Queen took the opportunity to visit New York where she addressed a special meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
A number of the Queen’s visits abroad since accession to the throne have been private, but most were state visits. On one occasion, in 1961, following a state visit to Italy and an audience with the Pope in the Vatican, the Queen and the Prince remained in Italy for a few days for a private visit.
Important historic occasions have frequently been enhanced by the presence of the Queen. She was in Canada in 1959 for the opening of the St Lawrence Seaway, in Australia in 19&3 for the celebration of Canberra’s 50th anniversary, and again in Canada in 19$7 for the 100th anniversary of the Confederation.
In 1970, the Queen and the Prince spent nine weeks.touring Fiji, Tonga, Australia and New Sealand. The visit was planned to coincide with the bicentenary celebrations of Captain Cook’s first arrival in the area.
The Queen was in Australia again in 1973 for the opening of the Sydney Opera House.
The Queen toured Australasia and Indonesia in 197^ to attend the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. On this occasion, she was accompanied by the Duke, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Captain Mark Philips. ..... M ■ /This year’s .....
- 3 -
This year’s visits abroad began in February with a tour of the Carribean and Mexico.
The Queen and the Duke, accompanied by members of the Household, officials and staff, will come to Hong Kong on May 4 from a Heads of Commonwealth States conference in Jamaica,- via Guam.
The Hoyal couple will leave Hong Kong early on May 7 for a state visit to Japan*
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
' CONTENTS PAGE NO
MORE THAN ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE SPACE LYING IDLE ................................................. 1
PUBLIC HOUSING FOR LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS .............. 2
RESIDENTS DECORATED BY THE QUEEN WILL RECEIVE INSIGNIAS FROM THE GOVERNOR ON WEDNESDAY...................... 3
RATES IN GROUP ’A’ ESTATES TO GO UP FROM MAY 1 ....... 4
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT: STORAGE NOW 69 PER CENT OF TOTAL CAPACITY........................................ 4
KWUN TONG STUDENTS ORGANISE CIVIC PROJECT TO DRAW RESIDENTS CLOSER TOGETHER..................................... 5
EASTER POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED ................. 5
WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE TO HOLD SPRING RECEPTION TOMORROW ........................................... 6
%
CAUSEWAY BAY CAR PARK TO BE CLOSED FOR A WHILE ....... 6
MORE FIRE PREVENTION INFORMATION LEAFLETS PRODUCED ... 7
TRAFFIC CHANGE IN WONG CHUK HANG...................... 7
NEW EXECUTIVE FOR WONG TAI SIN CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL COMM ITTEE ......................................... 8
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL SETS PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS .............................. 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
1
VACANT OFFICE SPACE EXCEEDS ONE MILLION SQ. FT. ft ft ft It ft «
A RECORD 1.1 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION WAS LYING VACANT AT THE END OF 1974, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR. RAYMOND FRY, DISCLOSED TODAY.
THIS IS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE 0.54 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF VACANT OFFICE SPACE AT THE END OF 1973, AND IS NEARLY TEN TIMES THE AMOUNT VACANT AT THE END OF 1972 WHEN ONLY SOME 125,000 SQUARE FEET LAY UNOCCUPIED.
MOST VACANCIES LAST YEAR OCCURRED IN THE LESS ATTRACTIVE ‘ ---------------------------- WAN DISTRICTS OF HONG KONG
BUILDINGS IN THE CENTRAL AND SHEUNG ISLAND AND IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI AND KOWLOON, HE SAID.
YAU MA TEI DISTRICTS IN
THE COMMISSIONER SAID 1974 HAD
BEEN A VERY ACTIVE YEAR FOR AND THE AMOUNT COMPLETED
DEVELOPERS IN THIS PARTICULAR FIELD
YEAR WAS JUST OVER ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET MOST nr and in IiS'Sa"e?sIK s™ tsuiIPa»dAyaJ"maStei CEKwveb'StheCT reET^o“ilreIEDli"iHGl’i973™A" ™E REC0RD 0F 1-'i3 ion’souare
COMMENTING ON FUTURE PROJECTS, MR. FRY SAID THAT IF ALL OFFICE BUILDINGS PLANNED FOR 1975 AND 1976 ARE COMPLETED, AH ADDITIONAL 3.2 MILLION SQUARE FEET WILL BE PROVIDED IN 1975 AND A FURTHER 3.8 MILLION SQUARE FEET IN 1976.
+HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT ECONOMIC OUTLOOK, AND A LIKELY FALL-OFF IN DEMAND FOR OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, IT APPEARS PROBABLE THAT COMPLETION OF SOME PROJECTS WILL BE DEFERRED, AS THIS AMOUNT OF ACCOMMODATION, TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THE 1.1 MILLION SQUARE FEET VACANT AT THE END OF 1974, IS CONSIDERABLY IN EXCESS OF THE AVERAGE AMOUNT TAKEN UP DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS,* HE ADDED.
OFFICE RENTALS CONTINUED ON AN UPWARD TREND OVER 1974 BUT, WITH MORE COMING ON TO THE MARKET, TENANTS NOW HAVE A WIDER CHOICE, AND iHE VERY NOTICEABLE DOWNTURN IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1974 WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CONTINUE, HE SAID.
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MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
2 -
PUBLIC HOUSING FOR LOWER-PAID CIVIL SERVANTS ««««««
UP TO 1,500 FLATS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ARE TO BE RESERVED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY EACH YEAR FOR LOWER-PAID LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS.
THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF A SCHEME WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN THE EARLY 6O’S TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR JUNIOR CIVIL SERVANTS. THE NEW ALLOCATION REPRESENTS AN IMPROVEMENT OVER THE PREVIOUS ONE.
A CIRCULAR JUST ISSUED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SETS OUT THE ELIGIBILITY RULES AND ALSO CALLS APPLICATIONS FOR 350 FLATS AT 01 MAN ESTATE, 650 FLATS AT LEK YUEN ESTATE, 200 AT LEI MUK SHUE AND 300 FLATS AT KWAI SHING ESTATE.
SERVING OFFICERS WILL HAVE TO FULFIL THE SAME REQUIREMENTS, AS FAR AS TOTAL MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS ARE CONCERNED, AS ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC APPLYING FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
THE REQUIREMENTS WERE RECENTLY AMENDED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO RAISE THE ELIGIBILITY LIMIT TO FAMILIES EARNING A MAXIMUM OF $2,200 A MONTH.
THE CIRCULAR SAYS THAT THE ALLOCATION OF FLATS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL ALL ELIGIBLE APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED OR ALL THE FLATS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED .
+FLATS REMAINING UNALLOCATED FROM THE 1975 QUOTA WILL REVERT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY POOL FOR ALLOCATION TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* THE CIRCULAR NOTES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE SAID TODAY THAT THE NEW ALLOCATION SHOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR MORE LOWER-PAID LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS TO RECEIVE PUBLIC HOUSING THAN IN THE PAST.
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MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
5
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA h m m it
FIFTY-EIGHT LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN DECORATED BY THE QUEEN WILL RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 26).
THE INSIGNIA TO BE PRESENTED INCLUDE ONE CMG, TWO CBE’S, FIVE OBE’S, ONE ISO AND SEVEN MBE’S.
THE RECIPIENTS HAVE BEEN DECORATED EITHER IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS OR THE NEW YEAR HONOURS.
SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR GUESTS ATTENDING THE PRESENTATITN CEREMONY.
CARS BEARING ’G.H.’ LABELS MAY ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE OF OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE AND PARK IN THE FORECOURT OR TENNIS COURTS AS DIRECTED BY THE POLICE, OR IF CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN, RETURN AT 11.50 A.M.
CARS BEARING BLUE LABELS MUST LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE AND MAY PARK AT UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS, THE SLIP ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE BUILDING AND AT THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD.
ALL VEHICLES PARKED INSIDE GOVERNMENT HOUSE HAVE TO LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE AFTER THE CEREMONY AND OTHER GUESTS ARE REQUESTED TO WALK TO THEIR CARS.
TO FACILITATE THESE ARRANGEMENTS, METERED PARKING SPACES IN UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS, AND THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 1 MP.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS
• COPIES OF A LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE PRESS ROOM, G.I.S., 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 11.30 A.M. OH WEDNESDAY.
ONLY PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SHOULD MEET G. I.S. OFFICERS IN THE GUARD ROOM OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE NOT LATER THAN 11 A.M.
NEWSPAPERS NOT RECEIVING PASSES WILL.BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTS IN THE ORDINARY WAY WITH GOLDEN STUDIO, AT 527, HENNESSY ROAD, TELEPHONE NO. 5-777940.
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/4
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
RATES IN GROUP ’A’ ESTATES TO GO UP FROM MAY 1
ft ft ft ft ft ft
FAMILIES LIVING IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S TWENTY NINE GROUP +A+ ESTATES WILL HAVE TO PAY A FEW DOLLARS MORE FROM MAY 1 TO MEET THE TWO PER CENT RATES INCREASE ANNOUNCED EARLIER BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET PROPOSAL.
THIS ADJUSTMENT WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY AFFECT THE 195,000 FAMILIES IN GROUP +B+ ESTATES AS THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO REIMBURSE THE AUTHORITY THE COST OF INCREASED RATES ON THESE ESTATES UNTIL MARCH 31, 1976.
IN A FEW EXCEPTIONAL CASES, MOST OF THE 96,000 FAMILIES LIVING IN GROUP +A+ ESTATES WILL HAVE ONLY TO PAY AN EXTRA $2 TO $7 PER MONTH.
FOR THE MAJORITY OF SHOP TENANTS, THE INCREASE WILL RANGE FROM $15 TO 650. A FEW WILL HAVE TO PAY OVER $200.
THE ADJUSTMENT SHOULD TAKE EFFECT ON APRIL 1, BUT IN ORDER TO GIVE REASONABLE NOTICE TO THE TENANTS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED TO BEAR THE FIRST MONTH’S INCREASE, AMOUNTING lO OVER $300,000.
GROUP +A+ TENANTS HAVE BEEN INDIVIDUALLY INFORMED OF THE AMOUNT OF INCREASE THEY WILL HAVE lO PAY.
_ _ 0 - -
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT
X X ft X X ft
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 46,891 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 69.7 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 41,005 MILLION GALLONS.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 36,050 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 32,965 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY L.AST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 71.4 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
A TOTAL OF 2 MM (0.03 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 130.4 MM (5.13 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY STANDS AT 122.7 MM (4.83 IN).
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MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
5
♦KNOW OUR KWUN TONG+ EXHIBITION ««»»»«
THIRTEEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KWUN TONG WILL HOLD A +KNOW OUR KWUN TONG+ EXHIBITION AT KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL FROM MARCH 29 TO APRIL 2 TO CULTIVATE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONG RESIDENTS AND WORKERS OF THEIR DISTRICT.
THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE THE HISTORICAL, GEOGRAPHICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS OF THE TOWN IN THE LAST 20 YEARS.
STUDENTS OF THE 13 SCHOOLS WILL DISPLAY GRAPHS AND MODELS SHOWING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF KWUN TONG INCLUDING INDUSTRIES, POPULATION, HOUSING, EDUCATION AND POLLUTION.
THIS PROJECT, THE FIRST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF KWUN TONG, WAS FIRST INITIATED BY THE KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE.
ITS OBJECTIVES ARE TO PROJECT A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, PROMOTE STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIP AND CULTIVATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF IMPORTANT LOCAL ISSUES.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM DAILY.
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EASTER POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ««««««
HOLlDAT?IWTS^’rWEBfKt,MITED P0S™L SE'>V,CES DU,,I"G ™E E4STER
Tlir ON 600D FRIDAY (MARCH 28) ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED AND THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERY OF MAIL. ON SATURDAY AND EASTER MONDAY THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY AND A NUMBER OF POST OFFICES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WILL OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
- 6 -
WONG TAI SIN C.D.O. SPRING RECEPTION H
NOTE TO EDITORS
THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SPRING RECEPTION TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON IN THE ASSEMBLY HALL OF NG WAH COLLEGE, CHOI HUNG ROAD, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
MORE THAN 600 COMMUNITY LEADERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, VOLUNTARY BODIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL ATTEND.
DURING THE OCCASION, 10 RESIDENTS OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY WELFARE PROJECTS. PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF ’KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN’ COMPETITIONS.
THE PRESENTATIONS WILL BE MADE BY MR. I.R. STRACHAN, WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, AND BY MR. CHRISTOPHER WONG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE RECEPTION WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4.30 PM.
_ > - - O ----
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CAUSEWAY BAY CAR PARK «»«««»
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT FORMER ROXY THEATRE SITE AT YEE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FOR THREE
THE
WOO
METERED CAR PARK NEXT TO THE
STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE
DAYS NEXT WEEK TO FACILITATE THE READJUSTMENT OF THE PARKING LAYOUT AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RUN-IN AT THE CAR PARK.
THE CAR PARK WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 A.M. NEXT TUESDAY (MARCH 25) UNTIL 8 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 28).
0
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
FIRE PREVENTION LEAFLETS ft ft « H ft
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS NOW PRODUCED A TOTAL OF TEN Bl-LINGUAL PAMPHLETS ON THE SUBJECT OF FIRE PREVENTION. TIE
LATEST ONE IS ON +ELECTKCCAL SAFETY.-?
THE PAMPHLETS COVER A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN THE ARTIFICAL PEARL INDUSTRY, DANGEROUS GOODS, ORGANIC BLOWING AGENTS, HINTS ON THE SAFE USE OF KEROSENE AND GAS APPLIANCES, CARELESS SMOKING, HOME FIRE PREVENTION, PLASTICS, AND PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES.
UNDER PREPARATION AT PRESENT IS A PAMPHLET COVERING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WHICH IS INTENDED PRIMARILY FOR CONTRACTORS LICENSED TO INSTALL FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID STOCKS OF THE PAMPHLETS ARE HELD AT THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU IN ASIAN HOUSE, 11TH FLOOR, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO COLLECT COPIES THERE.
♦THE MORE THE PUBLIC KNOWS ABOUT HOW TO PREVENT FIRE, THE LESS FIRES THERE WILL BE,+ HE SAID.
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TRAFFIC CHANGE * * * * *
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE UNNAMED STREET BEHIND HOUSE NOS. 19-45, WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY FOR EASTBOUND TRAFFIC AS FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 26).
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
8
SWEARING-IN OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE SEVENTH TERM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE’S CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE WILL BE SWORN IN AT A CEREMONY AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 5 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL PRESIDE AT THE CEREMONY. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE MRS. HENRIETTA CHEN, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER FOR WONG TAI SIN, AND MR. T.C. LEE, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TOO ADVISORS TO THE COMMITTEE.
THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE WAS FORMED IN NOVEMBER 1968 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE WARDEN OF THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE WHICH IS THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S OLDEST COMMUNITY CENTRE.
+THE AIMS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE THREEFOLD,+ EXPLAINED MRS. CHEN. +THESE ARE TO GENERATE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DI STR I CTO TO LIAISE WITH SCHOOLS AND AROUSE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN PROMOTING THE CULTURAL STANDARDS OF THE DISTRICT AND TO ORGANISE MORE CONSTRUCTIVE PROGRAMMES FOR STUDENTS.+
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IT HAS OVER THE YEARS ORGANISED VARIOUS TYPES OF PROGRAMMES AND THE THEME OF THE WORKING SCHEDULE THIS YEAR IS ^COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT*.
SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES IT INTENDS TO ORGANISE INCLUDE COMPILING A RESOURCE BOOKLET CONTAINING DETAILS OF ALL SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE AREA AND METHODS OF APPROACH TO MAKE USE OF THEM= A SURVEY OF THE NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES'AVAILABLE IN WONG TAI SIN FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS= SEMINARS FOR' HEADMASTERS, AS WELL AS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
ON THE RECREATION SIDE, IT WILL ORGANISE A CHILDREN’S NIGHT FOR TEN THOUSAND CHILDREN AT MORSE PARK AND VARIOUS CONTESTS ON CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTING, SINGING, ART DESIGN AND MECHANICAL MODELS.
AT PRESENT SOME 83 SCHOOLS ARE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WHOSE EXECUTIVE COMPRISES 15 MEMBERS ELECTED ANNUALLY.
/APART FROM
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1975
- 9 -
APART FROM MRS. CHEN AND MR. LEE, THERE ARE TWO OTHER ADVISORS TO THE COMMITTEE, MR. LI YIU-BOR, AND MR. IAN STRACHAN, THE C.D.O. FOR WONG TAI SIN.
+THE COMMITTEE’S ACTIVITIES ARE GEARED TO STIMULATING
YOUTH AND CHILDREN INTO TAKING MORE INTEREST IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SO AS TO INSPIRE IN THEM A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT FROM WHICH THEY WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO OFFER THEIR SERVICES TO BETTER THE SOCIETY IN WHICH THEY FORM A PART,+ MRS. CHEN SAID.
/
NOTE TO EDITORS t YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY TOMORROW.
------ 0 -----
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL K « n ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, HELD A MEETING TODAY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF NINE ASSOCIATIONS AND UNIONS TO DISCUSS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE STAFF SIDE REPRESENTATION ON THE DEPARTMENTAL STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL.
DURING THE MEETING A CONSTITUTION FOR THE CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL WAS DISCUSSED AND THE PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONDUCTING THE COUNCIL’S BUSINESS WERE AGREED.
A
THE COUNCIL WAS RE-ACTIVATED ON A REGULAR AND PERMANENT BASIS FOLLOWING AGREEMENT WITH AND CO-OPERATION BY ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.
1
ITS GENERAL OBJECTS ARE TO SECURE THE GREATEST MEASURE OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION, IN ITS CAPACITY AS EMPLOYER, AND THE GENERAL BODY OF THE STAFF IN MATTERS AFFECTING THE DEPARTMENT, WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING EFFICIENCY IN THE DEPARTMENT AND TO ENSURE THAT THE WELL-BEING OF THOSE EMPLOYED WILL BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW.
OTHER OBJECTS OF THE COUNCIL ARE TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF AND GENERALLY TO BRING TOGETHER THE EXPERIENCE AND DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEWS IN RESPECT OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.
THE ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTED AT TODAY’S MEETING ARE THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS’ ASSOCIATION, THE ASSOCIATION OF EXPATRIATE CIVIL SERVANTS OF HONG KONG, THE SENIOR NON-EXPATRI ATE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE ASSOCIATION OF LECTURERS AT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’UN I ON, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS HEADS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE WORKING PARTY OF GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS PRINCIPALS’ ASSOCIATION.
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• ROYAL VISIT PRESS RELEASE
Monday, March 24, 1975
SECOND VISIT TO HONG KONG BY DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Career Of Long, Journeys To Remote Parts Of The World v
The Duke of Edinburgh, unlike the Queen, will be paying a second visit to Hong Kong when the Royal couple arrive in May. He was here for a few days in 1959*
The occasion was a tour of India,.. Pakistan, and British Far Eastern and Pacific territories,. planned to coincide with an Indian Science Congress in Nev/ Delhi.
The Duke attended the Congress as the representative of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.
The Duke’s party for the visit to Hong Kong included Sir Alexander Grantham, who had been Governor of Hong Kong for ten years and who had some time earlier been succeeded by Sir Robert Black.
As the Royal yacht Britannia entered the harbour from Lyemun pass, Sir Alexander joined the Duke on the deck to point out interesting aspects along the waterfront at Shau Kei Wan, North Point, Wan Chai and Central. The route was thronged by members of the public.
At that time, Shau Kei Wan, North Point, Wan Chai and Central were being redeveloped. The skyline was already changing, but not to the extent that has since taken place, and the Duke, if he recalls the scene, will probably marvel at. the. transformation.
Besides New Delhi, Karachi and Hong Kong, the Duke also visited on this tour Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei, North Borneo (now Sabah), the Solomon Islands, the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Christmas Island, the Bahamas ad Bermuda.
/A year .....
2
A year earlier, in 1956, the Duke was in Melbourne to open the
Olympic Games.
He took the opportunity to visit Commonwealth countries and British island territories. These included the Seychelles, Ceylon, Papua, New Guinea- Malaya, New Z-ealand, the Chatham Islands, Deception Island, the South Shetland Islands group, the Falkland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena — with its memories of Napoleon’s exile after Waterloo — the 'j 1 ■' J. • ‘ : ’ -V
Ascension Islands, the Gambia, and Gibraltar.
In 1964, after a visit to Nassau, the Duke toured Mexico. He ' • ' ♦ f • . *
then spent some time on the Galapagos Islands, which became world-famous as the result of Darwin’s extensive exploration of their unique fauna and flora. It was from his observations of wildlife in this naturally isolated sanctuary that Darwin conceived his theory of natural selection.
J,- j f ■ .r:' ' '
From the Galapagos, the Duke continued onwards to.Panama, then Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St Vincent, Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts, and Montserrat and Antigua. . • • • • ». 1 ••
Since 1950? either with the Queen or by himself in various roles as the Queen’s representative, head of an association such as the English-speaking Union of the Commonwealth, in a purely private capacity, • »
or as a sei-vxng member of the Royal Navy, the Duke has made 69 visits abroad.
Both 1964 and 1973 are notable years in the Duke’s travelling calendar because he was out of Britain during each of these years for eight times.
His 1964 visits included a trip to Greece to attend the funeral of King Paul of the Hellenes, an informal visit to Iceland, a few days at Malta as the Queen’s representative at independence celebrations, and a trip to Morocco as a guest of King Hassan.
/In 1973,
3
In 1973, among other countries visited, he was in Australia in connection with the Australian Conservation Foundation, in Portugal for the 6OOth anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, in the Soviet Union as President of the International Equestrian Federation, and in Bulgaria for an Olympic Congress.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC URGED TO MAKE FULL USE OF NEW CROSS-HARBOUR EXPRESS COACH SERVICE BETWEEN KAI TAI AND CENTRAL ..... 1
PROPER ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR OVER 5,000 RESIDENTS OF LICENSED AREAS ................................. 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT YUEN LONG TOMORROW .................. 2
J
D.C. AND I OFFICIALS DISAPPOINTED OVER AMERICAN GSP
DECISION IN EXCLUDING HONG KONG FROM FIRST LIST OF BENEFICIARIES ....................................... 3
MORE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED BY TELEPHONE COMMISSION ....................................v..... *
BETTER SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM PLANNED FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG ............................................ A
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICERS APPOINTED TO HANDLE ENQUIRIES ABOUT PROPOSED LABOUR RELATIONS BILL ........................ 5
SPECIAL TRAFFIC .ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED IN N.T. OVER EASTER HOLIDAY RERIOD ................................. 6
ANTI-DRUG SEMINAR FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS TO DE HELD IN WONG TAI SIN ........................................* 7
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO TAKE OVER CONTROL OF RESTRICTED
ROADS WITHIN THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME WORKS AREA .. 8
■--o-----
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
- 1
PUBLIC URGED TO MAKE MORE USE OF CROSS-HARBOUR COACH SERVICE n n n n n n n
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY URGED THE PUBLIC TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE NEW CROSS-HARBOUR EXPRESS COACH SERVICE WHICH RUNS BETWEEN KAI TAK AIRPORT AND CENTRAL DISTRICT VIA GLOUCESTER ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY AREA.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID INITIAL RESPONSE TO THE WEEK-OLD EXPERIMENTAL SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN AS GOOD AS EXPECTED, BUT HE HOPED THAT MORE PEOPLE WOULD MAKE USE OF IT.
HE SAID THE NEW SERVICE, ROUTE 200, WAS DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO WANTED A MORE COMFORTABLE AND YET RELATIVELY CHEAPER FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT ACROSS THE HARBOUR.
ROUTE 200 WAS INTRODUCED LAST WEEK BY THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WITH THE BACKING OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO PRIVATE CARS, TAXIS AND PUBLIC CARS, HE SAID.
MN ADDITION, THE SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO HELP EASE THE DEMAND AT THE AIRPORT FOR TAXIS AND PUBLIC CARS WHICH HAVE AT TIMES BEEN A SOURCE OF COMPLAINTS OF OVERCHARGING BY PASSENGERS.+ HE SAID.
THE INTRODUCTION OF ROUTE 200 WOULD MAKE IT MUCH EASIER TO OBTAIN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR AIR TRAVELLERS, PEOPLE SEEING THEM OFF OR BACK, AS WELL FOR AIRPORT STAFF.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT SHOULD PROVE PARTICULARLY CONVENIENT FOR TOURISTS AS MOST HOTELS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT LIE ALONG THE ROUTE, EACH HAVING AN ADJACENT BUS STOP OBSERVED BY THE SERVICE. THE COACHES ALSO STOP OUTSIDE THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL IN GLOUCESTER ROAD VERY NEAR OTHER HOTELS IN CAUSEWAY BAY AREA.
USING 42-SEATER LUXURY COACHES WITH GUARANTEED SEATS, ROUTE 200 RUNS TO A FIXED SCHEDULE OF 15»MINUTE FREQUENCY FROM 7 A.M. UNTIL 8.15 P.M. CHARGING A FLAT FARE OF $3.
CENTRAL
JOURNEYS FROM THE AIRPORT BUILDING TERMINAL TO OPERATE VIA OLYMPIC AVENUE, TAM KUNG ROAD, MA TAU VJEI ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD, HONG CHONG ROAD, CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, WATERFRONT ROAD FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD, WATERFRONT ROAD, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, QUEENSWAY, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN VICTORIA STREET.
COACHES BOUND FOR THE AIRPORT FROM CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS TRAVEL VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, PEDDER STREET, CHATER ROAD, MURRAY ROAD, QUEENSWAY, ARSENAL STREET, WATERFRONT ROAD, FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD, CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, HONG CHONG ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD, MA TAU WEI ROAD, CHI KIANG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND OLYMPIC AVENUE.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
- 2 -
LICENSED AREA RESIDENTS GET PROPER POWER SUPPLY ««««««
MORE THAN 5,000 RESIDENTS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S KOWLOON BAY FIRST VILLAGE AND CHEUNG SHA WAN LICENSED AREAS ’D’ AND ’E* ARE NOW ENJOYING A LEGAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INSTALLED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE POWER COMPANY.
THEY ARE AMONG THE FIRST TO GET PROPERLY INSTALLED POWER SUPPLY UNDER THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME IN LICENSED AREAS.
CHAI WAN LICENSED AREAS 2 AND 3 ARE NEXT ON THE COMPLETION LIST. INSTALLATION WORK IS NOW NEARLY FINISHED AND RESIDENTS WILL PROBABLY GET THEIR SUPPLY IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.
APART FROM THESE FIVE AREAS, INSTALLATION WORK IS PROGRESSING IN SIX OTHER LICENSED AREAS. THESE ARE SAM KAR CHUEN (TERRACES 10, 11, AND 18-23), HIP WO STREET, WANG TAU HOM, JUNCTION ROAD, SHEK YAM AND THEN MUM. THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED BY JULY OR AUGUST.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS AT PRESENT FINALISING SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY PLANS FOR TIN WAN, SAI CHO WAN, HA KWAI CHUN AND WONG CHUK HANG LICENSED AREAS, AND TENDERS FOR THE INSTALLATION WILL BE INVITED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES OTHER LICENSED AREAS WILL COST THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT MORE THAN M MILLION. ,
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GOVERNOR TO VISIT YUEN LONG
KM#
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT YUEN LONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO INSPECT THE RESULTS OF A CLEAN-UP OPERATION AT KAM TIN RIVER AND LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN YUEN LONG TOWN.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE VISIT. A 9-SEATER VAN, AM.2175, WILL TAKE THEM TO YUEN LONG, LEAVING AT 1.15 P.M. FROM THE GOVERNMENT SUB-POOL BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND RETURNING AT ABOUT 6.30 P.M.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
- 3 -
DISAPPOINTMENT OVER AMERICAN GSP DECISION h a « a it «
OFFICIALS OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ARE DISAPPOINTED OVER THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT’S DECISION NOT TO INCLUDE HONG KONG IN THE FIRST LIST OF BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE U.S. GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT MADE THIS STATEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON PRESS REPORTS FROM WASHINGTON ON THE G.S.P. ANNOUNCEMENT.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORTS, HONG KONG HAS ONLY BEEN INCLUDED IN A SECOND LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE CASES ARE TO BE CONSIDERED FURTHER DY PRESIDENT FORD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS SURPRISED THAT HONG KONG’S CASE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEFERRED IN THIS WAY WHEN ITS CLOSEST ASIAN COMPETITORS - TAIWAN, SOUTH KOREA AND SINGAPORE -HAVE ALL BEEN GRANTED BENEFICIARY STATUS IN THE FbRST LIST.
+HONG KONG.+ THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, +HAS ALREADY BEEN ACCEPTED AS A BENEFICIARY IN THE G.S.P’S OF ALL THE MAJOR DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THE AMERICAN G.S.P. WOULD NOT COME INTO EFFECT FOR ANOTHER FEW MONTHS. HE CONFIRMED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE lO PRESS FOR HONG KONG’S INCLUSION IN THE SCHEME IN THE MEANTIME.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED8 +DI SCR IM I NAT ION AGAINST HONG KONG IN FAVOUR OF TAIWAN, SOUTH KOREA AND SINGAPORE WILL BE SEEN HERE AS UNREASONABLE AND AS UNFAIR COMPARISON OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF THESE THREE PLACES AND HONG KONG.+
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
- A -
PHONE COMMISSION RECEIVES MORE REPRESENTATIONS ftftftftftftftft
A TOTAL OF 59 WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS HAS SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY AND MORE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS ARE EXPECTED.
THE COMMISSION IS NOW ENGAGED IN ANALYSING MATERIALS OBTAINED FROM THE TELEPHONE COMPANY AND THE GOVERNMENT, AS WELL AS THOSE FURNISHED BY THE PUBLIC. A DETAILED INVESTIGATION INTO THE CASH FLOW SITUATION OF THE COMPANY IS ALSO BEING CONDUCTED.
TO HELP ITS INVESTIGATION, THE COMMISSION WILL VISIT A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE IN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AT 9 A.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE COMMISSION HAS ON MARCH 21 CONCLUDED ITS FIRST
SERIES OF OPEN HEARINGS WHICH FORMED PART OF THE PRELIMINARY STAGE OF THE INQUIRY TO OBTAIN PUBLIC VIEWS ON ALL MATTERS FALLING WITHIN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE.
IN ADDITION TO THE FIVE PUBLIC HEARINGS DURING WHICH 18 WITNESSES HAD TESTIFIED, THE COMMISSION ALSO HELD A NUMBER OF MEETINGS IN PRIVATE DURING THE PAST TWO WEEKS TO HEAR OTHER WITNESSES WHO WISHED TO TESTIFY IN CAMERA.
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BETTER SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM PLANNED FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG
ft * X ft ft -X ft ft
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO IMPROVE THE DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE FROM THE TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG AREAS.
AT PRESENT, SEWAGE FROM TSEUN WAN IS DISCHARGED INTO RAMBLER CHANNEL THROUGH AN OUTFALL IN THE SEAWALL ADJACENT TO TEXACO ROAD, WHILE SEWAGE FROM KWAI CHUNG FLOWS INTO THE CHANNEL FROM AN OPENING IN THE SEAWALL AT PILLAR ISLAND NEAR TSI NG Yl BRIDGE.
IT IS INTENDED TO BUILD A TWIN SUBMARINE OUTFALL, EXTENDING ABOUT 1,060 METRES FROM THE SEAWALL AT PILLAR ISLAND INTO RAMBLER CHANNEL, TO SERVE THE TWO DISTRICTS.
THE NEW SUBMARINE OUTFALL, TOGETHER WITH A PROPOSED LINK SEWER CONNECTING THE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS OF BOTH TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG AND A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, WILL SATISFACTORILY CARRY SEWAGE EFFLUENT AWAY FROM THE SEAWALLS FOR BETTER DILUTION AND DISPERSION IN DEEP WATER IN RAMBLER CHANNEL.
ANYONE WHO HAS OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT THEM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
- 5
SPECIAL TEAM SET UP TO EXPLAIN LABOUR RELATIONS BILL « « a a n
THREE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY APPOINTED TO HANDLE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PROPOSED LABOUR RELATIONS BILL.
ARE MR. TSUI TIM-FOOK, CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER, MR. CHAN SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER AND MR. TO SAU-HONG, LABOUR OFFICER TSUI AND MR. TO CAN BE CONTACTED ON 5~282523 AND MR. CHAN
THEY SIU-TUNG, BOTH MR.
IS AVAILABLE ON 3-242779
THE LABOUR RELATIONS BILL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE.GAZETTE LAST FRIDAY (MARCH 21) FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE ITS INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY HIS DEPARTMENT HAD PREPARED A GUIDE IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BILL.
THE GUIDE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS AVAILABLE FREE FROM ALL OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, CITY DISTR IC I OFFICES, AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BILL ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE APPOINTED OFFICERS WHO WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER QUERIES ON THE PHONE OR ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH iHE CALLER IF NECESSARY.
COMMENTS ON THE BILL SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
- 6
HOLIDAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN N.T. ft ft ft ft ft ft
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL EE INTRODUCED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE EASTER HOLIDAYS AT THE END OF THE WEEK AND THE CHING MING FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON APRIL 5.
TO MINIMISE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON ROADS LEADING TO WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY, WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT HEARSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES BETWEEN 5 A.M. AND 8 P.M. ON EACH OF THE FOUR EASTER HOLIDAYS — MARCH 28 TO 31 “ AND ON APRIL 5 AND 6.
A ONE-WAY TRAFFIC SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED ON SEVERAL ROADS ON APRIL 5 AND 6 FROM 8 A.M. UNTIL IT BECOMES POSSIBLE TO REVERT TO NORMAL TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. THIS SYSTEM MAY ALSO BE ENFORCED ON MARCH 28, 29, 30 AND 31 SHOULD THE SITUATION SO REQUIRE. UNDER THIS SYSTEM, TAI PO ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHWARDS FROM THE JUNCTION OF LAM KAM ROAD TO FANLING ROUNDABOUT, AND FANLING ROUNDABOUT WILL ALSO BE O’NE-WAY ALONG TAI PO ROAD TO SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD.
MOTORISTS FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT MAY PROCEED TO KOWLOON VIA THREE ROUTES -- FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO SHA TAU KOK ROAD, LUK KENG ROAD, TING KOK ROAD TO TAI PO ROAD=> FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT FOLLOWING THE ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ALONG TAI PO ROAD TO ENTER CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD= FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT FOLLOWING THE ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ALONG TAI PO ROAD, TURNING INTO FAN KAM ROAD TO KAM TIN, THEN EITHER THROUGH ROUTE TWISK TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD OR THROUGH LAM KAM ROAD TO TAI PO ROAD. .
IN SHEUNG SHU I, NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WITH CLOSED AREA PERMITS, WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER MAN KAM ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH JOCKEY CLUB ROAD NEXT SATURDAY. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED NOT TO PROCEED TO THESE AREAS BY PRIVATE CARS AS PARKING SPACES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED IN SHEUNG SHU I. ADEQUATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND LO WU WILL BE AVAILABLE. IN TSUEN WAN, THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE TSUEN WAN CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED ON APRIL 5 TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT HEARSES OR EMERGENCY VEHICLES. )
SINGLE-LANE NOSE-TO-TAIL PARKING WILL BE ALLOWED, UNDER POLICE SUPERVISION, ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OF TEXACO ROAD.
/ON CHING MING
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
7 -
ON CHING MING FESTIVAL DAY (APRIL 5), ADDITIONAL BUSES WILL BE OPERATED ON KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTES 70, 73, 76 AND 77 FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF WORSHIPPERS ATTENDING CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL ROUTE, G2A, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND MAN KAM TO (SAN UK UNG) VIA MAN KAM TO ROAD EVERY 30 MINUTES FROM 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AT A FARE OF 20 CENTS.
AS ROUTE 70 MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPERATE SOUTHBOUND ALONG TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN PAWLING ROUNDABOUT AND LAM KAM ROAD, PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO USE ROUTES 76 OR 77 BUSES FROM SHEUNG SHU I TO YUEN LONG, AND THEN ROUTE 50 FROM YUEN LONG TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY PIER.
ROUTE 73 MAY BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DURING THE ENFORCEMENT OF ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ON TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND. ROUTES 7B AND 79 ON DEPARTURE FROM SHEUNG SHU I WILL OPERATE VIA JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL BE OPERATED TO WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY. TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS, W>IO ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID THE GENERAL AREAS NEAR WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY UNLESS THEIR JOURNEY IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
o «»«»<» 0 — —
ANTI-DRUG SEMINAR FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS ft ft ft X ft ft
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE IN WONG TAI SIN HAS ORGANISED A SEMINAR FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS TO FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG SO THAT THEY TOO WILL BECOME AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IN HELPING TO PREVENT ITS ABUSE.
THE SEMINAR, WHICH WILL INVOLVE ABOUT 100 WORKERS, WILL BE HELD AT THE CALVARY CHURCH SOCIAL CENTRE AT NO. 6 SHAT IN PASS ROAD, WONG TAI SIN, FROM 0 - 10 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE EVENING’S PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A PANEL PRESENTATION BY PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS, A FILM’SHOW AND AN OPEN FORUM. MATERIAL RELEVANT TO DRUG ABUSE WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED.
THIS IS ONE OF THE FIRST SUCH FUNCTIONS ORGANISED TO EDUCATE AND INFORM INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE DRUG SITUATION AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE WHEN TREATMENT IS REQUIRED.
/8......
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TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1975
8
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TAKES OVER RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUING CLOSED ROAD PERMITS '
n a h h n k
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FROM NEXT WEEK FOR ISSUING CLOSED ROAD PERMITS TO VEHICLES USING THE RESTRICTED ROADS WITHIN THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME WORKS AREA EAST OF THE TAI MONG TSAI BARRIER IN SAI KUNG, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ROADS IN THE RESERVOIR AREA ITSELF EAST OF THE LAN NAI WAN BARRIER.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WOULD TAKE OVER THE CONTROL OF THE RESTRICTED ROADS AS FROM NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 1).
THESE RESTRICTED ROADS ARE AT PRESENT CLOSED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH A CLOSED ROAD PERMIT BY EITHER THE DISTRICT OFFICER, SAI KUNG'3 THE SENIOR RESIDENT ENGINEER (EASTERN TUNNEL)» THE SENIOR RESIDENT ENGINEER (RESERVOIR)-3 OR THE DISTRICT OFFICER, TAI PO.
*
WITH THE TAKE-OVER ON APRIL 1, CLOSED ROAD PERMITS FOR VEHICLES USING THESE RESTRICTED ROADS WILL BE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, OR BY OFFICERS TO WHOM THE POWER TO ISSUE SUCH PERMITS HAS BEEN DELEGATED BY THE COMMISSIONER.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE VALID REASONS TO USE THE RESTRICTED ROADS MAY APPLY FOR A CLOSED ROAD PERMIT.
CONTRACTORS OR SUB-CONTRACTORS OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME MAY APPLY TO THE SENIOR RESIDENT ENGINEER (EASTERN TUNNEL) AND THE SENIOR RESIDENT ENGINEER (RESERVOIR).
RESIDENTS OF SAI KUNG AND TAI PO DISTRICTS MAY APPLY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICERS, WHILE ALL OTHER PERSONS MAY DO SO TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, 2 MURRAY ROAD, 9TH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO ADVISE MOTORISTS OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE ROADS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EDUCATION DIRECTOR WELCOMES CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM .. 1
THREE-DAY SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECT ORGANISED FOR PRIMARY PUPILS IN CENTRAL DURING EASTER.................... 2
PO SHAN ROAD MAX I CABS TO EXTEND HOURS OF SERVICE.FROM NEXT TUESDAY........................................ 3
RETIREMENT OF ASSISTANT EDUCATION DIRECTOR .......... 3
MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S STATEMENT ON REPORTED INCREASE IN TYPHOID FEVER CASES.................... 4
LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD TO BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
AND TURNED INTO PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE ................ 5
*
INDUSTRIAL WORKERS ARE ENTITLED TO CHING MING FESTIVAL HOLIDAY............................................ 6
DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW 6
GOVERNOR SEES DEVELOPMENT IN YUEN LONG .............. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY.. MARCH’26, 1975
1
EDUCATION DIRECTOR WELCOMES CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
X X X .X X X n • ♦ »» »■ s m «i
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ALWAYS READY TO LOOK INTO COMPLAINTS AND TO LISTEN TO COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR, KENNETH TOPLEY SAID TODAY,
HE WAS ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE AT THE FIRST JOINT VARIETY • SHOW ORGANISED DY THE HONG KONG PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION AT THE CITY HALL.,
+1 FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT IF WE ARE TO HAVE A HEALTHIER SOCIETY, A BETTER HONG KONG, IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE, SHOULD BE FREE TO MAKE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISMS OF WHAT THEY THINK IS WRONG IN THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF THINGS,-:- MR. TOPLEY SAID.
BUT THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT -e-WHILE IT IS RIGHT AND PROPER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST WHAT THEY THINK IS WRONG, IT IS ALSO NECESSARY FOR THEM TO DEVELOP GOOD JUDGMENT, TO RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE’S VIEWS, AND'IN GENERAL, NOT TO LOOK Ai THINGS NARROWLY ONLY FROM THEIR OWN POINT OF VIEW.-:-
IN THIS PRESENT CLIMATE, THE DIRECTOR SAID, IT WAS SO EASY TO MAKE COMPLAINTS WITHOUT BOTHERING TO FIND OUT WHETHER THEY WERE JUSTIFIED.
+WORSE STILL, IT IS SO EASY FOR US TO BE INVOLVED IN PROTESTS SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS FASHIONABLE TO PROTEST,<• HE ADDED.
ONE ASPECT OF CHINESE CULTURE WHICH THE DIRECTOR THOUGHT MUST BE PRESERVED, WAS THE RESPECT FOR TEACHERS AND FOR EDUCATION IN GENERAL.
+THIS DOES NOT MEAN OF COURSE THAT WE SHOULD FOLLOW OUR HEADMASTERS AND OUR TEACHERS BLINDLY,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
URGING PUPILS NOT TO BELIEVE BLINDLY EVERYTHING THAT OTHER PEOPLE SAY, HE TOLD THEM TO SEE THINGS IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE, TO TRY TO SEE THE OTHER PERSON’S POINT OF VIEW, TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES AND TO DETERMINE FOR THEMSELVES WHAT WAS RIGHT AND WHAT WAS WRONG.
*BY ALL MEANS, BE CRITICAL IN YOUR THINKING, AND DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT IF YOU SINCERELY BELIEVE YOU ARE RIGHT. BUT YOU SHOULD ALSO LISTEN TO THE REPLY AND YOU MAY FIND IN THE LONG RUN THAT ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE THINGS YOU CAN LEARN FOR LIFE IS THE CAPACITY TO LISTEN, ACTUALLY LISTEN, TO WHAT SOMEONE ELSE IS SAYING.
/+IT IS WHAT .....
vmiESDAY, H/mcn 26, 1975
- 2 -
+ IT IS KHA" THE WORLD NEEDS AMD YOU TOO WILL, I BELIEVE, FEEL the benefit over time, if you learn to LISTEN ATTENTIVELY iO SOMEONE ELBE’S POINT OF VIEW.
+THE WORLD IS RARELY SHORT OF GOOD TALKERS BUT ALWAYS SHORT OF GOOD LISTENERS,<• THE DIRECTOR SAID.
SPEAKING ABOUT THE SPENDING OF SPARE TIME SENSIBLY AND PROFITABLY, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT FOR illlS REASON HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT THE HONG KONG PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION HAD ORGANISED THE VARIETY PERFORMANCE.
MR. TOPLEY CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISERS AMD PARTICIPANTS FOR HAVING PUT IN A GREAT DEAL OF HARD WORK IN THE SHOW WHICH HE WAS SURE WOULD BE A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE FOR THEM.
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EASTER GATHERING FOR STUDENTS h x x x x x
THE RAIMONDI COLLEGE STUDENTS COUNCIL HAS ORGANISED A THREE-DAY SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECT FOR PRIMARY PUPILS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT OVER THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
SEVERAL HUNDRED YOUNG STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE AND FINANCED THROUGH ITS ^OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME.+
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE START OF THE PROJECT AT 9.30 A.M. ON MONDAY, MARCH 31 AT THE HALL OF THE COLLEGE IN ROBINSON ROAD.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING, A DAY-LONG CAMP WILL BE HELD AS THE FIRST ITEM ON THE PROGRAMME AND DURING THIS TIME, THE CHILDREN WILL BE ENTERTAINED WITH GAMES, A FILM SHOW AND A DRAWING COMPETITION.
THE NEXT DAY THEY WILL COMPETE IN A GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ COMPETITION, ALSO TO BE HELD AT THE SCHOOL. THE LAST DAY, TUESDAY, APRIL 2, WILL BE <GAMES DAY-:- WHEN THEY WILL GAlHER AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IN WONG CHUK HANG FOR A DAY OF f FUN AND GAMES IN THE OPEN AIR.
' X X X X X X
NOTE TO EDITORS 8 YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER ANY OF THE ACTIVITIES DURING THE THREE DAYS INCLUDING THE OPENING ■ CEREMONY. COPIES OF MR. LEE’S SPEECH WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH G.I.S. ON MONDAY MORNING.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1975
PEAK MAX I CABS TO EXTEND HOURS OF SERVICE ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE MAX I CAB SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND PO SHAN ROAD IS TO EXTEND ITS HOURS OF OPERATION FROM NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 1) TO MEET THE NEED OF EVENING COMMUTERS.
THE SERVICE, DESIGNATED ROUTE NO. 3, IS AMONG THREE MAX I CAB ROUTES INTRODUCED LAST JUNE AND HAS PROVED A CONVENIENT ALTERNAilVE TO PRIVATE CARS AND OTHER FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
FROM APRIL 1, THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE ON A NEW TIMETABLE EXTENDED INTO THE EVENING. FROM CENTRAL, THE LAST JOURNEY WILL LEAVE AT 9 P.M., AND FROM PO SHAN ROAD, AT 9.15 P.M.
THE SERVICE RUNS AT FREQUENCIES VARYING FROM SEVEN TO 15 MINUTES AT A FLAT FARE OF $1.
FROM PO SHAN ROAD, THE MAX I CABS TRAVEL VIA CONDUIT ROAD, GLENEALY, ROBINSON ROAD, ALBANY ROAD, LOWER GLENEALY, WYNDHAM STREET, PEDDER STREET, AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
PO SHAN ROAD-BOUND JOURNEYS LEAVE THE STANDS NEAR THE CITY HALL AND OPERATE VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, GARDEN ROAD, ROBINSON ROAD, GLENEALY, AND CONDUIT ROAD.
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ASSISTANT EDUCATION DIRECTOR RETIRING
mom
MR. JOHN WHITELEY, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (DEVELOPMENT), IS GOING ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE SHORTLY AFTER NEARLY 19 YEARS’ SERVICE.
HE WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A GIFT FROM HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES TOMORROW (THURSDAY). THE PRESENTATION WILL BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY.
LAST WEDNESDAY, MR. WHITELEY ATTENDED A DEPARTMENTAL DINNER GIVEN IN HIS HONOUR BY HIS COLLEAGUES.
MR. WHITELEY JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN MAY 1956 AS AN EDUCATION OFFICER WHEN HE TAUGHT AT KING’S COLLEGE. IN APRIL 1961 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN APRIL 1968 AND TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN OCTOBER 1971.
NOTE TO EDITORS : YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY COVERED. IT WILL BE HELD AT 11.30 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM, LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
o ----
A
WEDNESDAY,' MARCH 26, 1975
TYPHOID FEVER CASES CLARIFIED « W « « M
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN CLARIFICATION OF THE REPORTED INCREASE IN TYPHOID FEVER CASES IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR..
+TYPHOID FEVER HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN HONG KONG IN AN ENDEMIC FORM, I.E. THE DISEASE OCCURS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE ACTUAL INCIDENCE OF WHICH FLUCTUATES, SUBJECT TO SEASONAL VARIATION,
♦THE DISEASE IS KEPT CONSTANTLY UNDER SURVEILLANCE ALL THE YEAR ROUND AND THE PUBLIC IS INFORMED OF THE OCCURRENCE THROUGH MONTHLY HEALTH BULLETINS, ROUTINE ADVICE IN REGARD TO PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IS GIVEN FROM TIME TO TIME, PARTICULARLY JUST BEFORE THE WARM SEASON WHEN THE INCIDENCE. IS EXPECTED TO RISE, DETAILED ANALYSES OF THE OCCURRENCE OF CASES ARE ALSO MADE AS A ROUTINE AND THE PUBLIC WILL BE INFORMED OF ANY SPECIAL MEASURES THAT MAY BY CONSIDERED NECESSARY.
+IN THIS CONNECTION, IT IS NOTED THAT THERE HAS BEEN SOME INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TYPHOID CASES REPORTED IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY THIS YEAR. THE CASES REPORTED SO FAR HAVE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AS THERE IS NO CONCENTRATION OF CASES IN ANY PARTICULAR GEOGRAPHICAL AREA. AN ANALYSIS IN REGARD TO THE NUMBER OF NOTIFICATIONS PER WEEK SHOWS THAT THE PEAK WAS IN THE WEEK ENDING 22ND FEBRUARY WITH 27 CASES. HOWEVER, THERE WERE REDUCTIONS IN THE NUMBER OF CASES IN THE FOLLOWI NG-FOUR WEEKS OF MARCH, DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF WHICH THE NUMBER OF NOTIFICATIONS HAS RETURNED TO THE SAME NORMAL LEVEL (10 CASES) AS OBSERVED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. THUS AT PRESENT THE INCIDENCE MAY BE CONSIDERED TO BE NORMAL FOR THE LAST FORTNIGHT. HOWEVER, THE TREND IS BEING KEPT UNDER CLOSE OBSERVATION.
+AS TO THE DISEASE ITSELF, THIS IS CONTRACTED THROUGH THE CONSUMPTION OF CONTAMINATED FOOD OR DRINK AND OCCURS USUALLY AS A RESULT OF NEGLECT IN PERSONAL AND/OR ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
+EMPHASIS SHOULD THEREFORE BE ON THE OBSERVANCE OF GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE, E.G. WASHING HANDS BEFORE CONSUMPTION OF FOOD AND AFTER VISITING TOILET, CAREFUL SELECTION OF THE SOURCES OF FOOD AND DRINK, PROTECTION OF WATER FROM CONTAMINATION PARTICULARLY WHEN STORED IN CONTAINERS, AND PAYING GREATER ATTENTION TO PROPER SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.*
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/5
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1975
5
ROAD TO BECOME PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE
X X X X
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO TURN LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD INTO A PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE SOON BY CLOSING IT TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. WHEN THIS IS DONE, ONLY VEHICLES ON EMERGENCY CALLS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ROAD.
PI ANS FOR IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AMENITIES ALONG THE ROAD - SUCH AS BY PLANTING FLOWERS - ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND INTERESTED PRIVATE BODIES. THIS ROAD ADJOINS THE LARGE MEI FOO SUH CHUEN HOUSING ESTATE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE CLOSURE SCHEME WILL HAVE THE ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGE OF IMPROVING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT I HE ROUNDABOUT-TYPE JUNCTION OF THE LAI CH! KOK INTERCHANGE ADJOINING LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD.
HE SAID THAT WHEN LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD IS CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, ME! LAI ROAD WHICH LINKS THE ROTARY JUNCTION WITH I Al WAN ROAD ON THE NORTH OF MEI FOO SUN CHUEN STAGE V AND VI WILL SERVE AS THE MAIN ACCESS INTO THE AREA NORTH OF MEI FOO SUN CHUEN AND KAU WAN KENG.
ALL VEHICLES NOW USING LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD WILL iHEN BE DIVERTED TO MEI l.AI ROAD, NO MATTER WHETHER THEY AF{E COMING FROM KWAI CHUNG OR KOWLOON.
BUS STOPS WHICH ARE NOW LOCATED OH BOTH SIDES OF LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD WILL BE RESITED AT NEW POSITIONS ALONG MEI LAI ROAD.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE NEED OF RESIDENTS AND SHOPKEEPERS FOR AN ALTERNATIVE ACCESS ROAD TO THEIR PREMISES ON THE NORTH SIDE OF LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD HAS BEEN GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION.
HE SAID THAT NASSAU STREET, WHICH RUNS ACROSS THE MIDDLE OF THIS PART OF MEI FOO SUN CHUEN FROM MEI LA! ROAD TO LAI WAN ROAD, PROVIDES AN EASY ACCESS INTO THE SERVICE ROADS IN THE ESTATE. ALL THE PREMISES ON THE NORTH OF LA I CHI KOK BEACH ROAD ARE ACCESSIBLE BY THESE SERVICE ROADS.
EXPLAINING THE NEED TO MAKE LAI, CHI KOK BEACH ROAD FREE FROM VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT THE ROAD HO LONGER SERVES A USEFUL TRAFFIC FUNCTION FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF MEI LA I ROAD TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT THERE HAD BEEN EVIDENCE THAT THE CONTINUED USE OF THE ROAD BY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AFFECTED THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE ROTARY .JUNCTION ARRANGEMENT AT THE LAI CHI KOK INTERCHANGE.
■>«*«• /•- O «. o
/6
WEDNESDAY,. MARCH 26, 1975
6
CHIMP. MING IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1975, THE DAY OF ।HF CH ING MING FESTIVAL, IS ONE OF THE SIX STATUTORY HOLIDAYS UNDER iHE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT EARN MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
AN EMPLOYEE IS QUALIFIED FOR PAY ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY IF HE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED CONTINUOUSLY BY HIS EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR MORE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAS NOT WORKED FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STILL'ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY, AND UIS EMPLOYER MAY AGREE VOLUNTARILY TO PAY HIM.
+ IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY HIE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY,* MR. PRICE SAID.
ANY EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE WHO IS IN DOUBT ABOUT HIS OBLIGATIONS OR RIGHTS REGARDING STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OR HOLIDAY PAY MAY CONSULT OFFICERS OR THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE 0.-THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE : KOWLOON EAST. 3-2056383 KOWLOON WEST, 3-201652° KWUN TONG. 3“898520= iSUEN WAN, 12-422096° AND HONG KONG ISLAND, 5-202523 EXT. 60.
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IMMIGRATION DIRECTOR MEETS THE PRESS TOMORROW X X X X X X ♦ » •*
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 12 NOON TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR.
MR. ROWLANDS WILL SPEAK ON THE VARIOUS PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1975
- 7
GOVERNOR TOURS YUEN LONG n « « « s
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAW SOME OF THE WAYS YUEN LONG IS TACKLING ITS PROBLEMS AND KEEPING UP WITH MODERN DEVELOPMENT DURING A VISIT TO THE DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, SIR MURRAY BEGAN THE TOUR WITH A VISIT TO KAM TIN RIVER IN SHU I TAU.
THERE, A CONCERTED CLEAN-UP EFFORT BY SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS HAS HELPED TO IMPROVE THE FLOW OF THE RIVER, PREVIOUSLY CLOGGED WITH REFUSE AND DEBRIS AND CAUSING HEALTH HAZARDS. THE GOVERNOR ALSO MADE A BRIEF STOP AT A HISTORICAL TEMPLE WHICH IS SITUATED NEAR THE RIVER DANK.
SIR MURRAY THEN WENT BY CAR TO YUEN LONG TOWN, BUT ON HIS WAY HE STOPPED BRIEFLY AT TAI SHANG WAI TO INSPECT A SITE WHERE PRIVATE DEVELOPERS'HAVE PROPOSED TO BUILD 5,000 GARDEN-TYPE HOUSES WITH COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR 25,000 PEOPLE.
ARRIVING AT YAU SAN STREET AT ONE END OF YUEN LONG TOWN, SIR MURRAY WENT ON FOOT TO SEE TWO UNDEVELOPED SPOTS IN THE TOWN --CHUN HING ARCADE AND TUNG YICK BAZAAR.
THESE TWO AREAS WERE CLUTTERED WITH PRIVATELY-OWNED TEMPORARY STRUCTURES MAINLY USED FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES.
THE SITE OF TUNG YICK BAZAAR HAS BEEN ZONED FOR A HAWKER BAZAAR TOGETHER WITH A HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL BLOCK, AND THE AREA OF CHUN HING ARCADE HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR A REST GARDEN. HOWEVER, THE LAND HAS FIRST TO BE VACATED BEFORE DEVELOPMENT CAN PROCEED.
WHILE THERE, SIR MURRAY TALKED TO A NUMBER OF SHOP-KEEPERS AND PASSERS-BY AND ENQUIRED AFTER THEIR BUSINESS AND LIVELIHOOD. HE ALSO ASKED THE SHOP-KEEPERS WHETHER THE LOW-LYING AREA HAD SUFFERED ANY FLOODING DURING THE RAINY SEASON.
SIR MURRAY NEXT WENT UP TO THE ROOF-TOP OF A HIGH-RISE BUILDING TO GET AN OVERALL VIEW OF YUEN LONG.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANS TO CARRY RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE WEST OF THE TOWN BEYOND THE EXISTING HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FLATTED FACTORY. IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO SET ASIDE A LARGE AREA TO THE NORTH FOR DEVELOPMENT AS AN INDUSiRIAL ESlATE.
THIS PROPOSED ESTATE WOULD PROVIDE CONSIDERABLE EMPLOYMENT i-oRTHE LOCAL POPULATION.
BEFORE I EAV I NG, SIR MURRAY MET A GROUP OF LOCAL LEADERS OVER TEA IN THE \YUEN LONG TOWN HALL. HE WAS ALSO ENTERTAINED BY A CHINESE ORCHESTRA FORMED SIX MONTHS AGO BY A GROUP OF YOUNG MUSICIANS IN THE DISTRICT.
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PR 33 4000039
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Wednesday, March 26, 1975 . . • r
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA
*********
Fifty-eight Hong Kong residents decorated by the Queen for services to the community received their insignia from the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, at a presentation ceremony at Government House this (Wednesday) morning.
They were decorated either in the Queen’s Birthday Honours or in the New Year’s Honours.
Among the recipients were Mr. Li Fook-kow who received the C.M.G. (Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George), Dr. Chung Sze-yuen who received the C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and Mr. A. de 0. Sales who received me C.B.E. (H) (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) (Honorary).
Other awards presented were:
Q.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Gordon John Bell
Mr. George Allston Bridges
Hon. Peter Gordon Williams
Mr. Wong Toong-yuen
Mr. Woo Hsiao-tsing
I.S.O. (Imperial Service Order)
Mr. Sung Cho-iu
/M.B.E. ......
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Wednesday, March 26, 1975
- 2 -
M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire)
Mrs. Ellie Lynn Alleyne
Mr. Lee Fei
Mr. Li Hin-wing
Mr. Li Shek-tong
Mr. Charles Lui Chi-keung
M.B.E. (H) (Member of the Order of the British Empire) (Honorary)
Mr. Cheung Ming Mr. Lo Kwok-kuen
Badge of Honour
Mr. Chan Foo-leung
Mr. Hui Yin-ying
Mr. Law Chak-tong
Mr. Lee Yui-chee
Mr. Loo Ching-ho
Mr. Yip Sung
Queenrs Gallantry Medal
Major Roger James Dace
Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry Mr. Lau Piu
B.E.M. (M) (British Empire Medal) (Military)
S. Sergeant Raymond Sutherland Kidd
CPO Steward Poon Shek-kwong
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Au San-chu
Mr. Chan Kan
Mr. Chan Man-sun - .. ' *
Mr. Chan Takr-yue
/Mr. Chan
Wednesday, March 26, 1975
5
Mr. Chan Yuar>-lin
Mr. Lee Bun-chau
Mr. Leung Chung
Mr. Mui Tong
Q.P.M. (Queen*s Police Medal) Mr. James Joseph Edward Morrin
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal) Mr. Harold Vincent Brown Mr. Chan Bin^-wing Mr. Chan Man
Mr. Cheung Pin^-sun
Mr. Jack Chung Ah-tong
Mr. Stanislaus Michael El cock
Mr. Artro Evans
Mr. Harry Kenyon
Mr. Kwong Kin-on
Mr. Lam Ying
Mr. Lee Chun-tung
Mr. Lo Kwok-tung
Sgt. Lo Wan-or
Mr. Luke Yan-keung
Mr. Mok Lim
Mr. Donald Eric Poole
Mr. Anthony John Sirett
Mr. So Kwok-wai
Mr. Tam Yuk-tong
Sgt. Wan Yip-hung
Mr. Peter John Bayley Wassell Mr. Wong Yu-wing Mr. Yu Pun-chak
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
VARIOUS INCREASES IN FEES AND CHARGES PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1 .... 1
DRAFT LEGISLATION SEEKS TO GIVE WIDER POWERS TO INLAND q REVENUE OFFICERS TO PIN DOWN TAX EVADERS .............
LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL CHARGES TO BE REVISED FROM-APR IL 1
CASUALTY WARD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL TO BE EXTENDED
CHAI WAN PARK TO HAVE MORE FACILITIES ....................... 5
LABOUR DEPARTMENT HELPS SETTLE SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE .... 6
12 UNOFFICIAL HOUSING AUTHORITY MEMBERS REAPPOINTED FOR
TWO MORE YEARS......................................... 6
SENIOR OFFICERS TO STUDY MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN
LONDON.............................. • ■ ............... 7
HONG KONG’S ACCOUNTS FOR JANUARY SHOW 3268 MILLION SURPLUS.................................................. 7
MEMBERS OF TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD FOR 1975-76 ANNOUNCED. 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY,, MARCH 27„ .1.975
1
BUDGET PROPOSALS APPROVED M M -X H i't
VARIOUS INCREASES IN FEES AND CHARGES PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH LAST MONTH HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AND WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 1).
AMENDED REGULATIONS REVISED CHARGES AND FEES
GIVING LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THESE COVER c°
« WATER
DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION.NOT EXCEEDING THE RATE OF 3,500 GALLONS A MONTH WILL GOST S3 PER UNIT OF ONE THOUSAND GALLONS (LESS THE EXISTING FREE ALLOWANCE) WHILE CONSUMPTION EXCEEDING THAT MONTHLY AVERAGE DURING THE DILLING PERIOD WILL COST 36 PER UNIT OF ONE THOUSAND GALLONS.
X POSTAGE
THE REGISTRATION FEE IN DOTH THE INLAND AND OVERSEAS POSTAL SERVICE GOES UP FROM 31 TO 32» AT THE SAME TIME, LOCAL LETTERS GO UP TO 20 CENTS FOR THE FIRST OUNCE WITH GRADUAL INCREASES FOR HEAVIER LETTERS, WHILE SURFACE LETTERS TO CHINA, MACAU AND TAIWAN WILL COST 30 CENTS FOR THE FIRST OUNCE. INLAND POSTCARDS WILL COST 15 CENTS AND THOSE MAILED TO CHINA, MACAU AND TAIWAN 20 CENTS.
« TEXTILES EXPORT LICENCE
A FEE OF 315 IS INTRODUCED FOR AN APPLICATION FOR AN EXPORT LICENCE IN RESPECT OF TEXTILES EXPORTED TO ALL COUNTRIES. THIS TYPE OF LICENCE WAS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FREE OF CHARGE.
X BANK LICENCES -
X ANCHORAGE DUES -
THE ANNUAL FEE FOR A BANK LICENCE IS RAISED FROM 340,000 TO 3200,000. BANK BRANCH FEES ARE UP FROM 31.000 TO 310,000.
THE NEW ANCHORAGE DUES ARE 312 PER 100 TONS A DAY INSIDE HARBOUR LIMITS, AND 33.20 PER 100 TONS ELSEWHERE IN HONG KONG WATERS. THE NEW DUES FOR AN ’A’ DUOY IS 3600 A DAY AND 3400 A DAY FOR A ’D’ DUOY.
/THE GOVERNOR .....
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1975
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO MADE ORDERS UNDER THE PURL IC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE TO GIVE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 TO A NUMBER OF OTHER BUDGET PROPOSALS WHICH WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EITHER IN THE FORM OF DILLS OR RESOLUTIONS.
ONE RELATES TO A PROPOSED INCREASE IN BETTING DUTY WHICH IS TO GO UP FROM 7-1/2 PER CENT TO 11 PER CENT IN RESPECT OF ALL FORMS OF BETTING — EXCEPT WIN, PLACE, DOUBLE, QU I HELLA AND FORECAST BETS, WHICH WILL ATTRACT THE SAME 7=1/2 PER CENT DUTY AS AT PRESENT. THE RATE OF BETTING DUTY IN RESPECT OF CASH SWEEPS ALSO REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 25 PER CENT.
ANOTHER ORDER IN THE GAZETTE IMPLEMENTS THE FINAN’IAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO IMPOSE ENTERTAINMENTS TAX OH C NEMATOGRAPH • EXHIBITIONS, EXCEPT ON ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED DY OR ON DEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OR THE URBAN COUNCIL, OR A CHARITABLE INSTITUTION OR PUBLIC TRUST.
THE RATE OF DUTY ON ADMISSION TICKETS TO CINEMATOGRAPH EXHIBITIONS WILL DE 10 CENTS FOR TICKETS UNDER 82° 20 CENTS FOR TICKETS BETWEEN 82 AND DELOW AND 40 CENTS FOR 84 TICKETS.
IN THE CASE OF RACE MEETINGS, DUTY ON ADMISSION TICKETS WILL DE 40 CENTS FOR TICKETS BELOW 82° 50 CENTS FOR TICKETS OVER ,82 BUT DELOW 83° 70 CENTS FOR TICKETS OVER 83 BUT DELOW 84° AND 81 FOR TICKETS OVER 84 DUT BELOW 85.
THE PROPOSED TWO PER CENT INCREASE FROM HINE PER CENT TO 11 PER CENT IN THE GENERAL RATE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON PENINSULA. AND NEW KOWLOON ALSO COMES INTO EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, AS DOES THE NEW 17 PER CENT RATE FOR TSUEN WAN.
ANOTHER ORDER IMPLEMENTS THE BUDGET PROPOSALS TO TRIPLE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES TO 8150 AND DR I NG CERTAIN CLUDS WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE. IN THIS CONNECTION, A CLUB IS DEFINED AS ANY CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS FORMED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AFFORDING ITS MEMBERS FACILITIES FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE OR RECREATION, AND WHICH PROVIDES SERVICES FOR ITS MEMBERS (WHETHER OR NOT FOR THE PURPOSES OF GAIN), AND HAS CLUB PREMISES OF WHICH ITS MEMBERS RAVE A RIGHT OF EXCLUSIVE USE.
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO MADE AN ORDER GIVING EFFECT TO THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN STAMP DUTY AND AD VALOREM DUTY ON CERTAIN DOCUMENTS, SUCH AS TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES, CASHIER ORDERS, CONVEYANCES ON SALE, AND VESTING ORDERS AMONG OTHERS.
. . ’ ■ 7
!
THURSDAY, MARUI 27, 1975 - 3 - J
TOUGHER FINES PROPOSED FOR TAX EVADERS »»««««
INLAND REVENUE OFFICERS WILL BE GIVEN WIDER POWERS TO PIN DOWN TAX EVADERS AND REQUIRE THEM TO PAY BY WAY OF PENALTY OR ADDITIONAL TAX THREE TIMES THE TAX EVADED, IF PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION IS ACCEPTED.
AT PRESENT THE COMHSSIONEB OR AH AUTHORISED OFFICER ISSUED WITH A
WARRANT BY A MAGISTRATE, CAN SEARCH A TAX EVADER’S PLACE WHERE IT IS SUSPECTED THERE ARE DOCUMENTS OF ASSISTANCE IN DETERMINING HIS TAX LIABILITY.
UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL PUBLISHED TODAY, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A WARRANT TO CARRY OUT THE SEARCH AT A PLACE NOT NECESSARILY BELONGING TO I HE PERSON WHOSE TAX LIABILITY IS BEING QUESTIONED.
IN ADDITION, AN EXISTING POWER PREVIOUSLY CONFINED TO THE COMMISSIONER PERSONALLY, MAY IN FUTURE BE DELEGATED TO AN OFFICER NOT BELOW THE RANK OF CHIEF ASSESSOR.
THIS POWER IS TO REQUIRE A PERSON WHO IS SUSPECTED OF HAVING MADE A FALSE TAX RETURN TO DISCLOSE FULL DETAILS OF HIS ASSETS, LIABILITIES, EXPENDITURE AND INCOME, IF NECESSARY BACKDATING UP TO A PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS.
ANY PERSON WHO IS THUS ASKED TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF HIS FINANCIAL STATE MUST FURNISH THE INFORMATION WITHIN THIRTY DAYS.
THE PENALTIES PROVIDED IN THE BILL ARE IN ADDITION TO THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
FOR A NUMBER OF OFFENCES, THE PENALTY HAS BEEN INCREASED TO THREE TIMES THE TAX UNDERCHARGED. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING FINE OF 82,000. EVEN IF NO PROSECUTION IS TAKEN OUT, THIS AMOUNT COULD STILL BE IMPOSED ON THE EVADER AS ADDITIONAL TAX.
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A......
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1975
4
NEW TOLL FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL ftft ft ft ft ft
LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL CHARGES WILL BE REVISED FROM NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 1) SO AS TO BRING THEM IN LINE WITH RISING OPERATING COSTS.
THE NEW CHARGES ARE SET'OUT IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1975 PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WOULD BE THREE CHARGE RATES,-INSTEAD OF THE EXISTING WO, FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF VEHICLES USING THE TUNNEL.
THE NEW CHARGES WILL BE (51 FOR PRIVATE CARS, PUBLIC CARS, TAXIS AND MOTORCYCLES®.- AND SI.50 FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SINGLE-DECK OMNIBUSES AND GOODS VEHICLES OF AN UNLADEN WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING 40 CWT.
FOR LARGE VEHICLES SUCH AS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DOUBLEDECK OMNIBUSES AND GOODS VEHICLES OF AN UNLADEN WEIGHT EXCEEDING 40 CWT, THE CHARGE WILL BE $2.
COMMENTING ON THE TOLL CHARGE REVISION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS HAD BECOME NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF RISING COSTS TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE TUNNEL, WITH WHICH THE GROWTH IN REVENUE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP UP.
HE OP INTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING CHARGE LEVELS OF 50 CENTS FOR SMALL VEHICLES AND Si FOR LARGE VEHICLES WERE SET ALMOST EIGHT YEARS AGO WHEN THE TUNNEL OPENED, AND HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED EVER SINCE.
DURING THE YEAR 1974-75, HE SAID, OPERATING COSTS FOR THE LION ROCK TUNNEL INCREASED BY ABOUT 30 PER CENT WHILE ITS REVENUE GROWTH WENT UP BY ONLY ABOUT 10 PER CENT. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE COSTS WOULD CONTINUE TO RISE, WITH ONLY A MARGINAL INCREASE IN REVENUE GROWTH, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE REVISED TOLL CHARGES WOULD STILL BE RELATIVELY CHEAP COMPARED WITH THOSE FOR TOLL-CHARGING TUNNEL FACILITIES IN AMY OTHER CITIES.
THE NEW CHARGES, HE SAID, ARE UNLIKELY TO HAVE ANY SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE TRAFFIC BALANCE BETWEEN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD, BEARING IN MIND THAT MOTORISTS USING THE TUNNEL CAN SAVE FUEL COSTS AS WELL AS JOURNEY TIME BY ABOUT 10-MINUTES.
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/5
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1975
5
LARGER CASUALTY WARD FOR Q.E.H ft ?t et it it it
THE BUSY CASUALTY WARD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WILL BE EXTENDED TO MAKE ROOM FOR MORE PATIENTS REQUIRING EMERGENCY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.
PART OF AN OPEN COURT NEAR THE WARD WILL DE ENCLOSED FOR THE EXTENSION AND WILL DE DIVIDED INTO FIVE EXTRA TREATMENT CUDICLES AND A WAITING AREA.
THE ALTERATION WORK WILL DE CARRIED OUT IN PHASES TO Ml NIMI USE OBSTRUCTION TO THE EVERYDAY OPERATION OF THE WARD.
LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 225,000 EMERGENCY CASES WERE EXAMINED BY DOCTORS THERE - A AO PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE ATTE: ANCE IN 1970 WHEN THERE WERE SOME 157,000 CASES.
PATIENTS DROUGHT TO THE WARD COME FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND AT TIMES ARE AIR-LIFTED FROM REMOTE ISLANDS AND AREAS NOT CONVENIENTLY ACCESS IDLE DY ROAD.
THE EXISTING ACCOMMODATION HAS BECOME INADEQUATE OVER THE YEARS AND THE EXTENSION SHOULD GREATLY HELP TOWARDS COPING WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF PATIENTS ATTENDING FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN TOWARDS THE END OF APRIL AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED DY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
- - o - -
CHAI WAN PARK TO HAVE MORE FACILITIES it n it n « it
A PAVILION WITH ORIENTAL COLOURS WILL BE BUILT AT THE CHAI WAN PARK SITUATED AT THE JUNCTION OF LEE CHUNG STREET AND NING FOO STREET.
THE PAVILION, WHICH FORMS STAGE II OF THE CHAI WAN PARK PROJECT. WILL BE DU ILT ON A HILLTOP INSIDE THE PARK OVERLOOKING THE AREA. IT WILL BE SURROUNDED BY BENCHES AND ENCLOSED WITH A BAMBOO-PATTERN ORNAMENTAL RAILING. •
ONE MORE BASKETBALL COURT, A COMBINED TOILET-REFRESHMENT STAND, PATHS AND FLOWER DEDS WILL ALSO DE BUILT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN IN MAY AND SHOULD DE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
LIGHTS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE PARK SO THAT ITS FACILITIES MAY BE USED AFTER DARK DY RESIDENTS OF THE NEARBY HOUSING ESTATE.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1975 - 6 -
LABOUR DEPARTMENT HELPS SETTLE TWO-MONTH LONG DISPUTE IN TWO HOURS ft # ft
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY BECAME OFFICIALLY INVOLVED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE TWO-MONTH OLD METRO-DODWELL SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE — AND ARRANGED A SETTLEMENT IN TWO HOURS,
THE SETTLEMENT FOLLOWED A LONG SERIES OF DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MANAGEMENT AND 37 WORKERS WHO WERE RETRENCHED ON JANUARY 31.
THE DEPARTMENT HAD TWICE OFFERED ITS CONCILIATION SERVICES EARLY IN THE DISPUTE BUT THE WORKERS PREFERRED TO PRESS 'HEIR CLAIMS FOR MORE GENEROUS SETTLEMENT TERMS BY DIRECT NEGr IATION WITH COMPANY EXECUTIVES.
THE DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS BECAME DEAD-LOCKED AND YESTERDAY BOTH WORKERS AND MANAGEMENT ACCEPTED A NEW OFFER FROM THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE TO CONCILIATE IN THE DISPUTE.
THE SERVICE IMMEDIATELY*ARRANGED A CONCILIATION MEETING CHAIRED BY LABOUR OFFICER, MR. TO SAU-HONG AT 9.15 A.M. TODAY.
• THE PARTIES SIGNED AN AGREEMENT AT 11.15 A.M.
THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES EACH WORKER WITH ONE MONTH’S WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, CHINESE NEW YEAR BONUS, SEVERANCE PAY AT A RATE OF 10 DAYS WAGES FOR EACH YEAR OF SERVICE IRRESPECTIVE OF THE LENGTH OF SERVICE AND 12 DAYS WAGES AS COMPENSATION FOR LEAVE EARNED.
THE DEPARTMENT MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WORKERS TO COLLECT THEIR PAYMENTS THIS AFTERNOON.
- - - - 0-----
HOUSING AUTHORITY UNOFFICIALS GET EXTRA TERM n 8 N
THE GOVERNOR HAS REAPPOINTED 12 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF TWO YEARS BEGINNING ON APRIL 1.
THEY ARE MR. BROOK BERNACCHI, MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MRS. ELSIE ELLIOTT, MR. H.M.G. FORSGATE, DR. DENNY M.H. HUANG, MR. KENNETH T.C. LO, MR. ROGER LODO, MR. A. DE 0. SALES, MR. CHAN TAK-TAI, MR. CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR. Y.K. KAN, AND MR. V.O. ROBERTS.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1975
7
H.K. OFFICERS TO STUDY HOUSING MANAGEMENT IN LONDON ft ft ft «« ft
TWO SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON ON SATURDAY (MARCH 29) TO STUDY THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING THERE.
THEY ARE MR. LO CHI-YUEN AND MR. EU CHEN-WAN, BOTH SENIOR HOUSING MANAGERS.
THEY WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE HOUSING MANAGEMENT BRANCH OF THE GREATER LONDON COUNCIL FOR TWO WEEKS AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN BRISTOL FOR ONE WEEK.
APART FROM HOUSING MANAGEMENT, THEY WILL SEE HOW JBLIC HOUSING AND NEW TOWNS ARE BEING PLANNED.
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JANUARY ACCOUNTS SHOW $268 M. SURPLUS' ft ft ft ft ft ft
HONG KONG’S ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 1975 SHOW A SURPLUS OF $268 MILLION COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $185 MILLION IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
THIS HAS REDUCED THE ACCUMULATED DEFICIT TO $405 MILLION FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR COMPARED WITH THE DEFICIT OF $410 MILLION THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PREDICTED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH FOR THE FULL YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE MORE THAN IN JANUARY 1974. $133 MILLION MORE THAN THE
MONTH AT $846 MILLION WAS $216 MILLION TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT $578 MILLION WAS SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
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/8
THURSDAY,, MARCH 27„ 1975
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TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD Jf Jf Jf Jf Jf Jf
THE NAMES OF MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 1975 TO 31ST MARCH, 1976 WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. MR. DAVID JORDAN.
THE MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, ARE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD FOR ONE YEAR.
THE BOARD’S TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE n <TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ON ANY MATTER, OTHER THAN tJUT'IR MATTERS, WHICH AFFECTS THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES.*
THE MEMBERS ARE a-
DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (CHAIRMAN EX-OFFICIO)
THE HONOURABLE FRANCIS Y.H. TIEN, O.B.E., J.P.
MR. WONG TOONG-YUEN, O.B.E., J.P.
MR. BRYAN IRLAM BARLOW, J.P.
MR. CHAN SUI-KAU
MISS LYDIA DUNN
MR. PHILIP LAI
MR. FRANK HU IPO LIN
MR. SHEN HSI-JUI
MR. JACK CH I-CHIEN TANG
MR. RONALD CHAO
MR. STEPHEN CHEONG
MR. FANG SHAO-CHOW
MR. OLIVER JAMES NICHOLL
MR. TANG HSIANG-CHIEN
MR. STEPHEN LAU MAN-LUNG
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1975
WORK OF E.D.’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE NOT JUST ROUTINE SCHOOL VISITS
it « « n H H
THE TERM * INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS* IMMEDIATELY CREATES AN IMAGE IN BOTH THE TEACHERS’ AND THE PUPILS’ MINDS OF A STERN-FACED MAN SITTING AT THE BACK OF THE CLASSROOM, WATCHING EVERY MOVEMENT IN THE m°HISNTlHCKTH'LED0WrJ WHATEVER FAULTS 1!- F,NDS ,rJ THE TEACHING METHOD
TO MOST PEOPLE, THE WORK OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ROUTINE INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS. THESE VISITS, HOWEVER, ARE OHLY A SMALL PART OF THE WORK OF THE INSPECTORATE.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE IMPRESSION OF A FAULT-FINDING INSPECTOR WAS NOW A THING OF THE PAST AND AN INSPECTOR WAS MORE OF AN ADVISOR TO TEACHERS.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE INSPECTORATE IS AH ADVISORY BODY WHICH *CATERS FOR QUALITATIVE ASPECTS OF EDUCATION. INCLUDING CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, AND THE MAINTENANCE OR IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHING STANDARDS.*
IT IS HEADED BY AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS). CURRENTLY, IT HAS A STRENGTH OF 130 WITH 10 PRINCIPAL INSPECTORS IN CHARGE OF DIFFERENT SPECIALIST SECTIONS WHICH ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC SUBJECTS.
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF THE INSPECTORATE IS TO SERVE THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMITTEE, WHICH IS CONCERNED WITH CURRICULUM PLANNING, RENEWAL AND EVALUATION.
THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE IS A HON-STATUTORY BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
DESIDES ITS WORK WITH THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE MAINTAINS CERTAIN SPECIALIST SECTIONS WHICH ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION OF DIFFERENT SUBJECTS AND LEVELS.
THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION, FOR EXAMPLE, GIVES ADVICE ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION AND RENDERS ASSISTANCE TO KINDERGARTENS. ITS MAIN FUNCTION IS TO ENSURE A CONGENIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND THAT TEACHERS DO NOT OVEREMPHASISE LEARNING AT SUCH AH EARLY STAGE.
THE SECTION, IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, ALSO ORGANISES IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsf^j^gogpfj^to^pj^n^. TekJi-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1975
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TEACHING CENTRES RELATED TO INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC SUBJECTS HAD DEEN ESTABLISHED WITH THE ULTIMATE AIM OF ♦KEEPING TEACHERS ABREAST OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS OF THESE SUBJECTS*.
LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRES FOR DOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE HELP TEACHERS ACQUIRE MODERN TECHNIQUES IN LANGUAGE TEACHING. THEY HAVE A LARGE SUPPLY OF TAPED MATERIALS AND PROVIDE A FREE DUBBING SERVICE TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
SHORT REFRESHER COURSES, SEMINARS, AND WORKSHOPS ARE ORGANISED DURING SCHOOL TERMS AND PARTICULARLY DURING SUMMER VACATIONS FOR TEACHERS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH CURRENT IDEAS AND PRACTICES.
THE INSPECTORATE ALSO PRODUCES SUBJECT BULLETIN' WHICH ACT AS A FORUM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND METHODS AND ANSWER SPECIFIC QUERIES RAISED BY TEACHERS. THESE BULLETINS ARE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
ONE OF THE TEACHING PRACTICES STRONGLY ADVOCATED DY THE INSPECTORATE IS THE *GU!DED DISCOVERY METHOD* WHICH ENCOURAGES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS AND THE USE OF VISUAL AIDS SUCH AS FILMS, PHOTOS AND STUDY KITS IN THE CLASSROOM.
STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED BY THIS METHOD TO INQUIRE AND FIND OUT THE *WHATS* AND *WHYS* OF A SUBJECT RATHER THAN MERELY ABSORBING LECTURES BY TEACHERS.
WITH THE INSPECTORATE WORKING HARD TOWARDS THESE OBJECTIVES, THE SCENE OF STUDENTS PASSIVELY TAKING DICTATION OF THE TEACHERS’ NOTES MAY SOON BECOME SOMETHING OF THE PAST.
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CITY TOUR FOR DOAT CHILDREN a a if a a
A GROUP OF 200 BOYS AND GIRLS DETWEEN EIGHT AND 15 years of age who LIVE ON BOATS IN THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER. WILL DE TAKEN ON A SIGHT-SEEING TOUR OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ON SUNDAY (MARCH 30). THEY WILL DE ESCORTED DY 50 VOLUNTEERS.
THE OUTING IS ORGANISED BY THE YAUMATEI KA I FONG ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF FLOATING PEOPLE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE FOR YAU MA TEI AS A TREAT FOR CHILDREN’S DAY WHICH FALLS ON APRIL 4.
STARTING OFF AT 9.65 A.M. FROM THE KAIFONG ASSOCIATION PREMISES IN SAIGON STREET THE CHILDREN WILL FIRST DE TAKEN TO THE OCEAN TERMINAL FOLLOWED BY A TRIP THROUGH THE CROSS-!'ARDOUR TUNNEL TO THE PEAK, THEN TO THE BOTANICAL GARDENS, THE CITY HALL, THE SUNG WONG TO! MEMORIAL GARDEN AND THE AIRPORT.
THEY WILL LUNCH AT THE MAN LOK RESTAURANT IN WU KWONG STREET, HUNG ROM, DURING WHICH THERE WILL ALSO DE A LUCKY DRAW.
NOTE TO ED ITORSc YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE START OF THE TOUR.
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„ FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1975
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DIG DROP IN HILL FIRES THIS WINTER H « H H M H
THE ABNORMALLY WET AND HUMID WEATHER HAS, TO A LARGE EXTENT, DETERMINED THE SHARP FAl.L IN THE NUMBER OF HILL FIRES THIS WINTER, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT DISCLOSED TODAY,
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HILL FIRES FROM SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TO MID-MARCH THIS YEAR IS 241 AS COMPARED WITH 1,050 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1973/74,
THE AREA AFFECTED THIS WINTER MEASURED SOME 240 A .RES, REPRESENTING ONLY SEVEN PER CENT OF THE 3,390 ACRES DAMAGED BY HILL FIRES LAST WINTER,
• ALTOGETHER 25,000 TREES WERE DESTROYED AS COMPARED WITH 1,400,000 IN THE LAST HILL FIRE PERIOD.
IN FINANCIAL TERMS, ABOUT 875,000 WERE LOST THIS WINTER, WITHOUT TAKING TIME AND MANPOWER INTO ACCOUNT, THE NATURAL SCENERY AND WILD LIFE ARE ALSO SERIOULY AFFECTED,
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS MAINTAINING 13 FIRE PROTECTION POSTS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE HEW TERRITORIES DURING THE HILL FIRE SEASON. EACH OF THESE POST IS MANNED 24 HOURS A DAY DY 12 FIRE FIGHTERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE COMMON CAUSES OF HILL FIRES ARE THE CARELESS DISPOSAL OF LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES, THE MISHANDLING OF BARBECUE FIRES AMD LIGHTED JOSS-STICKS AND CANDLES.
HE URGED PICNICKERS AND THOSE WHO VISIT THEIR FAMILY GRAVES TO TAKE EXTRA CARE TO PREVENT HILL FIRES DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.
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ROYAL VISIT PRESS RELEASE
Friday, March 28, 1975
DESPATCH BOXES FOLLOW QUEEN TO HONG KONG
Timetable Must Allow Provision For Reading Of State Papers
For at least three of the four days the Queen will be in Hong Kong in May, a portion of her time will have to be spent oh reading important documents of state.
No matter where the Queen happens to be, in London or in abroad, she receives without fail a flow of telegrams, memoranda and letters in • w red despatch boxes.
Each day, the Queen’s mail contains an average of 120 letters dealing with state business.
The boxes arrive containing Foreign and Commonwealth Office telegrams, along with any instructions or replies sent out. There is a daily telegram reporting what has happened in the House of Commons, memoranda prepared by ministers for the Cabinet to consider, and minutes of all Cabinet meetings•
Normally in Bid.tain, the Queen spends between two and three hours a day reading and digesting such papers in order to be thoroughly informed on domestic and international affairs. While travelling, she has the additional t task of studying daily briefs relating to the territory ’she is visiting, the personalities she will meet, and the institutions she will visit.
/The fact ••••••
2
The fact that the Queen has completely adjusted herself to this routine is reflected by her easy grasp of organised ceremonials everywhere as they unfold. She is never at a loss for words, instead frequently flatteringly aware of details which could be expected to escape the notice of such a busy visitor.
The Queen has travelled more than any British monarch in the past. She has been to distant corners of British and Commonwealth territories not one of her predecessors would have thought possible before the jet age. ’ • '
Of this special feature of the Queen’s reign, Elizabeth Longford, biographer of royalty, once wrote: ”A sense of duty is a Mountbatten-Windsor family trait, and this has been inherited by the Queen, the Duke, and their children. So high are the Queen’s standards that new ways of satisfying them have had to be found.
”Extensive travel by air has created a ’flying monarchy’ which can operate here, there, and everywhere.
’•The Queen will not pause in her official reading and signing even for one day. A week’s rest? But that would mean the tide of red boxes flowing past her.
”AU the Queen allows hereself is an occasional ’breather1 in mountains or woodland. Balmoral, a private Royal residence, is one change, where she walks and picnics.
’’Sandringham' is another, where the Queen keeps her horses and stud, and has a farm.
”But the red boxes go, too.”
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1975
NEW HOUSING ESTATE AT CLEARWATER DAY ft ft ft X X ft.
A 9.6-ACRE SITE IN ANDERSON ROAD IN THE CLEARWATER BAY AREA IS BEING PREPARED FOR THE BUILDING OF A NEW HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATE.
PILING WORK SHOULD BEGIN IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS AND THE BUILDING OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, SHUN LEE TSUEN, IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF TOO 3O-STOREY CRUCI-FORM BLOCKS AND A SEVEN-STOREY BLCJK TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR 19,400 PEOPLE. ABOUT 3,COO LIVING UNITS ’ILL DE CONSTRUCTED IN THIS PHASE AND THEY WILL DE READY.FOR OCCUPATION IN EARLY 1978.
WORK ON THE SECOND STAGE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR ANOTHER 31,000 PEOPLE, WILL BEGIN IN MID-1976 AND DE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1931
WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, THE ESTATE WILL HAVE ALL FORMS OF SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES.
THERE WILL DE TOO PRIMARY SCHOOLS, WELFARE PREMISES, A LARGE PLAYGROUND WITH BASKETBALL AND BADMINTON COURTS, A' PROPER MARKET AREA, A RESTAURANT AND SHOP PREMISES.
THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE FIRST STAGE IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT S67 MILLION.
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REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN YUEN LONG ft n ft ft ft ft
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATION IN THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THOSE OF NEIGHBOURING AREAS FROM APRIL 1 (TUESDAY) TO APRIL 4 (FRIDAY) AND FROM APRIL 7 (MONDAY) TO APRIL 8 (TUESDAY).
BUSINESS HOURS WILL DE FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M.
THE VISIT WILL ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARDS AT THE AGE OF 11 FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS.
HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE CAN REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS.
PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS.
THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED TO REPORT CHANGES OF REGISTERED PARTICULARS SUCH AS CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS
’ Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
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SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1975 2 -
SPORTS MEET FOR THE AGED ft ft ft ft
THREE WELFARE AGENCIES IN WESTERN DISTRICT HAVE PLANNED A GAMES AND SPORTS MEET FOR THE AGED, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG.
THIS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 1.30 P.M. TO 5 P.M. ON TUESDAY (APRIL 1) AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IN WONG CHUK HANG.
TWO HUNDRED MEN AND WOMEN, ALL OVER THE AGE OF 60, WILL BE TAKING PART IN 10 DIFFERENT GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL EVENTS INCLUDING 50 AND 100 METRES WALKATIIONS.
THE ORGANISERS ARE KENNEDY TOWN AND TIN WAN CENTRES OF CARITAS AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
CHIEF SPONSOR OF THE FUNCTION IS MR. CHENG MAN-WAH, CHAIRMAN OF THE APLICHAU YOUNG MEN’S ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION WHO HAS DONATED 8500 TOWARDS COSTS. A NUMBER OF FACTORIES IN ABERDEEN AND RESTAURANTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ARE ALSO CONTRIBUTING THEIR PRODUCTS AS PRIZES OR OTHER REFRESHMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS. '
NOTE TO ED I TORSe
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS EVENT.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1975
3
CHILDREN’S TALENT CONTEST ft ft it ft -ft ft
CHILDREN LIVING IN SAU MAU PING HOUSING ESTATE IM KOWLOON ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP AND SHOW OFF THEIR TALENT IN A CONTEST ORGANISER DY THREE WELFARE OFFICES THERE.
THE CONTEST IS OPENED TO YOUNGSTERS AGED FROM EIGHT TO TWELVE AND THERE WILL DE TWO CLASSES, INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS, IN WHICH THEY CAN SHOW THEIR SKILLS IN SINGING, PERFORMING MAG C, ACROBATICS, DANCING, ACTING, TELLING JOKES AND PLAYING MUSICAL It TRUMENTS.
ADOUT 90 ENTRIES IN EACH CLASS ARE EXPECTED.' TH" CONTEST, LASTING THREE DAYS, WILL DE HELD AT THE IJALL OF THE SAU MAU PING (SOUTH) ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING IN 'HIU KWONG STREET WITHIN THE ESTATE, STARTING OFF WITH THE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES ON MONDAY, MARCH 31 FROM 10 A.M. TO 12 NOON AND 2“6 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, THE GROUPS WILL COMPETE DURING THE SAME TIMES. THE FINALS AND PRIZE-GIVING WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 4, FROM 3-5 P.M.
ADJUDICATORS WILL DE MS CHAN LAI-CHUN, HEADMISTRESS OF THE PO LEUNG KUK SAU MAU PING KINDERGARTEN- MS KUNG LAI-WAH, HEADMISTRESS OF THE SALVATION ARMY SAU MAU PING KINDERGARTEN AND MS GRACE YEUNG KWAI-FONG, THE SUPERVISOR OF THE GOSPEL DEDATING SOCIETY’S SAU MAU PING NURSERY.
THE CONTEST IS ORGANISED DY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY WORK OFFICES IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN AREAS OF SAU MAU PING TOGETHER WITH THE DOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUDS ASSOCIATION SAU MAU PING CHILDREN CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS#
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CONTEST OH ANY OF THE DAYS MENTIONED.
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ROYAL VISIT PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, March 2% 1975 .. ■ , . ’.’it . : .
THE QUEEN’S IMMENSE ACCUMULATION OF EXPERIENCE
The Transformation Taking Place In Royal Ceremonials
*******
The Queen’s historic visit to Hong Kong in May will be marked, in accordance with tradition, with a certain amount of ceremony and much colour.
The first relates to the role of the Queen as the personification of the state, and the second acknowledges the general wish of the public, wherever the Queen goes to sec as much of her as possible.
• • •" .
The Queen herself, though aware of the strenuousness of c ceremonials, is fully dedicated to their need. Ceremonials have always been associated with British kings and queens.
In spite of the changes that have taken place with the altered outlook of both the Sovereign and the people, certain traditional customs ; • • • and usages remain. Royal marriages, the birth of royal children, and royal funerals are marked by public ceremony, though to a lesser degree nowadays than in the past. • i> <
All the Queen’s official travels abroad are undertaken in the full glare of publicity, except for private intervals which are necessary to enable the Queen, as head of the executive, an integral part of the . r ’• • *
legislature, the head of the judiciary, the commander-in-chief of all the
/armed forces •....
2
armed forces of the Crown, “'.nd the temporal •governor’ of the Church of England, to keep up with current domestic and international events, and to rest between engagements in arduous programmes.
The overseas tours which the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh make together never fail to arouse interest, both in Britain and in the world at large, but especially in the Commonwealth or foreign territories being visited.
At one Commonwealth conference, the Queen was advised to ration the demands on her time by receiving only those she had not met before. But the Queen was determined to see everybody personally. If they had ;• ■ j- .. ■
made the effort, so would she.
"How does the Queen convince people that she really wants to see them, and is not just fulfilling a duty?" asked Elizabeth Longford, historian and author of several books, including The Royal House of Windsor. She provided her own answer. "In two words," she said, "shining sincerity."
Many people in Hong Kong - especially the young - will realise if they happen to be in the path of the Queen’s ’walkabouts’, that talking to her for a few moments is to be captivated by what is called her charisma - a combination of grace and candour.
The term ’walkabouts* needs an explanation. Previously, what was called royalty’s ’mystique’ imposed a barrier between the Sovereign and the people, so that Britain’s kings and queens almost never paused, during public engagements, to talk to the man in the street. They smiled, acknowledged cheers vith a wave of the hand, nodded - and passed on.
/But the Queen .....
5
But the Queen introduced many changes into the style of her reign to bring herself and the people closer together. It was from this that the ’walkabouts1 were conceived. They were tried out in Australia and New Zealand, where the Queen met many people who would have had no other opportunity of personal contact, and were an immediate success. Nowadays, the whole exercise is spontaneous.
The Queen’s tours have given her the opportunity of accumulating over the years an unrivalled and unique experience.
Sir Alec Douglas-Home, a former Prime Minister and now the Earl of Home, in a television interview, said: ’’The Queen has an ever-lengthening experience. She knows every Commonwealth Prime Minister from her tours in the Commonwealth and from Commonwealth meetings in London, and I should think every Commonwealth statesman personally.”
This May, the Queen’s visit to Hong Kong will add another item to her immense store of personal knowledge of her overseas domains and their people.
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PRH 7 :
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 1975.
NEW SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT %«««««
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S 24TH SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT WHICH WILL DEAL WITH APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES FROM PEOPLE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AREA IN KOWLOON, WILL DE OPENED ON TUESDAY (APRIL ±).
THIS UNIT WILL BE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 234 TAI PO ROAD, IN PREMISES JUST VACATED BY ANOTHER FIELD UNIT WHICH HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION.,
MR. ALAN LU YU-HUA, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF FIELD UNIT OPERATIONS, SAID THIS IS THE SECOND NEW FIELD UNIT THE DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE ESTABLISHED SO FAR THIS YEAR AND IT WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES DEVELOPED UNDER THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN.,
HE SAID THE NEW UNIT WILL HANDLE CASES AND APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN ESTATE, CHEUNG SHA WAN LICENSED AREA, LI CHENG UK ESTATE, SO UK ESTATE, UH CHAU STREET ESTATE, WAI MAN VILLAGE, BUTTERFLY VALLEY, MEI FOO SUN CHUEN, KAU WAH KENG VILLAGE AND LAI CHI KOK.
THE SHAM SHU I PO FIELD UNIT, HE NOTED, IS ONE OF THE BUSIEST FIELD UNITS. +THE OPENING OF THIS LATEST ONE WILL HELP EASE THE ACCOMMODATION SITUATION AND ALSO DE MORE CONVENIENT FOR THOSE LIVING IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WHO WANT TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE,* HE ADDED. 4
AT THE END OF LAST MONTH THE DEPARTMENT WAS GIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO 43,912 CASES, EITHER INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES, AND THE DISABILITY OR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES TO 54,702 PEOPLE, AS AGAINST 26,448 AND 41,254 RESPECTIVELY A YEAR AGO.
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Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 1975.
WINNERS OF HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS WON THE FIRST PRIZE OF 31,500 IN THE 1975 HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION JOINTLY SPONSORED DY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SECOND PRIZE OF 31,000 WAS WON BY MING YIN COLLEGE; WHILE THE THIRD PRIZE OF 3700 WENT TO ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL (LAM TIN).
TWELVE MERIT PRIZES OF 3250 EACH WERE AWARDED TO THE
CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA MONG MAN WAI COLLEGE, CHAN SUI KI COLLEGE (LA SALLE), NING PO COLLEGE, HEBRON ENGLISH SCHOOL, KEI SAN SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL, ST. FRANCIS CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL, KEI HEEP SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOL, SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND ST. ROSE OF LIMA’S SCHOOL.
THE COMPETITION WAS HELD TO STIMULATE THE INTEREST OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND TO MAKE THEM-MORE AWARE OF THE VALUE OF HEALTH EDUCATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE PRIZES, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE WINNERS AT A CEREMONY TO BEHELD IN THE CITY HALL ON APRIL 11.
THE PRIZE-WINNING PROJECTS WILL BE EXHIBITED AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL FROM APRIL 11 TO 15. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND THE EXHIBITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS! YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND THE EXHIBITION COVERED. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 3 P.M. ON APRIL 11 IN THE CITY HALL.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 1975.
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WATER TAXIS FOR TOLO HARBOUR TOUR
PASSENGERS ON THE TOLO HARBOUR TOUR WILL BE TRAVELLING IN EVEN GREATER COMFORT NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 1) WHEN AIR-CONDITIONED WATER TAXIS WILL BE USED FOR THE HARBOUR CRUISE.
RESPONSE TO THE TOUR, INTRODUCED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND THE HONG KONG-YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY, HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING DESPITE POOR WEATHER DURING THE PAST TOO MONTHS, AND THE ORGANISERS EXPECT EVEN BETTER RESULTS AS THE WEATHER IMPROVES AND THE WATER TAXIS COME INTO SERVICE.
THE FOUR-HOUR TOUR OPERATES ON A DAILY BASIS, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, AND INCLUDES A RETURN RAIL JOURNEY FROM TSIM SHA TSUI TO TAI PO KAU AND A FERRY CRUISE IN TOLO HARBOUR. THE COST IS 815 AND INCLUDES A SNACK ON THE FERRY.
ACCORDING TO A KCR SPOKESMAN, BOTH TOURISTS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE TAKING THE TOUR WHICH AFFORDS PASSENGERS A CHANCE TO SEE SOME OF THE MOST SCENIC SPOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN RELATIVE COMFORT.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF WATER TAXIS NEXT WEEK, PASSENGERS WOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A MUCH BETTER VIEW OF THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE AS THE WATER TAXIS CAN RUN CLOSER TO THE SHORE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY ADDED.
PASSENGERS WILL BOARD THE WATER TAXIS AT TAI PO KAU AND CRUISE ROUND TOLO HARBOUR PASSING THROUGH YIM TIN TSAI, THREE CUPS, WU KWAI SHA AND BACK TO THE UNIVERSITY STATION WHERE THEY BOARD THE RETURN TRAIN TO KOWLOON.
AT PRESENT, THE KCR SPOKESMAN SAID, THERE ARE NO PLANS TO EXTEND THE TOUR TO SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AS MOST TRAINS WERE ALREADY CROWDED ON THESE OCCASIONS.
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royal <' >
VISIT
PRESS
RELEASE ■
Sunday, March 30, 1975
DUKE WILL HAVE A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME Construction Of Hong Kong’s Biggest Reservoir 50 Per Cent Complete ********
The Duke of Edinburgh will see something of the High Island Water Scheme when he is taken on a helicopter flight on Monday, May 5, to attend engagements in the New Territories.
He will see this ”reservoir-in-the-sea’’, being built at a cost of 81,500 million, which was begun in 1972, and is now nearly 50 per cent complete. It is expected to start impounding water some time next year.
The Duke will probably be impressed if he asks for statistics.
When the major works are completed in 1979, the reservoir will be able to hold 60,000 million gallons of water, nearly doubling Hong Kong’s present total storage capacity of 67,300 million gallons, which will then rise to about 128,000 million gallons.
The reservoir will have a surface area of 1,700 acres. Hong
Kong’s first reservoir, at Pok Fu Lam, completed in 1877, could fit into it more than 900 times over. •- . t
High Island’s construction involves the dredging of 8.5 nri 11 n on cubic yards of marine deposits, and the network of tunnels which will carry water to it is 25 miles long.
The scale of the scheme is strikingly apparent, whether seen on site or from the air. Some work areas amount to the size of small townships
/In addition ••••••
2
In addition to the sheer magnitude of the project, there is the exciting nature of the High Island concept. Certainly the idea of carving a reservoir out of the sea is not new, indeed it was pioneered by Hong Kong at Plover Cove in the 1960s, but the damming of the two ends of a channel between High Island and Sai Kung peninsula takes the idea a stage further.
In technical terms, High Island represents a world breakthrough in more than one respect. In particular, its eastern dam will have to withstand wave pressures generated by an unbroken 7?000-mile expanse of ocean stretching all the way from the western coast of Central America.
The first rains of the- wet season next year are expected tor start the lengthy process of filling in the reservoir. At the moment, construction of the main western dam is well under way, with good progress on the asphalting of its core.
The Duke will not be able- fully to appreciate the human problem of High Island from the air, but no r6sum£ of the reservoir’s story is complete without a reference to the manner in which the displacement of about 400 villagers from the area has been tackled.
In the fishing town of Sai Kung, about five miles to the west, six housing blocks, providing every displaced family with at least one free flat, have been built and are now occupied. This housing forms part of a compensation package worked out with the villagers at a cost of about 34o million.
But the Duke will be interested to learn that his concern in the conservation and the state of the environment everywhere has been fully taken into account by planners of the reservoir.
/Care has
3
Care has been taken from the very start to see that the scenic beauty of the area is preserved. Indeed, the waterworks roads built for the reservoir construction will have the effect of opening up many secluded parts of the mountainous Sai Kung peninsula.
The whole scheme will eventually fit in with, and not mar, an attractive environment in one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the New Territories.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
STREAMLINED PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS COMES INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1 ............................... 1
PARENTS WARNED OF POSSIBLE OUTBREAK OF MEASLES EPIDEMIC LATER THIS YEAR .......................................... 2
V/AH FU ESTATE TO BE EXTENDED TO MEET DEMAND FOR MORE PUBLIC HOUSING ACCOMMODATION 111 ABERDEEN ........ 3
* FOUR-DAY MANPOWER SURVEY OF BUILDING INDUSTRY BEGINS TOMORROW .................................................... 4
’’OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME” WILL BE CONTINUED IN VIEW OF ITS POPULARITY .................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1975
1
EMPLOYERS URGED TO REPORT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS EARLY STREAMLINED REPORTING PROCEDURE EFFECTIVE TOMORROW X X >'. X
• t . • • / •
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY HE WAS CONCERNED BY THE TARDINESS OF SOME EMPLOYERS IN REPORTING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THEIR STAFF.
HE REVEALED THAT HE HAD PERSONALLY DEALT WITH 20 LATE REPORTING CASES RECENTLY - INCLUDING ONE REPORT FILED 227 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
MR. PRICE SAID THERE WAS HO REAL EXCUSE FOR SUCH LATE REPORTS - AND THERE WOULD BE EVEN LESS FROM TOMORROW (APRIL 1) WHEN A STREAMLINED REPORTING PROCEDURE COMES INTO EFFECT.
THE SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE. IS COVERED BY THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1975 WHICH WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JANUARY.
THE OLD SYSTEM REQUIRED TWO SEPARATE WRITTEN REPORTS OF AN ACCIDENT TO BE MADE TO TOO UNITS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT UNDER TWO DIFFERENT ORDINANCES.
UNDER THE STANDARDISED PROCEDURES OF THE HEW REGULATIONS, AN EMPLOYER WOULD ONLY NEED TO MAKE A WRITTEN OR ORAL REPORT TO A FACTORY INSPECTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS OF AN ACCIDENT.
MR. PRICE SAID AN ORAL REPORT MUST BE FOLLOWED BY A WRITTEN REPORT UNDER SECTION 15 OF THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT.
FATAL WORK ACCIDENTS MUST ALSO BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE WITHIN 24 HOURS, AS PREVIOUSLY.
MR. PRICE SAID HE WAS GREATLY PERTURBED BY THE RECENT CASES HE HAD ENCOUNTERED OF LATE REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS AT WORK.
<•1 PERSONALLY WROTE TO THE COMPANIES INVOLVED DRAWING THEIR ATTENTION TO THE DELAYS AND ASKING THEM TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSES OF THEM. THEY HAVE ALL REPLIED, AMD IN MOST CASES INADEQUATE SUPERVISION WAS THE MAIN REASON OR WORKERS HAD FAILED TO PROVIDE THEIR EMPLOYERS WITH DETAILS OF THEIR MEDICAL TREATMENT,■> HE SAID.
❖DELAY IN REPORTING WORK ACCIDENTS AFFECTS THE PROMPT INVESTIGATION OF SUCH ACCIDENTS WITH A VIEW TO PREVENTING FURTHER OCCURRENCES, AND UNNECESSARILY DELAYS THE PROMPT PROCESSING OF WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION.*
MR. PRICE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD SOON ISSUE A PUBLISHED GUIDE TO INFORM FACTORY EMPLOYERS AND OTHER PROPRIETORS OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS.
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MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1975
WARNING ON POSSIBLE OUTBREAK OF MEASLES EPIDEMIC ANTHMEASI.ES CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN IN APRIL ft ft ft ft. ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. GERALD CHOA, WARNS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF AN OUTBREAK OF MEASLES EPIDEMIC LATER THIS YEAR OR IN EARLY 1976.
HOWEVER, HE SAYS THIS CAN EASILY BE AVOIDED IF PARENTS WOULD BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO A GOVERNMENT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, AN OUT-PATIENT CLINIC OR AN INOCULATION POST FOR VACCINATION.
DR. CHOA MADE HIS APPEAL TODAY AS THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WAS ABOUT TO LAUNCH AN INTENSIFIED ANT I-MEASLES CAMPAIGN IN APRIL AND MAY.
THE DIRECTOR EXPLAINED THAT MEASLES IS A HIGHLY INFECTIOUS DISEASE AFFECTING MOSTLY CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE.
ALTHOUGH IT IS SELDOM FATAL, THE COMPLICATIONS OF THE INFECTION, SUCH AS BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA OR ENCEPHALITIS, OFTEN LEAD TO DEATH.
THIS DISEASE, DR. CHOA SAID, DISPLAYED A DISTINCT BIENNIAL PATTERN, OCCUR I NG IN AN EPIDEMIC FORM EVERY ALTERNATE WlNTER/SPRI NG.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF MASS VACCINATION AGAINST MEASLES SINCE 1967, THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED DECREASE IN MEASLES INCIDENCE.
THE GREATEST NUMBER OF DEATHS CAUSED BY MEASLES WAS RECORDED IN 1967 WHEN 654 CHILDREN FELL VICTIMS TO THE DISEASE.
THE DEATH TOLL DROPPED TO FOUR IN 1971, BUT LAST YEAR IT ROSE AGAIN TO 53 FOLLOWING THE OUTBREAK OF A SMALL-SCALE EPIDEMIC IN LATE 1973 AND EARLY 1974.
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY CONDUCTED A SURVEY ON MEASLES VACCINATION, WHICH SHOWS THAT 41 PER CENT OF THE CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS HAVE BEEN VACCINATED.
ALTHOUGH THIS COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THE 17 PER CENT IN
THE PREVIOUS SURVEY IN i960, THE HERD IMMUNITY IS STILL TOO LOW TO BE ABLE TO PREVENT AN EPIDEMIC.
THE SURVEY SHOWS THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN REMAINS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DISEASE, THE MAIN REASONS GIVEN FOR THE NON-ACCEPTANCE OF VACCINATION BEING ^PARENTS TOO BUSY* AND '.-SUPERSTITION*
/SOME PARENTS
MONDAY, Il ARCH J1, 1975
1
SOME PARENTS, THE SURVEY SAYS, STILL CLING TO THE SUPERSTITION THAT MEASLES IS CAUSED BY AN INBORN TOXIN WHICH MUST BE RELEASED FROM THE BODY IF THE CHILD WAS TO GROW UP STONG.
DR. CHOA STRESSED THAT THIS WAS TOTALLY UNFOUNDED.
HE SAID MORE THAN 320,000 CHILDREN IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN VACCINATED AGAINST MEASLES AND ALL OF THEM WERE ENJOYING GOOD HEALTH.
DR. CHOA REITERATED THAT VACCINATION WAS VERY SAFE AND SIDE EFFECTS WERE SELDOM OBSERVED.
+A SINGLE INJECTION AT THE AGF. OF NINE MONTHS OR OLDER WILL GIVE LONG LASTING PROTECTION,* HE ADDED.
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TOO MORE BLOCKS FOR WAH FU ESTATE
Jf x ft ft ft ft
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S POPULAR WAII FU ESTATE ON HONG KONG ISLAND IS TO BE EXTENDED TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR MORE PUBLIC HOUSING ACCOMMODATION IN THE ABERDEEN AREA.
SITE FORMATION IS TO START LATER IN APRIL ON A NINE-ACRE TERRACED SITE ON WHICH WILL BE BUILT TOO TO IN-TOWER BLOCKS TO HOUSE NEARLY 10,000 PEOPLE IN SELF-CONTAINED FLATS’.
THESE TOO NEW BLOCKS WHICH ARE DIRECTLY OPPOSITE WAH HING HOUSE AND WAH SANG HOUSE HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL. CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WILL START IN THE LATTER HALF OF NEXT YEAR AND THE BUILDINGS COULD BE READY FOR OCCUPATION BY EARLY 1970.
WITH THE ADDITIONAL 10,000 RESIDENTS, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE EXISTING SHOPPING AND MARKETING FACILITIES WILL BE INADEQUATE. TO COPE WITH THE DEMAND, HOUSING DEPARTMENT ARCHITECTS HAVE INCORPORATED AN 8-STOREY DU ILDI NG ON THE SITE TO PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL FACILITIES.
THE TOP FLOOR OF THIS BUILDING WILL BE USED AS A RESTAURANT, TOO LOWER FLOORS FOR SHOPS AND MARKET STALLS, THREE FLOORS RESERVED FOR A CAR PARK FOR ABOUT 140 VEHICLES AND TOO BASEMENT FLOORS FOR SERVICE-TRADE SHOPS.
WAH FU ESTATE, WHICH WAS COMPLETED IN 1971, IS VIRTUALLY A SELF-CONTAINED TOWNSHIP WITH A POPULATION OF ABOUT 45,000. IT HAS WITHIN ITS BOUNDARY FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, NINE KINDERGARTENS, A NURSERY, A RESTAURANT, A DEPARTMENT STORE AND t\ HOST OF OTHER WELFARE FACILITIES TO SERVE RESIDENTS.
/4
MONDAY, MARCH 31,
1975
4
MANPOWER SURVEY OF BUILDIiiG INDUSTRY BEGINS TOMORROW n « h « n «
SURVEY INTERVIEWERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TOMORROW (APRIL 1) WILL BEGIN COLLECTING INFORMATION IN A FOUR-DAY MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY - THE THIRD OF ITS KIND EVER CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG.
MORE THAN 110 SURVEY INTERVIEWERS WILL BE VISITING SOME 1,300 CONSTRUCTION SITES AND BUILDING CONTRACTOR FIRMS BETWEEN APRIL 1 AND APRIL 4.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS, COVERS ALL ACTIVE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SITES AND THE CONTRACTOR FIRMS CONCERNED. ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FIRMS ARE ALSO SURVEYED AT THE SAME TIME.
QUESTIONNAIRE FORMS AND RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE WERE SENT TWO WEEKS AGO TO ALL THE CONSTRUCTION SITES AND FIRMS REQUESTING FOR INFORMATION ON 8
« THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED0
H THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING- AND
H THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES.
DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, SURVEY INTERVIEWERS WILL VISIT EACH OF THE PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION SITES AND CONTRACTOR FIRMS TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE FROM EMPLOYERS. ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FIRMS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN THEIR INFORMATION BY POST.
THE SECRETARY OF THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, MR. WONG MAN-KAI STRESSED TODAY THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL SITE OR FIRM.
♦FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY, EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO CO-OPERATE BY PROVIDING THE ACCURATE INFORMATION SO THAT PLANS CAN BE FORMULATED TO MEET THE INDUSTRY’S MANPOWER NEEDS,+ HE SAID.
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MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1975
5 -
YOUTH SCHEME EXTENDED X X X K
THE ’OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME’ STARTED LAST OCTOBER WILL BE CONTINUED IN VIEW OF ITS POPULARITY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF ONE OF THE PROJECTS FINANCED BY THE SCHEME HELD AT RAIMONDI COLLEGE IN ROBINSON ROAD THIS MORNING, MR. LEE SAID APPLICATIONS FOR THE SECOND ROUND WOULD BE INVITED SOON.
THIS MORNING’S PROJECT, A THREE-DAY EASTER GATHERING FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT SCHOOLS ORGANISED DY RAIMONDI’S COLLEGE STUDENT COUNCIL, COMPRISES A DAY-LONG CAMP TODAY, A QUIZ COMPETITION TOMORROW AND A GAMES DAY ON WEDNESDAY AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND. ASSISTING IN RUNNING THE ACTIVITIES ARE STUDENTS FROM ST. STEPHEN’S GIRLS COLLEGE.
MR. LEE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SO CONCERNED OVER THE WELFARE OF YOUNGER SCHOOL CHILDREN THAT THEY WERE PREPARED TO GIVE UP SOME OF THEIR HOLIDAY TIME AND SHARE LIFE WITH THEM.
THIS, HE SAID, WAS INDEED LIVING UP TO THE SPIRIT OF THE SCHEME.
HE RECALLED THAT THE ’OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME’ WAS LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES. A TOTAL OF 93 PROJECTS WERE SUBMITTED OUT OF WHICH 43 WERE CHOSEN.
ALTHOUGH 600 STUDENTS WERE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE SUPPORTED PROJECTS THE NUMBERS WHO WOULD BENEFIT RAN INTO THE THOUSANDS, HE SAID.
MR. LEE ALSO MENTIONED SOME OF THE PROJECTS ALREADY IMPLEMENTED THESE INCLUDE A TELEPHONE COACHING SERVICE TO HELP FORM ONE STUDENTS IN KWUN TONG WITH THEIR PROBLEMS0 A FACT-FINDING SURVEY AND A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY FACTORY WORKERS IN WONG TAI SIN- A WESTERN DISTRICT YOUTH NEWSPAPER IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE CAN EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND OPINION, AND A FACTORY YOUTH GROUP IN KWUN TONG THAT WAS ORGANISING ACTIVITIES TO MEET THE INTERESTS AND NEEDS OF YOUNG WOMAN WORKING IN FACTORIES.
/WHILE THE MANY ....
MONDAY, MARCH J1, 1975
6
WHILE THE MANY DIFFERENT PROJECTS SPONSORED BY THE SCHEME MATERIALISED IN VARIOUS FORMS, HE SAID, THEY ALL HAD ONE COMMON GOAL — TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN TALENTS AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH COMBINED AND DEVOTED GROUP EFFORT
HE LOOKED FORWARD TO MORE MEANINGFUL PROJECTS THAT WOULD BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY WHEN THE DEPARTMENT STARTS THE SCHEME FOR THE SECOND TIME.
i
NOTE TO EDITORS!
COPIES OF MR. LEE’S FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM,
SPEECH ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR.
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ROYAL VISIT PRESS RELEASE
Monday, M?.rch 3% 1975
TSUEN WAN - FASTEST GROWING DISTRICT IN NEW TERRITORIES .
Queen*s Visit To Area Will Give Her Some Idea Of Developments
*******
The Queen’s visit to Tsuen Wan on Tuesday, May 6, will enable her to see developments in a district in the New Territories which is going through a period of unparalleled growth and change.
In 19^9i the population stood at 20,000. The Queen will be interested to learn that today the figure exceeds 400,000, and is projected to reach 8^0,000 in the next decade.
Already Tsuen Wan alone houses half the population of the
New Territories.
Covering an area of 26 square miles, Tsuen Wan is often regarded f •
by its own people as ”a district of contrasts**, and the view is largely shared by urban visitors. The latter see th® tremendous industriali sati on going on, but are also impressed by the way this has not been allowed to disturb the surrounding rural scenery.
The Tsuen Wan district, properly speaking, includes .Tsuen Wan New Town, northeast Lantau, Tsing Yi Island, and Ma Wan.
The area known as Kwai Chung largely consists of reclaimed land, and is also growing fast. This township already has eight public housing estates, and several more are either being built or planned.
/The Queen •••••
2
The Queen will see Kwai Chung’s most outstanding feature, the container terminal, when she is driven there from Tsuen Wan.
Tsuen Wan New Town is already half developed. About 75 per cent ♦ of its 400,000 population are accommodated in eight fully-completed and
two partially-completed public housing estates.
Present-day Tsuen Wan lies partly on reclaimed land, but also covers an area previously occupied by rural folk who relied upon the soil and the sea for their livelihood.
Before World War II, some industrial development occurred along Castle Peak Road, but the pace was leisurely. It was the tide of immigrants into the area from 1949 which brought about the first population increase.
This sudden influx of manpower was successfully tapped by textile entrepreneurs who settled in the area and opened mills.
By the early 1950s, Tsuen Wan was established as the textile centre of Hong Kong, and it then became apparent that the area would • - •
develop as an industrial town. As a result, a layout was drawn up and, soon afterwards, Tai Wo Hau Estate for immigrant and indigenous squatters was built. Old villages nearby were cleared and redeveloped.
Reclamation was subsequently carried out in the bay, and the area now making up- Tsuen Wan proper began to take recognisable form in the early 1960s.
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