港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1976 - MAY

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT TO SET UP ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT ....... 1

TANNERS URGED TO DECIDE EARLY ON LAND OFFER .............. 2

NEW ROAD TO EASE CONGESTION IN KWUN TONG.................. 3

TWO NEW BUS ROUTES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND................... 3

SUMMER YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP ............................. A

KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OPEN DAY .................

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1976

GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SET UP AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTFON UNIT (E.P.U.), IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN E.P.U. WAS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE CONSULTANTS, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LIMITED, LATE LAST YEAR AND THE RECOMMENDATION WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ENDORSED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (EPCOM).

THE CONSULTANTS WERE ENGAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN DECEMBER 1974 TO ADVISE ON THE ENACTMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, AND ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ORGANISATION.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT IS INTENDED THAT E.P.U. SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, FOR: -

(A) ESTABLISHING A PROGRAMME FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT ON THE BASIS OF OVERALL OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES TAKING INTO ACCOUNT SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS- AND HAVING REGARD TO LIKELY AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND CAPABILITY FOR ENFORCING ANY NEW LEG I SLAT ION-

(B)x ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY WHERE THESE ARE APPROPRIATE-

(C) ENSURING THAT THE NECESSARY DATA ARE COLLECTED FOR TAKING DECISIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND STANDARDS, AND DETERMINING WHETHER THESE STANDARDS ARE BEING ACHIEVED-

(D) CO-ORDINATING AND SUPERVISING THE MONITORING OF POLLUTION, AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION, WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

?N0 W THAT IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED, APPLICATION WILL BE MADE FOR THE FUNDS NEEDED TO ENGAGE STAFF, WITH A VIEW TO SETTING UP THE UNIT TOWARDS THE END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THE UNIT WILL COMPRISE A DIRECTOR AND FOUR ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE RESPECTIVELY FOR AIR POLLUTION, WATER POLLUTION, NOISE POLLUTION, AND SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL.

COMMENTING ON THE DECISION, MR. J.L. MARDEN, CHAIRMAN OF EPCOM, SAID HE IS VERY GLAD TO SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENDORSED THIS IMPORTANT EPCOM RECOMMENDATION, WHICH WILL DO MUCH TO STRENGTHEN POLLUTION CONTROL IN HONG KONG.

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SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1976

TANNERS URGED TO DECIDE EARLY ON LAND OFFER

*****

THE 55 SHEUNG SHU I TANNERY OPERATORS, WHO ARE TO BE CLEARED AT THE END OF JULY, HAVE BEEN URGED TO DECIDE EARLY WHETHER TO ACCEPT AN OFFER OF 104,500 SQUARE FEET OF ADDITIONAL LAND AT THE KWAI CHUNG OFFENSIVE TRADES AREA.

THE TANNERS ARE ALREADY BUYING MORE THAN 75.500 SQUARE FEET IN THE AREA. THE EXTRA PLOTS, OFFERED TO THEM EARLY LAST MONTH AT THEIR REQUEST, ARE ADJACENT TO THEIR EXISTING SITES.

IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 29, MR. JOHN CHAMBERS. DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, ASKED THE TANNERS TO INFORM HIM OF THEIR DECISION +IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE IN VIEW OF THE SHORT PERIOD REMAINING BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF JULY 31, 1976.+

MR. CHAMBERS ALSO OFFERED THE FIFTH CONSORTIUM, CONTAINING 33 OF THE SMALLER OPERATORS, A FURTHER 6,200 SQUARE FEET OF LAND IN ADDITION TO THE 16,500 SQUARE FEET THEY WERE OFFERED ON APRIL 13. THEY ARE ALREADY BUYING 3,500 SQUARE FEET.

REITERATING GOVERNMENT’S FIRM RESOLVE TO CLEAR THE TANNERIES ON JULY 31, A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN STRESSED THE NEED FOR THE TANNERS TO BEG4N PLANNING THEIR MOVE TO KWAI CHUNG WITHOUT DELAY.

HE SAID THAT NOT ONLY WAS THE LAND ON WHICH THEY WERE OPERATING HEAVILY POLLUTED, BUT IT WAS ALSO REQUIRED FOR FUTURE HOUSING AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. +THE TANNERS CAN NOT CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME,+ THE SPOKESMAN STATED.

+THEY WERE NOTIFIED MORE THAN FOUR YEARS AGO THAT THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO MOVE. CONTINUED OPERATION AT SHEUNG SHUI HAS BEEN PERMITTED IN THE MEANTIME ONLY ON CONDITION THAT THEY MOVE TO KWAI CHUNG.+

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE TANNERS WERE NOTIFIED AS FAR BACK AS 1973 THAT THE FINAL CLEARANCE DATE WOULD BE JULY 31, 1976.

IN A FURTHER MOVE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE TAI PO HAS WRITTEN TO THE TANNERY OPERATORS FORMALLY NOTIFYING THEM THAT THEIR CROWN LAND LICENCES WILL BE CANCELLED ON JULY 31.

THE TEMPORARY PERMITS WERE ISSUED WHEN GOVERNMENT RE-ENTERED THE LAND IN 1972 BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH BEING AGRICULTURAL LAND, IT HAD BEEN USED FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

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SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1976

NEW ROAD TO EASE CONGESTION IN KWUN TONG

******

MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM KWUN TONG TO SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN AND LEI YUE MUN WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO SUFFER,THE CONGESTION ON KWUN TONG ROAD.

ON MONDAY (MAY 3) AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE WILL BE OPENED. IT IS THE EXTENSION OF WAI YIP STREET WHICH WILL BE OPENED FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LAI YIP STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH KWUN TONG ROAD I NEAR CHOI SHEK LANE.

IT WfLL BE OPENED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY.

THE EASTERN ENTRY/EXIT POINT IS AT THE JUNCTION OF HOI YUEN"' ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET. THE WESTERN ENTRANCE AND EXIT IS AT KWUN TONG ROAD NEAR CHOI SHEK LANE WHERE EASTBOUND 'TRAFFIC WILL ENTER BY WAY OF THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED FLYOVER. .J' ,

THE NEW ROAD WILL BECOME A VITAL RELIEF ROUTE WHEN MASS •» TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS REDUCE KWUN TONG ROAD TO ONLY ONE LANE IN ’ " , EACH DIRECTION LATER THIS YEAR. .

ALSO ON MAY 3, AN URBAN CLEARWAY WILL BE INTRODUCED '

ALONG THE SECTION OF WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN HOI YUEN ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD. NO MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE^ , ALLOWED TO STOP THERE TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS OR GOODS.j " FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY.

x, •

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED INDICATING THE NEW SECTION OF ROAD AND URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION.

• • ju

Pr TWO NEW BUS ROUTES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND

****** *

TWO NEW BUS ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED ON HONG KONG ISLAND FROM MONDAY (MAY 3) AS PART OF THE CMB ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. •

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE NEW ROUTES, NUMBERED 11A AND 24, WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FROM LAI TAK TSUEN TO SUPPLEMENT ROUTE 23A, AT THE SAM.E TIME PROVIDING A BUS SERVICE ALONG HOLLYWOOD ROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME.

ROUTE 11A WILL OPERATE ON *A BASIC 7/8-MINUTE FREQUENCY FROM LAI TAK TSUEN TO WAN CHAI FERRY VIA CAUSEWAY BAY AND HENNESSY RQAD. THIS SUBURBAN ROUTE WILL HAVE A 30 CENT FARE. . j

< .f

THE NEW ROUTE 24 WILL OPERATE ON A BASIC 10-MINUTE FREQUENCY BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY (MAGISTRACY CAR PARK) VIA GLOUCESTER ROAD, CENTRAL DISTRICT, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, QUEEN STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND CHATER ROAD RETURNING TO CAUSEWAY BAY VIA HENNESSY ROAD. THIS URBAN ROUT£ WILL HAVE A 30 CENT.ADULT FARE AND 20 CENT FARE FOR CHILDREN. .1

• " ‘ /

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT A NEW CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE NO. 113 WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN MID-MAY BETWEEN CHOI HUNG AND WESTERN DISTRICT VIA WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU AND CENTRAL DISTRICT.

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SUMMER YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP * M * H * M

MORE THAN 2,500 APPLICATION FORMS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO YOUNGSTERS INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SUMMER YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP . JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE BRITISH FORCES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THE CAMP AIMS TO HELP DEVELOP THE CHARACTER. SELF-RELIANCE AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF SELECTED PARTICIPANTS SO THAT THEY WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

TWO RESIDENTIAL CAMPS ARE ORGANISED THIS YEAR FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 25. THERE WILL BE 120 PARTICIPANTS FOR EACH CAMP.

THE CAMPS, LASTING FOR THREE WEEKS EACH. WILL BE HELD AT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, KAI TAK, FROM JUNE 27 TO JULY 17 AND FROM JULY 25 TO AUGUST 14.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH WORK UNIT. CENTRAL POST OFFICES BUILDING, TOP FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 7.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE CHOSEN BY AN INTERVIEW PANEL COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE BRITISH FORCES AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. SELECTIONS WILL BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF COMMAND OF ENGLISH, EXPERIENCE IN YOUTH WORK, KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL AFFAIRS AND PHYSIQUE.

SUBJECTS TO BE COVERED IN THE CAMP WILL INCLUDE EXPEDITION, CANOEING, MAP-READING, PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ROCK CLIMBING AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING. A CERTIFICATE WILL BE AWARDED TO THSOE WHO PARTICIPATE IN ALL THE ACTIVITIES IN THE COURSE.

KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OPEN DAY *****

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE SOME OF THE WORK DONE BY STUDENTS OF THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHICH IS HOLDING ITS OPEN DAY FROM 2 TO 6 P.M. TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE INSTITUTE HAS FIVE TEACHING DEPARTMENTS - CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND COMMERCIAL STUDIES.

IT IS IN HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.

THE INSTITUTE - THE THIRD OF ITS KIND TO BE COMPLETED FOR THE EXPANSION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG - COMMENCED CLASSES LAST SEPTEMBER.

ALL THREE INSTITUTES HAVE THE MAJOR FUNCTION OF ORGANISING TECHNICAL EDUCATION TO COMPLEMENT ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROVIDED BY INDUSTRY.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPEN DAY COVERED.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, MAY 2, 1976

WELFARE PROJECTS FOR SAI KUNG VILLAGES

****** *

PROJECTS RANGING IN COMPLEXITY FROM PIPING STREAM WATER TO A REMOTE VILLAGE ON HIGH ISLAND TO INSTALLING A CLEAN AIR FILTER IN A PUBLIC LAVATORY AT SHA KOK MEI WERE ARRANGED BY STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAI KUNG DURING THE 1975/76 FINANCIAL YEAR.

MONEY FOR THE PROJECTS, TOTALLING $420,000, WAS PROVIDED OUT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS (LPW) VOTE.

DURING THE YEAR, 142 PROJECTS WERE UNDERTAKEN, MOSTLY FOR VILLAGE WELFARE. SOME WERE TOTALLY FINANCED FROM L.P.W. FUNDS, WHILE OTHERS PARTLY BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SUCH AS CARE AND THE PENINSULA LIONS CLUB. ONE PROJECT WAS SUPERVISED ON BEHALF OF THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE.

THE JOBS WERE CARRIED OUT BY CONTRACTORS, BY PRISON LABOUR OR BY THE VILLAGERS THEMSELVES WHO WERE PROVIDED WITH THE MATERIALS.

MATERIALS WERE ALSO GIVEN TO CREW OF THE ROAL NAVY MINEHUNTER, H.M.S. MONKTON, WHO REPAIRED A PLAYGROUND ON KAU SAI ISLAND.

THE DISTRICT OFFICE ORGANISED A NUMBER OF WORK CAMPS IN MORE REMOTE VILLAGES FOR STUDENTS WHO. USUALLY ACCOMMODATED IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS WHILE CARRYI'NG OUT JOBS. UNDERTOOK SUCH TASKS AS CLEARING LITTER OR MENDING FOOTPATHS AND PIERS.

TWO IMPORTANT JOBS, EACH COSTING ABOUT $25,000, WERE REPAIRING LANDSLIDE DAMAGE AT KAU SAI ISLAND AND TAI WAN TAU IN CLEARWATER BAY, RESULTING FROM HEAVY RAINFALL ON APRIL 30 LAST YEAR.

MR. JAMES WILSON, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER SAI KUNG, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THE L.P.W. VOTE, SAID:/THESE WERE PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT JOBS BECAUSE THE WORK HAD TO BE DONE BY HAND DUE TO THE REMOTENESS OF THE LOCATIONS.*

THE MOST EXPENSIVE PROJECT WAS CONSTRUCTING A DAM AT LEUNG SHUEN WAN SO THAT TAP WATER COULD BE PROVIDED TO THE FISHING VILLAGE OF TUNG A ON HIGH ISLAND. THIS COST $96,000.

ANOTHER COSTLY PROJECT WAS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A $53,000 SOCCER PITCH AT HO CHUNG VILLAGE ON SAI KUNG ROAD, FOR USE BY A GROUP OF VILLAGES IN THE AREA.

/THE DISTKICT .....

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

SUNDAY, MAY 2, 1976 - 2 -

THE D(STRICT OFFICE HIRED A TECHNICIAN TO MAINTAIN VILLAGE GENERATORS. HE ALSO INSTALLED A LIGHTING SYSTEM AT TUNG A.

OTHER JOBS ARRANGED BY MR. WILSON VARIED FROM IMPROVING DRAINAGE AND WATER SYSTEMS TO CONSTRUCTING BRIDGES. IN HAND AT RESENT ARE THE BUILDING OF PICNIC AND BARBECUE AREAS AT TAI MONG TSAI AND WONG CHUK WAN, TWO VILLAGES ON THE ROAD TO HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR.

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MANPOWER SURVEY ON (?AR REPAIRS INDUSTRY

*****

A MAJOR SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING INDUSTRY WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL MAY 24 TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. ,

THE SURVEY - THE THIRD OF ITS KI ND - WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENTS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD, MR. D.C.J. BANFIELD, SAID THIS SURVEY WAS NEEDED IN VIEW OF THE MANY CHANGES SINCE THE ONE CONDUCTED TWO YEARS AGO. THE FIRST SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT IN 1967.

HE SAID 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 ESTABLISHMENT.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE WERE SENT TWO WEEKS AGO TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY PANDOM STRATIFIED SAMPLING.

THE INFORMATION EMPLOYERS ARE ASKED TO SUPPLY INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED, THE NUMBER OF THOSE NOW UNDE TRAINING, THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND A FORECAST OF THE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL WORKERS REQUIRED BY MAY 1977.

INTERVIEWING OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT EACH OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED AND HELP EMPLOYERS TO COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE.

THE INFORMATION OBTAINED IN 1974 WAS COMPILED AND ANALYSED, AND THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY PUBLISHED. SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

1 MONDAY, MAY 3, 1976.

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK MAY FACE NEW IMPORT CONTROLS BY BRITAIN ................ 1

NEW CHAIRMAN OF PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION APPOINTED .... 2

NEW THROUGH ROUTE IN KWUN TONG OPENS....................... 3

FIREMEN’S MANY DUTIES ..................................... 4

MARCH BANKING STATISTICS ................................. 5

GOVERNMENT TEAM TO DISCUSS DRUG PROBLEM ON TV.............. 6

CROWN LAND SALE ........................................ 6

GOVERNOR VISITS ST. JOHN BRIGADE .......................... 7

CHINESE DANCES BY STUDENTS................................ 7

WATER CUT ............................................... 8

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

MONDAY, MAY 3, 19.76

NOTE TO EDITORS I-

, THE FOLLOWING ITEM IS EMBARGOED (MAY 3) I-

UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT

HK MAY FACE NEW IMPORT CONTROLS BY BRITAIN ******

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION IN LONDON, MR. JOHN SWIRE, SAID YESTERDAY (MONDAY) THAT IT WOULD BE +GROSSLY UNFAIR* IF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IMPOSED NEW IMPORT CONTROLS ON HONG KONG.

ADDRESSING THE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN LONDON, HE DESCRIBED LAST YEAR’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE EEC ON TEXTILE IMPORT RESTRAINTS AS HELPFUL.

AT LEAST, IT ENABLED HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS SOME DEGREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE SIZE OF THEIR POTENTIAL MARKET, HE ADDED.

MR. SWIRE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER. +THE BRITISH TEXTILE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN PRESSING THE GOVERNMENT FOR MORE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS, NOT ONLY AGAINST HONG KONG BUT ALSO AGAINST EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND PORTUGAL.*

AND AT A RECENT DINNER GIVEN TO A FEW LABOUR M.P.S, HE ADDED, THEY WERE QUITE SURE THAT.SELECTIVE IMPORT CONTROLS WOULD COME BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.

♦IF HONG KONG IS TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS, FOLLOWING SO SOON AFTER THE AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN THE E.E.C. AND HONG KONG LAST JULY,* HE SAID. +1 THINK THAT IT IS GROSSLY UNFAIR AND WOULD DENY MANUFACTURERS THE CHANCE OF REASONABLE PLANNING

OF PRODUCTION.*

MR. SWIRE SPOKE OF THE +CHANGE IN HONG KONG’S NORMALLY CONSERVATIVE FINANCIAL PRACTICE* WITH THE DECISION TO FINANCE A BUDGET DEFICIT BY MEANS OF BORROWING.

♦SOME OF YOU,+ HE SAID, +WILL HAVE SEEN THE CONTROVERSY IN THE HONG KONG RrESS ABOUT THIS ACTION ON THE PART OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.+

PERSONALLY, MR. SWIRE SAID HE AGREED WITH THIS POLICY BECAUSE +IT ENABLES HONG KONG CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ESSENTIAL SOCIAL.SERVICES AT A TIME WHEN GOVERNMENT REVENUES ARE NOT AS

•BUOYANT AS THEY USED TO BE.+

♦IN POINT OF FACT.+ HE SAID, +THE RAPID RECOVERY IN EXPORTS SINCE THE LOANS WERE NEGOTIATED HAS PROBABLY M|ANT THEY WERE UNNECESSARY, BUT THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S POWERS OF RECOVERY, THE THEORY WAS RIGHT.+

/MR. SWIRE .....

MONDAY, MAY J, 1976

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MR. SWIRE SAID THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION HAD MAINTAINED CONTACT WITH PARLIAMENT THROUGH THE ANGLO-HONG KONG GROUP AND DINNERS WERE HELD IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FOR GROUPS OF CONSERVATIVE AND LABOUR M.P.S.

HE THOUGHT THE DISCUSSION WHICH FOLLOWED THESE DINNERS WAS USEFUL AND SOMETIMES STIMULATING BUT HE STILL DESPAIRED OF SOME OF THE QUESTIONS ASKED IN THE HOUSE.

+MANY OF THEM RESULT IN ANSWERS WHICH GIVE M.P.S USEFUL FACTS ABOUT HONG KONG BUT SOME CAUSE A LOT OF WORK FOR INFORMATION WHICH IS REALLY NOT VERY RELEVANT, AND SOME ARE DOWNRIGHT RUDE,+ HE SAID.

MR. SWIRE SAID THAT SIR MICHAEL HERRIES WOULD NOT BE STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION BECAUSE HIS. BUSINESS COMMITMENTS IN SCOTLAND MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO DEVOTE THE TIME HE WOULD WISH TO ASSOCIATION AFFAIRS. MR. WILLIAM LEE, OF WORLD-WIDE SHIPPING WAS ALSO RESIGNING FROM THE COMMITTEE BECAUSE HE WAS RETURNIN' TO HONG KONG.

" MR. SWIRE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION’S SECRETARY, MR. TED BUSH, WHO IS RETIRING SHORTLY, AFTER HOLDING THE OFFICE FOR MORE THAN EIGHT YEARS. AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT HIS SUCCESSOR WILL BE MADE SHORTLY.

. V

SIR MICHAEL HERRIES AND MR. BUSH WERE ELECTED HONORARY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION.

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NEW CHAIRMAN OF PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION APPOINTED ft * * * * ft

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR. DONALD LUDDINGTON AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION TO SUCCEED SIR RONALD HOLMES.

MR. LUDDINGTON, AT PRESENT THE GOVERNOR OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS, IS EXPECTED TO ASSUME DUTY IN APRIL NEXT YEAR WHEN SIR RONALD’S TERM OF OFFICE ENDS.

MR. LUDDINGTON, WHO IS 55, GRADUATED FROM ST. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY AND SERVED IN THE BRITISH ARMY FROM 1940 TO 1946.

HE WAS FIRST APPOINTED TO HONG KONG IN FEBRUARY 1949 AS A CADET OFFICER. AFTER HOLDING A VARIETY OF APPOINTMENTS. INCLUDING THOSE OF NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT COMMISSIONER AND DEFENCE SECRETARY, HE WAS APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS IN MAY 1971

MR. LUDDINGTON WENT TO THE WESTERN PACIFIC IN 1973 TO BE THE GOVERNOR OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS.

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MONDAY, MAY 3, 1976 . - 3 -%

NEW THROUGH ROUTE IN KWUN TONG OPENS * M M * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S NEW $22 MILLION WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION AND FLYOVER COMPLEX AT KWUN TONG OPENED TO TRAFFIC THIS (MONDAY) MORNING BRINGING VAST IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE CONGESTED DISTRICT.

THE PROJECT, WHICH WAS COMPLETED OVER THE WEEKEND, TOOK 27 MONTHS TO BUILD.

IT IS DESIGNED TO EASE CONGESTION ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD AND PROVIDE A FAST ALTERNATIVE ROUTE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN AND LEI YUE MUN.

MR. CHOW CHE-KING, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, SAID TODAY THE NEW COMPLEX WAS PART OF A LONG-TERM SCHEME TO PROVIDE QUICK ACCESS BETWEEN THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG.

♦BUT THE TIMING OF THIS COMPLEX COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER AS IT WILL INITIALLY ENSURE CONTINUOUS TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN THE KWUN TONG AND SAU MAU PING AREAS WHEN KWUN TONG ROAD IS PARTLY CLOSED FOR MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS,+ HE SAID.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT MTR WORKS ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BEGIN IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS REDUCING A SECTION OF KWUN TONG ROAD TO ONLY ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION.

WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW ROUTE, HOWEVER, FOUR EXTRA LANES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MOTORISTS TRAVELLING THROUGH KWUN TONG.

THE NEW ROUTE IS ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES (6,500 FEET) LONG AND CONSISTS OF AN EXTENSION OF WAI YIP STREET AND A 190-METRE (63O-F00T) OVERSPAN FROM KWUN TONG ROAD.

THE SCHEME INCORPORATES THE WIDEST ROAD SECTION SO FAR IN HONG KONG, WITH 12 LANES FOR TRAFFIC BETWEEN THE JUNCTION OF WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION AND KWUN TONG ROAD TO THE JUNCTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD. THIS SECTION IS ABOUT 610 METRES (2,000 FEET LONG).

AS PART OF THE PROJECT, A FOOTBRIDGE HAS BEEN PROVIDED NEAR ST. JOSEPH’S ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL TO ENABLE PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS THE ROAD IN SAFETY.

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MONDAY, MAY 3, 1976

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FIREMEN’S MANY DUTIES

******

THE WEEKEND WHICH HAS JUST PASSED IS A TYPICAL ONE FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BUT THE VARIETY OF CALLS RECEIVED MAY SERVE TO HIGHLIGHT THE MANY OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY A MODERN FIRE SERVICE.

DURING THE 48-HOUR PERIOD ENDED AT 7 A.M. TODAY, THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 22 SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS WHICH ARE EMERGENCIES OTHER THAN FIRE IN WHICH HUMAN LIVES MAY BE IMPERILLED OR PUBLIC PROPERTIES OR FACILITIES ENDANGERED.

IN ADDITION, 41 FIRE CALLS AND 713 AMBULANCE CALLS WERE ALSO DEALT WITH.

TO A FIREMAN, A SPECIAL SERVICE CALL IS AN INCIDENT WHERE HIS EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING IS PUT INTO PRACTICAL USE ALTHOUGH NO FIRE HAS OCCURRED.

THIS INCLUDES THE RELEASE OF PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN TRAPPED IN

• LIFTS DUE TO MECHANICAL DEFECT OR MORE COMMONLY TOO MANY: PEOPLE ATTEMPTING TO TRAVEL IN THE LIFT AT THE SAME TIME. FIREMEN ANSWERED 12 SUCH CALLS IN THE WEEKEND.

THERE ARE THE MORE TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THE FIRE SERVICES IS CALLED UPON TO HELP, SUCH AS CHILDREN REPORTED MISSING IN THE SEA. OCCASIONALLY, THERE ARE THE CASES WHERE A PERSON DECIDES TO +END IT ALL+ AND DURING THE WEEKEND A CALL WAS DEALT WITH IN EACH OF THESE CATEGORIES.

OTHER SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS USUALLY RECEIVED INCLUDE ANIMAL RESCUE, PERSONS FALL FROM HEIGHT, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OVERCOME BY GAS, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, LOCK-IN/OUT OF PREMISES, ETC.

THIS AND MANY OTHER INCIDENTS ARE DEALT WITH BY SPECIALLY-TRAINED FIREMEN USING EQUIPMENT DESIGNED TO COPE WITH ALMOST ANY EMERGENCY.

ALTHOUGH SOME OF THESE DUTIES OFTEN INVOLVE PERSONAL DANGER AND DEMAND GREAT COURAGE, THEY SERVE WELL TO INDICATE WHAT A VARIED . LIFE A FIREMAN HAS.

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MONDAY, MAY 3, 1976

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MARCH BANKING STATISTICS

* M * *

BANKING DEPOSITS AS AT THE END OF MARCH STOOD AT $38,010 MILLION, COMPRISING $9,784 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS. $14,755 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $13,471 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS.

THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AS AT MARCH 31.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE RELEASED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY GIVES A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS

FOR THE MONTHi -

LIABILITIES $MILLION

' I*

1. DEPOSITS 38,010

2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 22,824

3. OTHER LIABILITIES 8,755

TOTAL LIABILITIES 69,589

ASSETS

1. ' CASH 716

2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD: (I) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS 19,112 (II) TIME DEPOSITS 1,531 20,643

3. LOANS AND ADVANCES: (I) HONGKONG 26,290

(II) ABROAD 11,374 37,664

4. INVESTMENTS:

(I) HONG KONG

(II) ABROAD

5. OTHER ASSETS: (I) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD

2,950 60

3,010

4,340

3,216

7,556

TOTAL ASSETS

69,589

AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH

49.15 PER CENT

MONDAY, MAY 3, 1976

- 6

GOVERNMENT TEAM TO DISCUSS DRUG PROBLEM ON TV

* * * * * M

A TEAM OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK WILL APPEAR ON THE +NEEDLEPO1NT+ TELEVISION PROGRAMME TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING TO DISCUSS THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.

THE TEAM COMPRISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. E.I. LEE-THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.F. CHAN-THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF PREVENTIVE SERVICE, MR. ROY HATTON AND THE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT OF THE NARCOTICS BUREAU OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, MR. JACK JOHNSTON.

THEY WILL DISCUSS THE RECENT PERFORMANCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING. SUPPLY AND PRICES OF ILLICIT NARCOTICS, AND TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR DRUG ABUSERS, ESPECIALLY METHADONE MAINTENANCE.

A NUMBER OF GUESTS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE NARCOTICS FIELD, SOCIAL WORKERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME. THE DISCUSSION WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR. WAI KEE SHUN, PUBLISHER OF TIN TIN YAT PAO.

THE 45-MINUTE PROGRAMME, TO BE PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE TELEVISED LIVE STARTING AT 10.45 P.M. ON THE JADE NETWORK OF HK-TVB, AND RTHK ONE AND FOUR. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WILL BE PROVIDED.

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CROWN LAND' SALE * * * * *

TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND WITH A TOTAL AREA OF MORE THAN 52,000 SQUARE FEET WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE BY AUCTION LATER THIS MONTH.

THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON MAY 28 (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE LECTURE ROOM, 8TH FLOOR, CITY HALL.

ONE LOT, MEASURING 18,500 SQUARE FEET, IS SITUATED AT HORIZON DRIVE, CHUNG HOM KOK, ON HONG KONG ISLAND. IT IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

THE OTHER LOT AT CHO YUEN STREET, SAM KA TSUEN, KOWLOON IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. IT MEASURES 34,370 SQUARE FEET.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, A-95 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

SALE PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES:

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MONDAY, MAY 3, 1976.

- 7 -*

GOVERNOR VISITS ST. JOHN BRIGADE

* * * * * *

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VIS T THE AREA HEADQUARTERS OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AT 104, WATERLOO ROAD AT 8 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

MAINLAND AND BRIGADE

S IR HAS KEEN BRIGADE.

YOU TO COVER

MURRAY WHO IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ST. JOHN COUNCIL, INTEREST IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION AND

ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND PHOTOGRAPHtR THE EVENT. ■

THE

ST. JOHN MAINLAND AREA HEADQUARTERS IS SITUATED BEHIND BLOCK +F+ OF KOWLOON HOSPITAL. PRESS'REPRESENTATIVES CAN ENTER VIA AN UNNAMED STREET OPPOSITE 83, WATERLOO ROAD.

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CHINESE DANCES BY STUDENTS

******

STUDENTS FROM FOUR SCHOOLS WILL SHOW OFF THEIR TALENTS IN CHINESE DANCES IN A PERFORMANCE AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL AT 8 P.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 10) TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE HONG KONG CHINESE SCHOOLS’ DANCE TEAM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND PERFORMING ARTS IN ENGLAND THIS AUGUST.

THE PROGRAMME FEATURES CHINESE CLASSICAL AND FOLK DANCES BY STUDENTS OF BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL, MANSFIELD COLLEGE, SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND TACK CHING GIRLS’ MIDDLE SCHOOI

THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AND LADY MACLEHOSE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. DENIS BRAY AND MRS. BRAY, AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY AND MRS. TOPLEY.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FROM 9.00 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M. AND FROM 2.00 P.M. TO 4.30 P.M. DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AT THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 7TH FLOOR, KOWLOON (TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-884111 EXT. 258). PRICE OF TICKETS : 3100, $10, $5.

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MONDAY, MAY 3, 1976

8 -

WATER CUT

* M'H

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 5).

THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HOUSE NC. 865-1021 AND NO. 992-1054, KING’S ROAD INCLUDING THE NORTH POINT MODEL HOUSING, Fl NN IE STREET, HOI TAI STREET, HOI WAN STREET, TONG CHONG STREET, HOI KWONG STREET, PAN HOI-STREET AND MOUNT PARKER ROAD.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1976.

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG NARCOTICS REPORT PUBLISHED ...................... 1

KCR TO INTRODUCE FIXED EXCESS FARE ........'............... 2

WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION DAY ............................... 3

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ................................... 3

BOOKS AND BOOKSHELVES FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES ............... 4

ROAD CLOSURE .............................................. 4

LABORATORY TRAINING COURSE FOR YOUTH LEADERS .............. 5

WATER CUT.................................................. 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1976

HONG KONG NARCOTICS REPORT PUBLISHED M M M M M M

A COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT ON HONG KONG’S WORK AGAINST DRUG ABUSE - HONG KONG NARCOTICS REPORT 1974/75 - WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE REPORT, PUBLISHED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, REPLACES THE ACAN’S.OLD ANNUAL REPORT WHICH WAS CONSIDERABLY NARROWER IN SCOPE.

THE REPORT NOT ONLY TAKES A DEEPER LOOK INTO THE ANTINARCOTICS WORK OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, BUT ALSO GIVES A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS AND THE DISCHARGED PRISONERS’ AID SOCIETY.

+THE AIM OF THIS REPORT,+ SAYS SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF ACAN, IN HIS ’FOREWORD’, +IS TO MAKE CLEAR WHAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN DOING DURING THE PAST YEAR IN THE FOUR MAIN FIELDS OF ACTION AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, I.E., INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, AND PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.*

+IT IS HOPED THAT THIS REPORT WILL ENCOURAGE EVEN GREATER CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING AMONGST ALL THOSE WHO ARE SUPPORTING OUR EFFORTS TO OVERCOME WHAT IS NOW NOT ONLY ONE OF HONG KONG’S, BUT ALSO ONE OF THE WORLD’S, MOST SERIOUS SOCIAL AND HUMAN PROBLEMS,* SIR ALBERT ADDED.

THE REPORT, PUBLISHED IN COMBINED ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS, WILL BE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, UNIVERSITIES AND SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES, FOREIGN ANT I-NARCOTICS AGENCIES OVERSEAS, AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED WITH THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.

IN REVIEWING HONG KONG’S WORK AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, THE REPORT DESCRIBES THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW AS AN UNUSUALLY SIGNIFICANT AND EXCITING ONE. IT MENTIONS ABOUT THE REMARKABLE SUCCESSES ACHIEVED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE SPHERE OF INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, AND THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS INITIATED IN THE FIELD OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION.

ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, ACAN SPENT MOST OF THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW DEVISING A NEW BLUEPRINT TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG. IT ALSO MADE COMPREHENSIVE STUDIES ONt-

(A) EXISTING TREATMENT FACILITIES - TO FIND OUT WHETHER THEY WERE BEING USED TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE, AND WHETHER A PHASED PROGRAMME COULD BE FORMULATED TO TREAT DRUG ADDICTS EN MASSE AT A REASONABLE COST-

(B) UWS AND PROCEDURES REQUIRED TO CONTROL FACTORY MADE .RUGS (PSYCHO-TROPIC SUBSTANCES) WHICH MAY BE ABUSED-a ND

/PREVENTIVE .....

TUKSD^Y, MAY 4, 1976 ■

(C) PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ABOUT DRUGS - TO FIND OUT HOW THEY CAN BEST AND MOST EFFECTIVELY BE PROMOTED AND REGULATED.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN GIS BOXES THIS EVENING.

- - 0 - -

KCR TO INTRODUCE FIXED EXCESS FARE ****** \

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IS TO INTRODUCE A FIXED EXCESS FARE STRUCTURE FROM THURSDAY (MAY 6) TO AVOID POSSIBLE DELAYS OF PASSENGERS.

FROM THAT DAY, ANY PASSENGER WHO arrives AT MONGKOK OR THE HUNG HOM TERMINAL WITHOUT PAYING HIS FARE AND UNABLE TO SATISFY THE RAILWAY OFFICER OF HIS ORIGINATING STATION WILL BE CHARGED A FIXED FARE OF $2.AO FOR AN ADULT AND $1.20 FOR A CHILD. THIS IS BASED ON THE ORDINARY FARE FROM SHEUNG SHU I PLUS 50 PER CENT OF THE TICKET COST.

A TICKET WILL BE ISSUED IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT UNDULY DELAYING THE PASSENGER.

IF A PASSENGER CAN PROVE HIS ORIGINATING STATION HE WILL BE CHARGED ACCORDINGLY PLUS 50 PER CENT OF THE FARE CHARGED. A HAND-WRITTEN RECEIPT WILL BE ISSUED AS AT PRESENT.

THE PRESENT PRACTICE FOR THOSE TRAVELLING FROM KOWLOON TO THE NEW TERRITORIES WITHOUT PAYING FARES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

EXPLAINING THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, THE KCR ACTING GENERAL MANAGER, MR. U.L. WONG, SAID THERE HAD BEEN COMPLAINTS CONCERNING DELAYS IN ISSUING EXCESS FARE TICKETS FROM PASSENGERS WHO DID NOT OBTAIN A TICKET AT THEIR ORIGINATING STATION AND THEY HAD TO PAY AT THE DESTINATION.

THERE WERE ALSO COMPLAINTS THAT SOME RAILWAY STAFF COLLECTED FARES WITHOUT ISSUING ANY RECEIPTS.

MR. WONG EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE SITUATION WOULD BE IMPROVED FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW SYSTEM.

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1976

WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION DAY ft ft ft ft

LOCAL AMATEUR RADIO ENTHUSIASTS CAN TAKE PART IN TWO EVENTS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE CELEBRATIONS OF WORLD TELECOMMUNICATIONS DAY WHICH FALLS ON MAY 17, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.

IN GENEVA, THE INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO CLUB ( IARC) WILL BE OPERATING THE WORLD’S ONLY INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO STATION.

THOSE WHO CONTACT THE STATION BY USING THE CALL SIGN 4U8ITU WILL RECEIVE A SPECIAL QSL (ACKNOWLEDGEMENT) CARD.

GENEVA IS THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION (ITU) TO WHICH 148 STATES NOW BELONG.

MEANWHILE, THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS OF BRAZIL IS ORGANISING A WORLD-WIDE AMATEUR RADIO CONTEST.

THE ITU TROPHY WILL BE AWARDED TO THE COUNTRY GAINING THE MOST POINTS WHILE MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS WILL BE AWARDED TO INDIVIDUAL WINNERS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES.

COPIES OF THE RULES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR RADIO TRANSMITTING SOCIETY, MR. JOHN SWEENEY, WHO CAN BE CONTACTED ON TELEPHONE 5-238111 EXTENSION 408 OR AT P.O. BOX 541.

ALL LICENSED AMATEURS IN HONG KONG BELONGING TO THE SOCIETY CAN TAKE PART IN BOTH EVENTS.

MAY 17 HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS WORLD TELECOMMUNICATIONS DAY AS IT WILL BE THE 111TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONVENTION IN PARIS, THUS MAKING THE ITU THE OLDEST INTER-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION BELONGING TO THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM.

-----0------

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ft ft ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON JUNE 5, 1975 ON YEUNG TEI-SUN SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT.

YEUNG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LAM KIT-LUNG.

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1976

- 4

BOOKS AND BOOKSHELVES FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES M X * M * M

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED WITH TWO SETS OF BOOKS AND TWO BOOKSHELVES BY THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN FOR USE IN THE LIBRARIES AT CHAI WAN AND WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES.

THE GIFTS AMOUNTING TO $11,000, WERE PRESENTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CLUB, MR. WU PO-LING, AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.

IN ACCEPTING THE GIFTS, MR. LEE NOTED THAT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE LIBRARY HAD MORE THAN 10,000 REGISTERED READERS. AN AVERAGE OF 900 PEOPLE USED THE LIBRARY DAILY. +THIS CLEARLY INDICATES THAT THE LIBRARY SERVICE IS MUCH APPRECIATED BY THE LOCAL RESIDENTS.*

THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE LIBRARY +PROVIDES NOT ONLY REFERENCE BOOKS, MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, READING-ROOMS AND BOOK-LENDING SERVICES, BUT ALSO ORGANISES ACTIVITIES SUCH AS QUIZ CONTESTS, ARTS COMPETITIONS AND CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN COMPETITIONS.*

THERE ARE ALTOGETHER SEVEN COMMUNITY CENTRES RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG AND THEY OFFER A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. THERE INCLUDE GROUP AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, FAMILY SERVICES, NURSERIES, ENQUIRY SERVICES AND LIBRARY SERVICES, MR. LEE ADDED.

THE DIRECTOR EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION TO THE CLUB FOR THEIR KEEN INTEREST IN WELFARE SERVICES AND THEIR DONATIONS WHICH ENABLE THE LIBRARIES TO OFFER A WIDER SELECTION OF READING MATERIALS.

-----o------

ROAD CLOSURE

****-*■

THE SECTION OF SHAUKIWAN MAIN STREET EAST FROM THE JUNCTION OF KAM WAH STREET NORTHWARDS WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 9 A.M. TQ 6 P.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 6) BECAUSE OF THE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL.

THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE LARGE CROWD WHICH IS EXPECTED TO VISIT THE TAM KUNG TEMPLE ON THAT DAY.

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1976

LABORATORY TRAINING COURSE FOR YOUTH LEADERS

******

THE YOUTH WORK UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A LABORATORY TRAINING COURSE FOR YOUTH LEADERS AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

THE COURSE IS AIMED AT HELPING POTENTIAL YOUTH LEADERS DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN HUMAN RELATIONS AND THEIR SENSITIVITY TO THE ENVIRONMENT. IT WILL LAST FROM MAY 31 TO JUNE 10,.WITH LECTURES. ON EVERY MONDAY AND THURSDAY EVENING BETWEEN 7 P.M. AND 9.30 P.M. THE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE AT 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.

THE COURSE WILL END WITH AN OVERNIGHT CAMP AT THE DIOCESAN YOUTH CENTRE IN POKFULAM ROAD ON JUNE 12.

IT IS OPEN TO ALL YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN 18 AND 25 WHO HAVE COMPLETED AT LEAST FORM FIVE LEVEL.

CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO FINISH THE WHOLE COURSE.

AS THE COURSE IS LIMITED TO 40 PARTICIPANTS. ENROLMENT WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE YOUTH WORK UNIT ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICES BUILDING AT 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON BEFORE MAY 15. THE COST WILL BE $13 A PERSON.

SEVEN SIMILAR COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED SINCE EARLY 1974. MORE THAN 200 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED IN EACH OF THE PAST COURSES INDICATING THAT THE DEMAND FOR THIS TYPE OF TRAINING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE WAS ENTHUSIASTIC.

- - o - -

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAN PO KONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 6).

THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TSEUK LUK STREET, KING FUK STREET, KING TAI STREET, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND CHOI HUNG ROAD. IT ALSO INCLUDES YIN HING STREET, KAM WING STREET, SHUNG LING STREET, Yl LUNG STREET AND HONG KEUNG STREET.

. _ 0 - -

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1976.

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

THE NEED TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS .................... 1

SRI LANKA TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS VISA EXEMPTIONS ............. 2

JANUARY ISSUE OF MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS .............. 3

OVER 1,000 PUPILS TO ATTEND SEMINAR ........................ 4

WATER CUT .................................................. 4

TRANSPORT LICENSING OFFICES TO CLOSE ON SATURDAY ........... 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1976

THE NEED TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS M * M M

THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION, MR. JOHN MITCHELL, TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC OF THE NEED TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS.

HE SAID THAT PARENTS AND GUARDIANS SHOULD REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AT THE AGE OF ELEVEN FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND YOUNG PEOPLE REACHING THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN MUST REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS.

MR. MITCHELL ALSO CALLED ON ADULTS WHO WERE NOT IN POSSESSION OF 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 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR ARRIVAL.

♦POSSESSION OF A TRAVEL DOCUMENT, INCLUDING A BRITISH PASSPORT, DOES NOT ABSOLVE A PERSON FROM REGISTERING,* MR. MITCHELL SAID.

FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE IS AN OFFENCE, HE STRESSED.

THOSE WHO WANT TO SEEK ADVICE ON THESE MATTERS CAN APPROACH THE FOLLOWING OFFICES i-

HONG KONG BRANCH OFFICE, CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY, 3RD FLOOR, ELECTRIC ROAD CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

TEL. NO. t 5-706659

KOWLOON BRANCH OFFICE, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES 2ND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

TEL. NO. s 3-687354

SAN PO KONG SUB-OFFICE,

SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.

TEL. NO. i 3-201253

/TSUEN WAN .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1976

TSUEN WAN BRANCH OFFICE, FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

TEL. NO. t 12-423587

TAI PO SUB-OFFICE, DRAGON COURT, 89-91 WAN TAU STREET,

GROUND FLOOR. TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES

TEL. NO. » 12-666545

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SRI LANKA TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS VISA EXEMPTIONS

K M M M *

THE SRI LANKAN GOVERNMENT HAS SUSPENDED ALL VISA EXEMPTIONS BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND AUGUST 25 BECAUSE OF THE FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE OF NON-ALIGNED NATIONS TO BE HELD IN COLOMBO.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, WHICH ACTS AS VISA AGENT IN HONG KONG FOR SRI LANKA, SAID THAT HONG KONG RESIDENTS HOLDING BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH PASSPORTS WOULD BE THOSE MOST AFFECTED.

THE SUSPENSION MEANS THAT ALL BRITISH CITIZENS AND CERTAIN FOREIGN CITIZENS WHO MAY NOW ENTER SRI LANKA WITHOUT VISAS MUST APPLY FOR VISAS FROM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IF THEY INTEND TO STAY IN OR PASS THROUGH SRI LANKA DURING THAT PERIOD.

THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE ENQUIRIES SECTION OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR. INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG (TELEPHONE NO. 5-456065 EXT. 272).

0 -------

1 li

WEDNESDAY, Mr' 5, 1976

- 3 -

JANUARY ISSUE OF MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS ******

A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON LOCAL INDUSTRIES IS INCLUDED IN THE JANUARY 1976 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.

IN THE JULY 1975 EDITION OF THE DIGEST, A SIMILAR REVIEW PRESENTED THE OVERALL RESULTS OF THE 1973 CENSUS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION AND ANALYSED THE SALIENT FEATURES OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES BY REFERENCE TO LOCATION, OWNERSHIP,’ PERSONS ENGAGED, WORKING SHIFTS, VALUE ADDED, CAPITAL STOCK, GROSS OUTPUT, MATERIAL INPUT, SALES, EXPORTS AND JOINT VENTURE.

THE CURRENT ARTICLE EXTENDS THE ANALYSES TO INTER-INDUSTRY COMPARISONS OF STRUCTURAL RATIOS AND OF FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY IN THE INDUSTRIES.

ANALYSES CONTAINED IN THE LATEST REVIEW ARE CONFINED TO REPORTING MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 20 OR MORE PEOPLE.

THIS CATEGORY OF ESTABLISHMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR 77 PER CENT OF THE MANUFACTURING LABOUR FORCE, 86 PER CENT OF GROSS MANUFACTURING OUTPUT AND 84 PER CENT OF MANUFACTURING VALUE ADDED.

ACCORDING TO THE ARTICLE, OF EVERY UNIT OF OUTPUT, TWO-THIRDS REPRESENTED INPUTS OF GOODS AND SERVICES CONSUMED IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, AND THE OTHER ONE-THIRD WENT AS PAYMENTS TO PRIMARY FACTORS OF PRODUCTION.

NET OPERATING SURPLUS ESTIMATED AS A PROPORTION OF GROSS OUTPUT WAS 8.3 PER CENT OVERALL.

INDUSTRY GROUPS WITH AN ABOVE AVERAGE NET OPERATING SURPLUS INCLUDED BEVERAGES, TOBACCO, CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING, BASIC METAL, TEXTILES, WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND FOOD MANUFACTURING.

THE ARTICLE ALSO REVEALED THAT ON THE AVERAGE, FIXED ASSETS INSTALLED IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WERE CAPABLE OF TURNING OUT GOODS AND SERVICES 5.5 TIMES AND GENERATED INCOME 1.8 TIMES THEIR BOOK VALUE IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD.

' THE RATE OF GROSS CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING IN 1973 WAS 15.4 PER CENT OF THE CAPITAL STOCK AT THEIR BOOK VALc AT THE END OF THAT YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THE ANALYSES WERE GROUPED UNDER FIVE HEADINGS — INPUT CONTENTS, LABOUR, CAPITAL, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES, AND FLOOR AREA.

HE ADDED THAT ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

THE MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, HONG KONG, AT $6 A COPY.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1976

OVER 1,000 PUPILS TO ATTEND SEMINAR M M M M M

ABOUT 1,400 PRIMARY SIX PUPILS IN THE LAM.TIN DISTRICT WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON ’’GUIDANCE ON FURTHER STUDIES” THIS SATURDAY (MAY 8).

THE SEMINAR, SPONSORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S LAM TIN ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION TO PRIMARY SIX SCHOOL-LEAVERS.

THE SEMINAR WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HALL OF SING YIN COLLEGE, ON TIN ROAD IN LAM TIN ESTATE. IT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SESSIONS WITH THE FIRST ONE STARTING AT 9 A.M. AND THE SECOND ONE AT 11.15 A.M.

THERE WILL BE THREE TALKS IN EACH SESSION, NAMELY, ’’POSTGRADUATE STUDIES” BY MR. W.L. TSE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT-’’INTRODUCTION TO COURSES OFFERED BY KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE” BY MR. C.L. MAK FROM THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE- AND ’’EDUCATION FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTHS” BY MRS. R. HO OF THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

-------0---------

WATER CUT M * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YAU MA TE I WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MAY 7).

THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER WORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A LEAKAGE TEST.

IS BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI

SEAFRONT, MAN CHEONG STREET. SAI KUNG STREET AND CANTON ROAD it also Includes wai ching street, ferry street, man sing STREET, MAN WUI STREET, MAN YING STREET AND MAN WAI STREET.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1976

TRANSPORT LICENSING OFFICES TO CLOSE ON SATURDAY M * M M * *

THE LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT NO. 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT PUI CHING ROAD. KOWLOON. WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY (MAY 8) AND WILL RE-OPEN ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CLOSURE WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO PROCESS DURING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THE DRIVER LICENSING RECORDS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING DIVISION IN PREPARATION FOR THE EVENTUAL ON-LINE PROCEDURE.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SEAMAN EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES TIGHTENED UP ................. 1

SWIMMING COMPLEX AND PARK FOR HUNG HOM RESIDENTS .......... 2

COLONIAL SECRETARY VISITS SCHOOL AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 3

ST. PAUL PRE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL OPEN DAY .................. ’ 4

KWUN TONG DISTRICT COOKING COMPETITION .................... 4

WATER CUT.................................................. 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1976

SEAMAN EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES TIGHTENED UP * # * * M *

A NEW SYSTEM TO CENTRALISE AND TIGHTEN UP THE EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES FOR SEAMEN WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE (SRO) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FROM MONDAY (MAY 10).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE ACTING SENIOR MARINE OFFICER OF THE SRO, MR. LEUNG YUK-KWUN, STRESSED THAT THE SYSTEM AIMED TO PROVIDE SEAMEN WITH A FAIRER AND GREATER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AS WELL AS TO REDUCE THE AVENUES THROUGH WHICH CORRUPTION COULD ARISE.

UNDER THE NEW PRACTICE, HONG KONG SHIPPING COMPANIES MUST NOTIFY THE SRO ALL VACANIES IN SPECIAL FORMS WHICH WILL BE POSTED TWICE DAILY AT THE SRO FOR INSPECTION BY ALL SEAMEN.

THE INFORMATION MUST BE CLASSIFIED AS +IMMEDIATE VACANCIES* OR ♦EXPECTED VACANCIES IN WAITING LIST+ ACCORDINGLY IN SEPARATE FORMS.

A SEAMAN WISHING TO APPLY FOR A JOB SHOULD APPROACH THE SRO WHICH WILL CARRY OUT A PRELIMINARY SCREENING IN RESPECT OF HIS QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE.

THE SEAMAN WILL THEN BE ISSUED WITH A FORM (SR 10) WHICH SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE SHIPPING COMPANY WHEN THE SEAMAN GOES FOR AN INTERVIEW.

ON ACCEPTING THE SEAMAN AFTER THE INTERVIEW. THE SHIPPING COMPANY MUST COMPLETE THE APPROPRIATE PART +B+ OF THE FORM FOR THE SEAMAN TO FINALISE LISTING FORMALITIES AT THE SRO.

IF THE SEAMAN IS REJECTED, THE FIRM MUST RETAIN THE FORM AND STATE THE REASONS FOR THE REJECTION BEFORE RETURNING IT TO THE SRO.

IN ADDITION, SHIPPING FIRMS ARE REQUIRED TO INFORM THE SRO WHEN THEIR VACANCIES ARE FILLED.

MR. LEUNG SAID THE NEW PROCEDURES HAD BEEN AGREED AT A RECENT MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, SHIP PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT WHICH COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG SHIP OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION.

A LETTER EXPLAINING THE SYSTEM HAD BEEN CIRCULATED TO ALL SHIPPING FIRMS IN HONG KONG EARLY THIS WEEK.

HE ADDED THAT THE SYSTEMS WOULD BE REVIEWED AT THE END OF THE TRIAL PERIOD TO SEE WHETHER IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE.

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/2......

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1976

- 2 -SWIMMING COMPLEX AND PARK FOR HUNG HOM RESIDENTS’ * M M * M M

RESIDENTS OF HUNG HOM AND NEARBY AREAS WILL SOON HAVE A HUGE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND PARK RIGHT AT THEIR DOORSTEP.

THE $15 MILLION PROJECT IS NOW BEING BUILT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE ON A 1.5-HECTARE (3.6-ACRE) SITE OFF TAI WAN ROAD OVERLOOKING KOWLOON BAY.

MR. EDWIN WONG, CHIEF PWD ARCHITECT, SAID' TODAY ABOUT 25 PER CENT OF THE SWIMMING COMPLEX HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED AND WORK ON THE ADJACENT PARK WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY.

TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARK WILL BE INVITED IN TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

+THE WHOLE PROJECT,* MR. WONG SAID, +SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MAY NEXT YEAR IN TIME FOR THE SWIMMING SEASON.*

HE SAID THE SWIMMING COMPLEX WOULD PROVIDE NINE POOLS OF VARIOUS SIZES AND SHAPES AND WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 2,100 PEOPLE AT ANY ONE TIME.

THE TWO MAIN POOLS AND A DIVING POOL, HE SAID, HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO OLYMPIC STANDARD, AND THE LARGEST ONE WOULD BE HEATED DURING WINTER MONTHS TO PROVIDE FOR YEAR-ROUND SWIMMING.

IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD BE THREE TEACHING POOLS, TWO CHILDREN’S POOLS AND A PADDLING POOL FOR THE VERY YOUNG.

OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDED CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS, A LIGHT REFRESHMENT CAFE AND FIRST-AID ROOMS TO BE HOUSED IN THE MAIN BUILDING OF THE SWIMMING COMPLEX.

THERE WOULD ALSO BE A COVERED STAND, HE SAID, FOR SPECTATORS DURING SWIMMING GALAS OR WATER SPORTS.

THE PARK, WHICH IS TO BE BUILT NEXT TO THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, WILL INCLUDE A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND A GARDEN WITH A TURFED PROMENADE ALONG THE SEAFRONT PROVIDING A PLEASANT OASIS FOR 83,000 RESIDENTS OF THE CROWDED DISTRICT.

A MAIN FEATURE OF THE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA WILL BE NEW FASHION PLAY-EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING CLIMBERS, SWINGS, SLIDES, CAROUSELS AND SWING FLOATS.

THE GARDEN AREA WILL HAVE A REFRESHMENT KIOSK AND PAVILION, AS WELL AS BENCHES, SUN SHELTERS AND CHESS TABLES.

A LARGE SPECTATOR STAND FOR 800 PEOPLE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED NEAR THE SOCCER PITCH WITH CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS UNDERNEATH.

THE SWIMMING COMPLEX AND PARK ARE BEING BUILT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT UNDER THE URBAN COUNCIL’S SWITCH-FINANCE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, THE COUNCIL FINANCES SOME GOVERNMENT COMMITMENTS NOW UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL LATER BUILD A SIMILAR PROJECT WHICH IS A COUNCIL COMMITMENT.

- 0 -

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1976

COLONIAL SECRETARY VISITS SCHOOL AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

M M M K M

DURING A 45-MINUTE TOUR OF THE GOVERNMENT-RUN HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAW PUPILS MAKING DRESSES, POTTERY VESSELS AND FIGURES, PREPARING CHINESE AND EUROPEAN DELICACIES AND CAKES AS WELL AS PRINT-MAKING, PAINTING AND DOING CRAFT AND BASIC DESIGN WORK.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SIR DENYS FIRST WENT INTO THE HALL WHERE SOME 80 DRESSES, SKIRTS, BLOUSES, KNITTED GARMENTS AND FASHION SKETCHES WERE DISPLAYED ON THE STAGE.

IN THE COURSE OF HIS VISIT HE CHATTED WITH PUPILS AND SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN THEIR WORK.

AMONG OTHER THINGS, THERE WERE ABOUT 100 PIECES OF POTTERY WARE ON DISPLAY. SIR DENYS MADE SEVERAL PAUSES AS HE PASSED ALONG THE CORRIDORS IN THE SIX-STOREY BUILDING TO ADMIRE THE WORKS OF ART, NUMBERING ABOUT 100, ON THE WALLS. THE PRINCIPAL, MISS LO CHUNG-MING ALSO SHOWED THE COLONIAL SECRETARY SCULPTURE, TOYS AND EMBROIDERY WORK DONE BY THE PUPILS.

THE SCHOOL HAS AN ENROLMENT OF 629 AND AMONG THE TEACHING STAFF ARE FIVE FORMER STUDENTS.

AFTER LEAVING THE SCHOOL, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY PROCEEDED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHERE HE SAW AND DISCUSSED AN EXCERPT FROM THE FILM ON +THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.+ HE WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE RECENT WORK IN SOCIAL STUDIES IN JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS.

SIR DENYS WAS ALSO GIVEN A BRIEF IDEA OF SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SECTION HAD TO SOLVE.

DURING HIS TWO-HOUR STAY, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY CHATTED INFORMALLY WITH OFFICERS WORKING IN THE VARIOUS BRANCHES AND DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT. AMONG THEM WERE THE THREE DEPUTY DIRECTORS, MR. COLVYN HAYE, MR. HO NGA-MING AND MR. ANDREW KINGWELL

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THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1976

ST. PAUL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL OPEN DAY ******

THE ST. PAUL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND HELD ITS FIRST OPEN DAY TODAY WHEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE WORK OF THE PUPILS.

A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO DECLARE THE EVENT OPEN.

TAKING PART IN THE CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, ISLAND, MR. LAI KWOK-YING- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. K.H. YIU AND REV. FR. F. LERDA OF CARITAS.

AMONG VISITORS WAS THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. ANDREW KINGWELL.

THE SCHOOL HAS 520 PUPILS AT PRESENT IN 13 CLASSES. IT OFFERS THREE YEARS SECONDARY PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION. PRACTICAL SUBJECTS INCLUDE METALWORK, WOODWORK, TEXTILES AND TAILORING, COMMERCIAL AND ELECTRICAL STUDY.

THE SCHOOL WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN NOVEMBER 1974.

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KWUN TONG DISTRICT COOKING COMPETITION

* * * *

TO CELEBRATE MOTHERS’ DAY, THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A COOKING COMPETITION FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO BE HELD AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL OF THE CENTRE THIS SATURDAY (MAY 8).

FORTY PEOPLE ARE TAKING PART IN THE COMPETITION WHICH STARTS AT 7.30 P.M. THE PARTICIPANTS MAY CHOOSE TO COOK ANY COURSE BUT MUST FINISH WITHIN 30 MINUTES.

THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE WOMEN’S CLUB OF KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AND AMOY CANNING CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED.

THE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED SILVER CUPS AND MEDALS, AND PRESENTS FROM THE AMOY CANNING COMPANY.

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THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1976

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MAY 8).

THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MORRISON STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BONHAM STRAND EAST, HILLIER STREET AND WING LOK STREET.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

1976 POPULATION BY-CENSUS .................................. 1

MARCH EXPORTS UP BY S89OM.................................... 2

SHAT IN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT................................. 4

ROUND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT RACE .............................. 5

CERTIFICATE COURSE ON SOCIAL WORK ........................... 5

TENDERS FOR SHA TIN SITE CLOSED TODAY ....................... 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1976 - 1 -

1976 POPULATION BY-CENSUS ******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS GEARED UP TO CONDUCT A SAMPLE CENSUS COVERING 10 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION.

THERE WILL IN FACT BE TWO SEPARATE CENSUSES I ONE ON THE MARINE POPULATION BETWEEN MAY 29 AND JUNE 1, COVERING SOME 1,200 BOATS- AND THE OTHER ON THE LAND POPULATION BETWEEN JULY 30 AND AUGUST 8, COVERING SOME 100,000 HOUSEHOLDS. SELECTION OF BOATS AND HOUSEHOLDS HAS BEEN DONE BY RANDOM PROCESS.

THE PURPOSE OF THE CENSUS IS TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE POPULATION- FOR EXAMPLE, ITS OVERALL SIZE, ITS AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, ITS DISTRIBUTION, HOW AND WHERE PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED, LEVELS OF EDUCATION, HOUSING CONDITIONS AND SO ON.

THIS INFORMATION IS VITAL FOR THE PLANNING OF HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES AND FOR MANY OTHER PURPOSES INVOLVING BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS.

THE LAST TIME SUCH COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED WAS IN THE 1971 FULL CENSUS. FULL CENSUSES ARE USUALLY TAKEN EVERY 10 YEARS, BUT IT HAS BEEN FELT NECESSARY TO HOLD A CHECKING-UP OPERATION MID-TERM - AS WAS DONE IN 1966.

ENUMERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY SOME 50 ENUMERATORS FOR THE MARINE CENSUS AND SOME 2,100 ENUMERATORS FOR THE LAND CENSUS. THE MAJORITY OF THEM WILL BE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND MATRICULATION CLASS STUDENTS, FULLY TRAINED IN ENUMERATION PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES.

EACH ENUMERATOR WILL BE ISSUED WITH A CENSUS IDENTITY CARD WHICH HE IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE WHEN HE MAKES A VISIT. HE WILL ALSO TAKE AN OATH NOT TO DIVULGE ANY INFORMATION HE COLLECTS TO ANYONE NOT ENGAGED IN CENSUS WORK.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORMAL PRACTICE, INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE CENSUS DATA EVENTUALLY RELEASED WILL BE IN SUCH A FORM THAT IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO IDENTIFY ANY INDIVIDUAL OR HOUSEHOLD.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS RECOGNISED THAT ANSWERING THE QUESTIONNAIRE INEVITABLY INVOLVED SOME INCONVENIENCE TO THOSE CONCERNED. HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALWAYS RECEIVED EXCELLENT COOPERATION FROM THE PUBLIC IN ITS VARIOUS SURVEYS OF THIS KIND AND HE HOPED THAT SIMILAR COOPERATION WOULD BE GIVEN IN THE FORTHCOMING EXERCISE.

HE STATED THAT PROVISIONAL POPULATION ESTIMATES BY AREA ARE EXPECTED TO BE RELEASED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION IN EARLY OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

_ _ o - -

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1976

MARCH EXPORTS UP BY $890 M.

X X X M X X

THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR MARCH WAS $2,512 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF $891 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 43.7 PER CENT TO $3,498 MILLION WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WENT UP BY 33.7 PER CENT TO $747 MILLION COMPARED WITH MARCH 1975.

THE FIGURES FOR THE F IRST'QUARTER OF THIS-YEAR SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, OF 51.1 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS. 38.9 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 35.6 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.

THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM APRIL 1975 TO MARCH 1976 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 13.6 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 9.5 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 9.4 PER CENT FOR REEXPORTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT COMMENTING ON THE TRADE FIGURES REFERRED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARKS IN HIS LAST BUDGET SPEECH, WHEN HE SAID +THE FIRST HALF OF 1975 ...... WAS VERY DEPRESSED AND THE

ECONOMY WAS OPERATING WELL BELOW CAPACITY IN ALL SECTORS. SO, ANY GROWTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1976 WILL APPEAR, SUPERFICIALLY, VERY HIGH, BUT THIS SHOULD BE SEEN AS A REFLECTION OF THE LOW LEVEL REACHED THIS TIME LAST YEAR RATHER THAN A HIGH LEVEL OF OUTPUT RELATIVE TO THE CAPACITY OF THE ECONOMY.+

NOTE TO ED I TORSj

THE FOLLOWING TABLE WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES IS GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE »-

MERCHANDISE i

DOMESTIC EXPORTS i $2,512 MILLION

IMPORTS : $3,498 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS : $ 747>ILL ION

/COMPARATIVE .....

FRIDAY, MAY ?, 1976

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

MARCH 1976 MARCH 1975 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,512 (75.1%) 1,621 (74.4%) + 891 + 55.0

IMPORTS 3,498 2,435 ♦ 1,063 + 43.7

RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 747 (22.9%) 558 (25.6%) ♦ 188 + 33.7 *

JAN.-MAR. 1976 JAN.-MAR. 1975 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (96 OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 6,843 (76.4%) 4,528 (74.4%) ♦ 2,315 + 51.1

IMPORTS 9,717 6,994 ♦ 2,723 + 38.9

RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2.113 (25.6%) 1,558 (2^.6%) ♦ 554 + 35.6

APRIL 1975 TO MARCH 1976 APRIL 1974 TO MARCH 1975 INCREASE OR DECREASE

1 MN. S MN. $ MN$ %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 25,174 22,167 + 3,006 + 13.6

IMPORTS 36,195 33,049 + 3,145 + 9.5

RE-EXPORTS 7,528 6,878 + 650 + 9.4

- o - -

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1976

- 4 -

SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT

M * * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TWO MORE MAJOR PROJECTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

ONE INVOLVES RECLAIMING SOME 35 HECTARES (87.5 ACRES) OF LAND FROM SHA TIN HOI FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND THE OTHER IS FOR PRELIMINARY ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROPOSED TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL FORM THE ’HEART* OF THE NEW TOWN.

MR. GEORGE CHIEN, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PWD’S SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID TODAY WORK ON BOTH PROJECTS WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY THIS YEAR.

♦THE RECLAMATION WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE AND WILL PROVIDE EXTRA SITES FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE SOUTH-EASTERN SIDE OF SHING MUN RIVER,+ HE SAID.

IT WAS PROPOSED, HE SAID, TO BUILD TWO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, COMPLETE WITH OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, ON THE RECLAMATION. THESE WOULD PROVIDE HOMES FOR A TOTAL OF 43,000 PEOPLE.

ABOUT 16 HECTARES (40 ACRES) OF THE RECLAIMED AREA WOULD BE RESERVED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES.

THE ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE TOWN, MR. CHIEN SAID, WOULD PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TOWN CENTRE.

THE WORKS WOULD TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

WHEN THE TOWN CENTRE IS FULLY DEVELOPED IT WILL CONTAIN A MAJOR CIVIC CENTRE WITH A TOWN HALL, CENTRAL LIBRARY, AUDITORIUM, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING PLAZA.

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1976

ROUND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT RACE * * * * *

SOME 140 YOUNGSTERS IN THE SHEK LEI ESTATE WILL TAKE PART IN A RACE ROUND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT THIS SUNDAY (MAY 9).

THE RACE, SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE SHEK LEI ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE AND OTHER WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT, WILL START AND END AT NO. 9 RECREATION GROUND OF SHEK LEI ESTATE (BETWEEN BLOCKS 12 AND 14), COVERING A DISTANCE OF ABOUT FOUR MILES.

PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS. THERE WILL ALSO BE CONSOLATION PRIZES.

OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE MISS ROSANA WONG OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS'3 MR. WONG STNG-NIN, SUPERVISOR OF THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION AND MR. WONG KING-TONG, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER FOR TSUEN WAN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE RACE. IT WILL START FROM NO. 9 RECREATION GROUND OF SHEK LEI ESTATE (BETWEEN BLOCK 12 AND 14) AT 9 A.M. ON SUNDAY (MAY 9).

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CERTIFICATE COURSE ON SOCIAL WORK

******

THE INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL WORK TRAINING IS NOW INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE INTERESTED IN TAKING THE TWO-YEAR CERTIFICATE COURSE ON SOCIAL WORK FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1976/77.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE INSTITUTE AT 44, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG AND SHOULD BE RETURNED BY MAY 28.

APPLICANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 19 YEARS OF AGE ON ADMISSION BUT PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE AGED 21 OR OVER AND THOSE WHO HAVE ACQUIRED SOME PREVIOUS WORKING EXPERIENCE. THOUGH NOT NECESSARILY IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD.

THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT IS POSSESSION OF A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION AND CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO PASS AN ENTRANCE EXAMINATION WHICH CONSISTS OF A WRITTEN TEST AND AN INTERVIEW.

TUITION FEE IS $400 A YEAR.

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FRIDA.Y, MAY 7, 1976

- 6

TENDERS FOR SHA TIN SITE CLOSED TODAY ******

TENDERS FOR AN AREA OF SEABED IN SHA TIN COVE, TO BE RECLAIMED AND USED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, CLOSED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE AREA, AT YUEN CHAU KOK, IS REGARDED AS CHOICE AND COMPETITIVE TENDERING IS EXPECTED.

THE TENDERS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY A COMMITTEE SET UP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. THE FINDINGS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD FOR DECISION.

CONDITIONS OF SALE INCLUDE A BUILDING COVENANT ON THE SITE, AMOUNTING TO $65 MILLION, TO BE FULFILLED BY THE END OF DECEMBER 1982. X

THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE ABLE TO PAY FOR THE SITE IN FULL ON DEMAND OR BY NINE EQUAL INSTALMENTS WITH INTERESTS AT TEN PER CENT PER ANNUM. HE WILL BE REQUIRED TO RECLAIM ABOUT 20 ACRES, HANDING BACK NINE ACRES TO THE GOVERNMENT WHO WILL USE IT TO BUILD ROADS AND TO PROVIDE OPEN SPACE. EACH TENDER HAD TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CHEQUE FOR $10 MILLION.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE PEOPLE USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT ....................... 1

SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO AUSTRALIA ................. 2

SEMINAR ON +FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION* ....................... 3

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1976

MORE PEOPLE USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE USING NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS CONTINUES TO

PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHILE THE DECLINE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT LAST YEAR INCREASED BY MORE THAN 90 MILLION.

DURING THE YEAR, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT 5,352,000 PASSENGERS WERE CARRIED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT EACH DAY. OF THIS NUMBER, 51 PER CENT USED FRANCHISED BUSES AND TRAMS, 27 PER CENT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, 11 PER CENT TAXIS AND PUBLIC HIRE CARS, 10 PER CENT FERRIES AND THE REMAINING ONE PER CENT USED TRAINS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES LAST YEAR ENJOYED A 14 PER CENT INCREASE IN PATRONAGE, CARRYING AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 2,300,000 PASSENGERS EACH DAY.

THIS, HE ADDED, WAS A RESULT OF INCREASED VEHICLE ALLOCATION, NEW SERVICES AND IMPROVED OPERATING SPEEDS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES CONTINUED TO DROP. AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 188,018 VEHICLES REGISTERED, COMPARED WITH 193,439 IN 1974, A DROP OF THREE PER CENT.

THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS ALSO FELL FROM 119,273 TO 114,260 AT THE END OF 1975, SHOWING A DROP OF JUST OVER FOUR PER CENT.

DESPITE THE HIGH FEES CHARGED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR DRIVING LICENCES AND TESTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED SOME 57,000 PROVISIONAL LICENCES LAST YEAR WHILE THE NUMBER OF LICENCED DRIVERS NEALY REACHED 500,000 AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

HE SAID THAT THE GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF DRIVING LICENCES ISSUED WAS MAINLY FOR GOODS VEHICLES AND TAXIS, PUBLIC CARS AND MOTORCYCLES.

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SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1976

SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO AUSTRALIA

* K M M *

THE POST OFFICE IS TO EXTEND ITS SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA FROM MAY 17 FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF THE SERVICE TO BRITAIN, THE UNITED STATES, BRAZIL, JAPAN AND BELGIUM.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE ON A CONTRACT BASIS, AND +ON DEMAND+.

UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, INTERNATIONAL PACKAGES OF BUSINESS PAPERS, DOCUMENTS, AND SAMPLES ARE GIVEN FAST AND RELIABLE DOOR TO DOOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE.

+TIMES OF COLLECTION AND DELIVERY ARE SPECIFIED AND AGREED WITH THE CUSTOMER UTILISING PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHTS AND SPECIAL FACILITIES ARE GIVEN BY THE AUSTRALIAN POSTAL ADMINISTRATION IN DELIVERING THE PACKAGES,* HE SAID.

+PACKAGES HANDED IN OR COLLECTED IN HONG KONG WHEN NORMAL COMMERCIAL BUSINESS IS COMPLETED FOR THE DAY WILL BE DESPATCHED ON A FLIGHT LEAVING KAI TAK THE SAME EVENING AND ARRIVE IN SYDNEY ON THE MORNING OF THE FOLLOWING DAY.+

PROVIDED THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL DELAY TO THE AIRCRAFT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ITEMS ARE SCHEDULED FOR SPECIAL DELIVERY IN THE MAJOR CITIES SUCH AS SYDNEY, BRISBANE, MELBOURNE, CANBERRA, ADELAIDE, PERTH AND HOBART ON THE SAME DAY AS THE AIRCRAFT ARRIVAL, AND THOSE FOR OTHER PLACES IN AUSTRALIA ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, NOT INCLUDING WEEKENDS.

THE COST OF THE CONTRACT SERVICE WILL BE A BASIC HK$80 FOR THE FIRST POUND, .PLUS HK$15 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT POUND OR PART OF A POUND. FOR +ON DEMAND* SERVICE, A FEE OF HK$2O IS PAYABLE IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC CHARGES.

CUSTOMERS WISHING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE POST OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE ON 5-245992.

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SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1976

SEMINAR ON ’FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION’

* X * H

SOME 70 YOUNG INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON ’FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION’ TOMORROW (SUNDAY). *

THE SEMINAR WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE FROM 1.30 P.M. TO 5 P.M.

IT AIMS TO ADVISE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE PROPER ATTITUDE THEY SHOULD TAKE WHEN SOCIALISE AND TO FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE VARIOUS STAGES OF GROWING UP.

IN THE SEMINAR, THERE WILL BE SPEECHES BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG FAMILY ASSOCIATION AND THE LUTHERAN WORLD SERVICE, GROUP DISCUSSIONS, FILM SHOWS AND CASE STUDIES.

THE PROJECT IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY WORK UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL WORKERS’ RECREATION SCHEME COMMITTEE.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, MAY 9, 1976

BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU * * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU ON FRIDAY (MAY 14).

THE FESTIVAL, WHICH BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY AND ENDS ON SATURDAY, IS HELD EACH YEAR TO PLACATE THE SPIRITS OF THOSE KILLED BY PIRATES IN PREVIOUS CENTURIES.

ELABORATE PREPARATIONS ARE BEING MADE FOR THE FESTIVAL, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE.

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE MAD SCRAMBLE FOR BUNS FIXED TO THREE TOWERS, TWO OF WHICH ARE OVER 50 FEET IN HEIGHT. THIS WILL TAKE PLACE AT MIDNIGHT ON THE THIRD DAY OF THE FESTIVAL. THOUSANDS OF VISITORS, INCLUDING TOURISTS, ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO THE ISLAND TO WITNESS THIS REMARKABLE SPECTACLE.

THIS YEAR’S PROCESSION WILL CONSIST OF 10 FLOATS, ENTERED BY THE VARIOUS STREETS OF CHEUNG CHAU. THEY DEPICT THE VIRTUES AND VICES OF MANKIND, THE CHARACTERS BEING ENACTED BY CHILDREN DRESSED IN TRADITIONAL COSTUMES. ALSO IN THE PROCESSION WILL BE SHRINES, LION DANCES AND EFFIGIES OF THE THREE DEITIES, SHAN SHAANG, TO TEI KUNG AND DAI SZE WONG.

THE DISTRICT OFFICE (ISLANDS) HAS APPEALED TO OWNERS OF PRIVATE PLEASURE CRAFT NOT TO TAKE THEIR BOATS TO CHEUNG CHAU ON FRIDAY BECAUSE OF THE LIMITED BERTHING FACILITIES AVAILABLE.

THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND THE PROCESSION ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CATCH EARLY FERRIES. THE LAST ONE TO REACH CHEUNG CHAU IN TIME FOR THE PROCESSION LEAVES THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS SERVICES PIER AT 12.30 P.M.

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Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sunday, May 9, 1976

HOUSING DEPARTMENT ON THE MOVE «*«*«»»

The Housing Department is currently moving into its new muti-storey headquarters next to Oi Man Estate.

Previously the department occupied various offices in different parts of Kowloon. This frequently caused problems of communication between various sections.

By the end of this montn all sections of the department-will be housed under one roof. The new building was designed and constructed by the Housing Department.

This weekend three sections are moving to their new home __

Squatter Control; Clearance, and Redevelopment. All three sections will be open for business as usual at the new headquarters tomorrow (Monday).

The new address is: 101, Princess Margaret Road, Kowloon. Telephone: 3-0502111.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, MAY 10, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG MUST ATTRACT AND RETAIN CAPITAL, SAYS THE GOVERNOR ............................................... 1

ACTS REPORT FOR 1975 PUBLISHED ......................... 3

WATER INTERRUPTION IN SHAMSHUIPO ....................... 4

LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT JEWELLERY FACTORY .............. 5

DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO MEET THE MEDIA .................................................. 6

ADVISORY WEEK FOR PRIMARY SIX SCHOOL-LEAVERS ........... 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

MONDAY, MAY 10, 1976

HONG KONG MUST ATTRACT AND RETAIN CAPITAL * * * K K K

IN ORDER TO KEEP ITS LARGE POPULATION EMPLOYED AND OBTAIN THE REVENUE TO MAKE GOOD THE SOCIAL DEFICIENCIES, HONG KONG MUST ATTRACT AND RETAIN CAPITAL, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE YOUNG PRESIDENTS CONFERENCE AT THE CITY HALL, HE STRESSED THAT FREEDOM COUPLED WITH STABILITY WOULD DO JUST THAT.

THE THEME OF HIS TALK TO THE BUSINESS EXECUTIVES FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD WAS ON +THE OPPORTUNITY OFFERED TO INVESTORS’ AND EXPORTERS ALIKE BY THE PROSPECT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC.*

SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT HONG KONG, ALTHOUGH BEING A DEPENDENT TERRITORY, WAS PERHAPS THE EXTREME EXAMPLE OF THE ECONOMY OF SUCH COUNTRIES, +AND IT LIES AT THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE.+

THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION — FROM 600,000 PEOPLE 30 YEARS AGO TO JUST UNDER 4-1/2 MILLION TODAY — HAD BROUGHT SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL PROBLEMS KNOWN BY FEW OTHER TERRITORIES.

+NEVERTHELESS, THEY ARE BEING TACKLED WITH VIGOUR AND IN THIS WE ARE HELPED BY THE ECONOMY WHICH HAS GROWN 15 TIMES IN THE LAST 25 YEARS. FROM VERY LITTLE, HONG KONG IS NOW KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS A CENTRE OF INDUSTRY, BANKING, INSURANCE AND SEA AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TOURISM,+ HE SAID.

THOUGH THE GOVERNMENT INTERVENED VIGOROUSLY IN ORDER TO MAKE GOOD SOCIAL DEFICIENCIES AND CURB THE CRUDITIES OF UNBRIDLED MARKET FORCES, WITHOUT THE 40 PER CENT OF THE BUDGET

DEVOTED TO SOCIAL PROGRAMMES HONG KONG WOULD BE NEITHER A VERY JUST NOR STABLE SOCIETY. INSPITE OF THESE THINGS HONG KONG DID ENJOY AN EXCEPTIONALLY FREE ECONOMY, WITH NO PROTECTIVE TARIFFS, NO EXCHANGE CONTROLS, RELATIVELY LOW TAXATION AND NO ONEROUS RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESS.

IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR DESCRIBED THIS AS +A PRAGMATIC NECESSITY OF EXISTENCE RATHER THAN A 19TH CENTURY ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY REGURGITATED.

HE CONTINUED THAT THE PRACTICE OF FREE TRADE WITHOUT EITHER PROTECTION OR SUBSIDY APPLIED A COLD AND CLEAR DISCIPLINE TC HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY. +IT MUST CONCENTRATE ON PRODUCTS IN WHICH IT CAN COMPETE AND IF IT CANNOT COMPETE IT MUST CHANGE.+

SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT OVER FOUR-FIFTHS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING PRODUCT WAS FOR EXPORT — THE MAIN PRODUCTS BEING

CLOTHING AND OTHER TEXTILES, PLASTIC GOODS INCLUDING TOYS, ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS.

/besides .....

MONDAY, MAY‘10, 1976

BESIDES BEING THE LARGEST EXPORTER OF CLOTHING AND TOYS IN THE WORLD, HE SAID HONG KONG WAS ALSO THE LARGEST TOURIST CENTRE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA.

HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THERE WERE OCCASIONS WHEN THE GROWTH OF NEW INDUSTRIES IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD CREATED PROBLEMS FOR THE OLDER INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES.

+WHERE SERIOUS DAMAGE IS PROVED, SO FAR AS HONG KONG IS CONCERNED, WE ACCEPT THAT MEASURES OF RESTRAINT OR PROTECTION ARE JUSTIFIED AND NECESSARY.+

BUT THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT THEY SHOULD BE TEMPORARY AND SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO MITIGATE THE HARDSHIPS OF ADJUSTMENT RATHER THAN TO POSTPONE IT INDEFINITELY, AND THEY SHOULD BE BASED ON ECONOMIC FACT AND NOT POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY.

+OVER THE YEARS,+ HE CONTINUED, +ONE HAS HEARD MUCH TOO MUCH OF THE SO-CALLED THREAT OF EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND OTHER PRODUCTS FROM HONG KONG AND OTHER PACIFIC PRODUCERS, AND MUCH TOO LITTLE OF THE GROWING MARKET IN HONG KONG FOR IMPORTED CAPITAL, CONSUMER DURABLE AND CONSUMER GOODS OF ALL SORTS AND OF THE HANDSOME PROFITS MADE BY THOSE EXPORT THEM, OFTEN FROM THE SAME COUNTRIES TO WHICH HONG KONG ITSELF EXPORTS.

+THIS IS TYPICAL OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION, THE SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IS NOT THE COMPETITION WHICH ITS INDUSTRIES MAY OFFER TO THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, BUT THE FIELD IT PROVIDES FOR EXPORTS AND FOR INVESTMENT SO LONG AS ITS GROWTH IS NOT HINDERED BY ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS.+

IN CONCLUDING, SIR MURRAY SAID HE BELIEVED THE NEW INDUSTRIES OF HONG KONG AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC AND THE NEW PROSPERITY AND PURCHASING POWER THEY CREATED WOULD OFFER TO INDUSTRY AND EXPORTERS OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES NOT A THREAT TO BE RESENTED AND RESISTED, BUT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPANDING MARKETS AND PROFITABLE INVESTMENT WHICH SHOULD BE GRASPED.

+AND I HOPE THAT AS PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE YOU WILL CARRY HOME THIS POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING MESSAGE OF OPPORTUNITY TO THE POLICY MAKERS IN YOUR OWN COUNTRIES,* HE TOLD THE BUSINESSMEN.

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MONDAY, MAY 10, 1976

ACTS REPORT FOR 1975 PUBLISHED ******

THE NUMBER OF WORKING TELEPHONES IN HONG KONG REACHED THE ONE MILLION MARK IN 1975. THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 1,033,735 TELEPHONES IN USE WHEN THE YEAR ENDED.

REPORTING THIS IN ITS 18TH PERIODICAL REPORT COVERING THE YEAR 1975, WHICH WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR TOWARDS THE END OF LAST MONTH, THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TELEPHONE SERVICES (ACTS) SAID THAT THE INCREASE REPRESENTED A NET GA IN.OF 45,190 TELEPHONES OR 4.6 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, DESPITE THE FACT THAT NO NEW EXCHANGES WERE ADDED DURING THE YEAR.

THERE WERE 75,081 APPLICATIONS FOR TELEPHONES - A DROP OF 7.4 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 1974 - OF WHICH 73,427 WERE PROVIDED WITH SERVICE.

THE ACTS REPORTED THAT +THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME BETWEEN THE RECEIPT OF AN APPLICATION AND THE PROVISION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE HAS BEEN SHORTENED AS A RESULT OF IMPROVED EFFICIENCY ON THE PART OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY. PRESENTLY THE WAITING PERIOD IS USUALLY 5 DAYS.*

THE PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT OF TELEPHONE SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS REGULARLY REVIEWED BY THE ACTS’ SUB-COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT OF TELEPHONE SERVICES'IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE REPORT NOTED THAT +THE TELEPHONE COMPANY HAD BEEN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROVIDING TELEPHONE SERVICE TO AREAS WHERE THERE WAS A FORECAST OF REASONABLE DEMAND.+ DURING 1975 NINE MORE VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON THE OUTLYING ISLANDS WERE PROVIDED WITH TELEPHONE SERVICE.

THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO WAITING LIST FOR THE URBAN AREAS, AND MOST OF THOSE WAITING FOR SERVICE WERE LOCATED IN THE REMOTE AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.

AT THE END OF 1975, THE CUMULATIVE WAITING LIST (INCLUDING OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS FOR REMOVAL) STOOD AT 3,578 WHICH, THE REPORT SAID, +REPRESENTS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT ON THE FIGURE OF 13,411 IN 1974.+

THE NEW LINE WAITING LIST WAS ALSO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED FROM 10,668 IN 1974 TO 3,116 IN 1975.

THE ACTS COMMENDED THE TELEPHONE COMPANY FOR ITS CONTINUED EFFORTS MADE IN THIS REGARD. THE COMPANY HOPES TO CLEAR UP THE BACKLOG OF DEMAND BY THE END OF THIS YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR.

OVERALL PENETRATION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE INCREASED FrfOM 22.8 TELEPHONES (INCLUDING EXTENSIONS) PER 100 POPULATION IN 1974 TO 23.6 PER 100 IN 1975.

MONDAY, MAY 10, 1976

THE REPORT SAID: +THE COMPANY HAS BEEN PROVIDING GENERALLY A SATISFACTORY SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.+ THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE ACTS IN 1975 WAS ONLY 24, A DECREASE OF 29 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 1974.

DURING 1975, THE ACTS AND ITS SUB-COMMITTEES MET LESS FREQUENTLY THAN BEFORE PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY. .

THE ACTS ALSO EXPRESSED ITS VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON SOME OF THE FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIR^

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WATER INTERRUPTION IN SHAMSHUIPO

******

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAMSHUIPO, KOWLOON, WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 13) TO ENABLE WATERWORKS STAFF TO CARRY OUT A LEAKAGE TEST IN THE AREA.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CHING CHEUNG ROAD, BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD, KING LAM STREET, YEE KUK STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND YU CHAU STREET INCLUDING WING HONG STREET AND WING MING STREET.

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MONDAY, MAY 10, 1976

- 5 -

LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT JEWELLERY FACTORY

NOTE TO EDITORS:

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL PAY A VISIT TO PERMACAST (HONG KONG) LIMITED AT 1067 KING’S ROAD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING-.

SHE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDUSTRY), MR. A.L. PURVES.

THE FACTORY, SET UP IN 1965, IS SPECIALISED IN JEWELLERY AND WATCH BANDS. OCCUPYING A FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 8,000 SQUARE FEET, IT HAS A WORK FORCE OF 110.

EIGHTY PER CENT OF THE PRODUCTS ARE FOR EXPORT WHILE THE REST ARE FOR THE LOCAL MARKET.'

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTOR AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT. LADY MACLEHOSE WILL ARRIVE AT THE FACTORY AT 10.20 A.M. A G.I.S. OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS

MONDAY, MAY 10, 1976

+MEET THE MEDIA+ JU

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY-13) AT 4 P.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING. TELEVISION CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.

- - o - -

ADVISORY WEEK FOR PRIMARY SIX SCHOOL-LEAVERS K * K * * H

AN ADVISORY WEEK ON FURTHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR PRIMARY SIX PUPILS IN THE CHAI WAN DISTRICT.

THE FUNCTION, SPONSORED BY THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF OTHER WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT, IS BEING HELD AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE. IT WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FRIDAY (MAY 14).

MORE THAN 1,700 PUPILS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE PROJECT DURING THE WEEK.

APART FROM TALKS BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION AND LABOUR DEPARTMENTS, THERE ARE GROUP DISCUSSIONS, FILM SHOWS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS, WHICH AIM TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION TO PRIMARY SIX SCHOOL-LEAVERS.

- - o - -

PR 33 400003b

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUPPLEMENT

Monday, May 10, 197$

Following is the full text of the Governor’s speech at the opening of the Young Presidents “University” in the City Hall today. Mr* Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Hong Kong. We are happy indeed that you have chosen Hong Kong for this “University” and I can only hope that you will enjoy your stay here and take with you a favourable impression of the way we live and what we are trying to do.

My theme will be the opportunity offered to investors and exporters alike by the prospect of economic growth in the developing countries of the Western Pacific, -although it is a dependent territory Hong Kong is perhaps the extreme example of the economy of such countries, and it lies at their geographical and communications centre. So I will start with Hong Kong.

One hundred and thirty-five years ago there was virtually nothing here. Even JO years ago there were only 600,000 inhabitants. Now there are just under 4/a million. This expansion of population has brought social and physical problems known by few other territories. Nevertheless they are being tackled with vigour and in this we are helped by the economy which has grown 1J times in the last 25 years. From very little Hong Kong is now known throughout the world as a centre of industry, banking, insurance and sea and telecommunications and tourism.

/Though this .....

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

[This page is blank in the original document]

In all this Hong Kong is an extreme example of what is happening in countries in the Western Pacific region. All are changing and industrialising fast, all are greatly dependent on world markets* All share with Hong Kong a vital interest in the continuance of a free and expanding world economy.

The growth of trade over the last 30 years has been greatly helped by reduction in trade barriers* Look for instance at the tremendous spurt in international trade that followed the successful conclusion of the Kennedy round in 1%7« It is our firm hope that this process should continue, for trade liberalisation has been a powerful force in raising living standards and any return to protectionism would lead not only to a reversal of all that has been achieved, but to bitterness and disillusionment with Western ideals.

Of course there are occasions when the growth of new industries in the developing world creates problems for the older industrialised countries. Where serious damage is proved, so far as Hong Kong is concerned, we accept that measures of restraint or protection are justified and necessary, but they » should be temporary and should be designed to mitigate the hardships of adjustment rather than to postpone it indefinitely, and they should be based on economic fact and not political expediency.

The Western Pacific is now an area of relatively rapid economic growth. Most developing countries in the region are speeding up their industrialisation and increasing their exports. Most began by concentrating on labour intensive industries. They then progress, as Hong Kong has done, to higher skilled, better paid and more capital intensive production. In this comparatively early stage of their industrial evolution their working conditions are sometimes not as good as those in developed countries, ■..nd one must expect u demand from the latter that the gap be narrowed. Raising incomes and living standards in the constant objective of this Government, and a demand of this sort is understandable and

/acceptable .....

acceptable so long as it is sincerely aimed at improving the standard of living of workers in developing countries, and not rather at destroying them by eliminating the competition they offer* To affect concern over their poverty and yet to deny them the opportunity to rise out of it by exporting what they produce would be futile*

Moreover it would be bad and short-sighted business because successful and prosperous industrialists and industrial workers make much better customers than unsuccessful ones or than subsistence farmers. For instance real wages in Hong Kong are now three times what they were in the early 1950s and this has been amply reflected in personal spending power and volume of imports* Over the years one has heard much too much of the so-called threat of exports of textiles and other products from Hong Kong and other Pacific producers, and much too little of the growing market in Hong Kong for imported capital, consumer durable and consumer goods of all sorts and of the handsome profits made by those export them, often from the same countries to which Hong Kong itself exports. This is typical of the Western Pacific region. The significant factor is not the competition which its industries may offer to the developed countries, but the field it provides for exports and for investment so long as its growth is not hindered by artificial barriers.

I am sure that as successful business leaders you will appreciate the importance for the world economy of maintaining as free as possible a flow of trade and business opportunities. Given the observance of reasonable codes of practice I believe the new industries of Hong Kong and the Western Pacific and the new prosperity and purchasing power they create offer to industry and exporters of developed countries not a threat to be resented and resisted, but an opportunity for expanding markets and profitable investment which

/should be .....

should be grasped. And I hope that as people of influence you will carry home t.iis positive and encouraging message of opportunity to the policy makers in your own countries.

I wish you all a pleasant and interesting stay in Hong Kong and hope that we will have the pleasure of seeing you again in years to come.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DRIVER SHORTAGE NOT CAUSE OF IDLE PLB’S.................. 1

FIVE-DOLLAR NOTE TO BE REPLACED BY COIN.................... 2

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON"G.C.E. EXAMINATION............*..*... 2

LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW .................................... 3

MORE RAIN EXPECTED....................................... 4

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED................................... 4

LIVING CONDITIONS IN KAU WAH KENG UPPER VILLAGE IMPROVED 5

WATER CUT.................................................. 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1976

DRIVER SHORTAGE NOT CAUSE OF IDLE PLB’S K K M M

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) DENIED RECENT CLAIMS BY CERTAIN MINI-BUS OPERATORS THAT VEHICLES WERE LYING IDLE BECAUSE OF A LACK OF LICENSED DRIVERS.

MR. PETER MILLER, CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, SAID THAT AT THE END OF MARCH 1976 THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 49,772 DRIVERS LICENSED TO DRIVE THE 4,308 PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.

+ANY SUGGESTION THAT AS MANY AS A THOUSAND MINI-BUSES WERE LYING IDLE ON THE ROADS IS NOT BORNE OUT BY THE FACTS, + HE SAID.

MR. MILLER, WHO RECENTLY MET PLB ORGANISATIONS, INDICATED THAT IT WAS CERTAINLY TRUE THAT BETWEEN 400 AND 500 MINI-BUSES WERE NOT IN USE ON ANY PARTICULAR DAY BUT THE MAIN REASON FOR THIS WAS THAT THE PLB’S WERE EITHER AWAITING MECHANICAL INSPECTION OR UNDERGOING ACCIDENT OR BREAK DOWN REPAIRS.

AS MANY AS 180 MINI-BUSES WHICH ARE PRESENTED FOR INSPECTION EACH MONTH PRIOR TO ANNUAL RELICENSING ARE FOUND TO HAVE SERIOUS MECHANICAL FAILURES AND THE DEPARTMENT HAS HAD TO FAIL AS MANY AS 46 PER CENT OF THE VEHICLES PRESENTED FOR INSPECTION AND SEND THEM AWAY TO HAVE THE DEFECTS RECTIFIED.

MR. MILLER CLAIMED THAT THE RECENT DECISION TO RE-OPEN NEW APPLICATIONS FOR PLB DRIVING TESTS HAD RESULTED IN NO LESS THAN 17,000 APPLICATIONS.

UNFORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO WAY OF KNOWING WHETHER THESE WERE GENUINE APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO WISHED TO BE ENGAGED FULL TIME IN DRIVING MINIrBUSES OR WHETHER THEY WERE MERELY FROM PEOPLE WHO WANTED JUST ANOTHER ENDORSEMENT ON THEIR ORDINARY LICENCE.

MR. MILLER STATED THAT UNDER THE PRESENT ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE TO ALLOW DRIVERS OF PRIVATE CARS AND SMALL GOODS VEHICLES THE RIGHT TO AUTOMATICALLY DRIVE MINI-BUSES WITHOUT REQUIRING A SEPARATE TEST SINCE THE PLB’S IN OPERATION AT PRESENT CONSTITUTED THE HIGHEST RATIO OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.

HE SA IDs +IT WOULD BE A SERIOUS MATTER IF THE DEPARTMENT WERE TO FAIL IN ITS DUTY TO ENSURE THAT DRIVERS CARRYING LARGE NUMBERS OF PASSENGERS EVERY DAY WERE NOT SUBJECT TO A SPECIALIST DRIVING TEST.+

HE ADDED THAT WITHIN THE LIMITED RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT IN REGARD TO BOTH PREMISES AND MANPOWER, IT WAS HOPED THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO CALL UP ABOUT 400 APPLICANTS EACH MONTH FOR THE PLB DRIVING TEST AND ON THE BASIS OF PAST EXPERIENCE BETWEEN 35 TO 40 PER CENT OF THESE CANDIDATES WOULD PASS.

+THE HIGH FAILURE RATE IS AN INDICATION OF THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE DRIVING TESTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE BETTER ROAD DISCIPLINE AND FEWER TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS,+ MR. MILLER WENT ON.

o --------

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1976

FIVE-DOLLAR NOTE TO BE REPLACED BY COIN KOO

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY THAT A $5 COIN WILL BE INTRODUCED TO HONG KONG IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR AND THAT IT WILL GRADUALLY REPLACE THE $5 NOTE AT PRESENT IN USE.

THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE ORIGINALLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE $5 COIN SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN 1978. HOWEVER, THE ESCALATION OF NOTE PRINTING COSTS HAS BEEN SUCH THAT THE LONG TERM BENEFITS OF REPLACING NOTES WITH COINS NOW FAR EXCEED THOSE ENVISAGED BY THE COMMITTEE AND IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED TO ADVANCE THE ISSUE TO THIS YEAR. THE ECONOMIES DERIVE FROM THE FACT THAT THE LIFE OF A COIN CAN BE AS LONG AS 50 YEARS WHEREAS THE $5 NOTE ONLY HAS A LIFE OF ABOUT 8 OR 9 MONTHS.

LIKE THE PRESENT $1 COIN, THE NEW COIN, WHICH IS TEN SIDED, WILL BE MINTED IN CUPRO-NICKEL AND WILL BE ABOUT THE SAME SIZE AS THE PRESENT DOLLAR COIN BUT WILL BE SLIGHTLY LIGHTER IN WEIGHT.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE PRESENT 50 CENT COIN AND $1 COIN IN 1977 AND 1978 RESPECTIVELY. THE NEW COINS WILL BE BOTH SMALLER AND LIGHTER THAN THE CURRENT ISSUE.

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UNIVERSITY OF LONDON G.C.E. EXAMINATION , X K X K X

PRIVATE CANDIDATES FOR THE G.C.E. EXAMINATION IN JUNE ARE REMINDED TO COLLECT THEIR ADMISSION FORMS ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE NOTIFICATIONS POSTED TO THEM RECENTLY.

ANY CANDIDATE WHO HAS NOT’RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION OR WHO IS UNABLE TO GO AT THE SPECIFIED DATE SHOULD COLLECT HIS FORM IN PERSON AT THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BETWEEN MAY 17 AND MAY 21 DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS. HE SHOULD BRING WITH HIM HIS IDENTITY CARD.

THOSE WHO FAIL TO COLLECT THEIR ADMISSION FORMS BY MAY 24 WILL BE REGARDED AS HAVING WITHDRAWN THEIR ENTRIES.

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TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1976

LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW KOO#

AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER THE EARLY INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION SO AS TO MAKE IT MANDATORY TO USE +SILENT TYPE+ PILE-DRIVERS IN ORDER TO FURTHER REDUCE NOISE POLLUTION.

THE HON. LI FOOK-WO, WILL ALSO ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER EXTENDING THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE OPERATION OF PILE-DRIVERS TO OTHER ITEMS OF NOISY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT.

.THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TOMORROW.

DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT FOR A MORE ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THE FINAL ACCOUNTS OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1976 WHILE THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK FOR A WRITTEN- STATEMENT SHOWING. THE PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY.

THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE WILL ENQUIRE IF THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO ENCOURAGE THE CULTIVATION OF AGRICULTURAL PLOTS WHICH ARE LYING FALLOW.

OTHER QUESTIONS CONCERN’GOVERNMENT ACTION TO GUARD AGAINST FOOD POISONING IN FACTORY AND SCHOOL CANTEENS, MEASURES TO PREVENT AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE SWIMMING POOLS IN THE MORE DENSELY POPULATED TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

COMING UP FOR FIRST READING ARE THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1976.

DEBATE WILL BE RESUMED ON EIGHT BILLS. THEY INCLUDE THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AND THE MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.

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TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1976

MORE RAIN EXPECTED ******

IN THE PRELIMINARY SEASONAL RAINFALL FORECAST ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR IT WAS PREDICTED THAT THE RAINFALL FOR THE PERIOD FROM MAY TO OCTOBER AND FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE WOULD BE SLIGHTLY BELOW NORMAL.

HOWEVER, METEOROLOGICAL DATA FOR APRIL WHICH HAS NOW BEEN ANALYSED INDICATES THAT MORE RAIN MAY BE EXPECTED.

IT IS NOW FORECAST THAT THE RAINFALL BETWEEN MAY AND OCTOBER WILL RANGE FROM 1,750 MM TO 2,250 MM AS AGAINST AN AVERAGE OF 1,814 MM.

FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE THE RAINFALL IS FORECAST TO LIE BETWEEN 2,150 MM AND 2,650 MM. THIS COMPARES WITH AN AVERAGE OF 2,169 MM.

UP TO MAY. 10 THIS YEAR, RAINFALL IS ABOUT 44 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE WITH ONLY 196.1 MM RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AS AGAINST AN AVERAGE OF 347.5 MM.

-----0------

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED

******

rr YHE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE O? ™E EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE T0SUFE°mPR?S0NI<NT25’ °N LAM MU,-YAU SHOULD BE COMMUTED

LAM WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LAM HUNG ALIAS LAM KWAI-HUNG AND HIS WIFE, CHAN HEUNG.

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TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1976

LIVING CONDITIONS IN KAU WAR KENG UPPER VILLAGE IMPROVED

LIVING CONDITIONS IN THE KAU WAR KENG UPPER VILLAGE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN IMPROVED WITH THE HELP OF THE SHAMSHUIPO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE IMPROVEMENTS FOLLOWED AN APPEAL BY REPRESENTATIVES OF ABOUT 1,000 INHABITANTS TO THE SHAMSHUIPO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE AFTER NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS IN WHICH VILLAGERS WERE REPORTED TO HAVE FALLEN INTO A DITCH FROM A NARROW FOOTPATH.

AS A RESULT OF A SITE VISIT, STAFF OF THE C.D.O. APPLIED FOR AN ALLOCATION OF FUND FROM THE LANDS DIVISION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO BUILD A FENCE SEPARATING THE FOOTPATH FROM THE DITCH.

A 3DO-FOOT-LONG FENCE, COSTING 35,520, WAS COMPLETED BY THE END OF MARCH. SINCE THEN, THERE HAS BEEN NO REPORT OF ACCIDENT.

MEANWHILE, THROUGH THE HELP OF THE C.D.O. STAFF, ANOTHER STANDPIPE HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN THE VILLAGE, BRINGING THE NUMBER OF STANDPIPES THERE TO TWO. THIS ENABLES THE VILLAGERS TO GET THEIR WATER SUPPLY MUCH EASIER.

APART FROM THIS, THE C.D.O. STAFF ARE GIVING ASSISTANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE VILLAGERS WHO ARE NOW CONTEMPLATING TO FORM A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE IN AN AFFORT TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS.

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WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES ON THE PEAK AND TSUEN WAN AREAS WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON MAY 14 (FRIDAY) TO ENABLE WATERWORKS STAFF TO CARRY OUT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA ON THE PEAK IS BOUNDED BY ROSMEAD ROAD, WATFORD ROAD, GUILDFORD ROAD, COOMBE ROAD, MIDDLE GAP ROAD, AND MT. CAMERON ROAD. ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE HOUSE NO. 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 44, 46, AND 50 MAGAZINE GAP ROAD- NO. 52, 54 AND 56 PEAK ROAD AND 1-3 BARKER ROAD.

IN TSUEN WAN, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TAI CHUNG ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD INCLUDING PAK TIN PA- ROAD.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

DAILY INFORMATION BULLED

DRASTIC INCREASE IN AIR FREIGHT ............................ 1

COMPULSORY THIRD PARTY INSURANCE FOR PASSENGERS IN MOTOR VEHICLES ........................................ 3

LICENSING OF CANTEENS TO BE STUDIED ........................ 4

MORE AGRICULTURAL LAND TO BE BROUGHT INTO CULTIVATION ................................................ 5

HEUNG YEE KUK ELECTIONS .................................. 7

METHADONE DETOXIFICATION FOR DRUG ADDICTS TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH ................................................. 8

POWER TO ARREST WITNESS - CALL FOR SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE ...................................................... 9

MAGISTRATES BILL DEBATE ADJOURNED ........................ 10

WIDER CONTROLS ON NIGHT PILING ON THE WAY ................. 11

TOWN CENTRE FOR EACH NEW TOWN ............................ 12

FIRST LADY CLERK TO LEGCO ............................... 12

LICENSING OF CYCLISTS TO BE CONSIDERED .................... 13

EFFECT OF AIRCRAFT NOISE ON SCHOOLS ....................... 13

SUFFICIENT AMBULANCES TO MEET DEMAND ...................... 14

BILLS PASSED .............................................. 14

LIMIT OF DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR LEGAL AID APPLICANTS ....... 15

RECOMMENDATIONS BY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO HKTC IMPLEMENTED ............................................... 15

SWIMMING POOLS FOR N.T. TOWNS ............................ 16

DETENTION OF VEHICLES FOR INSPECTION ...................... 17

AMENDMENTS TO ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE ...................... 17

TOPLEY TO OPEN EXHIBITION ................................ 18

GOVERNOR TO VISIT ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE .............. 18

WATER SUPPLIES TO VILLAGES ............................... 19

ALLOCATION OF FORM I PLACES ................................19

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

DRASTIC INCREASE IN AIR FREIGHT

* M M M M M

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE AMOUNT OF CARGO HANDLED AT THE AIRPORT HAD RISEN ALMOST FIFTY TIMES DURING THE LAST 19 YEARS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINAL, HE SAID THAT LAST YEAR 14 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS AND 26 PER CENT OF ITS EXPORTS, BY VALUE, WERE CARRIED BY AIR.

SIR DENYS PREDICTED THAT THE TERMINAL, WITH ITS MECHANICAL HANDLING SYSTEMS, WOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE ALL AIR CARGO UNTIL ABOUT 1985.

HE DESCRIBED THE TERMINAL AS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE COULD COMBINE IN A JOINT VENTURE.

FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH

+IT IS BOTH AN HONOUR AND A PLEASURE TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THIS MAGNIFICENT NEW AIR CARGO TERMINAL, WHICH WILL PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH FACILITIES FOR THE HANDLING OF AIR FREIGHT AS EFFICIENT AS THOSE AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. *

+1 NEED NOT REMIND YOU THAT HONG KONG LIVES BY TRADING AND THAT WE CAN NEVER AFFORD TO LAG BEHIND OUR COMPETITORS IN THE PROVISION OF EFFECTIVE METHODS OF HANDLING, DESPATCH AND RECEIPT OF THE GREAT VARIETY OF MANUFACTURED GOODS WHICH WE EXPORT, AND OF THE RAW MATERIALS WHICH WE IMPORT.

+IN THE PAST, OUR TRADE WAS CONDUCTED ALMOST ENTIRELY BY SEA. INDEED, AS RECENTLY AS 1956, ONLY 3115 TONS OF CARGO WERE HANDLED AT THE AIRPORT. BY 1975, THIS HAD RISEN ALMOST FIFTY TIMES. LAST YEAR, 14 PER CENT OF OUR IMPORTS AND 26 PER CENT OF OUR EXPORTS, BY VALUE, WERE CARRIED BY AIR.

+NOT ONLY THE VOLUME OF OUR FREIGHT, BUT THE METHODS OF HANDLING IT HAVE CHANGED DRAMATICALLY. IN 1956, THE TYPICAL FREIGHTER WAS A +DAKOTA+, WHICH CARRIED ABOUT 5 TO 6 TONS OF FREIGHT AT A MAXIMUM SPEED OF ABOUT 200 M.P.H. NOW THE BOEING 747F, THE BIGGEST OF THE PRESENT GENERATION OF FREIGHTER AIRCRAFT, CAN CARRY OVER 100 TONS OF CARGO AT NEARLY 600 M.P.H.

/+INEVITABLY, .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

+INEVITABLY, OUR METHODS OF HANDLING CARGO AT THE AIRPORT HAVE HAD TO CHANGE AS WELL. WHEN THE FIRST AIR CARGO BUILDING WAS OPENED IN 1963, EACH AIRLINE AND AIR CARGO AGENCY OCCUPIED A SEPARATE AREA AND ALL FREIGHT WAS DEALT WITH BY MANUAL METHODS. THE BUILDING WAS ADAPTED, PATCHED AND EXPANDED SEVERAL TIMES, UNTIL IT REACHED ITS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE SIZE IN 1971, WHEN ITS CAPACITY WAS ABOUT 70,000 TONS A YEAR, A TOTAL WHICH WAS EXCEEDED IN 1972. FURTHER SPACE, SOME OF IT UNSATISFACTORY AND SUFFERING FROM THE USUAL DEFECTS OF UNPLANNED EXPANSION, HAD TO BE FOUND IN OTHER PARTS OF THE AIRPORT.

+AS LONG AGO AS 1966 THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED A COMMITTEE TO STUDY OUR FUTURE CARGO HANDLING REQUIREMENTS. THIS COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT THE EXISTING TERMINAL WOULD BE INADEQUATE BY THE MID 197OS AND RECOMMENDED A +CONSOLIDATED+ TERMINAL, WHICH WOULD ENSURE A MORE ECONOMICAL USE OF THE SCARCE LAND AVAILABLE AND SHOULD REDUCE OPERATING COSTS.

+A CONSORTIUM WAS ESTABLISHED, COMPOSED OF SWIRE, JARDINE, KOWLOON WHARF, WHAMPOA AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THIS CONSORTIUM CREATED THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LIMITED, TO PLAN, CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE TERMINAL. BUILDING BEGAN IN OCTOBER 1974 AND BY THE END OF 1975 THE IMPRESSIVE STRUCTURE WHICH WE SEE TODAY HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THE MECHANICAL HANDLING SYSTEMS INSTALLED. IN PARALLEL, THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED THE NECESSARY EXTRA AIRCRAFT AND VEHICLE PARKING BAYS, TAXIWAYS AND ROADWAYS AND AN OFFICE BLOCK TO HOUSE THOSE ENGAGED IN THE AIR CARGO BUSINESS.

+DANGEROUS THOUGH IT HAS OFTEN PROVED TO PREDICT THE GROWTH OF AIR TRAFFIC, WE NEVERTHELESS BELIEVE THAT THIS TERMINAL WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE ALL AIR CARGO UNTIL ABOUT 1985. THEREAFTER, THE PRESENT FACILITIES WILL HAVE TO BE EXPANDED AND LAND HAS BEEN RESERVED FOR THIS TO BE DONE, TO MEET OUR NEEDS IN THE LATE 1980S AND THE 1990S.

+WE ALREADY POSSESS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST MODERN AND EFFICIENT SHIPPING CONTAINER PORTS AT KWAI CHUNG. THIS BUILDING ADDS TO OUR TRANSPORT SYSTEM A SUPERB COMPLEX FOR THE HANDLING OF AIR FREIGHT. THIS IS FURTHER EVIDENCE, IF ANY BE NEEDED, OF THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT ATTACH TO THE SPEEDY, SECURE AND RELIABLE DESPATCH AND RECEIPT OF FREIGHT. IT IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE CAN COMBINE IN A JOINT VENTURE WHICH IS IN THE INTERESTS OF BOTH OF THEM, IN A MANNER WHICH ASSURES THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT, BUT LEAVES THE ADMINISTRATION OF IT IN THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO KNOW BEST HOW TO RUN A PRODUCTIVE BUSINESS.

+IN CONCLUSION, MAY I OFFER MY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PROJECT= TO THE PLANNERS, THE ARCHITECTS, THE CONTRACTORS AND THE WORKERS. THEY ALL HAVE GOOD CAUSE TO BE PROUD OF THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOURS.

■ +MR. BLUCK, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I WISH THIS COMPANY, AND ALL WHO WORK HERE, ABUNDANT SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE, AND HAVE PLEASURE IN DECLARING THIS TERMINAL OPEN.+

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL * * * * *

DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN TODAY EXPRESSED SURPRISE AND DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION WOULD NEED AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE IT COULD PROVIDE COMPULSORY THIRD PARTY INSURANCE FOR PASSENGERS IN MOTOR VEHICLES.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE NOTED THAT AFTER ALL, RATES AND ENDORSEMENT FOR PASSENGER INSURANCE WERE AT PRESENT ALREADY AVAILABLE.

HE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ASK THE ASSOCIATION TO EXPLAINJWHY IT WAS NECESSARY TO TAKE SO LONG TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME.

DR. CHUNG ALSO SOUGHT CLARIFICATION FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ON WHETHER PASSENGERS IN +PAK PAIS+, THOUGH ILLEGAL, WOULD BE COVERED BY THIS AMENDING BILL.

ON THE QUESTION OF ENSURING THAT NO VEHICLES WILL BE LICENSED WITHOUT A VALID THIRD PARTY INSURANCE, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE COULD STILL BE MOTOR CARS WITHOUT EFFECTIVE INSURANCE.

♦THIS IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE AT THE TIME OF INITIAL LICENSING OR SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL OF TRANSFER. THE REQUIREMENT IS FOR THE OWNER TO PRODUCE AN INSURANCE CERTIFICATE VALID AT THAT TIME. THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE INSURANCE POLICY TO RUN IN PARALLEL WITH THAT OF THE VEHICLE LICENCE.*

HE FELT THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE PROTECTION OFFERED TO THE THIRD PARTY BY IMPOSING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY FOR BOTH THIRD PARTY INSURANCE .AND VEHICLE LICENCE SHOULD COINCIDE WITH EACH OTHER.

IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON SAID THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION HAD EARLIER ON INDICATED THAT IT WOULD REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTHS IN ORDER TO ADJUST PREMIUM RATINGS, WORDING OF POLICIES AND THE LIKE.

BUT ANOTHER MORE IMPORTANT POINT WAS THAT FROM THE DATE OF ENACTMENT OF THE NEW LEGISLATION, A STEADY STREAM OF THIRD PARTY INSURANCE RENEWAL NOTICES WOULD BE ISSUED, REFLECTING THE NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR PASSENGER INSURANCE, +AND IT IS ONLY WHEN THE ADDITIONAL PREMIA ARE PAID THAT THE ADDITIONAL INSURANCE WILL BE EFFECTIVE.*

HE SAID IT WOULD, OF COURSE, BE POSSIBLE FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES TO ISSUE ENDORSEMENTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENACTMENT TO ALL POLICY-HOLDERS AT ONE FELL SWOOP.

/ON THE ....

Wednesday, may 12, 1976

ON THE STRENGTH OF PAST EXPERIENCE. HOWEVER, THE ASSOCIATION WARNED THAT WHILE MANY POLICY-HOLDERS WOULD PAY FOR THE NEW ENDORSEMENT, MANY OTHERS WOULD NOT.

FOR PRACTICAL REASONS, MR.'ROBSON SAID A YEAR’S DELAY IN BRINGING THE NEW LEGISLATION INTO FORCE WAS NEEDED.

CLARIFYING THE POSITION OF +PAK PAI’S*. HE SAID PASSENGERS IN THESE VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE LEGISLATION.

♦SINCE PASSENGER COVER WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ARRANGED UNDER A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE POLICY, UNDECLARED USE OF A PRIVATE CAR FOR CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS FOR HIRE OR REWARD WOULD CONTRAVENE THE ’USE’ CLAUSE OF THE INSURANCE POLICY- AND CONTRAVENTION OF THIS CLAUSE WOULD INVALIDATE THE POLICY.*

REFERRING TO DR. CHUNG’S PROPOSAL WHICH REQUIRES THE PERIOD OF THE VALIDITY OF THE THIRD PARTY INSURANCE POLICY AND THE VEHICLE LICENCE TO COINCIDE WITH EACH OTHER, MR. ROBSON SAID THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION AND THERE WERE SOME DIFFICULTIES.

♦BUT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT IS RE-OPENING DISCUSSION WITH THE ASSOCIATION TO DISCUSS WHETHER THESE CAN BE OVERCOME.*

-----0------

LICENSING OF CANTEENS TO BE STUDIED

******

THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS DECIDED TO RE-EXAMINE THE CASH FOR AMENDING THE LAW SO AS TO REQUIRE FACTORY AND SCHOOL CANTEENS BE LICENSED AND SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH REQUIREMENT STIPULATED UNDER THE FOOD BUSINESS BY-LAWS.

THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. F.K. LI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG ON GOVERNMENT ACTION TO GUARD AGAINST FOOD POISONING IN THESE CANTEENS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT CANTEENS IN SCHOOLS AND WORKPLACES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO LICENSING UNDER THE FOOD BUSINESS BY-LAWS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE.

HOWEVER, SCHOOL CANTEENS WERE INSPECTED REGULARLY BY SCHOOL HEALTH INSPECTORS, WHILE ADVICE ON HEALTH MATTERS WERE GIVEN, ON REQUEST, TO OPERATORS OF FACTORY CANTEENS BY URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF.

THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD RECENTLY DECIDED THAT A CODE OF PRACTICE ON HYGIENIC FOOD HANDLING SHOULD BE ISSUED TO OPERATORS OF THESE CANTEENS, HE ADDED.

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/5....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

STEPS TO BRING MORE AGRICULTURAL LAND INTO CULTIVATION

******

POSITIVE STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO BRING MORE AGRICULTURAL LAND INTO CULTIVATION AND TO HELP FARMERS TO INCREASE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY IN TERMS OF MARKETABLE CROPS, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID TODAY.

..HE TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT’S AGRICULTURAL POLICY, AS WITH ITS INDUSTRIAL POLICY, WAS NOT TO PROVIDE PROTECTION OR SUBSIDIES TO CUSHION THE FORCES OF THE MARKET.

+IT IS RATHER TO ENCOURAGE PRODUCERS TO MAXIMISE PRODUCTION OF THESE CROPS WHICH CAN BE SOLD ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS WITH IMPORTS AND WHICH CAN THUS BE OF ADVANTAGE, NOT ONLY TO THEMSELVES, BUT TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.+

HE WAS REPLYING THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE WHO ASKED WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING TO ENCOURAGE THE CULTIVATION OF AGRICULTURAL PLOTS WHICH ARE LYING FALLOW, AND THE MORE INTENSIVE CULTIVATION OF THOSE PLOTS PRESENTLY UNDER-UTILISED.

MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE JUST OVER 30.000 ACRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH ABOUT 30 PER CENT OR ABOUT 9,000 ACRES WERE LYING FALLOW.

A FURTHER 12 PER CENT OR ABOUT 3,600 ACRES WAS UNDER-UTILISED, THAT IS, IT WAS GROWING PADDY OR FIELD CROPS INSTEAD OF VEGETABLES AND OTHER MARKET GARDEN CROPS. HE EXPLAINED THAT THE AVERAGE GROSS RETURN PER ACRE FROM VEGETABLES WAS NOW ALMOST 11 TIMES THAT FROM RICE GROWING, AND, INDEED, RICE AND OTHER FIELD CROPS WERE NOW TOTALLY UNECONOMIC TO GROW IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT COSTS OF PRODUCTION IN RELATION TO THE COST OF IMPORTS.

MOST OF THE FALLOW LAND WAS PREVIOUSLY USED FOR GROWING RICE. SOME OF IT WAS ON THE EDGES OF TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS AND WAS NOW LARGELY IN SPECULATIVE HANDS WITH A VIEW TO SALE AT ENHANCED VALUES TO MEET URBAN DEVELOPMENT. +IN OTHER WORDS, THIS LAND IS NOW LARGELY SEMI-URBAN IN CHARACTER AND CAN HARDLY ANY LONGER BE CONSIDERED, DE FACTO, AS AGRICULTURAL LAND.+

MUCH OF THE REMAINING AREAS OF FALLOW LAND, HE SAID, WAS PERFECTLY SUITABLE FOR GROWING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT, BUT THE VILLAGERS WHO OWN IT WERE OFTEN RELUCTANT TO SWITCH TO THE MORE TECHNICALLY DEMANDING MARKET GARDEN CROPS,

♦THEY ARE USUALLY NOT WILLING TO LEASE THE LAND TO IMMIGRANT FARMERS WHO ARE NOW THE MAIN VEGETABLE GROWERS AND WHO WOULD, IN MANY CASES, BE VERY READY TO CULTIVATE MORE OF THIS LAND.+

HE SAID THESE WERE CERTAINLY THE MOST PROMISING AREAS TO BRING BACK INTO CULTIVATION AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WAS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO PERSUADE THE OWNERS TO DO SO IN FIVE DIRECTIONS.

/FIRSTLY, .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

- 6 -

FIRSTLY. THROUGH ITS EXTENSION WORK, THE DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO PERSUADE THE VILLAGERS TO TAKE ON VEGETABLE CULTIVATION. HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT ALREADY OVER 12,000 ACRES, OR MORE THAN 40 PER CENT OF ALL AGRICULTURAL LAND, BOTH UTILISED AND UNUTILISED, WAS UNDER VEGETABLES AND THIS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO GROW TO AT LEAST 16,500 ACRES, OR 55 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, BY THE MID-80S. •

SECONDLY, THE DEPARTMENT IS ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF MIXED ORCHARDS OF SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM AND LONG-TERM FRUIT TREES. THIS SORT OF DEVELOPMENT COULD HAVE A GOOD FUTURE IN HONG KONG CONDITIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW RUNNING A NUMBER OF DEMONSTRATION ORCHARDS AND IS PRODUCING PLANTS FOR SALE.

THIRDLY, THE DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, IS EXAMINING WAYS OF OVERCOMING THE RELUCTANCE OF LANS OWNERS TO LEASE TO TENANTS TRAINED IN MARKET GARDENING.

FOURTHLY, THE INTENSITY OF CULTIVATION REQUIRED IN GROWING VEGETABLES CAN LEAD TO A SHORTAGE OF LABOUR. TO HELP TO OVERCOME THIS, THE DEPARTMENT IS DEMONSTRATING AND POPULARISING THE USE OF SMALL MECHANICAL CULTIVATORS. ABOUT 2,000 OF THESE MACHINES ARE NOW IN USE AND MANY HAVE BEEN FINANCED BY LOAN FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

LASTLY, THE DEPARTMENT IS ENCOURAGING THE USE OF MORE UP-TO-DATE SYSTEMS OF IRRIGATION AND THE USE OF HERBICIDES TO REPLACE HAND-WEEDING OF CROPS, BOTH OF WHICH CAN ALSO SAVE CONSIDERABLE LABOUR AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY.

MR. JONES ADDED THAT A FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WHICH THE DEPARTMENT WAS ENCOURAGING ON SUITABLE LAND WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FISH PONDS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT OVER 3,500 ACRES WERE NOW UNDER FISH PONDS COMPARED WITH LESS THAN 500 ACRES IN 1956 AND THE TREND WAS CONTINUING.

HE ALSO REFERRED TO THE LAST TYPE OF FALLOW LAND IN RELATIVELY REMOTE AREAS NOT SERVED BY MOTORISED ROADS. THIS TYPE OF LAND COULD NOT BE USED FOR MARKET GARDEN CROPS BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF TRANSPORT TO MARKETS.

THE GREATER PART OF THIS LAND, PREVIOUSLY USED FOR RICE GROWING IN THE OLD DAYS, HAD BEEN ABANDONED AND THE MORE ABLE-BODIED MOVED AWAY FROM THEIR VILLAGES TO SEEK OTHER EMPLOYMENT. ,

THE PREVIOUS INACCESSIBILITY OF THESE AREAS WAS, HOWEVER, BEING REDUCED AS THE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPED NEW ACCESS ROADS, MOSTLY IN ASSOCIATION WITH WATER DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID.

THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, IN PARTICULAR, COULD IN DUE COURSE OPEN UP CONSIDERABLE AREAS TO MOTORISED TRAFFIC. +A$ THIS -HAPPENED, IT COULD WELL BE THAT MUCH HITHERTO FALLOW LAND WILL BE OPENED UP TO THE PRODUCTION OF MARKETABLE CROPS, ALTHOUGH •THE ALTERNATIVE POSSIBILITY OF THE USE OF CONSIDERABLE-PARTS FOR PROPERLY MANAGED RECREATIONAL PURPOSES WILL ALSO NEED TO BE CATERED FOR.+

« * -----------------------------o-------

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

HEUNG YEE KUK ELECTIONS ft M ft M ft

THE HEUNG YEE KUK WILL HOLD ITS REGIONAL ELECTIONS TO FILL 21 SEATS OF SPECIAL COUNCILLOR FOR THE 22ND TERM OF OFFICE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE KUK IS THE STATUTORY ADVISORY BODY TO THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE ELECTIONS, TO BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES LAID DOWN IN THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE, WILL TAKE THE FORM OF SECRET BALLOT.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL ACT AS THE RETURNING OFFICER.

THERE ARE SEVEN SEATS FOR EACH OF THE THREE ELECTORAL DISTRICT IN TAI PO, INCLUDING SHA TIN, YUEN LONG INCLUDING TUEN MUN AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT WHICH COMPRISES SAI KUNG, . ISLANDS AND TSUEN WAN. • «

THIRTY-ONE CANDIDATES — 10 FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, 10 FOR TAI PO AND 11 FOR YUEN LONG — WILL COMPETE FOR THE SEATS.

THE ELECTORATE IS MADE UP OF 89 PEOPLE. COMPRISING THE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF ALL RURAL COMMITTEES AND 18 NEW TERRITORIES UNOFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

THREE SEPARATE ELECTIONS FOR EACH ELECTORAL DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AS FROM 9 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE HEUNG YEE KUK OFFICE, 47 CUMBERLAND ROAD, KOWLOON.

-THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VOTES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND COUNTED.

ADMISSION TO THE ELECTION ROOM WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ELECTION OFFICIALS, CANDIDATES, ELECTORS AND THE PRESS.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU..ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE ELECTION.

THEY SHOULD IDENTIFY THEMSELVES TO ELECTION OFFICIALS (WITH PRESS CARDS OR OTHER SIMILAR IDENTIFICATIONS) ON ARRIVAL AT THE ELECTION ROOM. THEY WILL THEN BE ISSUED WITH LAPEL BADGES, ENABLING THEM TO ENTER THE ELECTION ROOM.

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WILL NOT BE ADMITTED DURING THE POLLING AND THE COUNTING OF VOTES, BUT THERE WILL BE NO OBJECTION TO PHOTOGRAPHS BEING TAKEN OUTSIDE THE ELECTION ROOM WHEN THE PROCEEDINGS ARE OVER.

MR. DONALD STRANGE, PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976 — 8 -

METHADONE DETOXIFICATION FOR DRUG ADDICTS TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH

******

METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT FOR DRUG ADDICTS HAS PROVED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT METHODS AS IT ENABLES ADDICTS TO RECEIVE TREATMENT WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TO BE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED.

THIS IS THE CONCLUSION DRAWN AFTER THREE YEARS OF EXPERIMENT BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, ACCORDING TO THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (MEDICAL), DR. K.F. CHAN.

STATISTICS SHOWED THAT OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE 1,500 DRUG ADDICTS WHO JOINED THE PILOT SCHEME IN 1972 HAD BEEN WORKING WHILE RECEIVING THEIR DAILY DOSAGE OF METHADONE, HE TOLD THE LION’S CLUB OF VICTORIA THIS AFTERNOON.

DR. CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE FOUR METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES WERE OPEN DAILY FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 9.30 P.M. SO THAT THE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED ADDICTS COULD GET THEIR METHADONE EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER WORK.

ANOTHER ADVANTAGE OF METHADONE TREATMENT WAS THAT THE EFFECTS OF HEROIN OR MORPHINE, WHETHER BY INHALATION OR INJECTION, WERE OF SHORT DURATION AND AN ADDICT MUST TAKE THE DRUG SEVERAL TIMES A DAY WHEREAS A SINGLE APPROPRIATE DOSE OF METHADONE COULD LAST 24 HOURS, HE ADDED.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SAID UP TO THE END OF APRIL, 6,588 ADDICTS HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE FOUR CENTRES - EASTERN STREET HEALTH CENTRE ON THE ISLAND, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG,’HO MAN TIN HEALTH CENTRE IN KOWLOON AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN.

THE DAILY ATTENDANCE AVERAGED 2,000, OF WHICH ABOUT 60 PER CENT CAME TO THE CENTRES BEFORE 8 A.M. OR AFTER 6 P.M., HE SAID.

DR. CHAN MENTIONED VARIOUS MEASURES NEEDED TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST THE POSSIBLE ABUSE OF METHADONE.

ONE SUCH MEASURE IS THAT THE ADDICT HAS TO RETURN DAILY AND INGEST THE SOLUTION IN THE PRESENCE OF STAFF OF THE CENTRES — A MEASURE WHICH OBVIATES THE POSSIBILITIES OF BLACK MARKET OR OVERDOSE.

ANOTHER EFFECTIVE MEASURE IS THAT ON REGISTRATION, THE ADDICT IS MEDICALLY EXAMINED TO ENSURE THAT HE IS A GENUINE DRUG ADDICT.

DR. CHAN POINTED OUT THAT IN OTHER COUNTRIES THERE WERE REPORTED CASES OF PERSONS PRETENDING TO BE DRUG ADDICTS AND JOINING THE PROGRAMME JUST TO GET THE METHADONE.

• I

IN VIEW OF THE SUCCESS OF THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE SCHEME, • A NEW METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE WILL COME INTO OPERATION EARLY- NEXT MONTH, HE SAID.

EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN METHADONE MAINTENANCE AND METHADONE DETOXIFICATION, DR. CHAN SAID THE MAINTENANCE METHOD WILL LAST FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD WHILE IN DETOXIFICATION THE DOSE OF METHADONE IS GRADUALLY REDUCED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

POWER TO ARREST WITNESS CALL FOR SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE

* M M * * *

THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE TODAY’CALLED FOR RIGOROUS SAFEGUARDS AGAINST THE MISUSE OF THE PROPOSED POWER TO ARREST AND DETAIN A WITNESS.

SEVERE PENALTIES, HE SAID, MUST BE PROVIDED IN CASE OF ABUSE.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 WHICH EMPOWERS A COURT OR MAGISTRATE TO ISSUE A WARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF A PERSON WHO IS BOUND TO ATTEND COURT TO GIVE EVIDENCE, AND TO REQUIRE A CASH DEPOSIT AS A CONDITION OF ADMISSION TO BAIL.

+ONE BAD CASE OF IMPROPER, UNLAWFUL, OR MALICIOUS USE OF SUCH POWERS, OR THREAT OF ITS USE, WILL PUT AT PERIL OUR POLICY OF ENCOURAGING THE ORDINARY CITIZEN TO COME FORWARD TO GIVE EVIDENCE AND CO-OPERATE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND MAY BRING THE.ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE INTO DISREPUTE,* MR. BREMRIDGE SAID.

♦FURTHER,* HE SAID, +UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ASK THAT, TO MARK THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROCESS, THE POWER TO ISSUE THE WARRANT BE GIVEN ONLY TO THE HIGH COURT AND ON THE APPLICATION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND THAT THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING THE WARRANT SHOULD FOLLOW THAT WHICH IS STIPULATED IN ENGLAND.*

HE FELT THAT THE POWER TO ARREST AND DETAIN A WITNESS, AS DISTINCT FROM AN ACCUSED PERSON, COULD BE A SERIOUS INFRINGEMENT OF THE LIBERTY OF THE SUBJECT, AND WAS HARDLY CALCULATED TO ENCOURAGE PERSONS WHO MIGHT HAVE MATERIAL EVIDENCE TO GIVE TO VOLUNTEER TO MAKE STATEMENTS TO THE POLICE, OR TO BE A WITNESS.

+IT MAY INDEED BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE, AND BRACE AN EXISTING AND STRONG NATURAL PREFERENCE NOT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE LAW. IN VIEW OF THESE CONSIDERATIONS GOVERNMENT MAY WISH TO REFLECT WHETHER THEY WISH TO PURSUE THIS MATTER. NO CASE FOR ITS NECESSITY HAS BEEN MADE OUT.*

HE ADDED THAT IF THIS POWER OF ARREST OF WITNESSES WAS TO BE MADE PART OF THE LAW, IT MUST BE ENSURED THAT IT WAS ONLY TO BE ' USED IN THE CLEAREST CASES, WHERE THERE WAS THE PLAINEST EVIDENCE THAT A POTENTIAL WITNESS WOULD LIKELY ABSCOND- THAT BAIL BE FREELY AVAILABLE IN REASONABLE SUMS, EITHER IN CASH OR BY BOND, AND ON REASONABLE CONDITIONS AS TO FREEDOM TO TRAVEL- AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A WITNESS COULD BE DETAINED SHOULD BE METICULOUSLY DEFINED.

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/1O......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

DEBATE ON MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 ADJOURNED

* M * * M *

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY DECLINED TO SUPPORT A PARTICULAR SECTION OF THE MAGISTRATE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 THAT SEEKS TO GIVE THE CROWN THE RIGHT TO PREVENT A DEFENDANT FROM PLEADING GUILTY BY LETTER.

SPEAKING ON THEIR BEHALF DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE HON. ROGER LOBO SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION WHICH ENABLES A DEFENDANT TO PLEAD GUILTY BY LETTER WAS TWOFOLD, NAMELY TO REDUCE THE CONGESTION OF CASES IN COURTS, AND TO DO AWAY WITH THE INCONVENIENCE FOR A DEFENDANT TO ATTEND A COURT IN PERSON WHEN THE ONLY QUESTION IS THE FINE WHICH IS TO BE IMPOSED.

HE SAID THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS BELIEVED THAT THIS PARTICULAR AMENDMENT WOULD BE A RETROGRADE STEP, AND THEY DID NOT FIND CONVINCING THE REASONS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ADVANCED FOR INTRODUCING THIS PROPOSAL WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.

IT MIGHT BE RIGHT THAT A COURT SHOULD NOT PROCEED, WITHOUT GIVING THE DEFENDANT AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD, TO DISQUALIFY HIM FROM DRIVING UPON CONVICTION FOR A THIRD OFFENCE.

+AN APPROPRIATE CLAUSE CAN BE DRAFTED FOR SUCH PURPOSE, THOUGH PREFERABLY THE DEFENDANT SHOULD BE WARNED THAT THE COURT MAY PROCEED TO DISQUALIFY HIM IN HIS ABSENCE IF HE DOES NOT APPEAR, WITHOUT MAKING IT OBLIGATORY FOR HIM TO ATTEND. TO BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD IS A FAR CRY FROM COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE.+

MR. LOBO ADDED THAT THE UNOFFICIALS WOULD BE PREPARED TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT, OF NARROW SCOPE, TO DEAL APPROPRIATELY WITH THE PROBLEM OF DISQUALIFICATION ON A THIRD CONVICTION FOR A TRAFFIC INFRINGEMENT.

TURNING TO ANOTHER CLAUSE OF THE BILL, HE SAID IT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IF THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF COSTS WHICH MIGHT BE AWARDED AGAINST THE COMPLAINANT WHO FAILED TO APPEAR IN COURT WHEN REQUIRED TO DO SO WAS SET A MUCH HIGHER FIGURES, SAY $5,000.

HE STRESSED THAT ONLY A MUCH HIGHER FIGURE THAN THE PRESENTLY PROPOSED LIMIT OF $500 COULD ACT AS A DETERRENT.

THE DEBATE WAS FURTHER ADJOURNED.

- - O - -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

- 11 -

WIDER CONTROLS ON NIGHT PILING ON THE WAY ******

NEW LEGISLATION IS BEING DRAFTED TO EXTEND AND WIDEN THE SCOPE OF THE BAN ON NIGHT PILING TO COVER OTHER NOISY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON, DAVID MCDONALD SAID TODAY.

HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IT WAS HOPED THAT AN AMENDING BILL WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.

MR. MCDONALD SAID THE BILL WOULD NOT ONLY PROLONG THE PRESENT 8 P.M. - 6 A.M. RESTRICTION ON NIGHT PILING BY TWO HOURS, BUT WOULD ALSO APPLY THE PROHIBITION TO OTHER NOISY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SO THAT ALL SUCH OPERATIONS WOULD BE BANNED BETWEEN 7 P.M. AND 7 A.M.

IN ADDITION, IT WOULD PROVIDE FOR A TOTAL BAN OF SUCH OPERATIONS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. LI FOOK-WO, MR. MCDONALD SAID IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED PRACTICABLE AT THIS TIME TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO MAKE THE USE OF QUIETER PILING EQUIPMENT MANDATORY, DUE TO A LACK OF SUCH EQUIPMENT IN HONG KONG.

+THE FEW FIRMS WHICH HAVE PILE-BORING EQUIPMENT DO NOT POSSESS A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF RIGS TO CARRY OUT ALL THE PILING WORK REQUIRED BY MY ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, TO SAY NOTHING OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF OTHER OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OR OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* HE SAID.

OF THE ESTIMATED 15 PILING FIRMS IN HONG KONG, HE NOTED, 12 WERE EQUIPPED ONLY FOR PERCUSSIVE PILING OPERATIONS.

HE SAID : +BORED PILING, WHICH IS CONSIDERABLY LESS NOISY THAN PERCUSSION PILING, IS ALREADY WIDELY USED IN FOUNDATION WORKS IN HONG KONG, BUT THE SYSTEM IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERY TYPE OF PROJECT.*

AND WHILE THERE WERE OTHER TYPES OF PILING EQUIPMENT WHICH WERE QUIETER IN OPERATION THAN NORMAL PERCUSSION SYSTEMS, NO SUCH EQUIPMENT HAD BEEN TESTED'IN HONG KONG CONDITIONS NOR WERE THEY AVAILABLE HERE, HE SAID.

MR. MCDONALD NOTED THAT THE PROBLEM OF NOISE CREATED BY PILING OPERATIONS HAD BEEN DISCUSSED FOR SOME TIME IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS AND IN THE NOISE POLLUTION SUB-COMMITTEE OF EPCOM, BUT THERE WAS NO QUICK AND EASY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

TOWN CENTRE FOR EACH NEW TOWN ******

A TOWN CENTRE HAS BEEN PLANNED FOR EACH OF THE THREE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THESE PLANS, HE ADDED, WOULD INCORPORATE SUCH FEATURES AS SEPARATION OF VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS, SHOPS. OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AND THE NORMAL THINGS ONE WOULD EXPECT TO FIND IN THE CENTRE OF A TOWN.

IN REPLY TO THE HON. ALEX WU ON PLANS AND FACILITIES IN THESE TOWN CENTRES, HE SAID SPACE WOULD, OF COURSE, BE SET ASIDE FOR CULTURAL AND CIVIC BUILDINGS.

HE RECALLED THAT IN 1973, THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS INFORMED THAT NO BUILDINGS IN THIS RANGE WOULD BE PUT FORWARD IN THE ABSENCE OF APPROVED POLICY.

+A MEMORANDUM IS THEREFORE IN PROCESS OF PREPARATION FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON GENERAL POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION OF CULTURAL FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES GENERALLY, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE NEW TOWNS.+

MR. AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE AGAINST THIS OVERALL POLICY ENDORSEMENT THAT INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS WOULD ENTER THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME. +BUT CONSTRUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS WILL OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO FOLLOW AN APPROVED POLICY AND KEEP IN STEP WITH THE NEEDS OF EACH TOWN COMMUNITY INSOFAR AS OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES WILL PERMIT,+ HE SAID.

-----0------

FIRST LADY CLERK TO LEGCO *****

• BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING WAS ADJOURNED THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, ON BEHALF OF ALL THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THANKED THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL, MR. KENNETH WHEELER, FOR HIS HELP AND •COURTESY DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.

MR. WHEELER WILL SHORTLY PROCEED ON OVERSEAS LEAVE AND WILL TAKE UP A NEW APPOINTMENT ON RETURN.

i DR. CHUNG ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME MRS. LOLLY TSE, THE FIRST LADY CLERK TO THE COUNCIL.

HE SAID HE WAS SURE MRS. TSE WOULD BE ABLE TO +DEMONSTRATE THE EQUALITY OF THE SEXES, AT LEAST IN HER PERFORMANCE OF THE DUTIES OF THAT OFF ICE.+

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

LICENSING SYSTEM FOR CYCLISTS TO BE CONSIDERED

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CLOSELY MONITOR CYCLE ACCIDENTS OVER THE MONTHS AHEAD AND THEN CONSIDER THE USEFULNESS OF SETTING UP A LICENSING SYSTEM FOR EITHER CYCLISTS OR BICYCLES OR BOTH, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON SAID TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. ROBSON SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT, HOWEVER, DID NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY, AT THE PRESENT MOMENT, TO REGISTER OR LICENSE CYCLISTS, OR TO INTRODUCE OTHER CONTROLS TO PREVENT AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING BICYCLES.

WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE INCREASING NUMBER OF CYCLISTS INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT A LICENSING SYSTEM WOULD ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING OFFENDERS, HE SAID THESE ACCIDENTS SEEMED TO BE CAUSED MAINLY BY THE LATTER’S INEXPERIENCE RATHER THAN THEIR DISREGARD FOR THE LAW.

THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM, HE ADDED, WAS TO INCREASE THE EDUCATION AND INSTRUCTION TO CYCLISTS BY THE POLICE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION.

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EFFECT'OF AIRCRAFT NOISE ON SCHOOLS ******

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT AIRCRAFT NOISE OVER KOWLOON CITY DID NOT SERIOUSLY INTERFERE WITH TUITION IN SCHOOLS IN THE AREA.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS ON THE EFFECT OF SUCH NOISE ON SCHOOLS, MR. TOPLEY SAID THERE WERE 57 SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE AIRCRAFT NOISE DID DISTURB TUITION.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THE MATTER WAS CONSIDERED IN SOME DETAIL BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION LAST YEAR AND IT WAS ESTABLISHED THAT THE DURATION OF DISTURBANCE FROM FLIGHT-PATH NOISE WAS ABOUT 18 MINUTES PER DAY, MOST OF THIS IN THE AFTERNOON.

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/1U.....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

.14-

SUFFICIENT AMBULANCES TO MEET DEMAND ******

THE NUMBER OF AMBULANCES IN THE AMBULANCES DIVISION OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS SUFFICIENT TO MEET EXISTING DEMAND, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. F.K. LI, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG, HE SAID: +AT THE END OF 1975, THERE WERE 91 AMBULANCES, OF WHICH 74 WERE OPERATIONAL AND 17 WERE FOR RESERVE AND TRAINING PURPOSES. EIGHT NEW AMBULANCES HAVE JUST BEEN DELIVERED AND TWO OF THESE ARE RESERVE VEHICLES.*

MR. LI SAID THERE WERE 19 VACANCIES IN THE APPROVED ESTABLISHMENT OF 488 FOR THE OPERATIONAL AMBULANCES, AND 37 ADDITIONAL POSTS WERE BEING SOUGHT FOR THE NEWLY ARRIVED VEHICLES.

+ACTION IS NOW IN HAND TO RECRUIT ADDITIONAL STAFF TO FILL THE EXISTING 19 VACANCIES AND FOR THE ANTICIPATED 37 NEW POSTS,* HE ADDED.

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BILLS PASSED * * *

SIX BILLS, INCLUDING THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, PASSED THROUGH THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE OTHER BILLS PASSED WERE THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE STAMP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AND THE PROBATION OF OFFENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.

THREE OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING. THEY WERE THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1976.

DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

LEGAL AID APPLICATIONS

LIMIT OF DISPOSABLE INCOME TO BE RAISED

******

THE GOVERNMENT AGREES THAT THE MAXIMUM LIMITS OF DISPOSABLE INCOME AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL USED IN THE MEANS TEST FOR LEGAL AID APPLICATIONS IN CIVIL CASES OUGHT TO BE RAISED, BOTH TO KEEP PACE WITH A GENERAL INCREASE IN THE..LEVEL OF WAGES AND ALSO TO MAKE MORE PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE.

THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY IN REPLY TO THE HON. MISS KO SIU-WAH WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RAISE THESE LIMITS.

+HOWEVER,+ HE ADDED, +THIS DESIRABLE OBJECTIVE HAS TO BE CONSIDERED AGAINST CONFLICTING CLAIMS ON THE RESOURCES OF THE GOVERNMENT.+

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE LIMITS FOR CIVIL CASES WERE INCREASED IN 1972 TO $700 A MONTH FOR DISPOSABLE INCOME, AND $4,000 FOR DISPOSABLE CAPITAL.

FOR CRIMINAL CASES AND APPEALS, HE SAID THE LIMIT OF MONTHLY DISPOSABLE INCOME WAS AT PRESENT $1,500. AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL $10,000. +IT IS NOT PROPOSED AT PRESENT TIME TO ALTER THESE LIMITS.*

> ----0-----

RECOMMENDATIONS BY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO HKTC

******

GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID TODAY.

IN PARTICULAR, HE SAID A PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME HAD NOW BEEN AGREED WITH THE TELEPHONE COMPANY AND A REPORT WOULD SHORTLY BE MADE TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.

IN REPLY TO THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, HE PROMISED THAT A FULL STATEMENT ON THE POSITION WOULD BE MADE TO THE COUNCIL WITHIN ONE MONTH.

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/16......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

SWIMMING POOLS FOR N.T. TOWNS ******

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WOULD BE BUILT IN SHA TIN BY 1980 AND ANOTHER ONE IN TUEN MUN BY 1982.

AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THERE WAS ALREADY A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WITH A TOTAL OF SEVEN POOLS IN TSUEN WAN, BUILT WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, AND +THE DEVELOPMENT PROVIDES FOR OTHER POOLS ELSEWHERE IN THE TOWN AS THE POPULATION RISES TO 850,000+.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. Q.W. LEE. MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE FUNDAMENTAL AIM OF EACH NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WAS TO PROVIDE A BALANCE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

SWIMMING POOLS, HE ADDED, WERE ONE OF THE AMENITY ITEMS INCLUDED WITHIN EACH PROGRAMME, TO BE PROVIDED IN STEP WITH THE BUILD-UP IN POPULATION.

+PLANNING STANDARDS PROVIDE FOR ONE FULL SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR 500,000 PEOPLE, AND ALLOWANCE HAS BEEN MADE ON THAT SCALE IN OUR TOWN PLANS.+

REFERRING TO THE OLDER TOWNS. MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THERE WERE AT PRESENT ITEMS FOR SWIMMING POOLS INCLUDED WITHIN THE WORKS PROGRAMME AT FANLING, YUEN LONG AND TAI PO.

HE SAID HE PERSONALLY SHOULD LIKE TO SEE PRIORITY BEING GIVEN TO FANLING AND ACCORDINGLY HE HAD SUGGESTED RECENTLY THAT THE ITEM IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FOR THE FANLING POOL BE UPGRADED TO ENABLE DETAILED PLANNING TO START.

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/17......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

DETENTION OF VEHICLES FOR INSPECTION

M M M M M M

STAFF SHORTAGE AND LIMITED FACILITIES ARE THE MAJOR CAUSES FOK DELAY IN INSPECTING VEHICLES DETAINED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND USE) REGULATIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT 51 VEHICLES WERE BEING DETAINED FOR INSPECTION AT THE VEHICLE POUND ON MAY 5 AND THAT THEY HAD BEEN THERE FOR PERIODS OF UP TO 16 DAYS.

ADMITTING THAT THERE WAS A DELAY, MR. ROBSON SAID MANY OF THE 51 VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN FATAL OR SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENTS OR WERE SUSPECTED OF BEING DEFECTIVE. '

AT PRESENT, THE THREE MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTORS SECONDED FOR DUTY WITH THE POLICE WERE INSUFFICIENT IN NUMBER TO DEAL WITH THE INCREASING VOLUME OF VEHICLE INSPECTIONS REQUIRED.

+THREE ADDITIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTOR POSTS WERE APPROVED IN DECEMBER 1973 BUT THESE HAVE YET TO BE FILLED. THERE IS ALSO A LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WHICH CAN BE INSPECTED AT EXISTING FACILITIES IN POLICE POUNDS,* HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO MR. BREMRIDGE’S SECOND QUESTION ON THE POSSIBILITY OF REDUCING THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED PERIOD OF DETENTION TO 18 HOURS, MR. ROBSON SAID HE COULD HOLD OUT NO PROMISE UNTIL THE POLICE HAD ITS FULL COMPLEMENT OF VEHICLE INSPECTORS AND IMPROVED VEHICLE INSPECTION FACILITIES.

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AMENDMENTS TO ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE ******

DRAFT LEGISLATION PROPOSING TO AMEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO FOLLOW THE UNITED KINGDOM PROCEDURE OF DISPENSING WITH THE MANDATORY ISSUE OF NOTICES OF INTENDED PROSECUTION AFTER A ROAD ACCIDENT IS BEING PREPARED, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, DISCLOSED TODAY.

IT IS EXPECTED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, HE SAID IN REPLY TO THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

+IF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT IS APPROVED, IT IS HOPED THAT THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED THIS SESSION,* MR. THORNTON ADDED.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976 - 18 -

TOPLEY TO OPEN. EXHIBITION

* M * * * * ■

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY WILL OPEN A SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT EXHIBITION IN THE HALL OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON FRIDAY MORNING.

THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION IS TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH A VARIETY OF CURRICULUM MATERIALS PRODUCED BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS RELATED TO THE TEACHING OF SOCIAL STUDIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.

AMONG THE EXHIBITS TO BE DISPLAYED ARE SLIDES, FILMS, CASSETTE TAPES, PHOTOGRAPHS, DIAGRAMS, TEACHERS’ GUIDES AND PUPILS’ WORK.

HEADS AND TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTING SOCIAL STUDIES ON A MONITORED AND VOLUNTARY BASIS ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION BETWEEN 11 A.M. AND 12 NOON ON THE FIRST DAY.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SEE THE EXHIBITS ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND THE WHOLE OF SATURDAY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY COVERED AT 11 A.M. ON FRIDAY.

GOVERNOR TO VISIT ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE ******

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG ISLAND AREA HEADQUARTERS OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND BRIGADE AT 2, TAI HANG ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/AND PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.

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/19

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

19 -

WATER SUPPLIES TO VILLAGES

* * * * * *

MORE VILLAGES IN REMOTE AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE TO BE PROVIDED WITH PIPED WATER SUPPLY DURING THE NEXT TWO YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, ANNOUNCED TODAY.

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. MCDONALD SAID WORKS HAD ALREADY BEGUN ON A TWO-YEAR PROGRAMME TO EXTEND MAINS WATER SUPPLIES TO ADDITIONAL VILLAGES IN THE SHA TIN, TA IPO, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG AREAS.

+CONS(DERATION IS NOW BEING GIVEN TO A FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE SCHEME TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES TO OTHER SMALLER VILLAGES NOT AT PRESENT COVERED BY THE PROGRAMME ITEM,+ HE ADDED.

MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT WORK ON THE CURRENT PROGRAMME BEGAN IN MID-APRIL AND WAS PROGRAMMED FOR IMPLEMENTATION OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRIORITIES SET BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

+THE WORKS,* HE SAID, +WILL PROVIDE PUBLIC STANDPIPE SUPPLIES AND WILL MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR INDIVIDUALLY METERED HOUSE CONNECTIONS FOR EACH VILLAGE INCLUDED IN THE SCHEME.*

ALLOCATION OF FORM I PLACES * * * * *

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE ALLOCATION OF FORM I PLACES FOLLOWING THE RECENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION WILL BE HELD AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, THIRD FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

AMONG THOSE SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (EXAMINATIONS), MR. BASIL BOARD, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY), MR. LAM TAT-LAU.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - 0 - -

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

OVER 3,000 FIRE CALLS IN FIRST QUARTER ....................1

OPENING OF PWD’S NEW PHOTOGRAMMETRIC UNIT ................ 2

MORE FORM I PLACES TO BE ALLOCATED ....................... 3

PRESS CONFERENCE ON ETV .................................. 4

FOURTEEN COUNTRIES TO ATTEND CUSTOMS CONFERENCE IN HK .. 5

SHA TIN LAND SOLD FOR $66.5 MILLION ...................... 6

HELP FOR RECREATIONAL CLUBS .............................. 7

TALKS ON OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING FACILITIES FOR HONG KONG 8

CLOSURE OF ACCESS ROAD ................................... 8

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TUEN MUN .......................... 9

PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS DONATE BLOOD ................. 9

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

OVER 3,000 FIRE CALLS IN FIRST QUARTER * X X X X X X-

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANSWERED MORE THAN 3,000 FIRE CALLS DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY.

THIS REPRESENTS AN ALMOST TWO-FOLD INCREASE AS COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR WHEN 1,655 FIRES WERE RECORDED.

♦SOMETIMES WE RESPONDED TO 60 OR 70 FIRES IN A DAY,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE TO EXERCISE EVERY PRECAUTION AGAINST FIRES AT HOME, AT WORK AND IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.

THE 3,000 FIRES WHICH BROKE OUT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR INCLUDED 2,516 FIRST ALARM FIRES, 60 SECOND ALARMS, 17 THIRD ALARMS, FOUR FOURTH ALARMS, ONE FIFTH ALARM AND 429 FALSE ALARMS.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE FIRST ALARM IS THE FIRST CALL TO ANY FIRE OTHER THAN A GRASS FIRE, A KNOWN SMALL FIRE OR AN ELECTRIC FIRE.

SPECIFIC PLACES, SUCH AS HOSPITALS, THEATRES AND PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY WHICH HAVE A HIGH RISK ARE ACCORDED THE SECOND ALARM.

THE THIRD ALARM IS RAISED FOR INITIAL CALLS TO ALL SQUATTER AREAS AND FOR A FIRE WHICH CANNOT BE EFFECTIVELY DEALT WITH BY THE INITIAL ATTENDANCE AND IN WHICH A BUILDING NOT HIGHER THAN FIVE STOREYS IS INVOLVED.

THE FOURTH ALARM IS RAISED WHEN ANY FIRE IN WHICH LIVES ARE IN DANGER- ANY FIRE WHICH BY VIRTUE OF ITS EXTENT, COMPLEXITY, OR POTENTIAL OR SPECIAL HAZARD REQUIRES ADDITIONAL APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR PERSONNEL, OVER AND ABOVE A THIRD ALARM RESPONSE-AND ANY FIRE WHICH CANNOT BE EFFECTIVELY DEALT WITH BY THE INITIAL-ATTENDANCE AND WHICH IS HIGHER THAN FIVE STOREYS.

THE FIFTH ALARM IS USED TO INDICATE ANY FIRE WHICH IS SPREADING RAPIDLY, OUT OF CONTROL, AND OBVIOUSLY BEYOND THE RESOURCES OF A FOURTH ALARM ATTENDANCE.

THERE IS ALSO A DISASTER ALARM AND THIS IS RAISED WHEN A WIDESPREAD INCIDENT, OR SERIES OF SIMULTANEOUS INCIDENTS ARE LIKELY TO ENGAGE THE ENTIRE RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR A PROTRACTED PERIOD, POSSIBLY PERHAPS REQUIRING THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MILITARY AND OTHER EMERGENCY UNITS.

/THIS .....

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

THIS ALARM, HOWEVER, MAY ONLY BE INITIATED ON THE INSTRUCTION OF THE DIRECTOR OR DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OR AT THE PERSONAL REQUEST OF A SENIOR FIRE OFFICER.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO DISCLOSED THAT DURING THE SAME THREE-MONTH PERIOD, THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE DEPARTMENT DEALT WITH NEARLY 35,200 EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY CALLS, AN AVERAGE OF OVER 380 CALLS A DAY. THE FIGURE FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR WAS 27,660.

ADDITIONALLY, FIREMEN HANDLED 783 SPECIAL SERVICE CASES, INCLUDING TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, PEOPLE TRAPPED IN LIFTS, DROWNINGS, GAS LEAKAGE, ETC.

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OPENING OF PWD’S NEW PHOTOGRAMMETRIC UNIT

K K * M *

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S NEW PHOTOGRAMMETRIC UNIT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED AT 4 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF LA-NDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT, MR. IVOR STANTON.

THE UNIT, HOUSED IN THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FORMS PART OF THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE AND NOW MAKES HONG KONG COMPLETELY SELF-SUFFICIENT IN THE MAPPING OF ITS TERRITORY.

IT IS EQUIPPED WITH SOPHISTICATED NEW MACHINERY WHICH PRODUCE THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES OF TOPOGRAPHICAL DETAILS FROM AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE AREAS TO BE MAPPED, ENABLING CARTOGRAPHERS TO ACCURATELY PLOT DETAILS WITHIN ONE-HUNDREDTH OF A MILLIMETRE. PREVIOUSLY SUCH PLOTTING HAD TO BE DONE OVERSEAS.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE , OPENING CEREMONY. AFTER THE CEREMONY, GUESTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF TOURING THE UNIT AND SEE THE NEW EQUIPMENT IN OPERATION. THERE WILL ALSO BE A BRIEF FILM ON PHOTOGRAMMETRY --THE SCIENCE OF PLOTTING MAPS FROM AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS.

OFFICIAL TRANSPORT (AM2173 AND AM2174) WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PWD HEADQUARTERS, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE UNIT AND BACK.

THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE PODIUM CARPARK OF MURRAY BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 3.15 P.M. TOMORROW.

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/3......

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

MORE FORM 1 PLACES TO BE ALLOCATED ******

ABOUT 62,400 FORM 1 PLACES ARE TO BE ALLOCATED TO CANDIDATES WHO TOOK THE RECENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (EXAMINATIONS), MR. BASIL BOARD SAID TO-DAY.

+THIS MEANS THAT ANOTHER 13,900 PUPILS WILL GAIN FORM 1 PLACES, COMPARED WITH 48,554 PLACES ALLOCATED IN 1975,+ HE SAID.

OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 62,400 FORM 1 PLACES, 39,300 ARE THREE-YEAR AND 23,100 ARE FIVE-YEAR PLACES.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHITE PAPER POLICY, SOME OF THE ADDITIONAL THREE-YEAR PLACES ARE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THE REMAINDER OF THE ADDITIONAL THREE-YEAR PLACES WILL BE +BOUGHT+ IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

MR. BOARD SAID THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF THREE-YEAR PLACES AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION THIS YEAR SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 32 PER CENT AND THAT FOR FIVE-YEAR PLACES WOULD BE AN INCREASE OF AT LEAST 22 PER CENT. THE OVERALL INCREASE IS ABOUT 28-1/2 PER CENT.

HE TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT LISTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THE PARENTS’ CHOICE OF SCHOOLS FORMS WERE BEING ISSUED TO ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PARENTS OF CANDIDATES WHO SAT THE RECENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION.

MR. BOARD EXPLAINED THAT CANDIDATES ALLOCATED THE ADDITIONAL TYPE OF THREE-YEAR PLACES WILL RECEIVE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION (I.E. F.l/M.l TO F.3/M.3) IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS. ON COMPLETION OF THE THREE YEARS’ COURSE, THESE PUPILS WILL NOT NORMALLY BE ABLE TO PROCEED TO F.4/M.4 IN THE SAME SCHOOL OR IN ANY OTHER SCHOOL OR IN ANY OTHER SCHOOL OF THIS TYPE. PARENTS SHOULD TAKE THIS POINT INTO ACCOUNT WHEN MAKING THEIR CHOICES.

EACH OF THE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS OFFERING FIVE-YEAR PLACES AS WELL AS THREE-YEAR PLACES HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TWO DIFFERENT SCHOOL CODES FOR IDENTIFICATION. PARENTS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE PUT DOWN THE CORRECT SCHOOL CODE. THESE PLACES, LIKE THE THREE-YEAR ASSISTED PLACES IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ARE FOR CANDIDATES PLACED IN THE ’Y’ BLOCKS. (BUT ANY BLOCK ’X’ CANDIDATES WHOSE PARENTS HAVE INCLUDED ANY GOVERNMENT OR AIDED THREE-YEAR PLACES INTO THEIR FIRST TEN CHOICES MAY ALSO BE ALLOCATED SUCH PLACES- AND ANY RESIDUAL PLACES AT THE END OF BLOCK ’Y’ MAIN ALLOCATION WILL BE OFFERED TO THE REST OF THE CANDIDATES, BEARING IN MIND THEIR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS AND TYPES OF SCHOOL PREFERRED.)

ANY CANDIDATES ALLOCATED THESE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED THREE-YEAR PLACES WHO SEEK TRANSFER TO PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH THREE-YEAR ASSISTED PLACES WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO SCHOOL FEE ASSISTANCE IF ADMITTED TO SUCH PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

/THi TOTAL .....

THURSDAY, MAY 1J, 1976

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FIVE-YEAR PLACES AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION THIS YEAR WILL BE AT LEAST 22,800 COMPARED WITH 18,719 IN 1975. THE INCREASE INCLUDES PLACES FROM THREE NEW AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND 36 SCHOOLS WHICH WERE FORMERLY ASSISTED PRIVATE BUT ARE BEING BROUGHT ONTO SUBSIDY. THERE REMAIN ABOUT 30 PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH FIVE-YEAR ASSISTED PLACES, BUT THE NUMBER OF BOUGHT FIVE-YEAR ASSISTED PLACES WILL BE 300 ONLY. IN VIEW OF THIS COMPARATIVELY SMALL NUMBER, PARENTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO RELY HEAVILY ON THIS CATEGORY OF PLACE.

THE LAYOUT OF THE LISTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAS BEEN SLIGHTLY MODIFIED. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN INCLUDED TO HELP PARENTS MAKE THEIR CHOICES. THIS INCLUDES THE 1975 ALLOCATION FIGURES ON MOST SCHOOLS WITH FIVE-YEAR PLACES, AND EXPLANATORY NOTES ON SOME SPECIAL TERMS AND CERTAIN TYPES OF SCHOOL WHICH MAY BE UNFAMILIAR TO PARENTS.

AREA EDUCATION OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY DIVISION WILL HOLD BRIEFING MEETINGS WITH HEADS OF ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WHO WILL IN TURN BE ASKED TO ORGANISE MEETINGS TO ADVISE PARENTS.

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PRESS CONFERENCE ON ETV * M M K

NOTE TO EDITORS

THE DIRECTOR

... „ OP EDUCATION INVITES YOU TO A PRESS CONFERENCE

ON EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT 10 A.M.

TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

..... COURTESY OF THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN BROADCAST DRIVE WHERE THE COLOUR TELEVISION CAMERAS, WHICH WILL BE USED FOR ETV FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WILL BE ON DISPLAY.

PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. COLVYN HAYE- THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ETV), MR. SUN PING-SHU- THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. JAMES HAWTHORNE AND THE CONTROLLER OF TELEVISION (RTHK), MR. DONALD KERR.

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• /5

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

- 5 -

FOURTEEN COUNTRIES TO ATTEND CUSTOMS CONFERENCE HERE ******

MORE THAN 25 SENIOR CUSTOMS OFFICIALS FROM 14 COUNTRIES WILL BE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG NEXT WEEK TO ATTEND A SEVEN-DAY CUSTOMS CONFERENCE SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG PREVENTIVE SERVICE AND THE UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE.

THE PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE, WHICH STARTS ON MAY 17, IS TO DISCUSS TOPICS OF MUTUAL INTEREST WITH SOME EMPHASIS ON ANTI-NARCOTICS-WORK- TO CONSIDER WAYS OF IMPROVING INTERNAL MANAGEMENT AND CONTROLS AND TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AMONG CUSTOMS SERVICES.

THE COUNTRIES AND TERRITORY WHOSE REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE ARE : AUSTRALIA, BURMA. CANADA, INDIA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, HONG KONG, SOUTH KOREA, MALAYSIA, NEW ZEALAND, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA, THAILAND AND THE UNITED STATES.

THE CONFERENCE IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG. TOPICS WHICH THE DELEGATES WILL DISCUSS INCLUDE BORDER OPERATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, ORGANISED CRIME, TRAFFICKING ROUTES, INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS, TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND PRINCIPLES OF ORGANISATION.

THE MAIN SPEAKERS AND SPECIALISTS WILL BE FROM HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES.

THE CONFERENCE WILL BE OPENED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF PREVENTIVE SERVICE, MR. DAVID JORDAN.

MR. NORMAN W. GETSINGER, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL OFFICER, UNITED STATES CONSULATE GENERAL, HONG KONG, WILL MAKE SOME OPENING REMARKS.

NOTE TO EDITORS :

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY, MAY 17 AT 9.30 A.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL.

TELEVISION AND RADIO CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLIER SO THAT THEY MIGHT SET UP THEIR CAMERAS AND MICROPHONES BEFORE THE CEREMONY STARTS.

THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, MR. GERRY XAVIER, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST YOUR REPRESENTATIVE.

THE DISCUSSION MEETINGS WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PRESS, BUT A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE END OF THE SEVEN-DAY CONFERENCE, AND YOU WILL BE INFORMED OF THE TIME AND PLACE AS SOON AS THESE ARE FIXED.

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

- 6

SHA TIN LAND SOLD FOR $66.5 M

* * M K

AN AREA OF SEABED IN SHA TIN COVE, WHICH IS TO BE RECLAIMED AND DEVELOPED FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, HAS BEEN SOLD TO SHU I HING INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED AND YICK FUNG ESTATES LIMITED FOR $66.5 MILLION.

THE AREA TOTALS 20 ACRES, OF WHICH NFNE ACRES ARE TO BE HANDED BACK TO GOVERNMENT AFTER RECLAMATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR USE TO BUILD ROADS AND PROVIDE OPEN SPACES. THE BALANCE WILL BE RETAINED BY THE DEVELOPER.

TENDERS CLOSED LAST FRIDAY (MAY 7), BY WHICH TIME A TOTAL OF SEVEN HAD BEEN RECEIVED. THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A COMMITTEE SET UP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TO CONSIDER THE TENDERS WERE APPROVED BY THE CENTRAL BOARD.

MR. DAVID WILKINSON, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, SAID THE PRICE OBTAINED FOR THE LAND WAS GOOD AND REFLECTED +CONSIDERABLE CONFIDENCE ON THE PART OF PRIVATE BUILDERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.*

HE ADDED: +IT IS INDICATIVE OF THE CO-OPERATION NOW TAKING PLACE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO SECURE EARLY COMPLETION OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.*

MR. WILKINSON SAID THE PROJECT WOULD MAKE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE PROVISION OF HOMES IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN. IT WOULD ALSO, HE SAID, PROVIDE A VARIETY OF AMENITIES TO SERVE BOTH THE RESIDENTS OF THE PROPOSED ESTATE AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

THE TENDER CONDITIONS INCLUDE A BUILDING COVENANT FOR $65 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED BY THE END OF 1982. A LEASE WILL BE SIGNED BY GOVERNMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWO COMPANIES NEXT WEDNESDAY (MAY 19).

- - 0 -

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

HELP FOR RECREATIONAL CLUBS *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS DELIGHTED TO HELP RECREATIONAL CLUBS WITH ABLE AND DEVOTED LEADERS AND A POLICY OF ENCOURAGING FULL MEMBERSHIP, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. DENIS BRAY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SOUTH CHINA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION’S MULTI-STOREY SPORTS CENTRE, HE SAID: +A COMBINATION OF A LITTLE GOVERNMENT HELP WITH MUCH ENTHUSIASM AND DEVOTION BY CLUB MEMBERS, OFFER AN EXCELLENT WAY TO BRING MORE AND MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO PEOPLE WHO WILL ENJOY USING THEM.+

MR. BRAY SAID THERE MIGHT BE THREE WAYS TO PROVIDE MORE FACILITIES, MORE ORGANISED EVENTS AND MORE RECREATIONAL OPENINGS.

THEY WERE FIRSTLY, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES (THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT) WITH FEES CHARGED IN SOME CASES- SECONDLY, COMMERCIAL FACILITIES WHERE THE OPERATOR PROVIDES A SERVICE FOR AN ECONOMIC RETURN AND LASTLY, NON-PROFIT MAKING CLUBS WHERE MEMBERS PAY FOR WHAT THEY GET BUT MANAGEMENT IS PROVIDED FREE BY THE MEMBERS THEMSELVES.

ALL THREE METHODS, HE ADDED, HAD A ROLE TO PLAY.

HOWEVER, HE BELIEVED THAT CLUBS WERE IN MANY CASES THE BEST WAY TO PROVIDE AND RUN FACILITIES BECAUSE THEY COULD DO THIS ECONOMICALLY IF THEY HAD SUFFICIENT ABLE, ENERGETIC AND DEVOTED MEMBERS TO RUN THEM.

IN ADDITION, MR. BRAY SAID A CLUB COULD GET FREE OR CHEAP LAND AND IT COULD APPEAL FOR DONATIONS BECAUSE +EVERYONE KNOWS NOBODY IS MAKING A PRIVATE PROFIT FROM IT+.

BUT HE STRESSED THAT CLUBS SHOULD NOT BE EXCLUSIVE OR RESTRICTIVE IF THEIR FACILITIES WERE TO BE FULLY USED.

+THEY SHOULD ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE PROBABLY LESS ABLE TO AFFORD FULL SUBSCRIPTIONS. THEY SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS THEY FOSTER AND PROMOTE FRIENDLY COMPETITION WITH OTHER CLUBS,+ HE ADDED.

o --------

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976

MR. PORTER TO VISIT EUROPEAN COUNTRIES *****

MR. ROY PORTER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, IS TO PAY A TWO-WEEK VISIT TO WEST GERMANY AND SWITZERLAND FOR TALKS WITH INDUSTRIALISTS IN THE TWO COUNTRIES ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG.

THE VISIT. BEGINNING TOMORROW (FRIDAY), WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF MAY. IT IS ONE OF A SERIES OF INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION VISITS OVERSEAS ORGANISED THIS YEAR BY THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.

MR. PORTER WILL VISIT HAMBURG, FRANKFURT, DUSSELDORF, STUTTGART, ZURICH AND GENEVA.

DURING HIS STAY IN THESE CITIES, HE WILL MEET BOARD MEMBERS OR SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF COMPANIES LARGELY IN THE LIGHT AND MEDIUMHEAVY ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES AND RELATED HIGH QUALITY SUPPORT AND SERVICING INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS METAL CASTING, FORGING, TOOL AND DIE-MAKING ETC.

HE WILL ALSO SPEAK TO GROUPS OF INDUSTRIALISTS AT SEMINARS AND MEET GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

CLOSURE OF ACCESS ROAD * * * *

THE SECTION OF ROAD RUNNING ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, ACCESS TO WHICH IS GAINED FROM COTTON TREE DRIVE NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH LAMBETH PATH WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH SPECIAL PERMITS.

THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 7 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE ROAD IS RESTRICTED TO VEHICLES SERVICING THE BUILDING.

_____o------

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1976 - 9 -

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TUEN MUN

******

THE SECTION OF PUI TO ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR SEVEN DAYS STARTING FROM 10 O’CLOCK TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY ROAD WORKS NECESSITATED BY LEAKAGE OF A WATER MAIN.

MOTORISTS ENTERING TUEN MUN ARE ADVISED TO USE KEI TAI ROAD INSTEAD OF PUI TO ROAD.

KMB ROUTES 53 AND 59 OPERATING TO AND FROM THE TERMINUS IN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD WILL OPERATE VIA KEI TAI ROAD INSTEAD OF PUI TO ROAD.

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

-----o------

PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS DONATE BLOOD

* * * *

FORTY-SEVEN ASSISTANT REVENUE OFFICERS TODAY (THURSDAY) DONATED SOME 45 PINTS OF BLOOD IN RESPONSE TO AN APPEAL BY THE HONG KONG RED CROSS.

THE DONATION TOOK PLACE AT THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

OFFICERS UNDERGOING TRAINING IN THE SCHOOL HAVE DONATED BLOOD TO THE RED CROSS IN THE PAST YEARS.

ANOTHER DONATION IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE IN JULY.

------o---------

S PRM 7

|gis| |«M

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMISSION ON CERTIFICATED MASTER PUBLISHED ......................................... 1

ETV TO PRODUCE COLOUR PROGRAMMES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS 5

EXPORT OF MARINE FISH MAY COME UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTROL 7

PWD’S PHOTOGRAMMETRIC UNIT FILLS MISSING LINK IN AERIAL SURVEY MAPPING ............................. 8

EMPLOYERS URGED TO USE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ........ 10

NEW CLOCK SYSTEM FOR AIRPORT ......../............ 11

PLAN TO PROVIDE NEW TOWNS WITH SECONDARY SCHOOLS . 12

ADVICE ON HEALTH MEASURES TO PREVENT GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ......................................... 13

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 15

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMISSION ON CERTIFICATED MASTERS PUBLISHED ******

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE ITS CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND TO IMPROVE TEACHERS’ PROMOTION PROSPECTS. THESE MOVES GIVE EFFECT TO RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON CERTIFICATED MASTERS, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED TODAY.

THE COMMISSION, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR. T.K. ANN, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO EXAMINE AND REPORT ON THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF THE CERTIFICATED MASTERS DISPUTE.

THE REPORT CONCLUDED THAT +LACK OF COMMUNICATION+ WAS A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE DISPUTE AND SAID THAT IF ADEQUATE CHANNELS OF CONSULTATION AND NEGOTIATION HAD BEEN AVAILABLE AND FULLY UTILISED, THE SITUATION NEED NOT HAVE BECOME AS +UNPLEASANT AND INTRACTABLE+ AS IT DID.

IT RECOMMENDED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT EXAMINE CRITICALLY ITS RELATIONSHIP AND CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION BOTH WITH ITS OFFICERS AND WITH SUPERVISORS AND PRINCIPALS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS RECOMMENDATION, A DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL HAS BEEN SET UP IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THE COUNCIL HAS HELD 12 MEETINGS SINCE IT WAS REACTIVATED IN MARCH 1975.

COMMENTING ON THE NEED TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION ., A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WILL BE TAKING STEPS TO CONSULT SCHOOLS’ COUNCILS AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING A STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE AIDED SCHOOLS WHICH WOULD INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH THE SCHOOLS’ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND THEIR TEACHERS.

THE AIDED SCHOOLS’ STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL WOULD HAVE THE TASK OF PROVIDING A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL MANAGEMENT BODIES, THE STAFF THEY EMPLOY AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

IMPROVED PROMOTION PROSPECTS

THE REPORT RECOMMENDS IMPROVED OPPORTUNITIES FOR CERTIFICATED MASTERS TO BE PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT MASTER. THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN INCREASED NUMBER OF ASSISTANT MASTER POSTS, TO BE OCCUPIED BY HEAD TEACHERS OF SMALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND BY MASTERS IN THE LARGER PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHO MANAGE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

/THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN VIEW OF THE EXISTING SURPLUS OF TEACHING POSTS IN THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SECTOR, WHICH HAS ARISEN FROM THE DECLINING POPULATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS, IMPLEMENTATION • OF THE NEW MANNING SCALES WOULD NOT REQUIRE THE CREATION OF ANY MORE ASSISTANT MASTER POSTS IN THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SECTOR. IN THE AIDED SECTOR, WHERE THE MAJORITY OF NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS ARE EMPLOYED, THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE OF 509 IN THE NUMBER OF ASSISTANT MASTER POSTS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THIS WILL SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS OF THESE TEACHERS. IN ADDITION, THE PLANNED EXPANSION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION ON THE LINES OF THE WHITE PAPER WILL ALSO IMPROVE THE PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS IN BOTH THE AIDED AND THE GOVERNMENT SECTORS.

TURNING TO THE PROPOSED CREATION OF A NEW RANK OF SENIOR CERTIFICATED MASTER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT ACCEPT THIS RECOMMENDATION. THE EXTENDED SALARY SCALE FOR CERTIFICATED MASTERS HAD BEEN REVISED IN 1973 TO PROVIDE A HIGHER MAXIMUM POINT WHICH WOULD BENEFIT ALL THOSE REACHING THE' TOP OF THE CERTIFICATED MASTER SCALE, NOT MERELY THE SMALLER NUMBER WHO WOULD HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THE PROPOSAL FOR A SENIOR RANK.

IMPROVED CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

EIGHT OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS DEALING WITH IMPROVEMENTS TO CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ARE SUPPORTED. THEY ARE: -

INTRODUCTION OF UNIFORM PROMOTION

PROCEDURES FOR TEACHERS

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SUPPORTS THIS BUT CANNOT ALTER THE PROCEDURE UNILATERALLY. SINCE ANY CHANGE WILL NEED TO BE WORKED OUT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE MAJOR SPONSORING BODIES, THIS RECOMMENDATION MUST BE REFERRED TO THE AIDED SCHOOLS’ STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL.

STANDARDISATION OF DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

IN AIDED SCHOOLS

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES ARE ALREADY LAID DOWN IN THE CODES OF AID, BUT THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAS ALREADY CONTACTED THE AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNCILS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THEM. THE DIRECTOR WILL ALSO CONSULT THE AIDED SCHOOLS’ STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL ON THIS MATTER.

REDUCTION IN THE SIZE OF PRIMARY CLASSES

THE AVERAGE SIZE OF THE CLASSES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IS ALREADY ABOUT 40, THE FIGURE RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMISSION.

/•STRICTER PROMOTION

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

STRICTER PROMOTION OF PUPILS

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FAVOURS A FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO THE PRESENT MAXIMUM FIGURE OF 6 PER CENT OF CHILDREN IN A SCHOOL BEING PERMITTED TO REPEAT A YEAR IF NECESSARY.

PROVISION OF CLERICAL SUPPORT

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS THIS RECOMMENDATION IN PRINCIPLE, AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF OTHER PRIORITIES.

CONDITIONS IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS

THE USE OF SUB-STANDARD ACCOMMODATION IN RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS AND ON ROOF-TOPS IS BEING REDUCED AS NEW PURPOSE-BUILT SCHOOLS BECOME AVAILABLE AND AS THE PRIMARY SCHOOL POPULATION FALLS.

PROVISION OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

A VIGOROUS PROGRAMME OF SEMINARS AND REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS IS MOUNTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. IN-SERVICE COURSES OF TRAINING FOR MORE THAN 500 UNDER-QUALIFIED TEACHERS ARE MOUNTED ANNUALLY AND THE THIRD-YEAR COURSES AT COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ARE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE CAREER PROSPECTS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.

TRANSFER PROCEDURES

THIS RECOMMENDATION CALLS FOR IMPROVED POSTING AND TRANSFER PROCEDURES WITHIN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS TO AVOID CAUSING UNDUE HARDSHIP TO TEACHERS. THE DEPARTMENT IS REVIEWING THIS ASPECT OF ITS PROCEDURES. AN AIDED SCHOOLS’ STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL COULD ALSO CONSIDER THIS MATTER IN DEPTH.

THE PROVISION OF LOANS FROM THE TWO SCHOOLS’ PROVIDENT FUNDS TO ASSIST TEACHERS TO PURCHASE FLATS IS NOT ACCEPTED, SINCE THE TOTAL RESOURCES OF THE FUNDS WOULD NOT PERMIT ALL CONTRIBUTORS TO RECEIVE WORTHWHILE LOANS.

A FURTHER OBJECTION IS THAT THE GRANTING OF LOANS WOULD REDUCE BOTH THE CAPITAL GAINS AND THE RECURRENT EARNINGS OF THE FUNDS AND REDUCE THE OVERALL RETURN TO CONTRIBUTORS.

THE PROPOSAL AND THE DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED BETWEEN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND CERTAIN TEACHERS’ REPRESENTATIVES. SO FAR, THE LATTER HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DEMONSTRATE A WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR USING THE FUNDS IN THIS WAY, NOR TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO THE DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED.

/REGARDING THE

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

4 -

REGARDING THE RECOMMENDATION FOR A GRADUAL EXTENSION OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE TO COVER TEACHERS, THE SPOKESMAN THOUGHT THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE A STRONG DEMAND FROM TEACHERS TO JOIN THIS. ALTHOUGH THE SCHOOL MEDICAL BOARD HAS NOT, IN THE PAST, WELCOMED SUCH A PROPOSAL, THIS RECOMMENDATION WOULD AGAIN BE REFERRED TO THE BOARD AND TO THE PROPOSED AIDED SCHOOLS’ STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL FOR DISCUSSION.

DIS-ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS

PERHAPS THE MOST FAR REACHING OF THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WAS THAT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS SHOULD BE DIS-ESTABLISHED BY REMOVING THEM FROM THE DIRECT CONTROL OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND PLACING THEM UNDER INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES.

THE COMMISSION’S REPORT SAID THAT IN THIS WAY ALL GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS WOULD BE TURNED INTO AIDED AND ASSISTED SCHOOLS WITH FUTURE STAFF FOR THEM BEING RECRUITED OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM.

ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE ADVANTAGES OF DECENTRALISING CONTROL WOULD BE: TO RELIEVE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE BURDEN OF RUNNING THESE SCHOOLS’ GRADUALLY TO REDUCE THE ANOMALY WHEREBY A MINORITY OF CERTIFICATED MASTERS DIRECTLY EMPLOYED BY THE GOVERNMENT ENJOYED TERMS OF- SERVICE DIFFERENT FROM THE MAJORITY WHO WORK IN AIDED SCHOOLS- TO INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY IN RUNNING THEIR SCHOOLS AND THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN- AND TO BRING THE PRINCIPALS AND THE TEACHERS INTO CONTACT WITH A LARGER NUMBER OF PEOPLE INTERESTED IN EDUCATION.

COMMENTING ON THIS, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS DECENTRALISATION, OR DIS-ESTABLISHMENT AS IT IS COMMONLY KNOWN, IS A MAJOR MATTER WHICH WILL BE REFERRED TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

IN CONCLUSION, THE SPOKESMAN CONGRATULATED THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE WORK THEY HAD DONE IN COMPILING THE REPORT WHICH WAS A MOST USEFUL DOCUMENT.

THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION INITIALLY COMPRISED MR. T.K. ANN AS CHAIRMAN, THE MOST REVEREND BISHOP FRANCIS HSU AND DR. B.M. KOTEWALL. AFTER THE DEATH OF BISHOP HSU, THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED DR. RAYSON LI-SUNG HUANG AS A MEMBER IN HIS PLACE.

-------® -------

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR ETV IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ******

FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION SERVICE (ETV) TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1976, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, ANNOUNCED TODAY. PUPILS IN FORM I WILL SEE ETV FOR CHINESE, ENGLISH, SOCIAL STUDIES AND MATHEMATICS, FOR THE FIRST TIME AND IN COLOUR.

' LESSONS WILL BE BEAMED FROM HKTVB, RTV AND CTV BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 6 P.M. DAILY TO A TIMEABLE TO BE ANNOUNCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR IN SEPTEMBER.

RECEIVING EQUIPMENT WILL INCLUDE VIDEO-CASSETTE RECORDERS (VCRS) AND CLASSROON TELEVISION RECEIVERS FOR APPROPRIATE CLASSES IN GOVERNMENT, AIDED, AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH +BOUGHT+ PLACES. SUPPLY TO GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS WILL ACCORD WITH STANDARD PRACTICE UNDER REGULATIONS AND CODES OF AID, BUT PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR THE FIRST TIME WILL RECEIVE 100 PER CENT ASSISTANCE WITH THE PURCHASE OF VCRS AND TV RECEIVERS. THE DIRECTOR WILL BE CIRCULARISING SCHOOLS IN THIS CONNECTION SHORTLY.

ETV IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND HE WILL DETERMINE THE CONTENT, QUALITY, TRANSMISSION AND EVALUATION OF ETV PROGRAMMING AS BEFORE, BUT IN THE CONTEXT OF A MERGER OF ETV AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK) PRODUCTION FACILITIES AT BROADCAST DRIVE, THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. JAMES HAWTHORNE, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STUDIO PRODUCTION AND TRANSMISSION OF ETV PROGRAMMES. ETV PRODUCERS, WHO WILL SCRIPT AND DEVISE ETV LESSONS, WILL CONTINUE TO BE MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THEY WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH RTHK STUDIO DIRECTORS. '

MR. COLVYN HAYE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF"EDUCATION (ADM INSTRATI ON), MR. SUN PING-SHU, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ETV), AND MR. JAMES HAWTHORNE, DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, WITH MR. DONALD KERR, CONTROLLER OF TELEVISION (RTHK) MET THE PRESS TODAY AT BROADCASTING HOUSE, WHERE THE NEW COLOUR TV CAMERAS TO BE USED IN PRODUCING ETV FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE DISPLAYED.

COMMENTING ON THE HISTORIC DECISION TO EXTEND ETV TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS THIS SEPTEMBER, MR. HAYE WHO PIONEERED ETV IN HONG KONG, REMARKED: +THIS IS A GREAT MOMENT. OUR ETV SERVICE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS ALREADY ENJOYS AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION, BUT ETV IN COLOUR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL REINFORCE THAT REPUTATION. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THIS WILLffiE THE ONLY SERVICE OF ITS KIND IN SOUTH EAST AS IA.+ V

/MS. JUN,

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

- 6 -

MR. SUN. WHO PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN ESTABLISHING ETV IN HONG KONG, WILL HEAD THE NEW SERVICE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

+WE SHALL BE RELYING HEAVILY ON THE CLOSE COLLABORATION OF RTHK PRODUCTION STAFF,+ MR. SUN SAID.

MR. DONALD KERR/ CONTROLLER OF TELEVISION (RTHK), SAID: +TH IS IS AN INTENSE PROGRAMME OF COLOUR IS I NG THE ETV CENTRE OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND BY THE END OF THE YEAR BOTH STUDIOS AT THE CENTRE WILL BE PRODUCING COLOUR PROGRAMMES.

+IN THE MEANTIME, BECAUSE THIS IS A CRASH PROGRAMME, WE WILL BE PRODUCING ALL ETV SECONDARY PROGRAMMES FROM THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS STUDIO IN BROADCASTING HOUSE WHICH WAS EQUIPPED WITH COLOUR CAMERAS EARLY IN MAY THIS YEAR.

+MEANWHILE, FILM AND STUDIO DIRECTORS ARE BEING RECRUITED FOR THE NEW PROGRAMMES WHICH WILL BE MADE FROM AUGUST ONWARDS READY FOR THE SEPTEMBER TERM,+

-----0------

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

CONTROL ON EXPORT OF MARINE FISH

THE EXPORTATION OF MARINE FISH MAY COME UNDER GOVERNMENT

CONTROL IF AND WHEN THE EXPORTS REACH SUCH AN EXTENT AS TO

---------__ F|SH |N THE D0MEST|C

ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SUPPLY AND PRICE OF

MARKET.

THESE CONTROL MEASURES ARE OUTLINED IN THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1976 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.,

THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO INTRODUCE RESTRICTIONS ON THE EXPORT OF ANY SPECIES OF MARINE FISH, WHEN ITS EXPORTATION AFFECTS THE LOCAL SUPPLY OR PRICE, OR IF IT IS AGAINST THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE RESTRICTIONS SHALL BE IN FORCE UNTIL THE SITUATION RETURNS TO NORMAL.

EXPLAINING THE INTENTION OF THE REGULATIONS, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. TED NICHOLS, POINTED OUT THAT NO RESTRICTION WOULD BE IMPOSED IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

HE SAID ALTHOUGH FISH EXPORTERS COULD BE INCONVENIENCED BY HAVING TO COMPLY WITH THE FORMALITIES WHEN SUCH A RESTRICTION IS SO ORDERED, AN INHERENT ADVANTAGE IN THE NEW SYSTEM WAS THAT IT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN A FLEXIBLE MANNER SO THAT SUPPLIES OF MARINE FISH TO THE POPULATION ARE NOT PREJUDICED BY EXPORTS.

HE STRESSED THAT IT WAS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO INTERFERE WITH THE ROUTINE EXPORT OF MARINE FISH, BUT TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF LOCAL CONSUMERS IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

IF SUCH A SITUATION OCCURRED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SEEK TO REGULATE THE EXPORT OF FISH ONLY TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION AT A REASONABLE PRICE.

THE REGULATIONS STIPULATE THAT SHOULD SUCH A SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE ARISE MARINE FISH MAY NOT BE EXPORTED FROM HONG KONG EXCEPT UNDER A PERMIT GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, AND THAT, WHERE THE DIRECTOR REFUSES TO GRANT A PERMIT, ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED THEREBY MAY APPEAL TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AGAINST SUCH REFUSAL.

- - 0 - -

- 8

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

PWD’S NEW PHOTOGRAMMETRIC UNIT OPENED

M M M M M M

HONG KONG IS NOW ABLE TO PRODUCE MAPS FASTER, CHEAPER AND WITHOUT OUTSIDE HELP.

THIS HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SETTING UP OF A HIGHLY SPECIALISED UNIT WITHIN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL LAND SURVEYING AND MAPPING IN HONG KONG.

KNOWN AS THE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC UNIT. IT CONSISTS OF A SPECIALLY TRAINED TEAM OF LOCAL EXPERTS IN PLOTTING TOPOGRAPHICAL DETAILS FROM AERIAL PICTURES WITH THE HELP OF SOPHISTICATED NEW MACHINERY WHICH PRODUCE THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES FROM AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS.

THE UNIT WAS OFF IC TALLY OPENED THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT, MR. IVOR STANTON, AT THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE.

SAID MR. STANTON i +THE UNIT, IN EFFECT, PROVIDES THE ’MISSING LINK’ IN OUR AERIAL SURVEY MAPPING OPERATIONS AS IT MEANS THAT ALL STAGES CAN NOW BE DONE RIGHT HERE IN HONG KONG WITHOUT OUTSIDE HELP.+

SINCE 1963, WHEN PHOTOGRAMMETRY BECAME MORE WIDELY USED, THE P.W.D. HAS HAD TO RELY ON OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS TO DO THE MACHINE PLOTTING STAGE OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY — THE SCIENCE OF TRANSFERRING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS INTO MAPS.

♦EVERYTH I NG ELSE WAS DONE HERE, INCLUDING THE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE R.H.K.A.A.F., BUT THE PHOTOGRAPHS HAD TO BE SENT TO OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS AS WE DID NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND TRAINED STAFF TO DO THE PLOTTING,* HE SAID.

THE NEW UNIT WAS SET UP AT. A COST OF ABOUT $2.5 MILLION, INCLUDING THE COST OF THE EQUIPMENT AND THE TRAINING OF STAFF.

+QUITE APART FROM COST THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ADVANTAGES IN DOING OUR OWN PLOTTING,* MR. STANTON SAID. +URGENT JOBS CAN BE TACKLED IMMEDIATELY, PRIORITIES CAN BE EASILY CHANGED, AND MUCH TIME WASTING CAN BE AVOIDED AS THE GROUND CONTROL SURVEYORS WILL BE ABLE TO DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE UNIT WHEN QUERIES ARISE.*.

HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE NEW PLOTTERS, THE UNIT WOULD SOON BE INSTALLING SPECIAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT WHICH WOULD ENABLE AUTOMATIC RECORDING OF DATA FOR PROCESSING BY COMPUTERS. _ _ ....

/+THZ COMBINATION

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

9 -

+THE COMBINATION OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY WITH COMPUTERS. AUTOMATIC DRAWING TABLES AND OTHER MODERN EQUIPMENT,* HE SAID, +HAS GREAT POTENTIAL IN HONG KONG AND THE STAFF OF THE UNIT WILL BE KEEPING IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.*

THE UNIT IS MANNED BY A TEAM OF EXPERTS UNDER MR. HAMPTON MAR, AN EXPERIENCED LAND SURVEYOR WHO HEADED A SIMILAR UNIT IN FIJI BEFORE JOINING THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

HIS TEAM INCLUDES FIVE LOCAL P.W.D. STAFF WHO WERE SENT FOR SPECIAL TRAINING IN PHOTOGRAMMETRY AT THE WORLD-RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR AERIAL SURVEY AND EARTH SCIENCES (I.T.C.) IN THE NETHERLANDS. ALL FIVE COMPLETED THE COURSE IN THE MINIMUM TIME AND GRADUATED WITH DISTINCTION.

THEY FORM THE NUCLEUS OF THE UNIT AND WILL HELP TRAIN OTHER LOCAL STAFF TO OPERATE THE COMPLEX MACHINES.

THE UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PLOTTERS — PURCHASED LAST YEAR FROM SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY — WHICH ARE INSTALLED IN DUST-FREE ROOMS WHERE TEMPERATURES'ARE KEPT CONSTANT TO PROTECT THE DELICATE INSTRUMENTS.

•'i

WITH THE MACHINES, THE PLOTTERS ARE ABLE TO VIEW AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF AREAS TO BE MAPPED IN THREE-DIMENSION AND ACCURATELY PLOT DETAILS, SUCH AS HILLSIDES, STREAMS, BUILDINGS AND VALLEYS WITHIN ONE-HUNDREDTH OF A MILLIMETRE.

WHILE THE PLOTTER SCANS THE PHOTOGRAPHS, THE DETAILS ARE AUTOMATICALLY TRACED IN OUTLINE MAP FORM FROM WHICH THE FINAL MAP IS PRODUCED. t

INITIALLY, THE UNIT WILL BE ENGAGED MAINLY ON STRAIGHTFORWARD PLOTTING OF MAPS FOR TOWN PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT WORKS, AND UPDATING EXISTING MAPS USING METRIC TERMS. AT THE SAME TIME IT WILL BE DEVELOPING SYSTEMS FOR OTHER PURPOSES SUCH AS THE COMPUTATION OF EARTHWORKS.

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/1O......

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

•10 -

EMPLOYERS URGED TO USE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

X * * * * K

LADY MACLEHOSE TODAY URGED EMPLOYERS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES OFFERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE EXHIBITION, SHE SAID THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE EXTENDED A VERY WELCOME HELPING HAND TO THE HANDICAPPED IN ORDER THAT THEY MIGHT BECOME ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. ,

HOWEVER, LADY MACLEHOSE ADDED, THE TASK OF ASSISTING THE HANDICAPPED TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED BY THE PUBLIC AS CHARITY BUT AS AN INVESTMENT IN THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY.

FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY LADY MACLEHOSEs

+IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO BE WITH YOU HERE TODAY AT THIS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.

+WE LIVE IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD AND ALL OF US MUST HAVE EXPERIENCED, AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER, THE UNCERTAINTY AND FRUSTRATION OF SECURING SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT. THESE DIFFICULTIES CAN BE ESPECIALLY DAUNTING FOR THE HANDICAPPED.

+THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE EXTENDS A VERY WELCOME HELPING HAND TO THESE PEOPLE IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY BECOME ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THIS VERY WORTHWHILE TASK OF ASSISTING THE HANDICAPPED TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY ONE OF HELPING THEM TO HELP THEMSELVES,SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED BY THE PUBLIC AS CHARITY BUT AS AN INVESTMENT IN THE WELL-BEI NG OF THE COMMUNITY. SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCTIVE WORK AND OF FULLY EARNING THEIR KEEP-THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO.

+DURING THE PAST YEAR I UNDERSTAND THAT 37% OF THOSE WHO SOUGHT ASSISTANCE FROM THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE SUCCEEDED IN FINDING WORK. THIS IS AN ENCOURAGING IMPROVEMENT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S PLACEMENT RATE BUT WITH THE UPTURN IN OUR ECONOMY AND DEMANDS FOR LABOUR, CLEARLY MORE OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE HANDICAPPED TO BE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED. I WOULD URGE EMPLOYERS TO BEAR IN MIND THIS SOURCE OF MANPOWER AND TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES OFFERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.

+1 NOW HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING THIS EXHIBITION OPEN.+

/11

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

-11 -

CLOCK SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED AT AIRPORT

******

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A CLOCK SYSTEM IN THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AT KAI TAK AIRPORT.

THE NEW.TIMING SYSTEM WILL COMPRISE A MASTER CLOCK, A STANDBY CLOCK, A NUMBER OF SLAVE CLOCKS AND POSSIBLY WITH A WORLD TIME

i DISPLAY SYSTEM.

IT IS TO BE INSTALLED IN THE EXISTING PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND THE WAGING BAY AS WELL AS THEIR EXTENSIONS WHICH ARE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION’.

AT PRESENT, A CAESIUM BEAM ATOMIC CLOCK WITH A QUARTZ TYPE STANDBY CLOCK AND OTHER EQUIPMENT ARE OPERATING IN THE TERMINAL. HOWEVER r THE CONCESSION OF THIS SYSTEM GRANTED +N--197O EXPIRED AT THE END OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CfVlL.AV IATION DEPARTMENT SAID, +TENDERERS HAVE TO PROFFER A SCHEDULE PL DRAW INGS OF THEIR PROPOSED SYSTEM.*

+THE NEW CONCESSION WILL BE VALID FOR FIVE YEARS, STARTING

FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1976. THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL HAVE TO PAY A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF RENT EACH YEAR IN. RETURN FOR THE ADVERTISEMENTS DISPLAYED WITH THE CLOCK SYSTEM,* HE ADDED.

INSTALLATION WORK IS' EXPECTED TO BEGIN NOT LATER THAN MID-JUNE.

ILLUSTRATING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CLOCK SYSTEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID MORE AND MORE PASSENGERS AND PEOPLE WERE USING THE TERMINAL BUILDING.

THE PRESENT DAILY AVERAGE ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES IS ABOUT 10,500 IN ADDITION TO 1,200 TRANSIT PASSENGERS, AND THAT THESE FIGURES ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE AT THE RATE OF FIVE TO 10 PER CENT PER ANNUM.

BESIDES, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SOME 20,000 PEOPLE VISIT THE TERMINAL BUILDING EACH DAY IN THE COURSE OF THEIR WORK OR TO SAY FAREWELL TO THEIR FRIENDS.

+THEREFORE,* HE SAID, +THE CLOCK SYSTEM WILL SERVE AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHEN AIR TRAFFIC BECOMES BUSIER AND THE AREA OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL IS FURTHER EXTENDED.*

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT INVITED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE WILL CLOSE AT 12 NOON ON MAY 28.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, NEW RODNEY BLCOK, 99, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG OR FROM THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

------o.-------

• - /12 .....

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

- 12

NEW TOWNS TO HAVE STANDARD SECONDARY SCHOOLS ******

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ACTIVELY PLANNING TO PROVIDE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TOWNS UNDER THE SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. YEUNG KAI-YIN SAID TODAY.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION CHAN NAM CHONG MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN TSUEN WAN.

MR. YEUNG SAID: +THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IS PARTLY TO REDUCE THE PUBLIC SECTOR’S DEPENDENCE ON BOUGHT PLACES IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND PARTLY TO PROVIDE THE RIGHT EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR IMPROVING STANDARDS.

+THE SCHOOLS WILL, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, CONFORM WITH A STANDARD DESIGN. THEY WILL HAVE A FIXED NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS. THE PLANNING OF THESE SCHOOLS ALSO INCLUDE THE PLANNED USE OF THESE STANDARD FACILITIES TO GUIDE SPONSORING BODIES, SO THAT THEY COULD MEET THE CURRICULUM AIMS OF THE WHITE PAPER.+ IW

IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE SCHOOLS WOULD BE BUILT IN THE NEW TOWNS AS PART OF A VARIED PACKAGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES WHICH WERE PROVIDED WITH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

+BY BUILDING THE SCHOOLS ITESELF,+ MR. YEUNG SAID,+ THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO RELIEVE SPONSORING BODIES OF A HEAVY BURDEN OF PLANNING RESPONSIBIL ITY.+

BUT HE ADDED THAT THE DETAILS OF SUCH A PROCEDURE HAVE YET TO BE WORKED OUT.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR STRESSED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS ALIVE TO THE NEED TO BUILD SCHOOLS IN AREAS WHERE THERE ARE OR WILL BE LARGE CONCENTRATIONS OF POPULATION.

/13

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

ADVICE ON HEALTH MEASURES TO PREVENT GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ******

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST THE POSSIBLE OUTBREAK OF CERTAIN GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES WHICH TEND TO BECOME PREVALENT IN THE WARM SEASON.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE WARM WEATHER THE PUBLIC SHOULD PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO PERSONAL, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, WHICH IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THESE DISEASES.

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE WARM WEATHER ARE S.UCH DISEASES AS TYPHOID FEVER, DYSENTERY, FOOD POISONING AND VIRAL HEPATITIS.

AS MOST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ARE TRANSMITTED THROUGH CONTAMINATED FOOD AND DRINK, OR NEGLECT IN PERSONAL HYGIENE, THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO BE +EXTRA CAUTIOUS+ IN EATING, PARTICULARLY WHEN THEY EAT AT PUBLIC PLACES.

HE WARNED THAT IMPROPERLY COOKED FOOD COULD CAUSE INFECTION AND FURTHER ADVISED THAT PROPERLY COOKED FOOD, IF NOT EATEN IMMEDIATELY, SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNCOVERED AND EXPOSED TO CONTAMINATION.

PROPER STORAGE OF PREPARED FOOD WOULD ALSO REDUCE THE RISK OF FOOD POISONING, PARTICULARLY IN THE hOT WEATHER.

AS FOR OTHER PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES, THE PUBLIC NEED ONLY TO OBSERVE SOME SIMPLE RULES OF PERSONAL HYGIENE, SUCH AS WASHING OF HANDS BEFORE MEALS AND AFTER VISITS TO TOILETS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS, SUCH AS PROPER DISPOSAL OF REFUSE AND EXCRETA, IS MOST ESSENTAIL IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF DISEASES, HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT AN OUTBREAK OF VIRAL HEPATITIS OCCURED LAST SPR ING/SUMMER WITH MORE THAN 800 CASES IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD FROM APRIL TO JUNE.

HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENCE HAD SINCE DECLINED AND RETURNED TO THE NORMAL LEVEL, THE PUBLIC SHOULD CONTINUE THEIR VIGILANCE IN PREVENTION.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO WARNED THE PUBLIC TO BE ON THE ALERT IN PREVENTING THE OCCURANCE OF +RED EYE+ DISEASE, WHICH IS QUITE COMMON DURING THE SWIMMING SEASON.

AN OUTBREAK OF THE HIGHLY INFECTIOUS DISEASE OCCURED LAST SUMMER WHEN MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE WERE TREATED IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EYE CLINICS IN SEPTEMBER ALONE.

/THE SPOKESMAN .....

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

- 14 -

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE COMMONEST MEANS OF SPREADING THE DISEASE IS THROUGH CONTACT, C " SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS AND AMONG FAMILIES.

E.G. IN PUBLIC PLACES

+IT ,S» THEREFORE, IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, AND IF A SnFn CONTRACTED THE DISEASE THE OTHER MEMBERS

SHOULD TAKt CARt NOT TO SHARt THE SAME TOWEL OR HANDKERCHIEF,*

HANDKERCHIEF,*

HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE HAD CASES OF CHOLERA SINCE 1969 THE PUBLIC MUST NOT THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

VACCINATIONS AGAINST THE COMMON INFECTIOUS AVAILABLE AT ALL GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT INOCULATION POSTS.

BEEN NO LOCAL BE TEMPTED TO RELAX

DISEASES ARE CLINICS AND

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

- 15 -

SOCIAL STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES RELATIONSHIP H M * *

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SPOKE ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES WHEN HE OPENED THE SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT EXHIBITION AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THIS MORNING.

+AS I SEE IT, SOCIAL STUDIES ARE A DERIVATION FROM THE BASIC SOCIAL SCIENCES WHICH SUPPORT THEM. IF YOU LOOK AT A PRE-1NDUSTRI AL SOCIETY IT HAS’NT MUCH NEED OF SOCIAL SCIENCES BECAUSE CHANGE IS VERY SLOW AND AT THE VILLAGE LEVEL OR EVEN AT THE GOVERNMENT LEVEL YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW THAT MUCH ABOUT HOW SOCIETY WORKS BECAUSE IT DOES’NT CHANGE THAT FAST. LAST YEAR’S EXPERIENCE OR EVEN LAST CENTURY’S EXPERIENCE IS PRETTY USEFUL FOR TOMORROW,* HE SAID.

BUT, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT IN A MODERN INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY IT WAS VERY MUCH MORE COMPLICATED AND VERY MUCH MORE ON-THE-MOVE, IT WAS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL FOR CITIZENS AND FOR GOVERNMENTS TO KNOW MUCH MORE ABOUT HOW SOCIETY WORKS.

+WHEN THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION FIRST HIT THE WORLD,PEOPLE TRIED TO, SO TO SPEAK, CONTROL SOCIETIES BY DEVELOPING ABSTRACT IDEAS BASED REALLY ON TRADITIONAL PHILOSOPHIES AND IT WAS ONLY LATER WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCES THAT WE GOT INTO CHECKING AND MEASURING. NOW I THINK WE REALISE THAT YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE IDEAS BUT YOU’VE ALSO GOT TO CHECK UP ON THEM TO SEE WHETHER YOU’VE GOT THE RIGHT IDEA OR NOT.+

HE STATED THAT SOCIAL SCIENCES WERE ADVANCING AND +WE NOW KNOW MUCH MORE FOR INSTANCE ABOUT HOW TO CONTROL UNEMPLOYMENT.* AND WE WERE LEARNING HOW TO CONTROL INFLATION.

MR. TOPLEY EMPHASISED THAT SOCIAL SCIENCES WERE DIFFICULT TO DO.

♦SOCIAL SCIENCE PREDICTIONS,* HE ADDED, +CAN BE MUCH MORE EASILY FALSIFIED BY THE REACTION BY THE VERY PEOPLE THAT THE SCIENCES ARE TRYING TO DESCRIBE. SO THAT WE CANNOT EXPECT MAGICAL IMPROVEMENTS IN HUMAN SOCIETY THROUGH SOCIAL SCIENCES.*

BUT, HE SAID, IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR HUMAN BEINGS TO UNDERSTAND THE SOCIETY IN WHICH THEY WERE LIVING, AND TO UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES SO AS TO CONTROL THEIR OWN FATE.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT IT WAS FOR TEACHERS TO WORK OUT HOW THESE TOPICS SHOULD BE TREATED IN THE SCHOOLS. THE PRESENT EXHIBITION SHOULD GIVE SOME GOOD INITIAL CLUES.

MR. TOPLEY SAID THE EXHIBITION DEMONSTRATED A MUCH CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN THE ORGANISATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES IN WHAT WAS BEING TAUGHT TO TEACHERS IN TRAINING AND TO IN-SERVICE TEACHERS. —— ■——• • • ...

/cne’of the

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1976

16 -

ONE OF THE OBJECTS OF THE EXHIBITION WAS TO PROVIDE A CO-ORDINATED APPROACH.

HE SAID THAT THE CURRICULUM MATERIALS THAT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION HAD PREPARED WERE DESIGNED TO GIVE TEACHERS AN IDEA OF HOW THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS FOR SOCIAL STUDIES COULD BE TACKLED.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS ACADEMIC YEAR, SOCIAL STUDIES, AS A SUBJECT IN SECONDARY EDUCATION, WERE BEING TRIED IN 15 SCHOOLS ON A MONITORED BASIS AND ANOTHER 17 ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.

+THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE HAS ORGANISED COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS FOR THE TEACHERS, AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION HAVE GIVEN TEACHERS-1N-TRAINI NG SOME BASIC IDEAS ON THE SPIRIT AND PURPOSE OF SOCIAL STUDIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.

MR. TOPLEY SAID HE WAS GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE TEACHERS IN THE MONITORED SCHOOLS HAD BEEN VERY ENTHUSIASTIC IN ATTENDING THE DEPARTMENT’S IN-SERVICE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.

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Friday, May 14, 1976

HOUSING ESTATE ON TSING YI ISLAND TAKING SHAPE

******

Huge housing blocks are rising on a 70-acre site on Tsing Yi Island where Housing Authority’s first public housing estate is gradually taking shape.

Construction of the first phase of the housing project, comprising four 22 to 24 storey twin-tower blocks and one slab block, is at an advanced stage with the first blocks scheduled for completion early next year.

They will provide about 3,000 flats of varying sizes from 240 square feet to 590 square feet for about 23,000 people.

Also being built on the site is a large commercial complex with restaurants, super-markets, department stores and adequate shopping facilities for the islanders.

A further phase of the project, including the building of two more twin-tower blocks, three primary schools and ancillary works is to begin in about four months.

The Housing Authority is inviting approved contractors who have interest in tendering for the building work to write to its Committees’ Secretary at the new housing Authority Headquarters at 101 Princess Margaret Road, Kowloon, before noon on Friday, May 28, 1976.

Situated on the slope just off the western end of the Tsing Yi Bridge overlooking the Rambler Channel, the estate, on completion in the early 1980s, will be the homes of over 50,000 people.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1976

■ CONTENTS PAGE NO.

VILLAGERS MOVED FOR DEVELOPMENT .............................. 1 .

NO BAN ON GARMENTS TO NIGERIA ............................... 2

CAS VOLLEY BALL TOURNAMENT .................................. 3

APPLICATION FOR EVENING TECHNICAL CLASSES INVITED ........... 3

WEATHER IN APRIL SEASONABLE ..............................- 4

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1976

VILLAGERS MOVED FOR DEVELOPMENT * M * * * *

THE LAST RESIDENTS OF SAM SHING HUI NEAR TUEN MUN HAVE NOW MOVED - MAKING WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN IMPORTANT STAGE OF THE $300 MILLION HIGHWAY WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY LINK TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WITH TSUEN WAN, AND A RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.

BUSINESS OPERATOR IN THE VILLAGE HAVE GONE TO A NEARBY RESITE AREA ON A RECLAIMED LAND AND RE-ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES WHILE NON-BUSINESS DWELLERS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE NEW SAN FAT ESTATE, TUEN MUN.

NEGOTIATIONS TO CLEAR THE AREA BEGAN BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RESIDENTS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE LAST AUGUST AND THE FIRST 90 FAMILIES VACATED THEIR PREMISES AT THE END OF OCTOBER.

A SECOND GROUP OF 93 BUSINESSES AND 263 FAMILIES LEFT IN MARCH, AND THE FINAL CLEARANCE, INVOLVING 96 FAMILIES AND 133 BUSINESS, WAS COMPLETED JUST A FEW DAYS AGO.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER TUEN MUN, MR. TONY BENNETT, SAID THE REMOVAL OPERATION HAD GONE SMOOTHLY, ALTHOUGH THERE HAD, UNDERSTANDABLY, BEEN SOME VERY HARD BARGAINING ALONG THE WAY.

THE VILLAGE'S FUNCTION OF SERVICING THE FISHING FLEET WILL CONTINUE FROM THE RESITE AREA, TO BE NAMED SAM SHING HUI MAIN STREET.

WHEN THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX IS COMPLETED IN A FEW YEARS, THOSE WHO HAVE MOVED AS A RESULT OF THE CLEARANCE WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN THERE.

+THUS.+ MR. BENNETT SAID, +ALTHOUGH THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN DISPERSED TO SOME EXTENT, IT WILL BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO COME TOGETHER AGAIN WHEN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PRESENT AREA OF SAM SHING HUI IS COMPLETED.+

A TEMPORARY NEW HAWKER MARKET HAS BEEN OPENED ON THE RESITE AREA. BUILT AT A COST OF $75,000, IT HAS 28 MARKET STALLS AND SIX FIXED-PITCH STALLS FOR A VARIETY OF TRADES.

ELIGIBLITY FOR THESE STALLS, WHICH WERE ALLOCATED BY BALLOT, WAS RESTRICTED TO THOSE WHO WERE ESTABLISHED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS HAVING EARNED THEIR LIVINGS AS HAWKERS IN SAM SHING HUI.

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/2......

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1976

NO BAN ON GARMENTS TO NIGERIA *****

WORD HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN LAGOS THAT GARMENTS MAY CONTINUE TO BE IMPORTED INTO NIGERIA, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

HE ADDED THAT CONFIRMATION TO THIS EFFECT HAD ALSO BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE NIGERIAN COMMISSION IN HONG KONG.

HE WAS REFERRING TO RECENT PRESS REPORTS ON THE CONFUSION AMONG EXPORTERS ON WHETHER THERE IS A BAN ON IMPORTS OF GARMENTS INTO NIGERIA.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED A CIRCULAR ON MAY 5 STATING THAT THE NIGERIAN COMMISSION IN HONG KONG HAD INFORMED THE DEPARTMENT THAT IMPORTS OF GARMENTS WERE BANNED.

THE CIRCULAR WAS BASED ON A LETTER DATED APRIL 27 FROM THE NIGERIAN COMMISSION IN HONG KONG TO THE DEPARTMENT WHICH STATED THAT +GARMENTS, PIECE GOODS AND OTHER TEX ILES MATERIALS ARE BANNED.*

FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF THE CIRCULAR, THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED REPORTS FROM THE INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND FROM SEVERAL EXPORTERS THAT GARMENTS COULD STILL BE IMPORTED INTO NIGERIA.

THE DEPARTMENT THEREFORE REQUESTED THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN LAGOS TO SEEK CLARIFICATION ON THE MATTER. THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION REPLIED YESTERDAY SAYING THAT ITS UNDERSTANDING IS THAT GARMENTS CAN STILL BE IMPORTED INTO NIGERIA.

THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOW OBTAINED CONFIRMATION FROM THE NIGERIAN COMMISSIONER, MR. M. ABUBAKAR, THAT THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION’S UNDERSTANDING IS CORRECT AND THAT +WEARING APPAREL MAY STILL BE IMPORTED.*

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1976

CAS VOLLEY BALL TOURNAMENT

* * * *

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FIFTEEN CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET TEAMS FROM DIFFERENT DISTRICTS WILL COMPETE IN AN INTER-UNIT VOLLEY BALL TOURNAMENT AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204, ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON AT 10 A.M. TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE TOURNAMENT WILL ADOPT A SINGLE ELIMINATION SYSTEM, AND THE FINAL MATCH TO DECIDE THE CHAMPION TEAM WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10 A.M. ON JUNE 20 AT THE SAME PLACE.

THE CAS CADET CORPS COMMANDANT, MR. HENRY KU, WILL OFFICIATE THE OPENING OF THE TOURNAMENT AND ADDRESS THE GATHERING TOMORROW.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW, AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION BY THE CAS DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MR. HO TSE-KIN, AFTER THE FINAL MATCH ON JUNE 20.

-----o------

APPLICATION FOR EVENING TECHNICAL CLASSES *****

THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG TECHNICAL ■INSTITUTES ARE NOW JOINTLY INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR EVENING CLASSES DUE TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER.

THERE WILL, ALTOGETHER, BE 55 COURSES ON DIFFERENT SUBJECTS INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PRINTING, TEXTILE AND CLOTHING. COURSES ARE ALSO OFFERED FOR COMMERCIAL STUDIES AND GENERAL STUDIES.

COURSES AT CRAFT LEVEL ARE TAUGHT MAINLY IN CHINESE, WHILE THOSE AT TECHNICIAN LEVEL IN ENGLISH.

BESIDES THE THREE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, CLASSES WILL ALSO BE HELD AT ABOUT 20 OTHER CENTRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 26. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.

-----o------

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1976

WEATHER IN APRIL SEASONABLE

M M M M

THE WEATHER IN APRIL WAS QUITE SEASONABLE - RATHER COOL IN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS BUT WARMED UP RAPIDLY DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE MONTH.

HOWEVER, IT WAS THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH RAINFALL BELOW NORMAL. THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR WAS ONLY 147.4 MM WHICH IS ABOUT HALF OF THE NORMAL AMOUNT.

NEARLY HALF OF MONTH’S RAINFALL WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 12 AND 13 WHEN HEAVY SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WERE EXPERIENCED DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE.

THE MEAN TEMPERATURE WAS 21.1 DEGREES CELSIUS, 0.2 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL. THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 30.1 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 29, AND THE MINIMUM OF 15.6 DEGREES CELSIUS ON APRIL 4.

THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ON TWO OCCASIONS ON APRIL 4 AND 23.

DURING THE MONTH, THREE AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM KAI TAK AIRPORT DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

NOTE TO EDITORS! A MORE DETAILED WEATHER REPORT BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, MAY 16, 1976

MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN ******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN WORK SHORTLY ON FORMING ADDITIONAL LAND FOR LIGHT INDUSTRY IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES THE FORMATION OF SIX HECTARES (14.8 ACRES) OF INDUSTRIAL LAND AT FO TAN, ARE NOW BEING INVITED.

THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A ROAD ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE LONG AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON A SECTION OF FO TAN NULLAH.

MR. GEORGE CHIEN, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID TODAY WORK ON THE PROJECT WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.

THE INDUSTRIAL AREA AT FO TAN, HE SAID, WOULD BE ONE OF THREE MAIN INDUSTRIAL AREAS PLANNED FOR THE NEW TOWN. THE OTHER AREAS WERE PLANNED NEAR SIU LEK YUEN AND PAK SHEK.

HE SAID LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONES IN THE NEW TOWN HAD BEEN PLANNED ON THE BASIS THAT ONE IN FIVE PERSONS WOULD WORK IN THEM. +ON THIS BASIS, WHICH IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CURRENT TRENDS IN HONG KONG, A TOTAL OF SOME 60 HECTARES (150 ACRES) OF LIGHT INDUSTRIAL SITES IS PLANNED IN THE NEW TOWN,+ HE ADDED.

+AT FO TAN,+ MR. CHIEN SAID, +ABOUT FOUR HECTARES (10 ACRES) OF INDUSTRIAL SITES HAD ALREADY BEEN DEVELOPED, SERVICED AND SOLD. ANOTHER SIX HECTARES (14.8 ACRES) SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.+

LIKE ALL INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN SHA TIN, HE SAID, FO TAN WOULD HAVE A MAINS WATER SUPPLY FOR INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE-FIGHTING PURPOSES, PIPED SEWERAGE AND STORM WATER DRAINAGE, AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY COMPLETE WITH A LOCAL SUB-STATION.

A FIRST-CLASS PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WOULD ALSO BE BUILT LINKING THE INDUSTRIAL AREA AT FO TAN WITH THE MAIN ROAD NETWORK SERVING THE NEW TOWN.

-----0------

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5*233191

SUNDAY, MAY 16, 1976

NEED FOR MORE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES * * * * * *

THE NEED FOR MORE WHOLESOME, WELL-ORGANISED RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IS INDEED BUT ‘TOO APPARENT’ IN HONG KONG AND ANY NEW FACILITY TO BE SET UP IS MOST WELCOMED.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW CLUB HOUSE OF THE HONG KONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION IN TIN KWONG ROAD TODAY (SUNDAY).

FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF MR. LEE’S ADDRESS :-

+1 AM’ HONOURED TO BE INVITED TO THE OPENING OF THE NEW CLUB HOUSE OF THE HONG KONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION.

+IT HAS BEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED THAT HONG KONG CAN DO WITH MORE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AS THE NEED FOR WHOLESOME AND WELL-ORGANISED ACTIVITIES IS INDEED BUT TOO APPARENT.

+SOFTBALL, AS A SPORT, AIMING AT PROMOTING TEAMSPIRIT AND DEVELOPING SPORTSMANSHIP, MAY NOT BE AS WELL-KNOWN IN HONG KONG AS SOME OTHER SPORTS, LIKE BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL’ BUT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SOFTBALL IN HONG KONG HAS A HISTORY OF SOME 40 YEARS. IT IS GAINING INCREASING SUPPORT ALL THE TIME. THIS REFLECTS THE ABILITY AND LEADERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN VARIOUS WAYS MADE BY THE MANY VOLUNTEERS AND ENTHUSIASTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. THE FACILITIES OF THE NEW CLUB HOUSE, I AM SURE, WILL PROVIDE MUCH IMPROVED SERVICES TO ITS MEMBERS AS WELL AS ATTRACT GENERAL INTEREST IN THIS SPORT AND ENCOURAGE EVEN GREATER PARTICIPATION FROM THE PUBLIC.

+1 CONGRATULATE THE HONG KONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION FOR ITS MANY ACHIEVEMENTS AND WISH THE ASSOCIATION GREATER SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.+

-------,o-------

WATER CUT ON APLICHAU

******

WATER SUPPLY TO ALL’PREMISES ON APLICHAU, INCLUDING THE POWER STATION OF THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY, WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 12 NOON ON TUESDAY (MAY 18).

THE INTERRUPTION IS TO ENABLE REPAIR OF A FRESH WATER SUBMARINE MAIN AT TIN WAN, ABERDEEN.

IN CAUSEWAY BAY, THE SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY 18) TO FACILITATE A LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LAN FONG ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD, FOO MING STREET AND THE SECTION OF PERCIVAL STREET FROM HENNESSY ROAD TO LEIGHTON ROAD. . •

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‘ »

FRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, MAY 17, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SURVEY SHOWS CONSIDERABLE DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT ............... 1

IMPORTANCE OF FUND RAISING STRESSED ......................... 2

+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION ..................................... 3

CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUERS TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN UK .............. 4

FIFTY-SIX BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH ................. 5

WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB OFFICE-BEARERS SWORN-IN ................. 6

GOVERNOR TO VISIT TSUEN WAN .................................. 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191

MONDAY, MAY 17, 1976

SURVEY SHOWS CONSIDERABLE DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT

*****

A SAMPLE SURVEY CONDUCTED IN MARCH THIS YEAR BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SHOWED THERE WERE AT THAT TIME 107,000 UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.

THIS NUMBER REPRESENTED 5.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE.

THESE FIGURES COMPARE WITH THOSE OF 177,000 AND 9.1 PER CENT DERIVING FROM A SIMILAR SURVEY CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.

FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, THOSE WHO WERE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 64 AND WERE NOT IN EMPLOYMENT BUT WERE LOOKING FOR WORK WERE TAKEN TO BE UNEMPLOYED, WHILE THOSE WHO HAD WORKED FOR MORE THAN 15 HOURS IN THE SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO THE SURVEY DATE WERE TAKEN TO BE EMPLOYED.

THE COMMISSIONER DREW ATTENTION TO THE VARIATION IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES IN THE DEFINITION OF +UNEMPLOYED+ AND +LABOUR FORCE+. IN HONG KONG +UNEMPLOYED+ INCLUDED PEOPLE WHO HAD JUST LEFT SCHOOL AND WHO REALLY HAD NOT HAD MUCH OF A CHANCE TO PICK UP A JOB= WHO HAD JUST, BUT ONLY JUST, TAKEN UP WORK= WHO HAD TEMPORARILY, BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY, BEEN LAID OFF WORK AND PEOPLE WHO WERE AVAILABLE FOR WORK, BUT WHO WERE NOT ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR WORK BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS NONE TO BE HAD. ON THE OTHER HAND, AMONG THE EMPLOYED WERE SUCH PEOPLE AS HAWKERS AND UNPAID FAMILY WORKERS WHO WOULD TAKE UP OTHER JOBS WHEN THEY BECAME AVAILABLE.

IN THIS CONNECTION, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DECEMBER 1975 FIGURES FOR THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE 8.3 PER CENT AND 5.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ADJUSTING, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE LATEST HONG KONG FIGURE TO THE U.S.A. BASIS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION HERE WAS REPRESENTED BY A FIGURE OF 4.3 PER CENT.

THE COMMISSIONER DESCRIBED THE DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT DURING THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD AS CONSIDERABLE. HE SAID THAT THIS WAS CONSISTENT WITH OTHER INDICATORS, IN RELATION FOR EXAMPLE TO EMPLOYMENT AND TRADE, WHICH GAVE CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM AS TO THE STATE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.

THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT INFORMATION SIMILAR TO THAT PROVIDED FROM THE RECENT LABOUR FORCE SURVEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT REGULAR SIX MONTHLY INTERVALS. THERE WOULD NOT BE A PARTICULAR SURVEY IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR BECAUSE THE 1976 BY-CENSUS WOULD SERVE THE PURPOSE. HOWEVER, THE SURVEY ROUTINE WOULD RE-COMMENCE IN MARCH 1977.

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MONDAY, MAY 17, 1976

IMPORTANCE OF FUND RAISING STRESSED

*****

THE WILLINGNESS OF A COMMUNITY TO GIVE, AND TO ORGANISE ITSELF TO DO SO, IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ITS HEALTH AS A COMMUNITY AND A MOST PRACTICAL FORM OF PERSONAL PARTICIPATION IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UNITED FUND RAISING FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES. THE FOUR-DAY MEETING IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG AT THE FURAMA HOTEL.

FOR THIS REASON, SIR MURRAY SAID, FUND RAISING AND THE TECHNIQUES OF FUND RAISING HAVE A VITAL FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL PART TO PLAY.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING SPEECH:

+MR. CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

+1 HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN WELCOMING- YOU TO THIS THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UNITED FUND RAISING FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES. FUND RAISING AND UNITED FUND RAISING PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE LIFE OF HONG KONG. WE THEREFORE GREATLY WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY THIS FORUM GIVES US TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCES AND LEARN*FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS.

+AS HONG KONG GREW AND AS REQUIREMENTS EXPANDED SO TOO DID THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WITH THEIR COMMON GOALS BUT ALSO THEIR COMPETITION FOR DONATED FUNDS. IT WAS TO MEET THIS SITUATION THAT THE COMMUNITY CHEST WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1968 TO OFFER A STRONG UNITED FUND RAISING ORGANISATION.

+A FEW VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE PREFERRED TO REMAIN OUTSIDE THE CHEST AND SOME OF THESE, AND IN PARTICULAR THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE CHARITIES, RAISE VERY SIGNIFICANT SUMS AND PLAY A VITAL ROLE OVER A WIDE FIELD OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. NEVERTHELESS THE COMMUNITY CHEST HAS NOW ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS THE PRINCIPAL UNITED FUND RAISING ORGANISATION. IT HAS SOUGHT WITH SOME SUCCESS TO INVOLVE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY OF BOTH RICH AND POOR IN THE PROCESS OF FUND RAISING, AND IT IS THE PRINCIPAL PROVIDER OF SUBSCRIBED CHARITABLE FUNDS. I AM SURE THAT ITS EXPERIENCE AND THE TECHNIQUES IT EMPLOYS WILL FIGURE AMONG THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THE HONG KONG DELEGATION CAN MAKE TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF THIS CONFERENCE.

/+SCME PEOPLE ....

MONDAY, MAY 17, 1976

+SOME PEOPLE ARGUE THAT WITH THE ASSUMPTION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, AND WITH THE VAST SUMS THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES IN COMPARI SON WI TH THOSE OF FUND RAISING ORGANISATIONS, THE LATTER HAVE NO LONGER A USEFUL PART TO PLAY. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. WITH EXPANDING REQUIREMENTS, RISING COSTS, AND THE STEADY REDUCTION OF DONATIONS FROM ABROAD, THE PURELY FINANCIAL IMPORTANCE OF FUND RAISING IS VERY GREAT INDEED AND THERE IS A CONSTANT REQUIREMENT FOR HIGHER TARGETS AND EVEN MORE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS. BUT ALSO THE WILLINGNESS OF A COMMUNITY TO GIVE, AND TO ORGANISE ITSELF TO DO SO, IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ITS HEALTH AS A COMMUNITY AND A MOST PRACTICAL FORM OF PERSONAL PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC LIFE. FOR BOTH THESE REASONS IN HONG KONG, AS I AM SURE IN OTHER COMMUNITIES HERE REPRESENTED, FUND RAISING AND THE TECHNIQUES OF FUND RAISING HAVE A VITAL FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL PART TO PLAY. AND I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF PAYING MY TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO DEVOTE THEIR TIME AND INGENUITY AND MONEY TO THIS PURPOSE.

+l WISH YOU ALL A FRUITFUL AND ENJOYABLE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS, AND I HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UNITED FUND RAISING.*

- - - - 0 ---------

’’MEET THE MEDIA” SESSION

* M M K

NOTE TO EDITORS s

A ’’MEET THE MEDIA” SESSION WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 20) AT 4 P.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. BRIAN WILSON.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING. TELEVISION CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.

- - - - 0 ---------

MONDAY, MAY 17, 1976

CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUERS TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN UK ******

FIVE OFFICERS FROM THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 19) TO RECEIVE ADVANCED TRAINING IN MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE AND MOUNTAINS CRAFT.

THE TRAINING, LASTING ABOUT TWO MONTHS, WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE MOUNTAINS OF SCOTLAND AND NORTH WALES WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE RAF LAND RESCUE SERVICE AND THE UK CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR PHYSICAL RECREATION.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUERS ARE SENT ABROAD FOR FURTHER TRAINING.

A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID : +AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE GO HIKING AND MOUNTAINEERING THESE DAYS, THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS WILL INEVITABLY GO UP. ।

+THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CAS SHOULD BE TRAINED IN THE MOST MODERN TECHNIQUES IN ORDER TO COPE WITH ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION WHICH MIGHT ARISE.+

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE OFFICERS, ON COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING, WILL PASS ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE TO OTHER MEMBERS OF CAS AND ORGANISE COURSES FOR YOUTH LEADERS IN MOUNTAIN CRAFT.

AT PRESENT, THE CAS HAS A MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT, CONSISTING OF 56 MEMBERS. THEY ARE TRAINED TO RESCUE PEOPLE WHO ARE INJURED, TRAPPED OR BECOME LOST ON MOUNTAINS. IN ADDITION, THEY ARE TAUGHT HOW TO RESCUE SURVIVORS FROM AIR CRASHES IN REMOTE AREAS.

ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, VOLUNTEERS FROM THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT ARE ON STANDBY DUTY AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204, ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON FROM 10 A.M. TO 9.30 P.M. THEY CAN BE CONTACTED ON TELEPHONE NOS. 3-015011 OR 3-016030.

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MONDAY, MAY 17, 1976

- 5 -

BUILDING FIGURES FOR APRIL 1976

* * * M

A TOTAL OF 56 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED LAST MONTH BY THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 35 DURING APRIL LAST YEAR.

OF THE NEW PLANS APPROVED, 2Z WERE FOR BUILDING ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND 27 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR 13 MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS FOR THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY’S ”CHO YIU CHUEN HOUSING ESTATE” AT KWAI CHUNG, A HOME FOR THE AGED AT FANLING, AND TWO 29-STOREY APARTMENT BLOCKS AT TAI KOO DOCKYARD.

BUILDING PLANS FOR A NUMBER OF 15-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS AT KWUN TONG WERE ALSO APPROVED, AS WELL AS PLANS FOR A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL BUILDING AT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING APRIL THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO $75.64 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $146.43 MILLION FOR MARCH THIS YEAR.

THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUFLDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH AMOUNTED TO 604,752 SQ. FT., COMPRISING 232,233 SQ. FT. OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 372,519 SQ. FT. OF NONDOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

DURING THE MONTH, THE B.0.0. GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 50 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING ONE COMMERCIAL/APARTMENT BUILDING WITH 200 FLATS AT SHEK PAI WAN ROAD AND TWO COMMERCIAL MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT.

FORTY-SIX COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH. THESE INCLUDED THE SOUTH CHINA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION’S WELFARE RECREATIONAL CENTRE, THREE SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AND A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE BUILDING AT SMITHFIELD ROAD AND POKFIELD ROAD.

THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 24 BUILDINGS.

-----Q------

MONDAY, MAY 17, 1976

WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB OFFICE-BEARERS SWORN-IN

KOK*

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY PRAISED THE EASTERN DISTRICT WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

SPEAKING AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE CLUB’S OFFICE-BEARERS, MR. LEE SAID SINCE THE CLUB WAS ESTABLISHED 21 YEARS AGO, IT HAS BECOME A WELL-FOUNDED AND ACTIVE VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATION THROUGH THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF ITS LEADERS OVER THE YEARS.

MR. LEE NOTED THAT AMONG THE MANY SERVICES IT PROVIDES FOR THE COMMUNITY, THE CLUB HAS SET UP A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN CHAI WAN AND A NON-PROFIT-MAKING NURSERY IN NORTH POINT.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE CLUB ALSO PROVIDES AND ARRANGES A GREAT VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH THE YOUNG AND OLD IN'THE DISTRICT.

MRS. LEE, WIFE OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPOINTMENT TO THE CLUB’S OFFICE-BEARERS.

-------o----------

GOVERNOR TO VISIT TSUEN WAN *****

NOTE TO EDITORS*

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT TSUEN WAN ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 19), ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES.

SIR MURRAY WILL SPEND ABOUT FOUR HOURS IN THE TOWN, DURING WHICH HE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.

THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO MEET CHAIRMEN OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND HOLD TALKS WITH MEMBERS OF TSUEN WAN AND TSI NG Yl RURAL COMMITTEES AND THE TSUEN WAN TRADE ASSOCIATION.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AT NO. 277 SHA TSUI ROAD, TSUEN WAN, WHICH IS DUE TO BEGIN AT 12.15 P.M. MR. DONALD STRANGE, OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THE PRESS. .

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE TRAVEL IN COMFORTABLE TYPES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT ......... 1

NEW SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR TSUEN WAN ................. 2

WATER INTERRUPTION ........................................... 2

AMATEUR RADIO CONTACTS DURING OLYMPIC GAMES .................. 3

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TO KWA WAN ................................ 3

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1976

MORE TRAVEL IN COMFORTABLE TYPES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

* M * M * M *

PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN WILLING TO PAY HIGHER FARES FOR FASTER AND MORE COMFORTABLE TYPES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS.

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES CARRIED AN ESTIMATED AVERAGE OF 1.4 MILLION PASSENGERS EACH DAY LAST YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 893,000 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE IN 1966.

TAXIS ALSO BECAME MORE POPULAR DURING THE DECADE WITH THE NUMBER OF TAXIS RISING FROM 2,763 IN 1966 TO 4,754 IN 1975. z

LAST YEAR, TAXIS CARRIED SOME 563,000 PASSENGERS A DAY SHOWING AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 72.2 PER CENT OVER THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

PASSENGERS OF PUBLIC HIRE CARS ALSO INCREASED. IN 1975, THE 1,283 PUBLIC HIRE CARS CARRIED 46,000 PEOPLE PER DAY ON THE AVERAGE, 8,000 MORE THAN IN 1966.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF BUSES HAD NEARLY DOUBLED IN THE PAST TEN YEARS, THE INCREASE OF BUS PASSENGERS WAS COMPARATIVELY SMALL.

ON THE AVERAGE, 2,333,000 PEOPLE TRAVELLED BY FRANCHISED BUSES EACH DAY LAST YEAR, WHILE THE FIGURE FOR 1966 WAS 2,273,000.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD BECOME EVIDENT THAT BUS PASSENGERS NOWADAYS TENDED TO TRAVEL IN LESS CONGESTED BUSES AND THEY APPARENTLY FAVOURED THE MORE +BRANCHING-OUT+ ROUTES TO PLACES FORMERLY NOT SERVED BY BUSES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT A TOTAL OF 43 NEW ROUTES WERE INTRODUCED BY THE TWO BUS COMPANIES LAST YEAR.

OVER THE 1966-75 PERIOD, BOTH TRAMS AND FERRIES CARRIED LESS PASSENGERS.

ONLY ABOUT 400,000 PEOPLE TRAVELLED IN TRAMS ON AN AVERAGE DAY LAST YEAR - A DROP OF OVER 20 PER CENT.

THE NUMBER OF FERRY PASSENGERS DECLINED FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IN 1972, WITH ITS DAILY AVERAGE DROPPING FROM 649,000 IN THAT YEAR TO 539,000 LAST YEAR.

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TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1976 - 2 -

NEW SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR TSUEN WAN ft ft ft ft ft ft

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN WORK SHORTLY ON A NEW SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WILL BE INVITED IN THIS WEEK'S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

MR. F. HO-ASJOE, CHIEF ARCHITECT, P.W.D., SAID TODAY BUILDING WORK WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID-JULY THIS YEAR AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER 1977.

THE SCHOOL WILL CONSIST OF THREE INTERLOCKING BLOCKS OCCUPYING A 4,650-SQUARE-METRE (ABOUT 50,000 SQ. FT.) SITE AT HA KWAI CHUNG, EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM EITHER HING SHING ROAD OR WING FONG ROAD.

THE MAIN TEACHING BLOCK, WILL BE A FIVE-STOREY BUILDING PROVIDING 24 CLASSROOMS ON THE UPPER FLOORS WITH ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND CHANGING FACILITIES ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A SIX-STOREY BLOCK PROVIDING 16 SPECIAL ROOMS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, METAL AND WOOD WORKS, AS WELL AS A LIBRARY AND WORKSHOPS.

THE TEACHING BLOCK WILL BE CONNECTED BY AN ASSEMBLY BLOCK CONSISTING OF A 600-SQUARE-METRE ASSEMBLY HALL, STAGE AND A COVERED PLAY AREA.

THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEPARATE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND STAFF QUARTERS.

------o-------

WATER INTERRUPTION ft ft ft ft

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TWO AREAS IN SAN PO KONG WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 20) TO FACILITATE A LEAKAGE TEST.

THE FIRST AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD, TSEUK LUK STREET, AND TAI YAU STREET INCLUDING SHEUNG HEI STREET, WHILE THE OTHER IS BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD. YAN 01 STREET, FOO YUEN STREET, SHUNG LING STREET, Yl LUN STREET, HONG KEUNG STREET AND TSEUK LUK STREET INCLUDING YIN HING STREET AND KAM WING STREET.

IN TSUEN WAN, WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED ON THE SAME DAY FROM 9 P.M. UNTIL 6 A.M. ON FRIDAY.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD FROM YEUNG UK ROAD TO MA TAU PA STREET, GIN DRINKERS BAY ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO TSUEN WAN CHINESE CEMETERY INCLUDING 24 INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND GODOWNS.

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1976

AMATEUR RADIO CONTACTS DURING OLYMPIC GAMES ******

LICENSED RADIO AMATEURS MAY, BY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND HONG KONG, EXCHANGE MESSAGES OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM OR TO THIRD PARTIES FROM JULY 3 TO AUGUST 15, 1976 WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN MONTREAL, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.

THESE MESSAGES OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS CAN BE EXCHANGED ON THE CONDITION THAT NO COMPENSATION MAY BE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PAID.

A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SUCH COMMUNICATIONS SHOULD BE LIMITED TO CONVERSATIONS OR MESSAGES OF A TECHNICAL OR PERSONAL NATURE FOR WHICH, BY REASON OF THEIR UNIMPORTANCE, RECOURSE TO THE PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE WAS NOT JUSTIFIED.

THIS ARRANGEMENT, HE ADDED, WOULD BE APPLICABLE WITH RESPECT TO ALL AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS DULY LICENSED BY APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES OF CANADA OR HONG KONG.

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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TO KWA WAN

* X X- X- * -*

A NUMBER OF ROADS IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON, WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 20) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.

YUK YAT STREET BETWEEN LOK SHAN ROAD AND KWEI CHOW STREET WILL BE CONVERTED INTO ONE WAY TRAFFIC THAT RUNS FROM LOK SHAN ROAD TO KWEI CHOW STREET.

KWEI CHOW STREET BETWEEN YUK YAT STREET AND KING WAN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY, FROM YUK YAT STREET TO KING WAN STREET.

KING WAN STREET BETWEEN KWEI CHOW STREET AND SHUN FUNG STREET WILL BE CONVERTED INTO ONE WAY TRAFFIC FROM KWEI CHOW STREET TO SHUN FUNG STREET.

SHUN FUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY, FROM KING WAN STREET TO YUK YAT STREET.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

---o------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE LAND TO BE FORMED FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ... 1

DRUG ADDICTS SPEND $500 MILLION A YEAR ....................... 2

SHA TIN MARKET CLEARANCE TO TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 16^............ 3

TROPICAL CYCLONE AND HEAVY RAIN PRECAUTIONS .................. 4

GOVERNOR TOURS TSUEN WAN ..................................... 5

WATER CUT .................................................... 5

WOODWORK AND METAL WORK EXHIBITION BY STUDENTS ............... 6

TOPLEY TO OPEN MINERAL EXHIBITION ............................ 7

COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 7

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

MORE LAND TO BE FORMED FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT * « X * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 12.5 HECTARES (31 ACRES) OF LAND IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN FOR FURTHER RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

TENDERS FOR THE FORMATION OF SITES WILL BE INVITED THIS FRIDAY (MAY 21).

MR. S.kL KWEI, CHIEF P^W.D.' ENGINEER OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID TODAY THE WORKS SHOULD BEGIN IN JULY FOR COMPLETION TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

THE PROJECT, HE SAID, WOULD BASICALLY INVOLVE EXCAVATION AND FILLING IN LOW-LYING LAND TO FORM TERRACES AND ROAD EMBANKMENTS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.

+WHEN COMPLETED, SOME 8.3 HECTARES (20 ACRES) OF NEW LAND SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR FURTHER PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID

+MOST OF THIS AREA,+ HE ADDED, +WILL BE USED FOR THE SECOND PHASE OF THE HUGE TAI HING HOUSING ESTATE WHICH WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR ANOTHER 17,500 PEOPLE.

+IN ADDITION, ANOTHER 4.2 HECTARES (11 ACRES) WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT TO SERVE THE NEW TOWN.+

MEANWHILE, WORK IS DUE TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH ON A MASSIVE RECLAMATION SCHEME WHICH WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 60 HECTARES (148 ACRES) OF ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LAND IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT CLOSED AT THE END OF LAST MONTH AND THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO BE SIGNED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

THE SCHEME INVOLVES RECLAIMING THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN PARTS OF CASTLE PEAK BAY, AND REPRESENTS THE LARGEST ENGINEERING CONTRACT SO FAR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

•' THE RECLAMATION WILL YIELD AN ADDITIONAL 9.5 HECTARES (23.5 ACRES) OF LAND FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT USES, 36.7 HECTARES (91 ACRES) FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, AND ABOUT 13.8 HECTARES (34 ACRES) FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

DRUG ADDICTS SPEND $500 MILLION A YEAR

*****

HONG KONG’S DRUG ADDICTS SPEND ABOUT $500 MILLION A YEAR ON SUPPORTING THE HABIT. •

THIS ESTIMATE DESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS MR. E.l. LEE. AS +VERY CONSERVATIVE+ WAS DISCLOSED BY HIM AT T CUSTOMS CONFERENCE GOING ON IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT.

THE CONFERENCE, SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG PREVENTIVE SERVICE AND UNITED &TATES CUSTOMS SERVICE, IS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 25 DELEGATES FROM OVER A DOZEN COUNTRIES.

MR. LEE SAID THAT THE SUM WAS EQUIVALENT TO MORE THAN THE ANNUAL COST OF RUNNING THE POLICE FORCE. THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, AND ALMOST EQUALS THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL RECEIPTS FROM ITS DUTIES ON LIQUOR, TOBACCO

AND HYDROCARBON OILS.

HE SAID THE SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS WERE VERY CONSIDERABLE. MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT ALL OF HONG KONG’S ILLICIT OPIATE DRUGS CAME FROM THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE WHERE THE BORDERS OF BURMA. LOAS AND THAILAND MEET, BY AIR OR SEA, IN BULK, IN MERCHANDISE OR BY COURIERS.

HE SAID THAT THIS WAS NOT A PROBLEM THAT COULD BE SOLVED BY INTERNAL MEANS ONLY.

+WE THEREFORE SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL ACTION, THE GROWING EFFECTIVENESS OF WHICH IS EVIDENCED BY THE INCREASING INTEREST BEING PAID ALL OVER SOUTH-EAST ASIA TO REGIONAL CO-OPERATION,* HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE SEVEN-DAY CONFERENCE WAS PERSONALISED BY THE PRESENCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR AND AN INTERPOL REGIONAL LIAISON OFFICER.

+THE HONG KONG POLICE ALSO HAS AN OFFICER ATTACHED TO THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BANGKOK FOR LIAISON AND CO-OPERATION WITH THE THAI AUTHORITIES AND THE UNITED STATES DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION IN THAT CITY. AGAIN, THE SPECIAL EXPERTISE OF ANOTHER POLICE OFFICER STATIONED AT INTERPOL HEADQUARTERS IN PARIS, IS PROVING INVALUABLE IN-HELP I NG TO COMBAT THE FLOW OF DRUGS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA TO EUROPE,* MR. LEE SAID.

HE ADDED 1 +YET ANOTHER POLICE OFFICER IS SHORTLY TO BE POSTED TO THE METROPOLITAN POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN LONDON FOR SIMILAR INTERNATIONAL LIAISON DUTIES.

+INTERNATIONALLY, WE ALSO ASSIST BY OFFERING TRAINING FACILITIES TO THE UNITED NATIONS AND ITS CONSISTUENT INSTITUTIONS, AND TO INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENTS ON A BILATERAL BASIS. FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS WE HAVE, ADDITIONALLY, CONTRIBUTED $100,000 A YEAR TO THE UNITED NATIONS FUND FOR DRUG ABUSE CONTROL JN SUPPORT OF ITS GLOBAL CONTROL EFFORTS.*

/MB. LEE.......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

5 -

MR. LEE TOLD THE CONFERENCE THAT THE ACTUAL NUMBER ADDICTS IN HONG KONG WAS NOT KNOWN, BUT THE FIGURE MOST USED IS 100,000.

OF DRUG COMMONLY

+WE HAVE AS YET NOTHING TO SUPPORT THIS FIGURE, OR INDEED TO DENY IT. THE ONLY HARD FACTS WE HAVE ARE, FIRST, THAT IN OUR CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ADDICTS WHICH WAS STARTED SOME FOUR YEARS AGO, THERE ARE NOW APPROXIMATELY 31,000 UNDUPLICATED NAMESAND ABOUT 80,000 RECORDS- SECOND, THERE ARE AT PRESENT SOME 10,000 ADDICTS UNDER SOME FORM OF TREATMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES RUN BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, IN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES RUN BY THE TWO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES (S.A.R.D.A. AND D.P.A.S.), OR UNDER TREATMENT IN THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE CLINICS RUN BY THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, OR IN AFTER-CARE, OR IN HALF-WAY HOUSES,* HE SAID.

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SHA TIN MARKET CLEARANCE TO TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 16 * * K * M

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO BEGIN CLEARANCE OF 28 SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS IN SHA TIN MARKET ON JUNE 16, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY.

+THERE IS NO CHANCE OF THIS DATE BEING CHANGED,* HE SAID. +THE AREA IS REQUIRED FOR A MAJOR ROAD WIDENING PROJECT AND GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO HANDING IT OVER TO THE CONTRACTOR BY THE BEGINNING OF JULY.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ADEQUATELY RECOGNISED THE SPECIAL HI STROY AND NATURE OF THE BUSINESSES OPERATING IN SHA TIN MARKET AND HAD OFFERED +VERY FAIR TERMS* TO THE 28 SHOPKEEPERS. THEY HAD BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN A TENDER FOR SHOPS SPECIALLY SET ASIDE FOR THEM IN LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN. AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO WAIVED THE $20,000 CEILING ON EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS.

+IT IS REGRETTABLE, THEREFORE, THAT THE OPERATORS FAILED TO TURN UP FOR THE RESTRICTED TENDER ON MARCH 30 AND THAT THEY HAVE NOT YET BEEN TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO COLLECT THEIR EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS, AMOUNTING IN ONE CASE TO MORE THAN $100,000,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT, WITH A FUTURE POPULATION OF 22,000 PEOPLE, THE BUSINESS POTENTIAL IN LEK YUEN ESTATE WAS BOUND TO BE GOOD. OTHER PEOPLE HAD RECOGNISED THIS BY TENDERING VERY HIGH SUMS FOR THE REMAINING SHOPS IN THE ESTATE. HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE 28 OPERATORS HAD BEEN GIVEN THE RIGHT TO ASSIGN THEIR ESTATE SHOP IF THEY PREFERRED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL THE LAND ON WHICH THE BUSINESSES STOOD NOW BELONGED TO THE GOVERNMENT AND, ACCORDINGLY, DEMOLITION NOTICES HAD BEEN SERVED AT THE BEGINNING OF LAST MONTH. HE SAIDx +WE HAVE OFFERED THE SHOPKEEPERS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO THEIR PRESENT OPERATION AND HOPE THAT THEY WILL TAKE IT UP BEFORE CLEARANCE GETS UNDER WAY ON JUNE 16.+

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

- 4

TROPICAL CYCLONE AND HEAVY RAIN PRECAUTIONS ******

NOW THAT TROPICAL CYCLONES ARE AGAIN ACTIVE IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC AND THE CHANCE OF HEAVY RAINSTORMS IS INCREASING THE DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR. GORDON BELL, SAID TODAY THAT IT IS TIME NOW TO TAKE SOME PRELIM I NARY'PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT +WE ARE READY TO MINIMIZE THE DANGERS AND FINANCIAL LOSSES CAUSED BY HIGH WINDS, LANDSLIDES AND FLOODINGS DUE TO TROPICAL CYCLONES AND RAINSTORMS.*

♦COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS,* HE SAID, + IS THE-KEYNOTE FOR MINIMIZING THE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY,..INJUR IES AND LOSS OF LIFE WHICH CAN RESULT FROM THESE STORMS.*

THOSE WHO HAVE'SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES DURING STORMS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR INSTRUCTIONS AND RELEVANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE UP-TO-DATE. GUTTERS AND DRAINS SHOULD BE CLEARED AND CHECKED FOR DAMAGE. BOLTS, LOCKS AND SHUTTERS OF ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS SHOULD BE CHECKED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIRED. OWNERS OF SMALL CRAFT SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THEIR MOORINGS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION.

MR. BELL AGAIN REMINDED CIVIL ENGINEERS. ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS TO ENSURE THAT SITE WORKS ARE PROTECTED AGAINST DAMAGE FROM HEAVY RAIN.

WARNINGS OF THE APPROACH OF TROPICAL CYCLONES WILL BE GIVEN WELL IN ADVANCE, AS IN RECENT YEARS. HOWEVER, IT IS OFTEN ONLY POSSIBLE TO GIVE A FEW HOURS NOTICE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEAVY RAIN OR THUNDERSTORMS WHICH ARE NOT DUE TO TROPICAL CYCLONES.

SITE ENGINEERS MAY THEREFORE NOW WISH TO CONSIDER WHETHER THEY SHOULD SUBSCRIBE TO THE CALLING SERVICE OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE WARNINGS OF THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAIN ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

CARDS EXPLAINING THE THUNDERSTORM AND HEAVY RAIN WARNING SERVICE AND THE TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SERVICE ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

- 5 -GOVERNOR TOURS TSUEN WAN ******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SPENT THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TOURING TSUEN WAN, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES HAYES.

SIR MURRAY BEGAN HIS VISIT AT THE LAI KING HEADLAND VANTAGE POINT FROM WHERE HE WAS GIVEN A BRIEFING ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN BY THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR F.E. SHORT, AND MR HAYES.

HE THEN TOURED THE FACTORY AREA IN TAI LIN PAI ROAD AND MET CHAIRMEN OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN TSUEN WAN AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER BRIEFING ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE TOWN.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS LASTING 30 MINUTES WITH MEMBERS OF TSUEN WAN AND TSI NG Yl RURAL COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE RESPECTIVE CHAIRMEN, MR PETER YEUNG AND MR TANG YUEN-PUI.

SIR MURRAY ENDED HIS VISIT TO THE DISTRICT BY GOING ON A SEA TOUR ROUND TSI NG Yl ISLAND, DURING WHICH HE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT MATTERS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES BOTH ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR ABOUT FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MAY 21) TO ENABLE WATERWORKS STAFF TO CARRY OUT LEAKAGE TESTS.

IN CAUSEWAY BAY DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY ELECTRIC ROAD. LAU SIN STREET, HING FAT STREET AND THE SEA FRONT, INCLUDING THE CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY, THE VICTORIA PARK AND THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC POWER STATION, NORTH POINT.

ANOTHER AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, WESTERN STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND EASTERN STREET.

IN KOWLOON, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, NULLAH ROAD, TUNG CHOI STREET AND ARGYLE STREET, INCLUDING SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, FIFE STREET, MONG KOK ROAD, AND BUTE STREET.

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/6....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

- 6 -WOODWORK AND METAL WORK EXHIBITION BY STUDENTS ******

A WIDE RANGE OF EXHIBITS INCLUDING WOODEN JEWELLERY BOXES, SMALL OCCASIONAL TABLES, COLLAPSIBLE CHAIRS, METAL TABLES, MACHINE TOOLS, A MINI-MILLING MACHINE AND A SMALL PUMPING MACHINE MADE BY FORM FIVE PUPILS ARE ON DISPLAY AT THE ARSENAL STREET POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO THE EXHIBITION WHICH IS OPENED FROM 9.30 A.M..-_.12.3O P.M. AND 2 P.M. - 4 P.M. TOMORROW AND FRIDAY AND 9.30 A.M. - 12.30 P.M. ON SATURDAY.

THE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN MADE AS PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUPILS WHO TAKE WOODWORK AND METAL WORK IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.

♦THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THAT THIS APPROACH HAS BEEN ADOPTED,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

HE ADDEDt +THE PROJECT APPROACH WHICH HAS INVOLVED PUPILS IN INITIATING THEIR OWN IDEAS, PROBLEM SOLVING, CREATIVE WAYS OF WORKING WITH WOOD AND METAL MEDIA HAS RESULTED IN A MORE ENLIGHTENED PROGRAMME OF LEARNING IN FIFTH YEAR PRACTICAL STUDIES.+

♦THE EXHIBITION REFLECTS HIGH STANDARDS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ORIGINALITY.+ ' !

FOR THE FIRST TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS HAVE ASSISTED IN ASSESSING PUPILS* WORK ON A TEAM BASIS AIDED BY THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

THE EXHIBITION HAS BEEN VIEWED BY FORM FOUR PUPILS TOGETHER WITH THEIR TEACHERS.

" THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION)

MR. COLVYN HAYE AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL) MR. HO NGA-MING TOGETHER WITH OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN TO THE EXHIBITION AND WERE IMPRESSED WITH THE PUPILS* WORK.

' TOMORROW THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. ANDREW KINGWELL WILL VISIT THE EXHIBITION AT 11.45 A.M.

NOTE TO EDIT0RS1 YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EXHIBITION COVERED. MR. KINGWELL WILL BE PLEASED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

TOPLEY TO OPEN MINERAL EXHIBITION OOM

A COLLECTION OF OVER 1,000 MINERALS, ROCK SPECIMENS AND CRYSTALS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL BE DISPLAYED AT A FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION IN THE CITY HALL TO BE OPENED ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN VIEW THE EXHIBITS FROM SATURDAY TO NEXT WEDNESDAY (MAY 26) BETWEEN 10 A.M, AND 6 P.M. DAILY.

AN ADMISSION FEE OF $1 WILL BE CHARGED FOR ADULTS AND THE MONEY COLLECTED WILL BE DONATED TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST. STUDENTS WILL BE ADMITTED FREE OF CHARGE.

THE MINERALS HAVE BEEN COLLECTED DURING THE PAST 35 YEARS BY MR. STEPHEN HUI, A MINING ENGINEER;

THE EXHIBITION, KNOWN AS +THE FIRST MINERAL EXHIBIT IN HONG KONG+, IS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY IN THE EXHIBITION HALL, CITY HALL, AT 4 P.M. ON FRIDAY.

-----0------

PRICE TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. MR. IAN PRICE, WILL ATTEND THE 61ST SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE WHICH OPENS ON JUNE 2 IN GENEVA.

MR. PRICE WHO LEFT HONG KONG FOR LONDON TODAY FOR A TWO-MONTH LEAVE WILL BREAK HIS.HOLIDAYS TO JOIN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DELEGATION ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE FOR ABOUT 14 DAYS.

AT THE UP-COMING SESSION, THERE WILL BE TWO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA, WHICH ARE OF PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO HONG KONG. THESE ARE 'WORKING ENVIRONMENT’ AND ’LABOUR ADMINISTRATION’.

MR. PRICE IS DUE BACK IN HONG KONG ON JULY 16. DURING HIS ABSENCE, MR. J.N. HENDERSON, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, WILL ACT AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC TO OPEN NEXT MONDAY ... 1

U.K. IMPOSES ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON H.K. RAINCOAT ......... 2

COLONIAL SECRETARY VISITS ISLANDS DISTRICT ............. 3

LOOP ROAD TO BE BUILT AT CHATHAM ROAD INTERCHANGE ......... 4

CONTROL ON CERTAIN TEXTILES EXPORTS TO FINLAND ............ 5

SEMINAR ON +SHORE WATCH+ ................................

WATER CUT ...............................................

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976

TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC TO OPEN NEXT MONDAY

*****

THE $6 MILLION TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC AT MORRISON HIL WILL BE IN USE FROM NEXT MONDAY, PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALIST FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE ISLAND.

THE CLINIC, NAMED AFTER THE FATHER OF WELL-KNOWN PHILANTHROPIST SIR SHIU KIN TANG, IS AN EIGHT-STOREY BUILDING WHICH OCCUPIES AN AREA OF ABOUT 12,000 SQUARE FEET ALONGSIDE THE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL.

IT WILL REPLACE THE SPECIALIST CLINIC PRESENTLY ACCOMMODATED AT THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC IN WANCHAI. THE TRANSFER FROM VIOLET PEEL TO THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC WILL BE BY PHASES, BEGINNING WITH THE OPHTHALMIC AND SPECIAL SKIN UNITS. THE OTHER SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT SERVICES — MEDICINE, SURGERY. GYNAECOLOGY, EAR, NOSE AND THROAT —WILL THEN MOVE INTO THE NEW BUILDING DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES WHILE THE VACANT PREMISES RESULTING FROM THE TRANSFER OF THE SPECIALIST UNITS WILL BE USED FOR A METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE.

THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC WILL ATTEND TO PATIENTS REFERRED FROM GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND DOCTORS FOR SPECIALIST OPINIONS AND SPECIAL FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT OR EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITALS.

THE $6 MILLION CAPTIAL COST HAS BEEN MET IN PART BY A SUBSTANTIAL DONATION BY SIR SHIU KIN TANG, WHO HAS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO MANY OTHER MEDICAL PROJECTS.

IN THE NEW SPECIALIST CLINIC, THERE ARE 21 CONSULTING ROOMS, TWO OMftATING THEATRES FOR MINOR SURGICAL AND OPHTHALMIC CASES, VISUACXCUITY AND TEST ROOMS, TREATMENT ROOMS. DISPENSARIES, LABORATORIES, SPEECHTHERAPY ROOMS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES.

EACH FLOOR HAS 'SEEN DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ACCOMMODATE A PARTICULAR TYPE OF SPECIALIST SERVICE.

THE EXISTING EYE CLINIC AT THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC

WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW, AND ON SATURDAY AND NEXT MONDAY IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL INTO THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC WILL BE HELD AT 4 P.M. ON MONDAY, 24TH MAY. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. DENIS BRAY, WILL UNVEIL A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO DECLARE THE CLINIC OPEN, AND SIR SHIU KIN WILL UNVEIL A BUST OF THE LATE TANG CHI NGONG. YOU ARE WELCOME TO HAVE THE CEREMONY COVERED.

------o ------

/2.....

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976

U.K. IMPOSES ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON H.K. RAINCOAT

******

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL IMPOSE, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, AN ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON A CERTAIN HONG KONG-MADE RAINCOAT IMPORTED INTO BRITAIN.

THE ITEM CONCERNED IS A SINGLE OR DOUBLE TEXTURE RUBBERISED RAYON OR COTTON RAINCOAT FOR LADIES WHICH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT FEELS IS BEING IMPORTED INTO THE COUNTRY AT DUMPED PRICES, AND THAT ANTI-DUMPING ACTION IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE

HOME INDUSTRY.

THE DECISION TO IMPOSE THE DUTY FOLLOWS A VISIT TO HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR BY A TEAM OF GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATORS TO CHECK ON THE MANUFACTURING COST OF THE RAINCOAT.

THE ANTI-DUMPING DUTY IS 1.5 POUNDS STERLING ON EACH RAINCOAT OF THIS TYPE IMPORTED INTO BRITAIN FROM HONG KONG. THIS LEVY IS IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL IMPORT DUTY.

A COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ANTI-DUMPING DUTY CONCERNS ONLY LADIES’ SINGLE AND DOUBLE TEXTURE RUBBERISED RAYON OR COTTON RAINCOATS — NOT ALL RAINCOATS.

EXPORTS OF THIS RAINCOAT TO BRITAIN LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO HK$65O,OOO.

HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO BRITAIN IN THE SAME PERIOD WAS HK$1,995 MILLION.

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT AN IMPORTER COULD CLAIM A REFUND SHOULD THE LANDED PRICE OF THE RAINCOAT PLUS THE ANTI-DUMPING DUTY EXCEED WHAT IS DEEMED IN BRITAIN AS A +FAIR MARKET PR ICE.+

THE FAIR MARKET PRICE IS HK$46 C.I.F. FOR A SINGLE TEXTURE RAINCOAT AND HK$64 C.I.F. FOR A DOUBLE TEXTURE RAINCOAT.

------o--------

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976

COLONIAL SECRETARY VISITS ISLANDS DISTRICT OF N.T.A.

******

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SPENT TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITING ISLANDS DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER ISLANDS, MR. ALBERT LAI.

SIR DENYS’S FIRST CALL WAS PENG CHAU, WHERE HE MET MEMBERS OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE AND WAS BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE ISLAND. HE THEN TOOK A BOAT TO MUI WO ON LANTAO, WHERE HE SAW DEVELOPMENT ON THE RECLAMATION AT CHUNG HAU. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF SOUTH LANTAO BY CAR.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY LATER WENT TO TA I 0 WHERE HE MET THE CHAIRMEN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. KAN CHUNG-HING, AND THE FIRST AND SECOND VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR. CHEUNG SHUN-YAU AND MR. TAI WING-FAI. HE WENT TO THE ROOF OF A LOCAL SCHOOL TO SEE THE AREA COVERED BY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS BEFORE HOLDING DISCUSSIONS WITH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE.

AFTER LUNCH, SIR DENYS FLEW TO CHEUNG CHAU FOR TALKS WITH MEMBERS OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. HE ALSO TOURED THE ISLAND AND WAS SHOWN, AMONG OTHER THINGS, AN OPEN INCINERATOR AND THE PROPOSED SITES FOR A TYPHOON SHELTER AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT.

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976

CHATHAM ROAD INTERCHANGE PROVISION OF U-TURNING LOOP *****

A NEW ROAD IS TO BE BUILT AT THE CHATHAM ROAD INTERCHANGE IN KOWLOON TO PROVIDE EASIER ACCESS TO THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY COMPLEX FOR MOTORISTS COMING FROM THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

MR. H.C. BEATON, CHIEF P.W.D. ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, SAID TODAY WORK ON THE ROAD WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.

THE NEW ROAD, IN THE FORM OF A U-TURNING LOOP, WOULD BE ABOUT 100 METRES LONG RUNNING UNDER HONG CHONG ROAD BRIDGE NEAR THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CHATHAM ROAD AND JOIN UP WITH THE TWO CARRIAGEWAYS OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS.

+WHEN COMPLETED, THE NEW LOOP ROAD WILL PROVIDE A LESS TORTUOUS ROUTE FOR TRAFFIC FROM THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE POLYTECHNIC TO THE NEW RAILWAY COMPLEX AND THE EASTERN PART OF TSIM SHA TSUI.

+AT THE SAME TIME, IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT AND SHORTER ROUTE FROM THE EASTERN PART OF TSIM SHA TSUI AND THE POLYTECHNIC TO THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL,+ HE SAID.

MR. BEATON SAID THE NEW LOOP ROAD WOULD ALSO CATER FOR AN EXPECTED INCREASE IN TRAFFIC MOVEMENT LIKELY TO BE GENERATED BY THE PLANNED HUNG HOM INDOOR STADIUM AND INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE.

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PEDESTRIANS, HE SAID, THE EXISTING PEDESTRIAN THOROUGHFARE UNDER THE BRIDGE WOULD BE MAINTAINED BY AN EXTENSION OF THE SUBWAY UNDER THE EASTERN SLIP ROAD.

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS (KOWLOON) DIVISION WHICH WILL SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976

- 5 -

CONTROL ON CERTAIN TEXTILES EXPORTS TO FINLAND *****

CERTAIN HONG KONG TEXTILE PRODUCTS TO FINLAND ARE TO BE PLACED UNDER EXPORT CONTROL STARTING ON THE FIRST OF NEXT MONTH.

THESE ARE WOOLLEN SWEATERS, CARDIGANS AND THE LIKE, AND WOMEN'S AND GIRLS’ KNITTED BRIEFS OF COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRE.

AGREEMENT ON THIS CONTROL ARRANGEMENT WAS REACHED TO-DAY (THURSDAY) AT THE END OF THREE DAYS OF TALKS IN HONG KONG BETWEEN A FINNISH DELEGATION LED BY MR. R. MULLER, OF THE FINNISH MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND A HONG KONG DELEGATION LED BY MR. P.K.Y. TSAO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF • COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.

THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT OF WHICH BOTH FINLAND AND HONG KONG ARE SIGNATORIES.

HONG KONG HAS ALSO AGREED TO PLACE UNDER EXPORT AUTHORIZATION EXPORTS TO FINLAND OF MEN’S AND BOYS’ SHIRTS OF COTTON AND DISCONTINUOUS SYNTHETIC FIBRE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THAT AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE NEW AGREEMENT WOULD BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

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6 -

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976

SEMINAR ON +SHORE WATCH+ *****

.k,eT. I^SANDS 0F STUDENTS FR0M 280 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTES WILL TAKE PART IN +SHORE WATCH+, AN IMPORTANT ™VlEeNeeNTAL STUD,ES PROJECT WHICH BEGINS LATER THIS MONTH ON THE SEASHORES OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

TEACHERS FROM THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL ATTEND A $EMINAR 0N THE project AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON SATURDAY MORNING. THE SEMINAR WILL BE OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY.

+SHORE WATCH+ IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE EDUCATION ?ERAR™E"T’ THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE CONSERVANCY O?L°HnNr KnGr1!1™5 INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303 AND CALTEX UIL nUNb KuNb LTD.

„ -r,,9UR!NG THE SEMINAR, MR. TOPLEY WILL RECEIVE ON BEHALF CP THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS COPIES OF BROCHURES AND REFERENCES nv -rur$rE ^ATCH+ AND +PRACTICAL AQUATIC ECOLOGY+ PRESENTED BY THE SPONSORS, LIONS INTERNATIONAL AND CALTEX.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

OF THE SEMINAR AT

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING ’ .T THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON SATURDAY

AT 10 A.M.

- - 0

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY

TO A

NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWAT CHUNG WILL L. ......- NOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY

(MAY 22) TO ENABLE WATERWORKS STAFF TO CARRY OUT A LEAKAGE TEST.

BE TURNED OFF FOR

FIVE

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TAI WO HAU ROAD wn tong IhUiLSI!EET’ KWAI CHUNG R0AD Af<D CASTLE PEAK ROAD, I &CLUd]nGG S kL}S!S p^1t£HUNG FACT°RY BL0CKS 1 T0 5 AND ALL BLOCKS kwa I n I Nb to IA It.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

CONTENTS . PAGE NO.

ELEVEN CHILD CARE CENTRE INSPECTORS APPOINTED ........ 1

SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE SETTLED ........................ 3

COLONIAL SECRETARY’S REPLY TO SHA TIN SHOPPERS ....... 4

CHANGES TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE ............. 5

DUTY FOR METHYL ALCOHOL PROPOSED ..................... 6

BOOKS REGISTRATION BILL 1976 ......................... 7

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR APRIL ....................... 8

LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT THREE BUDGET PROPOSALS ...... 9

BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN NEW TOWNS ................... 10

TENDERS FOR SHA TIN PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS INVITED ............................................. 12

FIRST MINERAL EXHIBITION IN HONG KONG ............... 13

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

- 1

ELEVEN CHILD CARE CENTRE INSPECTORS APPOINTED

******

ELEVEN OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS INSPECTORS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.

THEY COMPRISE ONE PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, ONE SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER AND NINE ASSISTANT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GAZETTE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF SEVEN GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AS MEDICAL OFFICERS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES.

WHEN THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ORDINANCE COMES INTO OPERATION ON JUNE 1, 1976, THESE INSPECTORS AND MEDICAL OFFICERS WILL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ENTER AND INSPECT ANY CHILD CARE CENTRE AND REQUIRE TO BE FURNISHED WITH ANY INFORMATION.

THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE PROVIDES LEGISLATION FOR THE REGISTRATION, CONTROL AND INSPECTION OF NURSERIES, CRECHES, PLAYGROUPS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE MORE THAN FIVE YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE ARE REGULARLY BROUGHT TOGETHER TO BE LOOKED AFTER IN HONG KONG.

COMMENTING ON THE ORDINANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID, + AT PRESENT, THERE MUST BE CHILD CARE CENTRES OPERATING BELOW ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS. INSTANCES OF NEGLECT AND ABUSE HAVE OCCURRED IN SOME SUCH CENTRES AND THE CONDITIONS IN OTHERS MIGHT BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY.

+THE LEGISLATION IS TO CONTROL THEM WITH THE INTENTION OF IMPROVING THEIR SAFETY AND THE STANDARD OF THEIR SERVICES, AND TO MAKE QUALITY CHILD CARE A REALITY IN HONG KONG.+

ALTHOUGH MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE STIPULATED AND OFFENCES PROVIDED TO ELIMINATE THE WORST ABUSE, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE HAS BEEN GIVEN FULL AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE HIS DISCRETION SC AS TO ENABLE HIM TO BE FLEXIBLE IK ENFORCING THE LEGISLATION AND NOT TO CAUSE UNDUE HARDSHIP TO OPERATORS AND PARENTS.

+THE STANDARDS ARE THE MINIMUM AND REALISTIC REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST FIRE AND HEALTH HAZARDS AND SUCH FACILITIES AS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR CHILD CARE MUST BE PROVIDED,+ HE SAID.

SINCE THE DATE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHILD-CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WAS ANNOUNCED M. AP'IL, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVING MANY ENQUIRIES FROM CENTRE OPERATORS AND PARENTS

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

- 2 -

THE SPOKESMAN SAID +THE ENQUIRIES ARE MAINLY ABOUT THE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE, SPACE REQUIREMENTS, STAFF AND CHILDREN RATIO ESPECIALLY IN SMALL CENTRES, QUALIFICATIONS OF STAFF AND THE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THEM.+

WITH REGARD TO THE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE, HE NOTED THAT THE FIRST STAGE WOULD TAKE PLACE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE LEGISLATION, THAT IS, FROM JUNE 1, 1976 TO MAY 31, 1977. +THIS INVOLVES COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STRUCTURAL, FIRE SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS. DURING THE YEAR, SOME PROGRESS MUST ALSO BE MADE TOWARDS ADEQUATE TRAINING AND STAFFING OF THE CENTRES AND A SATISFACTORY DIETARY SCALE AND A PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES MUST BE INTRODUCED.

+A YEAR LATER, THE RATIO OF STAFF TO CHILDREN AND THE FLOOR AREA ALLOTED TO EACH CHILD MUST BE UP TO THE STANDARD PRESCRIBED AND FURTHER PROGRESS MUST BE MADE TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE TARGET OF TRAINED STAFF.

+WITHIN THREE YEARS, ALL STAFF MUST HAVE OBTAINED THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIF I CAT IONS.+

ON THE QUESTION OF SPACE REQUIREMENT, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED: +IN DAY CENTRES, THOSE CHILDREN WHO ARE TOO YEARS OR OVER MUST HAVE 20 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE EACH AND THOSE UNDER TOO YEARS 30 SQUARE FEET. IN THE CASE OF OVERNIGHT CARE, IT WILL BE 35 SQUARE FEET IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE.+

IT IS IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT SPACE IS REQUIRED FOR ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF BABIES AND CHILDREN, HE ADDED.

TURNING TO THE STAFF AND CHILDREN RATIO, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT FOR NON-RESIDENT CHILDREN, THE RATIO SHOULD BE ONE STAFF MEMBER FOR EVERY 14 CHILDREN WHO ARE TOO YEARS OR OLDER AND ONE FOR EVERY SIX CHILDREN UNDER TOO. +FOR RESIDENT CHILDREN, THE CENTRE IS REQUIRED TO HAVE ON DUTY ONE STAFF MEMBER FOR EVERY SIX CHILDREN.+

AS FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE STAFF, HE SAID THAT STAFF IN A CHILD CARE CENTRE WAS MAINLY DIVIDED INTO TOO CATEGORIES s THE SUPERVISOR AND THE CHILD CARE WORKERS.

+CHILD CARE WORKERS SHOULD HAVE IN POSSESSION A HONG KONG SCHOOL CERTIFICATE= OR HAVE COMPLETED FORM II OR JUNIOR MIDDLE II IN EDUCATION PLUS THREE YEARS CHILD CARE EXPERIENCE. THEY SHOULD COMPLETE A TRAINING COURSE ON CHILD CARE WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

+A SUPERVISOR SHOULD HAVE A HONG KONG SCHOOL CERTIFICATE OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT IN EDUCATION PLUS FIVE YEARS CHILD CARE EXPERIENCE. HE OR SHE IS ALSO REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE TRAINING COURSE WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.+

/'T.-E TRAINING..

FRIDAY, M4Y 21, 1976

THE TRAINING SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RUNNING COURSES FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS.

+AT PRESENT, SIX COURSES ARE BEING RUN ANNUALLY FOR ABOUT 150 IN-SERVICE CHILD CARE WORKERS. THE FIVE-WEEK COURSE IS CONDUCTED OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS AND TUITION IS FREE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+WITH THE ORDINANCE COMING INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 1, MORE COURSES WILL BE RUN AND THESE COURSES WILL BE EXTENDED TO STAFF OF COMMERCIAL NURSERIES AND EXPANDED ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS,*

DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE ORDINANCE AND THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, 21, HOSPITAL ROAD, SAI YING PUN (TELEPHONE NO. 5-404736 OR 5-404669).

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SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE SETTLED # K * * *

THE SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE INVOLVING 316 DAILY RATcD WORKERS AND THE~MANAGEMENT OF THE OVERSEAS SHIPYARD COMPANY LIMITED IN CHEUNG SHA WAN JAS SETTLED TODAY (FRIDAY) THROUGH CONCILIATION EFFORTS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

FOUR CONCILIATION MEETINGS WERE HELD IN THE PAST TOO WEEKS IN THE SAN PO KONG LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OFFICE.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WORKERS AND THE MANAGEMENT THIS AFTERNOON SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF A LABOUR OFFICER AN AGREEMENT TO THE^EFFECT THaI eIcH WORKER WOULD RECEIVE A SUM OF 3500 AS EX-GRATIA PAYMENT IN ADDITION TO THE TERMS OFFERED BY THE MANAGEMENT ON MAY 3 WHEN THE SHIPYARD CEASED OPERATION AND lAL OFF THE WORKERS.

THE MANAGEMENT ORIGINALLY OFFERED TO PAY EACH WORKER WAGES EARNED UP TO THE DATE OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, SEVEN DAYS’ WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, 19 DAYS’ WAGES AS SPECIAL ALLOWANCE AND SEVERANCE PAY CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF 10 DAYS’ WAGES FOR EACH COMPLETED YEAR’S SERVICE.

PAYMENTS TOTALLING ABOUT $1.23 MILLION WILL BE MADE TO THE WORKERS EARLY NEXT WEEK.

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

COLONIAL SECRETARY’S REPLY TO SHA TIN SHOPPERS ******

OPERATORS OF 28 SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS IN SHA TIN, DUE TO BE CLEARED IN LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE WIDENING OF TAI PO ROAD, HAVE BEEN URGED BY THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GOVERNMENT’S OFFER OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN THE NEARBY LEK YUEN ESTATE.

SIR DENYS WAS REPLYING TO A LETTER THE OPERATORS SENT TO THE GOVERNOR ON APRIL 8 IN WHICH THEY REQUESTED +REASONABLE COMPENSATION AND RE-LOCATION OF SHOP UNITS.*

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS INVESTING MANY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN AS A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY, PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT, HOMES, SCHOOLS, WELFARE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR OVER HALF A MILLION PEOPLE.

+ l CAN ASSURE YOU,* HE WROTE, +THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO MITIGATE THE SUBSTANTIAL INCONVENIENCE AND THE DISRUPTION TO THE LIVELIHOOD CAUSED TO RESIDENTS OF THE AREA AND TO ASSIST THOSE MOST SERIOUSLY AFFECTED.*

SIR DENYS SAID THAT PART OF THE SITE NOW OCCUPIED BY SHA TIN MARKET WAS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR THE WIDENING OF THE MAIN TAI PO ROAD AND ULTIMATELY THE AREA WOULD FORM PART OF THE TOWN CENTRE, CONTAINING THE MAIN COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL AMENITIES FOR THE NEW TOWN.

HE CONTINUED: +GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHA TIN MARKET. IT WAS IN RECOGNITION OF THIS THAT EXCEPTIONAL CLEARANCE TERMS WERE AGREED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. THESE WILL ENABLE SHOPKEEPERS TO RECEIVE CASH COMPENSATION IN EXCESS OF THE NORMAL CEILING ADOPTED IN CLEARANCE OPERATIONS AND, FURTHER, TO PARTICIPATE IN A RESTRICTED TENDER FOR COMMERCIAL UNITS IN THE NEW LEK YUEN ESTATE.*

THESE TERMS, HE ADDED, WERE FAR MORE GENEROUS THAN THOSE NORMALLY OFFERED TO THE OCCUPANTS OF TEMPORARY STRUCTURES ON PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND AND REFLECTED THE SPECIAL POSITION OF SHA TIN MARKET.

+l AM TO SAY, THEREFORE, THAT IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE REQUESTS YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR LETTER HAVE ALREADY BEEN MET AND THAT ALL REASONABLE STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY SHOPKEEPERS IN THE AREA.

+IN PARTICULAR, I REGRET THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ALLOCATE LAND WITHIN THE LAYOUT AREA OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN FOR THE TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF THE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS. I THEREFORE URGE YOU, UNLESS YOU ARE ABLE TO MAKE YOUR OWN ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ELSEWHERE, TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OFFER OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN THE NEW LEK YUEN ESTATE.

+l AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR THE SITE TO EE CLEARED ON JUNE 16, 1976,+ SIR DENYS CONCLUDED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THERE WAS NO POSSIBILITY OF THE CLEARANCE BEING POSTPONED BEYOND JUNE 16 AS THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO HANDING THE AREA OVER TO THE CONTRACTOR BY THE BEGINNING OF JULY.

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976 '

- 5

CHANGES TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE

*****

NON-BRITISH SUBJECTS WILL IN FUTURE QUALIFY FOR ADMISSION AS SOLICITORS IN HONG KONG IF THEY HAVE LIVED HERE FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS, z

THIS IS ONE OF A NUMBER OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AND FOLLOWS RECENT SIMILAR DEVELOPMENTS IN ENGLAND.

ALSO AS FROM JULY 1, 1976 NEWLY QUALIFIED SOLICITORS AND SOLICITORS QUALIFIED IN BRITAIN WILL HAVE TO SPEND A PERIOD OF UP TO TWO YEARS AS ASSISTANT SOLICITORS BEFORE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PRACTISE ON THEIR OWN OR IN PARTNERSHIP.

THIS MEASURE IS TO ALLOW THEM TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE LOCAL SITUATION BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH MANY HONG KONG LAWS FOLLOW THOSE OF BRITAIN, THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES BOTH IN LAW AND IN THE MANNER IN WHICH BUSINESS AND LEGAL PRACTICE IS CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG. HOWEVER, IN THE CASE OF A SOLICITOR WHO HAS ACQUIRED SUBSTANTIAL EXPERIENCE IN THE LAW OVER A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME, THIS RESTRICTION CAN BE WAIVED.

ANOTHER PROPOSAL IS TO AUTHORISE THE LAW SOCIETY TO ISSUE ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATES TO SOLICITORS AND COLLECT THE FEE FOR SUCH CERTIFICATES. AT PRESENT CERTIFICATES ARE ISSUED BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT AND THE CHANGE WILL MEAN A SAVING OF WORK AND TIME.

THE TRANSFER OF POWERS, FROM THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE LAW SOCIETY, TO MAKE RULES RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF PRACTISING CERTIFICATES TO SOLICITORS IS ALSO EFFECTED BY TWO CLAUSES IN THE BILL.

SEVERAL AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL RELATE TO BARRISTERS AND REVISE THE LAW CONCERNING QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION AND PRACTICE.

ADMISSION OF A BARRISTER IN FUTURE WILL DEPEND ON ACADEMIC AND RESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS. IN ORDER TO PRACTISE A BARRISTER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE A QUALIFYING PERIOD OF FURTHER TRAINING, BUT AFTER THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, HE WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTISE TO SUCH LIMITED EXTENT AS THE BAR COMMITTEE MAY DECIDE.

OTHER AMENDMENTS DEAL WITH ADDITIONAL MATTERS WHICH MAY BE INCLUDED IN RULES MADE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE IN RELATION TO PERSONS SEEKING TO BECOME BARRISTERS.

ADMISSION OF SOLICITORS AND BARRISTERS ARE AT PRESENT CONDUCTED IN OPEN COURT, BUT BECAUSE THESE ARE PURELY DOMESTIC AFFAIRS, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT ADMISSIONS MAY BE HELD IN CHAMBERS.

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/6......

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

6 -

DUTY FOR METHYL ALCOHOL PROPOSED *****

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RE-IMPOSE A DUTY ON METHYL ALCOHOL AS A FINANCIAL DISINCENTIVE FOR ITS USE IN VIEW OF LAST YEAR’S OUTBREAK OF METHYL ALCOHOL POISONING CAUSING THE DEATH OF A NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

A BILL TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE. KNOWN AS THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, IT WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY. IF ENACTED, A RATE OF DUTY AT $9.90 PER GALLON WILL BE IMPOSED ON METHYL ALCOHOL AND THAT AN ADDITIONAL RATE OF 40 CENTS FOR EVERY ONE PER CENT BY WHICH THE ALCOHOLIC STRENGTH BY VOLUME EXCEEDS 25 PER CENT.

HOWEVER, IF PURE METHYL ALCOHOL IS USED TO TEST AIRCRAFT ENGINES AN EXEMPTION FROM DUTY MAY BE GRANTED.

COMMENTING ON THE BILL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SA IDs +THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE KNOW OF NO OTHER INDIVIDUAL END USERS WHO REQUIRE METHYL ALCOHOL IN SUCH LARGE QUANTITIES AS TO MAKE ITS USE PROHIBITIVE BY REASON OF THE RE-IMPOSITION OF DUTY.

+IF THERE WERE, THEY COULD PROBABLY USE LESS TOXIC SUBSTANCES SUCH AS BUTYL ALCOHOL OR ETHYL ALCOHOL.

+THE LATTER IS EXEMPT FROM DUTY IF IT IS DENATURED BY MEANS OF AN APPROVED DENATURANT AND CERTIFIED IN WRITING AS SUCH BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST,* HE ADDED.

THE BILL ALSO CONTAINS AN AMENDMENT TO THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE BY MAKING IT AN OFFENCE TO EXPOSE FOR SALE OR TO POSSESS FOR SALE ANY ADULTERATED LIQUOR.

IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE PENALTY, WHERE ADULTERATED LIQUOR IS FOUND TO BE INJURIOUS TO HEALTH, BE INCREASED FROM 12 MONTHS TO TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT THE PREVIOUS OCCASION WHERE A DUTY WAS IMPOSED ON METHYL ALCOHOL WAS IN 1957 FOLLOWING AN OUTBREAK OF METHYL ALCOHOLIC POISONING.

AS NO FURTHER OUTBREAKS OF METHYL ALCOHOL POISONING HAD BEEN REPORTED IN THE FOLLOWING 15 YEARS THE DUTY WAS REMOVED IN 1972.

IN 1974, METHYL ALCOHOL WAS REMOVED ENTIRELY FROM THE SCOPE OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, BUT IMPORT CONTROL WAS MAINTAINED.

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976 - 7 -

BOOKS REGISTRATION BILL 1976 * * * *

A BILL AIMED AT ENSURING THAT AN ADEQUATE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COPIES IS RETAINED IN HONG KONG OF ANY BOOK OR SIMILAR PUBLICATION PRODUCED HERE WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY HE EXPECTED THAT THE INTENTION BEHIND THE MEASURE WOULD BE WELCOMED BY ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH GOOD PUBLIC RECORDS IN HONG KONG, SUCH AS SCHOLARS, STUDENTS, HISTORIANS AND NEWSPAPERS EDITORS.

THE BILL, KNOWN AS THE BOOKS REGISTRATION BILL 1976 AND TO BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT A DATE TO BE DECIDED, REPEALS AND REPLACES THE EXISTING BOOKS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE.

AMONG THE MAIN CHANGES PROPOSED ARE THE FOLLOWING »-

1. THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING COPIES OF NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT IS PUT ON THE PUBLISHER OF THE BOOKS, AND NOT THE PRINTER.

2. FIVE COPIES, IN PLACE OF THREE, WILL HAVE TO BE GIVEN TO THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENT.

3. THE FINE FOR FAILING TO MAKE COPIES AVAILABLE IS RAISED FROM $500 TO $5,000.

THE SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT MAKING THE PUBLISHER RESPONSIBLE FOR HANDING OVER COPIES, AND NOT THE PRINTER, SHOULD ENSURE A MORE REGULAR AND CERTAIN DELIVERY OF SUCH BOOKS. IN THE PAST THERE HAD BEEN MISUNDERSTANDINGS IN CASES WHERE MORE THAN ONE PRINTER HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF A BOOK.

HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW BILL WOULD BRING CERTAIN PROVISIONS UP-TO-DATE.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE EXISTING LAW PROVIDED FOR THE SENDING OF ONE COPY OF EVERY BOOK TO THE ’’KEEPER OF PRINTED BOOKS AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM”, WHOSE AUTHORITY IN THIS MATTER HAS NOW BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD, LONDON. THE NEW BILL UPDATES SUCH TERMS.

THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED THAT THE NEW MEASURE FULLY REFLECTS THE CONCERN OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT THAT COPIES OF ALL SUCH NEW PUBLICATIONS SHALL BE KEPT HERE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

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/8.......

- 8 -

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR APRIL

******

THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) FOR APRIL 1976 WAS 110, THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

A FRACTIONAL DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF PORK. FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRESH FRUITS DECLINED WHILE THOSE OF SALT WATER FISH, FRESH WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY ADVANCED.

THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT ALSO FELL BY ONE POINT.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ROSE BY ONE POINT AS A RESULT OF THE UPWARD REVISION IN THE RENTS OF SOME HOUSING SOCIETY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A ESTATES.

MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR APRIL 1976 WAS 110, THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH. HOWEVER, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF PORK AND FRESH VEGETABLES DECLINED WHILE THOSE OF SALT WATER FISH, FRESH WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY ADVANCED.

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ROSE BY ONE POINT, DUE MAINLY TO HIGHER OTHER HOUSING CHARGES.

A RISE OF ONE POINT WAS ALSO RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR MEDICINES AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD GOODS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR FELL BY ONE POINT.

MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

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./9

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT THREE BUDGET PROPOSALS ******

AMENDING LEGISLATION IS PUBLISHED TODAY TO IMPLEMENT THREE REVENUE PROPOSALS MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.

THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL, 1976= THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 1976 AND THE STAMP (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL, 1976, WHICH WILL ALL GO BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL, INCREASES FROM 16-1/2 PER CENT TO 17 PER CENT THE RATE OF PROFITS TAX ON CORPORATIONS FOR THE 1976-77 YEAR OF ASSESSMENT AND ALL SUBSEQUENT YEARS.

ONE OF THE CLAUSES IN THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL GIVES EFFECT TO INCREASED RATES OF DUTY CHARGEABLE ON ESTATES IN EXCESS OF $1.5 MILLION. THE NEW RATES WILL BE 16 PER CENT FOR ESTATES VALUED BETWEEN $1.5 AND $2 MILLION’ 17 PER CENT FOR THOSE BETWEEN $2 MILLION AND $3 MILLION, AND 18 PER CENT ON ESTATES VALUED OVER $3 MILLION. THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT AFTER THE BILL HAS BEEN PASSED. THE RATES ON ESTATES BELOW $1.5 MILLION REMAIN UNCHANGED.

TWO OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE ARE ALSO PROPOSED IN CONNECTION WITH ACTION IN THE DISTRICT COURT TO RECOVER ESTATE DUTY.

THE STAMP (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL IMPLEMENTS THE BUDGET PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE BASIC RATE OF AD VALOREM DUTY ON ASSIGNMENTS AND ALLIED DOCUMENTS FROM 2-1/4 PER CENT TO 2-3/4 PER CENT ON DOCUMENTS EXECUTED ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1976. THE CONCESSIONARY RATES APPLICABLE TO CONVEYANCES OF LAND NOT EXCEEDING $150,000 IN VALUE ARE NOT AFFECTED.

ALSO, UNDER ANOTHER AMENDMENT, CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR FAILING TO STAMP A DOCUMENT IS DROPPED AS IT IS FELT THAT PROVISIONS ALREADY IN THE ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR RECOVERY OF STAMP DUTY BY CIVIL ACTION IS SUFFICIENTLY EFFECTIVE.

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN NEW TOWNS

******

BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IN BUILDING THE THREE NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN, MR. BARRIE WIGGHAM, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, SAID TODAY.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS.

MR. WIGGHAM SAID THAT THE AIM WAS TO PROVIDE THE NEW TOWNS WITH THE RIGHT NUMBER OF SCHOOLS, THE RIGHT NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS, THE PROPER AMOUNT OF OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION AREA, ENOUGH POLICEMEN ON THE BEAT, FIRE SERVICES COVER AND SO ON TO SERVE THE GROWING POPULATION.

+BUT EVEN ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT ALL THE FACILITIES PLANNED WILL ACTUALLY MATERIALISE ON TIME.+ HE CONTINUED, +THESE FACILITIES WILL NOT BEAR FRUIT UNLESS WE ENSURE THAT THE APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN STEP WITH THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT' AND ENSURE ALSO THAT THE COMMUNITY FOR WHOM THESE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ARE AWARE OF THEMSELVES AND OF THEIR NEW OPPORTUNITIES.+

MR. WIGGHAM SAID THAT, WHEN NEW TOWNS WERE BUILT ELSEWHERE, THE AUTHORITIES ENJOYED THE LUXURY OF BEING ABLE TO CHOOSE VIRGIN TERRITORY SO AS TO AVOID EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AND POPULATION. THIS WAS JUST NOT POSSIBLE IN HONG KONG.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE POPULATION OF TSUEN WAN WOULD GROW BY HALF A MILLION TO ONE MILLION' THE POPULATIONS OF TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN WOULD BE BUILT UP FROM THEIR PRESENT 30,000 - 40,000 TO SOME HALF A MILLION EACH.

+THESE ARE STAGGERING FIGURES,+ HE SAID. +THEY ARE THE EQUIVALENT IN UNITED KINGDOM TERMS OF LEEDS, MANCHESTER AND SHEFFIELD' OR, IN THE CASE OF TSUEN WAN WITH ITS FUTURE POPULATION OF 1,000,000, SOMETHING LIKE THE SIZE OF GLASGOW OR BIRMINGHAM.

+NEW TOWNS HAVE BEEN BUILT IN BRITAIN AND ELSEWHERE, OF COURSE, BUT NOTHING ON THE SAME SCALE AS WE ARE CONTEMPLATI NG HERE : EACH TIME WE OPEN ONE OF OUR NEWER GENERATION PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN HONG KONG WITH A POPULATION OF 30,000 - 40,000, IT’S THE EQUIVALENT OF THE AVERAGE UNITED KINGDOM TOWN.+

HE SAID THAT A DELIBERATE POLICY OF DECENTRALISATION ON THIS SCALE MEANT THAT WE HAD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE NEW TOWNS TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE AS WELL EQUIPPED AND ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE, +CERTAINLY MORE SO THAN THE AREAS FROM WHICH OUR FAMILIES ARE BEING UPROOTED.+

TURNING TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES FOR THE THREE NEW TOWNS, MR. WIGGHAM SAID THEY PROVIDED A GOOD FORUM FOR'AN INTERCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN MEMBERS, AS WELL AS FEED-BACK OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND ADVICE TO DEPARTMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AND PLANNING BRANCHES.

- I! I

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

11 -

+ THE .MEW TOWNS ARE BOUND TO INHERIT MANY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE URBAN AREA, SUCH AS THE PROLIFERATION OF UNLICENSED HAWKERS, DUMPING OF REFUSE, ILLEGAL PARKING.

+THE AIM, HOWEVER, IS TO ATTEMPT WHERE POSSIBLE TO CONTROL THESE ACTIVITIES FROM THE OUTSET AND IN THE ’NEWER’ NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN A PARTICULAR EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO PREVENT ABUSES OF LEASE CONDITIONS IN NEW MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.+

THEREFORE, HE SAID THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES STRONGLY FELT THAT UNLESS SUCH MEASURES WERE TAKEN FROM THE OUTSET, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE SITUATION LATER WHEN THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT HAS INCREASED.

IN CONCLUSION, MR. WIGGHAM SAID THE CHALLENGE OF THE NEW TOWN PROJECTS SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED - IN THE SPACE OF A FEW SHORT YEARS, SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES WERE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO SELF-SUFFICIENT SATELLITE TOWNS WITH POPULATIONS OF HALF A MILLION OR MORE.

+BUT I BELIEVE GOVERNMENT IS NOW, ORGANISATIONALLY SPEAKING, BETTER EQUIPPED TO MEET THESE CHALLENGES THAN HITHERTO AND WE ARE STILL EVOLVING. WE NEED BODIES OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT ALSO TO FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION ON THE NEEDS OF OUR GROWING TOWNSHIPS SO THAT, BY WORKING TOGETHER IN TANDEM, WE CAN ENSURE THAT THE BUILDING UP OF THESE NEW COMMUNITIES WILL BE SOMETHING OF WHICH HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO FEEL PROUD,+ HE SAID.

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/12

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1976

SHA TIN PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TENDERS INVITED * * * K *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TWO MORE CONTRACTS FOR THE GIANT PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

THE LATEST CONTRACTS ARE FOR THE SUPPLY AND ERECTION OF PUMPS FOR PUMPING THE SEWAGE SLUDGE AND FOR EQUIPMENT USED IN THE TREATMENT OF THE SLUDGE.

THE PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WILL BE THE BIGGEST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND WILL INITIALLY PROVIDE SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR SOME 230,000 PEOPLE IN THE NEW TOWN BY 1980, BUT EVENTUALLY IT WILL HAVE A MAXIMUM CAPACITY TO SERVE 500,000 PEOPLE.

IT IS TO BE BUILT ON A 17-HECTARE (42-ACRE) SITE OF RECLAIMED LAND AT TIDE COVE NEAR THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE, AND IS BEING PARTLY FINANCED FROM A US$20 MILLION LOAN FROM THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.

—- I r

TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACTS ARE BEING INVITED ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS FROM MANUFACTURERS IN ALL MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, AS WELL AS FROM LUXEMBOURG.

MR. WONG KWOK-CHOY, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, SAID TODAY FURTHER CONTRACTS WOULD BE INVITED DURING THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.

+INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN THE PROJECT HAS BEEN VERY KEEN.+ SAID MR. WONG, +AND MANY ENQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS.

+A LARGE NUMBER OF TENDERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE FIRST THREE CONTRACTS PUT UP FOR TENDER LAST MONTH FOR THE SUPPLY AND ERECTION OF SOME OF THE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TREATMENT WORKS.

+AND WE EXPECT TO RECEIVE A LOT MORE BEFORE TENDERS CLOSE ON JULY 2.+

MR. WONG SAID IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROJECT WOULD BEGIN TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, AND IT WAS HOPED THAT DELIVERY OF THE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR INSTALLATION WOULD BEGIN IN APRIL 1978.

+ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, THE NEW PERMANENT TREATMENT WORKS SHOULD BEGIN INITIAL OPERATION IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1979,+

/MEAJWTILZ,

FRIDAY, HAY 21, 19?6

MEANWHILE, WORK HAS JUST BEGUN ON A SMALLER INTERIM SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT FO TAN TO HELP PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AT SHA TIN BEFORE THE NEW PERMANENT TREATMENT WORKS COMES ON STREAM.

THE INTERIM PLANT IS BEING PROVIDED AS AN ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARD AND WILL BE IN ADDITION TO AN EXISTING TEMPORARY PLANT WHICH NOW HANDLES SEWAGE WASTE IN SHA TIN.

WHEN COMPLETED IN APRIL NEXT YEAR, THE INTERIM PLANT WILL TRIPLE EXISTING SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT SHA TIN AND ENSURE THAT TOLO HARBOUR IS NOT POLLUTED BEFORE THE HUGE PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS IS READY.

_ - _ _ 0----------

FIRST MINERAL EXHIBITION IN HONG KONG * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY OPENED AN EXHIBITION OF MINERALS AT THE CITY HALL TODAY.

HE HOPED THE EXHIBITION WOULD GENERATE GREATER INTEREST AND ENTHUSIASM IN THE STUDY OF GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY, EARTH SCIENCE AND MINERAL ENGINEERING IN HONG KONG.

+IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT THIS EXHIBITION IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND I AM SURE THAT IT WILL ENABLE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO VIEW AND PERCEIVE NATURE’S OWN WONDERS AND BEAUTY IN THE FORM OF MINERALS, ROCK SPECIMENS AND CRYSTALS,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.

THE DIRECTOR COMMENDED MR. STEPHEN HUI, A MINING ENGINEER, FOR ASSEMBLING THE COLLECTION OVER A PERIOD OF 35 YEARS AND IN MOUNTING THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION FOR PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT AN ASPECT OF THE NATURAL WORLD ESSENTIAL TO MAN.

MINERALS HAVE PROVIDED MAN NOT ONLY WITH THE ESSENTIAL MATERIALS OF CIVILISATION BUT ALSO WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND PRECIOUS ORNAMENTS.

MR. TOPLEY POINTED OUT THAT MINERALS HAVE A CAR GREATER IMPORTANCE TO MAN THAN THEIR AESTHETIC APPEAL.

+THROUGHOUT HISTORY MAN HAS USED THEM FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES. WITH EACH SUCCEEDING GENERATION MAN’S DEPENDENCE ON MINERALS HAS BECOME GREATER.

+THEY MAKE OUR MODERN CIVILISATION POSSIBLE FOR ALL INORGANIC MATERIALS USED IN MODERN LIFE THAT ARE NOT MINERALS THEMSELVES ARE MINERAL IN ORIGIN, FOR EXAMPLE STAINLESS STEEL AND FIBRE GLASS.

+IT IS EVIDENT THAT MAN’S PROGRESS WOULD NOT HAVE COME ABOUT WITHOUT THE EXTENSIVE USE OF MINERAL PRODUCTS, AND IT IS LIKELY THAT THEY WILL BE INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT IN FUTURE YEARS,* HE SAID.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY,, MAY 22, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE^NO.

PUPILS URGED TO PROTECT AND CONSERVE SEASHORE .............. 1

OVER 30 DISABLED GIVEN WORK ................................... 2

REGISTRATION FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS ...................... 2

EARLY SUBMISSION OF SALARIES TAX RETURNS URGED ................ 3

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

"SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1976

- ' i ■ -

PUPILS URGED TO PROTECT AND CONSERVE SEASHORE

* * * K * *

■SCHOOL CHILDREN WHO GO TO THE SEASHORE TO ENJOY THEMSELVES SHOULD ALSO PROTECT AND CONSERVE IT, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID TODAY WHEN HE OPENED A SEMINAR ON +SHORE WATCH+, AN IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROJECT.

THOUSANDS OF PUPILS FROM 280 SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTES WILL TAKE PART IN THE PROJECT TO CARRY OUT EXPERIMENTS AND ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE SEASHORE - THE OPEN AIR LABORATORY.

+SHORE WATCH+ IS A JOINTLY ORGANISED PROJECT BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION LIONS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303 AND CALTEX OIL HONG KONG LTD.

MR. TOPLEY SAID THE EXERCISE WAS AN EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION IN LEARNING BY DISCOVERY.

+IN HONG KONG OWING TO EXAMINATION PRESSURES AT ALL LEVELS OF STUDIES, EDUCATION, EVEN SCIENCE EDUCATION, CAN SO EASILY BECOME MERE BOOK LEARNING AND THE SOAKING UP OF FACTS, BUT IN EXPERIMENTING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROJECTS OF THIS NATURE WE HAVE THE EXACT OPPOSITE.

+INSTEAD OF SIMPLY MEMORISING FACTS FROM A BOOK ON SEASHORE ECOLOGY, PUPILS WILL LEARN TO INQUIRE FOR THEMSELVES INTO THE INTERACTIONS IN NATURE AND, WHAT IS MORE, BUILD UP A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE BY THEIR OWN ORIGINAL RESEARCH,+ HE SAID.

THE DIRECTOR WAS SURE THAT PARTICIPATION IN THE +SHORE WATCH+ PROJECT WOULD HELP PUPILS REALISE WHAT SCIENCE WAS ALL ABOUT, IN MANY WAYS MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN THE NORMAL CLASSROOM AND INDOOR LABORATORY LESSONS.

MR. TOPLEY EMPHASISED THAT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN HONG KONG WAS NOT SIMPLY TREATED AS A SINGLE SUBJECT IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM.

+THE PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY, CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS CONTINUOUSLY AT EVERY LEVEL FROM PRIMARY 1 TO FORM 6 AND WITHIN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES SUCH AS THE SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES.

+IN THE MID-FIFTIES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STARTED ORGANISING ACTIVITIES, SURVEYS AND PROJECTS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

+SINCE THEN ACTIVITIES, SURVEYS AND PROJECTS HAVE BECOME MORE VARIED AND THEIR POPULARITY AMONG PUPILS AND TEACHERS IN BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY.

+ALL THESE DEVELOPMENTS AIM AT MAKING THE TEACHERS AND PUPILS MORE ACQUAINTED WITH THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AND AWARE OF THEIR ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.+

THE DIRECTOR WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE LAUNCHING OF +SHORE WATCH+ WOULD STIMULATE GREATER ENTHUSIASM AMONG TEACHERS AND PUPILS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.

SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1976

OVER 30 DISABLED GIVEN WORK ******

THIRTY-TWO DISABLED PEOPLE WERE PLACED TO WORK BY THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH.

AMONG THE DISABLED EMPLOYED, TEN WERE CRIPPLED, NINE DEAF, SIX BLIND, THREE MENTALLY ILL, TWO MENTALLY RETARDED AND TWO EX-T.B. PATIENTS.

THE MAJORITY OF THEM WERE EMPLOYED AS SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR, ASSEMBLER AND TELEPHONE OPERATOR.

WITH REGARD TO THEIR SALARY, 17 WERE EMPLOYED ON DAILY RATE RANGING FROM $12 TO $20 WHILE TOO WERE PAID ON PIECE-RATE BASIS. THE SALARY OF THE OTHERS AVERAGED $550 A MONTH.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT URGED EMPLOYERS TO ACCEPT DISABLED WORKERS.

HE SAID THAT THEY WERE STEADY WORKERS AND WERE READILY ACCEPTED BY THEIR COLLEAGUES.

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REGISTRATION FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS

******

THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION, MR. JOHN MITCHELL, TODAY ADVISED PARENTS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN THE. AGES OF 11 AND 17 FOR THE NEW TYPE JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE THE END OF JUNE.

IF THEY DELAY THE REGISTRATION TILL JULY, THEY WILL ENCOUNTER MUCH INCONVENIENCE AS THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL BE VERY CROWDED AT THAT TIME WITH SCHOOL STUDENTS MAKING USE OF THE SUMMER VACATION TO GO FOR REGISTRATION, HE SAID.

; ' ’ • » -

SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1976 - 3 -

SALARIES TAX RETURNS EARLY SUBMISSION URGED

******

THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR. RONALD GIDDY, SAID TODAY THOSE SALARIES TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT MADE THEIR RETURNS SHOULD DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

HE SAID THAT OUT OF 214,000 SALARIES TAX RETURNS FOR THE 1976/77 ASSESSMENT YEAR SENT OUT BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ON MAY 1, ONLY 37,000 OR 17 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WERE RECEIVED TO-DATE.

THE COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT SALARIES TAXPAYERS WHO HAD RECEIVED THEIR RETURN FORMS SENT TO THEM BY THE DEPARTMENT ON MAY 1 WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE THEIR RETURNS WITHIN ONE MONTH FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE OR BEFORE MAY 31.

+ALTHOUGH TAXPAYERS MAY TAKE AS LONG AS THEY WISH WITHIN THE ONE-MONTH PERIOD TO MAKE THEIR RETURNS, IT IS HOPED THAT THEY CAN DO THIS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE DEPARTMENT CAN HANDLE THE INCOMING RETURNS IN THE MOST EFFICIENT MANNER,* HE SAID.

MR. GIDDY REMINDED THE TAXPAYERS THAT THE LAW PROVIDED PENALTY FOR LATE SUBMISSION OF RETURNS.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY. MAY 23, 1976

IMPROVEMENT OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR MENTALLY RETARDED K * O K

THE WELFARE AND REHABILITATION OF MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED WHEN PROPOSALS IN THIS DIRECTION ARE APPROVED.

ACCORDING TO THE HEAD OF THE REHABILITATION DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR. KHOO TAI-PIN, MANY PROJECTS ARE ALREADY IN THE PIPELINE.

+AND PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN WILL, WHEN APPROVED, EFFECT STILL BETTER CO-ORDINATED DEVELOPMENT AND ENSHRINE IN POLICY FOR ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR SERVICES WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE REQUIRE A PROJECT BY PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AS HITHERTO,* HE SAID.

REHABILITATION WORK FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN HONG KONG BEGAN AS EARLY AS 1955 WHEN THE THEN SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE FIRST SET UP A SMALL TRAINING CENTRE FOR 43 IN THE NORTH POINT RELIEF CAMP.

BY NOW, THE DEPARTMENT IS PROVIDING A GREAT VARIETY OF SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN FOUR TRAINING CENTRES, FOUR PRE-VOCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES, TWO SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND FOUR RESIDENTIAL CENTRES TOTALLING 864 PLACES.

BESIDES PLACEMENT IN TRAINING OR VOCATIONAL CENTRES, DISABILITY ALLOWANCE IS GIVEN TO ANY MENTAL RETARDATE WHOSE DISABILITY IS CERTIFIED TO BE SUCH THAT CONSTANT CARE AND SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED.

MR. KHOO POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE SWD WAS TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND COUNSEL TO PARENTS ON HOW TO HANDLE THEIR RETARDED CHILDREN AND TO ASSIST IN THEIR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT.

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, HE STRESSED, ALSO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS FIELD.

ALTOGETHER, 880 PLACES ARE BEING PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY BODIES IN 19 CENTRES FOR THE TRAINING AND CARE OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED.

TO MEET THE DEMAND OF MANY MORE YET TO BE SERVED, HE SAID gAT IL J TIES WOULD HAVE TO BE EXPANDED

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.T$l:*&i3jf?T{

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 1976

+IT MATTERS LITTLE WHETHER THESE ARE TO BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR VOLUNTARY SECTOR SO LONG AS THEY ARE COMPATIBLE WITH ONE ANOTHER IN TERMS OF A GENERAL DESIGN, AND SO COORDINATED AS TO ELIMINATE DUPLICATION, AND EACH RETARDATE HAS ACCESS TO FACILITIES MOST SUITED TO HIS NEEDS, AND THE PROVIDERS HAVE THE EXPERTISE, AND ARE, FURTHERMORE, CAPABLE OF RUNNING THEM EFFICIENTLY AND ECONOMICALLY.+

HOWEVER, HE ADDED, DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS EXIST IN THE OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT, AND THESE ARE FURTHER COMPLICATED BY THE SOURCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT, DETERMINATION OF THE AREA OF WORK AND LOAD-SHARING AS BETWEEN THE IWO SECTORS AND AMONG THE AGENCIES THEMSELVES.

MR. KHOO CONTINUED THAT IT WAS THE DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT BOTH TO 'PROVIDE SERVICES THAT ARE A STATUTORY OBLIGATION OR IN WHICH IT IS PARTICULARLY COMPETENT, TO DECIDE ON PRIORITIES, AND TO EXERCISE SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OF AND EFFECTING COORDINATION WITHIN THE ENTIRE FIELD.

+BUT THE ASSERTION OF GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY NEEDS IN NO WAY DIMINISH OR ECLIPSE THE ACKNOWLEDGED SOCIALLY INVALUABLE ROLE OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS,* HE SAID.

A TOTAL OF 6,668 MODERATE GRADE MENTALLY RETARDED WAS KNOWN TO THE SWD AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, BUT A CLOSE SCRUTINY REVEALED THAT ONLY 3,512 REQUIRED SERVICES OF A CARE, TRAINING OR EMPLOYMENT NATURE. AS FOR THE ACTUAL NUMBER, IT MAY WELL FALL SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 6,668 AND 12,483 THIS YEAR.

+A CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE PROBLEM,* MR. KHOO SAID, +WILL CERTAINLY GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS PLANNING FOR THE LONG-TERM REQUIREMENT FOR BETTER TRAINING, SOCIAL SERVICES, EMPLOYMENT AND ACCOMMODATION.

+HOWEVER, PRESENT INFORMATION INDICATES THAT THE FUTURE TREND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE SERVICES IS LIKELY TO BE THE PROVISION OF MORE FACILITIES SIMILAR TO EXISTING ONES. SUCH AS DAY CENTRES, SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, RESIDENTIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES.*

HE ADDED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE SERVICES WOULD NATURALLY HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE PRESENT FACILITIES AND THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCAL NEEDS AND CULTURAL FACTORS.

AND HE FELT THAT TRANSPLANTING AN ALIEN PATTERN WHOLESALE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE LOCAL SITUATION WOULD UNLIKELY PRODUCE THE BEST RESULTS.

HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT IN THE GOVERNMENT SECTOR, THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CARE AND TRAINING OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED IS BEING SHARED AMONG THREE DEPARTMENTS, NAMELY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH FOR INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR THE SEVERE GRADES, SOCIAL WELFARE FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE MODERATE GRADES, AND EDUCATION FOR SPEIAL SCHOOLS AND CLASSES FOR THE MILD GRADES AND EDUCATIONALLY SUBNORMAL CHILDREN.

/THIS .....

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 1976

- 3 -

THIS DIVISION OF WORK WAS THE RECOMMENDATION BY A PSYCHIATRIST IN ENGLAND WHO WAS INVITED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO ADVISE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THESE SERVICES IN I960.

MR. KHOO STRESSED THAT THE CONSTANT REVIEWS AND SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION AMONG THE THREE DEPARTMENTS AND COORDINATION BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT HAD ENABLED THE SYSTEM TO WORK EFFECTIVELY FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS.

------o-------

NEW MOBILE COMMAND UNIT FOR F.S.D. ' *******

A NEW VEHICLE, WHICH WILL SERVE AS THE NERVE CENTRE OF OPERATIONS AT ANY MAJOR FIRE OR SPECIAL INCIDENT, WILL JOIN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S FLEET SHORTLY.

KNOWN AS A MOBILE COMMAND UNIT, IT IS AIR-CONDITIONED AND CARRIES THE USUAL FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS AND SIREN.

MOUNTED ON A BEDFORD BUS CHASSIS, THE NEW MCU HAS AN OVERALL LENGTH OF 30 FEET - TEN FEET LONGER THAN THOSE BEING USED AT PRESENT.

THE VEHICLE LAYOUT WAS DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FIRE SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS AND THE INTERIOR FITTINGS WERE CARRIED OUT IN FIRE SERVICES WORKSHOPS.

THE INTERIOR OF THE MCU IS DIVIDED INTO A NUMBER OF COMPARTMENTS SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE MAXIMUM UTILIZATION OF THE SPACE AVAILABLE.

THE FRONT AND CENTRE COMPARTMENTS CONSIST OF MOBILISING AREAS AND A CONFERENCE ROOM, TOGETHER WITH TOILET FACILITIES.

RADIO SETS, BOTH FIXED AND PORTABLE, AND A TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD WITH FIVE EXTENSIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR COMMUNICATION PURPOSES.

AN AERIAL AND A PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM ARE ALSO FITTED. THIS AERIAL CAN BE EXTENDED-34 FEET ABOVE THE VEHICLE IF IT PROVES TO BE NECESSARY IN AREA WHERE RADIO COMMUNI CAT IONS ARE DIFFICULT.

TELEPHONE BOOTHS WITH THREE EXTENSIONS FORM THE REAR COMPARTMENT WHICH CAN BE USED BY LIAISON OFFICERS OF OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES, SUCH AS POLICE, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE ARMY, AT THE SCENE OF MAJOR INCIDENTS.

COMMENTING ON THE NEW APPLIANCE, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SklDs +THIS NEW VEHICLE IS A PROTOTYPE AND IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE FULL FACILITIES FOR FIRE SERVICES CONTROL AND COMMAND AT THE SCENE OF FIKE, LANDSLIDES, FLOODING OR AIRCRASH.+

+AFTER SUCCESSFUL TRIAL, A FURTHER TWO WILL BE ORDERED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING OLD ONES,+ HE ADDED.

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 1976

LADY MACLEHOSE TO INSPECT REHOUSING PROJECTS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL INSPECT THE SHEK KIP MEI AND TAI HANG TUNG REHOUSING SCHEMES TOMORROW (MONDAY) MORNING.

ACCOMPANIED BY MR. I.M. LIGHTBODY, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, SHE WILL SEE FOR HERSELF HOW THE OLD HOUSING BLOCKS AT LOWER SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE ARE BEING CONVERTED AND VISIT A FAMILY IN BLOCK 13.

LATER. SHE WILL PROCEED TO THE FORMER TAI HANG SAI COTTAGE AREA SITE WHERE FIVE HOUSING BLOCKS ARE BEING BUILT IN CONNECTION WITH THE TAI HANG TUNG REHOUSING PROJECT.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE INSPECTION TOUR. LADY MACLEHOSE WILL ARRIVE AT BLOCK 13, CONVERTED LOWER SHEK KIP MEI AT 10 A.M. AND AT THE TAI HANG TUNG BUILDING SITE AT 11 A.M.

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WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY 25) TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY EAST POINT ROAD, JAFFE ROAD, CANNON STREET, WATERFRONT ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET AND THE NORTH SIDE OF HENNESSY ROAD INCLUDING KELLETT ISLAND.

STARTING FROM 10 A.M. ON THE SAME DAY CERTAIN PREMISES IN CASTLE PEAK, NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR SEVEN HOURS.

THIS IS TO ENABLE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON FRESH WATER MAINS AT SAM SHING HUI NEAR THE CASTLE PEAK POLICE STATION.

ALL PREMISES AND VILLAGES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM TAI LAM CHUNG TO TSEUNG TAU SHEUNG TSUEN IN SAN HUI WILL BE AFFECTED.

-----0------

HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sunday, May 25, 1976

REDEVELOPMENT OF TAI WO HAU ESTATE

**«**«****

Tai Wo Hau Estate in Tsuen Wan which houses 42,000 people is to be redeveloped, the Housing Authority announced today (Sunday).

The redevelopment scheme will be carried out in stages by the Housing Department with the first phase commencing next month.

It will involve the rehousing of 4,258 people or 805 families of Blocks 12 and 1J.

These tenants will be offered new flats in the Tsuen Wan/Kwai Chung district, as most of them have strong socio-economic ties with the area.

A spokesman for the Housing Department stated that ’’the individual circumstances of the affected families will be investigated carefull; in making arrangements for the rehousing of tenants. Also, a special committee will be set up to consider applications for financial assistance for removal and redecoration expenses in respect of tenants who are in genuine need of such help.51

As details of the scheme are still being finalised, the Housing Department will be informing tenants officially by letter in mid-June.

The Tai Wo Hau Redevelopment project will follow an approach similar to the other projects undertaken by the Housing Authority at Lower Ehek Kip Mei, Tai Hang Tung and Chai Wan West estates.

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRIVATE DONATIONS TOWARDS MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES .... 1

EMPLOYMENT FIGURES UP IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY ............ 2

FURTHER EXTENSION OF SPEEDPOST SERVICE ..................... 3

REDUNDANT TEACHERS REGISTERED FOR PLACEMENT ................ 4

MINOR TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN MONG KOK FOR MTR CONSTRUCTION 5

TWO MAJOR HOUSING ESTATES NEARING COMPLETION ............... 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

PRIVATE DONATIONS TOWARDS MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES * * * * *

THERE HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE A ROLE FOR PRIVATE DONATIONS TOWARDS MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. DENIS BRAY, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC, HE SAID THESE DONATIONS WOULD SERVE TO SPEED UP THE GOVERNMENT’S BASIC PROGRAMME, +FOR WHATEVER PACE THE GOVERNMENT ACTS IT IS CONSTRAINED BY OTHER .DEMANDS ON THE PUBLIC PURSE.+

MR. BRAY SAID THAT SIR SHIU KIN TANG, WHO HAD RENDERED UNFAILING SUPPORT TO THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG FOR MANY YEARS, HAD BEEN RESPONSIBLE EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF AT LEAST EIGHT MAJOR PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE NEW CLINIC.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF MR. BRAY’S SPEECHs-

+LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

+MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG HAVE BENEFITED MUCH FROM DONATIONS RECEIVED FROM A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ‘ 'AND INDIVIDUALS. NOWADAYS THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO FINANCE MEDICAL SERVICES FROM GENERAL REVENUE. THERE HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE A ROLE FOR PRIVATE DONATIONS. THESE SERVE TO SPE6D UP THE GOVERNMENT’S BASIC PROGRAMME, FOR WHATEVER PACE THE GOVERNMENT ACTS IT IS CONSTRAINED BY OTHER DEMANDS ON THE PUBLIC PURSE. WE RECOGNISE THJiEE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR A SPEEDING UP AND SO PLAN THAT WHEN A DONATION IS RECEIVED IT MAKES A REAL AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO SERVICES WE BELIEVE THE PUBLIC WANTS. FOR MANY YEARS SIR SHIU KIN TANG HAS RENDERED UNFAILING SUPPORT TO THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLONY. HE HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE CAPITAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF AT LEAST EIGHT MAJOR PROJECTS OF A MEDICAL NATURE, INCLUDING THIS ONE.

+IT WAS FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN SIR DAVID TRENCH LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THIS CLINIC ON MAY 20, 1971, BUT THE PLANNING OF THE CLINIC DATES BACK TO 1968. FROM THE VERY START, SIR SHIU KIN HAD OFFERED TO DONATE $500,000 TO THE PROJECT AND WHEN THE COST WAS LATER REVISED TO MORE THAN $6 MILLION, SIR SHIU KIN INCREASED HIS CONTRIBUTION TO $1.4 MILLION. THIS CLINIC IS NAMED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SIR SHIU KIN’S WISH, AFTER HIS LATE FATHER, MR. TANG CHI-NGONG.

+THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC IS AN EIGHT-STOREY BUILDING AND WILL PROVIDE SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT FACILITIES FOR MEDICINE, SURGERY, OPHTHALMOLOGY, GYNAECOLOGY, EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SURGERY, SPECIAL SKIN AS WELL AS ANCILLARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. IT WILL DEAL WITH PATIENTS REFERRED FROM GENERAL OUTPATIENT CLINICS AND OTHER DOCTORS FOR SPECIALIST OPINIONS AND SPECIAL FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT AND IN ADDITION, THE EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITALS. THE CLINIC IS INTENDED TO REPROVISION THE OPHTHALMIC CLINIC AND THE PART-TIME SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT CLINIC CURRENTLY HELD AT VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND WILL CATER FOR THE EASTERN PART OF THE ISLAND. VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC WILL THEREAFTER BE TURNED INTO A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC, WITH DAY AND EVENING SESSIONS.

/+SIMILAR .....

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

+SIMILAR SPECIALIST CLINIC FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED BY THE SAI YING PUN JOCKEY CLUB POLYCLINIC IN ISLAND WEST, AND IN KOWLOON, BY THE SPECIALIST CLINIC AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND THE YAUMATI POLYCLINIC. IN ORDER TO MEET THE INCREASING NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS FOR CONSULTATIONS IN NORTH-WEST KOWLOON, KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN AND TSI NG Yl, AND TO SERVE AS A SPECIALIST CLINIC FOR THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL, THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG JOCKEY CLUB POLYCLINIC WHICH INCORPORATES A SPECIALIST CLINIC WILL BE PUT INTO OPERATION IN THE LATTER HALF OF 1976.

+IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO BE HERE TODAY TO PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC. I NOW DECLARE IT OPEN.+

-- Q --

EMPLOYMENT UP IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

M # * M

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG IN THE MIDDLE OF MARCH THIS YEAR WAS 698,787. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 19,930 OR 2.9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE OF 678,857 FOR DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

THE LATEST STATISTICS ARE THE RESULT OF A SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AT THE INDUSTRY SECTOR LEVEL, MAIN INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN GARMENTS (+10,821), COTTON WEAVING (+1.789). PLASTIC TOYS (+1,589), MISCELLANEOUS PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+1,148) AND HANDBAGS (+6i2). DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN COTTON SPINNING (-379), METAL WRIST WATCH BANDS (-333), BLEACHING AND DYEING (-315), GLOVES (-280) AND RUBBER FOOTWEAR (-271).

IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, THE FIVE LARGEST INDUSTRY GROUPS REMAINED WEARING APPAREL (249,883), TEXTILES (114,973), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES (67,224), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (66,485) AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (58,221).

WHEN COMPARED WITH A TOTAL OF 591,659 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1975, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN MARCH THIS YEAR SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 107,128 PERSONS OR 18 PER CENT.

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

FURTHER EXTENSION OF SPEEDPOST SERVICE ******

THE POST OFFICE IS TO EXTEND SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO FRANCE FROM NEXT MONDAY (MAY 31).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THIS FOLLOWED THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF THE SERVICE TO BRITAIN, THE UNITED STATES, BRAZIL, JAPAN, BELGIUM AND AUSTRALIA.

HE SAID THAT UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, INTERNATIONAL PACKAGES OF BUSINESS PAPERS, DOCUMENTS, AND SAMPLES WOULD BE GIVEN FAST AND RELIABLE DOOR TO DOOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE.

+TIMES OF COLLECTION AND DELIVERY ARE SPECIFIED AND AGREED WITH THE CUSTOMER UTILISING PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHTS, AND SPECIAL FACILITIES ARE GIVEN BY THE FRENCH POSTAL ADMINISTRATION IN DELIVERING THE PACKAGES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+PACKAGES COLLECTED IN HONG KONG WHEN NORMAL COMMERCIAL BUSINESS IS COMPLETED FOR THE DAY WILL BE DESPATCHED ON A FLIGHT LEAVING KAI TAK IN THE SAME EVENING AND ARRIVE IN PARIS ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE FOLLOWING DAY, FOR SUBSEQUENT SPECIAL DELIVERY IN FRANCE.*

THE COST OF THE SERVICE, WHICH WILL BE ON A CONTRACT BASIS, WILL BE A BASIC HK$80 FOR THE FIRST POUND, PLUS HK$15 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT POUND OR PART OF A POUND.

CUSTOMERS WISHING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE POST OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE ON 5-245992.

- 0-----------

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

REDUNDANT TEACHERS REGISTERED FOR PLACEMENT K * K K * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE TODAY BEGAN REGISTERING REDUNDANT TEACHERS AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSURE OF UNDER-UTILISED CLASSES IN SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

UP TO 5 P.M. 37 TEACHERS HAD PRESENTED THEMSELVES FOR REGISTRATION.

ALL TEACHERS CONCERNED HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED IN WRITING THAT THEY MUST REGISTER BY 5 P.M. ON MAY 28 (FRIDAY).

MR. LEE TZE-CHUN, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE PLACEMENT SERVICE, SAID THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT ALL THE ESTIMATED 220 REDUNDANT TEACHERS WOULD BE FOUND ALTERNATIVE POSTS IN OTHER SUBSIDIZED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHERE THERE WERE VACANCIES ARISING FROM THE OPENING OF NEW CLASSES, RETIREMENT AND NORMAL WASTAGE.

MR. LEE SAID THAT 316 NEW CLASSES WOULD BE OPENED IN NEW AND DEVELOPING SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1976.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF UNDER-UTILISED CLASSES TO BE PHASED OUT WAS 216.

MR. LEE SAID THAT AS FROM JUNE 1 HIS PLACEMENT SERVICE WOULD START REFERRING REDUNDANT TEACHERS TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OF OTHER SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT.

HE ANTICIPATED THAT THE PLACEMENT OF THE TEACHERS CONCERNED WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF JULY.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION .(PRIMARY), MR. LAM TAT-LAU, WENT TO THE OFFICE OF THE PLACEMENT SERVICE AT 405, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, THIS AFTERNOON.

HE SAID AFTERWARDS THAT REGISTRATION WAS PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY.

MR. LAM ADDED: +1 AM SURE THAT WITH THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL SPONSORS NOT A SINGLE REDUNDANT TEACHER WOULD BE OUT OF A JOB.+

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' /5

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

MINOR TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN MONG KOK FOR MTR CONSTRUCTION M M M * *

THE NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC LANE IN NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN MONG KOK ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976. THE CHANGE WILL IN EFFECT MAKE THIS SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

ACCESS TO ARRAN STREET AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD WILL BE AFTER WEDNESDAY BY MEANS OF A RIGHT TURN FROM NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND.

THE TRAFFIC RE-ROUTINGS ARE NECESSARY TO ALLOW THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT THE DIVERSION OF UTILITIES AND OTHER PRELIMINARY WORK PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF MAJOR CONSTRUCTION ON PRINCE EDWARD STATION.

MOTORISTS WHOSE DESTINATIONS ARE IN LAI CHI KOK ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET SHOULD NOTE THAT FROM WEDNESDAY THEY CANNOT TURN LEFT FROM MONG KOK ROAD INTO NATHAN ROAD NORTHBOUND.

INSTEAD THEY SHOULD CONTINUE EASTWARDS IN MONG KOK ROAD TO SAI YEE STREET WHERE THEY SHOULD TURN LEFT AND PROCEED NORTHWARD TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, THEY SHOULD PROCEED WESTWARD TO NATHAN ROAD, TURN LEFT INTO NATHAN ROAD, PROCEED SOUTHWARDS TO LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND TURN RIGHT INTO LAI CHI KOK ROAD.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

- 6 -

TWO MAJOR HOUSING ESTATES NEARING COMPLETION ******

HONG KONG’S HOUSING PROGRAMME PASSED ANOTHER MILESTONE THIS MONTH WITH THE COMPLETION OF TWO NEW MAJOR ESTATES BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.

THE TWO LATEST HOUSING COMPLEXES ARE THE $50 MILLION LEK YUEN ESTATE AT SHA TIN AND THE $53 MILLION HING WAH ESTATE AT CHAI WAN, WHICH TOGETHER PROVIDE HOMES FOR SOME 37,700 PEOPLE.

AND THE LAST FEW BLOCKS OF WO OTHERS -- LA I KING AND KWAI SHING — NOW NEARING COMPLETION AT KWAI CHUNG SHOULD BE READY IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS TO HOUSE ANOTHER 57,000 PEOPLE.

THESE FOUR ESTATES ARE AMONG EIGHT BEING BUILT BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S 10-YEAR HOUSING PLAN.

THE REMAINING IN THE P.W.D.’S BUILDING PROGRAMME ARE SHUN LEE TSUEN AT CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, YU WAN AT CHAI WAN, PAK TIN AT SHEK KIP MEI, AND TAI HING AT TUEN MUN — ALL OF WHICH ARE UNDER VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION.

+ALL THESE ESTATES ARE BASED ON THE NEW CONCEPT OF PROVIDING AN INTEGRATED COMMUNITY, RATHER THAN MERELY BASIC ACCOMMODATION,* MR.. JOSEPH LEI, CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, SAID TODAY.

+THIS MEANS NOT ONLY BUILDING HIGHER STANDARD ACCOMMODATION, BUT INCORPORATING ALL BASIC COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES THAT ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A BALANCED COMMUNITY.

+T0 THIS END, LARGE RECREATIONAL AREAS WITH REST GARDENS AND PLAYGROUNDS, WELFARE CENTRES, SHOPPING AND MARKET CENTRES, CARPARKS, RESTAURANTS, AS WELL AS SCHOOLS AND CLINICS ARE PROVIDED AS INTEGRAL PARTS OF OUR NEW HOUSING ESTATES,* HE SAID.

THE P.W.D. ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF HANDING OVER THE NEWLY-COMPLETED ESTATES TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT TENANTS WILL BE MOVING IN SOON.

LEK YUEN ESTATE COMPRISES SEVEN DOMESTIC BLOCKS AND_COVERS AN AREA OF 10 HECTARES (25 ACRES). IT IS A SELF-CONTAINED DEVELOPMENT WITH ITS OWN SHOPPING CENTRE, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.

TWO OF THE SEVEN BLOCKS WERE COMPLETED AND HANDED OVER EARLY THIS YEAR AND ARE ALREADY PARTLY OCCUPIED. THE REMAINING FIVE BLOCKS WERE FINISHED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH.

THE ESTATE PROVIDES A TOTAL OF 3,250 FLATS OF THREE BASIC SJ2ES FOR FAMILIES WITH FIVE, SEVEN AND NINE PERSONS.

/THE LARGEST

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1976

THE LARGEST FLAT IS 320 SQUARE FEET AND THE SMALLEST 178 SQUARE FEET, EXCLUDING KITCHEN, TOILET AND BALCONY. THE DEEPENED BALCONY AREA ALSO PROVIDES A MORE REGULAR SHAPED USEFUL AREA FOR TENANTS.

THE ESTATE INCORPORATES A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES, INCLUDING TWO ESTATE SCHOOLS WITH 24 CLASSROOMS EACH, A WELFARE HALL, A CLINIC, LIBRARY, MARKET FACILITIES AND TWO RESTAURANTS.

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE RESIDENTS, P.W.D. ARCHITECTS HAVE GROUPED RETAIL FACILITIES AROUND A CENTRALLY LOCATED COURT ON AN ELEVATED DECK, WITH PARKING, SERVICE AREAS AND STORAGE FACILITIES AT A LOWER, PARTIALLY UNDERGROUND LEVEL.

A TWO-STOREY SHOPPING CENTRE, WHICH IS FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED, IS LOCATED AT THE HEART OF THE ESTATE AND PROVIDES A TOTAL OF 30,100 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR SUPERMARKETS AND SHOPS.

A NEW FEATURE, INTRODUCED IN LOCAL HOUSING ESTATES BY P.W.D. ARCHITECTS, IS A SYSTEM OF COVERED WALKWAYS LINKING THE DOMESTIC BLOCKS WITH THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX PROVIDING TENANTS WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO THE SHOPPING CENTRE WITHOUT HAVING TO STEP OUTSIDE OR WORRY ABOUT CARS AND BAD WEATHER.

TO CATER FOR THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS, ABOUT TWO HECTARES (5 ACRES) OF OPEN SPACE IS PROVIDED IN AND AROUND THE ESTATE WITH REST GARDENS, PLAYGROUNDS, SOCCER PITCHES AND BASKETBALL COURTS. A LARGE SITE HAS ALSO BEEN RESERVED FOR A POSSIBLE SWIMMING POOL.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS ARE ALSO ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR WITH A BUS SUB-STATION AND A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS IN THE CENTRE OF THE ESTATE.

HING WAH ESTATE AT CHAI WAN, THE SECOND COMPLETED ESTATE NOW BEING HANDED OVER, COMPRISES EIGHT MULTI-STOREY DOMESTIC BLOCKS WHICH WILL HOUSE A TOTAL OF 22,700 PEOPLE.

LIKE LEK YUEN, IT IS A SELF-CONTAINED ESTATE WITH TWO ESTATE SCHOOLS, A WELFARE HALL, MARKET, RESTAURANT AND LARGE AREAS OF OPEN SPACE WITH PLAYGOUNDS AND REST GARDENS.

THE FIRST TWO BLOCKS OF HING WAH ESTATE WERE COMPLETED ON FEBRUARY 20 THIS YEAR — SIX WEEKS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE — UNDER A CRASH BUILDING PROGRAMME LAUNCHED BY THE P.W.D. ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE FOLLOWING THE ALDRICH BAY FIRE.

UNDER THE EMERGENCY PLAN, EIGHT WEEKS OF WORKS WERE CONDENSED INTO JUST TWO-AND-A-HALF WEEKS, AND ENABLED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO ARRANGE FOR THE EARLY REHOUSING OF SOME OF THE 3,200 PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR HOMES IN THE FIRE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE PRIMARY PUPILS TAUGHT THROUGH ACTIVITY APPROACH ........ 1

TWO CONSERVATIVE MP’S TO VISIT HK ........................... 2

WATER CUT ................................................. 2

UNITED WORLD COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS 3

WORK ON THREE KOWLOON INDOOR GAME HALLS COMPLETED ........... 4

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME .............. 5

GOVERNOR TO ATTEND C.A.S. ANNUAL DINNER ..................... 6

KWAI CHUNG CROWN LAND SALE NETS $7.5 MILLION ................ 7

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1976 - 1 -

MORE PRIMARY PUPILS TAUGHT THROUGH ACTIVITY APPROACH ******

MORE THAN 6,000 PUPILS IN 160 CLASSES IN 30 PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE ENJOYING THEIR LESSONS IN AN INFORMAL ATMOSPHERE THROUGH THE ACTIVITY APPROACH, A SCHEME LAUNCHED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE IN SEPTEMBER 1972, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

AMONG THE 30 ARE THE ORIGINAL FIVE PILOT SCHOOLS WHICH PIONEERED THE SCHEME WHICH INVOLVES THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF PUPILS THROUGH LEARNING BY DOING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THESE FIVE SCHOOLS - THREE GOVERNMENT, ONE. SUBS IDISED AND ONE PRIVATE - ARE HOLDING OPEN DAYS BETWEEN MAY 26 AND JUNE 10.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS, TEACHERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES WORK DONE BY PUPILS AND TO WATCH TEACHERS AND PUPILS IN ACTION.

THE PRIMARY SECTION OF THE TRUE LIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL OF HONG KONG AT 50 TAI HANG ROAD WILL WELCOME VISITORS BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 12 NOON TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

ON JUNE 1 THE SHENG KUNG HUI KEI HIN (EPIPHANY) PRIMARY SCHOOL, BLOCK 5 LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE, ON SHIN ROAD, WILL HOLD ITS OPEN DAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON AND 1.30 P.M. TO 4.30 P.M.

THE THREE GOVERNMENT PRIMARIES WILL OPEN THEIR DOORS TO THE PUBLIC ON JUNE 8, 9 AND 10. THE FUK WAH STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 150 PRATAS STREET, SHAM SHU I PO, WILL HOLD ITS EVENT FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 12 NOON AND FROM 1.30 P.M. TO 3 P.M.- THE ABERDEEN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL, 2 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON- AND THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 178 CANTON ROAD FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 12 NOON AND 1.30 P.M. TO 3 P.M. ON THE THREE DAYS RESPECTIVELY.

HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TEL. 5-774001 EXT. 39.

DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS, MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, CHINESE UNIVERSITY- LECTURERS AND STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION- SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE SHOWN INTEREST IN THE ACTIVITY APPROACH WHEN THEY VISITED THESE PILOT SCHOOLS.

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• • ' .. ■ . . . •

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1976 - 2 -

TWO CONSERVATIVE MP'S TO VISIT HK

******

TWO CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR. KENNETH BAKER AND MR. NORMAN LAMONT, WILL ARRIVE.IN HONS KONG ON SATURDAY (MAY 29) ON A WEEK-LONG VISIT. MR. LAMONT WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE.

DURING THEIR STAY HERE, THE TWO MP’S WILL CALL ON THE GOVERNOR. SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AND HOLD TALKS WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY.

THEY WILL TOUR THE NEW TERRITORIES IN A HELICOPTER, VISIT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND TAKE A LOOK ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

THE MP’S WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE DRAGON BOAT RACES AT TUEN MUN NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 2).

THEY ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE THEY LEAVE HONG KONG ON JUNE 5.

NOTE TO EDITORS: MR. BAKER AND MR. LAMONT ARE SCHEDULED TO

ARRIVE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON SATURDAY (MAY 29) AT 7.30 P.M. ON FLIGHT BA 888. THEY WILL BE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OF PROTOCOL, SIR JOHN CURLE.

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WATER CUT * * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HUNG HOM WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 27) TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LOK SHAN ROAD, TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU KOK ROAD, KING WAN STREET, INCLUDING SHUN FUNG STREET, YUK YAT STREET, MEI KING STREET, MEI KWONG STREET, KWEI CHOW STREET, LONG YUET STREET, SAN MA TAU STREET, MING LUN STREET, CHUNG SUN STREET, HING YIN STREET AND HING YAN STREET.

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. /3

TUESDAY,'MAY 25, 1976

’ 3 -

UNITED WORLD COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS ******

AT LEAST TEN SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BEING OFFERED IN MEMBER COLLEGES OF THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA AND SINGAPORE TO SELECTED BOYS AND GIRLS IN HONG KONG FOR A TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE COMMENCING SEPTEMBER, 1976.

FIVE OF THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OFFERED AT ATLANTIC COLLEGE, SOUTH WALES, UNITED KINGDOM, THREE AT PEARSON COLLEGE, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, AND TWO (POSSIBLY THREE) AT THE SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, SINGAPORE.

THE MATRICULATION COURSES WILL LEAD TO THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE, THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ENTRY ” EXAMINATION, AND TO THE G.C.E. ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION.

THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE IS RECOGNIZED FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY PURPOSES IN HONG KONG AND IN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES. THIS EXAMINATION IS TAKEN IN ATLANTIC COLLEGE AND PEARSON COLLEGE WHILE THE BRITISH G.C.E. ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATIONS ARE TAKEN IN SINGAPORE.

THESE COLLEGES WERE ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH EDUCATION. THE STUDENT BODY AND TEACHING STAFF ARE FULLY INTERNATIONAL. ENTRY TO EACH COLLEGE IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND IS BASED ON ACADEMIC ABILITY AND PERSONAL QUALITIES.

AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY- FIFTH FORM STUDENTS OF HIGH ABILITY IN ANGLO-CHINESE OR ENGLISH SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS.

+THE UPPER AGE LIMIT FOR ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE IS 17-1/2 YEARS ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1976. THIS WILL BE ADHERED TO AS FAR AS POSSIBLE BUT STUDENTS OF EXCEPTIONAL MERIT WHO ARE SLIGHTLY OVER-AGE MAY ALSO BE CONSIDERED.+

HE SAID THAT EACH SCHOLARSHIP WOULD COVER TUITION AND BOARDING FEES FOR THE TWO YEARS, (A RETURN PASSAGE BY AIR WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED), BUT IT WOULD NOT COVER OTHER EXPENSES SUCH AS MAINTENANCE DURING LONG VACATIONS.

♦THE CRITERIA FOR-THE SELECTION OF CANDIDATES WHI iun PAST ACADEMIC RECORDS -------

[Typographical errors in the original document]

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1976

WORK ON THREE KOWLOON INDOOR GAMES HALLS COMPLETED

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS JUST COMPLETED THREE NEW MAJOR INDOOR GAMES HALLS IN KOWLOON, PROVIDING MORE URGENTLY NEEDED FACILITIES FOR INDOOR SPORTS IN HONG KONG.

THE THREE SPORTING ARENAS, WHICH COST JUST OVER $5 MILLION, ARE LOCATED AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, MORSE PARK AND AT BOUNDARY STREET.

THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE IS NOW PUTTING FINAL TOUCHES TO THE HALLS AND WILL HAND THEM OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

THE NEW GAMES HALLS PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES FOR SUCH SPORTS AS BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, GYMNASTICS, BOXING, JUDO, TABLE-TENNIS, WEIGHT-LIFTING, FENCING, AS WELL AS FOLK DANCING AND YOGA.

MR. K.M. TSANG, CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, SAID TODAY THE NEW SPORTS HALLS COULD ALSO BE EASILY CONVERTED INTO AN AUDITORIUM OR COMMUNITY HALL WITH A STAGE AT ONE END AND USED FOR OTHER SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.

HE SAID THE HALLS HAD BEEN DESIGNED AS MULTI-PURPOSE COMPLEXES AND WERE LARGELY MODELLED ON THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL INDOOR GAMES HALL AT KAI TAK EAST — A PILOT PROJECT OPENED IN 1973.

+THE KAI TAK EAST GAMES HALL IS ALREADY HEAVILY OVER-USED,+ HE SAID, +BUT THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES IN THE NEW HALLS SHOULD PROVIDE WELCOME NEW OUTLETS FOR SPORT ENTHUSIASTS.+

THE THREE NEW GAMES HALL ARE ALL OF THE SAME DESIGN, INCORPORATING A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING WITH 7,100 SQUARE FEET OF PLAY AREA, COMMITTEE ROOMS, CHANGING FACILITIES, OFFICES, STOREROOM AND TOILETS.

EACH HALL HAS A BASKETBALL COURT, VOLLEYBALL COURT AND FOUR BADMINTON COURTS, AS WELL AS A SPECTATOR STAND WITH A SEATING CAPACITY OF ABOUT 200.

THE CHEUNG SHA WAN GAMES HALL, LOCATED AT THE SOUTH-WESTERN CORNER OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD BETWEEN HING WAH STREET AND CHEUNG WAH STREET, ALSO INCLUDES A LARGE REST GARDEN AND CHILDREN PLAYGROUND.

THIS FACILITY COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 37,000 SQUARE FEET AND PROVIDES PLEASANT SITTING OUT AREA AND PLAY FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN IN THE CROWDED DISTRICT.

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TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1976

- 5 -

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR CASTLE PEAK BOYS* HOME * * M M * *

THE LIONS OF BAYVIEW HAS DONATED MORE THAN $5,000 TO THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME FOR THE PURCHASE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR ITS 20-MEMBER BUGLE BAND.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, IN ACCEPTING THE DONATION AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE HOME THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THAT MUSIC WAS A HEALTHY INTEREST PURSUIT PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR BOYS IN RESIDENTIAL TRAINING.

+MUSIC MAY ENHANCE THE TRANQUILITY OF THE MIND, THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERSON AND MAY ALSO INSTIL IN THE BAND MEMBERS A SENSE OF DISCIPLINE, CO-OPERATION AND ACHIEVEMENT WHICH FALL VERY MUCH IN LINE WITH THE BASIC PHILOSOPHICAL FRAMEWORK OF RESIDENTIAL TRAINING.+

THE BAND, HE CONTINUED, COULD ALSO MAINTAIN A MUCH CLOSER LINK BETWEEN THE HOME AND THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ITS APPEARANCE IN COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS.

THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME IS ONE OF THE FIVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS MANAGED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. IT PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS BETWEEN 14 AND 16 AND A TRAINING PROGRAMME LASTING FOR NOT LESS THAN ONE YEAR.

MR. LEE SAID : +THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES PRIMARY EDUCATION, PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND GROUP ACTIVITIES THAT ARE GEARED TOWARDS CHARACTER REFORM AND SOCIAL RE-ADJUSTMENT.+

AFTERCARE IS OFFERED TO HELP THESE BOYS TO RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY AS NORMAL AND LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS, HE ADDED.

MR. LEE NOTED THAT OTHER GROUP ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN THIS HOME FOR THE INMATES INCLUDED SCOUT GROUPS, BALL GAMES AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH SCHEME.

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TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1976

6 -

GOVERNOR TO ATTEND C.A.S. ANNUAL DINNER M * M *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE ANNUAL DINNER PARTY TO BE GIVEN BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AT THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT ON FRIDAY (MAY 28).

SOME 720 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF C.A.S. WILL ATTEND.

SIR MURRAY WILL BE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE COMMISSIONER, MR. P.C. WOO, AND THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR. J.A. FORTUNE.

AMONG OTHER GUESTS WILL BE THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES. LT. GEN. A.J. ARCHER, DR. GERALD CHOA, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, MR. BRIAN SLEVIN, WING COMMANDER R.G. PENLINGTON, LT. COL. J<R. HEYWOOD OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT AND COMMANDER J.M.T. HILTON OF THE ROYAL NAVY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE WELCOMED TO COVER THE EVENT FROM 7 P.M. TO 8 P.M. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD DO SO ON THE GROUND FLOOR OR THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL. NO PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ALLOWED DURING DINNER IN THE DINING HALL AFTER 8 P.M.

COPIES OF THE COMMISSIONER’S SPEECH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AT 7 P.M. ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE CITY HALL.

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TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1976

KWAI CHUNG CROWN LAND SALE NETS $7.5 MILLION ******

AN 18,700 SQ. FT. LOT OF CROWN LAND SITUATED AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD AND KUNG YIP STREET, KWAI CHUNG, WAS SOLD AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR $7.5 MILLION, EXACTLY DOUBLE ITS UPSET PRICE OF $3.75 MILLION.

THIS IS $401 PER SQUARE FOOT.

THE LOT, WHICH IS TO BE USED FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES, WAS BOUGHT BY SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LIMITED.

THE BUILDING COVENANT IS $2.8 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN 30 MONTHS FROM JULY 1.

MORE THAN 80 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE AUCTION WHICH WAS HELD IN THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSUEN WAN. THERE WERE ABOUT 10 BIDDERS.

A SECOND LOT, TOTALLING 39,350 SQ. FT., HAD TO BE WITHDRAWN BECAUSE THERE WERE NO BIDS AT THE UPSET PRICE OF $4.75 MILLION. THIS SITE, IN TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, WAS FOR DEVELOPMENT AS A MULTI-sfOREY CAR PARK FOR NOT LESS THAN 340 CARS AND A PETROL FILLING STATION.

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PfcH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT PREPARED TO STUDY PROPOSAL OF RAISING ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE ............................................ 1

GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS BY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO TELEPHONE COMPANY ................... 5

FINANCIAL SECRETARY AUTHORISED TO GUARANTEE ISSUE OF MTR BONDS .......................................................... 8

JORDAN ON HONG KONG-AUSTRALIA TEXTILE RESTRAINT AGREEMENT . 9

LOCALLY CONSTRUCTED GOODS LIFTS TO BE CONTROLLED .............. 10

GOVERNMENT POLICY ON NEON SIGNS EXPLAINED ..................... 11

BRITAIN’S ANT I-DUMP I NG ACTION JUSTIFIED .................... 12

LEFT LANE FOR SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES ............................ 13

SHA TIN NEW TOWN BOOKLET....................................... I4

AMBULANCE COMMAND RECEIVES RECORD NUMBER OF CALLS ............. 16

FOUR BILLS BECOME LAW ......................................... 16

GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO MR. JAMES ROBSON ..................... 17

CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET READY IN 1981 ................. 18

VICTORIA RECEPTION CENTRE TO REMAIN AS PRISON INSTITUTION . 18

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS POLICY UNDER REVIEW ................... 19

IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC CONDITION AT AIRPORT ................... 19

TICKET ISSUING SYSTEM AT CAR PARKS MODIFIED ................... 20

LEGCO MEETING TODAY ........................................... 21

PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA ...................................... 22

INTER-INSTITUTION SINGING CONTEST ............................. 23

CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEES MEET TOMORROW ....................... 24

WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT....................................... 25

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

HIGHER ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE FOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PREPARED TO STUDY PROPOSAL X M X X * X

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PREPARED TO UNDERTAKE A MORE THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF A PROPOSAL OF RAISING HONG KONG’S ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE FROM 200 TO 220 VOLTS TO ASSESS THE DESIRABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, OF MAKING THE CHANGE.

THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY IN REPSONSE TO THE HON. JAMES WU WHO PROPOSED TO EFFECT THE CHANGE, IN TWO STAGES, FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

MR. JONES SAID IT WAS NOT KNOWN AT PRESENT HOW MUCH EQUIPMENT CURRENTLY IN USE, BOTH IN HOUSEHOLDS AND INDUSTRY, MIGHT NEED ADJUSTMENT OR REPLACEMENT TO OPERATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THE PROPOSED HIGHER VOLTAGE OR HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO MAKE THE CHANGES.

+CERTAINLY, IT WOULD NOT BE WISE TO CONSIDER ANY CHANGE WITHOUT FULL PRIOR CONSULTATION WITH INDUSTRY, OTHER MAJOR CONSUMERS AND THE POWER COMPANIES.

♦EVEN THEN ADEQUATE NOTICE WOULD NEED TO BE GIVEN BEFORE ANY CHANGE IS INTRODUCED AND A SUPPORTING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WOULD BE REQUIRED,+ HE SAID.

WHILE STRESSING THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN GREATER DEPTH BEFORE REACHING ANY DECISION, MR. JONES PROMISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PREPARED TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL.

HE SAID IT WAS UNDOUBTEDLY IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST TO ADOPT WIDELY-USED, AND INTERNATIONALLY APPROVED, STANDARDS WHERE POSSIBLE.

NEVERTHELESS, HE FELT THAT IT WOULD ONLY BE PRUDENT TO EXERCISE A DEGREE OF CAUTION BEFORE CONSIDERING A CHANGE OF THIS SORT WHICH COULD HAVE SIGNIFICANT REPERCUSSIONS FOR ALL CONSUMERS OF ELECTRICITY.

HE ADDED THAT THE ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL IMPLICATIONS OF A CHANGEOVER FROM THE EXISTING VOLTAGES MIGHT NOT BE AS SIMPLE AS MR. WU APPEARED TO THINK.

+FOR INSTANCE, ALTHOUGH A 220 VOLT MOTOR USED ON THE

CORRECT VOLTAGE WILL CERTAINLY GIVE GREATER POWER THAN WHEN RUN ON 200 VOLTS, EQUALLY A 200 VOLT MOTOR WOULD ALSO GENERATE MORE POWER, BUT COULD OVERHEAT AND MIGHT BURN OUT IN THE PROCESS.

♦LIKEWISE, SUCH EQUIPMENT AS STARTERS, SWITCH BOARDS AND

LIFT CONTROL GEAR ARE VERY VOLTAGE SENSITIVE AND

ANY CHANGE IN THESE CASES MAY REQUIRE EXPENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS TO, OR REPLACEMENT OF, EQUIPMENT.

/♦CERTAIN .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

- 2

+CERTAIN OTHER EQUIPMENT, ALSO MIGHT REQUIRE STEP UP TRANSFORMERS TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY ON THE NEW STANDARD AND I BELIEVE THAT ANY UPRATING OF THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE TO TELEPHONE EXCHANGES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE EQUIPMENT USED AND BE COSTLY TO RECTIFY,* HE SAID.

EARLIER, MR. WU SAID THAT BY RAISING THE VOLTAGE FROM 200 TO 220 VOLTS WOULD SAVE TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS PER YEAR FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE TO CONSUMERS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING, HE DESCRIBED THE EXISTING VOLTAGES OF 200 VOLTS SINGLE-PHASE AND THE CORRESPONDING 346 VOLTS 3-PHASE, AT 50 HERTZ OR 50 CYCLE/SECOND FREQUENCY (200/1/50 AND 346/3/50) AS +NON-STANDARD AND ODD VOLTAGES*.

HE BELIEVED THAT THE CONSUMERS, THE POWER COMPANIES AND THE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS AND OR SUPPLIERS WOULD ALL BENEFIT SUBSTANTIALLY IN OPERATING EFFICIENCY AS WELL AS IN ECONOMIC TERMS IF THE SUPPLY VOLTAGES WERE RAISED TO THE WIDELY USED STANDARD OF 220 VOLTS SINGLE PHASE AND THE CORRESPONDING 380 VOLTS 3-PHASE, BUT REMAINING AT 50 HERTZ OR CYCLES/SECOND AS AT PRESENT.

TO THIS END, MR. WU FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE AFTER SOUNDING OUT PUBLIC OPINION AS THROUGH THIS DEBATE, AND HE SUGGESTED THAT THE CHANGE BE MADE SOONEST POSSIBLE, SAY BY JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, HE SAID THE VOLTAGE COULD BE RAISED TO 210/1/50 AND 365/3/50 TO OBSERVE IF THERE WOULD BE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS OVERLOOKED, AND THEREAFTER TO THE FULL BUT MAXIMUM 220/1/50 AND 380/3/50 AFTER THIS PERIOD.

+THE GOVERNMENT,* HE ADDED, +MIGHT ALSO WANT TO SET UP A STEERING COMMITTEE TO FULLY INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTS OF THE CHANGE AND TO PREPARE FOR SAME AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME.

+1 SHALL BE GLAD IF THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS IN GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE DUE NOTICE OF MY PRESENT PROPOSAL AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE PROCEEDING INTO AN ERA OF METRICATION AND STANDARDISATION WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD,* HE SAID.

IN S-UPPORT OF HIS PROPOSAL, MR. WU LISTED THE MOST COMMONLY USED STANDARD ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGES IN THE WORLD, AND HE REGARDED THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE AND FREQUENCY COMBINATION IN HONG KONG AS NON-STANDARD AND QUITE UNUSUAL.

+CONSEQUENTLY, THE APPLIANCES AND APPARATUS WE IMPORT WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE FOR OUR SPECIAL VOLTAGE IF WE WANT THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY EXPECTED. THIS MEANS EXTRA COST AND DELAY.*

MR. WU CITED EXAMPLES OF THE EFFECTS OF EQUIPMENTS RATED AT A HIGHER STANDARD VOLTAGE WHEN USED IN HONG KONG’S SYSTEM.

/IN THE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

+ IN THE CASE OF A RESISTANCE LOAD SUCH AS AN INCANDESCENT FILAMENT LAMP. YOU GET A MUCH REDUCED ILLUMINATION, AND A 75-WATT LAMP MIGHT BE REQUIRED WHERE A 6O-WATT BULB OF PROPER VOLTAGE WOULD SUFFICE, AND FOR RICE COOKERS AND WATER-HEATERS LONGER PERIODS OF OPERATION WOULD BE REQUIRED TO REACH THE INTENDED TEMPERATURE.*

FROM THE POWER COMPANIES’ POINT OF VIEW, MR. WU SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE CHANGE OF VOLTAGE COULD BE VERY EASILY EFFECTED WITH LITTLE COST, WHEREAS THEREAFTER THEIR MOST OBVIOUS GAIN WOULD BE A TEN PER CENT INCREASE IN POWER DISTRIBUTION CAPACITY AT NEXT TO NO ADDITIONAL COSTS. THEY SHOULD THEREFORE

WELCOME THE CHANGE.

AS FOR MANUFACTURERS AND OR SUPPLIERS, HE SAID THE CHANGE TO A STANDARD VOLTAGE SYSTEM WOULD BE VERY WELCOME IN THAT IT WOULD HELP TO CUT DOWN ON INVENTORY RESULTING IN SAVINGS AND LOWER COSTS WHICH WOULD MOST LIKELY BE PASSED BACK TO THE CONSUMERS THROUGH COMPETITION.

MR. WU FURTHER OUTLINED FOUR REASONS TO JUSTIFY THAT THE SYSTEM HE PROPOSED +IS MOST LOGICAL*.

THE INSULATION OF THE PRESENT POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, AS WELL AS THE APPLIANCES USED BY CONSUMERS WOULD EASILY TAKE THIS ADDITIONAL PRESSURE OR INCREASED VOLTAGE.

THE PERFORMANCE OF EXISTING APPLIANCES OF 2OO/1/5O AND 346/3/50 WOULD GENERALLY IMPROVE WITHOUT DETRIMENTS TO LIFE EXPECTANCY, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF 200V LAMP BULBS AND PERHAPS SOME ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION APPLIANCES WHICH COULD BE PROVIDED WITH SEPARATE VOLTAGE REGULATION AND TRANSFORMERS.

+HOWEVER,* HE SAID, +FOR THAT VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF IMPORTED APPLIANCES RATED 220/1/50 AND 380/3/50, THERE CAN ONLY BE A MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN BOTH PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY.*

MR. WU CONTINUED : +SINCE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES WILL OFTEN ALLOW A PLUS OR MINUS TEN PER CENT VARIATION IN SUPPLY VOLTAGE, THE U.K. PRODUCED 240/1/50 AND 415/3/50 EQUIPMENT COULD BE BETTER TOLERATED. SO WOULD U.S. MADE EQUIPMENT OF 230/1/60 AND 440/3/60 RATING, EXCEPT FOR A 17 PER CENT REDUCTION IN SPEED AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO CYCLE CHANGE IN THE CASE OF ROTARY MACHINES.

MR. WU SAID : +THE INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMITTEE (IEC) HAS RECOMMENDED THAT 230/400V BE USED AS THE FUTURE STANDARD VOLTAGE FOR LOW VOLTAGE (OR CONSUMER) DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS.

+WHILST THIS MAY TAKE TIME TO REALISE, WE WOULD BE IN AN ADVANTAGEOUS AND MUCH BETTER POSITION TO SWITCH FURTHER TO THESE HIGHER VOLTAGES ONCE WE RAISED FULLY TO 220/380V, FOR REASONS JUST EXPLAINED.*

MR. WU WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE FOREGOING JUST ABOUT SUMMED UP THE EFFECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF A CHANGE.

/HE POINTED .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

4 -

HE POINTED OUT THAT HE HAD CONDUCTED A PRIVATE AND LIMITED CONSULTATION AMONG INTEREST PARTIES ON HIS PROPOSAL, +AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE ENTHUSIASTIC AND ALMOST UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR THE CHANGE.

+THESE INCLUDE REPLIES FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE TWO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANIES, THE MAJOR TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, THE TRAMWAYS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS AND THE LARGER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS.

+THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LTD. IS ABOUT THE ONLY ONE THAT SUGGESTED RESERVATION AND CAUTION BEFORE A CHANGE IS MADE,+ MR. WU SAID.

IN SUPPORTING MR. WU’S PROPOSAL THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS SAID THE EXISTING VOLTAGE IN HONG KONG +IS HARDLY TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.+

♦HOWEVER,+ HE CAUTIONED, +WE MUST BE SURE THAT INDUSTRY IS NOT DISRUPTED WHERE SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT MAY NOT BE EASILY ADAPTED TO THE CHANGE AND RESERVATIONS, SUCH AS THOSE OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY, MUST BE HEARD AND CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.+

HE SAID MR. WU MIGHT BE SOMEWHAT OPTIMISTIC IN HOPING FOR

A CHANGE BY JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR. BUT HE ADDED : +IT IS AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO DIRECT OUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER AND RAISE OUR SUPPLY VOLTAGE TO THAT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.+

o -------

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

- 5 -

IMPLEMENTATION OF TELEPHONE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS GOOD PROGRESS MADE

M * K *

THE SITUATION OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY WILL CONTINUE TO BE MONITORED AND NO RENTAL INCREASE WILL BE SANCTIONED UNTIL PROVEN NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE FIRM, INCLUDING ITS NECESSARY EXPANSION.

THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID TODAY IN A STATEMENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY.

HE ALSO GAVE A DEFINITE ASSURANCE THAT THERE WOULD BE NO INCREASE IN TELEPHONE RENTALS THIS YEAR.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY HAD TENTATIVELY CONCLUDED THAT A FURTHER INCREASE IN RENTAL CHARGES OF AROUND 15 PER CENT MIGHT BE REQUIRED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

+THIS MAY TURN OUT TO BE THE CASE BUT, AS THINGS STAND AT THE MOMENT, NO FIRM ASSESSMENT CAN BE GIVEN AS TO THE TIMING OR THE SIZE OF ANY FUTURE INCREASE IN RENTALS.+

ON LEGISLATION, HE SAID THIS WOULD BE DEALT WITH IN TWO STAGES.

THE FIRST WOULD GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO CERTAIN MORE PRESSING MATTERS ARISING FROM THE COMMISSION’S REPORT, INCLUDING THE REDUCTION OF INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL CHARGES, THE ABOLITION OF ROYALTY PAYMENTS, A PROVISION TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO APPOINT UP TO TWO DIRECTORS TO THE BOARD OF THE COMPANY, AND A FURTHER PROVISION TO LAY DOWN THAT CHARGES NOT SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE WOULD BE SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE POSTMASTER GENERAL.

+AN AMENDING BILL HAS ALREADY BEEN DRAFTED TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THESE PROPOSALS AND IT WILL SHORTLY BE INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL.*

/IN THIS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

6 -

IN THIS CONNECTION, MR. JONES ADDED THAT THE COMPANY HAD INTRODUCED THE LOWER INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL CHARGES LAST NOVEMBER, AND IT HAD RECENTLY REFUNDED THOSE SUBSCRIBERS WHO HAD ALREADY PAID THE HIGHER CHARGES.

THE SECOND AND MORE SUBSTANTIAL PIECE OF LEGISLATION, HE CONTINUED, WOULD PROVIDE THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESENT TELEPHONE ORDINANCE BY A MORE UP-TO-DATE ONE.

+THIS WILL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO A PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME AND PROVIDE FOR BOTH TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL MONITORING OF THE COMPANY’S SERVICES. WORK IS NOW PROCEEDING ON DRAWING UP DETAILED DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TELEPHONE SERVICES BILL AND ITS PREPARATION WILL PROCEED WITH ALL DUE SPEED.+

HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANY ON THE DETAILS OF THE SCHEME OF CONTROL HAD BEEN CONCLUDED AND THAT AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED ON ALL POINTS.

THE SCHEME, AS AGREED, COMPRISED ALL THE OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLES PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION AS WELL AS MOST OF THE DETAILED PROPOSALS ON THE EXACT FIGURES TO BE USED. AND ONLY THREE MODIFICATIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE COMMISSION’S BLUEPRINT, HE SAID.

MR. JONES ADDED THAT THE SCHEME WAS BEING BROUGHT INTO OPERATION WITH RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1976 BY AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANY.

REFERRING TO THE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR THE COMPANY’S SERVICES, HE SAID STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN THE MACHINERY AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES WITHIN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT, AND ONE FULL TIME ACCOUNTANT HAD NOW BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE BRANCH.

+FOLLOWING THESE CHANGES, THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH IS NOW REGULARLY CHECKING THE TELEPHONE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL POSITION AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

+THE FORECASTS OF DEMAND FOR TELEPHONES HAVE ALSO BECOME THE SUBJECT OF REGULAR CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, WHICH IS ALSO UTILISING THE SERVICES OF ITS PROFESSIONAL ECONOMISTS FOR THIS PURPOSE,+ HE SAID.

ON THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION TO STRENGTHEN THE STAFF OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DIVISION OF THE POST OFFICE TO CARRY OUT TECHNICAL MONITORING OF THE COMPANY’S OPERATIONS, MR. JONES SAID THIS WAS NOW IN HAND AND THE NECESSARY POSTS WERE BEING CREATED WITHIN THE POST OFFICE.

/TUSKING TO......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

TURNING TO THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY, HE RECALLED THAT THE COMMISSION HAD LAID CONSIDERABLE STRESS ON THE ROLE OF SHAREHOLDERS IN PROVIDING MORE CAPITAL TO REDUCE THE COMPANY’S HEAVY DEPENDENCE ON BORROWINGS.

AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMPANY ANNOUNCED IN MARCH THAT IT INTENDED TO RAISE $158 MILLION THROUGH A RIGHTS ISSUE. +THIS ISSUE HAS NOW BEEN MADE AND I UNDERSTAND THAT ALL THE NEW SHARES HAVE BEEN TAKEN UP.

+THE PROCEEDS OF THE ISSUE WILL ENABLE THE COMPANY TO REDEEM AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF BORROWINGS AND THUS TO STRENGTHEN ITS FINANCIAL POSITION.+

APART FROM THIS, HE SAID THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL POSITION HAD IMPROVED OVER THE PAST YEAR, PARTLY DUE TO A HIGHER DEMAND FOR NEW TELEPHONE INSTALLATIONS WITH RECOVERY OF THE ECONOMY.

HE SAID THE CURRENT FORECAST FOR 1976 ANTICIPATED THAT THE PERCENTAGE RETURN ON SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS, AS INCREASED BY THE RIGHTS ISSUE, WOULD REMAIN ROUGHLY CONSTANT AT ABOUT 14.3 PER CENT.

+THE RATIO OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS TO BORROWINGS WILL, ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE. IT IS EXPECTED THAT, BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, BORROWINGS WILL HAVE FALLEN TO APPROXIMATELY $350 MILLION, LEAVING A RATIO OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS TO BORROWINGS OF APPROXIMATELY 7O«3O, OR ROUGHLY IN LINE WITH THE RATIO RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY,* HE SAID.

FINALLY, MR. JONES SAID THE TELEPHONE COMPANY ITSELF HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTING CERTAIN OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION PERTAINING TO ITS OWN AFFAIRS.

THIS INCLUDED THE APPOINTMENT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND THE CREATION OF THREE NEW SENIOR POSTS AT ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER LEVEL TO COVER, RESPECTIVELY, FINANCE, ENGINEERING POLICY AND DIRECTION, AND ADMINISTRATION.

+AS A RESULT OF THESE EFFORTS,* MR. JONES ADDED, +1 BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TELEPHONE COMAPNY HAVE CO-OPERATED MORE FRUITFULLY THAN AT ANY TIME IN THE PAST.*

NOTE TO ED ITOS: A PAPER SETTING OUT THE PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE SCHEME OF CONTROL OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN G. I.S. PRESS BOXES.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

GUARANTEE FOR MTR TO ISSUE BONDS

* * M M M *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A RESOLUTION AUTHORISING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO GRANT A GUARANTEE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT TO ENABLE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO BORROW MONEY LOCALLY BY ISSUING HONG KONG DOLLAR BONDS OF UP TO $400 MILLION.

IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO SAY AT WHAT PRICE AND AT WHAT RATE OF INTEREST THE BONDS WOULD BE OFFERED.

+A DECISION ON THESE MATTERS HAS NOT YET BEEN MADE AND, INDEED, CANNOT BE MADE UNTIL THE FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ISSUE. THE TERMS OF THE ISSUE WILL, OF COURSE, NEED TO BE CLOSELY RELATED TO MARKET CONDITIONS AT THE TIME IT IS ANNOUNCED.+

REFERRING TO THE GUARANTEE, HE EMPHASISED THAT THIS WOULD ONLY BE A GUARANTEE OF THE REPAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND NOT OF PREMIUM OR OUTSTANDING INTEREST.

+BY PREMIUM, I REFER TO A REDEMPTION PRICE ABOVE PAR WHICH WOULD BE PAYABLE BY THE CORPORATION IF IT EXERCISES THE OPTION TO REDEEM THE BONDS BEFORE THE DUE DATE. THIS WOULD CLEARLY BE INAPPLICABLE IN CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE GUARANTEE WOULD OPERATE.+

TOUCHING ON THE AMOUNT TO BE GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID IT WOULD BE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF HK$400 MILLION AND SUCH ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AS MIGHT BECOME PAYABLE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE ISSUE.

MR. JONES EXPLAINED THAT THE BONDS WOULD BE ISSUED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT, SHOULD ANY WITHHOLDING TAX ON PRINCIPAL BE LEVIED, THEN THE CORPORATION WOULD PAY TO THE BONDHOLDERS SUCH ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AS WOULD RESULT IN THE RECEIPT BY THE BONDHOLDERS OF THE SUMS WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN RECEIVABLE BY THEM HAD NO WITHHOLDING TAX ON PRINCIPAL BEEN LEVIED.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THIS WAS A STANDARD PROVISION IN INTERNATIONAL BOND ISSUES AND, AS IT WAS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A WITHHOLDING TAX ON PRINCIPAL WOULD EVER BE INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG, ALL THIS WOULD BE LARGELY ACADEMIC IN THE LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROCEEDS OF THE PROPOSED BOND ISSUE WOULD BE USED TO HELP PAY FOR CONTRACTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM ON THE MTR WHICH HAD EITHER ALREADY BEEN LET, OR WOULD BE LET LATER THIS YEAR.

/+THERE IS .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

+THERE IS EVERY INDICATION THAT THE TOTAL OF THESE CONTRACTS, WHEN LET, WILL BE WITHIN THE ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST. THIS BOND ISSUE HAS BEEN PROPOSED AS A MEANS OF RAISING LONGER TERM FINANCE ON ACCEPTABLE TERMS WHICH WILL BE UTILISED IN PLACE OF CERTAIN SHORTER TERM STANDBY FACILITIES WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN ARRANGED AND IS PART OF THE CONTINUING EFFORT BY THE CORPORATION TO LENGTHEN THE MATURITY OF ITS DEBT.

+IN OTHER WORDS, IT IS SIMPLY AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF FINDING FUNDS TO HELP PAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM,* HE ADDED.

- - o - -

HONG KONG-AUSTRALIA TEXTILE RESTRAINT AGREEMENT

K * H H

THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE HOPES TO BE INFORMED SOON AS TO WHAT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DO ABOUT THE HONG KONG-AUSTRALIA TEXTILE EXPORT RESTRAINT AGREEMENT WHICH EXPIRES AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IF AUSTRALIA WISHED TO CONTINUE ANY OF THE RESTRAINTS FOR A FURTHER PERIOD, HER GOVERNMENT MAY SEEK CONSULTATIONS WITH HONG KONG IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARRANGEMENT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES — THE ARRANGEMENT UNDER WHICH THE PRESENT AGREEMENT WAS CONCLUDED.

MR. JORDAN WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION PUT BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE ADDED: +OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT POSITION IS THAT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IS STILL CONSIDERING A REPORT ISSUED IN APRIL THIS YEAR BY THE AUSTRALIAN TEXTILES AUTHORITY. THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THIS REPORT CAN BE EXPECTED TO HAVE A BEARING ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL SEEK TO EXTEND OR MODIFY THE CURRENT AGREEMENT WITH HONG KONG- OR ALLOW IT TO LAPSE.*

MR. JORDAN CONTINUED: +HONOURABLE MEMBERS MAY BE AWARE THAT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT HAS STATED ITS INTENTION TO USE THE ARRANGEMENT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES WHERE IT IS FEASIBLE TO DO SO.

+IN SOME CASES, HOWEVER, AUSTRALIA HAS NOT USED THE ARRANGEMENT TO SEEK RESTRAINT ON EXPORTS FROM PARTICULAR SOURCES BUT HAS RESORTED TO A TARIFF-QUOTA METHOD TO LIMIT IMPORTS GENERALLY.*

- o - -

/1O ....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

LOCALLY CONSTRUCTED GOODS LIFTS NEW REGULATIONS FOR SAFE OPERATION APPROVED ******

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED NEW REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF LOCALLY CONSTRUCTED GOODS LIFTS IN FACTORIES.

MOVING THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GOODS LIFTS) REGULATIONS, 1976, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, SAID LOCALLY BUILT LIFTS HAD CAUSED A NUMBER OF SERIOUS AND MOSTLY FATAL ACCIDENTS IN THE PAST TEN YEARS.

PAST EXPERIENCE, HE SAID, SHOWED THAT MOST OWNERS OF SUCH LIFTS WERE RELUCTANT TO MODIFY THEM TO BRING THEM WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF +SERVICE LIFT+, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF SIZE AND HEIGHT EVEN THOUGH THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED IN 1964 TO ENABLE THEM TO DO SO.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONSEQUENTLY AGREED THAT GOODS LIFTS SHOULD MORE APPROPRIATELY BE CONTROLLED THROUGH REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, SAID MR. HENDERSON.

TO FACILITATE THIS STEP, THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED LAST MONTH TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN GOODS LIFTS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.

THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL NOT APPLY TO THOSE GOODS LIFTS WHICH HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND INSTALLED IN CONFORMITY WITH THE BUILDING (LIFTS) REGULATIONS.

ALSO NOT SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THESE NEW REGULATIONS ARE:

* LIFTS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN GENERALLY EXEMPTED FROM THE APPLICATION OF THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE-AND

* THOSE, THOUGH INTENDED MAINLY FOR CARRYING GOODS, THAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE LIFTS FOR CARRYING PASSENGERS BECAUSE THEY ARE OPERATED BY A PERSON INSIDE.

OWNERS OF GOODS LIFTS WHICH COME UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THESE REGULATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPOINT COMPETENT EXAMINERS TO CARRY OUT REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF THE LIFTS.

OTHER IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

* THE PROPER ENCLOSURE OF LIFT WELLS-

* THE INSTALLATION OF INTERLOCKING DEVICES TO PREVENT

A LIFT FROM MOVING WHEN ITS DOOR IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, AND

A DOOR FROM OPENING WHEN THE LIFT IS NOT AT REST AT THE LANDING IN FRONT OF THE DOOR- AND

/• tHE .....

* THE PROHIBITION OF A GOODS LIFT BEING USED TO CARRY PASSENGERS.

MR. HENDERSON SAID THESE REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO FORCE ON A DATE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR LATER TO ALLOW TIME FOR OWNERS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN PROPOSED TO AMEND ONE PARTICULAR REGULATION WHICH REQUIRES THESE GOODS LIFTS TO BE THOROUGHLY EXAMINED BY A COMPETENT PERSON AT LEAST ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS.

POINTING OUT THAT EVEN PASSENGER LIFTS AND POTENTIALLY MORE DANGEROUS MACHINE LIKE STEAM BOILERS WOULD NOT NEED SUCH HIGH FREQUENCY OF EXAMINATION, HE FELT THAT PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS FOR GOODS LIFTS SHOULD ONLY BE NECESSARY ONCE IN EVERY 18 MONTHS.

IN REPLY, MR. HENDERSON SAID HE TOOK THE POINTS MADE BY DR. CHUNG IN RELATION TO OTHER EXAMINATIONS, AND HE WOULD ACCEPT THAT THE EXAMINATION PERIOD SHOULD PARALLEL BUT NOT EXCEED THAT FOR PASSENGER LIFTS.

HE SAID HE WOULD PROPOSE TO AMEND THIS PERIOD FROM SIX TO 12 MONTHS.

HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THESE REGULATIONS WOULD DEPEND ON GOODS LIFTS’ OWNERS SCRUPULOUSLY CARRYING OUT THEIR GENERAL DUTY OF PROPER MAINTENANCE UNDER REGULATION 4(B).

+IF ON EXPERIENCE OF THE WORKING OF THE REGULATIONS IT IS FOUND THAT THIS IS NOT BEING CARRIED OUT I MIGHT HAVE TO SEEK TO REINSTATE A SHORTER EXAMINATION PERIOD, AT SOME LATER DATE,* HE WARNED.

------0-------

GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON NEON SIGNS M X * X * M

THE GOVERNMENT IS HOLDING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEGISLATION AND BETTER ARRANGEMENTS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE GREATER CONTROL OF BOTH THE SAFETY AND AMENITY ASPECTS OF NEON SIGNS.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ABOUT GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT POLICY AND FUTURE PLANS ON NEON SIGNS.

AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THE CONTROL OF ALL ADVERTISING SIGNS WAS EXERCISED THROUGH THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE AND IN THE URBAN AREAS THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE ORDINANCE WAS THE URBAN COUNCIL.

MR ROBSON POINTED OUT THAT SKY SIGNS, OCCULTING SIGNS AND WATER-BORNE ADVERTISEMENTS COULD BE STRICTLY CONTROLLED BUT +LITTLE CONTROL HAS BEEN EXERCISED OVER OTHER ADVERTISING SIGNS.*

THIS WAS BECAUSE THE ORDINANCE DEALT MAINLY WITH THE AESTHETIC EFFECTS WHICH WERE DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH AND DID NOT MAKE ADEQUATE PROVISIONS FOR AVOIDING THE ERECTION OF DANGEROUS SIGNS, HE ADDED.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

BRITAIN’S ANTI-DUMPING ACTION JUSTIFIED ******

THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPLAINED WHAT DUMPING, UNDER THE RULES OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT OF TARIFF AND TRADE, MEANS AND WHY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN ANT I-DUMP ING ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG IN RESPECT OF A RAINCOAT MADE HERE WHICH WAS BEING EXPORTED TO BRI TA IN.

MR. JORDAN GAVE THE EXPLANATION IN A REPLY TO DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY. •

LAST WEEK, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD IMPOSE AN ANTI-DUMPING DUTY OF 1.50 POUNDS-STERLING ON A HONG KONG-MADE RUBBERISED RAINCOAT IMPORTED INTO BRITAIN ON THE GROUND THAT IT WAS BELOW +FAIR MARKET PRICE+.

MR. JORDAN SAID THAT UNDER GATT RULES DUMPING MEANS EXPORTING AT A PRICE LESS THAN THE COMPARABLE PRICE FOR A SIMILAR PRODUCT SOLD IN THE DOMESTIC MARKET- OR WHERE THE PRODUCT IS NOT SOLD IN THE DOMESTIC MARKET, AS OFTEN HAPPENS IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG, DUMPING IS DEFINED AS SELLING BELOW WHAT IS REGARDED AS THE +FAIR MARKET PRICE+, WHICH TAKES ACCOUNT OF THE DIRECT COST OF PRODUCTION, OVERHEADS AND PROFITS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS GENERALLY TRUE THAT HONG KONG NANUFACTURERS COULD NOT AFFORD TO DUMP, BUT IT WAS PERFECTLY POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO DO SO WITH A PART OF THEIR PRODUCTION.

IF, FOR EXAMPLE, A MANUFACTURER SOLD A NEW PRODUCT AT COST PRICE PLUS A SMALL PROFIT AND CHARGED ALL THE OVERHEADS OF HIS FACTORY TO HIS ESTABLISHED PRODUCTS THEN TECHNICALLY HE WAS DUMPING, WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE GATT DEF I NAT ION AND OF THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION, MR. JORDAN SAID.

IN THE PRESENT CASE, HE ADDED, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED, AFTER CARRYING OUT INVESTIGATIONS IN HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, THAT THE HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS OF RELATIVELY SMALL QUANTITIES OF RUBBERISED RAINCOATS FOR WOMEN WERE SELLING BELOW +FAIR MARKET PRICES* AS DEFINED AND THAT THIS JUSTIFIED ANTI-DUMPING ACTION.

CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADDITIONAL DUTY OF 1.50 POUNDS-STERLING WAS IMPOSED ON THIS RAINCOAT.

MR. JORDAN CONTINUED i +HOWEVER, THERE IS A LET-OUT IN THE FORM OF A REFUND OF THE ANTI-DUMPING DUTY SHOULD THE PRICE OF THE RAINCOATS, TOGETHER WITH THE ANTI-DUMPING DUTY, EXCEED HK$46 IN THE CASE OF A SINGLE TEXTURE RAINCOAT OR HK$60 IN THE CASE OF A DOUBLE TEXTURE ONE.

/MR. JORDAN .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY’26, 1976

- 13 -

MR. JORDAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT IN 1975 HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF THIS ITEM WERE WORTH ABOUT SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS WHILE THE TOTAL TEXTILE AND CLOTHING EXPORTS TO BRITAIN WERE WORTH TWO BILLION DOLLARS.

HE ADDED« +THE AVERAGE F.O.B. PRICE OF THESE RAINCOATS WAS $32.60 IN 1975. THE LANDED PRICE IN BRITAIN IS PROBABLY MORE THAN TWENTY PER CENT HIGHER WHEN C. I.F. CHARGES AND THE NORMAL CUSTOM DUTY ARE ADDED. IN VIEW ALSO OF THE FURTHER DEPRECIATION OF STERLING SINCE THE INVESTIGATION WAS LAUNCHED IT SEEMS TO ME LIKELY THAT THE QUANTITY, IF ANY, THAT WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS REFUND WILL BE VERY SMALL.

+UNDER THE RULES OF THE GATT, AN ANTI-DUMPING DUTY MAY REMAIN IN FORCE ONLY AS LONG AS IT IS NECESSARY TO COUNTERACT THE DUMPING. THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS THEREFORE TAKEN STEPS TO MONITOR OUR EXPORTS OF THESE RAINCOATS TO BRITAIN, AND WE SHALL GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE IN LONDON AS SOON AS WE HAVE EVIDENCE THAT DUMPING IS NO LONGER OCCURRING.+

LEFT LANE FOR SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES M M M M M

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WILL BE ASKED TO CONSIDER, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF A STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY, A CAMPAIGN DIRECTED TOWARDS GETTING DRIVERS OF SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES TO TRAVEL ON THE CORRECT LANE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE WAS REPLYING THE HON. JAMES WU WHO ASKED WHETHER A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COULD BE MOUNTED TO REQUIRE HEAVY AND SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES TO OCCUPY THE LEFT LANE OF THE ROAD.

MR. ROBSON SAID THE POLICE WOULD GIVE THE CAMPAIGN FULL SUPPORT BECAUSE TOO FEW OF SUCH DRIVERS WERE DOING THIS ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD DO SO.

+BUT WHILE IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE PUBLICITY ABOUT USING THE CORRECT TRAFFIC LANE IN THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR, I AM ADVISED THAT THERE IS NO CLEAR LINK BETWEEN THIS INSTANCE OF BAD DRIVING AND ROAD ACCIDENTS.

+THE STANDING .CONFERENCE MAY THEREFORE FEEL THAT IT CANNOT, IN ALL CONSCIENCE, RECOMMEND DEVOTING THE FUNDS WHICH ARE NECESSARY FOR AN ENTIRE CAMPAIGN TO PUBLICITY AGAINST THIS PARTICULAR PRACTICE AND MAY EVEN TAKE THE VIEW THAT, IN THE CONTEXT OF ROAD SAFETY, DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE EXCEPT WHEN OVERTAKING CAN ONLY PLAY A SMALL PART IN THE SEPTEMBER ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN,* HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

_ 14 -

SHA TIN NEW TOWN BOOKLET

K M M H M

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A COMPREHENSIVE COLOUR BOOKLET TO EXPLAIN HOW THE. RURAL TOWNSHIP OF SHA TIN IS TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO A BUSTLING MODERN COMMUNITY.

AND MORE SUCH PUBLICATIONS ARE PLANNED ON VARIOUS MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR. MCDONALD WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. P.G. WILLIAMS, WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHETHER FURTHER PUBLICATIONS OF THE SAME HIGH STANDARD AS THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN BOOKLET WOULD BE PRODUCED.

HE SAID A SIMILAR COMPREHENSIVE FULL-COLOUR BOOKLET ON TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, ALSO PREPARED BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN ABOUT THREE WEEKS’ TIME, AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WERE NOW FINALISING THE DESIGN WORK FOR A THIRD BOOKLET COVERING TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.

+IN SO FAR AS RESOURCES WILL ALLOW,+ HE ADDED, +IT IS MY INTENTION TO PRODUCE UP-TO-DATE PUBLICATIONS COVERING OTHER AREAS OF ENDEAVOUR BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH MY DEPARTMENT, SUCH AS VERY LARGE WATER SCHEMES, MAJOR ROAD COMMUNICATIONS PROJECTS, DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TERRITORIES MARKET TOWNS AND SUITABLE MAJOR BUI1DING PROJECTS.+

MR. WILLIAMS WENT ON TO SAY THAT +SUCH EFFECTIVE ILLUSTRATIONS OF VAST PUBLIC PROJECTS COULD ONLY REDOUND TO HONG KONG’S CREDIT+, AND ASKED ABOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISTRIBUTION OF THE BOOKLET.

MR. MCDONALD SAID THE BOOKLET WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO DEVELOPERS, CONSULAR AND TRADE REPRESENTATIVES, INDUSTRIALISTS BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN THE NEW TOWN, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES OVERSEAS THROUGH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OFFICES AND BRITISH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

+IT WILL ALSO BE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED TO BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MEDIA,* HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR J.R. WHITAKER, SAID TODAY THE BOOKLET WOULD GO ON SALE FROM MONDAY (MAY 31) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, AND THROUGH ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.

+COPIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE SHA TIN AREA TO KEEP THEM INFORMED OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THEIR NEW TOWN,* HE SAID.

HE SAID THAT IN THE INTEREST OF TIME SAVING, THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN BOOKLET HAD INITIALLY BEEN PREPARED IN ENGLISH ONLY, BUT CONSIDERATION WAS NOW BEING GIVEN TO PRODUCING CHINESE LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THE THREE BOOKLETS AS WELL.

/MR. WHITAKER .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

MR. WHITAKER SAID THE BOOKLET — WHICH WAS VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED BY COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS. MAPS AND DIAGRAMS — CONDENSED MORE THAN A DECADE OF PLANNING AND PRELIMINARY WORK INTO ABOUT 40 PAGES OF TEXT AND ILLUSTRATIONS, OUTLINING THE VARIOUS BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS WHICH WOULD TRANSFORM THE PREVIOUS RURAL TOWNSHIP INTO A VIGOROUS, SELF-CONTAINED CITY BY 1985.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT — A CONSTITUENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT — WAS CREATED IN 1973 SPECIFICALLY TO PLAN AND PROGRAMME THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NEW TOWNS, A TASK WHICH IS MAINLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE P.W.D. IT WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE N.T.A., WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF LAND AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPLETED NEW TOWNS, AND THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY.

AS OUTLINED IN THE BOOKLET, SHA TIN NEW TOWN WILL BE DEVELOPED IN A SERIES OF BALANCED STAGES, PROVIDING HOMES, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR SOME 500,000 PEOPLE IN AN ATTRACTIVE AND COMPLETE LIVING ENVIRONMENT WHICH WILL INCORPORATE ALL ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

MR. WHITAKER SAID THE NEW SHA TIN NEW TOWN BOOKLET REPRESENTED THE MOST COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT YET MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON THE $4,100 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

+IT HAS BEEN COMPILED WITH BOTH THE TECHNICAL AND NONTECHNICAL READER IN MIND,+ HE SAID, +S0 AS TO GIVE A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE ENTIRE SCHEME.

+EVERY MAJOR ASPECT OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IS COVERED — THE BACKGROUND LEADING TO THE CHALLENGE OF BUILDING THE NEW TOWN, THE SETTING OF THE NEW TOWN, THE TOWN PLAN ITSELF, THE VARIOUS SERVICES AND FACILITIES WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED, AND HOW THE PLANS ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT.

+THE COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND MAPS SHOULD SERVE AS A QUICK AND EASY REFERENCE AS TO THE VARIOUS LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT WORKS,+ HE ADDED.

MR. WHITAKER SAID THAT IN AN UNDERTAKING OF SUCH MAGNITUDE AS THE SHA TIN PROJECT, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT PEOPLE WERE KEPT AWARE OF, AND FULLY UNDERSTOOD, WHAT WAS BEING PLANNED FOR THEM. HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PLANS FOR SHA TIN WOULD BE MUCH BETTER APPRECIATED WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOOKLET.

MANY PEOPLE, HE SAID, HAD ALREADY LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ABOUT THE PROJECT FROM THE EXHIBITION ON THE NEW TOWN HELD BY HIS DEPARTMENT AT THE LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHA TIN LAST MARCH, WHEN MORE THAN 70,000 PEOPLE FLOCKED TO SEE THE MODELS AND PLANS ON DISPLAY.

+THE EXHIBITION CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THE WIDE INTEREST IN THE NEW TOWN, AND WE HOPE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE BOOKLET WILL ANSWER MANY MORE QUESTIONS, AND UNDERLINE THE EXHAUSTIVE AND CAREFUL PLANNING THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE BUILDING OF THE NEW TOWN,+ HE SAID.

o - -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

AMBULANCE COMMAND RECEIVES RECORD NUMBER OF CALLS

* * * X * M

THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BROKEN THROUGH THE 500 CALLS PER DAY BARRIER AFTER COMING CLOSE TO THAT FIGURE ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.

DURING THE 24-HOUR PERIOD ENDED AT 7 A.M. TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE COMMAND RESPONDED TO A TOTAL OF 516 CALLS, REPRESENTING MORE THAN 21 CALLS PER HOUR.

OF THE TOTAL, 425 WERE EMERGENCY, AND 91 NON-EMERGENCY. THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS CARRIED TOTALLED 692.

HONG KONG DIVISION ANSWERED 171 CALLS, KOWLOON DIVISION 240 CALLS AND NEW TERRITORIES DIVISION 105 CALLS.

THE PREVIOUS HIGHEST NUMBER OF CALLS WAS 471 ACHIEVED ON MARCH 6 THIS YEAR.

COMMENTING ON THE NEW RECORD, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT FULLY EXPECTED THE UPWARD TREND TO CONTINUE AND, FOR THIS REASON THE NUMBER OF AMBULANCES AND DEPOTS WAS BEING INCREASED.

+THERE ARE PLANS TO BUILD MORE AMBULANCE DEPOTS OR STATIONS IN STRATEGIC AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG,+ HE SAID. +THE FIRST OF THESE WILL BE A STATION AT HING WAH HOUSING ESTATE IN CHAI WAN AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED LATER THIS YEAR.+

AT PRESENT, THE AMBULANCE COMMAND HAS A FLEET OF 99 AMBULANCES THESE VEHICLES ARE FITTED WITH AN IMPROVED TYPE OF STRETCHER GEAR TOGETHER WITH OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO SUIT LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.

--------c ---------

BILLS PASSED

X H X K M

FOUR BILLS, INCLUDING THE THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, PASSED THROUGH THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE OTHER BILLS PASSED WERE THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1976.

SIX OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING. THEY WERE THE THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE STAMP (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1976, THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE BOOKS REGISTRATION BILL 1976 AND THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.

DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED. ------------------------------o--------

/17......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO ROBSON ******

AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE. PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, WHO WILL RETIRE SHORTLY AFTER SEVEN YEARS MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL AND 30 YEARS OF +HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO HONG KONG+.

SIR MURRAY SAID MR. ROBSON WOULD BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS WORK AS A PLANNER FOR THE NEW TOWNS AND FOR HIS VIGOROUS INITIATION OF STUDIES AND PROCEDURES TO PRESERVE OUR ENVIRONMENT FROM POLLUTION.

MR. ROBSON, HE ADDED, HAD BEEN PERSONALLY AND INTIMATELY ASSOCIATED WITH MANY OF THE LANDMARKS OF MODERN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, THE RAILWAY TERMINUS, THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE KAI TAK RUNWAY.

+IN THIS COUNCIL, WE WILL REMEMBER HIM AS AN EXCELLENT COLLEAGUE THE LENGTH OF WHOSE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WAS ONLY EQUALLED BY THE GOOD HUMOUR AND PREVITY OF HIS ANSWERS TO SUPPLEMENTARY. FEW HAVE BEEN LIKED MORE OR SERVED HONG KONG BETTER.*

THE GOVERNOR WISHED MR. ROBSON AND HIS WIFE A VERY HAPPY AND LONG RETIREMENT.

DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR. ROBSON ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, SAID HE WOULD BE REMEMBERED FOR THE IMPACT HE HAD MADE ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WITHIN HIS SPHERE, AND PARTICULARLY IN THE SPHERE OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

+WE ADMIRE HIS SCENSE OF BALANCE IN RECOGNISING, ON THE ONE HAND, THE NEED TO TAKE MUCH MORE POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT WHILST ON THE OTHER HAND TAKING ALSO A PRACTICAL VIEW OF THE LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY OUR OWN ECONOMIC VIABILITY.*

HE WOULD ALSO BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS UNFAILING COURTESY TO UMELCO AND FOR HIS SENSE OF HUMOUR DURING QUESTION TIME IN THE COUNCIL, SAID DR. CHUNG WHO WISHED MR. ROBSON AND HIS WIFE EVERY GOOD FORTUNE IN THE FUTURE.

- - - o - -

/18

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET

* M * * M

THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, 'TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE EARLIEST DATE BY WHICH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET COULD BE COMPLETED WOULD BE 1981.

HE SAID THE REASON WAS THAT RECLAMATION OF THE SITE, WHICH IT WAS HOPED COULD START NEXT YEAR, WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING WOULD ALSO TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. ALEX WU, MR. ROBSON SAID: +THE POULTRY AND VEGETABLE MARKETS ARE ACCOMMODATED TEMPORARILY AT CHEUNG SHA WAN AND THE FRESH WATER FISH MARKET WILL SHORTLY BE MOVED TO A TEMPORARY SITE IN SHAM SHU I PO MILITARY CAMP.+

THESE MARKETS, HE ADDED, COULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE FROM THESE SITES UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A DECISION WAS TAKEN TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR ROAD.

+THEY WOULD THEN HAVE TO BE MOVED INTO THE NEW CHEUNG SHA WAN MARKET BEFORE ROAD CONSTRUCTION COULD COMMENCE AS THE TEMPORARY MARKET SITES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THAT WORK,+ MR. ROBSON SAID.

0-------

VRC TO REMAIN AS PRISON INSTITUTION

******

THE VICTORIA RECEPTION CENTRE IS LIKELY TO BE RETAINED AS +A PRISON INSTITUTION OF SOME TYPE FOR SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME TO COME+ AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE, EXPECTED TO BE IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.

IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE FUTURE USE OF THE VRC WAS BEING CONSIDERED AND NO FINAL DECISION HAD YET BEEN TAKEN.

HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE HIGH OCCUPATION RATES OF MANY OF THE INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, HE SAID IT SEEMED MOST LIKELY THAT THE VRC WOULD REMAIN A PRISON INSTITUTION FOR SOME TIME.

MR. DAVIES ALSO CONFIRMED THAT DUE TO OVERCROWDING IN THE VRC SOME PRISONERS ON REMAND HAD, IN RECENT MONTHS, BEEN SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR ON A BASIS OF THREE, AND OCCASIONALLY FOUR MEN IN A CELL OF ABOUT EIGHT FEET BY FIVE FEET.

------0------

/19....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

- 19 -

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS POLICY UNDER REVIEW

M * M M *

THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES IS CURRENTLY REVIEWING HIS PUBLICATIONS POLICY TO SEE IF THERE IS SCOPE TO INCREASE SALES FURTHER.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, m HON. DENIS BRAY IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. MISS KO SIU-WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR. BRAY SAID THAT IN 1974, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES SET UP A SMALL TEAM TO PLAN AND CO-ORDINATE THE SALE OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS.

+SINCE ITS FORMATION SALES HAVE RISEN FROM $2.1 MILLION IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1973/74 TO $4.1 MILLION IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1975/76.+ HE SAID. +LOCAL SALES ACCOUNT FOR VIRTUALLY ALL OF THIS INCOME WITH SALES OVERSEAS ACCOUNTING TO A RELATIVELY MODEST $90,000 IN 1975/76.+

HOWEVER, MR. BRAY ADDED THAT IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT +WE SHALL SEE A FURTHER DOUBLING OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS, BUT THE OPENING, IN AUGUST, OF A LARGER GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING IS LIKELY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SLIGHTLY INCREASED SALES EXPECTED THIS YEAR.*

IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT AIRPORT

H H *

TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN FRONT OF BOTH THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE HALLS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT WILL BE IMPROVED WHEN THE TERMINAL BUILDING EXTENSION PROGRAMME IS COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LI FOOK-WO ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE AIRPORT.

HE SAID THAT THE PROJECT WOULD, ON COMPLETION, PROVIDE AN EXTRA 450 FEET OF KERB SPACE AT DEPARTURES LEVEL AND AN EXTRA 350 FEET AT THE ARRIVALS LEVEL.

+IT WILL ALSO PERMIT THE ADOPTION OF AN IMPROVED TRAFFIC FLOW SYSTEM,* HE ADDED.

MR. ROBSON ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A NEW ACCESS ROUTE TO THE DEPARTURE HALL WOULD BE PROVIDED BY A FLYOVER ACROSS PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

+THIS FLYOVER IS DUE FOR COMPLETION IN DECEMBER 1978 AND WILL RESULT IN A FURTHER SIGNIFICANT EASING OF THE AIRPORT TRAFFIC PROBLEM,* HE SAID.

------c-------

/20....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

TICKET ISSUING SYSTEM AT CAR PARKS MODIFIED *****

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT HAS TEMPORARILY MODIFIED THE TICKET ISSUING SYSTEM AT GOVERNMENT PUBLIC CAR PARKS TO FURTHER REDUCE THE WAITING TIME AND CONGESTION AT THE CAR PARK ENTRANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

UNDER THE MODIFIED SYSTEM, THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD NEED TO BE WRITTEN DOWN ONCE ONLY ON THE PARKING TICKET.

HE SAID THIS HAD SPED UP THE PROCESS +BUT, OF COURSE, ONLY AT THE RISK OF EVASION OF PARKING FEES - WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE ACCEPTED PENDING A REVIEW OF THE INTERNAL ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES.+

MR. ROBSON WAS ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. ROGER LOBO ON DELAYS AND CONGESTION AT PUBLIC CAR PARK ENTRANCES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SYSTEM WHICH ORIGINALLY REQUIRED THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER TO BE WRITTEN DOWN ON TWO PARTS OF THE PARKING TICKET WAS INTRODUCED ON THE ADVICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO PREVENT MALPRACTICES AND AVOIDANCE OF FEES.

THE SYSTEM WAS SUCCESSFUL BUT HAD ALSO RESULTED IN DELAYS AT THE CAR PARK ENTRANCE.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT LATER TRIED TO REDUCE THE INCONVENIENCE BY OPENING A SECOND ENTRANCE LANE AND BY HAVING SOMEONE TO WRITE DOWN, IN ADVANCE, THE REGISTRATION NUMBERS OF THE CARS WAITING TO ENTER THE CAR PARK WHEN THERE WAS A BUILD-UP, HE SAID. +BUT, HE IS HAMPERED BY A SHORTAGE OF SUPERVISORY STAFF.+

AND AFTER CONSULTING THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AGAIN, THE TEMPORARY MODIFICATION OF THE SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED.

MR. ROBSON ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE LAW REQUIRED THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER TO BE RECORDED ON THE PARKING TICKET.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

- 21 -LEGCO MEETING TODAY X X M M M X

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT A WIDE RANGE OF QUESTIONS WHEN THE COUNCIL MEETS THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE HON. ROGER LOBO WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF THE DELAY AND CONSEQUENT CONGESTION CAUSED BY THE PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING TICKETS TO CARS ENTERING CERTAIN PUBLIC CAR PARKS, AND WHAT REMEDIAL MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN.

THE HON. JAMES WU WILL ASK WHETHER A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN CAN BE MOUNTED TO REQUIRE HEAVY AND SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES TO TRAVEL ON THE LEFT LANE OF THE ROAD.

THE HON. F.W. LI WILL ASK IF STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN FRONT OF BOTH THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE HALLS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT.

OTHER QUESTIONS CONCERN THE SIZE OF THE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MARKET FOR GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS, SITUATION REGARDING THE BI-LATERAL AGREEMENT ON CERTAIN TEXTILE EXPORTS TO AUSTRALIA AND THE USE OF MINIBUSES TO TRANSPORT GERIATRIC CASES TO AND FROM PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.

AT THE END OF THE QUESTION SESSION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. DEREK JONES, WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY INTO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED.

MR. WU WILL RAISE THE MATTER ON +ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE TO CONSUMERS DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE TWO MOTIONS — ONE FOR THE GRANTING OF A GUARANTEE IN RESPECT OF THE REPAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF BONDS ISSUED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND THE OTHER FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GOODS LIFTS) REGULATIONS 1976.

SIX BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING. THEY ARE THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976. STAMP (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1976, THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE BOOKS REGISTRATION BILL 1976 AND THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.

DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THREE BILLS — THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1976.

/22......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

INSIGNIA *

HAVE BEEN DECORATED BY THE

PRESENTATION OF K * O

cicty-SEVEN LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO ^letr/wlil RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS FROM THE GOVERNOR. SIR MURRAY

AT A CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

MAGLtnUOGji

THE INSIGNIA TO BE PRESENTED INCLUDE ONE CMG ONE orf'm' SIX OBE’S, ONE OBE(H), ONE ISO, ONE MBE(M), THREeMBE* S°BRFvcfi BADGES OF HONOUR, 12 feEM’S, ONE QPM, TWO iIm’S AND 21 cAm'S

MOST OF THE RECEIPIENTS HAVE HONOURS.

SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.

BEEN DECORATED IN THE NEW YEAR

WILL BE MADE FOR GUESTS ATTENDING

ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE OF

ALL CARS CARRYING GUESTS MAY

GOVERNMENT HOUSE. AFTER GUESTS HAVE ALIGHTED VEHlCir<? fiMoiur LABELS MAY PARK IN THE FORECOURT OR TENNIS COUNTSAS^?^?™ G-H' BY THE POLICE, OR, IF CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN, RETURN AT MO

VEHICLES BEARING BLUE LABELS MUST EXIT BY THE EAST GATE AND THEN PARK AT UPPER ALBERT ROAD, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, THE SLIP ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE AMERICAN CONSULATE BUILDING A&D THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD.

ALL VEHICLES PARKED INSIDE GOVERNMENT HOUSE SHOULD LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE. OTHER GUESTS ARE REQUESTED TO WALK TO THEIR CARS AFTER THE CEREMONY.

PARKING FACILITIES IN METERED SPACES IN UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS AND THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 3 P.M. TO 7.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY, MAY 27, TO ALLOW VEHICLE PARKING FOR INVITED GUESTS TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

ONLY PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SHOULD MEET GIS OFFICERS IN THE GUARD ROOM OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE NOT LATER THAN 5.30 P.M. NEWSPAPERS NOT RECEIVING PASSES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTS IN THE ORDINARY MANNER WITH YUEN CHUN STUDIO AT 95, TEMPLE STREET, KOWLOON, TELEPHONE: 3-854864.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

-23-

INTER-INSTITUTION SINGING COMPETITION *****

BOYS AND GIRLS OF EIGHT PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING THREE RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, WILL TAKE PART IN AN INTER-INST I TUT I ON SINGING COMPETITION THIS FRIDAY (MAY 28).

THE THREE WELFARE INSTITUTIONS ARE THE HONG KONG JUVENILE CARE CENTRE, THE SHING TAK BOYS’ CENTRE AND THE CHAK YAN CENTRE. THE OTHERS ARE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME, THE 0 PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME, THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME, KWUN TONG HOSTEL AND MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME.

THE COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE 0 PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME IN KAU WA KENG, LAI CHI KOK AT 2 P.M. MRS. ELSIE MA NG TING-KWUN, AN INSPECTOR OF MUSIC OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL ACT AS THE ADJUDICATOR.

MISS ANNIE CHAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOCIAL WORK), WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION WHICH WILL ALSO BE ATTENDED BY JUDGES, MAGISTRATES AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE FIELD OF JUVENILE WELFARE.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SINGING COMPETITION IS TO BRING HOME TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATION IN GROUP ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS AND THE FEELING OF ACHIEVEMENT AND RECOGNITION.

THE COMPETITION IS ONE OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE INTER-INST I TUT I ON ACTIVITIES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

THE COMMITTEE PLANS AND ORGANISES VARIOUS INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CULTURAL COMPETITIONS AND ATHLETIC EVENTS EACH YEAR FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS UNDER CARE IN THE INSTITUTIONS.

THE AIM OF THESE ACTIVITIES IS TO BRING THEM TOGETHER TO ENHANCE THEIR MENTAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING AND AT THE SAME TIME PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE VOLUNTARY AND GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENT COVERED. THE COMPETITION WILL BEGIN AT 2 P.M. ON FRIDAY (MAY 28) AT THE 0 PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME IN KAU WA KENG, LAI CHI KOK.

/2A......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

* * * * M M

THE KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE WILL SEPARATELY HOLD THEIR FIRST CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE YEAR 1976/77 TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

EACH CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COORDINATION OF THE WORK OF DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME CAMPAIGN AND THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN. CHAIRED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER OF THE DISTRICT, EACH COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, LOCAL CIVIL LEADERS, CHAIRMEN OF AREA COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT SECTORS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWUN TONG C.D.O. AT KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TUNG YAN STREET. CHAIRED BY MR. PATRICK YIU, THE MEETING WILL MAINLY DISCUSS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WORK AND FURTHERANCE OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND THE FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME CAMPAIGN FOR THE YEAR. THE HON. JAMES WU, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE HON. ADVISOR OF THE COMMITTEE.

THE MEETING OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD AT 4.00 P.M. AT THE STAFF RECREATION ROOM OF HOME AFFAfRS DEPARTMENT ON 9TH FLOOR, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, CENTRAL. AT THE MEETING, THE MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS WORKING PLANS FOR THE YEAR, PARTICULARLY THE 1976 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND THE COMING DISTRICT CLEAN UP OPERATION WESTERN DISTRICT. THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. NICHOLAS NG, WILL ALSO PRESENT LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT TO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE.

NOTES TO EDITORS : YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT. •»

/25

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

WATER CUT

M M *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND SHEUNG SHU I IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MAY 28) TO ENABLE WATERWORKS STAFF TO CARRY OUT LEAKAGE TESTS.

IN NORTH POINT, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY FOOK YUM STREET, OIL STREET, ELECTRIC ROAD FROM BOAT STREET TO JAVA ROAD, JAVA ROAD TO NORTH POINT ROAD AND NORTH SIDE OF KING’S ROAD FROM BOAT STREET TO TONG SHU I ROAD.

IN SHEUNG SHU I, THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, SAN FUNG AVENUE, AND LUNG SUM ROAD, INCLUDING SHEK WU HUI.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA ...................................... 1

MORE DRUG ADDICTS TURN TO METHADONE TREATMENT FOLLOWING LARGE DRUG HAULS .................................... 4

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF RECREATION CLUB OPENS ON SATURDAY ............................................. 5

CALL FOR MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED............... 6

IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR N.T. FARMERS ................ 7

CONSUMER COUNCIL GETS TWO NEW MEMBERS ......................... 7

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL -- A STATUTORY HOLIDAY ................... 8

CLEARANCE FOR WIDENING OF TAI PO ROAD ......................... 9

’COMMUNITY HEALTH AND YOU’ EXHIBITION ......................... 9

EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOATS ................. 10

WATER CUT .................................................... 10

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MAy 27, 1976

PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA * M * * M *

FIFTY-SIX LOCAL RESIDENTS DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY RECEIVED THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE TODAY (THURSDAY).

MOST OF THE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED IN THE NEW YEAR HONOURS.

AMONG THEM WAS THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH WALLIS JOSEPH TOPLEY, J.P., WHO RECEIVED THE CMG (COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE).

OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED WERE i-

O.B.E. (M) (OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)

(MILITARY DIVISION)

I 1

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN RULE HEYWOOD, E.D., J.P.

O.B.E. (OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)

MR. JOHN HOWARD BAMFORTH

THE HON. JOHN HENRY BREMRIDGE, J.P.

MR. ALLAN FLETCHER, J.P.

MR. WILFRED THOMAS KNIGHT, J.P.

THE HON. LO TAK-SHING, J.P.

MR. M.C. OATLEY

O.B.E. (H) (OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (HONORARY)

MR. HENRY HU HUNG-LICK

I.S.O. (IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER)

MR. ISKANDAR AGAFUROFF

M.B.E. (M) (MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)

(MILITARY DIVISION)

MAJOR AITE GURUNG, M.V.O.

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

M.B.E. (MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) ----------------------------------------------------

MR. LO HIN-SHING, J.P.

MR. JOHN WILLIAM TUCKER

MR. WATT HEW-KI, C.P.M.

BADGE OF HONOUR

MR. CHING CHUN-KAU

MR. HO MAN-CHUNG

MR. KU LUNG-MAN

MR. LO KI-CHUNG

MR. NG HON-SUM

MR. YAU KEI

MR. YEUNG YUK-LUN

B.E.M. (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL)

MR. AU-YEUNG CHAU • • #

MR. CHAN HUNG

MR. CHAN PING-KI

MR. CHAN YIU

MR. CHEUNG CHUNG-PAK

MR. RAJAB ABDUL CURREEM

MR. KONG CHI-HUNG

MR. LAU FAT

MR. LEUNG BUN-LOONG

MR. LI YIU-HUNG

MR. TSE TUNG-TANG

MR. YEUNG KAM-PIU

/Q.P.M

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

- 3 -Q.P.M. (QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL)

MR. PATRICK JOSEPH CLANCY, C.P.M.

I.S.M, (IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL)

MR. LEUNG YIU

MR. CHEUNG HI

C.P.M. (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE)

MR. CHAN BIU

MR. CHEAH PHEE-CHUAN

MR. MALCOLM GEORGE FARNHAM

MR. HO KWAI-CHIN

MR. HSIAH CHUN-CHING

MR. JO TA I-CHANG

MR. KWAN KAM-HUNG

MR. KWONG WAH-PIU

MR. LAM LOK-BUN

MR. LEE YING-FAT

MR. LEUNG TAK-KWONG

MR. LEUNG YUEN

MR. RONALD LORRAINE REDPATH

SERGEANT GHULAM SABIR

MR. TAM YUK-FAN

MR. PETER TSAO KWANG-YUNG

MR. CHESTER H. WONG

STATION SERGEANT WONG YIU-MING

STATION SERGEANT YAU KIN-CHUNG

MR. YU KAR-KEE

------o-------

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

- k

MORE DRUG ADDICTS TURN TO METHADONE FOLLOWING LARGE DRUG HAULS ******

THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS RECEIVING METHADONE TREATEMENT FOLLOWING RECENT LARGE SEIZURES OF NARCOTICS BY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT AN AVERAGE OF 100 NEW CASES EACH WEEK HAD BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S FOUR METHADONE MAINTENANCE CLINICS DURING THE PAST FEW WEEKS.

THE NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS ON THE METHADONE REGISTER NOW TOTALLED 6,800, AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 1,000 SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID AS THE SEIZURES WERE BOUND TO CURTAIL THE LOCAL SUPPLY OF HARD DRUGS, THUS FORCING PRICES TO SOAR, MORE AND MORE ADDICTS WERE EXPECTED TO TURN TO METHADONE TREATMENT.

HE SAID THAT EACH OF THE FOUR EXISTING METHADONE CENTRES — EASTERN STREET HEALTH CENTRE IN WESTERN DISTRICT, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG, HOMANTIN HEALTH CENTRE AT PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN — WAS CAPABLE OF TREATING UP TO 1,000 A DAY.

+IF THE NEED ARISES, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONSIDER OPENING UP MORE CENTRES SO THAT ALL THOSE WHO WISH TO GO ON THE METHADONE PROGRAMME WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DO S0,+ HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID METHADONE MAINTENANCE HAD A GREAT ADVANTAGE IN THAT THE DRUG ADDICT COULD UNDERGO TREATMENT WHILE WORKING AT THE SAME TIME.

ONE DOSE OF METHADONE COULD LAST 24 HOURS, SO THE ADDICT NEED ONLY TO TURN UP AT THE CLINIC ONCE A DAY, EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER WORK, HE SAID.

WITH HEROIN OR MORPHINE, AN ADDICT MUST TAKE THE DRUG SEVERAL TIMES A DAY BECAUSE ITS EFFECTS WERE OF SHORT DURATION, HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR METHADONE MAINTENANCE CLINICS, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD OPEN A NEW METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE ON JUNE 7 AT THE VIOLET PEEL CLINIC IN WAN CHAI.

HE EXPLAINED THAT IN DETOXIFICATION THE DOSE OF METHADONE IS GRADUALLY REDUCED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THE LENGTH OF WHICH WOULD DEPEND ON THE RESPONSE OF EACH INDIVIDUAL.

/♦THIS

TWRSDrt, MAT 27, 1976

5 -

+THIS REGIME IS SUPPLEMENTARY TO AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE OF THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME,+ HE ADDED.

BOTH FEMALE AND MALE ADDICTS, AGED 18 YEARS AND ABOVE AND ADDICTED FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION INTO THE PROGRAMME.

THE NUMBER OF NEW CASES PER DAY WILL BE LIMITED TO 40 AS ALL NEW ENTRANTS TO THE PROGRAMME WILL HAVE TO BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED INCLUDING A URINE TEST.

THE CENTRE WILL OPERATE FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON WEEK DAYS

AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

-------0 --------- . " >

SCOTT TO OPEN E.D. STAFF RECREATION CLUB

* X X X X X

THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED EDUCATlbN DEPARTMENT STAFF RECREATION CLUB WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. ALAN SCOTT AT 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY.

THE CLUB’S FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WILL FOLLOW THE OFFICIAL OPENING AND THE COMMITTEE ELECTED WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RUNNING THE CLUB’S ACTIVITIES.

IN A CIRCULAR LETTER TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE STAFF, THE PRESIDENT OF THE CLUB, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID: +ONE OF THE REAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL HAS BEEN THE FORMATION OF A STAFF RECREATION CLUB. I INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE CLUB AND MAKE IT A SUCCESS BY YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES.+

THREE ROOMS IN YU TO SANG MEMORIAL SCHOOL ARE BEING USED AS A TEMPORARY CLUBHOUSE AND THE SCHOOL BASKETBALL COURT AND COVERED PLAYGROUND AREA ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS’ USE DURING THE' OPENING HOURS OF THE CLUB.

MR. TOPLEY SAID THERE WERE A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES WHICH COULD BE PROMOTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEMBERS THROUGH THE CLUB.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE CLUB AT YU TO SANG MEMORIAL SCHOOL, HOSPITAL ROAD, HONG KONG, AT 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY.

0 -------

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

- 6 -

MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES NEEDED FOR THE DISABLED

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY APPEALED TO THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY FOR GREATER EFFORTS IN PROVIDING MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED PEOPLE.

MR. LEE WAS SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN WHICH DONATES $9,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO UNITS OF TELEPHONE SWITCH ADAPTORS TO BE USED BY THE- BLIND.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT AT PRESENT ALL BLIND TELEPHONE OPERATORS USE THESE ADAPTORS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL SIGNALLING DEVICE AND THEIR SERVICE IS OF A HIGH STANDARD AS ALL OF THEM HAVE UNDERGONE SPECIAL TRAINING.

A BLIND TELEPHONE OPERATOR MUST HAVE FORM I I I OR HIGHER STANDARD IN EDUCATION AND COMPLETED A SIX-MONTH TRAINING COURSE WHICH COVERS THE OPERATION OF TELEPHONE SWITCH BOARD, THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND OTHER RELATED SUBJECTS.

MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT AS AT THE END OF APRIL THIS YEAR, 26 BLIND PERSONS WERE EMPLOYED AS TELEPHONE OPERATORS IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LEADING COMMERCIAL FIRMS.

THE DIRECTOR SAID: +SINCE 1973, THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS ASSIGNED AN OFFICER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING PLACEMENT SERVICE TO THE BLIND AND TO EXPLORE ALL POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM.

+THE UNIT ALSO RUNS SHORT-TERM COURSES FOR THEM TO ENSURE THAT THEY CAN COPE WITH THEIR WORK WHEN EMPLOYED.*

IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS, HE SAID, 23 BLIND PERSONS HAD FOUND JOBS IN COMMERCIAL FIRMS AND FACTORIES THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE OF THIS UNIT. +THIS NUMBER REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE AS COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR. THIS IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE UPTURN IN INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY IN THE FIELD OF ELECTRONICS.*

MR. LEE BELIEVED THAT A SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION PROGRAMME DEPENDED NOT ONLY ON THE CO-ORDINATION ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT BUT ALSO ON THE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.

AFTER THE ADDRESS, MRS. WONG KEUNG OI-WAH, A TELEPHONE OPERATOR OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, ACCEPTED THE DONATION FROM MR. WU PO-LING, PRESIDENT OF THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN.

--------o ---------

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR N.T. FARMERS * X * * *

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED THE IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT SCHEME IN THE SHAN HA-LAM » HAU AREA IN PING SHAN.

THE SCHEME, COSTING $115,000, CONSISTS OF FIVE CONCRETE DAMS, 4,200 FEET OF CONCRETE CHANNEL AND 17 SUMPS CAPABLE OF IRRIGATING 84 ACRES OF FARM LAND.

SOME 200 FARMING FAMILIES OF SHAN HA TSUEN AND LAM HAU WILL BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME.

A HANDING OVER CEREMONY OF THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE PING SHAN RURAL COMMITTEE AT 11 A.M.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE CEREMONY COVERED.

- - 0 - -

CONSUMER COUNCIL GETS TWO NEW MEMBERS *****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL. THEY ARE MR. KAM MING-AH AND MR. PATRICK C.L. POON.

MR. KAM IS AN EXECUTIVE OF JEBSEN AND CO. AND IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN HIS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE IN CAUSEWAY BAY. MR. POON IS NEWS EDITOR OF THE SING TAO JIH PAO.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN SPECIALISED FIELDS, THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. KAM AND MR. POON WILL ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE WORK OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

- 8

DP’ BOAT FESTIVAL — A STATUTORY HOLIDAY ******

THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL, WHICH THIS YEAR FALLS ON JUNE 2 (WEDNESDAY), IS ONE OF THE SIX STATUTORY HOLIDAYS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

MR. HENDERSON EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLY NOT ONLY TO INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES BUT ALSO TO EMPLOYEES IN THE ENTIRE COMMERCIAL SECTOR, INCLUDING THE SERVICES AND CATERING TRADES. f

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION AND INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY. THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

+AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS NOT EMPLOYED ON A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT — FOR EXAMPLE, ONE WHO WORKS FOR LESS THAN SIX HOURS A DAY OR HAS BEEN EMPLOYED BY THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR LESS THAN THREE MONTHS — IS STILL ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY, BUT HAS NO LEGAL ENTITLEMENT TO BE PAID,+ SAID MR. HENDERSON.

IF THE EMPLOYER REQUIRES AN EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48 HOURS’ NOTICE, AND HE MUST GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

IF THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY. HE MUST NOTIFY HIS EMPLOYEES 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THAT ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. AND IF AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM HIS EMPLOYEE OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOL(DAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.

COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICES. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE : FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638-KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096-YUEN LONG 12-760261 EXT. 82- AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.

o - -

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976

CLEARANCE FOR WIDENING OF TAI PO ROAD

******

A FURTHER CLEARANCE IN CONNECTION WITH THE SCHEME TO WIDEN TAI PO ROAD, SHA TIN, BEGAN YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) AT HA WO CHE, OPPOSITE LEK YUEN HOUSING ESTATES.

A TOTAL OF 63 STRUCTURES, INCLUDING SHOPS, DOMESTIC PREMISES AND pACTOR IES ON THE GROUND FLOORS OF VILLAGE TYPE HOUSES, ARE AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE, WHICH INVOLVES 172 PEOPLE.

OCCUPANTS OF THESE TOLERATED STRUCTURES HAVE BEEN OFFERED ACCOMMODATION IN LEK YUEN, WHILE LICENSED AREA ACCOMMODATION AT TAI WAI HAS BEEN OFFERED TO THOSE IN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES. FACTORY OWNERS HAVE EITHER ACCEPTED EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION, AMOUNTING TO ALMOST $195,000, OR THE OFFER OF FLATTED FACTORY SPACES IN KOWLOON BAY.

THE CLEARANCE INVOLVES AN AREA BETWEEN THE ROAD AND THE RAILWAY, MEASURING ABOUT 150 YARDS IN LENGTH. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE WEEK-END. STEADY PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN CLEARING LAND ON BOTH SIDES OF TAI PO ROAD IN ORDER THAT WIDENING WORK CAN BEGIN.

- 0 - - - -

'COMMUNITY HEALTH AND YOU’ EXHIBITION

*****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT'S KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE IS ORGANISING AN EXHIBITION ON +COMMUNITY HEALTH AND YOU+ THIS WEEKEND.

THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL HYGIENE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH IN THIS HOT WEATHER.

THE EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AT TSUI PING ROAD FROM 2 P.M. TO 10 P.M. ON SATURDAY (MAY 29) AND FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY.

THERE WILL ALSO BE SLIDE SHOWS, QUIZ COMPETITIONS AND CHECK-UP ON EYE-SIGHT, BLOOD PRESSURE, WEIGHT AND HEIGHT.

THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT OF UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, THE KWUN TONG DAY CARE CENTRE OF HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE AND THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE.

------o-------

/10.................................

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1' ' ' - 10 - ]

EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOATS ******

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR DRAGON BOATS WHICH WILL TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S DRAGON BOAT RACES AT TAI PO.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR. TED NICHOLS, AND THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER TAI PO, MR, MICHAEL SUEN.

The ceremony will take place in front of the dai wong

YE ALTAR AT YUEN CHAU TSAI, TAI PO, ON SATURDAY (MAY 29) AT

11 A.M.

X. - . . 1 • * • • w ■ ■ ’ ♦

NOTE TO ED ITORS« YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE CEREMONY. JHEY SHOULD MEET MR. DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AT YUEN CHAU TSAI SHORTLY BEFORE 11 A “

WATER CUT v * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN, KOWLOON WIlfj&E INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (Of 29) TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A NltHT LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AREA.AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, WAN WAH STREET, W*® FUNG STREET AND BLOCK NOS. 17 TO 32 OF TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE.

- - o - -

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG PUBLISHED .............................................. 1

NEW DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION FOR SHA TIN..................... 4

TRIAL PERIOD OF FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND HUNG HOM EXTENDED SIX MONTHS .......................................... 4

532 POSTS FOR GRADUATES OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION THIS YEAR 5

REGISTRATION OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS COMPLETED ................. 7

SPECIAL TRAINS FOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ...................... 7

GOVERNOR PRAISES WORK OF CAS ................................. 8

FIRING PRACTICE .............................................. 9

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION UNDER LORD FULTON ON THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAS BEEN PUBLISHED TO-DAY IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.

THE COMMISSION’S REPORT RECOMMENDS IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS GOVERNING THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COLLEGES. UNDER THE- NEW ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION, THE UNIVERSITY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ACADEMIC AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, THE MATRICULATION OF STUDENTS, THE APPOINTMENT OF STAFF, THE DETERMINATION OF THE CURRICULUM, THE CONDUCT OF EXAMINATIONS AND THE AWARD OF DEGREES. THE PARTICIPATION OF SENIOR ACADEMICS IN THE GOVERNING BODIES OF THE UNIVERSITY WILL BE STRENGTHENED. THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE TEACHING WORK OF THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD REFLECT A BALANCE BETWEEN +SUBJECT-ORIENTATED+ AND SMAuL-GROUP +STUDENT-ORIENTATED+ TEACHING, AND THAT THE LATTER SHOULD BE IMPLANTED IN THE COLLEGES. THIS +STUDENT-ORIENTATED+ TEACHING WOULD BE DESIGNED s-

(1) TO BUILD IN THE STUDENTS HABITS AND APTITUDES OF MIND CHARACTERISTIC OF THE EXPERT IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELDS AND RELEVANT TO THE SOLUTION OF THE KIND OF PROBLEMS THEY ARE LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER LATER IN LIFE=

(2) TO EQUIP STUDENTS FOR MEETING CHANGE IN A RAPIDLY

CHANGING WORLD

HIS EXCELLENCY SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TO THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

+YOU WILL HAVE BEEN AWAITING WITH GREAT INTEREST THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION THAT I APPOINTED UNDER LORD FULTON’S CHAIRMANSHIP, TO ADVISE ON WHETHER ANY CHANGES WERE NECESSARY IN THE STRUCTURE, FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY, ORDINANCES AND STATUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS CONSTITUENT COLLEGES. THE REPORT HAS NOW BEEN RECEIVED AND WILL BE PUBLISHED FORTHWITH IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.

+THE REPORT RECOMMENDS IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS GOVERNING THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COLLEGES. THE REPORT REPRESENTS THE CULMINATION OF A LONG PERIOD OF DEBATE WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY ABOUT THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATE TO ITS DEVELOPING NEEDS, WHICH HAD CLEARLY IDENTIFIED THE ISSUES INVOLVED. IT ALSO REPRESENTS THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE ADVICE AVAILABLE ON THEM. THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE HAVE BEEN REACHED AFTER MUCH THOUGHT BY THE COMMISSION AND BY THOSE WHO GAVE EVIDENCE TO FT.

Al BELIEVE

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976

- 2 -

+l BELIEVE THAT THIS REPORT AND THE PROLONGED DEBATE WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY THAT PRECEDED IT HAVE PROVIDED ALL THE MATERIAL NECESSARY TO ENABLE US TO DECIDE WHAT CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE IS NECESSARY AND TO DRAFT THE LEGISLATION REQUIRED. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE HEALTH OF THE UNIVERSITY REQUIRES THAT WE SHOULD DO SO AS QUICKLY AS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL. PROCESSES ALLOW.

+BECAUSE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPORT’S RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD REQUIRE LEGISLATION, I HAVE TAKEN THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. IN THE LIGHT OF THIS ADVICE THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT FOR A REVISED CONSTITUTION. A WORKING GROUP WILL BE SET UP, COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BY THE END OF JULY FOR THE LEGISLATION NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE REPORT, WITH THE OBJECT OF INTRODUCING THE LEGISLATION INTO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER. WHEN THE NEW DRAFT LEGISLATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED THERE WILL BE THE USUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATIONS AND DEBATE BEFORE THE FINAL DECISION IS TAKEN.

♦I HAVE OBTAINED CLARIFICATION FROM THE COMMISSION ON PARAGRAPHS 82 AND 90. THIS MAKES CLEAR THAT THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE PRESENT BOARDS OF GOVERNORS IN RESPECT OF COLLEGE TRUST FUNDS, LIQUID ASSETS AND ALL REAL PROPERTY SITUATED OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD BE VESTED IN THE NEW BOARDS OF TRUSTEES WHICH THE REPORT RECOMMENDS SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED. IT ALSO MAKES CLEAR THAT THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF ALL BUILDINGS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, • INCLUDI NG COLLEGE BUILDINGS AND OTHER FIXED ASSETS, SHOULD LIE WITH THE UNIVERSITY REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP. THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS BOTH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION. IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXCHANGE OF TELEGRAMS, THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT OWNERSHIP OF BUILDINGS PAID FOR WHOLLY OR IN THE MAJOR PART BY THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD BE VESTED IN THE UNIVERSITY, AND THAT BUILDINGS PAID FOR IN WHOLE OR IN THE MAJOR PART BY THE COLLEGES OR THEIR BENEFACTORS SHOULD BE VESTED IN EITHER THE NEW BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OR THE UNIVERSITY - THE CHOICE TO LIE WITH THE BOARDS OF GOVERNORS. THE WORKING GROUP WILL APPROACH THE COLLEGE AUTHORITIES TO DETERMINE ON THE ABOVE BASIS WHAT PROPERTY WITHIN THE CAMPUS SHOULD BE OWNED BY THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES. I HAVE ALSO ASKED THE WORKING GROUP TO DISCUSS WITH CHUNG CHI COLLEGE AUTHORITIES WHETHER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE APPROPRIATE IN RESPECT OF THE CHAPEL AND SEMINARY.

+IT WILL BE FOR THE UNIVERSITY TO DECIDE HOW AND TO WHAT EXTENT RECOMMENDATIONS NOT COVERED IN LEGISLATION SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED, SUCH AS THE METHOD OF ASSIGNING MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF THE COLLEGES, THE METHOD OF ALLOCATING STUDENTS TO THE COLLEGES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS OF STUDIES.

/+WE QVE

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976

+WE OWE LORD FULTON AND HIS COLLEAGUES A DEBT OF GRATITUDE FOR THEIR WISE AND PENETRATING REPORT. I BELIEVE IT WILL BE A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION TO MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY IN THE YEARS AHEAD.+

BACKGROUND

THE COMMISSION WAS APPOINTED IN NOVEMBER 1975 BY HIS EXCELLENCY SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS CAPACITY OF CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. THE CHAIRMAN WAS LORD FULTON OF FALMER, WHO HAD CHAIRED THE COMMISSION IN 1963 WHOSE REPORT LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY. THE OTHER MEMBERS WERE SIR MICHAEL HERR IES, FORMERLY CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, AND PROFESSOR C.K. YANG OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH. THE SECRETARY WAS MR.l.C.M. MAXWELL, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE INTER-UNIVERSITY COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION OVERSEAS.

THE COMMISSION’S TERMS OF REFERENCE WERE i-+BEARING IN MIND EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE FIRST DECADE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT, AND THE PROPOSALS MADE IN THE ’FINAL REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND UNIVERSITY STRUCTURE’ FOR THE RE-ORGANISATION OF ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION -

TO ADVISE ON WHETHER ANY CHANGES ARE NECESSARY 1N THE GOVERNANCE, FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY, ORDINANCES AND STATUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS CONSTITUENT COLLEGES.+

THE COMMISSION ASSEMBLED IN HONG KONG FROM 5-12 DECEMBER 1975 TO HEAR EVIDENCE FROM PERSONS ASSOCIATED CLOSELY WITH THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COLLEGES. AN OPEN INVITATION WAS ISSUED TO SUBMIT MEMORANDA FOR THE COMMISSION’S CONSIDERATION.

Sit

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976 - 4 -

NEW SHA TIN POLICE STATION ft ft ft ft

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON A NEW DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION AT SHA TIN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFF ICE.

THE STATION FORMS PART OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND WILL OCCUPY A SITE OF ABOUT 70,000 SQUARE FEET AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI PO ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.

MR. K.M. TSENG, CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, SAID TODAY THE NEW STATION WOULD BE OF A DESIGN SIMILAR TO THE NORTH POINT DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND POLICE STATION.

+IT WILL BASICALLY CONSIST OF ONE 18-STOREY BLOCK, A SINGLE STOREY BLOCK AND A COMPOUND,+ HE SAID.

+THE HIGH BLOCK WILL HOUSE NORMAL POLICE OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, BARRACKS, RECREATION ROOMS AND MARRIED QUARTERS FOR INSPECTORS, WHILE THE LOW BLOCK WILL ACCOMMODATE DOG KENNELS, STORES, CARPARKS AND SERVICE FACILITIES.+

TENDERS FOR THE BUILDING WORKS WILL BE CLOSE ON JUNE 18, 1976.

------- 0 - - - -

HUNG HOM TO CENTRAL FERRY SERVICE EXTENDED FOR SIX MORE MONTHS ft ft ft ft

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. IAN MACPHERSON. HAS AUTHORISED THE EXTENSION OF THE ’’STAR” FERRY COMPANY’S HUNG HOM TO CENTRAL SERVICE FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS FROM JUNE 1 (TUESDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE EXTENSION WAS GRANTED BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL TRIAL PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 30, 1975 TO MAY 31, 1976, HAD PROVED TOO SHORT TO BASE A DECISION ON THE FUTURE OF THIS SERVICE.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A FULL REVIEW OF THE SERVICE WOULD BE UDERTAKEN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

-------o - - - -

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976 - 5 -

TOPLEY REPLIES TO STUDENT TEACHERS ******

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID TODAY HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT AN ESTIMATED 532 VACANT PLACES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR FOR GRADUATES OF THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TO APPLY FOR APPOINTMENT.

WHEN FIRM DETAILED INFORMATION ON THESE VACANCIES WAS AVAILABLE IT WOULD BE SENT TO THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS THROUGH THE COLLEGE PRINCIPALS.

MR. TOPLEY STATED THIS IN REPLY TO A POINT RAISED IN LAST SATURDAY’S LETTER FROM THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS.

IN ADDITION THE DIRECTOR HOPED THAT SUITABLY QUALIFIED SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS WOULD APPLY FOR ENTRY TO THE 250 PLACES IN THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THIRD-YEAR COURSES WHICH WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE COMING SEPTEMBER.

HE EMPHASISED THAT STUDENTS ACCEPTED FOR THE THIRD-YEAR COURSES WOULD BE LIMITED TO THOSE WHO BY THEIR PROGRESS IN THE TWO-YEAR COURSE HAD DEMONSTRATED THEIR ABILITY TO BENEFIT FROM THIS HIGHER LEVEL OF TRAINING.

MR. TOPLEY SAID: +THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY THE THIRD-YEAR COURSE TO BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE SECONDARY SECTOR ARE OF VERY GREAT IMPORTANCE+.

REPLYING TO ANOTHER POINT, THE DIRECTOR REFERRED TO HIS LETTER OF FEBRUARY 26 TO THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS WHEN HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ONCE AGAIN GIVE ASSISTANCE TO COLLEGE GRADUATES IN SECURING EMPLOYMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, ALONG THE LINES INTRODUCED IN 1975. ‘ ‘

A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS SERVICE WOULD BE ISSUED TO THE COLLEGES EARLY IN JUNE.

♦FULL INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC JOB VACANCIES WHICH ARE NOTIFIED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE COLLEGES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INFORMATION IS RECEIVED,* HE SAID.

THE DIRECTOR EMPHASISED THAT THIS SERVICE WAS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS WOULD HAVE READY ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES SO THAT THEY COULD APPLY FOR THOSE VACANCIES THAT ATTRACTED THEM.

/HE SAID

FBIDAY, MAT 28, 1976 6 -

HE SAID THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS OF THE THREE COLLEGES WOULD ONCE AGAIN PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN MAINTAINING AND FORWARDING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENTS WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED IN OBTAINING POSTS.

MR. TOPLEY ASSURED THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS THAT MANY SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING OF THIS SERVICE FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES.

HE ADDEDi +l BELIEVE THAT IT WAS THE EXISTENCE OF THIS ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK, TOGETHER WITH SYMPATHETIC CONCERN SHOWN BY ALL INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF THE SERVICE, THAT WAS LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF THE SERVICE LAST YEAR, AND I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE JUST AS EFFICIENTLY THIS YEAR.+

IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THEREFORE, THE DIRECTOR CONSIDERED THAT NO ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES WOULD BE GAINED BY THE APPOINTMENT OF A SPECIAL COMMITTEE, AS REQUESTED BY THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS.

IN REPLY TO THEIR COMMENTS ON EDUCATIONAL PLANNING, MR. TOPLEY ASSURED THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS THAT THIS WAS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

+IT IS, OF COURSE, A VERY COMPLEX PROCESS INVOLVING MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER AGENCIES. THE BASIC PROBLEM IN EDUCATIONAL PLANNING IS THE ALLOCATION OF LIMITED RESOURCES IN SUCH A WAY THAT OPTIMUM BENEFITS ARE SECURED.

+CLEARLY, THERE ARE LIMITS TO WHAT CAN BE DONE AT ANY ONE TIME, AND SOME DESIRABLE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS CANNOT GO AHEAD STRAIGHT AWAY BECAUSE OF COMPETITION FROM OTHER MORE PRESSING NEEDS.+

THE DIRECTOR SAID THE PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH ON FEBRUARY 26 PRECLUDED THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROPOSED BY THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS FOR PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE FORM OF SALARY SUPPLEMENTATION.

BUT, MR. TOPLEY SAID, THE PLAN +DOES NOT RULE OUT FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF GIVING BETTER RECOGNITION FOR EXPERIENCE GAINED IN TEACHING IN THESE SCHOOLS.+

0--------

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976

- 7 -REGISTRATION OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS COMPLETED * * * * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE COMPLETED ITS REGISTRATION OF 215 REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH UNDER-UTILISED CLASSES AT 3.30 P.M. TODAY.

MR. LEE TZE-CHUN, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE PLACEMENT SERVICE, SAID THAT LAST WEDNESDAY WAS THE BUSIEST DAY WHEN 126 TEACHERS TURNED UP AT HIS OFFICE.

+1 WISH TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION TO THE TEACHERS CONCERNED FOR THEIR PATIENCE AND CO-OPERATION WITH ME AND MY COLLEAGUES.

+AS FROM NEXT TUESDAY I SHALL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO REFER THEM TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES -OF OTHER SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT,* MR. LEE SAID.

HE ADDED! +1 HOPE TO COMPLETE THIS TASK BY THE END OF JULY.*

MR. LEE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THINGS WOULD PROCEED SMOOTHLY IN THE NEXT STAGE OF THE PLACEMENT EXERCISE.

+1 APPRECIATE THE ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR CONTINUED CO-OPERATION IN HELPING THESE TEACHERS,* MR. LEE SAID.

-->-0-----

SPECIAL TRAINS FOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

******

THE

KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY WILL RUN EIGHT ADDITIONAL TRAINS TO AND FROM TAI PO MARKET NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 2) TO FACILITATE PEOPLE ATTENDING THE DRAGON BOAT RACES AT

YUEN CHOW TSAI.

THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL UP TRAINS — TWO IN THE MORNING AND TWO IN THE AFTERNOON. THESE TRAINS, WHICH WILL NOT STOP AT MONG KOK, WILL LEAVE HUNG HOM AT 7.54 A.M 8.52 A.M., 12.39 P.M. AND 3.58 P.M., ARRIVING AT TAI PO MARKET AT 8.46 A.M., 9.49 A.M., 1.27 P.M. AND 4.47 P.M. RESPECTIVELY.

FOUR SPECIAL DOWN TRAINS HAVE ALSO BEEN ARRANGED.

THEY WILL LEAVE TAI PO MARKET AT 10.37 A.M., 2 P.M.,

2.40 P.M. AND 5.22 P.M., ARRIVING IN KOWLOON AT 11.21 A.M., 2.57 P.M., 3.29 P.M. AND 6.23 P.M. RESPECTIVELY.

ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL ALSO RUN IN THE LATE EVENING IF NEEDED.

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1976

GOVERNOR PRAISES CAS ******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING PRAISED THE WORK OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES DURING THE PAST YEAR.

ADDRESSING THE CAS ANNUAL DINNER AT CITY HALL, SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT LAST YEAR WAS EXCEPTIONAL BECAUSE THE CAS WAS CALLED UPON TO RENDER AID NOT ONLY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BUT ALSO TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO ARRIVED SO UNEXPECTEDLY ON MAY 4.

♦ THIS WAS AT A TIME WHEN YOU WERE ALREADY HEAVILY COMMITTED TO PERFORM DUTIES CONNECTED WITH HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S VISIT,+ HE SAID.

FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH: ‘

♦ MR. COMMISSIONER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

♦ I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE WITH YOU ALL AGAIN THIS EVENING AND TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY YOUR WARM HOSPITALITY. THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO AS I WISH PERSONALLY TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THE UNTIRING EFFORTS YOU HAVE PUT INTO YOUR VOLUNTEER DUTIES OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS.

♦THROUGHOUT THE PAST .YEAR, AS YOUR COMMISSIONER HAS MENTIONED, YOU HAVE BEEN KEPT VERY BUSY, AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE THE SACRIFICES YOU HAVE MADE IN GIVING UP YOUR LEISURE TIME TO ASSIST THE COMMUNITY. LAST YEAR WAS EXCEPTIONAL FOR YOU WERE CALLED UPON TO RENDER AID NOT ONLY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BUT ALSO TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO ARRIVED SO UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE 4TH MAY. THIS WAS AT A TIME WHEN YOU WERE ALREADY HEAVILY COMMITTED TO PERFORM DUTIES CONNECTED WITH HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S VISIT. THE FACT THAT AT SUCH SHORT NOTICE YOU WERE ABLE TO MOBILISE SUFFICIENT VOLUNTEERS TO MEET ALL THOSE COMMITMENTS SO • EFFICIENTLY, DEMONSTRATES CLEARLY THE HIGH STANDARDS OF YOUR ORGANISATION. THE WELFARE OF THIS LARGE NUMBER OF REFUGEES WAS, I KNOW FROMkMY OWN VISITS TO THE CAMPS, HANDLED WITH A G&EAT DEAL OF UNDERSTANDING AND HUMANITY- AND THE REFUGEES GREATLY APPRECIATED YOUR ASSISTANCE AND INGENUITY.

♦LIKE ALL SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATIONS, YOU NEED TO LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE AND EVEN IN THE MIDST OF ALL , YOUR OPERATIONAL DUTIES LAST YEAR, PLANS WERE PUT IN HAND t TO RESTRUCTURE AND STREAMLINE THE SERVICE. AS A RESULT, AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, A NEW LOOK CIVIL AID SERVICE, WITH AN INDEPENDENT CADET CORPS, EMERGED. FROM THE REPORTS THAT I HAVE RECEIVED, THE NEW ORGANISATION APPEARS TO BE WORKING WELL. THIS IS BORNE OUT BY THE EXPERTISE YOU.HAVE SHOWN IN YOUR FOREST FIRE FIGHTING DUTIES, RURAL AREA PATROLLING AND WHEN YOU ASSISTED IN CONTROLLING THE VERY •LARGE CROWDS WHO ATTENDED THE BILLY GRAHAM RELIGIOUS CRUSADE AND THE THREE WALKS FOR A MILLION WHICH RAISED 'ORE-MONEY FOR CHARITY THAN EVER BEFORE.

/♦I AM

FRIDAY, MAI 28, 1976

♦ I AM PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE CADET CORPS 1$ PROGRESSING SO WELL. AND THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CADETS’ ENTHUSIASM. I WISH YOU ALL SUCCESS IN YOUR EFFORTS TO FIND A SEA-ORIENTED ACTIVITY CAMP SITE.

♦ SINCE I LAST DINED WITH YOU, YOU HAVE HAD A SUCCESSFUL AND REWARDING YEAR WHICH HAS REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT ON THE SERVICE. BEFORE I SIT DOWN, I WOULD LIKE YOU ALL TO JOIN ME IN A TOAST TO THE FUTURE OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.+

•J < . < f i* • .* w•

_ - -_____________________________

FIRING PRACTICE M M M M *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE ON CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 12 DAYS NEXT MONTH.

THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED TH AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLY PRACTICE.

THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE 1-

DATE

JUNE 14 (MONDAY)

JUNE 15 (TUESDAY)

JUNE 16 (WEDNESDAY)

JUNE 17 (THURSDAY)

JUNE 18 (FRIDAY)

JUNE 21 (MONDAY)

JUNE 22 (TUESDAY)

JUNE 23 (WEDNESDAY)

JUNE 24 (THURSDAY)

Air • t | 4 ft

JUNE 28 (MONDAY)

JUNE 29 (TUESDAY)

JUNE 30 (WEDNESDAY)

T IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE NG DURING THE TIME OF FIRING

‘ *- ~ . SvV* ** 'ft*.

HOURS

9 A.M. — 5 P.M.

• • • • - • * • •

9 A.M. — 4 P.M.

9 A.M. — 5 P.M.

• 3t- ' ■.. * i

8.30 A.M. — 11 P.M. y w ¥ ',y' ’■ i

8.30 A.M. —* 6 P.M.

•3 * . , .

) J v [if

9 A.M. — 5 I’.M.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1976.

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

OPENING OF METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CLINIC ADVANCED ........ 1

NEW POST OFFICE OPENS ON MONDAY ........................... 2

HEUNG YEE KUK ELECTIONS ON MONDAY .......................... 3

HONG KONG REGIMENT’S 122ND ANNIVERSARY ................... 4

EMPLOYMENT UP IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES ............... 4

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK — USEFULNESS BEYOND DOUBT ............... 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1976

OPENING OF METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CLINIC ADVANCED M X M X X M

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT ITS FIRST METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CLINIC WILL BE OPENED EARLIER THAN PLANNED +IN CASE A LARGE NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS MAY REQUIRE TREATMENT*.

THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. G.H. CHOA, SAID THE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE, TO BE ACCOMMODATED AT THE VIOLET PEEL CLINIC IN WAN CHAI, WILL BE OPENED ON TUESDAY (JUNE 1) INSTEAD OF JUNE 7 AS ORIGINALLY INTENDED.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE DECISION TO PUT FORWARD THE OPENING DATE WAS BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT MORE DRUG ADDICTS WOULD REQUIRE TREATMENT AS A RESULT OF RECENT SEIZURES BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES OF VERY LARGE QUANTITIES OF NARCOTICES.

DR. CHOA SAID FACILITIES NOW AVAILABLE INCLUDE FOUR EXISTING METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES AND THE NEW DETOXIFICATION CENTRE.

+WE SHALL, OF COURSE,.CONS IDER OPENING MORE CENTRES SHOULD THE SITUATION WARRANT IT,* HE ADDED.

THE DIRECTOR SAID EACH OF THE FOUR CENTRES — EASTERN STREET CENTRE IN WESTERN DISTRICT, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG, HOMANTIN HEALTH CENTRE AT PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN — IS CAPABLE OF TREATING 1,000 ADDICTS PER DAY.

THE NEW DETOXIFICATION CENTRE AT VIOLET PEEL WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO TAKE IN APPROXIMATELY THE SAME NUMBER, BUT ONLY 40 NEW CASES WILL BE ADMITTED EACH DAY.

+THIS IS BECAUSE AN ADDICT MUST BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED AND CAREFULLY SCREENED BEFORE HE IS PUT ON THE DETOXIFICATION PROGRAMME,* HE SAID.

ONCE THE ADDICT IS PUT ON THE PROGRAMME HE WOULD BE GIVEN A DAILY DOSAGE OF METHADONE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE DOSAGE IS GRADUALLY REDUCED UNTIL THE ADDICT IS COMPLETELY WEANED.

IF AN ADDICT RESPONDS FAVOURABLY AT THE END OF THE TREATMENT PERIOD, HE WILL BE ASKED TO COME BACK FOR CHECK-UPS ONCE A MONTH FOR A YEAR.

IF, HOWEVER, HE FAILS TO RESPOND SUCCESSFULLY TO THE DETOXIFICATION METHOD, HE WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR TRANSFER TO THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME.

/A SPECIAL .....

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1976

A‘SPEC I AL FEATURE OF THE DETOXIFICATION SCHEME IS THAT FEMALE ADDICTS ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION.

THE CENTRE WILL OPERATE FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON WEEK

1 P.M. ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC

DAYS AND FROM 9 A.M. TO HOLIDAYS.

THE FOUR METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 9.30 P.M. SOME 6,800 DRUG ADDICTS HAVE NOW BEEN REGISTERED ON THE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME.

NOTE TO EDITORS 8

A TEA RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT 3.30 P.M. ON MONDAY (JUNE 7) AT THE VIOLET PEEL METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE. THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. G.H. CHOA, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICES, MR. E.l. LEE, WILL SPEAK. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE RECEPTION AND TO HAVE THE OCCASION COVERED.

- - - 0 - -

NEW POST OFFICE OPENS ON MONDAY K M * * X K

THE NEW LAM TIN POST OFFICE AT LAM TIN ESTATE, PING TIN STREET, KWUN TONG, WILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 31).

ANNOUNCING'TH IS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID ITS OPENING WOULD MARK A FURTHER STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.

+IT ALSO BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POST OFFICES TO 71, INCLUDING A MOBILE POST OFFICE OPERATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE ADDED.

A FULL RANGE OF POSTAL SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THIS NEW OFFICE, EXCEPT FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF INSURED LETTERS AND BOXES. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 3-356285.

THE BUSINESS HOURS WILL BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND 2.15 P.M. TO 5 P.M. DURING WEEK DAYS, AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON SATURDAYS. IT WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS.

A STAMP VENDING MACHINE PROVIDING 10-CENT STAMPS 24 HOURS A DAY HAS ALSO BEEN INSTALLED AT THIS OFFICE.

MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 2) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY FOR THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL WHEN ALL POST OFFICES WOULD BE CLOSED.

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1976.

- 3 -

HEUNG YEE KUK ELECTIONS ON MONDAY M M * * K

POLLING TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN FOR THE 22ND TERM OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY (MAY 31) AFTERNOON AT THE KUK’S HEADQUARTERS AT 47, CUMBERLAND ROAD, KOWLOON.

FIFTY SEVEN MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILL STAND FOR THE ELECTION. THE PRESENT-CHA IRMAN OF THE KUK, WHICH ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING THE NEW TERRITORIES, IS MR. CHAN YAT-SAN AND THE VICE-CHAIRMEN ARE MR. CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AND MR. LAM SHU-CHUN.

ON MONDAY MORNING, AN ELECTION WILL BE HELD TO SELECT 15 ORDINARY MEMBERS FOR KUK’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FROM AMONG SPECIAL COUNCILLORS AND RURAL COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIRMEN.

IN BOTH ELECTIONS, THE ELECTORATE WILL BE THE 110 MEMBERS OF THE FULL COUNCIL OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, CONSISTING OF SPECIAL COUNCILLORS, RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN, AND NEW TERRITORIES UNOFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

THE ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD BY SECRET BALLOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE. MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE THE RETURNING OFFICER.

THE FIRST VICE-CHAIRMAN WILL BE ELECTED BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO DO NOT BELONG TO THE SAME ELECTORAL DISTRICT AS THE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN’ THE SECOND VICE-CHAIRMAN WILL BE ELECTED BY MEMBERS WHO DO NOT BELONG TO THE SAME ELECTORAL DISTRICTS AS THE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN AND FIRST VICE-CHAIRMAN.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE ELECTION ROOMS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MR. DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL BE AT THE HEUNG YEE KUK HEADQUARTERS TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO MUST PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY TO PROVE THAT THEY ARE BONA FIDE JOURNALISTS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE ELECTION ROOM.

0 -------

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1976

- 4 -

HONG KONG REGIMENT’S 122ND ANNIVERSARY OXO

MEN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) MOUNTED GUARD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE TODAY (SATURDAY) AS PART OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE 122ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE REGIMENT IN 1854.

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, INSPECTED THE GUARD AT 9 A.M. TODAY.

THE MAJOR EVENT TO MARK THE FOUNDATION DAY OF THE REGIMENT WILL BE A DINNER AT THE OFFICERS’ MESS IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE ON MONDAY (MAY 31) EVENING.

THE GOVERNOR WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE DINNER AND THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, LIEUT. GENERAL JOHN ARCHER, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE FUNCTION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 8.15 P.M. ON MONDAY. PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE WELCOME TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL.

- - - - 0-----------

EMPLOYMENT UP IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES XXX*

A TOTAL OF 254,377 PEOPLE WAS ENGAGED IN THE IMPORT/EXPORT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES IN MARCH 1976, AN INCREASE OF 387 OR 0.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1975.

ACCORDING TO A RECENT EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 123,439 OF THE TOTAL NUMBER ENGAGED WERE IN'-THE RETAIL SECTOR, 73,205 IN IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESSES AND 21,354 IN THE WHOLESALE SECTOR.

THE OTHER 36,379 PEOPLE WERE ENGAGED IN A COMBINATION OF IMPORT/EXPORT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL ACTIVITIES.

THE SURVEY ALSO RECORDED 102,507 PEOPLE BEING ENGAGED IN RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS. COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THE FIGURE WAS HIGHER BY 2,7360R 2.7 PER CENT.

OF THESE 102,507 PEOPLE, 86,004 WORKED IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS, AND 16,503 IN HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES.

DETAILED FIGURES OF EMPLOYMENT BROKEN DOWN BY COMMODITY GROUPS OR NATURE OF BUSINESS ARE OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

------0-------

/5....

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1976

-( 5

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK — USEFULNESS BEYOND DOUBT

* M * * K M

THE USEFULNESS OF PREVENTIVE SOCIAL WORK FOR YOUTH SUCH AS SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, OUT-REACH PROGRAMMES AND YOUTH GUIDANCE IS ’BEYOND DOUBT’ AND THESE SERVICES SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY AND EXPANDED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE SOCIETY.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE. EMPHASISED THIS IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS AT THE SEMINAR ON SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.

MR. LEE DESCRIBED SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AS A FORM OF ’PREVENTIVE AND POSITIVE’ SOCIAL WORK.

+IF IT IS OUR AIM TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SERVICES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS IN HELPING THEM SOLVE THEIR MANY SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS AND TO ENSURE THAT SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL NOT DEVELOP BAD HABITS, BAD BEHAVIOUR AND BECOME DELINQUENT, THEN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK DEFINITELY HAS ITS VALUE AND CAN BE THE MOST PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE FORM OF FAMILY AND YOUTH SERVICE.+ .

HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONCERNED SHOULD THEREFORE FURTHER EXAMINE THE APPROACHES AND METHODS WHICH THEY NOW EMPLOY, THE CLIENTELE THEY SERVE AND THE PROGRAMMES USED IN CARRYING OUT THE PRESENT WORK, AND MUST NOT JUST STICK TO THE CONVENTIONAL WAY OF DELIVERING THEIR FAMILY AND YOUTH SERVICES.

THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN AGREED IN A SIMILAR SEMINAR RECENTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR MORE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND THAT THE PREVENTIVE ASPECT OF THE WORK SHOULD BE EMPHASISED.

+ IN THIS WAY, WE CAN WORK WITH HEADMASTERS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS TO SOLVE THE MANY EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN SO THAT THEY CAN CONCENTRATE ON THEIR STUDIES AGA IN.+

THIS CHANGE OF EMPHASIS IS IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORT ON THE SOCIAL CAUSES OF CRIME, HE ADDED.

MR. LEE CONTINUED THAT THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS INCLUDED IN THE ‘ SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK PROJECT LAUNCHED IN LATE 1974 HAD INCREASED FROM FIVE TO TEN SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AND OVER 11,800 SCHOOL CHILDREN HAD BEEN ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THIS SERVICE. HE HOPED THAT, BY THE CLOSE OF THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR, THE SERVICE WOULD BE EXTENDED TO MORE SCHOOLS. '

,+SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK IS ONE OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID, +SCHOOL CHILDREN WHO ARE IN NEED OF THIS SERVICE ARE BEING REFERRED BY THE SCHOOLS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICE OR FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE IN THEIR DISTRICT FOR ASSISTANCE.* •

FINALLY, MR. LEE STRESSED THAT ^SOCIAL WORKER, WHETHER IN A FAMILY AGENCY OR A YOUTH SERVING AGENCY COULD NOT WORK ALONE. +HE NEEDS THE CO-OPERATION FROM THE HEADMASTERS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN THEMSELVES IF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK IS TO SUCCEED.*

----0-------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, MAY 30, 1976

SOUTH LANTAU ROAD IMPROVEMENT

M M M K M M -

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS ABOUT TO START WORK ON A $35 MILLION SCHEME TO IMPROVE SOUTH LANTAU ROAD ON THE POPULAR HOLIDAY ISLAND.

MR. A.D.S. MACDONALD, CHIEF P.W.D. ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (N.T.) DIVISION, SAID TODAY THE SCHEME INVOLVED THE PHASED CONSTRUCTION OF A 11.5-KM HIGHWAY WITH TWO LANES BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA AND KEUNG SHAN AS WELL AS A FOOTPATH FOR PEDESTRIANS.

AT PRESENT, THIS SECTION CONSISTS OF A SINGLE TRACK IN MOST PARTS WITH A NUMBER OF PASSING PLACES AND SHARP BENDS.

+THE AIM IS TO WIDEN IT AND STRAIGHTEN OUT THE SHARP BENDS AND PROVIDE A 7.3-METRE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WITH A 1.8-METRE WIDE FOOTPATH ON ONE SIDE THROUGHOUT ITS LENGTH,+ MR. MACDONALD SAID.

TENDERS FOR THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THE STAGE ONE WORKS ARE NOW BEING INVITED.

THE CONTRACT COVERS THE WIDENING AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE SECTION OF SOUTH LANTAU ROAD BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA AND TONG FUK.

WORK ON THIS SECTION, WHICH IS ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE LONG, SHOULD BEGIN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.

THE WORK WILL INVOLVE EXCAVATION IN ROCK CUTTING TO BUILD A NEW 7.3-METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY IN REINFORCED CONCRETE TOGETHER WITH A SHORT SPAN BRIDGE, CULVERTS AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.

THE CHEUNG SHA-KEUNG SHAN SECTION IS THE ONLY PART OF SOUTH LANTAU ROAD THAT IS STILL A SINGLE TRACK. THE REMAINING SECTIONS ARE ALREADY PROPER TWO-LANE ROADS.

WHEN THE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IS FULLY COMPLETED, THE ROUTE WILL PROVIDE CONTINUOUS TWO-WAY TRAFFIC BETWEEN THE POPULAR HOLIDAY AREAS AT THE EASTERN AND WESTERN EXTREMITIES OF THE ISLAND.

0 - - - -

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191

SUNDAY, MAY 30, 1976

- 2 -

WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION TO OPEN ON JUNE 1

THE WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION FROM KING YIP STREET TO CHA KWO LING ROAD IN KWUN TONG WILL BE OPENED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY (JUNE 1).

THE OPENING OF THE EXTENSION, TOGETHER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN SECTIONS OF WAI YIP STREET AND CHA KWU LING ROAD, IS INTENDED TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE M.T.R. STATION.

WEST-BOUND TRAFFIC REQUIRING ACCESS TO WAI YIP STREET MAY TURN LEFT FROM LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO CHA KWO LING ROAD AND THEN TURN RIGHT NEAR THE SHELL OIL DEPOT ONTO THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ROAD EXTENSION.

AT THE SAME TIME, CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS (FRANCHISED BUSES EXEMPTED) WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE FOLLOWING ROADS* WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN HOI YUEN ROAD AND THE FERRY CONCOURSE ACCESS ROAD- WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN KING YIP STREET AND CHA KWO LING ROAD- AND CHA KWO LING ROAD BETWEEN WAI YIP STREET AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.

THE RESTRICTIONS WILL APPLY FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M.

WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN THE FERRY CONCOURSE ACCESS ROAD AND KING YIP STREET WILL HAVE CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M.

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS OR TO LOAD OR UNLOAD GOODS DURING THESE HOURS.

IN ADDITION, A 24-HOUR NO-WAITING RESTRICTION WILL BE IMPOSED ALONG THESE ROADS.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTIONS.

SUNDAY, MAY 30, 1976

ISSUE OF PROPERTY TAX DEMANDS DEFERRED

K * M * * X

THE BULK ISSUE OF PROPERTY TAX DEMANDS FOR AP LEI CHAU, MIDDLE ISLAND AND HONG KONG ISLAND (EXCEPT SEVEN DISTRICTS) HAS BEEN DEFERRED FOR THREE MONTHS UNTIL AUGUST 31, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

THE SEVEN DISTRICTS — KENNEDY TOWN, SAI YING POON, SHEUNG WAN. CENTRAL VICTORIA, MID-LEVELS, WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY — NORMALLY GET THE TAX DEMANDS ON AUGUST 31.

UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, AP LEI CHAU AND MIDDLE ISLAND WILL RECEIVE THE DEMANDS ALL ON THE SAME DAY.

IN THE MEAN TIME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE ISSUE OF TAX DEMANDS FOR SEVEN AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — YUEN LONG, TAI PO MARKET AND TAI PO KAU, LUEN WO MARKET AND ON LOK TSUEN, SHEK WU HUI, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND MA LIU SHU I, AND THE CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AREA — WHICH BECAME LIABLE FOR PROPERTY TAX SINCE APRIL 1 WOULD TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 30, 1976.

ON THAT DAY, THE DEMANDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR PROPERTIES IN THESE SEVEN AREAS AND THE TWO AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES— (TSUEN WAN/KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl ISLAND/NGA YING CHAU) ALREADY SUBJECT TO PROPERTY TAX, AND KOWLOON.

AS FOR NEW KOWLOON, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TAX DEMANDS WOULD GO OUT ON JANUARY 31, 1977, WITHOUT ANY CHANGE.

----0----

INTERRUPTION OF FLUSH WATER SUPPLY IN KOWLOON

X o # * #

THE SUPPLY OF FLUSHING SALT WATER TO ELEVEN DISTRICTS IN KOWLOON WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR 48 HOURS BEGINNING AT 12 A.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 31) TO FACILITATE THE DIVERSION OF A 36 INCH-DIAMETER SALT WATER MAINS INSIDE THE WHAMPOA DOCK.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE FUNG WONG ESTATE, WONG TAI SIN, WANG TAU HOM, LOK FU, KOWLOON TONG, TUNG TAU TSUEN, KOWLOON CITY, TO KWA WAN, HUNG HOM, TSE WAN SHAN, AND MA TAU WAI ESTATE.

----0----

SUNDAY, MAY 30, 1976

CAREERS SEMINARS FOR STUDENTS M * * M *

A SERIES OF CAREERS SEMINARS IS BEING PLANNED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS WHEN THEY FINISH THEIR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN JUNE.

THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT

WILL RUN THREE SEMINARS ON A REGIONAL BASIS FOR STUDENTS IN HONG KONG EAST, KOWLOON WEST AND TSUEN WAN-TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICTS BETWEEN JUNE 8 AND JUNE 15.

MORE THAN 4,000 SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS ARE EXPECTED TO

TAKE PART. SPEAKERS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION? AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL PROVIDE FIRST HAND INFORMATION TO STUDENTS ON THE NATURE OF WORK, ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, PAY, TRAINING FACILITIES AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE JOBS.

A SPOKESMAN OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENt ADVISORY SERVICE SAID: +IT IS HOPED THAT BY INTRODUCING A WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS CHOICE TO STUDENTS, THEY WILL BE BETTER INFORMED OF THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO THEM+.

THE FIRST SEMINAR OPENS ON JUNE 8 AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE, CAUSEWAY BAY. ORGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR ONE DAY, IT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JUNE 9 BECAUSE OF THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM STUDENTS.

THERE WILL BE SPEAKERS FROM THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTRE, THE PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE WING ON, DODWELLS LTD., THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

AT THE SECOND SEMINAR ON JUNE 11 AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, KOWLOON, THERE WILL BE SPEAKERS FROM THE FIRST NATIONAL CITY BANK, HOTEL MIRAMAR, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD. AND LEO BURNETT LTD.

THE THIRD SEMINAR ON JUNE 15 AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S SCHOOL, TSUEN WAN, IS SPECIALLY ORGANISED FOR STUDENTS IN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.

THE PROGRAMME FEATURES TALKS BY STAFF OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO., THE KOWLOON TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, THE HONG KONG SOCIAL WORKERS ASSOCIATION AND THE HANG SENG BANK.

-----o------

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, MAY 31, 1976

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS URGED TO REGISTER EARLY .......... 1

HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS UP BY $774 M. IN APRIL .......... 2

' •

TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN NATHAN ROAD TO FACILITATE M.T.R. WORKS .................................................... 3

GOVERNOR TO WATCH DRAGON BOAT RACES AT TUEN MUN ON WEDNESDAY ............................................... 4

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAN PO KONG TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ....................................................... 4

SECRETARY FOR HOUSING TO INSPECT POWER SUPPLY PROJECT IN UPPER LION ROCK HILL VILLAGE ............................... 5

RE-ARRANGEMENT OF BUS SERVICES IN SHA TIN .................... 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

MONDAY, MAY 31, 1976 - 1 -

CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS URGED TO REGISTER EARLY ******

OPERATORS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES WERE TODAY URGED TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THE APPEAL BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, CAME ONE. DAY BEFORE THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE COMES INTO OPERATION.

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, OPERATORS ARE GIVEN ONE. YEAR TO COMPLY WITH THE FIRST OF THE THREE-PHASE IMPLEMENTATION. THIS INCLUDES STRUCTURAL, FIRE SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.

+DESPITE THIS,+ MR. SWEETMAN SAID, +OPERATORS SHOULD APPLY FOR REGISTRATION EARLY. OTHERWISE, THEY MAY LATER FIND THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.+ •

HE POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE A CENTRE WAS REGISTERED, CERTIFICATES AS TO THE SUITABILITY OF THE PREMISES FOR USE AS A CHILD CARE CENTRE WOULD BE REQUIRED FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES-AND THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS OR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY.

MEANWHILE, MR. SWEETMAN SAID, A SERIES OF TALKS BY SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE ORGANISED FOR OPERATORS AND PARENTS TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE ORDINANCE, REGULATIONS AND CODE OF PRACTICE.

+THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE TALKS SHOULD CONTACT MR. CARLOS LEUNG OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT 21 HOSPITAL ROAD, SAI YING PUN OR CALL 5-404736 OR 5-404669,+ HE ADDED.

A LEAFLET ON THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY PARENTS WHO INTEND TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO THESE CENTRES. ‘

COPIES OF THE LEAFLET ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE URBAN AREA- DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES- FAMILY HEALTH CLINICS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT- AND DISTRICT OFFICES, FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES AND COMMUNITY AND YOUTH CENTRES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

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MONDAY, MAY 31, 1976

• 2 •

EXPORTS UP BY $774 M. IN APRIL ft * ft ft ft

THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR APRIL WAS $2,434 MILLION WHICH REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF $774 MILLION OR 46.6 PER CENT BY VALUE COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WENT UP BY 38.1 PER CENT AND THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY 18.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH APRIL 1975.

THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO APRIL 1976 SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 49.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 38.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 31.1 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1975.

THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM MAY 1975 TO APRIL 1976 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 18.5 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 14.6 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 11.8 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.

THE FOLLOWING TRADE TABLE GIVES THE COMPARATIVE FIGURESi -

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

APRIL APRIL 9 INCREASE

1976 1975 OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 2,434 1,660 + 7/4 + 46.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (78.7%) (75.0%)

IMPORTS ' 3,469 2,513 + 956 + 38.1

RE-EXPORTS 659 555 + 104 + 18.8

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (21.3%) (25.0%) J

FEB.-APR. FEB.-APR. INCREASE

1976 1975 OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 6,695 4,554 +2,142 + 47.0

IMPORTS 9,950 7,101 +2,849 +40.1

RE-EXPORTS .2^041 h598 + 443 + 27.7

/JAN.-APR.

MONDAI, HAI 31, 1976

• 3 • •

JAN.-APR. JAN.-APR. INCREASE

1976 1975 | OR DECREASE

t MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9,278 6.189 (74.5%) +3,089 + 49.9

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (7^.0%)

IMPORTS 13,186 9,507 +3,679 +38.7

RE-EXPORTS 2,771 2,113 (25.5%) ♦ 658 ♦ 31.1

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (23.0%) ?<

MAY 1975 MAT 1974

TO TO INCREASE

APRIL 1976 APRIL 1975 OR DECREASE

$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 25,948 21,906 +4,042 +18.5

IMPORTS 37,151 32,407 ♦4,744 + 14.6

RE-EXPORTS 7,631 6,828 ♦ 803 + 11.8

M.T.R. TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN NATHAN ROAD M M M M M

A SERIES OF'MINOR TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND PUBLIC SQUARE STREET WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY STAGES OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS..

THESE DIVERSIONS ARE NECESSARY TO ALLOW THE M.T.R. CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT PRELIMINARY WORK ON THE SITES OF THE FUTURE PRINCE EDWARD, ARGYLE AND WATERLOO STATIONS.

THESE CHANGES WILL CONSIST BASICALLY OF A TRANSFER OF TRAFFIC FROM ONE SIDE OF NATHAN ROAD TO THE OTHER. NO RE-ROUTING OF TRAFFIC WILL BE INVOLVED AND IN GENERAL THERE WILL BE NO REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC LANES.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP WHEN THE CHANGES ARE INTRODUCED AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR THEM.

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MONDAY, MAY 31, 1976

DRAGON BOAT RACES ON WEDNESDAY GOVERNOR TO ATTEND RACES AT TUEN MUN * * * * * *

DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL BE HELD AT FOUR LOCATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON WEDNESDAY WHICH IS TUEN NG OR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL. THEY ARE TUEN MUN, TAI PO, TAI 0 AND CHEUNG CHAU.

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL ATTEND THE RACES AT TUEN MUN AND PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNING TEAMS.

HEATS BEGIN AT 10.30 A.M. AND THE GOVERNOR WILL ARRIVE AT 12 NOON IN TIME TO WATCH AN EXHIBITION RACE AND THE FINALS OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES CUP AND THE TUEN MUN CUP.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES WILL TAKE PLACE AT 12.30 P.M. LATER, THE GOVERNOR WILL HAVE LUNCH AT THE HOME OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER TUEN MUN, MR HUGH WALKER, AT WHICH MORE THAN 50 GUESTS WILL BE PRESENT.

THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, LIEUTENANT GENERAL J.A. ARCHER, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE TAI PO RACES, WHICH ARE DUE TO START AT 10 A.M.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL ALSO ATTEND.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES BY THE C.B.F. WILL TAKE PLACE AT NOON, FOLLOWING WHICH GUESTS WILL BE ENTERTAINED TO LUNCH AT ISLAND HOUSE, MR AKERS-JONES’S HOME.

THE RACES AT TA I 0 BEGIN AT 12 NOON AND THOSE AT CHEUNG CHAU WILL START AT 2.30 P.M. OFFICIALS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, HEUNG YEE KUK, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ARMY AND THE CONSULAR CORPS WILL ATTEND AND PRESENT PRIZES.

TWO VISITING MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. MR KENNETH BAKER AND MR NORMAN LAMONT, WILL WATCH THE RACES AT TUEN MUN.

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAN PO KONG

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TRAFFIC TURNING RIGHT FROM CHOI HUNG ROAD INTO TAI YAU STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY BANNED FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THIS ARRANGEMENT IS INTENDED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE JUNCTION OF PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND CHOI HUNG ROAD.

APiPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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MONDAY, MAY 31, 1976

SECRETARY FOR HOUSING TO INSPECT POWER SUPPLY PROJECT

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MR. I.M. LIGHTBODY, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. WILL INSPECT THE POWER SUPPLY PROJECT WHICH IS BEING INSTALLED AT UPPER LION ROCK HILL VILLAGE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.

HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MRS. ELAINE CHIA. PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON ELECTRIFICATION QF SQUATTER AREAS AND ENGINEERS FROM THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD.

PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY TO UPPER LION ROCK HILL VILLAGE FORMS PART OF A PILOT SCHEME TO GIVE A LEGITIMATE POWER SUPPLY TO SIX SQUATTER AREAS ON THE SLOPES OF LION ROCK HILL,

THESE SQUATTER AREAS ARE LOCALLY KNOWN AS MA CHAI HANG, YAN 01, YAN YEE, TAI YUEN AND UPPER AND LOWER LION ROCK HILL VILLAGES.

THE SCHEME WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON ELECTRIFICATION OF SQUATTER AREAS, CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT AND CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD.

IT WAS SET UP LAST NOVEMBER BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WITH THE INTENTION OF SELECTING A PILOT AREA FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A LEGAL POWER SUPPLY AND TO OVERCOME PRACTICAL PROBLEMS INVOLVED.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE INSPECTION TOUR. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE OPEN-AIR CAR PARK OPPOSITE THE LION ROCK PARK AT 2.45 P.M.

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RE-ARRANGEMENT OF BUS SERVICES IN SHA TIN ******

THERE WILL BE A RE-ARRANGEMENT OF BUS SERVICES IN THE SHA TIN AREA FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.

UNDER THE RE-ARRANGEMENTS THE BUS TERMINUS IN TAI PO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE WIDENING OF TAI PO ROAD THROUGH SHA TIN AND THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA FOR THE TOWN CENTRE.

AT THE SAME TIME, A NEW BUS TERMINUS WILL BE OPENED AT SHA TIN MARKET OFF THE BY-PASS ROAD. THIS NEW TERMINUS WILL BE USED BY ROUTES 71 (TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY), 88 (TO SIU LEK YUEN), 170 (TO ABERDEEN) AND A NEW ROUTE 88A (TO HIN TIN).

THE BUS TERMINUS IN NEARBY LEK YUEN SAN TSUEN ESTATE WILL BE USED BY ROUTES 70A (TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY), 87 (TO TAI KOK TSUI FERRY) AND 89 (TO KWUN TONG).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID HE HOPED THAT THE RE-ARRANGEMENT OF SERVICES INCLUDING THE ALLOCATION OF DOUBLE-DECK BUSES TO ROUTE 71 WOULD INCREASE CARRYING CAPACITY IN THE AREA AND IMPROVE FACILITIES GENERALLY.

Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1976 - MAY - ENG