PRH 7
IGISI lOffel
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MORE DOMESTIC UNITS TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR ................ COLONIAL SECRETARY VISITS PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL ......... VISITING EEC OFFICIALS TO MEET PRESS .................................................... TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEK KIP MEI ..........................
GRAVE SWEEPERS URGED TO BE MORE CAREFUL WITH FIRE .. TRAFFICS ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL ................
VISITING PROFESSOR TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON AGRICULTURAL WASTE TREATMENT .............
LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT GIRL SCHOOL ...........................
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TEXTILE MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON SALE ..........................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
1
MORE DOMESTIC UNITS TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR * * * M * *
THE NUMBER OF DOMESTIC UNITS TO BE COMPLETED IN THE URBAN AREAS IS EXPECTED TO RISE AGAIN AFTER A DROP IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
THIS FORECAST WAS CONTAINED IN THE 1976 PROPERTY REVIEW PREPARED BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR. RAYMOND FRY, COMMENTING ON THE REVIEW SAID TODAY THAT ITS MOST SIGNIFICANT FEATURE WAS THE FORECAST OF DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION TO BE BUILT THIS YEAR AND IN 1977.
SUPPLY FOR LAST YEAR WAS DOWN TO 13,000 FROM 19,000 IN 1974 AND 24,000 IN 1973.
HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF COMPLETIONS THIS YEAR IS EXPECTED TO REACH 17,000 WHILE THAT OF 1977 IS ANTICIPATED TO APPROACH THE 21,000 MARK.
♦THIS IS AN AVERAGE OF NEARLY 19,000 UNITS PER YEAR FROM 1973 TO 1977, NOT INCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES OUTSIDE THE TSUEN WAN AREA, WHERE AN AVERAGE OF 1,500 UNITS PER ANNUM IS EXPECTED DURING THE PERIOD 1976-77,+ MR. FRY SAID.
ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW, VACANT DOMESTIC UNITS WERE DOWN BY ABOUT 25 PER CENT — ANOTHER WELCOME SIGN — WITH TOTAL VACANCIES PUT AT AROUND 9,500.
GENERALLY, RENTALS RECORDED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR FRESH AND NEW LETTINGS SHOWED DECREASES OVER THE YEAR, DESPITE A HARDENING OF RENTS AT THE LOWER END TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR. SIMILARLY, THERE WERE SOME VERY SLIGHT DECREASES IN PURCHASE PRICES WHICH WERE MORE PRONOUNCED FOR BIGGER FLATS.
THERE WAS ONLY A VERY SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE VACANCY POSITION FOR SHOPS, AND MUCH OF THIS WAS IN THE RATHER POORER SECONDARY LOCATIONS. VERY LITTLE ACCOMMODATION WAS VACANT IN THE PRIME TOURIST POSITIONS* DEMAND FOR SPACE CONTINUED AT A FAIRLY HIGH LEVEL AND INCREASED PERCEPTIBLY IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR.
AS WITH DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION, RENTALS RECORDED FOR FRESH LETTINGS SHOWED A SMALL DECREASE OVER THE YEAR.
SOME 2.7 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF NEW OFFICE ACCOMMODATION WAS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR AND A SIMILAR AMOUNT WAS VACANT AT THE END OF THE YEAR. THIS WAS VERY NEARLY 2-1/2 TIMES THE AMOUNT VACANT A YEAR AGO, DESPITE AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR SUCH SPACE.
/THERE IS ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
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THERE IS ALSO STILL A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF NEW SPACE UNDER DEVELOPMENT, THOUGH MUCH OF THIS WILL BE THE POORER TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IN SECONDARY LOCATIONS.
AS A RESULT OF SUPPLY OUTSTRIPPING DEMAND, AVERAGE RENTALS FOR GRADE A ACCOMMODATION DECLINED BY SOME 16 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR AND BY NEARLY 22 PER CENT FOR GRADE B ACCOMMODATION.
1975 WAS A POOR YEAR FOR THE SUPPLY OF FLATTED FACTORY ACCOMMODATION, WITH ONLY AN ADDITIONAL 2.2 MILL ON SQUARE FEET COMPLETED. TfilS RESULTED IN A FAIRLY SUBSTANTIAL DECREASE IN
£!GURE' FR0M 2‘75 MILLI0N SC>UARE FEET AT DECEMBER
1974 TO 1.8 MILLION SQUARE FEET ---------- “
AT THE END OF 1975. OF INTEREST INCREASED TAKE-UP OCCURRED IN
IS THE FACT THAT NEARLY ALL THE THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR.
HOWEVER, A SLIGHTLY HIGHER AND THE POSITION SHOULD IMPROVE
OUT-TURN IS EXPECTED FOR 1976, FURTHER IN 1977.
ALTHOUGH OVERALL RENTS FOR
WITH YEAR WERE
_ . ----- - NEW LETTINGS DECLINED AS COMPARED
1974, THE DEMAND FOR AVAILABLE SPACE TOWARDS THE END OF THE RESULTED IN A REVERSAL OF THE TREND, AND SOME INCREASES RECORDED.
ALSO NOTED IN THE PROPERTY REVIEW IS THE SLOW-DOWN OF MANY REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES PLANNED IN THE EARLY 197O’S. AND THE QUESTIONABLE CAPACITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTR?" TO MEET ALL THE DEMANDS LIKELY TO BE MADE OF IT.
COPIES OF THE REVIEW ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $25 EACH.
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C.S. VISITS PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL
* * * M *
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SPENT TWO HOURS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TOURING THE NEW PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AT LAI CHI KOK.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. G.H. CHOA, SIR DENYS BEGAN HIS TOUR BY INSPECTING THE CASUALTY WARD AND THE INFECTIOUS DISEASES UNIT. HE THEN VISITED THE MEDICAL, SURGICAL, ORTHOPAEDIC, AND PAEDIATRICS WARDS.
SIR DENYS WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE HOSPITAL’S GERIATRIC SERVICE, WHICH IS THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
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EEC OFFICIALS MEET PRESS ******
THE TEN EEC OFFICIALS WHO HAVE BEEN VISITING HONG KONG FOR THE PAST WEEK AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL BE HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE GIS TOMORROW AFTERNOON (FRIDAY). THE OFFICIALS ARE ALL EXPERTS ON THE EEC’S GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES (GSP). UNDER THIS SCHEME GOODS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES MAY ENTER COMMON MARKET COUNTRIES DUTY FREE.
ALTHOUGH HONG KONG IS A BENEFICIARY OF THE SCHEME, TWO OF ITS EXPORTS — TEXTILES AND LEATHER FOOTWEAR — ARE EXCLUDED FROM IT.
THE VISIT IS TO PROVIDE THE OFFICIALS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY OF TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT HONG KONG AND TO BETTER UNDERSTAND ITS PROBLEM.
THE LEADER OF THE VISITING GROUP OF EXPERTS IS MR. TRAN VAN THINH, AN EEC COMMISSION OFFICIAL IN CHARGE OF THE COMMISSION’S GENERALISED TARIFF PREFERENCES DEPARTMENT.
THE OTHER EXPERTS ARE MEMBER STATE OFFICIALS REPRESENTING FRANCE, ITALY, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, BELGIUM, LUXEMBURG, BRITAIN, THE IRISH REPUBLIC AND DENMARK.
THE GROUP ARRIVED LAST SUNDAY AND SINCE THEN HAVE HAD TALKS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND SEVERAL OTHER CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE LEADING TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS.
THEY ALSO TOURED KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND INSPECTED A NUMBER OF FACTORIES AND VISITED SQUATTER AREAS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE GROUP LEAVES ON SUNDAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORSi
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 3.30 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE GIS THEATRE ON THE 5/F., OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976 - 4 -
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEK KIP MEI *****
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO BE INTRODUCED THIS WEEKEND IN SHEK KIP MEI TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND IMPROVE BUS OPERATION.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS WITH PEDESTRIAN PHASES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON NAM CHEONG STREET AT THE JUNCTIONS WITH BERWICK STREET AND WOH CHAI STREET.
WHEN THESE COME INTO OPERATION AT 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 3) A CONTRAFLOW ’BUS-ONLY’ LANE WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED ALONG THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NAM CHEONG STREET BETWEEN BERWICK STREET AND TAI PO ROAD.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS-ONLY LANE FROM 7 A.M. TO 11 P.M. DAILY. HOWEVER, VEHICLES TRAVELLING IN YIU TUNG STREET WILL BE ALLOWED TO CROSS THE BUS-ONLY LANE TO ENTER THE NORTH-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NAM CHEONG STREET.
FRANCHISED BUSES WILL ENTER THE SOUTHBOUND BUS LANE FROM NAM CHEONG STREET AT THE JUNCTION WITH BERWICK STREET.
NO TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM BERWICK STREET INTO NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHBOUND OR, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRANCHISED BUSES, TRAVEL SOUTH-BOUND IN NAM CHEONG STREET ACROSS BERWICK STREET AT ANY TIME AS THERE IS A COMPULSORY EASTBOUND LEFT-TURN INTO BERWICK STREET APART FROM FRANCHISED BUSES.
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NAM CHEONG STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND UN CHAU STREET AT ANY TIME APART FROM FRANCHISED BUSES AND VEHICLES ENTERING FROM THE ADJOINING PETROL STATION.
ALSO YIU TUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND AND THE FOLLOWING MOVEMENTS BY ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED: LEFT TURN FROM YIU TUNG STREET INTO NAM CHEONG STREETRIGHT TURN INTO NAM CHEONG STREET OR STRAIGHT THROUGH ACROSS NAM CHEONG STREET FROM THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WOH CHAI STREETLEFT TURN INTO NAM CHEONG STREET FROM THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD- AND RIGHT TURN FROM THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NAM CHEONG STREET INTO BERWICK STREET.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS IN THE AREA.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976 - 5 -
GRAVE SWEEPERS MUST BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE M * * * M
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THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY APPEALED TO CHING MING WORSHIPPERS TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO GUARD AGAINST CAUSING FIRES WHEN VISITING THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT DUE TO CARELESS HANDLING OF JOSS-STICKS, CANDLES AND BURNING PAPERS, THE FESTIVAL MORE THAN OFTEN ENDED UP AS ONE OF THE WORST DAYS FOR FIRES.
+ALTHOUGH THE PRESENT WET AND HUMID WEATHER MAY HELP REDUCE THE FIRE RISKS, THE FACT THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE OUT TO THE RURAL AREAS PAYING HOMAGE TO THEIR ANCESTORS MEANS THE CHANCES OF FIRE IN THESE AREAS WILL BECOME GREATER,* HE NOTED.
+WE THEREFORE URGE ALL THOSE VISITING GRAVES OR THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE WEEKEND TO EXERCISE A LITTLE MORE CARE AND THOUGHT AND TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO PREVENT FIRES FROM BREAKING OUT.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADVISED SMOKERS AND WORSHIPPERS TO MAKE SURE THAT CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES WERE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE DISCARDING THEM AND TO SEE THAT ALL CANDLES, JOSS-STICKS AND BURNING PAPERS WERE TOTALLY OUT BEFORE LEAVING THE AREA.
MORE THAN 80 FIRES OCCURRED DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD LAST YEAR, ALMOST ONE-THIRD OF WHICH WERE GRASS FIRES RESULTING IN HUNDREDS OF TREES DESTROYED AND ACRES OF COUNTRYSIDE SPOILED.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING
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AS THE CHING MING FESTIVAL FALLS ON SUNDAY (APRIL 4) LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE WO HOP SHEK, SANDY RIDGE AND TSUEN WAN CEMETERIES ON APRIL 3, 4, 5 AND 11.
TO REDUCE CONGESTION THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON.
WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY
WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. EXCEPT HEARSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES, BETWEEN 5 A.M. AND 8 p’m. ON APRIL 3, 4, 5 AND 11.
TAI PO ROAD
A ONE-WAY TRAFFIC SYSTEM WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON TAI PO ROAD NORTHWARDS FROM THE JUNCTION OF LAM KAM ROAD TO THE FANLING ROUNDABOUT ON BOTH SUNDAY AND MONDAY (APRIL 4 AND 5) FROM 8 A.M. UNTIL IT BECOMES POSSIBLE TO REVERT TO NORMAL TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW.
MOTORISTS IN THE FANLING AREA MAY TRAVEL TO KOWLOON BY THE FOLLOWING ROUTES i FROM THE FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO SHA TAU KOK ROAD. LUK KENG ROAD, TING KOK ROAD AND INTO TA IPO ROAD" FROM THE FANLING ROUNDABOUT ALONG TA IPO ROAD INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD- AND FROM THE FANLING ROUNDABOUT ALONG TA IPO ROAD TO KAM TIN ALONG FAN KAM ROAD AND BY ROUTE TWISK TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD. OR THROUGH LAM KAM ROAD TO TA IPO ROAD.
SANDY RIDGE, LO WU
NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WITH CLOSED AREA PERMITS, WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER MAN KAM TO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH JOCKEY CLUB ROAD IN SHEUNG SHU I.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC NOT TO TRAVEL BY PRIVATE CAR AS THERE ARE VERY FEW PARKING SPACES IN SHEUNG SHU I — AND PLENTY OF BUSES WILL BE AVAILABLE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND LO WU.
NO PARKING OR WAITING WILL BE PERMITTED ON ANY MAIN ROAD. VEHICLES FOUND ILLEGALLY PARKED WILL BE TOWED AWAY BY POLICE.
TSUN WAN CEMETERY
THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TRAFFIC EXCEPT HEARSES OR EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
TO ALL VEHICULAR
SINGLE LANE NOSE-TO-TAIL PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED. UNDER POLICE SUPERVISION, ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OF TEXACO ROAD.
KOWLOON
THE CENTRAL DIVIDER IN GILLIES AVENUE AT ITS JUNCTION WITH BAKER STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7 A.M. ON SUNDAY (APRIL 4) TO 7 P_.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY,__
/SPBKUL
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
7
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL APPLY ON THE FOLLOWING FRANCHISED BUS ROUTES ON MONDAY (APRIL 5) x ROUTE NO. 70 (SHEUNG SHU I TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY VIA LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD) WILL OPERATE FROM SHEUNG SHU I EVERY 12 MINUTES FROM 6 A.M. TO 7.50 A.M. AND FROM 3 P.M. TO 9 P.M., AND EVERY 15 MINUTES BETWEEN 9 P.M. AND 11.15 P.M.
THERE WILL BE NO SERVICE FROM SHEUNG SHUI BETWEEN 7.50 A.M.
AND 3 P.M. BUSES WILL OPERATE FROM JORDAN ROAD TO SHEUNG SHUI EVERY 12 MINUTES BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 9 A.M., AND EVERY 15 MINUTES BETWEEN 9 P.M. AND 11.15 P.M.
BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 3 P.M., WHEN ROUTE NO. 70 WILL NOT BE OPERATING TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY, SERVICES ON ROUTE NO. 77, (SHEUNG SHUI TO YUEN LONG) ROUTE NO. 50, (YUEN LONG TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY) WILL BE AUGMENTED.
ROUTE NO. 73 (SHEUNG SHUI TO TAI PO MARKET) WILL OPERATE EVERY 12 MINUTES BETWEEN 6.30 A.M. AND 7.42 A.M. FROM SHEUNG SHUI, AND BETWEEN 6.24 A.M. AND 8.12 A.M. FROM TA IPO MARKET. THE SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY WHILE THE ROAD DIVERSIONS ARE IN OPERATION.
A SPECIAL ROUTE, NO. 82A, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND MAN KAM TO (SAN UK LING) VIA MAN KAM TO ROAD EVERY 30 MINUTES FROM 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AT A FARE OF 20 CENTS.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ADVISED MOTORISTS THAT SEVERE CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON TA IPO ROAD ON THESE DATES.
ANYONE GOING TO THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IS STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE ROUTE TWISK OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD AS ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.
HONG KONG ISLAND
ON HONG KONG ISLAND THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.
FROM 8 A.M. UNTIL 8 P.M. ON SUNDAY (APRIL 4), PEEL RISE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. DURING THE SAME PERIOD THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE MADE ONE-WAY : CONSORT RISE ONE-WAY SOUTHWARDS FROM VICTORIA ROAD TO BISNEY ROAD- CAPE COLLINSON ROAD ONE-WAY WESTWARDS FROM LIN SHING ROAD TO SHEK 0 ROAD- AND LIN SHING ROAD ONE-WAY EASTWARDS FROM WAN TSUI ROAD TO CAPE COLLINSON ROAD.
DURING THESE PERIODS IT MAY BE NECESSARY, DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, TO CLOSE CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES WILL BE OPERATED EVERY SEVEN OR EIGHT MINUTES BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 6 P.M. ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY (APRIL 4 AND 5) 1 ROUTE 21A BETWEEN CENTRAL AND CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY- AND ROUTE 22A BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND CAPE COLLINSON ROAD.
NO FRANCHISED BUSES WILL STOP OPPOSITE THE CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY ON JOURNEYS TO WAH FU, ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG.
VEHICLES PARKED ILLEGALLY IN ANY OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED AREAS WILL BE TOWED AWAY BY THE POLICE. TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS, WHO ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID’THE ABOVE AREAS UNLESS THEIR JOURNEYS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
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POLLUTION MUST BE CONTROLLED, SAYS VISITING PROFESSOR ******
POLLUTION MUST BE CONTROLLED IF WE ARE TO LIVE AND WORK SAFELY, A VISITING BRITISH PROFESSOR OF CIVIL AND PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN A LECTURE ON WATER POLLUTION AND ITS CONTROL WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HONG KONG, PROFESSOR PETER C.G. ISAAC, OF NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, SAID WATER POLLUTION WAS AN INEVITABLE CONSEQUENCE OF MAN’S VARIED USES OF WATER.
PROFESSOR ISAAC WHO IS PROFESSOR OF CIVIL AND PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING AND HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY, WAS SPEAKING TO A GROUP OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHOSE WORK INVOLVE POLLUTION CONTROL OR PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEMBERS OF EPCOM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ESSENTIALLY THERE WERE FIVE KINDS OF WATER POLLUTION, NAMELY, DIRECT TOXICITY, OXYGEN DEMAND, INDIRECT DAMAGE, DISEASE ORGANISMS AND OIL AND GREASE.
HE TALKED ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF THESE TYPES OF POLLUTION IN RELATION TO CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG, HIGHLIGHTING PARTICULARLY THE POLLUTION OF HONG KONG’S FRESH WATER STREAMS BY AGRICULTURAL WASTE.
PROFESSOR ISAAC SAID THAT A NUMBER OF MEASURES WERE POSSIBLE TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION. THESE WERE ’HOUSEKEEPING’, INCLUDING A CHANGE IN THE OPERATION GIVING RISE TO THE POLLUTION- RECOVERY OF WASTE- TREATMENT- PROVISION OF ADEQUATE DILUTION AND POLICING THE DISCHARGE.
HE DISCUSSED THESE MEASURES BRIEFLY AND ALSO TOUCHED ON EFFLUENT STANDARDS ENDING WITH AN ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF TREATING HONG KONG’S FRESH WATERS TO VARIOUS STANDARDS.
PROFESSOR ISAAC IS IN HONG KONG FOR A 12-DAY VISIT TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON AGRICULTURAL WASTE TREATMENT.
NEXT WEEK, HE WILL BE CONDUCTING A FIVE-DAY TRAINING COURSE ON AGRICULTURE WASTES FOR 43 OFFICERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE COURSE WHICH WILL DISCUSS AND STUDY VARIOUS FORMS AND EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION, WILL ALSO INCLUDE FIELD VISITS.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
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LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT GIRL SCHOOL ******
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT THE ST. CATHARINE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IN KWUN TONG AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THIS IS AN AIDED ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL WITH AN ENROLMENT OF 1,138 GIRLS IN 30 CLASSES FROM FORM I TO UPPER 6.
THE SCHOOL, UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE CHINESE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN HONG KONG (SHENG KUNG HUI), IS EQUIPPED WITH TECHNICAL FACILITIES.
THE STUDENTS ARE KEEN PARTICIPANTS IN VARIOUS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL.
THE GIRLS ARE ALSO ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG YOUTH CORPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER LADY MACLEHOSE’S VISIT TO THE SCHOOL AT 26, HONG LEE ROAD, NGOK YUE SHAN, KWUN TONG AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY). PRESS MEMBERS COVERING THE EVENT ARE ADVISED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-POOL WHERE AN OFFICIAL CAR (AM 2097) WILL LEAVE FOR THE SCHOOL AT 10.15 A.M. SHARP.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1976
10
TEXTILE MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON SALE M * * M * *
SURVEY OF THE TEXTILE
THE REPORT OF THE SECOND MANPOWER
INDUSTRY IS NOW ON SALE AT |15 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, HONG KONG. PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
IT IS
IT CONTAINS STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY, AND SHOWS THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN THE PRINCIPAL JOBS, THE EDUCATION STANDARD REQUIRED FOR THE DIFFERENT JOBS AND THE TRAINING NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY.
IT ALSO RECOMMENDS MEASURES TO MEET TRAINING NEEDS.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED WITH THE ASSITANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN 1973 BY THE TEXTILE INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE OF THE FORMER INDUSTRIAL TRAINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
WHEN THE PRESENT HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL REPLACED THE ITAC IN LATE 1973, ITS TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD TOOK UP THE WORK OF ANALYSING THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND PREPARING THE REPORT.
BECAUSE OF THE CHANGE OVER, THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT WAS DELAYED UNTIL NOW.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Friday* April 2, 1976
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
Value of February exports up by more than 37 per cent ............... 1
Chai Wan Outline Zoning Plan published .............................. 3
Government accounts for January show million surplus ................ 6
Postal arrangements for general holiday ..........................
Revised outline zoning plan for Ngau Chi Wan published............... 7
Lady MacLehose visits girls’ school in Kwun Tong..................
Tribute to retiring Senior Education Officer for his contribution to art .......... ................................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Friday, April 2, 1976
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V.iLUE OF FEBRUARY EXPORTS UP BY <^77 MILLION
********
The value of Hong Kong’s domestic exports for February amounted to *1->749 million, representing an increase of 4^77 million or 37.5 per cent, by value, compered with the same month last year.
According to provisional trade figures issued by the Census and Statistics Department today, the value of imports increased by 38.5 per cent to y>2,983 million while the value of re-exports went up by 3^*5 per cent, to 6638 million compared with February 1975.
Commenting on the trade figures, a spokesman for the Commerce and Industry department said tnat as anticipated the percentage increase in the value of Hong Kong’s domestic exports for February 1976, compared with the same month in 1975» w«s not as high as the 58 per cent increase recorded in January 1976 compered to January 1975*
’’However, the figures for January 1976 were rather exceptional and the February figures reflect the more gradual monthly increases in the value of Hong Kong’s domestic exports which have occurred since the present upward trend started in September 1975/' he added.
The figures for the 12-month period from March 1975 to February 1976 compared with, those of the previous 12-month period showed increases, by value, of 8.3 per cent for domestic exports, 4.3 per cent for imports and 5*5 per cent for re-exports.
********
Note to Editors:
The following table with comparative figures is given for your reference:-
/Domestic .....
Friday, April 2, 1976
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Domestic Exports : <>1,7^9 million
Imports Re-exports : &2,985 million : m» 638 million
COHPkRATIVE figures
February February Increase or
• 1976 1975 decrease
* Mn. lit Mn. 4 Mn. ' %
Domestic Exports 1,749 1,272 + 477 + 37.5
(% of Total Exports) (73.3%) (72.4%)
Imports 2,983 2,’i54 + 829 + 38.5
Re-exports 638' 485 + 153 + 31.5
(>6 of Total Exports) (26.7%) (27.6%)
Dec. 1,975 Dec. 1974 • .*•
to to Increase or
Feb. 1976 Feb. 1975 decrease
Mn. 4 Mn. 4 Mn. /0
Domestic Exports 6,624 4,639 + 1,985 + 42.8
Imports 9,657 7,102 + 2,556 + 36.0
Re-exports 1,994 1,526 + 467 + 30.6
Jan.-Feb.. Jan.-Feb. Increas >e or
1976 1975 decrease
bin. $ Mn. Mn. V /o
Domestic Exports 4,332 2,907 + 1,424 + 49.0
(% of Total Exports) (76.0%) (74.4%)
Imports 6,219 4,560 + 1,660 + 36.4
Re-exports 1,368 1,000 + 368 + 36.8
(/& of Total Exports) (24.0%) (25.6%)
March 1975 March 1972*
to to Increase or
Feb. 1976 Feb. 1975 decrease
* tin. 4 Mn. 4 Mn. /o
Domestic Exports 24,283 22,417 + 1,866 + 8.3
Imports 35,131 33,694 + 1,437 + 4.3
Re-exports 7,341 6,958 + 383 + 5.5
• 0
/3 ...
Friday, April 2, 1576
3
CHAI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
*******
The Town Planning Board has published a draft outline zoning plan for the development of Chai Wan into a self-contained township with all essential services and facilities for the estimated 1o0,000 residents who will live there by 1986.
^he plan, which covers about 382 hectares (9^6 acres), supersedes the previous one exhibited in 1973.
The Secretary of the Board, Mr. Clive Caldwell, said today that although there was no change in the land use pattern as indicated in the original plan, a new set of notes had been incorporated to provide greater flexibility in development. The notes list the specified uses, and those that may be permitted on application, of sites within the various zones shown in the approved plan.
Under a notice published in today’s Gazette, anyone objecting to the notes must submit his objection in writing to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board, c/o the Public Works Department, within the next two months.
The outline zoning plan provides some 38 hectares (95 acres) of land in the district for residential development. This includes the existing public housing estates, the Hing Wah Estate now nearing completion by the Public Works Department , and the’ planned redevelopment of Chai Wan Cottage area for 8,000 people.
Other sites are also reserved off Hong Man Street for a Housing Society estate or a project of a similar nature, and to the east of San Ha Street for flats for higher income groups.
/A total of ....
Friday, April 2, 19%
4
A total of 32 hectares (79 acres) along the waterfront is reserved for industrial purposes, with the aim of creating an industrial, complex which will not only provide employment opportunities for Chai Wan residents, but also for the eastern part of Hong Kong Island.
With the exception of the existing industrial area at Hong Man
Street and Lee Chung Street, future industrial development will be concentrated on the eastern part of the reclamation now under way by the Port Works Division oi the P.W.D,*s Engineering Development Department. The reclamation is being carried out in stages and should be fully completed by July 1980. • • • • *’ f.a
Sites are also res rved for a sheltered cargo handling basin, embracing a three-hectare (seven-acre) cargo working area, and a container -- • • • . * •
freight station on the reclamation. . ,
* > * Land earmarked for government, institutional and community uses amounts to about 40 hectares (99 acres) or about 18 per cent of the
planning area. Among the proposed facilities is a civic centre at the existing typhoon shelter which will include a library, exhibition and community hall, government offices and estate welfare accommodation.
Other proposed community facilities include a hospital, on the hill above Hing Wah Village, schools, a fire station, two markets, bus termini, and a multi-storey carpark.
In addition, a large site is reserved for a swimming p ol and park complex already included in the Public Works Programme. The swimming pool, which will be similar to that at Morse Park, will, serve residents at Chai Wan, Shau Kei Wan and Quarry Bay.
/Altogether about 14 ......
Friday, April 2, 19%
- 5 -
Altogether about 14 hectares (35 acres) are zoned as open space for recreational purposes, and 157 hectares (}88 acres) as green belt to enhance the living environment of the residents.
Land for commercial/residential development amounts to about 6.4 hectares (16 acres), and about }4 hectares (84 acres) are reserved for major roads and junctions-
Planned roads include a high capacity highway which, will, sv/eep down from the spur above Lei Yue Mun Bay and run alongside the bottom of the hill, overpass Chai Wan Road and join Wan Tsui, Road;
Public Works Department road planners are also considering linking .. >
Chai Wan with the recreational area of Tai Tam by a road tunnel. This would also bring the district closer to the Repulse Bay, Dee^) Water Ik/.y and Aberdeen areas. • ...
The outline plan contains provisions for possible future linlcs with the Metro. Provisions are made for two Metro Stations - one near Hing Wah Estate and another at the centre of the town near the proposed cargo handling basin.
Friday, April 2, 1976
- 6 -
JANUARY ACCOUNTS SHOW $461 E. SURPLUS
^****»«
The Government accounts for the month -of January 1976 show a surplus of *>461 mj Ilion as compared with a surplus of $268 million in January last year.
This has resulted in a surplus of >>176 million (excluding loan receipts) for the first ten months of the financial year 1975-76♦ compared with a deficit of 4/405 million for the same period last year.
Total revenue for the month at $992 million was $146 million more than in January 1975 due mainly to increased receipts from internal revenue.
Total expenditure was o531 million - $47 million less than the same month in 1975. mainly because of decreased spending on public- works projects-following the- -signi fleant decline in contract prices.
-------0 --------
HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS
♦♦♦♦♦
Postal arrangements for Monday (April 5) > a general holiday^ were announced by the Postmaster General today.
There will be one delivery of mail on that day.
At the same time, 32 post offices, including the General Post Office, the Kowloon Central Post Office and the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, will be open for business from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
All other post offices will be closed.
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/7.......
Friday, April 2, 197$ - 7 -
RGAU CHI CLTLIMi BONING PL-iN
********
The Town Planning board has published a revised draft Outline boning Plan for Ngau Chi .van, incorporating two amendments.
The first provides for the inclusion of notes which list in detail i the permitted uses and those that may be permitted on application to the Board within each of the* various zones'. •
The;other amendment involves the re-zoning of a site at the junction of Lung Cheung Road and Clear water Bay Road’ from village-type development to commercial residential use.
< ihe draft’plan covers a total of 463.5 acres, bounded by Kwun Tong Road and Clear .iater Bay Road to the south, Hammer Hill Road to the vzest, and by hillsides to the north and east.
Among the various us&s, 232.8 acres hhve been zoned as green belt, 59*3 acres for residential development, 2.5 acres for commercial/residential use, 9-4 acres for village-type development, 11.8 acres for open space, and 42.2 ucres for government, institution and community use.
The amended plan, incorporating the notes on permitted uses, may be inspected-at the Town Planning Office, 1?th floor, Public Works Department, hurray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong; the Central Enquiry oub-Office, Central Government Offices, West Wing, Hong Kong; or at the City District Office, Wong Tai Sin, Paris Theatre’Building, King Fuk Street, San Po Kong.
Copies of the draft plan are also on sale at the P.W.D.’s Crown Lands and Survey Office, 19th floor, Murray Building, Hong Kong, at $5 for an uncoloured copy and >25 for each coloured copy.
Any person affected by the amendments to the plan may submit the objection in writing to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board, c/o the Public Works Department, Murray Building, Hong Kong. Objections and proposed alterations should reach the Secretary before June 1, 197&-
5
Friday, April 2, 1976
- 8 -
LADY hACL^OSE VISITS GIBLS’ SCHOOL IN KWUIi TONG
*»«»**»*
Lady HucLehose this (Friday) morning spent over an hour visiting St. Catharine’s School for Girls in Kwun Tong.
Accompanied by the principal, the Hev. J.M. Bennett, Lady MacLehose first had an overall impression of the work of the school and students at an exhibition mounted in the school hall.
St. Catharine’s, an Anglo-Chinese school under the sponsorship of the Chinese Anglican Church in Hong Kong (Sheng Kung Hui), has an enrolment of about 1,1^0.
A special feature of the school is its curriculum which branches out into five streams — arts, science, commercial, vocational -and technical studies — from form three upwards and students can pick those subjects they like most from these fields.
Students at the school are also active in extra-curricular and community activities. .Recently at an annual fun fair, the students’ union raised some <>12,000 for handicapped children in the Kwun Tong area.
Lady HacLehose was very interested in the work of the school and during her tour of the classrooms, she. chatted with several students and enquired about their studies and activities.
In the music room, she was treated to songs by the girls taking their singing lessons.
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/9
Friday, April 2, 1976
9
GRIFFITH PUTS aHT ON MAP IN SCHOOLS
*»«**•*
The Deputy Director of Education (Administration), Mr. Colvyn Haye paid tribute today to Mr. Mike Griffith, the retiring Senior Education Officer, for putting Art on the map in schools.
•’Thanks to his single-minded enthusiasm for his subject Mr. Griffith has played no small part in encouraging our children to win distinctions in international exhibitions.
’’Hong Kong children have secured innumerable medals and diplomas in art exhibitions staged at the Olympic Games in Home, Berlin and Mexico in addition to children’s art displays in New York, Hyrinkaa in ^inland, Luxemburg and Tokyo,” Mr. Haye said at the presentation of a retirement gift to Mr. Griffith.
He said Mr. Griffith was instrumental in setting up the Cultural Crafts Centre and securing the position of Design in the Art curriculum in Hong Kong schools.
Mr. Griffith, who is retiring after 23 years* service in the Education Department, has also exhibited his line drawings, paintings and sculpture at the City Hall where his work is included in the permanent collection.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Saturday, April J, 1976
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
Total donation for Aldrich Bay fire victims amounts to ^4.7 million .. 1
Director of Education reassures primary schools of continued ETV service • •......................•.................... 2
Agriculture and Fisheries Department to hand over irrigation schemes to N.T. farmers.................... ................. 3
MAC'S in Tai Po and Fan Ling.............................. «• 4
Toys for mentally retarded at Siu Lam hospital .••••.»•••••... 5
oome 2,000 children from Tai Hang Ting to attend Children's Day carnival......................................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Saturday, April 3, 1976
1
TOTAL DONATION FOR ALDRICH BAY FIKE VICTIMS AMOUNTS TO 34.7 M
*.-*»***
Members of the public donated a total of 34.69 million in aid of the victims of the Aldrich Bay fire which broke out in early February this year.
A spokesman for the Social Welfare Department said today; "Of this sum, 33.4 million was raised by hK-TVB and RTV in their charity shows; and 31.29 million received by the department and deposited with the Emergency Relief Fund."
He said that each of the 3,000 odd victims had been given 31,458 in cash, apart from being provided with the normal emergency relief, such as blankets, cooked meals, clothing and household utensils. "Of the total cash payment, ^1,128 was directly paid out to each fire victim by the two television stations amounting to 33.4 million, 320 each from the Fat Choy Fund while the rest at *310 each from the public donations deposited with the Emergency Relief Fund earmarked for them amounting to 3844,410," he said.
another sum of 33^8,125 had been paid to the victims from the Emergency Relief Fund to meet re-accommodation and re-equipment grants for moving into public housing estates or licensed areas.
Other incidental expenses paid out from the Fund included 334,311 new clothing distributed to the victims and 31,477 for special food.
"The total sum of money paid to these victims from public donations other than through the TV stations amounted to 31.27 million, leaving a balanc of 320,964 from un-earmarked donations to be carried forward to the Emergency Relief Fund for future use," the spokesman added.
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/2........
Saturday, April 3* 1976
2
LTV SERVICE TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS ******
The Director of Education has reassured the heads of all primary schools that the Educational Television Service (ETV) will continue to serve their needs following the merger of certain elements of the service with Radio Television Hong Kong.
Although the merged television production unit will be controlled by the Director of Broadcasting, ETV will continue to be the responsibility of the Director of Education who will specify the content of ETV programmes, satisfy himself as to their quality, time-table their transmission and evaluate their use in schools.
ETV producers Will continue to be employed by the Education Department.
Stating this in a circular letter to primary school heads, the Deputy Director of Education (Administration), Mr. Colvyn Haye told them that their committees would continue to be intimately concerned with ETV programming and their teachers would continue their close association with ETV producers.
Mr. Haye added: ’’The day-to-day liaison with the ETV Service (including response to complaints about reception and other queries) will not be affected. ETV will continue to serve you as it has done since 1971. In effect the ETV Service will function as at present.”
As announced previously, the merger of the Government’s two television production organisations is to enable the best use to be made of creative television talent and production resources of the two services.
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/3........
Saturday, April J, 1976
3
Irrigation schb-uss designed for farmers in n.t.
**»*»«»•
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is to hand over four irrigation schemes to farmers in the New Territories this month.
For many years now the Department has been responsible for the planning, design and construction of irrigation development schemes.
These schemes are one of development inputs designed to improve local crop production but they are also designed to make optimum use of Hong Kong’s water resources particularly in time of dry weather.
The four irrigation schemes due to be handed over to farmers are located in Tuen Mun, Ha Tsuen, Tung Chung and Tai 0 respectively. They were planned, designed and installed by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in the year 1975/76 at a cost totalling s>}44,000.
A spokesman for the Department said: ’’These schemes consist of more than feet of galvanised iron pipeline. They benefit a total of 173
acres of agricultural land.-’
Farmers, who have often in the past experienced irrigation water shortage in these areas, will now be able to grow a wide range of crops, especially vegetables, the whole year round.
In future, farmers at Lo Fu Hang, Tuen Mun; Sham Wat and Sham Sek Tsuen, Tai 0; Tai Po and Ha Ling Pei, Tung Chung will be able to install modern sprinkler irrigation systems on their land. Such systems can be operated by water under pressure from the irrigation pipeline and, when installed, can greatly reduce the labour costs of irrigation which are high under traditional methods of irrigation.
*******
Note to Editors:
You are cordially invited to cover the handing-over ceremonies. The first one will take place at Tuen Mun Rural Committee Office on April 6 at 2 p.m. and the second at Ha Tsuen Rural Committee Office on April 9 at 12 noon.
Saturday, April 197&
- 4 -
MC’S IN TAI PO AND FAN LING
******
Forming mutual aid committees in Tai Po and Fan Ling is the responsibility of an attractive young woman, Miss Cheung Yuen-chun.
The two towns have a total of 22 MAC’s and a further ten are at present in the pipe-line.
hiss Cheung is employed by the District Office, Tai Po. She has so far formed MAC’s in ten multi-storey buildings.
"I find the work interesting as I enjoy meeting and talking to people she said.
The initial response among building tenants to forming a MAC, she pointed out, was ♦’fifty-fifty". Some of them were keen in which case the job was much easier, while the others were uncertain that MAC’s could actually help solve the management, security and cleanliness problems in buildings.
Miss Cheung, who took up her present post seven months ago, has been quite successful in pursuading the latter category that MAC’s could work to good effect provided that ‘'‘members are keen and support is maintained.”
However, she stressed that after a MAC was formed, she still had to keep in close contact with it and help organise events such as outings and visits by District Office staff, Police and Fire Services Department officers in order to maintain interest among members.
The first MAC in the Tai Po/Fan Ling area was formed early in 1974.
Miss Cheung estimated that some 40 MAC’s could be formed in these two towns, and she hoped to achieve this target by the end of this year.
’’But with the future development of Tai Po and Fan Ling," she added, "there will still be scope in the years ahead.”
-------o---------
Saturday, April 3, 1976
5
TOYS FuH KuNTaLLY x^TaxUM) nT SIU L.J1
The Hong Kong. (Island oouth) hound Table No. 6 has donated a quantity of toys and play, equipment to the Siu Lam Hospital as part of the club’s community project for 1976.
The play equipment will be installed in the hospital’s central play area. They comprise such items as elastybounce, venture climbing frame, sturdy barrows and prams, rocking bird and e pullalong truck which were mede by a member of the club.
In addition, the club has also collected a quantity of used toys for the children at Siu Lam, which looks after some 200 mentally subnormal patients.
The.donation oame after a visit to the hospital by a member of the club, who was very much impressed with the way the mentally retarded p tients, mostly children, were being looked after.
The Siu Lam hospital is situated near Tai Lam Valley, 16/2 milestone, Castle ^eek xtoad. Opened in June 1972, it is one of the very few hospitals in the whole of Asia designed solely for the care of the severely mentally retarded.
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/6 .......
Saturday, April 1976
- 6
CHXLDkhK’S DaY CaaNIVAL
***** ***
Some 2,000 children will attend a carnival to be held at the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre on Monday (April 5) at 2 p.m. to celebrate the children’s day.
The carnival is jointly organised by the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre of the Social Welfare Department, West Kowloon Youth Guidance Council ..nd the Scout Association of Kov/loon Tsai District.
There will be about 20 games stalls and prizes will be awarded to the -winning stall designs.
Officiating at the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be Mr. Yuen Chau, President of Scout Association of Kowloon Tsai District, Mr. Fan Chi-on, Hon. President of oest Kowloon Youth Guidance Council and Mr. Sit Sui-lun, Warden of Tai Hang Tung Community Centre.
On the same day, the Social Welfare Department’s Shek Lei Estate Community work Office is organising a fun fair for about 500 children in the district.
The fun fair will take place at the hall of the Shek Lei Estate Welfare building from 2 p.m.
It will have about 10 games stalls and cartoon shows for the youngsters.
*******
Note to Editors:
You are cordially invited to cover the above functions, both of which will take place on Monday (April 5) at 2 p.m.
The Tai Hang Tung Community Centre is situated at Tong Yam Street and the Shek Lei Estate Welfare Building at Tai Pak Tin Street.
- - 0 -
Sunday, April 4, 1976
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUEN MUN NEw TCjN RECLAMATION
*******
The Public forks Department is to reclaim some 60 hectares (148 acres) of land from Castle Peak Bay to provide additional residential and industrial sites for the development of Tuen Mun New Town.
jork on the reclamation, which covers the central and eastern parts of the Bay, is due to begin in early June and should take about 27 months to complete.
Tenders for the contract, the largest engineering contract so far for luen Mun New Town, are now being invited. The closing date for tenders % is April 30, 1976.
iir. Chan Nai-keong, Project Manager of the Ph.D.’s Tuen Mun New Town Development Office, said today the reclamation represented another important phase in the overall development of the new town which will house about 480,000 people by 1983.
“About half of the new town will in fact be located on reclaimed
land,1’ he said. “The surrounding hillslopes will either be preserved in their natural state or landscaped to enhance the living environment.”
Already, he said, a total of 93 hectares (230 acres) of land had been formed and serviced and were in various stages of development.
“Among the many projects currently underway,” he said, “are the construction by the Architectural Office of the Public Works Department of Tai Hing Estate (Stage One) for 28,000 people, the *>300 million Tuen Mun Road which by late 1977 will provide a direct link between Tuen Mun and.Kowloon, the widening of San Hui Bridge, and various other road and drainage works.
”Jn addition, work is progressing on a number of residential, commerci.?! and industrial buildings by private interests, including a fabrics printing plant using the most up-to-date technology.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.JeJrS'I38lfi1 r • • • •
Sunday, April 4, 1976
- 2 -
Mr. Chan explained that, like Sha Tin, Tuen Mun New Town was being developed in a series of compact, balanced packages. These were designed to be self-supporting with all necessary facilities such as schools, clinics, open spaces and public utility services.
‘’These facilities and services will come into operation progressively so that at each stage of its development the new town is an integrated and self-contained unit.”
The further reclamation of Castle Peak Bay, he said, would 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 (3^ acres) for industrial development.
”To enable the public housing programme to proceed as quickly as possible, the new land required for public housing will be formed first with the rest of the reclamation following closely thereafter,” said Mr. Chan.
uor instance, the reclamation at the eastern part of the Bay near the Tuen Mun Wholesale fish Market will be completed by the end of this year so that work can begin on a public housing estate for 7,300 people as well as a primary school.
“The larger public housing sites on the central part of the reclamation should be ready 1 ,te next year, and the main industrial site the following year.”
Mr. Chan said two public housing estates would be built on the central part of the reclamation. These would house a total population of nearly 80,000, and would have a full range of community facilities, including schools, open space, community halls, shops and markets.
P.W.D. planners also intended to provide a network of pedestrian footpaths and cycle tracks linking the residential areas with the commercial, cultural and recreational centres in the town.
/An important .....
Sunday, April 4, 1976
- 3 -
An important feature on the reclamation, fiaid Mr. Ghrrn/would be a large Town Centre which would provide a focus for the new town’s economic, social and civic activities.
’’This will consist of a series of buildings housing a public lending library, a study centre\ a theatre, an art gallery and studio, exhibition hall and meeting rooms.
”It will also provide the main commercial area with shops, brinks, restaurants ‘and offices fronting a central pedestrian precinct. Above the shops will be residential buildings,'11 he said.
Next to the Town Centre would be a 10.7-hectare (26.4 acres) town park, similar to Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island-, with a swimming pool complex•
Illustrating the scope of the reclamation, Mr. Chan said that some four million cubic metres (5*2 million cubic yards) of fill would be required to form the 60 hectares (148 acres) of new land.
Nearly half of this volume, he said, would be obtained from the seabed near Lun^ Kwu Chau and Sha Chau — two outlying islcUids to the west of Tuen Mun — while other fill material would be excavated mostly from the south-western foothills of the Castle Peak, promontory.
‘’Jhen fully completed, the reclamation will provide residential, work and play facilities for some 96,000 people -- about one-fifth of the new town’s eventual population of 480,000,” he said.
As part of the reclamation project, he added, a temporary breakwater would be constructed between the central and eastern parts of the reclamation to form a sheltered area of efbout 11 hectares (27 acres) for use as a temporary typhoon shelter for boats plying in the area.
/4
SUNDtf, APRIL 4, 1976
TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN CENTRAL TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON WEDNESDAY *«**»*«*
A number of traffic diversions will be implemented in Central District on Wednesday, April 7, to facilitate the construction of the Mass Transit Railway stations.
Jackson Road will be closed to traffic between Des Voeux Road Central and Chater Road, and will become part of the MTR works area.
To compensate for the loss of Jackson Road, a right turn from Garden Road into Queensway will be provided. The right turn from Murray Road into Queensway will be prohibited.
The width of the carriageway in Chater Road will be reduced to seven metres, that is, two lanes of traffic, over most of its length to facilitate the construction of Chater Station.
All traffic, except franchised buses, will be prohibited from travelling westbound along Des Voeux Road Central between Bank Lane and Queen Victoria Street. Diverted traffic will use Queen’s Road Central.
Similarly, present traffic restrictions, except franchised buses, on the section of Des Voeux Road Central eastbound between Redder Street and Queensway will be maintained.
Eastbound and westbound trams and buses will be maintained through the works area at the Doe Voeux Road Central/Pedder Street junction by means of temporary ramps and decking to a height of about 0.8 metre.
The tram tracks and temporary decking will be realigned from time to time to facilitate the construction of Pedder Station.
Pedder Street traffic will be maintained by ramping up at the junction to the elevated tram decking.
/The eastbound .....
SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 1976
5
The eastbound traffic movement from Des Voeux Road Central, through the Pedder Station works area, into Chater Road will be maintained if possible although this will depend on the contractor’s method of construction.
However, if necessary, this traffic will be diverted into Connaught Road Central via Rumsey Street, Queen Victoria Street and Douglas Street,
It is anticipated that Pedder Street between Queen’s Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central will be reduced to two lanes for a limited period of time, as yet unknown, to facilitate construction.
It may be necessary to close this section of Pedder Street to traffic at a few weekends for periods of hours to allow the erection and realignment of the tram tracks and temporary decking.
All pedestrian routes and crossing facilities or equivalents in the affected areas are to be maintained throughout the MTR construction period.
After the traffic diversions are implemented, the various sites in Central will be handed over to the contractors who will continue preliminary tests on the soil under the roads.
Construction work will not start in earnest until several weeks after the preliminary tests are completed. This the same case along the length of Nathan Road in Kowloon where preliminary tests are still continuing.
Commenting on the traffic diversions in Central and in Kowloon, a Police spokesman said: ‘'Public understanding, cooperation and assistance is important, having regard to the extent road usage will be limited during the period of construction of the MTR. Wherever possible, members of the public should make use of public transport.”
The spokesman urged people living in areas not served by public transport to form car pools wherever possible and especially when they travel regularly into MTR construction areas.
/He also •••••
SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 1976
- 6 -
He also urged owners of chauffeur driven cars to arrange with their drivers to be picked up outside congested areas and not allow their care to add unnecessarily to the congestion by circulating in the vicinity of their offices, i
In view of the many parking restrictions in and around the MTR construction areas, the spokesman advised motorists to park only in authorised places•
He said that Police officers and Traffic Wardens would be on hand to advise as to where parking spaces were available.
"It is particularly important that the closest cooperation is maintained between these officers and the public,” he added.
Note to Editors: Copies of a sketch map showing the traffic diversions
in Central District are now available for collection from the Duty Officer, G.I.S. Press Room.
'• i ■ • , ■ • . *
• • . • • b ... • f
• *4 J • . * • , । * .
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/7...... .
Sunday, April 4, 1976
- 7 -
INTEimUPTION OF SALT WATER SUPPLY
********
Salt water supply to parts of Kwun Tong and Ngau Tau Kok areas will be turned off from 10 a.m. on Tuesday (April 6) until 4 p.m. the following day.
This is to enable the Waterworks Office to connect salt water pipes along Kwun Tong Road between How Ming Lane and Tsui Ping Road.
The affected areas are bounded by Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kung Lok Road, 'Wan Hon Street, Tsui Ping Road, King Yip Street, Hoi Bun Road and Kwun Tong Road.
These areas embrace the Jordan Valley Estate, Lower and Upper Ngau Tau Kok Estate, and Kwun Tong Estate.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Monday, April 1976
CONTENTS EuCxu No.
Sha Tin l ev; Town permanent sewage treatment works •••••••......... 1
Special stamps to coinmemorate diamond jubilee of Hong Kong Girl Guides ................................................... .........
Youth Zmnloyment Advisory Service to open nevz office in Kowloon
City ...............................................................
.Vater cut in North Point and Be pulse Bay areas ...................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Monday, April 5, ^9/6
1
Sha TIN NEW TOa’K PLHh^NENT LEWaGE THhLZPIffiNT WOxiKS * * ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
The Public Works Department is inviting tenders for the first three contracts for Hong Kong’s largest sewage treatment works to be built at Sha Tin New Town.
Ine permanent sewage treatment plant will be partly financed from a US$20 million loan from the Asian Development Bank finalised last month in Manila between the Hong Kong Government and the Bank*
The first three contracts are for the supply and erection of some of the mechanical and electrical equipment for the first stage of the tre itment works which will provide sewage treatment facilities for some 230)000 people in Sha Tin New Town by 1980.
Tenders for these contracts, gazetted last Friday, are being invited on an international basis from manufacturers in all member countries of the Asian Development Sank, as well as from Luxembourg.
Mr. wong Kwok-choy, Chief Engineer of the P.w.D.’s Civil Engineering Consultants Management Division, said today that another 13 contracts would be put out to tender progressively over the next nine months for additional mechranjCrd and electrical plant and equipment, all of which would be funded from ADB loan.
“The first set of tenders,“ he said, “include equipment for screening the sewage entering the works, equipment for primary and final sedimentation tanks and for diffused air equipment for the aeration tanks."
He said that civil engineering works in connection with the project were scheduled to begin towards the middle of next year, and it was expected that the mechanical and electrical plant and equipment would start to be delivered for installation by April 197&.
/The sewage
Monday, April 3, 19/c
- 2 -
The sewage treatment plant, to be located on a 17-hectare (42-Jcre) site of reclaimed land at Tide Cove near the Sha Tin racecourse, would probably begin initial operation in the second half of 1979*
Mr. uong said the treatment works would be able to treat more then 300,000 cubic metres of raw sewage per day. »
“The maximum sewage flow to the plant for full treatment will be 3.6 cubic metres per second — a tremendous increase in treatment capacity over our existing plants.”
At present, sewage at Hha Ting is being treated by a temporary plant at ?o Tan which lias a treatment capacity for only about 30,000 people.
/kh interim treatment plant is about to be built next to it by the Civil Engineering Office of the Public Works Department. This will triple the sewage treatment facilities at Sha Tin New Town and ensure that Tolo Harbour is not polluted before the large permanent sewage treatment works comes on stream.
The interim plant is due to come into operation in April 1977 but it will have a relatively short life span as it will be phased out, together with the existing temporary plant, when the permanent treatment works is completed.
“When they have outlived their use at Sha Tin, the equipment in these two temporary plants will be removed and probably put to other use elsewhere,"’ said Mr. Wong.
He explained that the treatment system of the permanent plant would involve a series of complex processes which could roughly be divided into three stages.
‘■The first stage involves a process known as sedimentation whereby the screened sewage is passed through tanks where all the gross solids are removed, thus reducing the amount of pollutants by roughly 60 per cent.
/“The second .
Monday, April 5» 197&
5
“The second stage involves further reducing the pollutants by introducing air into the sewage thus encouraging biological purification processes.
“The remaining effluent is then passed to final settling tanks where " * •• •
the remaining solids settle out before the clear effluent is discharged into the sea.”
The sludge that remains behind, he said,would be digested, dewatered and compostad with garbaf^ for- use as landfill in P^W^D, controlled tipping ■ -i'i. .
operations.
A by-product of the sludge digestion process is methane gas, which will be used to provide so^e of the fuel for the electrical generators to be installed in the plant.
The Sha Tin New Town Permanent Sewage Treatment Works has been designed by Watson (H.K.) Chartered Civil Engineers^ consulting engineers to the Government, under the overall supervision of the Consultants Management Division of the P.W.D.’s Civil Engineering Office.
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Monday, April 5, 1976
4
DIAMOND JUBILEE GF HK GIRL GUIDES TWO COMMEMORATIVE STRIPS TO BE ISSUED *« <***♦*
The Post. Office is to issue two special stamps to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Hong Kong Girl Guides.
Announcing this, a Post Office spokesman said that the two stamps in . ' ' J v
the 20 cents and J1.?o denominations would be placed on sale at all post offices on April 23-
Special First Day Covers have also been designed and will be placed on sole at all post offices from ApriT 9 at 20 cents each. The public "are asked to obtain their requirements early to avoid disappointment.
Advanced orders for servicing of First Day Covers will be accepted at the General Post Office, Redder Street; Kowloon Centre!. Post Office, Nathan Road, and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Salisbury Road.
For this service, addressed First Day Covers must be handed-in with an order form together with a remittance to cover the cost. The charge will be if1.70 per cover which includes the cost of two stamps together with a service fee of 20 cents. The covers must be fully addressed by the applicant, and not less than 10 covers will be accepted with each order. The order forms will be available at the General Post Office, Kowloon Central Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office on April 9»
Any person ordering serviced covers addressed to a local destination may collect them on April 24 from the office where the order was placed.
Covers addressed overseas will be sent forward by ordinary post, surface mail, unless sufficient stamps are affixed to cover airmail and/or registration charges.
The latest acceptance date for advance orders or serviced covers will be 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 15-
/A service .....
Monday, April 5, 1976
- 5 -
A service will be provided on Friday, April 25 at all post offices whereby First Day Covers will be accepted over the counter, impressed with the normal post office date stamp and handed back to the person presenting them. No TIME TYPE will apxxxar in the postmark. The special conditions for this service are:-
(a) only articles bearing Am indication that they are ’First Day Covers’ will be so treated;
(b) the articles must be addressed to a local address;
(c) the articles must not bear any other cancellation;
(d) no registered items will be processed by this method.
On Friday, April 25, a special counter will be provided at the Headquarters of the Girl Guides Association at 141, Wongneichong Gap Hoad from 9^00 a.m. to 5^00 p.m. First Day Covers and Girl Guides Diamond Jubilee stamps will be placed’ on sale at the counter, -^irst Day Covers which bear a local address will be impressed with a special postmark ’’JUBILcE P.O. HONG KONG” and handed back to the person presenting them. No TIME TYPE will appear in the postmark.
Special posting boxes will also be available at the General Post Office, Kowloon Central Post Office .nd Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office on April 25 for those who wish to have first day covers carefully hand-postmarked before despatch to the address on the covers.
'x'he new stamps will be displayed in the first floor lift lobby of the General Post Office Building, Pedder Street on Thursday, April 15 from 9-50 a*m. to 4.50 p.m.
- - 0 -
/6
Monday, April 5* 1976
6
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE NEW OFFICE IN KOWLOON CITY ********
The Youth Employment Advisory Service of the Labour Department will open a new office in Kowloon City on Wednesday (April 7).
A Labour Department spokesman said today that the opening of the office on the first floor of Fook Toa Mansion; No. 8-12 Sung Wong Toi Hoad will enable the YEAS to make its free services more readily available to students, youth organisations and young people in the area.
These services which are also offered by the YEAS Hong Kong office, New Rodney Block, Queensway include careers information and guidance, careers talks, seminars and mini careers exhibitions.
Apart from a wide range of careers pamphlets and leaflets for visitors, the YEaS also has a stock of career films for loan to. student groups and schools.
The telephone numbers of the new office are 3-022702 and 3-024061.
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WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT AND REPULSE BaY AREAS
********
Water supply to a number of premises in North Point and Repulse Bay areas will be turned off for five hours, starting from 1 a.m. on Wednesday (April 7).
This is to enable the Waste Detection Section of the Waterworks Office to carry out night leakage tests in the two areas.
In North Point, the affected premises are bounded by North Point Road seafront, Suk Kuk Street and north side of King’s Road.
At Repulse Bay, the affected premises are house No. 32 to 99 Repulse Bay Road and house No. 33 to 35 Island Road.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Tuesday, April 6, 1976
Contents
Page No*
Officials will reply tomorrow to points raised by their unofficial colleagues during Budget Debate ....................................
Director of Social Welfare praises the public for their support for welfare services...................................................
Interruption of water supply to Sai Kung, Kwun Tong and North Point areas .................................................•...........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
Tuesday, April 6, 1976
1
BUDGET DEBATE: OFFICIALS TO TAKE THE FLOOR TOMORROW ********
Debate on the Appropriation Bill 1976 resumes tomorrow (Wednesday) when eleven official members of the Legislative Council will reply to points raised by their unofficial colleagues.
Tomorrow’s speakers will be the Hon. Kenneth Topley, Director of Education; Dr. the Hon. Gerald Choa, Director of Medical and Health Services; the Hon. Li Fook-kow, Secretary for Social Services; the Hon. James Robson, Secretary for the Environment; the Hon. Ian Lightbody, Secretary for Housing; the Hon. David Akers-Jones, Secretary for the New Territories; the Hon. Lewis Davies, Secretary for Security; the Hon. David Jordan, Director of Commerce and Industry; the Hon. Denis Bray, Secretary for Home Affairs; the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, Financial Secretary; and the Hon. Sir Denys Roberts, Colonial Secretary.
Council will then adjourn until April 28 when the Appropriation Bill will be considered in committee before its third and final reading.
Five new bills will be tabled at tomorrow’s sitting. They include the Hong Kong Industrial Estates Provisional authority Bill 1976 which seeks to set up an interim provisional authority for the construction and management of industrial estates; and the Aerial Ropeways (Safety) Bill 1976, designed to control the safety standards of aerial ropeways.
Three other bills, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Amendment) Bill 1976 and the Prevention of Bribery (Amendment) Bill 1976, will be considered in committee before their third and final reading.
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/2.....
Tuesday, April 6, 1976
2
WELFARE FUH THE BLIND
**»,*»»«
The Director of Social Welfare, Mr* Thomas Lee, today praised the public for their support for welfare services promoted, by the Government and voluntary welfare agencies for the blind.
Mr. Lee was speaking at a luncheon meeting of the Lions Club of South Kowloon, at which a cheque for $5,000 was presented by the Club to the Hong Kong Federation of the Blind.
The Director noted that the Government and voluntary agencies had. been promoting welfare services for the blind since the close of the 19th century.
A home to accommodate blind children was set up by the Canossian Mission. Later on, the Ebenezer School and Home for the Blind and the Canossian School for the Visually Disabled were established one after the other to provide education for them. ”The Government, apart from subsidising these two schools, helps other blind children to attend ordinary schools and supplies Braille reading mc^terials,'5 he said.
With Government assistance, he continued, the Hong Kong Society for the Blind ran a workshop, a rehabilitation and training centre, a hostel, and an old people’s home for the blind.
"The Social Welfare Department is responsible for registering blind people and helps them to solve problems such as on accommodation, vocational training and employment. The department also runs three centres where sheltered work facilities and other services are provided for blind adults,” Mr. Lee said.
The Hong Kong Federation of the Blind, founded in 1972, was formed by the blind people themselves to promote mutual help and co-operation and to organise cultural and recreational activities.
/Hr. Lee .....
Tuesday, April 6, 1976
r 3 -
hr. Lee said that the activities organised by the Federation took the form of interest groups, home visits, telephone enquiry service and
outdoor activities
’Moreover, it has always tried to improve the working conditions and
livelihood of its members,!i he added
- - 0 - -
Tuesday, April 6, 1976
- 4 -
WATER COT
**♦ *
t'/ater supply to a number of premises in Sai Kung and Kwun Ton; will be interrupted for eight hours beginning at 10 p.m. on Thursday (April 8).
Tne temporary stoppage will enable the waterworks Office to con: ,ect
an outlet main at tne Kv/un Tong high level service reservoir.
The affected areas are as follows:-
* /ill premises along Clear Water Bay Hoad between Pik Uk Prise; and Bayside Villa, including villas and villages elong Clear Water Bay Hoad, Hang Hau Hoad, Silver Strand Beach Road and Wo Kar Road in Sai Kung;
* Pc Lam Read and the whole of Rennies Mill area, including Ma Yu Tong village^
* Mong Hiram’s Highway between ham Wai and Liu Kar Tse, including Villages along Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung;
♦ Hip Wo Street from Hiu Kwong Street to Sau Mau Ping Road, including San Nga Road and the United Christian Hospital;
♦ Lam Tin Estate, Sau Mau Ping Estate, Ngau Tau Kok Upper Estate, and Ngau Tau Kok Cottage Area, Fuk Wah Tsuen.
* Hong Ning Road between Hip Wo Street and Kung Lok Road; r.id
* Kung Lok Road and Hong Lee Road.
On Hong Kong Island, a number of premises in North Point will be
without water for five hours starting from 1 a.m. on Thursday.
This is to enable the Waterworks Office to carry out leakage test «
The affected area is bounded by the south side of King’s load from
Shu Kuk Street to North View Street, Kin Wah Street, Fort Street, Ming Yuen Western Street and Peacock Read.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 7» 1976
CONTENTS p~<~e No,
Scheme to sell flats to better-off estate tenants ............ 1
Public sector spending in Hong Kong reaches ’critical limit’ ••••• Wong Nei Chong Reservoir to become a recreation area ••••••••••••• 7
New committee may be set up to oversee public spending........ 10
Development of New Territories gathering momentum ............ 15
DC & I to put quota views to Textiles Advisory Board next month .. 16 Correct position of payment of commissions re-stated ............ 19
New dental school to take in students in 1979 ................
Workings of Hong Kong’s fiscal system outlined.....•.......... 27
Official and Unofficial Legco Members work for ’good government’ in Hong Kong..................................... •.....
Education television to be introduced into secondary schools . 31
Narcotics expert due here this month........................... 58
Action being taken to reduce motorcycle accidents ............ ;+2
Dr. Choa refutes claims that lack of opportunity for training and research causes doctors to leave government service .............. ■
Mr. K.S. Lo re-appointed as Chairman of Consumer Council ..... ^7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5*233191
Wednesday, April 7» 197$
1
BCHEHh TO SELL FLiZCS TO BETTER-OFF ESTATE TENANTS
*******
The proposed public housing for sale scheme aims at selling flats to better-off families now living in the Housing Authority’s low-rent estates, the Secretary for Housing, the Hon. Ian Lightbody, said today.
Speaking in the resumed budget debate, he told the Legislative Council that the time had come for these families to give up their flats for reallocation to the less well-off people who were still anxiously awaiting decent housing at a rent they could afford.
’’Every flat recovered in this way is a clear gain and a step towards fulfilment of our public housing targets,” .
To get the better-off tenants to buy these flats, he pointed out, would require an attractive selling price, combined with some pressure to vacate.
To this end, the Housing Authority had recently authorised surveys of tenants’ income to start in a number of estates, and this process would become an on-goinG process, he said.
hr. Lightbody also stressed that the scheme would only make sense if the selling price of the flats was pitched at a level which the intended beneficiaries could afford.
Commenting on the scheme, he said by selling flats to families at a price within their means, rather than rent and have the capital outstanding for many years, the Authority could turn over its funds quickly and generate a significant addition to the public housing output.
/He said .....
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
• 2 *
"He said, a sizeable site in north-eastern Kowloon is being processed for the first of these projects, and the contract should be let this year,
Referring to a call by several Unofficial Councillors to involve private developers in these schemes, Mr, Lightbody said he had recently net representatives of the Real Estate Developers’ Association, f
The meeting was to reassure them that this scheme was aimed at a special group of people already living in the Authority’s estates and so v/as not in competition with private developers, and also to consider in what way private developers might contribute to the scheme.
"The Association has promised to give further thought to their possible involvement, and I await their considered views."
However, he pointed out that basically such involvement would import a profit element and raise the production cost, and moreover would weaken the Authority’s control over construction standards, "and it is by no means certain that these shortcomings will be offset by lower building Costs.
"bo it is not a self-evident truth, when we are trying to keep the final selling price down, that the scheme must involve private developers.
Wednesday, April 7» *>976
3
”Lven so because of staff shortages in the Housing Department in the initial stages, and the general desirability of letting private developers demonstrate in a practical way the economics of their involvement, it would be sensible to invite tenders from selected private developers for the design and construction of one or more of these schemes to laid-down specifications and standards.1*
He said the Housing Authority would certainly consider this method of building flats for sale.
Commenting on a suggestion by the Hon. James Wu of private treaty land sales to private developers at a’ fraction of the full value, Mr. Lightbody said the difficulty was that a public body like the Housing Authority would have serious problems in choosing a developer to undertake the scheme, in the absence of competitive bids.
”Nor is there any reason for selling the land to the developer, at whatever price, if all the flats are to be sold at a price fixed by the Authority to households chosen by the Authority.
’•If any land concession does prove necessary it should be kept to the justifiable minimum, not least because any large concession in this direction would oblige us to think seriously about controlling re-sale,” he added.
The Secretary went on to say that the sc^ierne could be made even more attractive if it were backed up by more liberal mortgage terms than were now generally available.
The mortgage terms in the housing market had been gradually improved over the years, but Mr. Lightbody felt that it was a slow process and he would like to see it speeded up, both as regards the length of the repayment term and the amount of down payment. ”We will continue to search for ways of bringing this about.1*
/Touching .•.••
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 4 -
Touching on suggestions that rents in new estates were "unduly high,” he said they were certainly higher than those set, say, three years ago. ’’But they reflect - as they must - current costs.
“However, the Authority does not fix rents in an arbitrary way, and is at all times aware that they must not run beyond the means of the majority of the occupants.”
ror those with difficulties in paying their rents, he said the Authority tried to recover older, lower-rent flats by inviting the families occupying them to opt for new estate accommodation.
“This is a sensible way of tackling the problem and the scale of this transfer process is being extended," he added.
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o.cldj..
bluow nOfLx-ojjdxif .J«uj ^u^C—.iQbxjw-k
*io
Wednesday, April 7, '1976
----------* — .. o • t .;. .*. ^.r -r>.jocxuJld ’•CHITIC^L LIMIT’ FOHPUBLIC SbCTOH xiXPHNDITUHE a .
' - , 9
i9bna4.i^Q /SSte -*bl ifefl8 ?r£u?cf *Jnoo & ;;s j
The Financial Secretary, the Hon, Philip Haddon-Cave, said today a&cw oxlauq a- wxi> o-aa^GAq UiX^.-t’XUjpxx that the size of public sector spending in Hong Kong reached the '‘critical •iJssto’iq gnid/bh^-il-llea ~./r ooncni: rijo-f -o: . ..1
limit” when its ratio to the Gross Domestic Product rose to 20 per cent.
xd^all. -3ri4,,bn^ £ .xxjcuhnx as Houa oillikf uxld enxaduo
Speakinfe in the resumed debate on the budget in the Legislative
• emedoa olua ‘tot Council, he said 20 per cent was the maximum permissible level for an open ■ , .
economy such as Hong Kong, '‘necessarily dependent on a relatively narrow i.Qg xi.u ...o ^..wj ^dxi-Uod
range of manufacturing industries for export/1 • •■
When the economy was enjoying strong growth, the ratio of the public
• *. • • «X - I & J Q A
sector to the G.D,p, should fall, partly because the growth rate of public spending would always tend to lag behind the growth rate of the economy on -the upturn, and partly because “we want to leave room for the public sector to expand relatively to the economy as a whole on the downturn.”
’‘This,” Mr. Haddon-Cave “is precisely what has happened in recent years.”
*ijbna4 1 jo *• J■ r •<
From about 15 per cent in the four years 1970-73 the ratio rose to
19 per cent in 197^’and 1975 when the economy stood still. • --
However, if the 1976-77 budget estimates were right the ratio would rise to over 20-per cent and yet 1976 was “destined to be a good year for the
economy.”
Mr. Haddon-Cave said there was justification for this “as we strive to make up for lost -time and provided the ratio tends to fall later on in the upturn.”
The Financial Secretary described as “quite incorrect” the Hon.
F.W. Li’s conjecture that underspending on capital account this year was due to a deliberate slowdown in the public works programme.
/”! seriously .....
Wednesday, April 7, 1976 - 6 -
”1 seriously intended that we should spend up to the provision in the Approved Estimates of i1,626 million and no instructions wero issued during the year to the contrary.”
. o* • ■ . : i.
He disagreed with hr. Li’s ’’magical forecast’1 that the budgetted deficit of million for this financial year would just disappear.
He regarded ’’with equanimity” the prospect of a deficit of $300 million or so in 1976-77> provided *’we aim to return to a situation of overall balance no later than 197&-79.”
deferring to the role of loan finance, Mr. Haddon-Cave said there was a continuing need for this, on a highly selective basis, for selfliquidating projects already in the public works programme.
There was also a place for loan finance for self-liquidating projects outside the public works programme such as industrial estates and the flats for sale scheme.
The Government, the Financial Secretary said, must monitor the totality of these debt commitments so that its credit-worthiness was not jeopardised and debt servicing charges did not become excessive.
deferring to the Hon. Francis Tien’s concern that the capacity of the building industry might fall short of total desired demand of the public sector and the private sector, Mr. Haddon-Cave promised that the situation would be ’’monitored carefully.”
He said ’’the Government, as a client of the industry, does not wish to see project estimates escalating sharply.
”So we shall be, among other things, watcning the trend of tender prices very carefully as the weeks go by.”
- 0 -
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 7 -
JONG NEI CHONG RESERVOIR TO BE USED FOR BOATING
********
The Government intends to use the <»ong Nei Chong reservoir for boating in an attempt to meet the need for this activity on Hong Kong Island.
This was disclosed by the Secretary for Home Affairs, the Hon. Denis Bray, in the Legislative Council this afternoon in reply to points raised by his Unofficial Colleagues during the resumed budget debate.
He said the reservoir was a small one and the loss of its water •would not force Hong Kong to water rationing.
The Water authority, he added, would disconnect this reservoir from the water supply system and hand it to the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries for use as part of a recreation area.
uIn the light of this experiment, the Water Authority will also consider whether boating can be permitted at Tytam Reservoir and at Tai Lain Chung,“ hr. Bray said.
He explained that the need for boating was greater on Hong Kong Island as there were no sheltered lagoons which were readily accessible to those living in the urban areas.
On the question of using High Island Reservoir for boating, Mr. Bray said considerable problems with shore facilities would have to be overcome inside the reservoir because of the very substantial rise and fall of the water level.
He said that sheltered sea water in the eastern areas of the New Territories was better for boating, easier to get at, and easier to develop for boating than the reservoirs.
/Turning ......
Wednesday, April 7» '•976
8
Turning to youth services, hr. Bray said he did not see merit in the propos.il made by the Hon. Hilton Cheong-leen for setting up an advisory committee on youth services.
He said: “Public services have to be broken up into various packages before anyone can usefully deal with them and the Government is committed to cinalysing needs for services on a programme basis.
. “A programme is a collection of activities designed to achieve a specific objective. The objective may be defined in fairly general terms but it is difficult to see how such .an objective which was wide enough to embrace all services having an impact on youth could be precise enough to mean anything.*1 Mr. Bray also could not see that much good would be served by attempting to group services in yet another way - by age groups of the public affected.
On the Inter-departmental Committee on Services for Youth, Mr. Bray said its purpose was indeed to see that someone was filling gaps in services.
uIt is in the prosecution of efforts to fill gaps — not in identifying the gaps — that priorities are assessed by the normal government machine including advisory committees."
lie referred to the gap mentioned by the lion. Hiss Ko Siu-wah -namely services for children of school age who are not at school.
’’For most of these children it is ordinary schooling that is wanted. For all the yearning for seme substitute services nobody has come up with cJiything better.
“The best way to use resources for these children is to provide schools. It would not make sense to cut down resources for school provision to provide other services suggested by Miss Ko,” he said.
/“But even .....
Wednesday, April 7i 1976
- 9 -
"But even when all the school places are available it is clear that there will still be children of school age not at school - not many but some -some who drop out from primary schools now and others who will drop out of secondary schools leaving empty school places behind them.”
Mr. Bray said that nobody yet knew for certain what was the best sort of service that should be provided for these children to help them grow up as useful members of society or, at the very least, not to grow up as criminals.
Turning to the Pilot Youth Guidance Project being run by four youth organisations, Mr. Bray pointed out that it was a two-year project ending at the end of this year.
He expressed the hope that conclusions would rapidly be drawn and programmes planned to extend appropriate services throughout Hong Kong.
“This will not be easy. The pilot project is on a small scale. It is a social experiment in which the conclusions are unlikely to be as clearcut as those of an experiment in natural sciences. And even if we know exactly what to do there will be the question of the priority to be given to the new services,11 he added.
Mr. Bray said he did not want to sound despondent that “we must recognise that problems such as those of dropouts and juvenile delinquency are found in even the wealthiest of societies and we do not know all the answbrs.”
“More school places are one thing, and a very good thing,” he said, “but they will not bring to an end the problem of bringing up children for whom schools alone are no use.11
Mr. Bray said the Government was awaiting with concern the outcome of the pilot project now under way.
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/1O......
Wednesday, April 7» ^976
10
>
NJiM COMMITTEE MAY BL SET UP TO OVERSEE PUBLIC SPENDING
********
A Public Accounts Committee may be set up to ensure that public funds are spent in the way intended, the Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, said today (Wednesday).
Winding up the budget debate in the Legislative Council, the said that the proposed Public Accounts Committee would have the task of examining the Director of Audit’s report, seeking additional information from those concerned and satisfying itself that any necessary remedial action had been taken.
He said that the Director of Audit was in fact performing a role partly similar to that of a “permanent central team to monitor departmental expenditure” suggested by the Hon. F.W. Li.
"In compiling the enclosure to the despatch forwarding his report of ^udit to the Secretary of State tabled in this Council around December every year, we require tnose subject to criticism to explain themselves,” the Financial Secretary said. “Invariably, the outcome is some changes to procedures and practices to prevent a recurrence of whatever went wrong.”
He said that the setting up of a Public Accounts Committee would involve the Legislative Council more closely in the processing of the Director of Audit’s reports and provide a more formal accountability of the Civil Service to taxpayers.
The Financial Secretary refuted “serious charges” by the Hon. F.W, Li concerning financial mismanagement in the Government, and spoke at length on the series of checks and balances designed to prevent this.
Replying to a suggestion made by Mr. Li that "revenue-generating departments" should be run as autonomous corporations, the Financial Secretary said that hiving off in this way would introduce an inflexibility in the use of available funds.
/"I see .....
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
11
”1 see no point in creating autonomous corporations with the Government retaining power subsequently to claw back control over, say, whether the corporations might spend themselves the funds they generate,1* he said.
Secondly, he said, there was no evidence that those "revenuegenerating bodies" were being run inefficiently.
Mr. Haddon-Cave stressed that it was wrong to suppose that the Government maintained "a strong but detached control*1 over the Urban Council, the Mass Transit Railway Corporation and the Housing Authority.
He pointed out that the degree of central government control over such organisations "depends on the extent to which they rely on this Council to vote them funds and in the case, for example, of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, the Housing Authority and the Trade Development Council, on the provisions of the ordinances setting them up."
Turning to arrears of revenue, he pointed out that the actual revenue written off each year as irrecoverable was small. "For example in 1975-76, it is expected to be only about million in respect of internal revenue".
But he assured Council that the Government was far from being complacent on the subject.
,fFor example, in conjunction with the introduction of instalment payments for salaries and profits tax, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue has felt able to take a much tougher line with those who do not pay their tax liabilities by the due date," he said. "As a further example, the use of computer for the issue of driving and vehicle licences will facilitate the collection of outstanding fines from drivers in respect of driving and parking offences."
/Turning .....
Wednesday, April 7i 1976
12
Turning to the policy of subsidies from public funds for those who could not afford to pay for services for which charges had been raised, Mr. Haddon-Cave said the suggestion that a large proportion of the population would have to be means tested would not prove feasible.
Such a scheme, he said, would be expensive to operate and open to considerable malpractice.
"It is our low tax structure that requires the government to charge for all services rendered on a cost-related basis unless there is a policy reason for not charging or charging less than full costs," he said.
"We combine this charging system with remission schemes for those who cannot afford to pay," he said. "But our low tax structure also dictates that remission schemes must be inexpensive to operate."
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/13......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 13
DEVELOPMENT OF N.T. GATHERING MOMENTUM
•*****»•
Vast sums of public and private money are being spent in the New Territories and expenditure on the New Towns is gathering momentum, Mr. David Akers-Jones, Secretary for the New Territories, said today.
Speaking during the resumed Budget Debate in the Legislative Council, Mr. Akers-Jones said that :,100 million was spent on the New Towns in 1973» .?260 mil million in 197^, i^50 million last year and 4>6OO million would be spent this year.
’’But it is important,3 he said, “that areas other than the New Towns are not left behind. Engineering reports on these other towns and large villages are now coming in and a programme of development for Tai Po, Yuen Long, Lantau and Sai Kung is being drawn up which will lead to individual projects being submitted for public works expenditure.”
Indeed, he went on, some proposals for a reclamation at Tai Po and roads and other works at Sai Kung would be put forward for urgent consideration during the next few months. At Tai Po, it was important to proceed quickly with urban development to match the growth of the industrial estate, to clear* up the “shameful conditions” of the boat squatters at Yuen Chau Tsai and to provide land for private development in which there was very keen interest.
“In 197^, we were worried about the slow rate of industrial development at Tuen Mun,” Mr. Akers-Jones said. “Now, it is tending to get ahead of the housing. There are at present ten factories being built and more than 30 applications for the 200,000 square feet of land not yet in the hands of industrial developers.”
/At Sha Tin •• ••
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
14
At Sha Tin, the first part of the industrial zone at Fo Tan, totalling 263,000 square feet, had been sold - the remainder involved clearance of a cultivated and inhabited valley and would be a fairly lengthy process.
Mr. Akers-Jones described development at Tsuen Wan as ’’spectacular and breathtaking'’. He said: "Stand on the Tsing Yi bridge and look around at the container port doubled in size in a year, at the factories on Tsing Yi, the housing estates going up all around you, and you cannot fail to be impressed with the mcignitude of the effort and scale of development. And here again so numerous have been the applications for industrial land that I expect that nearly a million square feet will be disposed of in Kwai Chung in the next 18 months."
Mr. Akers-Jones referred to a statement made in the Legislative Council in 197^ by the Director of Public works about the impracticability of providing a water supply to all areas of the New Territories. "He hoped to draw up proposals for a realistic programme of water supply development so as not to frustrate worthwhile development schemes," said Mr. Akers-Jones. Since then data has been collected on the extent of likely development throughout the New Territories.
"I believe the time has come when we must get on with some of these water extension schemes: failure to do so is inhibiting development and preventing us from realising the full potential of the land resources available to us."
Mr. Akers-Jones said it was "absurd" that Sai Kung should be short of water "next door to our biggest reservoir", particularly as there was no doubt about the great interest and willingness to invest in Sai Kung being shown by private developers.
/The Secretary
Wednesday, April 7, 197$
15
The Secretary for the New Territories said that he had spoken during last year’s budget debate of the need to update land compensation policies and of the search for a cash alternative to offer of land exchange for land resumed. He declared: "It is gratifying to know that a cash alternative is now available for those who want it, although landowners continue to prefer the exchange system.“
Mr. Akers-Jones pointed out that 51 million square feet of land had been resumed since 19&0 and 38 million square feet of land exchange entitlements redeemed. "There remains a fluctuating outstanding commitment which has tended to grow in the last year because of the scale of resumptions taking place in the New Towns; however, I hope to make available about two million square feet of development land over the next 18 months which will account for some five million square feet of exchange entitlements," Mr. Akers-Jones said.
He said that the development of Hong Kong could not be treated in separate territorial parcels -the needs and provision of facilities in the New Territories should not fall behind that of the rest of Hong Kong. Mr. Akers-Jones declared: "The New Territories provided something like ^150 million in land revenue last year; tris year, householders and property owners in the towns of the New Territories will in addition contribute rates and taxes; this is a step forward, the far rescuing consequences of which should not be underestimated."
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Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 16
D C & I TO PUT QUOTA VIEWS TO TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD
M V -M VMM «• V, M, y
The Commerce and Industry Department will put to the Textiles Advisory Board next month its conclusions on the many proposals it has received on ways of improving the textile quota system, the Director of Commerce and Industry, the Hon. David Jordan, said in the Legislative Council today.
But Mr. Jordan warned that a good deal of further discussion and consultation, probably with the trade associations concerned as well, would be needed before any firm decisions could be made.
In defending the Textiles Advisory Board against the criticism that it was a body of people with vested interests in the existing quota system, Mr. Jordan pointed out that the pressure for a review of the system came initially - many months ago - from the Board itself•
But the department was unable to undertake the review until it had completed the EEC negotiations and the subsequent implementation of that agreement - which involved the calculation and issue of something over 20,000 separate quota allocations.
Mr. Jordan emphasised two points which were made by the Hon. Francis Tien in the Budget Debate. The first is that the guiding principle has always been and must continue to be to maintain a system that ensures that Mong Kong can make the maximum use of the limited export opportunities available, in the interests of the community as a whole.
/The other •••••••
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
r • •
- 17 -
The other point is that the system is merely a method of distribution. It cannot make more quota available. And the real cause of the trouble recently has been that under the Agreements Hong Kong has been obliged to sign, it just does not have enough quota to be able to allow the current level of demand for some products to be met.
Turning to Hong Kong’s industrial development, Mr. Jordan said he shared Mr. James Wu’s wish to see the establishment and growth of a medium-to-heavy engineering industry, both for the stimulus it could give to Hong Kong’s industrial development and for the employment it could provide for university and polytechnic graduates and for the young people emerging from the technical institutes.
Mr. Jordan added:- ”We have had a nucleus of heavy engineering in our dockyards for a long time, our first technical institute opened in 1969» -the Polytechnic was inaugurated in April 1972, land policy was modified to provide for large-scale industrial plants in 1973« The remaining gap should be filled by the establishment of our first industrial estate, which will make possible the establishment of medium-size factories of typos that are unable to operate in high-rise factory buildings.”
’’The fact that the Tai Po Industrial Estate is now on the way to becoming a reality will, we hope, make it easier to attract new overseas investment into Hong Kong and we are increasing our efforts in this field,” Mr. Jordan continued.
He said that the proposed programme for 1?76 included overseas missions by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
/to Australia........
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 18 -
to Australia, Japan and the Northeastern United States and by the Commerce and Industry Department to Switzerland and West Germany, the mid-west USA, Texas and California.
But Mr. Jordan warned against allowing our interest and enthusiasm in attracting new investment to cloud our judgement.
He said: ’’Whenever we consider departing from our well-established practice of selling land to the highest bidder, there must be strong positive reasons for doing so, based on the most thorough assessment we can make of the potential investors♦ project and the benefits it will bring to Hong Kong.
”We must not sell our most valuable fixed asset at bargain prices just because it seems a good idea to have someone here manufacturing such and such a new product. And when we do decide in favour, we must lay down realistic conditions and we must see that they are met - and continue to be met.
"We have seen elsewhere too many cases where anxiety to see some industrial development started has led to the establishment of projects whose viability was really doubtful from the beginning and later proved to be non-existent•“
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/19.......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 19 -
PAYIffihT OF COMMISSIONS: CORRECT POSITION RE-STATED
-X ,y_ w az w w 7v X A' i A />
The recent frequent prosecutions involving the payment of secret commissions was due to the greater willingness of the public to report such cases to the ICAC, and not to a change in the law, the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Sir Denys Roberts, told the Legislative Council today.
Speaking in the resumed budget debate, he said this was surely a healthy sign that the community was beginning to realise that all forms of corrupt conduct were objectionable and should be suppressed.
Pointing out that a number of recent cases had attracted wide-spread publicity and revealed a general misunderstanding of the law governing them, he said it was worth re-stating the correct position.
He explained that if aix agent or employee, whether he is buying or selling on behalf of his principal or employer, accepts a commission, rebate, discount, or kick-back, for his own benefit and without the permission of his principal or employer, he is guilty of corruption.
“And so he should be, for he is deceiving his employer or principal and either depriving the latter of a benefit which should go to the employer or pocketing part of the price which should go to him.
“Similarly, if a person offers a secret advantage to an agent or employee, for doing anyt ing in relation to the affairs of the latter’s principal or employer, he is guilty of corruption.
/Again........
Wednesday, April 7« ^976
- 20 -
"Again, so should lie be, since he is inducing the agent or employee to deceive his principal or employerSir Denys said.
He disagreed with suggestions that the law under whicn these prosecutions were initiated was in some way novel.
’’This is not so. Section 9 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance follows in essence, and with only minor modifications of wording, Section 4 of the old Prevention of Corruption Ordinance which was in force in Hong Kong for more than 20 years before its replacement in 1970 by the present Section 9«"
He added that similar legislation had been in force in the United Kingdom for about 70 years, and in Singapore and most Commonwealth countries for a long time.
The law contained in this Section 9 was correct in principle since it was intended to guard against principals and employers being deceived and robbed by their agents and employees, he said.
"The most important task of the ICAC remains the attainment of a high degree of integrity in the public service and I believe that it has made some real progress towards this goal. But a healthy society depends also upon corrupt practices in business being eliminated."
Referring to the Government machinery, Sir Denys said the Government had made some progress in the better use of longterm planning techniques. "Many plans have been completed or are being prepared.
’’But these plans, although comprehensive in relation to a particular activity, have been prepared in isolation and are not linked together in such a way as to enable an overall assessment of our future needs to be made."
/The Government.....
Wednesday, April 7> 197&
21
The Government had therefore embarked on an overall Development Plan which would embody all the individual plans and would attempt to estimate the total needs of Hong Kong for land, money and other resources during a specified period.
He told the Council that the outline preparatory structure for the Development Plan had been completed.
’’This work has enabled us to identify many new areas which are susceptible to some form of long-term planning, in addition to those on which we are already working.
”It has also emphasised the need for plans to embody the contributions of all the various departments involved in each planning area.”
If such a calculation was to be effective, Sir Denys said information on policy produced by branches and departments must be related to the forecasts of expenditure in each planning area, no matter which department controlled the vote.
”We have decided, therefore, that in future the financial information required for the Five-Year Forecast of Revenue and Expenditure will be collected under programme headings.”
He added that the Government was also considering whether the development of costing systems would enable the cost of departmental activities contributing to a programme to be obtained on a regular basis for management purposes.
Referring to the possible reduction in size and abolition of some advisory and other committees, he said Secretaries and Heads of Departments were asked to study the purposes and achievements of all committees chaired by them or members of their staff, and to submit their comments on continuance of the committees.
/“Preliminary .......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 22 -
’’Preliminary indications arc that about 15 per cent of the committees can bo abolished, or can meet less frequently, or be reduced in size, w’e therefore are alert to the need to ensure that a committee shall be effective, or be done away with.”
Turning io the Hon. T.S. Lo’s suggestion of devising some system of bringing order and economy into the ’’scattered and uncoordinated ways” the Government subsidised institutions and people, Sir Denys doubted whether the proposal was a practical solution.
k
However, he found obvious attractions in some kind of a Central Almoner who would have the task of assessing gross, net and disposable incomes and establishing in a coherent way entitlements to various kinds of subsidy and public assistance.
The difficulties of instituting a system of this nature were daunting and yet the possible benefits by way of a more economical use of public funds and a greater fairness in their distribution were attractive.
"I shall therefore ask the Secretary for Administration to institute a study of the problem and of its possible solutions. In this it would be useful if he were able to consult Unofficial Members among whom, no doubt, should bo t?ie Honourable Mr. Lo,” he said.
The Colonial Secretary went on to say that the public service increased in numbers by less than one eighth of one per cent during 1975/7$ and would probably not grow by much more than this in the coming year.
•These figures should reassure those Members who are rightly concerned that the growth of the public service should be
/strictly controlled
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 23
strictly controlled and that its productivity should be improved whenever possible.1’
On the attitude of civil servants, Sir Denys recalled the Hon. Roger Lobo’s emphasis on the importance of the first impressions gained by a visitor arriving in Hong Kong’s airport.
He said there was of course another side to this. ’’Travellers arriving from abroad are themselves often hot, sleepy and short-tempered.
’’However, sharp-tongued they may be with Immigration and Health Officers at Kai Tak, they nevertheless expect an infinite degree of charm and patience to be shown to.them in return.”
He believed that in general the majority of those on duty at Kai Tak remained reasonable, helpful and polite under considerable pressure and often in trying conditions. ’’Nevertheless, the Heads of all the Departments concerned do attach real importance to ensuring that the highest standards of cheerfulness and courtesy are preserved.”
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.....
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 24
NJW DENTaL SCHOOL TO TAKE IN STUDENTS IN 1979
*******
The new dental school at the University of Hong Kong should be admitting its first pre-clinical intake in September 1979» the Hon. Li Fook-kow, Secretary for Social Services, told the Legislative Council today (Wednesday).
He said it was hoped that the dental teaching clinic would be completed by the summer of 1980 and that the first dentists trained at the school would then graduate in 1983*
Mr. Li was replying to points raised by his unofficial colleagues during the resumed debate on the Financial Secretary’s budget proposals.
’’The first step is the appointment of the Dental Academic Advisory Committee, and the U.P.G.C. has started discussions with the University of Hong Kong on the terms of reference for this committee, on the procedure for the appointment of members and about the appointment of the Dean of the school,” he said.
”It is expected that the membership of the committee will be completed by June of this year.”
Turning to child care centres, Mr. Li said provision had been sought for the financial year 1976-77 which would allow the Child Care Centres Ordinance to be implemented from June 1 this year.
.Regulations made under the ordinance would be published in the Government Gazette on Friday, he said.
’’The Social Welfare Department will now mount a publicity campaign aimed not only at operators of these centres for whom a Code of Practice will be issued but also at the parents of children who attend these centres for whom a pamphlet has been prepared explaining what should be expected in the way of services at these centres,” he said.
/On the •••••
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 25
On the employment of the disabled, Mr. Li said he was confident that this year’s better situation was not only a consequence of the improving economy, but also a recognition by employers that the disabled could be a viable and hard-working segment of our workforce.
”In the first three months of 1976, 133 disabled were successfully placed in employment including an all-time record of 55 placed in March this year,” he said. This compared with 200 for the whole of 1975 and 160 for 1974.
He stressed that it would continue to be the government's policy to employ disabled persons in appropriate jobs wherever possible.
Turning to social welfare subventions, Mr. Li assured the Unofficials that ’’funds will be forthcoming for services which are accepted by Government as meeting a recognised and defined social need, provided that public funds are used effectively and efficiently”.
However he agreed with the Financial Secretary that the increase in social welfare subventions in recent years had been dramatic and that the voluntary social welfare sector could not go on expanding at this rate ”ad infinitum”.
He said that the social welfare subvention one-line-vote, as allocated on the advice of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee, must be subject to the same constraints in growth as other heads of expenditure.
Turning to the future development of social welfare services, Mr. Li said there was a need for continuous reviews of basic assumptions in the light of events.
”What seems to be necessary in the next review should be a study in greater depth not only into projects which have already been included within the planning process but also into the underlying policy on which the future development of social welfare services will take place,” he said.
/He agreed •••••
Wednesday, April 7» 1976
- 26
He agreed with the Hon. Miss Ko Siu-wah that evaluations were necessary to develop sound and better social welfare services and to measure the extent to which expenditure of resources upon a particular programme was justified by its results.
However, he stressed that there was no intention to use evaluation as a means of reducing subventions and curtailing essential services in the voluntary sector.
’’Indeed it may well be that a proper evaluation will throw up the need for increased subventions in certain spheres perhaps at the expense of others,” he said. >
Turning to social security payments, Mr. Li said the case-load of infirrnit; and disability allowances in February 1976 was 65,000.
’’This case-load now seems to have stabilised and will increase only marginally in the future,” he said.
He estimated that the public assistance case-load would rise to about 72,000 in about two years’ time and thereafter increase in line with the population trend.
The increased estimate, he said, was partly due to the breakdown of traditional reluctance to claim welfare assistance and to raised rates.
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/27......
Wednesday, April 7* 1976
- 27
WORKINGS OF U.K.’S FISCAL SYSTEM OUTLINED
*******
The purpose of Hong Kong’s fiscal system is to, generally speaking, appropriate a suitable proportion of the community’s resources for public expenditure and not, in addition, to pursue social justice or to manipulate the rate and pattern of economic growth.
The Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, said this today in winding up the budget debate in the Legislative Council.
He stressed that the fiscal system should be as equitable as possible as between different income groups and between different classes of taxpayers or potential taxpayers.
’’And it should rest as lightly as possible on the disposable incomes of those at the lower end of the range of taxable incomes and possess a degree of progressivity at the upper end.
’’Finally, each and every levy - be it direct or indirect - should be simple and easy (and, therefore, inexpensive) to administer.”
He said the plain fact was that a fiscal system which was pitched as low as possible so as to minimise its impact on the suppl'r of human effort and investment decisions could not afford to finance costly overheads.
‘•For this reason, in a low tax environment, not only is the pursuit of equity - or what my Honourable Friend Mr. Bremridge called ’absolute fairness’ - for its own sake unnecessary; it is also not possible.”
On the question of placing all the emphasis on direct taxation, Mr. Haddon-Cave said: ”It is only in the field of direct taxation where we have any significant room for manoeuvre.”
/He pointed •••••
Wednesday, April 7i *1976
- 28
He pointed out that the Government had already sought to collect the maximum possible revenue from fees and charges, JO per cent of total recurrent revenue•
He noted that while there were limits to the range of indirect taxes here, yet 46 per cent of all tax revenue came from indirect taxes which was not all that ’minimal1, as described by‘Dr* the Hon. S.Y. Chung.
Referring to the appointment of the third Inland Revenue Ordinance Review Committee, the Financial Secretary said the Committee would consider, in particular, whether Hong Kong should persist with separate levies on salaries, profits, interest earnings and property income and with the limited territorial charge•
He believed that there was scope for increasing the productivity of the direct tax system, thus obviating the possible necessity of adopting the easy - but not necessarily the wise or fair - option of simply lifting the standard rate from the present 15 per cent.
"This is important for there can be no doubt that our direct tax system must be low. Manufacturers and exporters must be able to earn a rate of return after tax which stimulates a maximum rate of capital investment irrespective, incidentally, of its source, to ensure the highest possible growth rate of the economy and hence of living standards," he said.
Mr. Haddon-Cave stressed that the Committee was not specifically asked, as Dr. Chung suggested, to examine the equity and fairness of the system, "although I would expect that it will give full consideration to the removal of such inequities as do exist in the present system where this is consistent with its terms of reference."
/He continued •.•••
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
-29 -
He continued that he could not say anything in reply to the Hon. James Wu’s request for an assurance that the Committee would accept representations from interested organisations and private individuals because he could not anticipate the Committee’s deliberations or determine for the Committee how it would fulfil its task.
But he added: ”1 shall certainly give every encouragement to the Committee to consult as widely as possible; and I have no doubt it will.”
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Vrfednesday, April 7, 1976
30
OFFICIALS AND UNOFFICIALS <ORK FOR ’GOOD GOV’T1 IN H.K.
********
The Financial Secretary, the Hon. Philip Haddon-Cave, said today that Official and Unofficial Members alike of the Legislative Council were •‘striving to develop and, energetically pursue relevant and sound policies so as to bring about a state of ’good government* for the people of Hong Kong.'1 In his speech winding up the budget debate, he said our critics could only come to this conclusion if they had had the opportunity to listen to, or took the trouble to read Hansard reports on this debate or any other major debate in this Council over the years.
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/51 ......
Wednesday, April 7, 197^
- 31
ETV FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
********
The Director of Education, Mr. Kenneth Topley, said today that he would be seeking funds to introduce educational television into secondary schools.
”If it is humanly possible we will make a start on a selective b sis in September 1975,” iir. Topley told the Legislative Council during the resumed debate on the Budget.
He reiterated that 43 new secondary schools were either in cour -e of construction or four which funds were assured and which would begin building this year.
In addition 3o private assisted secondary schools were movin further big step toward fully aided status.
’’Together these major measures represent a considerable injection of quality into the secondary education system,” Mr. Topley said.
The Director shared the satisfaction of Council Members and of the Hong Kong community generally that ”we now have the agreed financi/2 .. •c!:s.:i, to provide nine years of education in the public sector for everyone who wants it and, what is more, that we shall be providing this one year earlier thc.n originally planned.”
He stated that the following tasks must be completed by 1978: the floating of classes in Government and aided schools, the buying ol the large number of additional places in private schools and deciding and n.Icing arrangement..-; for the replacement of the Secondary School Entrance . u.cio •
/”As is well ..........
Wednesday, April 7, 1775
- 32
"As is well known the worki .g party on measure 3 to replace tho Secondary School Entrance Examination has reported and its proposals have been widely discussed.
f*This debate lias L*\ ug.1 cut clearly tne conflict between the desire to retain and develop excellent education for the benefit of some pupils and also for the community through the production of effective leaders and trained professionals on the one hand, and on the other the desire to rive a fair chance for everyone through mixed ability intake.
’•'The debate is not yet finished and clearly we must steer carefully to avoid either injustice, or chaos resulting from a too rapid and doctrinaire re-arrangement of our system.
:jThe guidance given • by the White Paper suggests that we must »
give the fairest possible chance to everyone, but we must not in tho process destroy or undermine the good work of the past,” Mr. Topley cautioned.
Turning to long-term commitments, the Director said it was necec.-.i. ry to re-examine the Schools Building Programme in the light of fir.:.nci?l forecasts, the probable rate of development of the new towns and their forecast demographic characteristics in order to determine how many schools could and should be built and where.
f,These forecasts together with the guidelines laid down in the White Paper on Secondary Education for the appropriate mix of schools will decide what will be the proportions of asymmetrical, grammar and technical schools.
tJThis will be the mechanism by which we first phase out bought places and, second, reduce extended day and flotation to a reasonable minimum.
/‘•It ’..ill bo .. .....
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 33 -
"It will be a long and difficult job but, in the long run, we must rely on the Schools Building Programme, for a sufficient stock of purpose-built schools provides the right educational environment for improving standards and for introducing constructive change into the educational system," Mr. Topley said.
The Education Department was committed to a programme of continuous adjustment and improvement of the new curriculum for Forms 1 to J to meet the proven needs of schools.
"But, like the Schools Building Programme, comprehensive application of these improvements and adjustments, required to achieve a basic junior secondary education for all, will take time and resources.
"And it is of course vital to win the support of the schools," Mr. Topley emphasised.
Pointing out that much work had been done in establishing the range of choices for introducing the technical/practical element into schools, the Director said it was now clear that an effective solution would be expensive by any route.
As a priority in technical education Mr. Topley said that maximum use should be made of the three technical institutes. Another two were being built.
"The recent enactment of the Apprenticeship Ordinance ensures that I am continually reminded of the need to provide the right day-relecse courses for the young apprentices whose employers will soon be sending them to the technical institutes, which were after all specially designed for this purpose," Mr. Topley said.
/While the Education ......
Wednesday, April 7, 197$
While the Education Department had undertaken to provide places in Forms 5 *-n ^ke public sector for 40 per cent of the 15-16 age yroup for those most capable of benefiting, the Director said it was also important to provide the right kind of vocationally oriented education or training for the substantial proportion of Form 5 leavers who obtained employment but who wanted to advance themselves through educational means.
”Kere again the further development of the technical institutes and the need to make them attractive and exciting places spring to mind.
”Much thought is being given to this whole area in considering the scale, nature and degree of selectivity which we should apply to the education to be provided in the public after Form Mr. Topley said.
The Director stated that one of his long-term tasks ac tc n:.ke adequate provision for teachers.
*rv7e have al’..’ays recognised that the backbone of the educational system must be the body of trained teachers working in it and over the years very substantial efforts have been made to build and staff Colleges of Education and to provide the appropriate number of teachers to man the sy_ten,,: he said.
Although steps were taken in 1972 to calculate the right output of teachers to meet the secondary expansion programme, what was rot known r.t the time was precisely how the expansion was to be effected.
’•How it is plain that our initial, I repeat initial thrust must be through the buying of places in private schools we are faced with a real difficulty,1’ Mr. Topley said.
/The number of ••••••
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 35 -
The number of children entering primary schools has dropped fcrt. xor than could be predicted ?t the time when decisions were made and financial circumstances do not permit primary classes to shrink permanently to i size which would enable all graduating teachers to be easily and imnedi?tely absorbed.
"ThuSf •lMr. Topley said, fIWe are faced this year with a surplus of serving teachers and of graduates from Colleges of Education."*
The Director v/as confident that serving teachers could be absorbed into the primary system through retirements and wastage, and into the secondary system through expansion«
He said that some of the graduates of Colleges of Education would also find jobs in aided primary schools and in aided secondary schools but there would be a substantial body of others for whom there would bo :o place in aided schools.
f:I am offering to 250 of these graduates a third year course n the Colleges which will enable them to improve their qualifications but ot all will feel able to t?!:e up this offer and I may well be faced with a surplus of 300 or 400 teachers - it is impossible to be more exact -who will require to seek work in private schools or on the general labour market," Mr. Topley said.
While this was far from satisfactory, the Director emphasised that :,the Government has never accepted an obligation to find jobs in the aided sector for all graduating teachers; other school, Polytechnic or University graduates might well ask for a similar guarantee."
/The Education ......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
The Education Department will be organising a placement service to see th-.t as many as possible get jobs in teaching, with cle. r ri rity being given to these graduates over unqualified seekers of teaching posts in all schools.
Mr. Topley said he would be seeking funds from the Fin .nee Committee to maintain the complement of primary classes at a level such th-.t another 220 graduating teachers would find posts in aided primary school>.
‘‘This means that the number of graduates unable to get posts in aided schools would no longer be of the order of 300 or 400 and dependent on the success of various measures could be very much less,1 hr. Topley said.
He continued: ,;I should add that the problem is not likely to recur; new teaching opportunities will open up as our secondary educ-.tior programme gets under ray.i:
The Director said he had taken steps to set up a small central planning unit within the Education Department to carry out those t. .cks i? .. co-ordinated manner.
;,In addition I must rise consider, in the light of our immediate experience, whether a measure of re-organisation will be required in the Department its:lf,i: Mr. Topley said.
The Director then answered specific points raised by Unofficial Membor/:..
He said he had taken serious note of the call by Mrs. Joyce Symons for a wider and more inclusive conception of accountability within the educational system.
/Replying to......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 37 -
Replying to Mr. Alex Wu’s call for a more scrupulous examination of arrangements for technical education and in particular for pre-voc tional schoolsj Mr. Topley said: "The fact is that we shall be moving from a total of 11,000 to a total of 18,000 places in pre-vocational schools by 1980 and we shall soon be seeking the approval of the Finance Committee of this Council for this facet of our plans for expanding secondary education." He added: "It is exceedingly true that we must aim for the right balance of general and technical education and must co-ordinate our efforts, so that there is an economical progress from technical education in the schools to the technical institutes, the Polytechnic /nd the Universities."
In response to Dr. S.Y. Chung’s call on a recent occasion for a co-ordin?.ting body to examine and progress technical education as e "iole, Mr. Tooley said: "We are moving towards the establishment of a technical education steering group in association v/ith the Board of Education."
Answering Dr. Harry Fang, Mr. Topley said: ”1 must admit frankly to my failure to carry through on time the programme of special education approved by the Finance Committee of this Council and I must further state that I cannot give him the assurances for which he has ouite properly asked. The position is that we h^ve a target but lack some tools esse.txal to moot it; in particular we need a pay and career structure for tea criers i.' special education. A comprehensive Code of Aid, the instrument of such <. structure, has been drafted but has not yet been brought to the point of approval.” ----------------------------------0----------
/38......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 38 -
NARCOTICS EXPERT DUE HERE THIS MONTH
********
A leading international narcotics expert will arrive here next month “to help us get a more accurate picture of the number of addicts in Hong Kong, and to improve our methods of data-collection and analysis in this field,“ the Secretary for Security, the Hon. Lewis Davies, told the Legislative Council today.
During the course of his consultancy, the expert would also advise Hong Kong on means of evaluating success-r^tes between the different types of treatment programmes now available.
Mr. Davies disclosed this when he replied to points raised by his Unofficial Colleagues during the resumed budget debate.
The Hon. Hilton Cheong-leen had drawn attention to the large number of drug addicts in prison and mentioned the reported existence of 80,000 to 100,000 drug addicts in Hong Kong.
In reply, the Secretary for Security said the figure of 100,000 addicts in Hong Kong was a well publicised estimate which it had as yet not been possible to confirm by any satisfactory fact-based data.
“The only hard facts we have are that there are about 35,000 unduplicated names on the Central Register of Drug Addicts maintained by my Branch, and there are about 10,000 addicts receiving treatment in either government or voluntary institutions, in clinics and in after-care: this is about 700 more than for the corresponding period last year,” he said.
Based on available statistics, Mr. Davies agreed that there could be some connection between narcotics addiction and crime, although at present “we lack more specific and detailed background data on which to base policy decisions”.
• • « • •
/To remedy
Wednesday, April* 7, 1976
- 39
To remedy this deficiency, he said, the Police were at present investigating the feasibility of a study of recidivism, which would include the relationsnip between drug addiction and crime.
"In addition e Working Party chaired by the Commissioner for Narcotics is finalising its report on the treatment of minor drug offenders, after studying what alternatives may be available for dealing with them other than by imprisonment. The report should be available for study by the Government within the next few months," he said.
Turning to triad activities in prisons, Mr. Davies said the majority of offenders not only in prisons but also in other penal institutions had had triad affiliations of varying degrees.
Despite this situation, he said, every effort was made to minimise triad activity in institutions.
He described as exaggerated a suggestion that “triad members exercise a second level of command".
On measures to curb nacotics activities in prisons, Mr. Davies said the Prisons Department had three laboratories for urine testing and in all institutions random samples were constantly being taken for checking.
xie added that this task was tackled with vigour and determination.
In January, he said, more than 50 per cent of the prison po£)ulf.tion in Stanley were sampled and again in February, and special searching units were constantly conducting random searches in the Prison and especially in the cells.
This, coupled witx. the spot checks involving urine testing, has greatly reduced the problem, Mr. Davies said.
/On prison .....
Wednesday, April 7» 1976
- 40
On prison industries, he said the estimated value of manufactured goods rose from ,>8.6 million in 1975-74 to about b12 million in 1975-76, roughly a 40 per cent incre se in two years.
But ne said: • <itn increased prison population we must obviously expand prison industries.”
"»ile are now in the process of working up proposals for submission to Finance Committee,'’ he added. “In doing so we shall most certainly take into account the suggestion that we might dras on the expertise of businessmen and other Governments to help in formulating the plans and we have contacts with the Singapore authorities on their plans.”
f
hr. Davies said, however, the main needs were a strengthened management structure in the field of prison industries, coupled with additional equipment and more worksxiop and storage space.
’‘The Prisons Department has made much progress in providing improved security and additional accommodation in its institutions. More accommodation will undoubtedly be needed and that, together with additional and expanded prison industries, is the next priorit ,” he said.
deferring to the educational qualifications of police recruits, hr. Davies said they had improved dramatically over the past three years.
He expressed the hope that the ground which had been gained could be maintained, despite '’the wider employment opportunities which arise from the more buoyant economic conditions which now exist.”
Turning to Police terms of service, he said that they were also kept under review.
He pointed out that in 1973 there were 540 rank and file resignations. In spite of the considerable expansion of the Force over the last two years, there were only 184 resignations in 1974 and 178 in 1975*
/On the .....
V/ednesday, April 7, 1976
- M -
On the arrangements for voting funds for rewards for informers, Mr. Davies said that the Commissioner of Police was satisfied with the present arrangements.
He gave an assurance thst, if circumstances changed, "we shall be quick to react to them."
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Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- ^2
FRESH ACTION TO REDUCE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
*********
The Commissioner for Transport is looking for a suitable off-stroet site for learner motorcyclists, the Secretary for the Environment, the Hon. James Robson, told the Legislative Council today.
With such facilities, he said it might be possible to inculcate some sense of responsibility into learner drivers during their training period.
He felt that rather than trying to reduce the number of motorcycles by fiscal means or by making it more difficult to obtain a motorcycle driving licence, a more fruitful line of action to reduce the number of accidents involving these vehicles would be "the provision of bettor lerner facilities and the requirement that no learner should be allowed on the street, on a motorcycle, until he had passed a basic test."
He said he hoped the Transport Department would be able to find and arrange this off-street site for learner drivers.
Speaking in the resumed budget debate, Mr. Robson pointed out that although nine per cent of all licensed vehicles were motorcycles, the reported fatal or injury accidents involving motorcycles was 20 per cent of the total accident figure last year.
And more alarming, he added, was the fact that over t is period the number of motorcyclists prosecuted for dangerous and careless driving almost doubled — "an indication that, as a class, motorcyclists are becoming increasingly irresponsible."
On the question of controlling the operation of shops hiring out motorcycles, the Secretary said it would be difficult to do so through legislation as those shops usually sold motorcycles, and it w uld be sim le to hire the vehicles under the cover of making them available for testdriving with a view to purchase.
/Mr. Robson .....
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- -
Mr. Robson discounted a suggestion by the Hon. T.S. Lo of legalising red-plate public cars into taxis.
The forces w ich caused public cars to act as illegal, taxis obviously demonstrated the public’s need for more taxis. ’’But, in meeting this requirement, I feel that we should still preserve the facility provided by public cars whereby it is possible to pre-book chauffeur-driven passenger cars/’ he said.
He went on to say that the Transport Advisory Committee had made a package of proposals regarding additional taxis, red-pl to public cars; taxis for outlying districts; and contract hire cars of a rather different hue from the present public cars.
These proposals, he added, were under consideration by the Executive Council and it would be presumptuous for him to elaborate further.
’’Nevertheless, I hope to be in a position to do so, very soon.'1
Touching on the government programme of action against industrial undertakings now existing in non-industrial buildings, Mr. Robson said the problem was a complex one which would require ingenuity to solve.
”It will also require careful handling - and one thing is certain, there will have to be full co-operation between the private sector and the government. It is, however, too early to predict what the final solution will be.”
He said stage I of the programme began on March 1 with action being taken now against those dangerous and obnoxious undertakings operating in nonindustrial buildings, against any industrial undertakings operating in purely residential buildings and against any such undertakings attempting to start up in a new non-industrial building.
”It will, of course, be necessary to assess and take into account the success of stage I when subsequent stages are being planned,- he said.
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/44......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 4A
EMPLOYMENT OF PART-TIME PRIVATE DOCTORS NO SOLUTION TO GOVERNMENT STAFFING PR03LEM — DR. CHCA * * * * * * * ♦
The Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. the Hon. Gerald Choa, has refuted claims that lack of opportunity for training and research is one of the reasonsfor doctors leaving government service.
Speaking at the resumed Budget Debate in the Legislative Council this afternoon, he said that in a large department such as the Medical and Health Department it must be expected that there would be at any time some medical officers leaving for a variety of reasons and others coming to the service.
The resignation rate fluctuates from time to time over the years.
Since January this year, 83 medical officers of all grades have given notice that they will be leaving the service, of which 18 are proceeding on normal retirement, 14 on completion of agreement, 23 are enigrting, 12 are going into private practice, five are taking up other employment and eleven for no stated reason.
The Director emphasised that these departures took effect over a period of a few months.
Furthermore, during this period 38 doctors have been recruited and by the end of June this year, 118 interns will have finished their internship. If past experience is any indication, at least between 70 to 80 per cent of these interns can be expected to join government service.
Dr. Choa pointed out of the 83 doctors who had l.ft or were leaving, only ten were either consultants or senior officers with higher qualifications.
/‘There is no......
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 45 -
"There is no difficulty in replacing them by promoting others with similar qualifications, ” he added.
Dr. Choa said he did not accept that lack of opportunity for training and research ,:inhibits a medical career in the public service". He stressed that opportunities existed for government medical officers who had the required aptitude and capacity to undertake post-graduate training with a view to specialisation.
He said the complaint that training facilities and prosp. cts for promotion in government medical service were lacking was usually - r. excuse and not a reason for leaving.
He pointed out that in the commissioning of Princess Hargaret Hospital ©lone, 31 posts on the senior medical officer and consultant level were filled by promotion.
"I would not like to think that either work or pay would deter nyone who is set on making a career in government medical service," e s id.
Taking all factors into account, Dr. Choa said that the enyyement of private doctors on a part-time basis, especially of specialists, would not contribute significantly to a solution of the department’s staffing problem.
The Director .also com rented on the suggestion that in order to relieve pressure upon hospital space, the community nursing service should be developed.
He said: ;,The idea per se is of course commendable but I must joint out that our policy is largely influenced by two important factors which will continue to prevail for this decade: firstly, to relieve the overcrowding of our hopsitals w ich reflects that there are still many disease conditions to be treated in hospital and not at home, and secondly, to provide complementary hospital services parallel with the development of i ■ to./ns.
Wednesday, April 7, 1976
- 46
Also because of the shortage of nurses, he said, the priority must be to man existing institutions and those being constructed under the devol opment progr? -.mme.
It should not be forgotten, however, that some of the functions which would be provided under the community nursing service were already undertaken by the health visiting service and the maternal and child ealth service, he said.
Strictly speaking, Dr. Choa said, nurses would require special training before they were qualified for this type of work and the period recommended was at least 12 weeks.
The Director said the question whether those services now provided by the non-.overnment sector should be subverted and extended would be disci, sod during the next session of the Medical Development Advisory Committee.
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A7....
Wednesday, April 7, 1976 - 47 -
MB. K.S. LO RE-APPOINTED hS CONSUMER COUNCIL CHAIRMAN ******
The Government announced today that Mr. K.S. Lo has been re-appointed as Chairman of the Consumer Council with effect from April 8, 1976. Also reappointed as members of the Council are Mr. Cham Yau-sum, Mr. Ho Sai-chu, Mr. Gallent Y.T. Ho, Mrs. Lee Lo Yuk-sim, Mr. Shum Choi-sang, Mrs. Sieh Lo Lau-sim and Mr. wu Kv/ok-cheung.
Three new members have been appointed and will take office on the same date. They are, Mr. Marvin K.T. Cheung, Mr. Leung Chi-kin and Mrs. Man Lok Hang-choi. One or two other appointments to the Council may be announced during the next few days.
Commenting on the membership of the new Council, a Government spokesman thanked the outgoing members, Mr. Edmund W.H. Chow, Mrs. Kong Fung Yuen-yee, Mr. Ng Ki, Mrs. Tan Ying Chee-mei and Mr. Yip Yam-fong for their contributions during the past year and regretted that they were unable to continue their service on the Council because of other heavy commitments.
Mr. Cheung is an accountant with Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. Mr. Leung works in the sales department of the Hong Kong Telephone Co. and is the Chairman of a Mutual Aid Committee in Central where he lives. Mrs. Man, a housewife with five children, is also the Chairman of a Mutual Aid Committee in Oi Man Estate.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Thursday, April 8, 1976
Contents Page No.
Royal Hong Kong Regiment gets new commander ........................... 1
Water interruption in Sham Shux Po .................................... 1
Social Welfare Department to hold exhibition on ’Opportunities for
Youth’ scheme ........................................................ 2
A #2,500 donation to Chik Keng Village .................. .......... 5
Demolition notices served on Sha Tin shopowners....................... 4
Foreman retires after 26 years with P.W.D............................... 6
assistant Commissioner of Banking appointed ............................ 6
Parking meters to make way for M.T.R.................................... 7
Press conference on Child Care Centres Ordinance..................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Thursday, April 8, 197$ - 1 -
NEJ COMMANDING OFFICER FOR ROYhL HONG KONG REGIMENT
Tne Royal liong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) is to have a new Commanding Officer.
He is Lt.-Colonel t.F. Gregson, h*B.E., of the Royal Tank Regiment who will take over command on Monday,- April 12. ne will be here for two and a half years.
Lt.-Col. Gregson, who is married and has two children, has come to Hong Kong from the Junior Division of the Staff College at Warminster in Wiltshire, England, where he was an instructor.
Prior to that posting he was Second-in-Command of the Royal Yeomanry Regiment to which the Royal Hong Kong Regiment is affiliated.
Lt.-Col. Heywood, the first Volunteer for 20 years to hold the post of Commanding Officer,will on handing over the command transfer to the Reserve of Officers where, through his Reserve Officer tasks, he will maintain a continuing link with the Regiment. Lt.-Col. Heywood, who has commanded the Regiment for two and a half years, was appointed an O;B.E. (Military) in the last New Year Honours list.
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’WATER CUT
water supply to a number of premises in Sham Shui Po will be interrupted between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Saturday (April 10) to enable the ’Waterworks Office to carry out a leakage test.
The area affected is bounded by Po On Road, Pratas Street, Un Chau Street, Tonkin Street, Castle Peak Roc.d and Cheung Fat Street.
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/2......
Thursday, April 8, 197^*
- 2 -
EXHIBITION ON ’OPiOHTUNITIBG FOR YOUTH* SCHEME *#*«**«*
a three-day exhibition on the Social Welfare Department’s < .
“Opportunities for Youth Scheme'* will be held .at the Main Concourse of the Ocean Terminal from Saturday (April 10).
The Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee, will open the exhibition at.11 a.m. ..........
The exhibition, organised by the Group and Community Work Division of the Social Welfare Department, is to show the various community service projects initiated by young people.
Thirty.-eignt projects will be displayed including programmes for the handicapped, projects for the elderly, recreational activities for the children, c.nd services for rural people.
Representatives from the participating units will be on hand to answer questions from the public.
The “Opportunities for Youth Scheme" is an innovative youth project launched by the Social Welfare Department through its Community and Youth Officers. It is aimed at encouraging young people to take an active part in community affairs.
**«**«*»
Note to Editors:
You are cordially invited to cover the opening ceremony to be held at the Main Concourse of the Ocean Terminal at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
/3......
- - o
Thursday, April 8, 1976
1)
A $2,500 DONATION TO CHIK KENG VILLAGE
****41*41*
Mr. Edward Nichols, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries and Registrar of Co-operative societies, has donated a cheque for $2,55^*52 to the Sai Kung (North) Chik Keng Village for the maintenance and repairs of its water supply scheme.
The donation was received by Mr. Chiu Man-ching and Mr. Cheng Tin-f00k, representatives of the village.
The money came from the surplus remaining upon the liquidation of the former Sai Kung (North) Chik Keng Village Pig basing Co-operative Society, Ltd.
The co-operative society was registered in 1955 and went into voluntary dissolution in 1972 as pig-raising had declined in this area.
Due to the good management of the Society, a surplus remained after all its liabilities had been met.
The Registrar of Co-operative Societies is empowered by the Co-operative Societies Ordinance to use the remaining surplus for any co-operative purpose at his discretion.
On the recommendation of the former members of the Society, the Registrar decided to donate the money to the Chik Keng Village for the maintenance of water pipes.
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A.......
Thursday, April 8, 1976
4
DEMOLITION NOTICES SERVED ON SHA TIN MARKET BUSINESSES
********
Demolition notices have been served on the operators of 28 shops and restaurants and 14 wall stalls in Sha Tin market.
'The notices were issued yesterday (Wednesday) by staff of the Housing Department.
The businesses are to be cleared in June to make way for the ' widening of Tai Po Road to’improve communications between Sha Tin and Tai Po The notices said that, as the businesses were occupying an area scheduled for clearance by June 16, the operators were to demolish the structures they were' at present occupying and vacate the site before this date.
The shop owners were offered the opportunity to take part in a restricted tender on March JO for shops in the commercial complex of the Lek Yuen Housing Estate, Sha Tin, but none turned up to participate.
In a letter dated yesterday (Wednesday) to the shopkeepers from the District Office, regret was expressed at their failure to tender for the estate shops. The letter added: “It is assumed that you will be making your own arrangements to continue your business elsewhere.” It also pointed out that there was no question of postponing the clearance, stating: ’’The Tai Po Road improvement contract commenced on March 1, 1976 and the Government is obliged under the terms of the contract to hand over vacant possession of the piece of land which you are now occupying in June 1976.”
It said that the clearance date had now been set and appropriate action would be taken to obtain vacant possession of the site. Operators were requested to co-operate by vacating the area before this date. Part of the land occupied by the shops was resumed by the Government some years ago; the remaining portion reverts to the Crown later this month.
/A spokesman ••
Thursday, April 8, 1976
5
A spokesman for the New Territories Administration said that, although these shops had been in existence for some time they were nonetheless in temporary builuings, which had been erected some years ago on agricultural l.nd. ''They were set up to provide temporary shopping facilities for the residents of bha Tin," the spokesman said, ubut a New Town provided much needed housing is now being developed and all temporary huts in the area will eventually have to be cleared."
However, he added, because the operators of shops and restaurants in Gha Tin market had been running successful businesses for such a long time, speci 1 arrcJigements had been made by the Government to enable them to tender for shops in the modern commercial complex in Lek Yuen Estate.
'•‘Recently, the Housing Authority invited tender applications for
Lek Yuen Estate shops, other than those put aside for the shopkeepers to be cleared from Sha Tin market, and considerable interest was shown,” the spokesman said. i5./e think therefore that the Housing Authority, by agreeing to reserve units for these shopkeepers, has provided them with an excellent opportunity to continue in business profitably and to benefit from the growth of the town. In addition, because of the size of some of the shops to be cleared, the Government has agreed to waive altogether the normal ceiling of w20,000 for ex-gratia payments.”
A gre.t deal of clearance on both sides of the market area has already taken lace in connection with the widening of Tai Po xtoad.
Thursday, April 8, 1976
6
P.'.i.D. FOPEhaN xteTIitES
********
Mr. Ng Yip-keung, Foreman I of the Public Eorks Department’s Electrical and Mechanical Oifice, is retiring this week after twenty—six years’ service.
To mark the occasion, the cting Principal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, Mr. G.J. Osborne, will present him with a retirement gift tomorrow (Friday) on behalf of his colleagues.
Mr. Ng first joined the P.j.D. in November 19^9 as a daily-rated welder, and was subsequently promoted to Artisan I and later to Foreman III.
In 1964-, he -..gained further promotion to Foreman II and four years later to his present post of Foreman I.
********
Note to Editors:
You are cordially invited to cover the presentation. It will be held at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) in the Canteen of E. & M. Office, 2nd floor, Caroline Hill.
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banking Commission appoh^tments
********
The Commissioner of Banking, Mr. Tony Ockenden, today announced the appointment of Mr. Colin Martin as Assistant Commissioner of Banking and hr. Gordon C.s. Leung as Chief Bank Examiner with effect from April 1, 1976.
These new posts replace the old post.. of Chief Banking Inspector and Senior Banicing Officer, which are no;? abolished.
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/7......
Thursday, April 8, 1976
7
METERS TO MOVE FOR MTR
******
The metered parking spaces off Lambeth Walk to the north of the Murray Road multi-storey car park will all be cancelled from 8 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, April.9, 1976).
At the same time the metered parking area to the east of the hurray Road multi-storey car park will also be closed, apart from an area to be reserved for about 140 motorcycles.
These two areas will be handed over to the MTR contractors on April 12 to be used as work sites.
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PRESS CONFERENCE ON CHILD C.*RE CENTRES ORDINANCE
*******
Note to Editors:
The Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee, will explain details of the new Child Care Centres Ordinance and Regulations at a press conference to be held at the GIS Theatre at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Friday).
Miss Nancy Chow, Principal Social Welfare Officer, and Mr. Carlos Leung, Social Welfare Officer, will also be present.
You are cordially invited to send your representatives to cover the
event
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Friday, April 9» 1976
CONTENTS
Page flo*
Legislation for control of child care centres effective from June 1 ...................................................
Amendment proposed for Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance •• Hong Kong congratulates new Prime Minister ...............
Women’s welfare club praised for its community services ..
Biennial competition for Auxiliary Medical Service on Sunday •••• Arran Street Eye Clinic temporarily closed ...............
Lions Club donation for environmental study projects .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5*233191
Friday, April 9, 1976
1
CHILD CAKE CENTRES ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE ON JUNE 1 **»««***
The Child Care Centres Ordinance providing for the registration, control and inspection of child c..re centres will come into operation on June 1 this year.
This was announced by the Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee, today (Friday). He said: "Parents who need child care services should approach the centres th^t are registered with the Social Welfare Department where their children will be properly looked after." . * ■ .**
All child care centres that are at present in operation must • ’ • • • register within 12 months after the implementation of the Ordinance, that is, before May JO, 1977. However, they will be allowed sufficient time to comply with the full conditions of registration.
"A phased approach will be adopted whereby centres will be able to meet the requirements in stages over a period of three years," Mr. Lee noted.
Under the Ordinance, a child care centre is defined as any premises in which there are under care more than five children below the age of six and not of the same family.
"Before a centre is registered, certificates as to the suitability of the premises for use as a child care centre will be required from the Director of Fire Services and the Director of Public Works or the Housing Authority or the Building Authority," he said.
/Social .....
Friday, April 9, 197o
2
Social Welfare Officers and Government Medical Officers will be appointed as inspectors and medical officers will be vested with the authority to enter and inspect any child care centre premises, examine records and require to be furnished with any information.
Mr. Lee noted that the standards which registered child care centres were expected to meet had been laid down in the Child Care Centres Regulations.
Centres are required to have on duty one staff member for every six resident children. For non»resident children, the ratio is one for every six children under two years of age and one for every 14 who are two years or older.
In day care, children under two must have 30 sq.ft of space each and those aged two or over 20 sq.ft. In the case of overni ht care, it will be 35 sq.ft irrespective of age.
The Director said that regular fire drills were required. •Powers of entry into registered child care centre premises and adjacent premises are given to officers of the Fire Services Department to check on fire safety measures.
The regulations also cover health and sanitation matters including latrines and washing facilities, the proper preparation of fo ;d, furniture and equipment, and the medical examination of children and persons employed in child care centres.
Referring to the phased implementation of the Ordinance, Er. Lee said the first stage would take place within one year of the enactment of
/the legislation. ..
Friday, April 9, 1976
3
legislation. ’’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 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 a target of trained staff.
”Within three years, all staff must have obtained the required minimum academic qualifications.”
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 can be obtained from 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 and Community and Youth Centres of the Social Welfare Department.
Detailed information on the Ordinance and the Code of Practice for child care centre operators are available at the office of the Child Care Centres Inspectorate, 21, Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun.
Friday, April 9, 1976
- 4 -
AMENULH'ITS TC COBRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE s|t*«***>|<*
The Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance is to be amended to enable a person involved in a corrupt or illegal practice to give evidence against another party without being regarded as an accomplice to the act.
The proposed amendments are contained in the Corrupt and Illegal Practices (Amendment) Bill 1976 which is published in today’s gazette.
Under this Bill two new sections are to be added to the principal Ordinance > one relating to the corrupt and the other to the illegal practices covered by the Ordinance.
These new sections follow a similar provision of the.Prevention of Bribery Ordinance section 22. which provides that a person giving or receiving a bribe should not be regarded as an accomplice when action is being ta^en agajnst the other person involved.
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Friday, April 9, 1976
- 5 -
H.K. CONGRATULATES NEj PkINE MINISTER ON APPOINTMENT
********
The Governor, Sir hurray MacLehose, has sent a message to the new Prime Minister, Fir. James Callaghan, congratulating him on his appointment.
The Governor was replying to a message from Mr. Callaghan on leaving the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Prime Minister sent his ’’warm appreciation of the services you and your administration have given and continue to give in the interests of the people of Hong Kong.”
Mr. Callaghan added: ”1 am only sorry that as things have turned out I have not had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong as Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.”
In his message, Sir Murray said: ”Your kind message has been appreciated by all concerned in the administration of Hong Kong. They join me in congratulating you on your appointment as Prime Minister and in wishing you and Mrs. Callaghan well in No. 10 Downing Street.”
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/6
Friday, April 9, 1976
- 6 -
WOMEN'S WELFARE CLUB PRAISED
********
The Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee, today cor.mer.ded the Western District Women's Welfare Club for the many services it provided for the community.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Club’s 13th Term Office-Bearers at the City Hell, he said, the Club, since it was established 11 years ago, had been making outstanding achievements in the field of social wel_ .re and education under the able guidance of its women leaders.
Mr. Lee noted that the services operated by the Club benefitted not only the housewives and working women in the district but also the young and old alike.
He said that the office-bearers of previous years had all been very enthusiastic in promoting the welfare of the public, contributing botn money and efforts. He was sure the coming members would do the same,
Mr. Lee vzished them every success and said the Social Welfare Department would do its best to support the Club in promoting welfare services
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/7
Friday, April 9, 197&
- 7 -
AMS TO HOLD PROFICIENCY COMPETITION
********
The Auxiliary Medical Service, with a membership now exceeding 6^000, wjll hold its biennial Competition Finals in the sports ground of Kowloon Hospital, Argyle Street on Sunday (April 11).
Events in the Finals will include inspection of uniform and equipmentt squad drills, stretcher drills and first aid and nursing* The AMS sub-units which have won the Regional Competitions will take part in the Finals.
Regional Competitions started as early as October last year when 45 ambulance depot teams and 38 auxiliary nurses teams competed for many trophies awarded for various aspects of proficiency.
Trophies for both Regional and the Final Competitions were donated by the present and former Unit Controllers of the Service. These include the MacKenzie Shield presented by Dr. D.J.M. Mackenzie, the Teng Cup by Dr. P.--. Teng, and the Peggy Choa Shield by Dr. Gerald Choa.
Other trophies were also received from senior officers of the Medical and Health Department and other social dignitaries, including the Lady FUNG Ping-fan Cup, the Tse Long-chiu Cup and the K.C. Wong Cup.
Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps will act as judges for all fi ngl events and the AMS Band will provide music for the occasion.
Dr. Gerald Choa, Director of Medical and Health Services and currently the ANS Unit Controller, will present the trophies.
Note to Editors: The competitions will begin at 9 a.m. and last
until 11.30 a.m. You are invited to cover the occasion. -------------------------0----------
Friday, April 9, 19?S
- 8 -
ARRAN STREET EYE CLINIC TEMPORARILY CLOSED ' • ।■ • • r r ...
**********
Work has begun on building an additional floor on the existing Arran Street Eye Clinic in Kowloon, providing accommodation for various kinds of medical facilitiesi
The additional floor, when completed in about six months, will be used for a special clinic for assessing the physically and mentally disabled. It will also house an ear mould laboratory and a child development study clinic.
.• A spokesman for the Medical and Health Departrient said today
that because of the construction work the existing eye clinic sessions will be closed for about three months.
During this period, patients attending the Arran Street Eye Clinic will be seen at the Yau Ma Tei Polyclinic during the morning sessions.
/°
Friday, April 9, 1976
9
$20,000 LIONS’ DONATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
«*****#»
The Deputy Director of Education (Professional), Mr. Ho Nga-ning,
will tomorrow receive contribution of $20,000 from the District Governor,
Lions International, District 503, Mr. Chauncey Ng, for two environmental studies projects to be carried out by pupils.
One of the projects, ’’Shore Watch", is to be launched later this month while the other, "Practical Aquatic Ecology", will begin in early Kay. The second project is a continuation of the "Clean Water Survey1, in 1973.
The presentation of the Lions’ contribution will take place at the
Tung Koon District Society Fong Shu Chuen School in Tung Koon Street, Yau fe Tei, Kowloon.
It will be part of a ceremony during which prizes will be presented
to winners of the Ninth School Vegetable Planting Competition sponsored jointly by the Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc. (Hong Kong) and Lions.
At the ceremony Lions gardening kits will be presented to 9C participating schools.
Prizes will also be distributed to winners of the School Children
Flower Growing Competition, which was held in support of the recent Ninth annual Urban Council Flower Show.
Note to Editors; You are invited to cover the ceremony, which will begin at 3 tomorrow.
Among the Government officials taking part are two Assistant Directors of Education, Mr. Arthur Brown and Mr. Lam Tat-lau, also present will be the Director of Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc. (Hong Kong), Mr. Daniel Roth.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Saturday, April 10, 1976
Contents Page No,
Promotion of environmental education in Hong Kong .................. 1
New law preventing spread of plant pests and diseases coming into effect on May 1 ...................................................... 3
Kowloon City District athletic meet .................................. 4
Some 200,000 people benefit from youth scheme ........................ 5
’’Meet the Media” session........................................... 6
Youth leadership camp organised for summer holiday................. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Saturday, April 10, 197$
- 1 -
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG
******
The Education Department, together with a number of other Government departments, voluntary agencies and firms, have been promoting environmental education in Hong Kong, the Deputy Director of Education (Professional), Mr. Ho Nga-ming, said this afternoon.
He was speaking at the joint prize-giving ceremony of the school vegetable planting competition and the school children flower growing competition.
hr. Ho thanked Mr. Chauncey Ng, District Governor, Lions International, District 303 < for a donation of <#20,000 for two environmental studies projects -"Shore watch" which will be launched later this month and "Practical Aquatic Ecology" which will begin in early May.
Environmental studies projects organised by the Education Department in recent years include tree- ilanting festivals, school forestry work camps and training camps for student conservation leaders. With the co-operation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department conservation talks were given to students.
In addition, the Department was responsible for organising the Clean vJater Survey and the Pure Air Survey which were sponsored by two firms.
Mr. Ho said that more than 50,000 pupils had taken part in the school vegetable planting competitions. The etude ts come from 90 participating schools in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.
He thanked the Lions’ for donating gardening kits to the schools, thus enabling the students to continue with their practical gardening work. This fitted very well with the aims of teaching environmental studies in relation to nature study and rural science in primary schools.
/This year .....
Saturday, April 10, 1976
2
This year pupils from 56 schools took part in the school children flower growing competition, Mr. Ho said.
********
Note to Editors:
Copies of the lists of prize-winners are distributed separately in the G.I.S. press boxes.
--------0----------
/3
Saturday, April 10, 1976
3
NW LAV/ PiiEVENTING SPREAD GF PLANT PESTS AND DISEASES
*«»»****
The Plant (Importation and Pest Control) Ordinance 1976, which aims at preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases by controlling the importation of plants and soil, will come into effect from fey 1.
The new law gives legislative effect to the Plant Protection Agreement ior South East Asia,-the terms of which Hong Kong is committed to comply.
Under the Ordinance, the importation of certain plants will only be allowed subject to quarantine.
These plants are rubber, tree cotton, sterculia, cocoa, maize, tea, pineapple, citrus, sweet potato » banana, cotton, groundnut and rice.
All other plants require only an import licence issued b the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries and a valid phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country.
Application for the required licence, for which no fee is charged, may be made by writing to the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Canton Road Government Offices, Canton Road, Kowloon.
A spokesman for the department said, however, there was no restriction on the importation of cut flowers, fruits and vegetable for consumption, grains, seeds and spices for human and animal consumption or for industrial, use, timber, dried tobacco and manufactured articles incorporating dried lenvs.
/Importation of
Saturday, April 10, 1976
4
Importation of seeds for propagation is allowed provided that they are accompanied by a valid phytosanitary certificate. However, importation of plants, plant pests and soil in transit or transshipment is permitted provided they are securely packed.
Any person who contravenes any provision of this Ordinance is liabl on conviction to a fine of 310,000 and to imprisonment for six months.
For further information please contact the Plant Regulatory Ur.it of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department on Tel. No. >-688111, Ext- 2J5*
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ATHLETIC MEET IN KOWLOON CITY
********
The finals of the second Kowloon City District athletic meet will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at Kowloon Tsai Park, Kowloon City.
The athletic meet is jointly organised by the City District Office (Kowloon City), the Kowloon City District Youth Services Council and the Education Department.
More than 1,400 youths in Kowloon City participated in the 110 sports events, which began on March 21.
The prize-giving ceremony will be officiated by Mr. Michael Caswell, Principal Education Officer (Physical Education), and Miss Betty Mair, Principal Recreation and Sports Officer of the Education Department.
Note to Editors: Media representatives are cordially invited to
cover the meet, which starts at 9 a.m. The prize-giving ceremony will be held at >30 p.m.
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/5
Saturday, April 10, 1976.
- 5 -
200,000 BENEFIT FROM YOUTH SCHEME
V W V V V W w V- M W-A A A A A 'A A
Nearly 200,000 people have benefited from the Social Welfare Department’s "Opportunities for Youth" Scheme, since it was introduced at the end of 1974* This was stated by the Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee, today when he opened an Exhibition on the scheme at the Main Concourse of the Ocean Terminal.
Mr. Lee noted that so far financial aids had been allocated to 149 projects in which more than 5»C00 young volunteers were involved.
"The expenses required for the running of these projects amounted to some .180,000 which were met by a grant of £50,000 from the Special Fund, £40,000 from the Sir Robert Hotung Charitable Fund and ,-90>000 from the Government."
The "Opportunity for Youth" Scheme, is an innovative youth project launched by the Social Welfare Department through its Group and Community Division. The Director said that the main objective of the Scheme was to promote social consciousness in young people, instil a sense of civic responsibility in them, and to encourage them to take part in community services.
"Through this Scheme, young people can apply their skills and knowledge to make plans for, and participate in, activities that are of benefit to the co munity.
"Moreover, it is through actual participation that young people will find their role in the community and appreciate the various social problems."
In the Exhibition, 38 projects are displayed, including programmes for the handicapped, projects for the elderly, recreational activities for the children and services for rural people.
’Mr. Lee said that the theme of the Exhibition was to show members of the public the various community service projects initiated and promoted by the young people. /"All the ......
Saturday, April 10, 1976
- 6 -
“All the projects displayed here are designed and mounted by the youngsters themselves,” he said.
The Director felt that young people, provided with the right opportunities and proper guidance, would be able to realise their ideals, develop their potentials and at the same time make contributions to the community.
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“HTjET HIE M~plr" SESSION
Note to Editors: A “Meet the Media” session will be held at 4 p.m.
on Wednesday (April 14/*
The Acting Director of legal Aid, Mr< T.L. von Pokorny, will attend the meeting which will take place in the G.I.C, Theatre on the fifth floor of Beaconsfield House.
You are cordially 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.
- - 0---------
Saturday, April 10, 1976
- 7 -
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP ORGANISED FOK SUMMER HOLIDAY
******
Summer will soon be with us and plans have been formulated once again to help young people make the best use of their leisure time while on vacation.
As in the past six years, the Social Welfare Department, together with the British Forces, has lined up a camping trip to help develop, the character, self-reliance and leadership qualities of selected participants in order that they may be better equipped to serve the community.
This year, two residential camps providing good opportunities for youngsters to learn a variety of leadership skills will be organised.
T^e camps, lasting 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. They are for youngsters, both boys and girls, aged between 18 and 25- There will be 120 participants for each camp. Applications are now being accepted from those interested in joinging the course.
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 (Tel. >884111 Ext. 554). The closing date for applications is May 7.
Participants will be chosen by an interview panel comprising representatives from 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 loc <1 affairs and physique. A medical examination, a physical fitness test and a swimming test are also required.
/Apart .....
Saturday, April 10, 1976
8
Apart from fun and games, the camp will offer a comprehensive programme to develop skill, common sense, physical fitness, initiative and confidence.
Subjects to be covered in the camp will include expedition, canoeingt map-reading, physical activities, rock climbing and leadership t.ra j n-i ng. A certificate will be awarded to those who participate in all the activities in the course.
The British Forces are mainly responsible for the administrative and instructional sides of the course while the Social welfare Department handles recruitment7 liaison with participants -and follow-up action such as research and assessment.
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HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY S'OSSO
»f w a
Saturday, April 10, 1976
NW HOME FOR HOUSING DEPARTMENT
******
The Applications Section of the Housing Department is to /. ve from its office at 10 Middle Road to the new Housing Authority Keadqu.?.rters next to Oi Man Estate later this month.
To prepare for the removal, the section will be closed tenpor*Tily from next Monday (April 12) to Wednesday (April 21).
It will resume its normal service in the new office on Thursday (April 22). The new address is 101 Princess Margaret Road and its telephone number will be 050212J-4. Correspondence may also be addressed to P. . ox 919^-1 Kowloon City Post Office.
The Housing Authority Secretariat and the various divisions of the Housing Department have hiterto been accommodated in offices in Ma Tau Kok Road, Middle Road, and San Po Kong.
They will all be centralised under one roof at the new headquarters building in liny to enable the department to function more efficienti . Meanwhile, Housing Department architects are putting finishin, touches to the 21-storey building situated in the heart of urban Kowloon.
Divisions and Sections of the Housing Department will gradually take up offices in the headquarters building frem next month and the removal should be completed towards to end of the month.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Sunday, April 11, 1976
BIG IMPR0V2I-ENT IN Q.E.H. CASUALTY SERVICE *********
Conditions at the extremely busy casualty department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital will be greatly improve following the recent completion of an expansion project.
Because of the increasing number of casualty attendances and to cope with the future needs envisaged in the Medical White ^aper, approval was given last year to put up additional treatment cubicles and to enlarge the waiting area in the casualty department.
Work on the project began in June last year and was completed last month at a total cost of about #500?000. The waiting area at the casualty department, which formerly could only accommodate some 40 to 50 waiting patients at any one time, has been enlarged to accommodate twice that number. The number of treatment cubicles has also been increased from 8 to 12.
A spokesman for the Medical and Health Department said today the expansion project was a big improvement in the emergency service which had recently been reinforced by the day-time casualty service of the Princess Margaret Hospital.
He pointed out that the number of casupJ.ty attendance at Queen Elizabeth Hospital rose dramatically from 112,500 in 19^3 to 242,478 xn 1975.
/On the basis ......
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
Sunday, April 11, 1976
- 2 -
On the basis of last year’s figure, the casualty attendance represented an average of 700 a day, or one patient every two minutes, he said.
The spokesman emphasised that the public must not confuse casualty service, which was for treating emergency cases, with the general out-patient service provided by government clinics.
He said that quite a large proportion of the cases seen at casualty departments should have been seen at the out-patient clinics, which were set up in almost every district throughout Hong Kong.
"Non-emergency cases turning up at the casualty department would delay treatment for those who need immediate attention," he added.
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WATER CUT IN WAN CHAI
*******
Water supply to a number of premises in Wan Chai will be turned off for five hours beginning at 1 a.m. on Tuesday (April 1?) to enable night leakage tests to be carried out.
The affected area is bounded by the east side of Canal Road East, Hennessy Road, Percival Street and Leighton Road.
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/3.......
Sunday, April 11, 1976
- 3 -
FROM CAR PARK TO FAIRGROUND
********
The Murray Barracks open-air car park will be closed from April 15 to 19 when The Association of Round Tables will hold its tenth Easter Fair there.
A Transport Department spokesman said today that the car park will close from 7 on Thursday, April 15 > and re-open at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 19.
However the exist of the Murray Barracks car park will be manned until midnight on April 15 so that car owners can remove their vehicles.
The subway from the Garden Road car park will also close at midnight on Thursday and re-open at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 19*
0 - -
Sunday, April 11, 1976
warning on illegal excavation
*********
The Housing Department today (Sunday) gave a warning that it was an offence to excavate unleased crown land without authority#
Mr. G.N. Mulloy, Assistant Director of Housing (Squatter Control)* said under provisions of the Crown Land Ordinancet any person found guilty Of such an offence is liable to a fine of $5,000 and to imprisonment for six months.
Many people have been making illegal terraces by excavation to provide a foundation for new squatter huts.
"This is a dangerous practice as it loosens the earth and breaks up the drainage system, thus endangering the life and property of those living nearby by creating the risk of floods or landslides/1’ he said.
Mr. Mulloy warned that it was also an offence under the same ordinance to excavate unleased land for erecting illegal huts.
He said: "Anyone v/ho fails to comply with a notice served by the authority to cease occupation of an unleased land before a. given date commits an offence and is liable to the maximum penalty of a fine of 310,000 and imprisonment for six months."
Recently, a case of excavation was brought before a Tsuen Wan Magistrate in which the two defendants were each sentenced to a fine of $700 or imprisonment for six weeks.
The defendants, Wong Hung-kwong and Law Shing-bun, were arrested and charged after they had ignored verbal warnings by Housing Department staff to stop excavation on the slope of Yau Tong Hill.
0 - -
W —
B B
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Monday, April 12, 1976
CONTENTS
--------- N.Q
Decision on rent increase for Group B shops remains unchanged .... 1
Industri al Training and technical education must be integrated*.•.
Creditation system for technical education.......*................
Governor to start student sailing race ............................. 7
Expert in drug abuse data processing due here tomorrow ............
Water cut in North Point..........*................................
Hong Kong Technical Teachers’ College to hold first open day •••• 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
Monday, April 12, 1976
- 1 -
DECISION ON RENT INCREASE FOR GROUP B SHOPS UNCHANGED GOVERNMENT SAYS "NO” TO SHOPKEEPERS' PETITION ***,«**»
The Colonial Secretary, in his reply to a group of shopkeepers who petitioned the Governor last Friday, says that the Housing Authority's decision to introduce a small rent increase to Group B shops on month-to-month tenancies from April 1 is to stand.
'’There can be no question of delaying the increase or varying the amount of the increase, ” he added.
The letter said that the increase has had the full support of the Government and that in cash terms, for about 92 per cent of the shop tenancies operators have only to pay an extra 310 to 3J2 a month.
"His Excellency is satisfied that the increase is necessary and will not cause hardship for commercial premises'such as these, and he asks you to inform the members of your group that there can be no question of delaying the increase or varying the amount of the increase,” it added.
"The Authority’s decision is a very reasonable one and he hopes that all the shop tenants concerned will respond in a responsible munner, remembering that they have for years enjoyed - and will continue to enjcy -a highly privileged situation as tenants of these shops."
Commenting on reports that some shop tenants are worried about the cheques or cashier orders they had purchased for payment of the old rent, a spokesman for the Housing Department said they are acce.;table for rent payment purpose on condition that tenants make up the balance equivalent to the new rents.
Monday, April 12, 1976
2
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, TECHNICAL EDUCATION MUST BE INTEGRATED G -
* * * * *
Industrial training and technical education can no longer be regarded as separate entities, but must be planned as an integrated whole to achieve effectively their common aim.
The Commissioner for Lab- ur, Mr. Ian Price, stressed this today (Monday) at the opening of the Hong Kong- Cotton Spinners’Association’s Pre-vocational School.
He pointed out that close co-operation existed between the Labour Department and the Education Department in the related fields of industrial training and technical education.
The presence of the Deputy director of Education (Technical), Mr. Andrew Kingwell, at the ceremony was indicative of this close degree of co-operation, Mr. Price remarked.
Referring to pre-vocational education, Mr. Price said it was not an offshoot of technical education but was an integral part of it.
He went on: system is designed so that anyone with
determination and resolve can, through part-time studies, progress from one level of technical education to another, through various bridging courses.
"In the near futur.’e, it may even be possible to reach diploma status through this part-time route."
Mr. Price, however, stressed that to be qualified technically demanded mo.:e than mere book knowledge.
Practical training and experience under industrial conditions wcr. essential, he- said.
/Pointing out......
Monday, April 12, 1976
3
Pointing out that the best way to a technical career was through an apprenticeship, Mr. Price told the students that when they left the ^ssociaticrfe pre-vocational school on completing their studies, they would be ideally placed for a technical career through an approved apprenticeship.
He said that the Indus■rial Training Division of the Labour Department had encouraged and assisted employers to start proper apprenticeship schemes, in which apprentices would receive both the practical on-the-job training and the reL ted technical education by means of part-time day-relaase system.
No fewer than 210 of the 290 young people placed in craft apprecenticeship schemes last year came from pre-vocational schools, Mr. Price said.
’’Those from pro-vocational schools have a distinct advantage, particularly in that for those who entered an apprenticeship in the trades in which they specialised dur ng their pre-vocational schooling, the normal period of apprenticeship of four years is reduced to three years,” he added.
Mr. Trice predicted that because the Apprenticeship Ordinance provided for an over all expansion of apprenticeship, there would be more and more apprenticeship o portunities for young people who left pre-vocational schools.
Commenting on the ratio of gnc-ral and practical education a pre-vocational school sho Id provi e, Mr. Price said the combination of about 50^ per cent of general education and per cent of practical technical education, as was given in the Association’s pre-vocational school, was the correct mix.
/He also.....
Monday, April 12, 1976
~ 4 -
He also noted with satisfaction that the practical instruction in the school was not limited solely to textiles but provided training also in mechnacial and electrical subjects.
’’The advantage of this is that while it provides a degree of specialisation in one field, it also provides a broad knowledge of other fields and this will prepare young people either for entry into semi-skilled occupations or for additional training and technical education leading to eventual employment in a skilled occupation,” Mr. trice said.
Concluding, he said that the pupils in this Hong Kong Cotton bpin er^ Association’s Ire-vocational School were not rece ving an education inferior to a gram ar-type education, but rather were being educated to play a significant role in the industrial and economic developm nt of Hong Kong.
- - 0 - -
Monday, April 12, 1976
- 5 -
CREDITATION SYSTEM FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION
<****»*«
The Technical Branch of the Education Department is now working on a cred2.tation system which will provide a link between pre-vocational, technical institute and polytechnic courses, the Deputy Director of Education (Technical), Mr. Andrew Kingwell, said this afternoon.
He was speaking at the opening of the Cotton Spinners1 Association Pre—vocational School in Kwai Chung by the Commissioner for Labour, Mr. Ian Price.
Mr. Kingwell stressed that the curriculum in pre-vocational schools consisted of about 55 per cent general education and the practical work was split between three related trades.
:,It cannot be over-emphasised that these are not trade schools or vocational training centres.
!;They are primarily schools providing an education through the medium of practical expression. They are certainly not industrial train-in;: centres. Industrial training is the responsibility of industry,n the Deputy Director said.
At present there are seven pre-vocational schools with more than 5,000 places. Another five are planned or approved in principle.
ftThe total planned provision of this type of education will scon be increased from 11,000 places to 18,000 places,” Mr. Kingwell said.
He pointed out that at present the available pre-vocational places were over-subscribed approximately tenfold. Last year 10,976 candidates competed for 1,018 places.
/:iThis is......
Monday, April 12, 1976
6
"This is partly due to the fact that there are so few places available in relation to the general demand for education- at this level," hlr. Kingwell said.
Technical education was comparatively expensive and pro-vocational schools were no exception, he said.
"So, any f rthcr expension must be geared to public demand.
"If the public require more of this type of school, the must make their wishes known," the Deputy Director said.
He stressed that pre-* ocational education was general education primarily intended for those students who wished to find employment after three years of post-primary education. It was not terminal education.
The apprentice would be able to continue his technical education in part-time classes at technical institutes.
As a result of the Apprenticeship Ordinance this was now a requirement by law.
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Monday, April 12, 1976
- 7 -
GOVERNOR TO SThRT STUDENT SAILING RACE
********
The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, will start the final race of the inter-schools sailing events organised by the Hong Kong Schools Sailing Association at Tai Mei Tuk on Wednesday (April 14).
This coincide with the finals of the Canoeing Championships in which some 100 boys and girls will compete. The heats of the championships, organised by the Education Department, were held last weekend.
After starting the sailing race, Sir Murray will watch some of the canoeing activities before going ashore to open the Schools Sailing Association’s Sailing and Canoeing Centre.
The Governor will also present the Winners Cup for sailing and the Losers Shield to representatives of the schools concerned. He will also present to the winners of the Canoeing Championships the Challenge Shield for Boys and the Challenge Cup for Girls.
Note to Editors:
You are invited to cover the sailing and canoeing events on Wednesday (April 14). The Governor will arrive at Tai Mei Tuk, New Territories, at J. 15 p-m. on that day.
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Monday, April 12, 1976
- 8 -
DRUG ABUSE DATA EXPERT TO VISIT HUNG KONG
4>****^«*
An expert in drug abuse data processing from New York will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow (Tuesday) to assist the Government in improving its system of drug abuse data collection and processing.
The expert, Mr. B. Werbell, who is Swedish, is employed by the New York City Council as the project manager of their Health Data Processing Department. One of his main responsibilities is the management of the New York City Register of Drug Addicts, which is the largest in the United States outside Washington where a federal register is maintained.
In Hong Kong, Mr. Werbell will examine the data on drug addicts currently produced by all Government departments and voluntary agencies engaged in anti-narcotics work, and the system by which it is collected and processed. In particular, he will study the operation of the Central Registry of Drug Addicts, which was established four years ago.
At the conclusion of his study, Mr. Werbell will make a report to the Secretary for Security on how the local addict population and its characteristics can be more accurately determined, and on the ways of monitoring the effectiveness of Hong Kong’s treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
Commenting on Mr. Werbell’s consultancy, a Government spokesman said this was another important step in Government’s on-going effort to fight drug abuse.
"Accurate statistical information about the number and the characteristics of the local addict population will be invaluable in the planning of all action programmes against narcotics," he said.
/Mr. Werbell’s
Monday, April 12, 1976
- 9 -
wr, Jerbell’s consultancy is being, provided by the courtesy of the United States Government which finances hr. Werbell’s visit to Hong Kong through its National Institute on Drug Abuse. The visit will last about two and a half months.
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WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT
bait water supply to a number of premises in North Point will be turned off for five hours starting from 1 a.ta. on Wednesday (April 14).
This is to enable the Waterworks Office to carry out leakage tests in the area.
The affected area is bounded by Electric Hoad, Java Road from Lau Sin Street to Tin Chiu Street, North Point Road, Chun Yeung Street, Tong Shui Road, Shu Kuk Street, Kam Hong Street, south side of King's Road from Ming Yuen Western Street to Model Lane, including Tsat Tsz Mui Road, Tanner Road and Pak Fule Road.
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Monday, April 12, 1976
- 10 -
tec^ical teachers* college to hold first open day
********
The Hong Kong Technical Teachers’ College will hold its first Open Day on Wednesday from 10 a. in. to 6 p.m.
Students, parents, educationalists and members of the public are welcome.
The Deputy Director of Education (Technical), Mr. Andrew Kingwell, will visit the College at 12 noon on that day.
The College was opened in September 1974. On this Open Day, the public will be able to see the structure of the College, the courses offered, the various facilities available, and above all, the work of the students over the past 18 months.
Besides static displays, there will be demonstrations of the activities usually found in the College. Exhibitions of students’ work designed and manufactured by the students themselves, will also be held in various workshops.
Note to Editors:
You are invited to cover the Open Day. The College is at 373 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong*
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVER $200 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON TSUEN WAN THIS YEAR .... 1
UNUSUALLY DRY AND WARM WEATHER EXPERIENCED AGAIN LAST •
MONTH............................................... 2
AUSTIN ROAD EXTENSION OPENS TO TRAFFIC LATER THIS WEEK .. 3
SPORTS DAY FOR THE DISABLED......................... 4
SUMMER TIME COMES INTO EFFECT ON SUNDAY ........... 4
NEW ANTI-POLLUTION LAUNCH .......................... 5
+MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION........................... 5
SCHOOL TEACHERS’ ROLE IN CAREERS EDUCATION......... 6
HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS........................ 7
TRAINING CENTRE FOR BUILDING INDUSTRY ............. 8
TAI PO’S CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY CHEST........... 9
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION RETIRES ........... 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1976 - 1 - ’
$200 M. TO BE SPENT ON TSUEN WAN THIS YEAR ******
AN ESTIMATED $220.6 MILLION WILL BE SPENT ON TSUEN WAN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, ABOUT ONE THIRD ON PUBLIC HOUSING INCLUSIVE OF BASIC COMMUNITY FACILITIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, MR. JAMES HAYES SAID TODAY.
MR. HAYES, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE 18TH TERM OFFICE BEARERS OF THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, ADDED THAT IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR SOME $260 MILLION WAS LIKELY TO BE SPENT.
HE ASSURED THE CHAIRMAN OF TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. PETER YEUNG, THAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WOULD BE DONE TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR EXISTING AS WELL AS PLANNED DEVELOPMENT, +SINCE WE RECOGNISE THE NEED TO MAKE UP PRESENT DEFICIENCIES.+ HE SAID THERE WERE 140 ITEMS AT PRESENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH WAS UPDATED EACH YEAR.
REFERRING TO OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES, LIKE KEEPING THE PEACE, REDUCING CRIME, IMPROVING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND PROMOTING CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES, MR. HAYES SAID: ♦THESE MATTERS ARE ALREADY RECEIVING ATTENTION.*
HE WENT ON: *T0 TAKE ONE MAJOR EXAMPLE, YOU ARE ALL I THINK AWARE OF THE CREATION OF A NEW KWAI CHUNG DIVISION OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
♦THIS IMPORTANT STEP IN THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER AND THE SUPPRESSION OF CRIME IS BEING ACCOMPANIED BY THE INCREASED ATTENTION GIVEN TO LIAISON WITH THE LOCAL POPULATION THROUGH THE RURAL COMMITTEES, LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MOVEMENT.
♦THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME COMMITTEE EARLIER THIS YEAR CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY DISTRICT OFFICER IS YET ANOTHER INDICATION OF THE IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO THIS SUBJECT BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE NEW TOWN.+
MR. HAYES SAID THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN THE PUBLIC SERVICES IN TSUEN WAN +IS NOT SHIRKED.+ IN PRACTICAL TERMS, RESPONSIBILITY WAS EXERCISED THROUGH THE NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE COMPRISING SENIOR OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WORKING IN TSUEN WAN.
, +THE COMMITTEE IS EVER WATCHFUL OF LOCAL REQUIREMENTS AND WHERE NECESSARY SUGGESTS TO DEPARTMENTS THE NEED FOR INCREASED SERVICES AND THE EXTRA STAFF TO GO WITH THEM,+ MR. HAYES SAID.
HE MADE SPECIAL MENTION OF THE RECREATIONAL AMD AMENITIES COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED LAST JANUARY. ITS MEMBERSHIP WAS MADE UP OF A LARGE NUMBER OF +UNOFFICIALS+ DRAWN FROM A WIDE RANGE OF TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS AND OF OFFICIALS WHO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS FIELD. _____________
/♦THIS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, APRIL IX 1976
♦THIS COMMITTEE HAS THE SPECIAL DUTY OF EXAMINING THE PROVISION AND MANAGEMENT OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND AMENITIES IN TSUEN WAN AND OF MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THEIR ADDITION AND IMPROVEMENT,+ MR. HAYES SAID. +YOUR CHAIRMAN, MR. YEUNG AND OTHER LEADERS ARE MEMBERS OF THE NEW COMMITTEE WHICH IS ALREADY PROVING ITS VALUE.♦
PRAISING THE RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. HAYES SAID IT WAS NOT THE INWARD-LOOKING NOR NARROWLY-BASED BODY THAT ITS NAME SUGGESTED.
HE DECLAREDI +YOUR WIDE CONTACTS, INFORMED VIEWS AND PRACTISES LEADERSHIP ARE OF GREAT ASSISTANCE TO OUR ENLARGED COMMUNITY WORK AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TSUEN WAN IDENTITY. WE IN TSUEN WAN ARE FORTUNATE THAT THIS IS SO AND I URGE YOU STRONGLY TO CONTINUE TO GIVE THIS LEAD.*
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LAST MONTH AGAIN UNUSUALLY DRY AND WARM
*****
LAST MONTH, WHICH WAS CLOUDIER AND LESS SUNNY THAN USUAL, WAS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH SUBNORMAL RAINFALL AND HIGHER THAN AVERAGE TEMPERATURES. '$
THE MEAN TEMPERATURE FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR WAS 17.1 DEGREES CELSIUS, 1.1 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL, AND THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FOR THE SAME PERIOD WAS 30.1 M.M., WHICH IS ONLY ONE-FIFTH OF THE NORMAL FIGURE.
THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FOUR TIMES — THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF OCCASIONS IN ANY MARCH SINCE 1957.
TROPICAL STORM LORNA DISSIPATED NEAR THE ISLAND OF YAP ON MARCH 1, AND NO OTHER TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC OR SOUTH CHINA SEA.
THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH WAS 7.9 DEGREES CELSIUS, RECORDED ON THE NIGHT OF MARCH 1. THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON MARCH 18.
THE WEATHER BECAME PROGRESSIVELY MILDER AND HUMID IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH. WIDESPREAD FOG DEVELOPED ON MARCH 16 AND PERSISTED FOR THREE DAYS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED TO 100 M. AT WAGLAN ISLAND AND 800 M. AT CHEUNG CHAU. ON THE NIGHT OF MARCH 17, TWO CARGO SHIPS COLLIDED JUST SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ON MARCH 19 AND 20. OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, WINDS REACHED GALE FORCE AND A CARGO SHIP, THE SENYO MARU, CAPSIZED NEAR THE SOUTHWEST TIP OF TAIWAN.
FOURTEEN AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG AIRPORT DURING THE MONTH BECAUSE OF ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND A THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS ISSUED AT 7.55 A.M. ON MARCH 30 FOR THREE HOURS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi A MORE DETAILED WEATHER REPORT. PREPARED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 1976, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE 6.1.S. PRESS BOXES.
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 197#
- 3
OPENING OF AUSTIN ROAD EXTENSION
X X M * *
THE REMAINING SECTION OF THE AUSTIN ROAD EXTENSION WILL OPEN TO TRAFFIC ON THURSDAY (APRIL 15) AT 2 P.M., THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
TO BE KNOWN AS CHEONG WAN ROAD, THE EXTENSION WILL CONNECT CHATHAM ROAD TO THE SYSTEM OF GROUND-LEVEL LOOP ROADS ALREADY IN USE AND THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION.
IT WILL PROVIDE EXIT AND ENTRY FACILITIES FROM CHATHAM ROAD TO THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION AND WILL ALSO PROVIDE A U-TURN LOOP FOR TRAFFIC LEAVING THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND KOWLOON MORTUARY WISHING TO USE CHATHAM ROAD, OR FOR TRAFFIC ENTERING THE CHATHAM ROAD DETENTION CENTRE FROM CHATHAM ROAD.
BESIDES THE ROAD LINKS, A SYSTEM OF FOOTPATHS AND FOOTBRIDGES HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCESS FOR PEDESTRIANS FROM CHATHAM ROAD TO THE RAILWAY STATION, THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE CROSS-HARBOUR BUS STOPS AT THE TUNNEL INTERCHANGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING BUS ROUTES WILL BE ALTERED TO PROVIDE IMPROVED SERVICES TO THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION AT HUNG HOMi
* ROUTES 5 - ON JOURNEYS TO CHOI HUNG AND KOWLOON CITY AND 5A RESPECTIVELY, THE SERVICES WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE VIA CHATHAM ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND HONG CHONG ROAD STOPPING AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN CHEONG WAN ROAD.
* ROUTES 5C - ON JOURNEYS FROM TSIM SHA TSUI, THESE 25 AND 211 SERVICES WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE VIA CHATHAM ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD, ON WAN ROAD (STOPPING AT THE RAILWAY STATION BUS LAY-BYE), CHEONG WAN ROAD AND GILLIES AVENUE.
* ROUTES 50,- ON JOURNEYS TO TSIM SHA TSUI, THESE SERVICES 25, 201 WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE VIA GILLIES AND 211 AVENUE, CHEONG WAN ROAD, HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION BUS STATION, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD.
* ROUTE NO. - THIS URBAN EXPRESS COACH SERVICE WILL BE • 216 EXTENDED TO OPERATE BETWEEN HUNG HOM
RAILWAY STATION AND MEI FOO SUN CHUEN VIA NATHAN ROAD. ROUTE 212 WHICH HAS PROVIDED THIS LINK ON A DIFFERENT ROUTING WILL BE WITHDRAWN.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED TO ADVISE MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS OF THE CHANGES AND COPIES OF LEAFLETS CONTAINING DETAILS OF REVISED BUS SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE RAILWAY STATION AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OFFICES.
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A
_^Y, APRIL 13, 1976
4
SPORTS DAY FOR THE DISABLED
******
AND
MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TRAINEES
MORE THAN 1,300 PHYSICALLY SHELTERED WORKERS AND RESIDENTS _____ ....
REHABILITATION CENTRES RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL * PARTICIPATE IN A SPORTS DAY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE CARE OF THE 15
THE SPORTS DAY WILL BE HELD AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM IN BOUNDARY STREET FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ASSISTED BY SOME 500 REHABILITATION WORKERS INCLUDING VOLUNTEERS FROM SCHOOLS, HEEP HANG CLUB, THE JUNIOR RED CROSS, THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE CADET SCHOOL, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE.
THE CONTESTANTS, GROUPED INTO THE MENTALLY RETARDED, THE DEAF AND THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, WILL MEET TO TEST THEIR STAMINA IN A SERIES OF FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS. A TOTAL OF 43 EVENTS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS.
A BRIEF OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD. OFFICIATING WILL BE DR. HARRY S.Y. FANG, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, AND MR. FRED CLARK, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
NOTE TO EDITORS •
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE SPORTS DAY, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM (ENTRANCE AT FLOWER MARKET ROAD) BEGINNING AT 10 A.M.
SUMMER TIME COMES INTO EFFECT THIS SUNDAY *****
RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT SUMMER TIME WILL COME INTO EFFECT AT 3.30 A.M. THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 18).
THIS MEANS THAT PEOPLE SHOULD PUT THEIR CLOCKS AND WATCHES FORWARD ONE HOUR BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE NIGHT ON SATURDAY.
UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, SUMMER TIME COMES INTO EFFECT EACH YEAR AT 3.30 A.M. ON THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER APRIL 15.
/5
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1976
- 5 -
NEW ANT I-POLLUTION LAUNCH * * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS*
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE INVITED TO GO ON BOARD THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S NEW $1.8 MILLION ANTI-POLLUTION LAUNCH ON THURSDAY (APRIL 15).
THE LAUNCH IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST SOPHISTICATED OF THE DEPARTMENT’S POLLUTION CONTROL VESSELS. WITH STORAGE TANKS THAT CAN HOLD 6,000 GALLONS OF DISPERSANTS, IT CAN CARRY ON DISPERSING OPERATIONS FOR A WHOLE DAY WITHOUT RE-LOADING. IT CAN CARRY SUFFICIENT FUEL TO OPERATE FOR ABOUT 100 HOURS AT A STRETCH AT HALF ITS FULL SPEED OF 12 KNOTS.
ON THURSDAY, MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE ASKED' TO MEET MR. TONY MASON, MARINE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT, AT 2.30 P.M. AT THE GOVERNMENT CENTRAL PIER NEXT TO THE MACAU FERRY PIER. A G.I.S. OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
0
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION M M M * *
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE REMINDED THAT A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 4 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID, MR. T.L. VON POKORNY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY 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.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1976
6 -
SCHOOL TEACHERS* ROLE IN CAREERS EDUCATION
* M * M * M
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADM INISTRATION),. MR. COLVYN HAYE, TODAY STRESSED THAT ALL SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS Ha6 A ROLE TO PLAY IN CAREERS EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
CAREERS TEACHERS IN PARTICULAR. HE SAID, HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DRAWING UP PROGRAMMES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS ALWAYS READY TO GIVE THEM WHATEVER HELP THAT WAS NECESSARY.
MR. HAYE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAREERS MASTERS SEMINAR ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND THE HANG SENG BANK LTD.
♦
THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR IS +EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS.*
MR. HAYE SAID i +CAREERS GUIDANCE, AS I SEE IT, MUST BE A PROCESS EXTENDING OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS RATHER THAN AN EVENT CONFINED TO THE FINAL TERM OF A STUDENT’S SCHOOL COURSE.
+IT SHOULD START AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PROGRAMME.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT A SCHOOL HEAD WHO GAVE CAREERS EDUCATION HIGH PRIORITY WAS IMPLEMENTING EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR COMPLIMENTED THE ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO CAREERS GUIDANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF FIRMS, INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, HOSPITALS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE ASSOCIATION EXTENDED ITS ACTIVITIES TWO YEARS AGO BY INTRODUCING THE SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS.
+THIS SCHEME HAS ENABLED MANY STUDENTS TO REALISE THEIR POTENTIALITIES AND TO HAVE GREATER CONFIDENCE IN CHOOSING A CAREER,* MR. HAYE SAID.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR EMPHASISED THAT CAREERS GUIDANCE SHOULD NOT BE THE MATCHING OF THE STUDENTS’ TALENTS AND INTERESTS WITH THE QUALITIES REQUIRED FOR PARTICULAR JOBS. IN FACT CAREERS EDUCATION SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP SELF-UNDERSTANDING AND DECISION-MAKING AS WELL AS FOSTERING THEIR AWARENESS OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER STUDIES AVAILABLE.
/TO ENSURE THAT
7 -
TUESDAY, APRIL 1J, 1976
TO ENSURE THAT CAREERS TEACHERS HAVE THE EXPERTISE IN OFFERING GUIDANCE TO STUDENTS, THE ASSOCIATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EXTRA-MURAL DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WILL BE CONDUCTING AN IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE THIS AUTUMN.
+l AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT MY CAREERS OFFICER, WHO IS ALSO YOUR ASSOCIATION’S SECRETARY, IS INVOLVED IN LAUNCHING THIS FIRST IN-SERVICE COURSE FOR THE ASSOCIATION.
+YOU MAY HAVE LISTENED TO THE RECENT SPEECH BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN HE OUTLINED THE IMPLICATIONS INVOLVED IN EXPANDING SECONDARY EDUCATION AND IN THE COURSE OF WHICH HE MENTIONED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAREERS SERVICE. YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS AS CAREERS MASTERS,* MR. HAYE SAID.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR REFERRED TO THE PRESENT SEMINAR AS AN IMPORTANT OCCASION FOR CAREERS MASTERS TO ENRICH THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF AND TO KEEP PACE WITH THE EDUCATIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL TRENDS IN HONG KONG.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION AND THE BANK FOR THEIR EXCELLENT EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION.
_ _ _ - 0 --------
NO MAIL DELIVERY ON GOOD FRIDAY *****
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED AND THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERY OF MAIL ON GOOD FRIDAY (APRIL 16) AND ON THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ( APRIL 21), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
ON SATURDAY (APRIL 17) AND EASTER MONDAY (APRIL 19), THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY AND 32 POST OFFICES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON.
THESE INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.
ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1976
- 8 -TRAINING CENTRE FOR BUILDING INDUSTRY * * M * * M
NOTE TO EDITORS!
INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSTRUCTION MR. GEOFFREY YEH, WILL VISIT THE SITE ,, --------- -
CENTRE IN KWUN t6nG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO MARK THE COMPLETION
OF THE AUTHORITY’S TRAINING
OF PILING WORK.
THE FIVE-STOREY CENTRE, WHICH PROVIDE ONE-YEAR FULL-TWE BASIC TRAINING FOR ABOUT 660 CRAFT TRAINEES IN THE KEY CONSTRUCTION TRADES IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY APRIL 1977.
■PILING WORK AT THE SITE BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER THE $6.2 MILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED ON JANUARY 28 THIS YEAR.
THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF THE CENTRE ARE MET BY A LEVY OF 0.25 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF ALL CONSTRUCTION WORKS OVER $250,000 UNDERTAKEN IN HONG KONG.
THE LEVY IS PAYABLE BY THE CONTRACTORS CONCERNED.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY IS A STATUTORY BODY SPECIALLY FORMED TO ADMINISTER THE TRAINING CENTRE PROJECT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORD IALLY INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 P.M. THE SITE OF THE CENTRE IS IN TAI YIP STREET NEAR KOWLOON BAY.
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/9
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1976
9
TAI PO»S CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY CHEST
*****
NOTE TO EDITORSi
A CHEQUE FOR $51,442 RAISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS ifi TAI PO THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE Sew territories walk-for-a-million on January is will be HANDED OVER TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST THURSDAY (APRIL 15) BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CLIVE OXLEY, AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 3.15 P.M.
RECEIVING THE CHEQUE WILL BE MR. YU LOOK-YAU, A VICE-PATRON OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
MR ’OXLEY LED A TEAM FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE DURING THE WALK. OTHER PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF RURAL COMMITTEES IN TAI PO DISTRICT, WHO WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO ATTEND THE PRESENTATION.
A VEHICLE (NO. AM 3274) WILL LEAVE FROM TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-POOL BEHIND THE POST OFFICE AT 2.15 P.M. TO TAKE PRESS . REPRESENTATIVES TO TAI PO AND BRING THEM BACK TO TSIM SHA TSUI AFTERWARDS.
MR. DONALD STRANGE, PIO/NTA, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE TO ASSIST YOUR STAFF.
/1O......
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1976
10
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION RETIRES
******
MR. LI WANG-FAI, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (DEVELOPMENT), IS LEAVING HONG KONG SHORTLY ON RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN 18 YEARS’ SERVICE.
ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON, MR. LI WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A RETIREMENT GIFT BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY.
MR. LI BEGAN HIS CAREER AS AN ASSISTANT EDUCATION OFFICER IN SEPTEMBER 1957 WHEN HE TAUGHT AT VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
HE WAS LATER ATTACHED TO THE KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SECTIONS AS A SUB-INSPECTOR AND INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS RESPECTIVELY.
IN OCTOBER 1961 HE WAS PROMOTED TO EDUCATION OFFICER. EIGHT YEARS LATER HE BECAME SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER.
MR. LI HAS ACTED AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PRIMARY) AND HE IS NOW HEAD OF THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION.
NOTE TO EDITOR: YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
-------------- AT 3.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY. IT WILL BE HELD IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM, LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
o -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1976
CONTENTS P4GE NO.
MORE LAND BEING OFFERED TO SHEUNG SHUI TANNERS ............... 1
QUOTA UTILIZATION DATA TO BE PUBLISHED ON REGULAR BASIS .. 2
t
NO NEED TO REPORT LOSS OF I.D. CARD TO POLICE ................ 2
SPORTS AND GAMES ARE VITAL TO HANDICAPPED .................... 3
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IMPRESSED BY HAECO TRAIN I NG*SCHEME 4
GOVERNOR OPENS NEW SAILING CENTRE ............................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1976
1
MORE LAND OFFERED TO TANNERS * * * M
THE GOVERNMENT HAS OFFERED ADDITIONAL LAND AT KWAI CHUNG TO THE OPERATORS OF 55 TANNERIES AT SHEUNG SHU I DUE TO BE CLEARED BY JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
THE LAND, IN THE OFFENSIVE TRADES AREA, TOTALS 104,500 SQ. FT. THE OPERATORS ARE ALREADY PURCHASING APPROXIMATELY 75,000 SQ. FT. OF LAND IN KWAI CHUNG WHERE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR OPERATIONS FOLLOWING CLEARANCE.
THE TANNERS HAVE ORGANISED THEMSELVES INTO FIVE CONSORTIA FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE MOVE TO KWAI CHUNG AND EACH CONSORTIUM HAS BEEN OFFERED AN AREA OF LAND ADJOINING THEIR EXISTING LOT. THE LARGEST AREA - 39,900 SQ. FT. - HAS BEEN OFFERED TO CONSORTIUM NO. 1- CONSORTIA NOS. 2 AND 3 HAVE EACH BEEN OFFERED 15,500 SQ. FT. AND CONSORTIUM NO. 4 HAS BEEN OFFERED 18,000 SQ. FT. CONSORTIUM NO. 5, WHICH CONTAINS A LARGE NUMBER OF SMALL OPERATORS, HAS BEEN OFFERED 16,500 SQ. FT.
THE OFFER HAS BEEN MADE IN A LETTER TO EACH CONSORTIUM SENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN CHAMBERS.
THE TANNERS’ REQUEST FOR EXTRA LAND WAS MADE DURING RECENT DISCUSSIONS THEY HAD WITH MR. CHAMBERS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER TAI PO, MR. CLIVE OXLEY.
IN HIS LETTER, MR. CHAMBERS POINTS OUT THAT THE LAND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH SURRENDER OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS BY THE TANNERS. THEY WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PAY PREMIUM BY INSTALMENTS OVER TEN YEARS.
+ IF YOU WISH TO PROCEED ON THIS BAS IS,+ THE LETTER STATES, +1 SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD FORWARD WITHIN TWO CALENDAR MONTHS A SCHEDULE OF LAND ENTITLEMENTS IN YOUR POSSESSION SO THAT PREMIUM CAN BE ASSESED AND THE CONDITIONS OF GRANT FORMULATED.*
ALL THE LAND WILL BE RESTRICTED TO TANNING OR OTHER OFFENSIVE TRADES AND BUILDINGS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS.
THE LETTER ALSO POINTS OUT THAT STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF TRADE EFFLUENT WILL BE REQUIRED, ADDING: +YOU WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE PERMITTED TO OPERATE AT KWAI CHUNG IN THE SAME MANNER AS AT SHEUNG SHUI.+
THE LETTER REMINDS THE TANNERS THAT THE FINAL DEADLINE FOR THEIR REMOVAL REMAINS JULY 31 AND THAT NO EXTENSION OF THIS DEADLINE WILL BE CONSIDERED. +IT IS THEREFORE IN YOUR INTERESTS TO ADVISE ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHETHER YOU WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OFFER OF ADDITIONAL LAND,* IT CONCLUDES.
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/2.....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1976
2
QUOTA UTILIZATION DATA TO BE PUBLISHED *****
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT IT WOULD PUBLISH ON A REGULAR BASIS DATA ON QUOTA UTILIZATION BY HONG KONG IN RESPECT OF ALL RESTRAJ NT MARKETS.
THE INFORMATION WILL BE ISSUED MONTHLY IN THE FORM OF NOTICES TO EXPORTERS UNDER THE FOLLOWING NEW SERIES CREATED FOR THIS PURPOSE :
SERIES 1A
SERIES 2A
USA EEC
SERIES 3A (EUROPE OTHER THAN EEC) SERIES 4A (CANADA AND AUSTRALIA)
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THAT COMPANIES WISHING TO RECEIVE THE NOTICES TO EXPORTERS THROUGH THE DIRECT MAILING SERVICE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY SUBSCRIPTION $15 PER SERIES PER ANNUM.
SUBSCRIPTION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S TEXTILE CONTROLS DIVISION REGISTRY AT ROOM 7, FIRST FLOOR, 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE NOTICES TO EXPORTERS SHOWING THE QUOTA UTILIZATION POSITION AS AT END MARCH 1976 WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE LAST WEEK OF APRIL 1976.
- - 0 - -
NO NEED TO REPORT LOSS OF.I.D. CARD TO POLICE *****
THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS, OF AN IDENTITY CARD, A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC IS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO REPORT THE FACT TO A POLICE STATION.
HE SHOULD APPLY FOR A REPLACEMENT CARD AT ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT, RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
- - o -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1976.
- 3 -GOVERNOR OPENS NEW SAILING CENTRE *****
THE SEA AND ENJOYMENT OF THE SEA IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S GREAT NATURAL ASSETS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OPENING THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS’ SAILING ASSOCIATION’S NEW SAILING AND CANOEING CENTRE AT TAI MEI TUK, HE SAID HE WAS LOOKING TO THE ASSOCIATION TO ENSURE THAT THE CENTRE + IS USED TO FULL CAPACITY AND GIVE NEW ENJOYMENT AND INTEREST TO AS MANY YOUNG PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.*
I
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHt
+FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENEROUS BENEFACTOR WHOSE MONEY HAS PAID FOR THIS CENTRE BUT WHO INSISTS ON REMAINING ANONYMOUS. HE WISHED HIS MONEY TO BE SPENT ON PROVIDING INCREASED FACILITIES FOR RECREATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. THIS CENTRE FOR SAILING AND CANOEING IS ONE OF MANY PROJECTS THAT HAVE RESULTED. I AM SURE THAT HE, LIKE ALL THE REST OF US, NOW LOOKS TO THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS’ SAILING ASSOCIATION TO ENSURE THAT IT IS USED TO FULL CAPACITY AND GIVES NEW ENJOYMENT AND INTEREST TO AS MANY YOUNG PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. SINCE THE SITE IS RATHER REMOTE THIS WILL NEED EFFORT AND ORGANISATION, BUT IF THE EXCELLENT ORGANISATION OF TODAY’S EVENTS ARE ANY INDICATION I AM SURE IT WILL DO JUST THAT.
+THE SEA AND ENJOYMENT OF THE SEA IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S GREAT NATURAL ASSETS. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TAUGHT HOW TO USE IT SAFELY AND HAVE BEEN CAUGHT BY THE SEA’S CHARM ONE YARD FROM THE SHORE AND THEIR CARES FALL AWAY, WHETHER THEY ARE ON IT OR IN IT, OR TEMPORARILY UNDER IT. BEING ONE OF THOSE MYSELF, I DO WISH ALL WHO WILL USE THIS CENTRE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF WET, HAPPY AND CAREFREE HOURS.
+1 NOW HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THIS CENTRE.*
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/4
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1976
- 4
LABOUR CHIEF IMPRESSED BY HAECO’S TRAINING SCHEME ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE HONG KONG AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING COMPANY, LTD. AT KAI TAK, AS PART OF HIS PROGRAMME OF e KEEPING UP-TO-DATE WITH INDUSTRIAL CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE COMPANY, WHICH HAS A WORKFORCE OF 2,200 EXCLUDING OFFICE STAFF, PROVIDES SERVICING AND OVERHAULING FOR A WIDE RANGE OF AIRCRAFT, AND IS THE ENGINEERING BASE FOR CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS.
MR. PRICE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE COMPANY’S WORK IN APPRENTICE TRAINING, ITS REGARD FOR WORK SAFETY AND ITS EFFORT TO PROMOTE GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS.
THE COMPANY RUNS A THREE-YEAR TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME AND OPERATES ITS OWN TRAINING SCHOOL WHERE APPRENTICES ATTEND CLASSES, IN ADDITION TO THE RELATED PART-TIME DAYRELEASE COURSES AT THE POLYTECHNIC.
AS A RESULT OF DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION, IT WILL SOON START CRAFT APPRENTICE TRAINING IN MECHANICAL, ELECTRONIC AND VEHICLE REPAIR TRADES.
MR. PRICE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE FACT THAT MANY HAECO APPRENTICES HAD BECOME FULLY LICENSED MAINTENANCE AIRCRAFT ENGINEERS AND THAT A HIGH PASS RATE IN OVERSEAS EXAMINATIONS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED.
IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE COMPANY HAS SENT SOME 120 WORKERS TO SAFETY TRAINING COURSES RUN BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMEPT, AND HAS A GOOD SAFETY RECORD AS A RESULT OF HAVING COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY RULES AND MAKING SAFETY TRAINING AN INTEGRAL PART OF STAFF TRAINING.
APART FROM SUCH WELFARE BENEFITS AS FREE MEDICAL CARE AND NON-CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT GRANT, THE COMPANY OPERATES A SYSTEM OF JOINT CONSULTATION. SUCH A SYSTEM, SAID MR. PRICE, PROVIDES A MOST EFFECTIVE MEHTOD OF COMMUNICATING WITH EMPLOYEES AND SO CULTIVATING HARMONIOUS MANAGEMENTLABOUR RELATIONS.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1976
5
SPORTS AND GAMES VITAL TO THE HANDICAPPED ******
SPORTS AND GAMES ARE VITAL TO THE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED BECAUSE NOT ONLY CAN THEY STRENGTHEN THEIR BODY AND IMPROVE THEIR MOVEMENT BUT ALSO HELP INCREASE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND PROMOTE A SENSE OF MUTUAL HELP AND CO-OPERATION AMONG THEM-
SELVES
DR. HARRY FANG, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, SAID THIS TODAY AT THE 1976 SPORTS DAY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION CENTRES AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
DR. FANG NOTED THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL SHOULD, IN THE COURSE OF GROWING UP, RECEIVE MORAL, INTELLECTUAL, PHYSICAL AND GROUP TRAINING. + IN SCHOOLS AS WELL AS IN REHABILITATION CENTRES, THE SELECTED SYLLABUS SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF THE STUDENTS.*
HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT ALL THE REHABILITATION CENTRES RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFFERED TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH GREAT EMPHASIS PLACED ON SPORTS AND GAMES.
+SPORTS AND GAMES DO HELP THE DISABLED TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL ABILITIES AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES SO THAT THEY CAN RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,* HE ADDED.
DR. FANG URGED THE COMPETITORS THAT THEY SHOULD CONSTANTLY TAKE PART IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND COMPETITIONS ORGANISED FOR THEM SO THAT SOMEDAY THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS.
IN HIS INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. FRED CLARK, SAID THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE DISABLED UNDER THE CARE OF THE S.W.D.’S 15 REHABILITATION CENTRES GOT TOGETHER ON THE SAME FIELD TO ENGAGE IN FRIENDLY COMPETITIONS.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE SPORTS DAY WAS THE BIGGEST OF ITS KIND IN THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG, WITH SOME 1,300 PARTICIPANTS AND 500 REHABILITATION WORKERS INVOLVED.
MR. CLARK THANKED ALL THE ORGANISERS FOR ARRANGING AND CO-ORDINATING SUCH A HUGE GATHERING AND ESPECIALLY EXTENDED HIS APPRECIATION TO ALL THE VOLUNTARY HELPERS WHO HAD STEPPED IN WITH SUCH ENTHUSIASM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RADIO TELEVISION HONGKONG BEGINS F.M. STEREO BROADCASTING 1 ACCOUNTANTS ENGAGED TO ASSIST IN MOSBERT GROUP LIQUIDATION ................................................. 1
LABOUR COMMISSIONER SPEAKS ON TRUE.FUNCTIONS OF A CONCILIATOR ................................................. 2
THREE LOTS IN CHA KWO LING ROAD UP FOR TENDER................ 3
WIFE OF DEFENCE SECRETARY VISITS SANDY BAY ................. A
AMENDED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN PUBLISHED 5
NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR EXPORTS OF BABIES’ GARMENTS TO EEC .. 6
GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE 7 COLONIAL SECRETARY VISITS AIRPORT ........................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 15* 1976
STEREO F.M. ON R.T.H.K.
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. JAMES HAWTHORNE, THIS AFTERNOON PRESSED A CEREMONIAL BUTTON TO MARK THE START OF RADIO TELEVISION HONGKONG'S STEREO SERVICES.
THE CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION WHERE' AN EXHIBITION ON STEREO EQUIPMENT IS BEING HELD.
IN A SPEECH, MR. HAWTHORNE SAID THAT R.T.H.K. HAD OVER THE YEARS BEEN GRADUALLY REPLACING ITS F.M. EQUIPMENT AS IT WORE OUT WITH STEREO CAPABLE EQUIPMENT. HOWEVER, STEREO BROADCASTING WOULD STILL HAVE BEEN SOME TIME AWAY HAD NOT THE RADIO ASSOCIATION COME FORWARD TO-PROVIDE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO CLOSE THE GAP. HE THANKED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS GENEROSITY.
MR. HAWTHORNE SAID THE START OF STEREO TODAY WAS ONLY PHASE ONE OF R.T.H.K.‘S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. PHASE TWO WOULD BE ACHIEVED IN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME WHEN TRANSPOSERS ARE INSTALLED TO IMPROVE F.M. RECEPTION. PHASE THREE WAS STILL ON THE DRAWING BOARD AND WHEN THAT IS COMPLETED STEREO RECEPTION WOULD BE PERFECT
-------0 - - - -
THE MOSBERT GROUP LIQUIDATION *****
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, MR. P. JACOBS, SAID TODAY THAT HE HAD GATHERED TOGETHER A STRONG TEAM OF ACCOUNTANTS TO ASSIST HIM IN THE LIQUIDATFON OF MQSBERT HOLDINGS LIMITED AND OTHER COMPANIES IN THE GROUP.
LAST WEEK, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER HAD MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM MESSRS PEAT, MARWICK, MITCHELL AND CO. AND MESSRS ARTHUR ANDERSEN AND CO. WITH A VIEW TO DECIDING UPON THE ALLOCATION OF TASKS WITHIN THE LIQUIDATION. MR. JACOBS SAID THAT THERE WERE AREAS IN WHICH THERE MIGHT BE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST AS FAR AS PEAT MARWICK MITCHELL AND CO. WERE CONCERNED. THIS FIRM HAD BEEN ENGAGED BY ONE OF THE CREDITORS IN OTHER CAPACITIES, AND IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT IT HAD BEEN AGREED THAT ANOTHER FIRM OF ACCOUNTANTS, ARTHUR ANDERSEN AND CO., SHOULD BE CALLED IN TO ASSIST.
+WE ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE THE HELP OF TWO SUCH FIRMS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING HAVING REGARD TO THE COMPLEXITY OF THIS MATTER AND THE- FACT THAT THE ASSETS OF THE GROUP ARE SPREAD THROUGHOUT A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES,* MR. JACOBS CONCLUDED.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1976 — 2 -
MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT CONCILIATION CORRECTED ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TODAY CORRECTED CERTAIN MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT THE TRUE FUNCTIONS OF A CONCILIATOR IN AN INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE.
” SPEAKING AT THE’MEETING OF THE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CLUB, MR. PRICE SAID THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC SOMETIMES EXPECTED A -CONCILIATOR TO WAVE A MAGIC WAND TO ACHIEVE INSTANT AGREEMENT.
OR THEY EXPECTED HIM TO .ISSUE ORDERS TO BOTH SIDES AND TO BACK SUCH ORDERS WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S AUTHORITY AND MACHINERY. »
+THAT IS NOT CONCILIATION,* HE POINTED OUT, ADDING THAT +IT IS COMPULSORY ARBITRATION AND DOES NOT EXIST IN HONG KONG.+
REFERRING. TO THE MISUNDERSTANDING ON THE PART OF EMPLOYERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES, MR. PRICE NOTED THAT EMPLOYERS OFTEN EXPECTED A CONCILIATOR TO TELL THE WORKERS TO ACCEPT THEIR OFFER. ON THE OTHER HAND, WORKERS OFTEN EXPECTED A CONCILIATOR TO SUPPORT THEM AND ORDER THE EMPLOYER TO GIVE WAY.
MR. PRICE SAID I +THELABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE DOES NOT TAKE SIDES.*
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE DID DRAW ATTENTION TO CLEAR BREACHES OF THE LAW - SUCH AS A FAILURE BY THE EMPLOYER TO PAY WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, OR A FAILURE TO FOLLOW OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
ON THE .TECHNIQUE OF CONCILIATION USED BY THE. LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE, MR. PRICE SAID IT CALLED FOR PERSONAL SKILL, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AND PATIENCE IN A CONCILIATOR AS WELL AS PERSONALITY AND PRESTIGE.
THESE ELEMENTS HELPED HIM OBTAIN THE GOODWILL AND TRUST OF BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES.
MR. PRICE SAID THAT WHEN A CONCILIATOR INTERVENED, THE FIRST STEP WAS FOR HIM TO FIND OUT WHAT A DISPUTE WAS ALL ABOUT BY TALKING TO BOTH SIDES, PROBABLY SEPARATELY.
THIS STEP OF GETTING THE FACTS WAS OFTEN COMPLICATED IN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE IGNORANCE, ON THE PART OF BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS, OF THE ACTUAL PROVISIONS OF THE LAW.
HE ADDED I +QUITE OFTEN EACH SIDE HOLDS DIFFERENT VIEWS OF WHAT THE TROUBLE IS REALLY ABOUT.*
/THE NEXT .....
THURSDAY, APRIL 15. 1976
THE NEXT TASK FOR THE CONCILIATOR WAS TO MAKE CLEAR TO BOTH PARTIES THE REAL REASONS FOR THE DISPUTE, TO FIND POINTS OF COMMON AGREEMENT, AND THEN TO PERSUADE THE PARTIES TO MEET • AND TO TALK SENSIBLY TO EACH OTHER.
THE COMMISSIONER SAID A CONCILIATOR USUALLY COULD ASSIST THE PARTIES TO MEET BY PERSUADING (NOT FORCING OR THREATENING) ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, OR BOTH, TO GRANT CONCESSIONS.
+PUT IN A NUTSHELL, THE CONCILIATOR DOES NOT HIMSELF ATTEMPT TO SETTLE THE DISPUTE- HE ADVISES AND PERSUADES AN EMPLOYER AND HIS EMPLOYEES TO SETTLE WHAT IS THEIR PRIVATE DISPUTE. IT IS NOT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DISPUTE NOR IS IT THE GOVERNMENT’S DISPUTE.*
MR. PRICE SAID THAT THE CONCILIATION TECHNIQUE WORKED REMARKABLY WELL.
' + IN 1975 THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR
DEPARTMENT SETTLED 60 PER CENT OF ALL THE DISPUTES WHICH IT HANDLED, AND BY SO DOING HELPED THE CLAIMANTS TO RECEIVE NEARLY $13 MILLION.*
\ OF THOSE CLAIMS NOT SETTLED BY THE SERVICE, A FEW WERE REFERRED TO THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID FOR ASSISTANCE WHILE CLAIMANTS OF SOME 35 PER CENT OF CASES WERE REFERRED FOR A DECISION TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL, MR. PRICE SAID.
* - . 1 ’
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TENANCY AGREEMENTS FOR TENDER X * M M
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TENANCY AGREEMENTS ON THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND IN CHA KWO LING ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE THREE LOTS, WITH A COMBINED AREA OF SOME 100,000 SQ. FT., HAVE ALL BEEN EARMARKED AS CARGO HANDLING AREAS.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON. PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED THERE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTING TENDERS IS 12 NOON, MAY 14, 1976.
THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1976
•’ WIFE OF DEFENCE SECRETARY TOURS HOSPITAL
* ft ft ft ft ft
THE WIFE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE. MRS MARJORIE MASON NOW IN HONG KONG FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT WITH HER HUSBAND, THIS AFTERNOON TOURED THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL AND CONVALESCENT HOME IN SANDY BAY.
ACCOMPANIED,BY LADY MACLEHOSE, THE PATRON OF -THE SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN WHICH RUNS THE HOSPITAL. MRS MASON WAS SHOWN ROUND THE VARIOUS UNITS OF THE ORTHOPAEDIC HOME INCLUDING THE PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT AND HYDROTHERAPY POOLS.
SHE CHATTED WItH CHILDREN UNDERGOING TREATMENT THERE AND SHOWED PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE HALO-PELVIC TRACTION TECHNIQUE DESIGNED BY THE HOSPITAL FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES.
THE TECHNIQUE IS NOW WIDELY ADOPTED BY ORPHOPAEDIC SURGEONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
THE HOSPITAL, WHICH ALSO OPERATES AN OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT, IS FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS AND PUBLIC DONATIONS INCLUDING FUNDS RAISED BY THE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM CASH DONATIONS, THE ARMY Also RENDERS VOLUNTARY MEDICAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES TO THE HOSPITAL.
THE LATEST EFFORT WAS MADE BY THE ROYAL MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS OF THE 50 COMMAND WORKSHOP IN-HELP I NG THE HOSPITAL TO REPAIR ITS WHEEL CHAIRS.
MRS MASON LATER WENT TO THE OCEAN PARK IN WONG CHUK HANG FOR A TOUR OF THE $150 MILLION OCEANARIUM TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THIS SUMMER.
IN THE MORNING, MRS MASON VISITED HONG KONG’S NEWEST HOUSING ESTATE, 01 MAN ESTATE IN HOMANTIN.
ACCOMPANIED BY LADY MACLEHOSE AND THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, MRS MASON MADE A TOUR OF THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX ' AND MARKET AREAS. SHE ALSO VISITED A TYPICAL FAMILY HOME.
o
• . ■ , ■. ' - • ■ ■■■■ i ■ •
THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1976
- 5 - ’
CHEUNG SHA WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLKN V
X ft ft ft . .
AN AMENDED DRAFT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY
OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN DISTRICT THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
ONE AMENDMENT, THE INCORPORATION OF NEW NOTES TO THE PLAN, HAS BEEN MADE. THESE NOTES DO NOT AFFECT THE DISTRIBUTION OF EXISTING LAND USE BUT PROVIDE GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THAT PERMISSION MAY NOW BE SOUGHT FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO DEVELOP SITES FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY ZONED FOR IN THE PLAN.
UNDER A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN MAY ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG, BEf6rE JUNE 14, 1976.
THE CHEUNG SHA WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN COVERS A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 315 HECTARES (779 ACRES) AND IS ROUGHLY BOUNDED BY VICTORIA HARBOUR TO THE SOUTH, YUEN CHOW STREET AND TAI PO ROAD TO THE EAST, BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO THE WEST, AND PIPER’S HILL TO THE NORTH. .
•••••.• 1
* • I
P.W.D. TOWN PLANNERS HAVE ZONED ABOUT 25 HECTARES C61 ACRES) OF THE AREA FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND ANOTHER 15.5'HECTARES (38.5 ACRES) FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL USE.
THE TOTAL AREA RESERVED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY PURPOSES AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 46 HECTARES (114 ACRES), WHILE 29-HECTARES (72.5 ACRES) ARE SET AS IDE’, FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE AREA FOR GREEN BELT COVERS 98 HECTARES (243 ACRES), OPEN SPACE 13 HECTARES (33 ACRES), WHILE SOME 18.6 HECTARES (146.5 ACRES) IS RESERVED FOR ROADS AND JUNCTIONS.
THE AMENDED DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UNTIL JUNE 14, 1976 AT THE P.W.D. TOWN PLANNING OFFICES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR, AND AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AT SHAM SHU I PO, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE ALSO1ON SALE AT THE P.W.D.’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG, AT $5 FOR EACH UNCOLOURED COPY.
/6
THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1976 - 6 -
; • v • .• , ■ > . . ■» ■ . .NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR EXPORTS OF BABIES’
GARMENTS TO THE EEC \ *****
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT. IN CONSULTATIONS IN BRUSSELS, EEC AND HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES HAVE CLARIFIED THE EXTENT TO WHICH BABIES’ GARMENT ARE COVERED BY THE EEC/HONG KONG TEXTILE AGREEMENT.
THESE CONSULTATIONS BECAME NECESSARY WHEN IT WAS REALISED THAT THE COMMUNITY AND HONG KONG WERE INTERPRETING THE AGREEMENT DIFFERENTLY IN THIS RESPECT.
IT HAS NOW BEEN MUTUALLY AGREED THAT BABIES’ GARMENTS SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN MOST OF THE CATEGORIES UNDER RESTRAINT. THEY ARE INCLUDED ONLY IN FOUR CATEGORIES i CATEGORY 5 (ALL BABIES’ KNITTED OUTERGARMENTS), CATEGORY 16 (ALL BABIES’ KNITTED ___
UNDERGARMENTS INCLUDING SHIRTS, SINGLETS, UNDERVESTS AND THE LIKE) CATEGORY 20 (ALL BABIES’ WOVEN OUTERGARMENTS) AND CATEGORY 21 (ALL BABIES’ WOVEN UNDERGARMENTS INCLUDING PYJAMAS, NIGHTDRESSES AND OTHER NIGHTGARMENTS).
WHILE EXPORTS IN CATEGORY 5 ARE UNDER RESTRAINT WHEN DESTINED FOR ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE COMMUNITY, EXPORTS IN CATEGORY 16 ARE UNDER RESTRAINT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE SHIPPED TO THE U.K. OR GERMANY, AND IN CATEGORIES 20 AND 21 ONLY WHEN SHIPPED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THEREFORE WITH EFFECT FROM 5 P.M. TODAY, EXPORTS OF BABIES’ GARMENTS IN CATEGORY 5 TO ANY MEMBER STATE, IN CATEGORIES 16, 20 AND 21 TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND IN CATEGORY 16 TO GERMANY MUST BE COVERED BY +QUOTA+ LICENCES.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CALLING FOR SHIPMENT RETURNS NE“XT WEEK IN ORDER THAT QUOTAS CAN BE OFFERED TO COMPANIES THAT SHIPPED BABIES’ GARMENT IN THESE CATEGORIES TO THESE MEMBER STATES IN THE PERIOD SINCE JULY 18, 1975, WHEN THE AGREEMENT CAME INTO FORCE.
IN THE MEANTIME, EXISTING QUOTA HOLDINGS IN THESE CATEGORIES ' •MAY BE USED FOR SHIPMENT OF BABIES’ GARMENTS.
THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1976
ENTERTAINMENT FOR 3,000 AT G.C.E
* * M * *
ABOUT 3,000 PEOPLE - STUDENTS, GRADUATES AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES - ARE EXPECTED TO TURN UP AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON TO CELEBRATE THE SILVER JUBILEE HOME-COMING DAY OF THE COLLEGE.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING, WILL PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 P.M.
SIXTEEN GAMES STALLS WILL BE SET UP FOR CHILDREN.
PRIZES FOR THE STALLS AND THOSE FOR A GRAND RAFFLE DRAW HAVE BEEN DONATED BY OVER 20 COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME STUDENTS AND GRADUATES AND STAFF OF THE COLLEGE HAVE HELPED IN THE SALE OF THE RAFFLE TICKETS. FUNDS RAISED FROM THE SALE OF THESE TICKETS WILL BE USED TO ESTABLISH A SILVER JUBILEE SCHOLARSHIP AND TO FINANCE OTHER ACTIVITIES, SUCH 'AS A VARIETY SHOW, A HANDBALL COMPETITION AND THE PRINTING OF 12,000 COPIES OF THE COLLEGE MAGAZING TO BE PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A GYMNASTIC DEMONSTRATION AND TO INSPECT THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY, THE SOCIAL SUBJECTS ROOMS, THE VISUAL EDUCATION ROOM, ART STUDIOS AND THE SCIENCE EXPERIMENT GARDEN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COLLEGE HOME-COMING DAY BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 6 P.M. ON SATURDAY. THE COLLEGE IS IN GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1976 - 8 -
COLONIAL SECRETARY VISITS AIRPORT ******
(THURSDAY) AIRPORT
' THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS. TODAY SPENT SOME TWO HOURS VISITING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ? FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH ITS WORKINGS AND DEVELOPMENTS.
• ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR. ROY mwNlNG AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, SIR DENYS FIRST WENT TO THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE WHERE HE SAW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS BUSILY AT WORK.
HE SHOWED PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE WORKINGS OF THE ifEWL/Y-INSTALLED SECONDARY SURVEILLANCE RADAR WHICH MONITORS ALL FLIGHT MOVEMENTS WlTHlN THE HONG KONG FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION.
HE THEN VISITED THE CONTROL TOWER AND THE RESCUE COORDINATION EMERGENCY CENTRE WHERE HE WAS FULLY BRIEFED ON THE AIRPORT’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND CAPABALITIES DURING SEARCH-AND-RESCUE OPERATIONS.
CONTINUING HIS TOUR TO THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TRAINING UNIT, SIR DENYS TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS LICENCES TO TWO YOUNG STUDENT OFFICERS JUST BACK FROM A TRAINING COURSE IN ENGLAND.
• HE ENDED HIS VISIT WITH A TOUR OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING, THE NEW CARGO HANDLING COMPLEX UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND THE . AIRPORT FIRE STATION.
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HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY
Thursday, April 15, 1976
REVISION OF PROCEDURE FOR WAITING LIST APPLICANTS *******
Jaiting list applicants for public housing will no longer be reqin red to renew their applications annually. They need no longer send in their renewal cards and may destroy them.
However, applicants’should still inform the Housing Department by letter of any changes in address.
This revision of procedure concerning waiting list applicants was among a number of others announced by the Housing Authority and which become effective today (Thursday).
Others refer to space and income criteria.
Hitherto, applicants whose accommodation gives them more than 35 square feet of space per person were not eligible for allocation through the waiting list, regardless of other living conditions.
The Authority however has now decided that the space limit of 35 square feet per person will be applicable only to applicants living in accommodation of durable materials, such as brick, stone and concrete, with facilities such as kitchen, piped water, sanitation either for exclusive use or shared with not more than two other families.
For applicants living in similar accommodation but without the use of either a kitchen, piped water or sanitation and having to share with more than two other families, the space limit will be 40 square feet per person.
There will be no space limit for those living in structures made of wood, cardboard and tin sheets.
/The income ......
2
The income limits for waiting list applicants have also been re-adjusted as follows:
Family size
3-person 4-person 5-person 6-person 7-person 8-person 9-person
10 or more
Total income
91,500
91,600
91,700
91,800
91,900
92,000 52,100
82*200
Previously, the income limits were $1,500 for family of three
to six people; 31,700 for family of seven; 91,850 for family of eight;
92,000 for family of nine; and 52,200 for family of ten or more.
A spokesman for the Housing Department said that the revision in respect of space standards and income will be applicable to all case which have not yet been investigated.
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PRH 7
daily iiWWTLQOB™
******
OVER ONE-SEVENTH OF HONG KONG’S FORESTRY PLANTATIONS WAS AFFECTED BY HILL FIRES IN THE LAST DRY SEASON.
TO REPLANT THE 483,000 TREES DAMAGED, MORE THAN $2.4 MILLION FROM PUBLIC FUNDS WOULD BE NEEDED FOR TREE SEEDLINGS, LABOUR AND FERTILISERS, NOT COUNTING THE SUBSEQUENT COSTS OF TENDING THE YOUNG TREES TILL THEY ARE TALL ENOUGH TO PROVIDE SHELTER AND EFFECTIVE COVER FOR THE SOIL.
IF ONLY THOSE PEOPLE, PROBABLY PICNICKERS AND VILLAGERS WHO CAUSED THE 116 FORESTRY FIRES LAST WINTER HAD KNOWN HOW LONG IT TAKES TO NURSE THE TREE SEEDLINGS AND HOW PATIENTLY FORESTRY STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT CARED FOR THE GROWING TREES, THEY WOULD HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT THROWING AWAY LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS, BUILDING BARBECUE FIRES IN NON-PERMITTED AREAS, OR USING FIRE IN CLEARING THEIR LAND.
+PREPARATIONS FOR THE PLANTING ON THE HILLS START EARLY IN JANUARY EVERY YEAR,* THE DEPARTMENT’S FORESTRY OFFICER, MR. K.C. IU, SAID.
+FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, WORKERS, TRUDGING OVER THE PLANTATIONS WITH THEIR PICKS AND SPADES, DIG EVENLY SPACED PITS FOR THE SEEDLINGS TO BE PLANTED LATER.+
+BECAUSE OF THE HARDNESS OF THE SOIL AND THE TERRAIN, EACH Of THEM CAN DIG ONLY ABOUT THIRTY OR FORTY PITS EACH WORKING DAY.*
♦THEN, TOWARDS THE END OF APRIL, THEY WAIT FOR THE RAIN. MAKING USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY IMMEDIATELY AFTER A DOWNPOUR OR BEFORE AN EXPECTED SHOWER, THE WORKERS START OUT AGAIN TO PUT THE SEEDLINGS IN PLACE IN THE PITS ALREADY DUG THERE. IT IS IMPRACTICABLE TO WATER LARGE STRETCHES OF GROUND UP IN THE HILLS. PLANTING DEPENDS VERY MUCH UPON THE WEATHER,* MR. IU ADDED.
BECAUSE OF THE BARREN NATURE OF MOST OF HONG KONG’S SOIL, FERTILISERS ARE APPLIED AT THE TIME OF PLANTING. A SECOND APPLICATION OF FERTILISER IS USED AT THE END OF THE RAINS AND A THIRD THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
+YET EVEN BEFORE THE PITS ARE DUG, MORE FUNDAMENTAL WORK HAS TO BE DONE SOME TEN MONTHS EARLIER,* MR. IU CONTINUED, +THE PLANTING STOCK OF SEEDLINGS HAS TO BE RAISED IN THE FORESTRY NURSERY*.
IN A TWENTY-SEVEN-ACRE EXPERIMENTAL FARM TUCKED AWAY AT TAI LUNG, SHEUNG SHU I, THE DEPARTMENT MANAGES A FOREST NURSERY WHICH PRODUCES APPROXIMATELY 500,000 SEEDLINGS AND SAPLINGS EVERY YEAR.
/+EXCEPT
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1976
- 2 -
+EXCEPT FOR THE SAPLINGS, WHICH ARE MOSTLY FOR PLANTING IN COUNTRYSIDE PICNIC AREAS AND FOR SUPPLY TO VILLAGERS. SCHOOLS 5‘ID THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE FOR AMENITY PLANTING, NEARLY AL._ THE YOUNG PLANTS NURTURED THERE WILL EVENTUALLY BE PLANTED OUT IN THE TEN FORESTRY PLANTATIONS ON THE NEW TERRITORIES MAINLAND,* MR. IU SAID.
+FORESTRY AREAS ON LANTAU ISLAND - IN CHI MA WAN,. SHEK PIK AND NAM SHAN NEAR SILVER MINE BAY AND ON HONG KONG ISlAND, BY THE SIDES OF TAI TAM RESERVOIR, RECEIVE THEIR STOCKS OF TREE SEEDLINGS FROM TWO SMALLER NURSERIES, IN WONG NE I CHUNG AND N SHAN+.
THE CENTRAL NURSERY AT TAI LUNG FARM IS ORGANISED IN FOUR SECTIONS - A SOWING AREA WITH ROWS OF SEED BEDS. A TUBING AREA WHERE INDIVIDUAL' SEEDLINGS ARE TRANSPLANTED TO TUBULAR BAGS OF COMPOST AND EARTH, A LARGE SEEDLINGS NURSING ARE4 WHERE THE TUBED PLANTS ARE TENDED FOR SOME EIGHTTO TEN MONTHS, AND A SAPLING NURSING AREA WHERE THE YOUNG TREES ARE FURHTER TENDED FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS BY WHICH TIME THEY REACH ALMOST TEN FEET IN HEIGHT AND ARE SUITABLE FOR AMENITY WORK.
THE MOST PREFERRED SPECIES FOR AFFORESTATION AT PRESENT ARE THE ACACIA AND TRISTANIA. THE ACACIA IS EVERGREEN, GROWS FAST, FORMS EFFECTIVE WINDBREAKS, CAN SURVIVE ON POOR SOIL AND WILL PRODUCE NEW GROWTH EVEN AFTER DAMAGE BY FIRE. THE TRISTANIA, ORIGINATING FROM AUSTRALIA, HAS THE SAME VIRTUE OF REGROWTH AFTER A FIRE. THE AMERICAN SLASH PINE HAS A STRAIGHT TRUNK AND IS COMPARATIVELY LESS FIRE-TENDER THAN THE LOCAL PINE, AND IS ALSO PLANTED, ALTHOUGH NOT IN AS LARGE NUMBERS AS PREVIOUSLY. THE LOCAL PINE, FORMERLY WIDELY PLANTED ALL OVER HONG KONG, IS NO LONGER PLANTED ON ANY SCALE BECAUSE IT IS HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO FIRE DAMAGE.
+AT ONE TIME, AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, THE LOCAL PINE WAS AN IMPORTANT REVENUE-EARNER,* MR. IU SAID, +IT IS ON RECORD THAT IN 1903 THERE WERE 5,000 ACRES OF PLANTATION ON HONG KONG ISLAND ITSELF AND IN 1904, TIMBER FROM THE FELLING OF MATURE TREES EARNED SOME $18,000 - A VERY LARGE SUM IN THOSE DAYS*.
+DURIN6 THE SECOND WORLD WAR, HONG KONG’S TREES WERE RAMPANTLY PILLAGED FOR FUEL. IN ORDER TO REPLANT LARGE AREAS IN A SHORT TIME GREAT QUANTITIES OF PINE SEEDS WERE BROADCAST OVER THE BARE HILLSIDES.
+COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT METHOD OF TRANSPLANTING NURSERY SEEDLINGS THIS METHOD OF AFFORESTATION HAS SEVERE DISADVANTAGES -HEAVY MORTALITY DUE TO UNCERTAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS AND INSECT' _ ATTACKS, AND UNEVEN SPACING WHICH WOULD AFFECT GROWTH,* MR. IU SAID.
♦THOUGH TREES ARE NO LONGER PLANTED IN HONG KONG FOR TIMBER OR FUEL, BECAUSE OF HIGH LABOUR COSTS NOWADAYS AND LAND LIMITATIONS, THEY- ARE VALUABLE IN QUITE DIFFERENT AND PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT WAYS. WITH THESE OBJECTIVES IN VIEW, SOME 300,000 TREES WERE PLANTED IN LAST YEAR AND A SIMILAR PROGRAMME IS EXPECTED TO BE CARRIED OUT THIS YEAR.*
- +THEY PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE COVER TO PROTECT THE SOIL FROM EROSION BY THE COMBINED FOKCES OF THE WIND, SUN AND RAIN,* HE . EXPLAINED.
/+IF THE .....
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1976
+IF THE SOIL HAS NO VEGETATION COVER, EROSION MAY DEVELOP AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE LANDSLIPS, PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS DURING THE RAINY SEASON, CHOKE UP STREAM COURSES WITH A DEPOSITION OF SILT AND GIVE RISE TO FLOODING OF CULTIVATED FIELDS AND LOW-LYING * INHABITED AREAS+. •
+FURTHERMORE, THE TREE LITTER ON THE GROUND, ACTING LIKE A SPONGE, CAN RETAIN WATER WHEN THERE IS A PLENTIFUL SUPPLY AND RELEASE IT IN THE DRY WEATHER, THUS ENSURING A REGULAR FLOW OF WATER IN THE STREAM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.*
+IN HONG KONG WHERE RAIN IS SCARCE DURING SOME MONTHS OF THE YEAR BUT TORRENTIAL IN OTHERS. THIS MOISTURERETAINING ABILITY IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE AND EXPLAINS THE EXTENSIVE PLANTATIONS AND NATURAL WOODLAND IN THE CATCHMENT AREAS ABOVE THE RESERVOIRS,* HE SAID.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ROLE OF FOREST PLANTATIONS NOW GAINING MORE RECOGNITION, IS THEIR VALUE IN PROVIDING PLEASANT SURROUNDINGS FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION ACTIVITIES OF THE URBAN POPULATION. ON WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS, MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE ARE NOW GOING OUT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE, ESPECIALLY TO THE SCENIC FORESTRY. AREAS AROUND THE RESERVOIRS. NEARLY 2OO PICNIC AND BARBECUE SITES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO MAKE THEIR OUTINGS MORE CONVENIENT AND ENJOYABLE.
* ALL THIS WORK IS SHOULDERED BY THE CONSERVATION AND FORESTS DIVISION OF THE AGR(CULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARtMENT, WHICH- HAS 13 FORESTRY POSTS, EACH MANNED BY 20 TO 30 STAFF, STRATEGICALLY LOCATED IN THE COUNTRY AREAS.
WITH MORE CITY DWELLERS GOING OUT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE -HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE IN ITSELF - THESE FORESTRY WORKERS UNFORTUNATELY HAVE ANOTHER UNENVIABLE TASK TO TAKE UP - FIRE VIGILANCE.
+T0 MANY PEOPLE THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HILL FIRES MAY APPEAR TO BE UNNECESSARY OR EXCESSIVE*, MR. IU SAID. +BUT SURELY NO ONE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO APPRECIATE THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR ITS RECREATION VALUES, WOULD LIKE TO SEE YEARS OF LABOUR AND CONSTRUCTIVE EFFORT REDUCED TO ASHES IN A FEW HOURS*.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1976 - 4 -
SPORTS PROGRAMME AT MORSE PARK
M * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SPORTS PROGRAMME ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 21) AT 9 A.M. AT MORSE PARK, WONG TAI SIN.
THE SPORTS PROGRAMME IS CO-ORDINATED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND EVER HELD ON THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.
' IT AIMS AT PROVIDING A DAY OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FO? PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
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NOTE TO EDITORSi 1
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. ‘ -
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 1976
METHADONE TREATMENT FOR 6,000 ft ft ft ft ft ft
SOME 6,300 DRUG ADDICTS HAVE BEEN ON THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME ADMINISTERED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SINCE THE METHOD WAS INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG IN 1973.
A YEAR AGO, THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 3,600 ON THE REGISTER OF ADDICTS COMING FORWARD TO RECEIVE METHADONE TREATMENT.'
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ALTHOUGH THERE HAD BEEN A GRADUAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW ADMISSIONS TO THE PROGRAMME, THE RATE OF DROPOUTS FROM THE PROGRAMME REMAINED UNCHANGED.
OF THE 6,300 ADDICTS ON THE REGISTER, LESS THAN 40 PER CENT WERE RETURNING FOR THEIR DOSAGE OF METHADONE, HE SAID.
• THE METHADONE TREATMENT METHOD CALLS FOR DISPENSING OF A CONSTANT DOSE OF METHADONE DAILY WITHOUT HOSPITALISATION TO -AN ADDICT AND FOR AN INDETERMINATE PERIOD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE AT PRESENT FOUR SUCH CLINICS FOR THOSE DRUG ADDICTS WHO WISHED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE METHADONE PROGRAMME — EASTERN STREET HEALTH CENTRE ON THE ISLAND, HOMANTIN HEALTH CENTRE IN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN.
HE EMPHASISED THAT DESPITE THE CONSTANT NUMBER OF DROPOUTS, THE EXISTING FOUR CLINICS WOULD BE MAINTAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE WERE VARIOUS FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DROPOUT RATE.
A MAJOR REASON WAS THAT THE REGIMEN ADOPTED IN ANY ONE TYPE OF TREATMENT SCHEME COULD NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL THOSE WHO WISHED TO UNDERGO TREATMENT, HE SAID.
THEREFORE, DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREATMENT PROGRAMMES MUST RUN CONCURRENTLY, HE ADDED.
/2.....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 1976 - 2 -
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY SPORTS EVENTS ATTRACT 6,000 ENTRIES *****
SOME 6,000 HONG KONG RESIDENTS WILL COMPETE IN THE 29 SPORTS EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CELEBRATION OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 21).
THE MOST POPULAR EVENT IS THE +WALK FOR ALL+, WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE SHING MUN RESERVOIR AREA IN TSUEN WAN. COVERING A DISTANCE OF ABOUT FOUR MILES, IT HAS ATTRACTED NEARLY 1,000 ENTRIES.
THE +NEW TERRITORIES ROAD RACE+ FOR MEN AND WOMEN, TO BE HELD o IN TAI PO, ALSO PROVEDTO BE POPULAR WITH A TOTAL OF 500 PARTICIPANTS.
OTHER EVENTS WILL BE HELD AT MORSE PARK IN KOWLOON AND IN VICTORIA PARK ON HONG KONG ISLAND. THEY INCLUDE SOCCER, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, WATER-POLO AND TABLE TENNIS COMPETITIONS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE TAI CHI AND DIVING DEMONSTRATIONS.
SEMINARS ON PHYSICS AND BIOLOGY
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION ARE TO JOINTLY CONDUCT SEMINARS ON NEW SYLLABUSES FOR PHYSICS AND BIOLOGY (FORMS 4 AND 5) PREPARED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL ON APRIL 20 AND 24 RESPECTIVELY.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINARS IS TO FAMILIARISE PARTICIPATING TEACHERS WITH THE APPROACH AND METHOD OF TEACHING THE NEW SYLLABUSES.
ABOUT 200 PHYSICS AND BIOLOGY TEACHERS FROM SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE JUNIOR SECONDARY SCIENCE SCHEME (FORMERLY KNOWN AS INTEGRATED SCIENCE) ARE EXPECTED fO ATTEND THE SEMINARS.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MR. ALEC REEVE, WILL OPEN THE SEMINARS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON APRIL 20 AT 9.15 A.M.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1976.
SURVEY ON CAR REPAIRS INDUSTRY ******
A MAJOR SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING INDUSTRY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN MAY 3 AND 24, 1976, TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
THE SURVEY, THE THIRD OF ITS KIND, 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 CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, MR. D.C.J. BANFIELD, SAIH THIS SURVEY WAS NEEDED IN VIEW OF THE MANY CHANGES SINCE THE ONE CONDUCTED IWO YEARS AGO. THE FIRST SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED 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 TODAY TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY RANDOM STRATIFIED SAMPLING.
EMPLOYERS ARE ASKED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION INCLUDINGi
• * THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED”
* THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING- .
* THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES- AND
M 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.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1976
2
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN N.T. ft ft ft ft
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF A FUN FAIR TO BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 21) TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE QUEEN.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MRS. AKERS-JONES.
THE FAIR, COMPRISING 13 STALLS, WILL BE HELD IN THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND BEGINNING AT 2 P.M. MR. AKERS-JONES WILL GIVE A SHORT ADDRESS BEFORE DOTTING THE EYES OF A COMPLETELY NEW DRAGON . THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A DRAGON DANCE AND A MULTIPLE LIONS DANCE.
AMONG THE OFFICIALS PRESENT WILL BE MR. PETER YEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE- MR. HO TSE-PING, CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- MR. TANG YUEN-PUI, CHAIRMAN OF THE TSI NG Yl RURAL COMMITTEE- MR. SIMON YEUNG, MR. CHAN PO-FONG, JP, AND STAFF MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES GROUP SINGING, A FOLK DANCE PERFORMED BY TWO SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS IN TSUEN WAN, AN ACROBATIC SHOW AND A KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION.
IN OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAS ALSO BEEN ARRANGED TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION'.
THESE INCLUDE A FUN FAIR IN YUEN LONG, A CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN TUEN MUN, AND A VARIETY SHOW IN SAI KUNG. THERE WILL ALSO BE CONCERTS AND FILM SHOWS, FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS AND CHESS AND SINGING COMPETITIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE FAIR IN TSUEN WAN. THEY SHOULD BE AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, TSUEN WAN, SHORTLY BEFORE 2 P.M. MR. HAROLD KWOK, DEPUTY DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.
COPIES OF THE DETAILED PROGRAMME OF NEW TERRITORIES EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICES TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G. I.S. PRESS ROOM.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1976.
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ENDURANCE RACE IN KWUN TONG * * * *
A SIX-MILE ENDURANCE RACE ROUND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT WILL BE HELD LATER THIS MONTH TO TEST THE ABILITY OF ABOUT 1,000 BOYS AND GIRLS..
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS — ONE FOR GIRLS OVER 14 YEARS OF AGE, ANOTHER FOR BOYS BETWEEN 12 AND 14, AND THE LAST FOR BOYS OF 15 OR ABOVE.
ABOUT 100 GIRLS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST GROUP, 600 BOYS FOR THE 12-14 AGE GROUP AND 300 BOYS FOR THE LAST GROUP. • • • •
THE RACE, BEGINNING AT 10 A.M. ON APRIL 25, WILL START AND END AT THE TSUI PING ROAD — LEIYUMUN ROAD RECREATION GROUND. THE COMPETITORS WILL PROCEED TO KAI TIN ROAD, LAM TIN ESTATE, JUNK BAY ROAD, SAU MAU PING ROAD, SAU MAU PING ESTATE, HIP WO STREET AND BACK TO TSUI PING ROAD.
THE FIRST 20 WINNERS IN EACH GROUP WILL WIN A PRICE. CERTIFICATES WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO FINISH THE ENTIRE ROUTE.
THE EVENT IS SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE KWUN TONG RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE.
* THOSE INTERESTED TO TAKE PART IN THE RACE CAN REGISTER, BEFORE APRIL 23, IN THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, AND THE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICES IN LAM TIN, SAU MAU PING AND NGAU TAU KOK ESTATES.
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PRH 7
□ieI Ml
DAILY INFORMATION
' • / GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL .
P.W.D. PRODUCES NEW COUNTRYSIDE MAP FOR RAMBLERS
. #****-
MORE OF HONG KONG’S LOVELY COUNTRYSIDE IN OUTLYING AREAS IS BEING OPENED UP FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF CITY DWELLERS.
AND THIS SUMMER, FINDING A QUIET SPOT AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY WILL BE AN EASIER AFFAIR, THANKS TO THE PUBLICATION OF A NEW COUNTRYSIDE MAP PRODUCED BY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CARTOGRAPHERS.
f
ENTITLED +LANTAU AND ISLANDS*, THE MAP FEATURES THE PICTURESQUE ISLANDS OF LANTAU, CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU, LAMMA AND MA WAN — REGARDED BY MANY AS PROBABLY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF HONG KONG’S OUTLYING ISLANDS.
THE MAP IS IN COLOUR WITH LEGENDS IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH. IT IS THE THIRD IN THE POPULAR COUNTRYSIDE SERIES PRODUCED BY THE P.W.D.’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE TO PROMOTE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE FIRST TWO WERE +HONG KONG ISLAND* AND +NEW TERRITORIES -WEST*, BOTH OF WHICH SOLD OUT SO QUICKLY THAT NEW EDITIONS HAD TO BE PRINTED.
+QUITE HONESTLY WE WERE A BIT SURPRISED BY THE RESPONSE,* COMMENTED MR. HAL EMPSON, THE P.W.D.’S CHIEF MAP-MAKER, +BUT IT HAS BEEN A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO US IN PRODUCING THIS SERIES.
+THE COUNTRYSIDE HAS, OF COURSE, LONG BEEN A POPULAR PLAYGROUND WITH URBAN RESIDENTS, BUT ONLY THE MORE ADVENTUROUS REALLY VENTURED OUT IN THE MORE REMOTE AREAS WHICH, BY THEIR VERY NATURE, ARE MORE INTERESTING.
+THE MAPS ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO EXPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE, NOT ONLY FOR THEIR ENJOYMENT, BUT ALSO THAT THEY CAN DEVELOP A GREATER APPRECIATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT.
+WITH THESE MAPS, THEY CAN NOW VENTURE FARTHER AFIELD AND ENJOY ’ THE COUNTRYSIDE TO THE FULL,* HE SAID.
THE +LANTAU AND ISLANDS* MAP IS NOW ON SALE AT $4 A COPY, AND LIMITED STOCKS OF THE OTHER TWO ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S SALES COUNTER ON THE 19TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- THE KOWLOON CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES- AND AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE AT STAR FERRY.
A SMALL HANDBOOK OF GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISLANDS IS DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE WITH THE LANTAU MAP. ____
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-2/33S BOOKLET • ••••
MONDAY, APRIL 19, 1976
- 2 -
THE BOOKLET, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, GIVES A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS PLACES OF SPECIAL INTEREST, AND LISTS SUCH DETAILS AS FERRY AND +KAI-DO+ SERVICES, TOURIST FACILITIES, AND EVEN THE TYPE OF HOSPITALITY BEING OFFERED BY THE ISLANDS’ VARIOUS RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND MONASTERIES.
IT ALSO CONTAINS SOME INTERESTING HISTORICAL NOTES ABOUT THE ISLANDS, AND OFFERS A SERIES OF SUGGESTED ROUTES FOR TRIPPERS. '
ON LANTAU ISLAND, FOR INSTANCE, IT SUGGESTS THAT TRIPPERS COULD START WITH THE SHORTER, EASIER WALKS FROM TRAPPIST HAVEN PIER TO THE POPULAR MUI WO AREA WHICH IS ALREADY A MAJOR RESORT AREA, OR FROM MUI WO TO CHI MA WAN.
FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS HIKERS, IT SUGGESTS WALKS FROM MUI WO TO TUNG CHUNG (FIVE HOURS) VIA THE FAMOUS SILVER MJ NE CAVE, OR FROM TAI 0 TO TUNG CHUNG (FIVE HOURS) AND ON TO TUNG CHUNG FORT. THIS FORT DATES BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY AND WAS REPUTEDLY OCCUPIED BY THE NOTORIOUS PIRATE CHEUNG PO-TSAI AT THE TURN OF THE' 18TH CENTURY. THE FORT STILL HAS CANNON — ONE DATED 1809 — AIMED OVER ITS WALLS, BUT TODAY THE INSIDE BUILDINGS SERVE AS A SCHOOL.
MR. EMPSON SAID THE MAP HAD DELIBERATELY BEEN MADE SIMPLE SO THAT EVEN THE MOST INEXPERIENCED MAP READER COULD USE IT.
+FOR EXAMPLE, FOOTPATHS AND WALKING TRAILS ARE CLEARLY SHOWN IN,RED, WITH A BROKEN LINE TO INDICATE PATHS WHICH MAY BE SEASONALLY OVERGROWN, AND VARIOUS FEATURES SUCH AS PICNIC SPOTS. APPROVED BARBECUE PLACES, REST PAVILIONS, BOATING AREAS, PUBLIC TELEPHONES, MONASTERIES, BUS TERMINI AND CARPARKS, ARE DENOTED BY APPROPRIATE ILLUSTRATIVE SIGNS FOR QUICK AND EASY REFERENCE.+
TWO SYMBOLS ARE USED TO INDICATE THE MANY MAGNIFICENT BEACHES ALONG THE ISLANDS. ONE SHOWING A GIRL SITTING UNDER A BEACH UMBRELLA, DENOTES A BEACH WITH LIFEGUARDS, WHILE BEACHES WITHOUT SUPERVISION ARE INDICATED BY A BIKINI CLAD GIRL HOLDING A BEACH BALL ALOFT.
FOOTPATHS ARE SHOWN AS MAJOR AND MINOR. IN THIS CONTEXT MAJOR PATH INDICATED A POPULAR ROUTE, EASILY WALKED WITHOUT SCRAMBLING AND USUALLY WELL DEFINED AND MAINTAINED. MINOR PATH INDICATES A LESS POPULAR, LESS FREQUENTED ROUTE WHICH MAY BE STEEP, NARROW OR ROUGH AND ILL-DEFINED IN PARTS.
IN KEEPING WITH THE MOVE TOWARDS METRICATION, THE MAP EMPLOYS METRIC UNITS, BUT FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RAMBLERS DISTANCE SCALES ARE ALSO GIVEN IN MILES AND FEET.
THE LANTAU MAP, WHICH OCCUPIES ONE SIDE OF THE SHEET, HAS BEEN DRAWN TO A SCALE OF 1 : 35,000. TWO SPECIAL INSETS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED SHOWING IN GREATER DETAIL THE ISLAND’S POPULAR MUI WO AND NGONG PING AREAS.
• THE OTHER ISLANDS ARE SHOWN ON THE REVERSE OF THE SHEET WHICH CAN BE FOLDED TO HANDY POCKET BOOK SIZE WHEN NOT IN USE. LAMMA ISLAND (ALSO KNOWN AS POK LIU CHAU) IS DRAWN TO A SCALE OF 1 i 20,000, WHILE CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU AND MA WAN HAVE ALL BEEN DRAWN TO 1 i 7,500.
/A PROMINENT .....
MONDAY, APRIL 19, 1976
5
A PROMINENT FEATURE OF THE MAP IS A SECTION LISTING SAFETY HINTS FOR HIKERS IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH. ALSO INCLUDED IS THE COUNTRY CODE WHICH IS SPELLED OUT IN A MESSAGE ON THE FLAP COVER.
+THE NEED TO OBSERVE THE COUNTRY CODE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT CANNOT BE OVERSTRESSED,+ SAID MR. EMPSON. +THE MAP IS INTENDED TO HELP PEOPLE ENJOY THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND WOULD BE TRAGIC IF THIS WERE TO BE SPOILT BY THOUGHTLESSNESS OR CARELESSNESS.+
HE REMINDED TRIPPERS TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE DANGER OF FIRE AND EMPHASISED THAT BARBECUES SHOULD ONLY BE HELD AT APPROVED ’ BARBECUE SPOTS THE LOCATIONS OF WHICH ARE CLEARLY INDICATED ON ALL COUNTRYSIDE MAPS.
HE ALSO EMPHASISED THE NEED TO KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN BY DISPOSING OF LITTER IN BINS PROVIDED. IN MORE REMOTE AREAS WHERE NO BINS ARE PROVIDED, PICNICKERS SHOULD TAKE THEIR LITTER WITH THEM AND DISPOSE OF IT IN BINS ON THE WAY HOME.
+AS STATED IN THE CODE, THE PRINCIPLE TO FOLLOW IS TO LEAVE THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEANER THAN YOU FIND IT,+ HE SAID.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVER 10,000 PEOPLE INVITED TO ATTEND THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE ..................................................... 1
COLOURFUL TIN HAU PROCESSION IN YUEN LONG................. 2
COMPETITION TO PROMOTE DRAMA ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN .... 3
WATER CUT IN CENTRAL ...................................... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1976
- 1 -
10.000 IBY ITED TO QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE ft * ft ft * ft
OVER 10.000 PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB STADIUM, SPORTS ROAD, TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE GUESTS INCLUDE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY WORK.
DUE TO THE LIMITED NUMBER QF SEATS AT THE STADIUM, ONLY THE INVITED GUESTS WILL BE ADMITTED^
IF THE WEATHER IS BAD TOMORROW, THE PARADE MAY HAVE.TO BE CANCELLED IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF pEOPLEIHVlTED.A F«DECISION WILL BE MADE SHORTLY BEFORE 6 P.M, TOMORROW.
IF THOSE WMO HAVE BEEN INVITED ARE DOUBTFUL WHETHER THE EVENT WILL BE HELD, THEY ARE ADVISED TO.LSTEN TO THE BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION SERVICES BETWEEN 6 P.M. AND 7 P.M. WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE AT INTERVALS ON WHETHER THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AS SCHEDULED. .
IN CONNECTION WITH THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS. THE dllNA MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL OPERATE THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL BUS SERVICESi
(A) ROUTE NO? 1A BETWEEN CENTRAL (STAR FERRY) AND HAPPY VALLEY (MORRISON HILL ROAD CAR PARK). ON JOURNEYS TO HAPPY VALLEY, BUSES WILL..RUN FROM 6.30 P.M. TO 7.AO P.M. AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS. ON JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL (STAR FERRY), BUSES WILL OPERATE FROM 9 P.M. TO 9.30 P.M. AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS. A FLAT FARE OF 50 CENTS WILL BE CHARGED.
(B) ROUTE NO. 6B BETWEEN STANLEY FORT AND HAPPY VALLEY (MORRISON HILL ROAD CAR PARK). ON JOURNEYS TO HAPPY Z VALLEY. BUSES WILL RUN BETWEEN 5.15 P.M. AND 5.30 P.M. AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS.- ON JOURNEYS TO STANLEY FORT, BUSES WILL RUN FROM 9 P.M. TO .9.15 P.M. AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS. A FLAT FARE OF $1.50 WILL BE CHARGED.
NOTE TO EDITORSI
PRESS REPORTERS ARE REQUESTED TO ENTER THE GROUND THROUGH ENTRANCE 2 NEXT TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG
REGIMENT HEADQUARTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THROUGH ENTRANCE 15 NEXT TO THE CLUB HOUSE OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB IN SPORTS ROAB.
/2 .....
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1976
2
COLOURFUL TIN HAU CELEBRATIONS IN YUEN LONG ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT A COLOURFUL TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION AT YUEN LONG STADIUM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 22.)
THE FESTIVAL, WHICH TAKES PLACE ANNUALLY, IS IN HONOUR ~ OF TIN HAU, THE GODDESS OF HEAVEN AND PROTECTRESS OF SEAFARERS. IT HAS BEEN ARRANGED BY THE SWAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE.
THE MAIN FEATURE WILL BE THE PROCESSION WHICH IS COMPOSED OF LION DANCES, CHIU CHAU FOLK DANCES, FLAG PROCESSIONS, UNICORN DANCES AND FLORAL CARS.
IT WILL TAKE ABOUT ONE HOUR TO PASS THROUGH THE STADIUM WHERE IT WILL BE WATCHED BY HUNDREDS OF GUESTS AND A LARGE CROWD OF SPECTATORS. THE ROUTE OF THE PROCESSION TO THE .STADIUM IS ALSO EXPECTED TO BE LINED WITH THOUSANDS OF ON-LOOKERS.
THE PROCESSION WILL FORM UE AT THE EASTERN BUS TERMINUS, REACHING THE STADIUM BY 12 NOON." IT WILL CONSIST OF ENTRIES FROM 30 ORGANISATIONS.
AFTER LEAVING THE STADIUM THE PROCESSION WILL MAKE ITS WAY TO’THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHUE HAU FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES.
BECAUSE OF THE CROWDS, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO FORCE IN YUEN LONG ON THURSDAY. ANYONE INTENDING TO WATCH THE PROCESSION IS ADVISED TO REACHED YUEN LONG NOT LATER THAN 11.30 A.M. WHETHER COMING BY PRIVATE CAR OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT. /
NOTE TO ED ITORSb PRESS BADGES FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ASSIGNED TO COVER THE PROCESS ION.ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM.
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1976 - 3 -
DRAMA COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN
THE DRAMA PROMOTION UNIT OF THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION IS TO HOLD A THREE-DAY DRAMA COMPETITION FROM THURSDAY TO SATURDAY.
IT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE BUDDHIST SIN TAK COLLEGE, KWAI CHUNG, BEGINNING AT 7 P.M. EACH EVENING WITH AN EXTRA SESSION ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON FROM 2.30 P.M. TO 5.30 P.M.
A NUMBER OF DRAMA CELEBRITIES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ACT AS ADJUDICATORS.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS ON SUNDAY (APRIL 25) BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, MR. JAMES HAYES= THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ALICE SIU, MR. DEACON CHIU. JP. AND MR. CHAN PO-FONG, JP. IN THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL. THE WINNING TEAMS WILL GIVE PERFORMANCES AFTER THE PRESENTATION.
TICKETS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN AS WELL AS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE WELCOMED TO ATTEND AND COULD OBTAIN FREE TICKETS EITHER FROM PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OR FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TSUEN WAN.
WATER CUT * * * H *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL BE CUT OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 23).
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE IS TO ALLOW THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE ALL BUILDINGS BOUNDED BY JUBILEE STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN POTTINGER STREET AND WING WO STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SECURITY OF TENURE CONFERRED ON DISTRICT COURT JUDGES ....... 1
TWO LABOUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO VISIT HONG KONG...........2
C.A.S. PASSING-OUT PARADE ................................... 3
KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TESTS MODERN TOILET FACILITIES ........3
SEMINARS ON SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND THE USE OF CALCULATORS .... 4
SEAMEN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT ADVISED TO REGISTER AT THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE .................................. 5
IMPORTANCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS EMPHASISED ............ 6
BUDGET PREDICTIONS CONFIRMED BY LATEST STATISTICS ........... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976
1
SECURITY OF TENURE FOR DISTRICT JUDGES
******
IT WILL BE RECALLED THAT IN SEPTEMBER 1974 AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE THAT A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE JUDICIARY WERE TO BE IMPLEMENTED.
A SEPARATE COURT OF APPEAL HAS SINCE BEEN ESTABLISHED AND A JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION HAS BEEN APPOINTED AND BEGUN WORK.
ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS PROPOSED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR GEOFFREY BRIGGS, AND ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WAS THAT SECURITY OF TENURE SHOULD BE CONFERRED ON DISTRICT JUDGES. ALTHOUGH THE POSSIBILITY OF THE REMOVAL OF A DISTRICT JUDGE FROM OFFICE HAS NEVER IN PRACTICE ARISEN. IT IS CONSIDERED THAT FORMAL PROVISION IS DESIRABLE TO EMPHASISE THE INDEPENDENCE OF DISTRICT JUDGES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT HER MAJESTY IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE LETTERS PATENT. THE EFFECT OF WHICH WILL BE TO CONFER ON DISTRICT JUDGES SIMILAR PROTECTION TO THAT WHICH IS ALREADY CONFERRED BY THE LETTERS PATENT ON SUPREME COURT JUDGES.
THE RESULT WILL BE THAT SUPREME COURT JUDGES AND DISTRICT JUDGES CAN ONLY BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE AFTER INVESTIGATION BY A SPECIAL TRIBUNAL AND REFERENCE TO THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL.
THE AMENDMENT TO THE LETTERS PATENT APPROVED BY HER MAJESTY IN COUNCIL ALSO MAKES CHANGES TO THE RETIREMENT AGE OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT.
IN THE CASE OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE AGE FOR COMPULSORY RETIREMENT IS RAISED FROM 62 TO 65.
IN THE CASE OF OTHER SUPREME COURT JUDGES, COMPRISING THE JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT AND THE COURT OF APPEAL, DIFFERENT PROVISION IS MADE.
IF A JUDGE WOULD LIKE TO SERVE BEYOND THE AGE OF 62, THE MATTER WILL GO BEFORE THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE GOVERNOR WILL THEN TRANSMIT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GOVERNOR MAY, ON THE INSTRUCTIONS OF A SECRETARY OF STATE, EXTEND THE TERM OF OFFICE OF A JUDGE FOR UP TO THREE YEARS.
IT IS HOPED THAT AS A RESULT OF THESE AMENDMENTS, THE ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE OF SENIOR JUDGES WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY FOR A LONGER PERIOD.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976
2
TWO LABOUR MP’S TO VISIT HONG KONG * * * * *
I
TWO LABOUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR. RICHARD MITCHELL AND MR. MIKE THOMAS, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH ON A WEEK-LONG VISIT.
MR. MITCHELL, WHO WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE. WILL ARRIVE ON SATURDAY (APRIL 24). THEY WILL BE JOINED BY MR. THOMAS WHO FLIES IN ON MONDAY (APRIL 26).
DURING THEIR STAY HERE, THE TWO MP’S WILL CALL ON THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AND HOLD TALKS WITH URBAN COUNCILl6rS, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
THEY WILL ALSO TOUR THE NEW TERRITORIES IN A HELICOPTER AND VISIT A NUMBER OF FACTORIES AND HOUSING ESTATES.
MR. MITCHELL, WHO HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY VISITED HONG KONG, IS INTERESTED IN EDUCATION, SHIPPING AND CONTAINER HANDLING.
MR. THOMAS, WHO WAS IN HONG KONG FOR TWO DAYS ON AN UNOFFICIAL VISIT IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, IS CURRENTLY THE PARLIAMENTARY PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.
THE TWO MP’S ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE THEY LEAVE HONG KONG ON MAY 1.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MR. AND MRS. MITCHELL ARE SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON SATURDAY (APRIL 24) AT 5.35 P.M. ON FLIGHT BA85O WHILE MR. THOMAS WILL ARRIVE ON MONDAY (APRIL 26) AT 9.30 A.M. ON FLIGHT BA914.
/3
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976. - 3 -
C.A.S. PASSING-OUT PARADE * * * *
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY RECRUITS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, WHO HAVE COMPLETED ONE YEAR’S BASIC TRAINING ON FOOT DRILL, FIRST AID. LIGHT RESCUE AND CIVIL DEFENCE, WILL TAKE PART IN A PASS ING-OUT .PARADE TO BE HELD AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY (APRIL 25).
THE CAS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR. J.A. FORTUNE, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE AND AWARD SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING RECRUITS. HE WILL ALSO PRESENT CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS TO 45 RECIPIENTS.
THE RECRUITS, SOME OF THEM WOMEN, WILL BE POSTED TO VARIOUS CAS UNITS FOR FURTHER OPERATIONAL TRAINING AND ACTIVE DUTY AFTER THE CEREMONY.
THE CAS CADET BAND WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE WHICH BEGINS AT 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY (APRIL 25) AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204, ARGYLE STREET
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KCR TESTS MODERN TOILET FACILITIES
*****
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HAS PROVIDED MODERN TOILET FACILITIES IN ONE OF ITS PASSENGER TRAINS FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF FOUR WEEKS.
THE CHEMICAL TOILET HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN AN ORDINARY CLASS COACH.
THE TEST, BEING CARRIED OUT JOINTLY BY THE KCR MANUFACTURER, IS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN RECOGNITION OF FOR PROVIDING TOILET FACILITIES FOR LONGER DISTANCE PARTICULARLY BY THOSE TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CHINA.
AT THE END OF THE TEST PERIOD. A DECISION WILL AS TO WHETHER MODIFICATION IS NECESSARY TO MAKE IT FOR MORE WIDESPREAD ADOPTION.
AND THE THE NEED PASSENGERS
BE MADE SUITABLE
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF KCR, MR. REG GREGORY. SAID TODAY THAT COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM PASSENGERS WHO USED THE FACILITIES WOULD BE MOST WELCOMED.
THE NEW COACHES WHICH ARRIVED IN 1974 HAD NO TOILET FACILITIES. IT WAS DECIDED THAT TOILETS OF THE THEN EXISTING DESIGN SHOULD NOT BE PROVIDED IN KCR COACHES IN FUTURE BECAUSE OF THEIR UNSANITARY NATURE.
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A
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976
4 -
SEMINARS ON SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND CALCULATORS * * * * *
TWO SEMINARS - ONE ON THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE AND THE OTHER ON EXPLORING THE USE OF CALCULATORS IN SCHOOLS -WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SEMINAR ON SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE, ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS. WILL BE OPENED BY MR. ALEX S.C. WU, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND A MEMBER OF THE' BOARD OF EDUCATION, AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 9.30 A.M.
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY SCHOOL HEADS, TEACHERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS. v
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE SEMINAR ON CALCULATORS IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S MATHEMATICS SECTION. IT WILL BE OPENED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING, AT KING GEORGE V SCHOOL AT 10 A.M.
A NUMBER OF FIRMS WILL HAVE CALCULATORS ON DISPLAY AT AN EXH IBITION TO BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME AND PLACE. DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE USE OF THE CALCULATORS WILL BE GIVEN.
ONE OF THE SPEAKERS IS MR. ARTHUR BRQWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS). HE WILL TALK ON THE LOGIC AND FUNCTIONS OF CALCULATORS.
TWO STUDENTS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO PRESENT THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE TWO SEMINARS COVERED.
THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IS IN GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON, AND KING GEORGE V SCHOOL IS IN TIN KWONG ROAD, KOWLOON.
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. . <_ * ■ . ' • . ■€<
• ( t
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976 - 5 -
ADVICE TO HK SEAMEN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT * * * * * *
SEAMEN HOLDING A SEAMEN’S SERVICE RECORD BOOK SHOULD, FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT, REGISTER THEMSELVES IMMEDIATELY ON THE GENERAL ROSTER WHICH IS MAINTAINED AND OPERATED BY THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT WHILE ON THE GENERAL ROSTER REGISTER, THEY COULD STILL SEEK EMPLOYMENT WITH COMPANIES OPERATING EITHER LICENSED CREW DEPARTMENT OR COMPANY ROSTER SYSTEM.
IN ADDITION, IT WOULD ENSURE THEM OF BETTER EMPLOYMENT' OPPORTUNITIES AS THIS WOULD PRESENT ANOTHER AVENUE THROUGH WHICH SEA-GOING POSTS COULD BE OBTAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS THE DUTY OF THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE TO SEE THAT COMPANIES REGISTERED WITH THE GENERAL ROSTER SYSTEM PROVIDE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WHICH WOULD INDUCE SEAMEN TO CONTINUE TO SERVE ON FOREIGN GOING SHIPS OWNED, CHARTERED OR MANAGED BY SUCH. COMPANIES.
, HE DREW THE ATTENTION OF SEAMEN TO MARINE DEPARTMENT NOTICE NO. 14/76 WHICH STATED THAT POSITIONS NOT OBTAINED AT OR THROUGH THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE IN A LEGAL MANNER WOULD PRECLUDE THE SEAMEN FROM OBTAINING ASSISTANCE FROM THAT OFFICE FOR THE RECOVERY OF MONEY DUE OR OTHER BENEFITS WHICH NORMALLY ACCRUED FROM SERVICE ON VESSELS IN WHICH SEAMEN HAD BEEN PROPERLY RECRUITED AND ENGAGED ON THE APPROVED ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976
I Jt
IMPORTANCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS STRESSED
*****
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND METHOD. PROPERLY DESIGNED AND SELECTED TO FIT SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES, SHOULD RESULT IN MORE EFFECTIVE LEARNING, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. N.M. HO, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EDUCATIONAL MEDIA EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR AT THE KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, MR. HO STRESSED THAT MEDIA, A COMBINATION OF HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN RESOURCES, SHOULD BE VIEWED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE WHOLE PROCESS OF INSTRUCTION.
+THE MATCHING OF MATERIALS AND DEVICES WITH CAREFULLY DEFINED OBJECTIVES, UPON WHICH CURRICULUM PATTERNS ARE BASED, IS OF SPECIAL CONCERN TO THE MODERN EDUCATOR,* HE SAID.
HE URGED TEACHERS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LARGE ARRAY OF MATERIALS AND DEVISES WHICH ARE PRODUCTS OF TECHNOLOGICAL < ADVANCES AND ARE READILY AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET.
I ,
♦WHERE NEW TYPES OF RESOURCES ARE REQUIRED TO MEET SPECIFIC CURRICULUM NEEDS, TEACHERS MAY HAVE TO EXERCISE THEIR OWN RESOURCEFULNESS IN DESIGNING AND PRODUCING THE MATERIALS,* HE ADDED.
IN THIS CONNECTION, SAMPLES OF HOME-MADE MATERIALS ARE ON DISPLAY AND THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT, DESIGNED TO SERVE THE NEED FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION, IS ALSO OPEN FOR VISITS, MR. HO SAID.
THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR, WHICH AIMS TO SHOW SOME OF THE LATEST TRENDS IN EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES, FEATURES A VARIETY OF CURRICULUM-ORIENTED MEDIA THAT ARE IN USE IN SCHOOL FOR A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, AND THE LATEST AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES THAT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES HAVE TO OFFER.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE (AVEC) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS* COLLEGE AND 15 LOCAL AGENTS AND SUPPLIERS OF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES. ...
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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1976
- 7 -
LATEST STATISTICS SUPPORT BUDGET PREDICTIONS
****** • I
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE LATEST AVAILABLE STATISTICS ALL AMPLY CONFIRMED THE ANALYSES MADE AT THE TIME OF THE BUDGET AND SUPPORTED THE VIEW THAT THERE WOULD BE NO DIFFICULTY IN REALIZING THE FORECASTS OF THE ECONOMY WHICH WERE PRESENTED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH.
HE SAID THE STATISTICS WERE THOSE THAT HAD BECOME AVAILABLE SINCE THE PREPARATION OF THE VARIOUS BUDGET PUBLICATIONS.
SOME OF THESE STATISTICS. HE EXPLAINED, PROVIDED DATA FOR THE LAST QUARTER OF 1975 AND, AS SUCH, COMPLETED THE PICTURE FOR LAST YEAR. .
+THE INDEXES OF UNIT VALUE AND QUANTITY FOR IMPORTS AND EXPORTS WERE EXAMPLES AS WERE THE MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT.
♦OTHERS, SUCH AS TRADE STATISTICS BY VALUE AND THE MONEY AND BANKING STATISTICS, WERE RECORDS OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF 1976,+ HE SAID. .
FRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY WELCOMES ADB’S INTEREST IN PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS ......................................... 1
CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN TO COVER GOODS MADE BY MORE THAN ONE MANUFACTURER ......................................... 2
OUTLINE ZONING PLANS FOR CAUSEWAY BAY AND WONG NAI CHUNG 3
CONSTRUCTION OF MTR OVERHEAD LINE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND NGAU TAU KOK ............................................... 4
ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE TO BEGIN TOMORROW ............... 5
CONTROL OVER IMPORTED MEAT AND POULTRY TO BE TIGHTENED .. 6
GOVERNOR TO ATTEND SCOUT RALLY AT MONGKOK STADIUM TOMORROW ................................................... 6
CALCULATORS HAVE BECOME TEACHERS’ TOOL OF THE TRADE ........ 7
CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT NEEDED IN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK ........... 8
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED .............. 9
PING PONG TABLES FOR REMOTE VILLAGES ....................... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
1
ADB INTERESTED IN PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS
* * M * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HE WOULD WELCOME THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK TO PARTICIPATE IN HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS BY WAY OF A LONG TERM LOAN FROM ORDINARY RESOURCES, ALBEIT AT 9.5 PER CENT.
SPEAKING AT THE BANK’S ANNUAL MEETING OF. THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS CURRENTLY HELD IN JAKARTA, HE SAID HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE PRESIDENT INOUE’S (OF THE ADB) REFERENCE TO THE BANK’S INTEREST IN LOW COST PUBLIC HOUSING.
+THIS IS A FIELD IN WHICH, FOR WELL KNOWN REASONS. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS HAD TO INVEST ENORMOUS AMOUNTS OF CAPITAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS, AND WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO DO SO FOR ANOTHER DECADE OR SO.+
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WOULD WELCOME THE BANK’S PARTICIPATION +BECAUSE THE COMPETING DEMANDS OF OUR OTHER PUBLIC SECTOR PROGRAMMES ARE MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR US TO CONTINUE FINANCING THE NET COST OF. OUR VARIOUS HOUSING SCHEMES FROM PUBLIC REVENUE ALONE.+
+FOR THE BANK TO PARTICIPATE IN ONE OR MORE OF THESE SCHEMES WOULD MEAN THAT OUR EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD OF HIGH DENSITY PUBLIC HOUSING — WITH ITS COMPLEX OF PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH SITE FORMATION, LAYOUT, LAND USAGE, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT AND ANCILLIARY SERVICES — WOULD BECOME DIRECTLY AVAILABLE TO THE BANK,+ HE ADDED.
IN THIS CONNECTION, MR. HADDON-CAVE BELIEVED THAT, THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF THE BANK, THERE SHOULD BE A GREATER INTERCHANGE OF THE SPECIALISED EXPERIENCE OF MEMBER COUNTRIES IN FIELDS OF COMMON INTEREST FOR THEIR COMMON GOOD.
THIS, HE SAID, WOULD RESULT IN THE DISSEMINATION AND THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH SPECIALISED EXPERIENCE, AND, HOPEFULLY BUT INCIDENTALLY, IN A DIMINISHED USE OF EXPENSIVE OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID WHILE HE UNDERSTOOD THE NEED FOR A CONTINUING FLOW OF FUNDS ON CONCESSIONARY TERMS TO CERTAIN DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES, HE FELT OBLIGED TO SOUND A WARNING.
+WHEN ANY COMMODITY, INCLUDING MONEY, IS PRICED ON THE BASIS OF EXTRA-MARKET CONSIDERATION, NOT ONLY IS THERE A DANGER OF DISTORTION IN THE PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND AND COMPLEMENTARY DOMESTIC POLICIES BEING PURSUED MAY WELL BE OVERLOOKED.
/♦ALL OF .....
- 2 -
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
+ALL OF US IN THIS BANK AND OTHER SIMILAR INSTITUTIONS, AND GOVERNMENTS, HAVE BECOME PREOCCUPIED WITH MULTI-LATERAL AND BILATERAL LENDING PROGRAMMES ON CONCESSIONARY AND QUASICONCESSIONARY TERMS, AND LARGELY FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DEVELOPMENT.
+AS A RESULT, WE HAVE, I SUSPECT, TENDED TO IGNORE THE CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMIC WELL BEING WHICH WOULD STEM FROM SIMILAR INPUT OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER RESOURCES INTO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THEREBY, IN ADDITION, MOBILISING THE POTENTIAL FOR SELF-HELP MORE EFFICIENTLY.
+AS IT HAPPENS, THERE ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR REGION SEVERAL MODELS WHICH DEMONSTRATE QUITE CLEARLY WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED IN TERMS OF MATERIAL PROGRESS WHEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS SUITABLY EMPHASISED AND WHEN HUMAN EFFORT IS RELEASED,* HE SAID
MR. HADDON-CAVE CONTINUED THAT DESPITE HIS +GRUDGING ACCEPTANCE* OF A SECOND LENDING WINDOW FROM ORDINARY RESOURCES AT A RATE WHICH INCLUDED A FINE OR PREMIUM OF THREE-QUARTERS OF ONE PER CENT, HE FELT BOUND TO SAY THAT, SO FAR AS HE KNEW, OTHER MULTI-LATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS HAD NOT SEEN FIT TO FOLLOW SUIT EVEN THOUGH THEY CONTINUED TO EXTEND LOANS TO THEIR MORE DEVELOPED DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES.
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CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN TO COVER GOODS MADE BY MORE THAN ONE MANUFACTURER
*****
APPLICATIONS MAY NOW BE MADE TO THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR STANDARD CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN TO COVER GOODS MADE BY UP TO THREE MANUFACTURERS PROVIDED THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE GOODS CONCERNED DOES NOT EXCEED HK$4,000.
UNTIL NOW THE D C AND I HAS BEEN ISSUING CERTIFICATES ON A ONE-MANUFACTURER - ONE-CERTIFICATE BASIS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT TODAY THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WAS DESIGNED TO ASSIST THE TRADE IN GENERAL, AND WOULD BE OPERATED INITIALLY FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS AFTER WHICH THE POSITION WOULD BE REVIEWED.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE SENDING A CIRCULAR (CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN CIRCULAR NO. 1/76) TO THE LOCAL TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS EXPLAINING THE OPERATIONAL DETAILS OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENT.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
- 3 -
CAUSEWAY BAY AND WONG NAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLANS * * * *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS AMENDED THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS FOR CAUSEWAY BAY AND WONG NAI CHUNG. BOTH NOW INCORPORATE A NEW FORM OF NOTES WHICH DEFINE THE DEVELOPMENT PERMITTED IN THE VARIOUS ZONES, AND ALSO DEVELOPMENT WHICH MAY EXCEPTIONALLY BE PERMITTED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
IN ADDITION, MINOR ZONING AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE CAUSEWAY BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN INVOLVING THE INCLUSION OF A SMALL OPEN SPACE AREA ON THE SOUTH WEST SIDE OF AND ADJACENT TO THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, AND ALSO THE ALLOCATION OF TWO PLOTS OF LAND SURROUNDING THE TUNNEL PORTAL AREA FOR THE EXPANSION OF CLUB FACILITIES — THESE TO BE ZONED AS ’OTHER SPECIFIED USES’.
UNDER A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, ANYONE OBJECTING TO THE AMENDMENTS MAY ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, C/O PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG, BEFORE JUNE 22, 1976.
THE CAUSEWAY BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN COVERS A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 142 HECTARES (351 ACRES) OF WHICH MORE THAN 30 PER CENT OR ABOUT 31 HECTARES (76 ACRES) ARE ZONED AS OPEN SPACE. ANOTHER 22 HECTARES (55 ACRES) ARE RESERVED AS GREEN BELT.
THE AREA EARMARKED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 14 HECTARES (35 ACRES), COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL 19 HECTARES (47 ACRES), AND THAT FOR GOVERNMENT,INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES 15.5 HECTARES (38 ACRES).
THE WONG NA I CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN COVERS A TOTAL AREA OF 134 HECTARES (332 ACRES). OF THIS, ABOUT 35 HECTARES (86 ACRES) ARE RESERVED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE, 14 HECTARES (34 ACRES) FOR OPEN SPACE, 24 HECTARES (60 ACRES) FOR GREEN BELT, AND 19 HECTARES (47 ACRES) FOR GOVERNMENT,INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES.
COPIES OF THE TWO PLANS AND THE NOTES MAY BE INSPECTED UNTIL JUNE 22 AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TOWN PLANNING OFFICE. 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE ALSO ON SALE AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, P.W.D., 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AT $5 FOR EACH UNCOLOURED COPY.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
- 4
CONSTRUCTION OF OVERHEAD LINE ******
WORK ON A FURTHER SECTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY OVERHEAD LINE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND NGAU TAU KOK STATIONS IS DUE TO BEGIN IN JULY THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER, 1979.
TO FACILITATE THE (CONSTRUCTION OF THIS OVERHEAD LINE CERTAIN STREETS WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FROM TIME TO TIME.
THE PRINCIPAL ROADS AFFECTED WILL BE KWUN TONG ROAD, HONG NING ROAD AND NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, WHERE RESTRICTIONS TO CARRIAGEWAYS AND FOOTPATHS WILL BE NECESSARY DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
IN ORDER TO REDUCE CONGESTION WHILE WORK IS TAKING PLACE MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE NEW ALTERNATIVE ROUTE CONNECTING WAI YIP STREET TO KWUN TONG ROAD WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE READY BEFORE CONSTRUCTION WORK BEGINS IN KWUN TONG ROAD.
PLANS SHOWING THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG- AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR. KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON- AND AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG), KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, 3RD FLOOR, KOWLOON.
A NOTICE IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE STIPULATES THAT ANY PERSON MAKING A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST SEND HIS CLAIM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. THE CLAIMS MUST REACH THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF CLOSURE OF THE STREET OR FROM THE COMPLETION OF THE SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION WHICH IS ALLEGED TO HAVE CAUSED PECUNIARY LOSS OR DAMAGE.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
- 5 -ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE
* * * *
ABOUT 700 FIELD WORKERS AND PART-TIME TEACHING STAFF WILL ATTEND THE TWO-DAY 21ST ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE WHICH BEGINS AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
’’ADULT EDUCATION AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE’* IS THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE, WHICH ISaORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE OPENED AT 10 A.M. BY MISS KO SIU-WAH, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHO WILL DELIVER THE THEME LECTURE.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL). MR. HO NGA-MING WILL TAKE THE CHAIR AND MAKE THE WELCOMING REMARKS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
PART-TIME TEACHERS AND FIELD WORKERS WITH TEN AND 20 YEARS’ SERVICE IN ADULT EDUCATION WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION AND SOUVENIRS FROM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), MR. JOHN WINFIELD.
AT PRESENT, THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RUNS NINE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COURSES IN 130 CENTRES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE COURSES ARE ATTENDED BY SOME 50,000 PEOPLE.
THE CONFERENCE, AN ANNUAL EVENT DESIGNED SPECIALLY FOR TEACHING STAFF AND FIELD WORKERS, GIVES PARTICIPANTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP UP WITH MODERN TRENDS OF THINKING, TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND TO SHARE EXPERIENCES IN THE FIELD OF ADULT EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
THE MAIN FEATURE ON THE FIRST DAY INCLUDES A PLENARY LECTURE ON ’’PRAMATIC AND ENRICHMENT VALUE IN ADULT EDUCATION.”
THE PROGRAMME ON THE SECOND DAY INCLUDES TWO PLENARY LECTURES ON ’’ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION” AND ’’CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION.”
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE WHICH BEGINS AT 10 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
6
STRICTER CONTROLS TO BE IMPOSED ON IMPORTED MEAT AND POULTRY ******
AMENDMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE TO TIGHTEN UP THE CONTROL OVER IMPORTED MEAT AND IMPORTED POULTRY.
THE AMENDMENTS WILL REINFORCE THE POWERS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S HEALTH INSPECTORATE TO SEIZE ANY SUCH FOOD WHICH APPEARS TO THEM TO BE UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
UNDER THE AMENDMENTS, IMPORTERS OF FOOD LINES WHICH MAY REQUIRE A SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR EXAMINATION MUST ALSO PROVIDE ALL SUCH FACILITIES FOR SUCH AN EXAMINATION TO BE MADE.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT WILL ADD DISTILLED WATER AND WATER FROM NATURAL SPRINGS TO THE DEFINITION OF +DRINK,+ AND SO BRINGS DISTILLED WATER AND MINERAL WATER UNDER THE REGULATIONS NOW CONTROLLING OTHER TYPES OF DRINKS SUCH AS SOFT DRINKS.
+THESE CHANGES ARE BEING MADE TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED GOOD QUALITY OF MEAT AND POULTRY IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY.
THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1976, WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. THE AMENDMENTS ARE SCHEDULED TO GO INTO FORCE IN TWO MONTHS, THUS ALLOWING ADEQUATE TIME FOR MEAT AND POULTRY IMPORTERS TO ACQUAINT THEMSELVES WITH THE REVISED REGULATIONS.
GOVERNOR TO ATTEND SCOUT RALLY
*****
tup cnVFRNOR SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT TH?ANNUAL ST.’GE0R6E’S DAY SCOUT Ra£lY TO BE HELD AT THE SonSoK STADIUM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
IM MIS CAPACITY AS THE CHIEF SCOUT OF HONG KONG, THE aavcomadwII I ALSO PRESENT AWARDS TO 21 LAY OFFICIALS AND 9 SCOOTERS IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICES RENDERED TO SCOUTING.
AMANO tup PFCIPlENTS WILL BE SIR KENNETH PING-FAN FUNG mJ ?SaU CHAM-SON WHO WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THE SILVER ACORN^ONE OF THE HIGHEST AWARDS IN BRITISH SCOUTING.
THP ANNUAL RALLY. WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY SOME srnUT^FROM ALL PARTS OF HONG KONG, WILL ALSO FEATURE A GRAND mowi BY CUB SCOUTS AND MARCH PAST COMPOSED OF THE ASSOCIATION SeJdQUARTERs! ?H?™rEE REGIONS AND THE 31 DISTRICTS.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
- 7 -
CALCULATORS ARE TEACHERS’ TOOLS OF THE TRADE ******
A CALCULATOR, ALTHOUGH NOT INDISPENSABLE, IS OF IMMENSE HELP TO TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, STATISTICS AND TECHNOLOGY AND COULD NOW BE REGARDED AS A TOOL OF THE TRADE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING SAID TODAY WHEN HE OPENED A SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION AT KING GEORGE V SCHOOL TO EXPLORE THE USE OF CALCULATORS IN SCHOOLS. .
+A CALCULATOR ENABLES THE IeACHER TO CHECK MARKS AT ANY STAGE IN A QUESTION. THIS MAKES MARKING MUCH EASIER. ALSO, TO SOME EXTENT, IT LIBERATES THE TEACHER FROM THE TEXTBOOK. AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE, THE TEXT MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED WITH AN EXTRA SET OF QUESTIONS, EASILY AND QUICKLY WITH THE MINIMUM OF TROUBLE,+ HE SAID.
IN A THOUGHT-PROVOKING SPEECH, MR. HO SAID THE PRIME QUESTION WAS WHETHER STUDENTS SHOULD USE CALCULATORS AND, IF SO AT WHAT LEVEL.
+THERE ARE VARIOUS POINTS OF VIEW, BUT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, THESE CAN BE POLARISED INTO TWO OPPOSING OPINIONS.
+ONE VIEW IS THAT THE CALCULATOR WILL BECOME SOME SORT OF CRUTCH AND OUR CHILDREN WILL FORGET HOW TO PERFORM EVEN THE SIMPLEST CALCULATIONS.
+THE OTHER VIEW ASSERTS THAT OUR CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE USED AS CALCULATING MACHINES - RATHER LET THE CHILDREN USE THE MACHINES. THIS IS NOT JUST A SPECULATIVE ARGUMENT- IT IS SOMETHING FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND HAS TO BE THOUGHT OUT VERY CAREFULLY,+ THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR STATED.
HE CONTINUED WITH A NOTE OF CAUTIONi +WE DON’T WANT TO JUST DRIFT WILLY-NILLY INTO USING CALCULATORS* WE MUST DECIDE WHETHER TO USE THEM, WHEN AND HOW TO USE THEM.
+THERE IS A VAST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALCULATORS USED AS AN ADJUNCT TO THE SYLLABUS, LIKE A SLIDE RULE, AND THEIR BEING STRUCTURED INTO THE TEACHING SITUATION AND THE CURRICULUM.*
MR. HO URGED THE SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS TO DISCUSS AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS WHICH HE PUT TO THEM AS MATHEMATICS TEACHERS.
AMONG THE QUESTIONS WERE* CAN CALCULATORS BE USED IN EXAMINATIONS? SHOULD CALCULATORS BE LIMITED TO THE UPPER FORMS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS? SHOULD THE SYLLABUS FOLLOW THE CALCULATOR OR VICE VERSA?
+YOU MAY NOW BEGIN TO REALISE JUST HOW COMPLEX THE SITUATION IS AND HOW MANY QESTIONS NEED ANSWERS. THERE ARE CERTAINLY MANY THINGS TO THINK ABOUT,* HE TOLD THE PARTICIPANTS.
WHETHER CALCULATORS WOULD FIGURE PROMINENTLY IN FUTURE CURRICULA REMAINED TO BE SEEN. BUT THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SAID ONE THING WAS CERTAIN* CALCULATORS COULD NOT BE IGNORED.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976 8 -
CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT NEEDED IN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK
******
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SHOULD BE THE CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT OF DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS, EACH CONTRIBUTING ITS PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE IN ORDER TO HELP SCHOOL CHILDREN IN HONG KONG DERIVE THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM EDUCATION.. AND TO PREPARE THEM FOR FUTURE ADULT RESPONSIBILITIES, MR. ALEX S.C. WU, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR ON THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
MR. WU SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY HAPPY TO LEARN THAT THE TWO DEPARTMENTS HAD JOINED HANDS TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEMS RELATING TO CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR OR FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, WITH THE HOPE TO IMPROVING THEIR BEHAVIOUR AND PERFORMANCE IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL
+1 UNDERSTAND THE PROJECT, LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER 1974, SERVED ONLY FIVE SCHOOLS IN ITS FIRST YEAR- BUT FOR THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR IT HAS EXPANDED ITS SERVICE TO COVER TEN SCHOOLS, SERVING WELL OVER 10,000 CHILDREN.
+1 FIND THIS A VERY POSITIVE STEP FORWARD AND A WORTHWHILE TASK. I HOPE MORE TEACHERS AND PARENTS WILL APPRECIATE THE VALUE AND MAKE USE OF SUCH A SERVICE,* MR. WU SAID.
HE ADDED I +FOR THE REALLY DIFFICULT PROBLEMS, BE IT ACADEMIC, BEHAVIOURAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL OR ORGANIC, I AM HAPPY TO HEAR THAT THE SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS CAN ALWAYS RELY ON THE HELP AND SERVICES OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.*
MR. WU EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE SCHOOL HEADS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS ATTENDING THE SEMINAR WOULD HAVE A FRUITFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND DERIVE MANY MORE CONCRETE IDEAS FROM THE TALKS WHICH WOULD HELP PREVENT SCHOOL DROP-OUT, PARTICULARLY AMONG THOSE IN THE 12-14 AGE GROUP.
HE SAID THAT TEACHERS BY VIRTUE OF THEIR TRAINING AND DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT WITH PUPILS WERE MORE THAN COMPETENT TO DEAL WITH MANY ACADEMIC OR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.
+1 KNOW THAT MANY TEACHERS REALLY GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO GIVE GUIDANCE AND HELP TO THEIR PUPILS AND SOMETIMES PARENTS TOO,* MR. WU SAID.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1976
9
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE. WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL OLYMPICS TO BE HELD AT THE WONG CHUK HANG SPORTS GROUND AT 10 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE SPORTING EVENT, SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED, IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, ST. JAMES’ SETTLEMENT AND THE ACTION GROUP FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
♦
OVER 580 PARTICIPANTS FROM 20 TRAINING CENTRES, SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WILL BE COMPETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS I
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT THE WONG CHUK HANG SPORTS GROUND AT 10 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
PING PONG TABLES FOR REMOTE VILLAGES
*****
FIVE TABLE TENNIS TABLES, BOUGHT FROM THE GOVERNOR’S SPECIAL FUND FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, WERE DELIVERED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THREE WENT TO MA WAN ISLAND, OFF LANTAU, ONE TO TSI NG Yl ISLAND AND ONE TO NORTH LANTAU.
DELIVERY, ARRANGED THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, WAS MADE BY A ROYAL AIR FORCE WESSEX HELICOPTER WHICH CARRIED OUT FIVE TRIPS FROM THE YEUNG UK ROAD PLAYGROUND. THE TABLES ARE MADE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SO THAT THEY CAN BE USED OUTDOORS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1976
CONTENTS ?AGE N0-
r1 ■■■■■-
TWO CATEGORIES OF TEXTILES EXPORTS TO US PLACED UNDER RESTRAINT...................................................
RECORD NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS BY Fl RE PREVENTION BUREAU ... 2
SIXTY-EIGHT NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH ............ 3
NUMBER OF SCOUTS DOUBLED IN TEN YEARS.....................•• A
WATER CUT IN WANCHAI ........................................ 5
SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM .......... 6
OPENING OF NEW LIBRARY AT BAPTIST COLLEGE .................... 7
ENDURANCE RACE IN KWUN TONG TOMORROW .......................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1976
1
SPECIFIC RESTRAINTS ON EXPORTS OF T-SHIRTS, KNITTED VESTS AND TOPS TO JHE U.S.
M * M * * * *
HONG KONG HAS AGREED TO PLACE UNDER SPECIFIC RESTRAINT TWO CATEGORIES OF TEXTILES EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES.
THESE ARE T-SHIRTS (CATEGORY 218) AND KNITTED VESTS AND TOPS (CATEGORY 224(5)), WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY SUBJECT TO AN OVERALL LIMIT FOR A MAN-MADE FIBRE GARMENTS GROUP.
THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED TODAY (SATURDAY), AD REFERENDUM, AFTER THREE DAYS OF TALKS IN HONG KONG BETWEEN A TEAM OF HONG KONG NEGOTIATORS LED BY MR. PETER TSAO, DEPUTY D-lRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AND A FOUR-MAN DELEGATION FROM THE UNITED STATES LED BY MR. CHARLES ANGEVINE OF THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT.
THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR THE TRANSFER OF THESE TWO CATEGORIES FROM THE GROUP, OR +BASKET+, TO BE MERGED WITH AN EXISTING SPECIFIC CATEGORY (CATEGORY 219), NAMELY KNITTED SHIRTS, TO FORM A NEW CATEGORY UNDER A COMBINED LIMIT.
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT REQUESTED THESE CONSULTATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THEIR BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH HONG KONG.
IT WAS ALSO AGREED DURING THE THREE DAYS OF CONSULTATIONS THAT COTTON T-SHIRT (CAT 41/42) AND OTHER KNIT-SHIRTS (CAT 43/62(2)) WOULD BE COMBINED UNDER A SINGLE SPECIFIC LIMIT WITH A SUB-LIMIT ON EACH OF THE ORGINAL CATEGORIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ALSO STATED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED THE ISSUE OF EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR MAN-MADE FIBRE KNIT TOPS AND VESTS. A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS WILL BE ISSUED SHORTLY TO INFORM THE TRADE OF DETAILS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1976
2
RECORD NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS BY FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU ******
THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS CHALKED UP A NEW RECORD BY CARRYING OUT OVER 23,310 INSPECTIONS, RE-INSPECTIONS AND FOLLOW-UP VISITS ON BOTH DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN MARCH. THE PREVIOUS RECORD WAS 20,745 ACHIEVED IN MAY 1974.
AS IN THE PAST, THE LARGEST NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS RELATED TO MEANS OF ESCAPE, TOTALLING 13,242. OF THESE, 12,229 WERE IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. A FURTHER 2,050 GENERAL COMPLAINTS WERE ALSO LOOKED INTO.
THERE WAS A 50 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES INSPECTED DURING MARCH - 4,712 COMPARED WITH 2,288 IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS ON BUILDING VENTILATION SYSTEMS ALSO ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY FROM 568 IN FEBRUARY TO 883 IN MARCH.
A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE BUREAU HAD RECEIVED MORE INQUIRIES ABOUT AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS FOLLOWING THE ARRIVAL OF WARMER WEATHER.
A TOTAL OF 369 INSPECTIONS OF FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATIONS WERE CONDUCTED, OF WHICH 220 WERE IN RESPECT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRIES AND THE REMAINDER OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS AND QUARTERS.
OTHER INSPECTIONS INCLUDED STORAGE OR MANUFACTURE OF DANGEROUS GOODS (776), RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTCLUBS (329), SCHOOLS (294) AND PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY (134).
DURING THE MONTH, 264 VEHICLES USED FOR CONVEYING COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS WERE EXAMINED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ANNUAL LICENSING SCHEME. IN ORDER TO GIVE OPERATORS OF SUCH VEHICLES MORE TIME TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, THE ENFORCEMENT DATE OF THE REGULATIONS HAS BEEN DEFERRED FOR SIX MONTHS UNTIL OCTOBER 1, ,1976.
TWENTY-TWO FIRES WERE INVESTIGATED IN DEPTH BY FIRE OFFICERS. IN ADDITION, 1,276 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES WERE ISSUED AND 94 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT RESULTING IN THE IMPOSITION OF FINES AMOUNTING TO ALMOST $54,000.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1976
- 5 -BUILDINGS FIGURES FOR MARCH 1976 ******
A TOTAL OF 68 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED LAST MONTH BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 38 DURING MARCH LAST YEAR.
OF THE NEW PLANS APPROVED, 25 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 18 FOR KOWLOON AND 25 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR A NUMBER OF HIGHRISE APARTMENT/ COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS OF 20 OR MORE STOREYS AT LOCKHART ROAD, WHARF ROAD, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, GLENEALLY, AND VALLEY ROAD IN KOWLOON.
BUILDING PLANS FOR A 15-STOREY HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CENTRE AT FAT KWONG STREET WERE ALSO APPROVED, AS WELL AS PLANS FOR A BUS DEPOT AT TUEN MUN.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING MARCH THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO 1,468,873 SQUARE FEET, COMPRISING 447,584 SQ. FT. OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 1,021,289 SQ. FT. OF NON—DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH AMOUNTED TO <146.43 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $128.61 MILLION FOR FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
DURING THE MONTH, THE B.0.0. GAVE THE GO AHEAD FOR WORK TO BEGIN ON 53 BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING A HOME FOR THE AGED AT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, AN OIL STORAGE DEPOT AT SHA TIN; AN EXTENSION TO CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE, AND PREMISES FOR THE TAIPO RURAL COMMITTEE.
FIFTY-SIX COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH. THESE INCLUDED THE AIR CARGO TERMINAL BUILDING AT KAI TAK, A HOME FOR THE AGED AT CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, A SCHOOL BUILDING At YUEN LONG, A NURSING SCHOOL AND QUARTERS AT TSUEN WAN AND A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE BUILDING IN CHAI WAN.
THE B.0.0. ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 51 BUILDINGS.
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A
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1976
4 -
NUMBER OF SCOUTS DOUBLED IN TEN YEARS ******
THE SCOUTS OF HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES WHICH ARE TAILOR MADE TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS AND ASPIRATION SO AS TO EQUIP THEM TO STAND ON THEIR OWN FEET AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL ST. GEORGE’S DAY SCOUT RALLY AT THE MONGKOK STADIUM, SIR MURRAY SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT DURING THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG SCOUTS TRAINING PROGRAMMES WERE MODIFIED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT LOCAL NEEDS AND CONDITIONS.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS REMARKABLE THAT IN TEN YEARS THE NUMBER OF SCOUTS HAD DOUBLED FROM ABOUT 13,000 IN 1966 TO OVER 27,000 AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.
HE WAS SURE THAT THE SCOUTS OF HONG KONG WOULD SUCCEED IN THEIR DRIVE TO INCREASE THEIR MEMBERSHIP TO 50,000 WITHIN SEVEN YEARS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH i-
+AS YEAR FOLLOWS YEAR I AM INCREASINGLY IMPRESSED BY THE VIGOUR AND VALUE OF THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG.
+IT IS REMARKABLE THAT IN TEN YEARS YOU HAVE DOUBLED YOUR NUMBERS FROM ABOUT 13,000 IN 1966 TO OVER 27,000 AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, AND EVEN MORE REMARKABLE THAT YOU ARE PLANNING A DRIVE TO INCREASE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO 50,000 WITHIN 7 YEARS.
+1 AM SURE YOU WILL SUCCEED. I AM DELIGHTED AT THE PROGRESS NOW BEING MADE IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE MORE MEANINGFUL AND USEFUL SUPERVISED ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. THE WHOLE COMMUNITY GIVES THEIR THANKS TO YOU AND IT IS RIGHT, AND I AM PROUD AS YOUR CHIEF SCOUT THAT THE SCOUT MOVEMENT SHOULD SHOW THE WAY. . • ,
♦CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME. LAST YEAR YOU TOOK TO CAMP NEARLY 2,400 PEOPLE. INCLUDING RECREATIONAL SCHEMES DURING THE OTHER 10 MONTHS YOU SERVED 91,000 YOUNG PEOPLE LAST YEAR AND FOR THE MAJORITY IT WAS THEIR FIRST CONTACT WITH SCOUTING. YOUR THREE CAMP SITES AND THE NEW ACTIVITYCENTRE AT STRAFFORD HOUSE WERE HEAVILY USED BOTH BY SCOUTS ANff OWR^YOUNG PEOPLE DURING THE YEAR, WITH ABOUT 40,000 CAMPER NIGHTS RECORDED IN ADDITION TO THOUSANDS OF DAY VISITORS.
♦YOU ARE QUITE RIGHT THUS TO INVOLVE SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUR ACTIVITIES. IT IS A VITAL PART OF YOUR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND AFTER ALL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY IS WHAT SCOUTING IS ALL ABOUT, AND IT ALSO SHOWS OTHERS WHAT YOU ACTUALLY DO IN SCOUTING AND THUS ATTRACTS NEW MEMBERS.
5
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 19?6
+IT TAKES A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY TO RUN SO MANY PROGRAMMES, AND TO PROVIDE THE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. PART OF THE FUNDS WAS RAISED DURING THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS THROUGH THE MAGNIFICENT EFFORTS OF SIR KENNETH FUNG AND HIS TEAM. I SHALL LATER THIS AFTERNOON•HAVE THE PLEASURE OF PRESENTING TO SIR KENNETH THE SILVER ACORN*IN RECOGNITION OF HIS PERSONAL LEADERSHIP DURING THE 1975 FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN.
♦ LAST YEAR I SAID THAT THE SCOUT MOVEMENT. IN HONG KONG HAD SHOWN IT COULD ADJUST QUICKLY TO NEW CIRCUMSTANCES, AND THIS WAS DUE TO THE IMAGINATIVE LEADERSHIP OF YOUR LAY OFFICIALS AND COMMISSIONERS. THIS WAS SPOKEN IN THE CONTEXT OF YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR BOYS OUTSIDE THE MOVEMENT, AND I AM GLAD THAT DURING THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT YOUR OWN TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE MODIFIED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT LOCAL NEEDS AND-CONDITIONS.
+IT IS QUITE APPROPRIATE THAT THE SCOUTS OF HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES WHICH ARE TAILOR MADE TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS, SO AS TO EQUIP THEM TO STAND ON THEIR OWN FEET AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE SCOUTS OF HONG KONG CAN ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE AND I SHALL WATCH WITH VERY CLOSE INTEREST THE PROGRESS YOU MAKE IN THE MONTHS WHICH LIE AHEAD.
♦FINALLY, A WORD OF ADVICE. DO TRY TO ARRANGE YOUR PROGRAMMES SO THAT SCOUTING IS EXCITING AND CHALLENGING. WE ALL DO BEST WHEN CALLED UPON TO MEET A CHALLENGE, AND WITH EXCITING AND CHALLENGING PROGRAMMES YOU CAN BE SURE OUR SCOUTS WILL BECOME CITIZENS OF WHOM ANY COMMUNITY CAN BE PROUD.+
- - - - 0 --------
WATER CUT * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WANCHAI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (APRIL 27).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A LEAKAGE TEST IN THE AREA.
BY WEST SIDE OF MORRISON HILL HEARD STREET, NORTH SIDE OF »S ROAD EAST FROM STUBBS ROAD
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED ROAD, TIN LOK LANE, WANCHAI ROAD, JOHNSTON HOAD, BULLOCK LANE, QUEEN TO S’ORTS ROAD.
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/6
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1976
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OPENS HK SPECIAL OLYMPICS «***««
SPORTS CAN HELP TO DEVELOP CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM, NOT ONLY IN THE MENTALLY RETARDED THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO IN THEIR PARENTS, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL OLYMPICS HELD AT THE WONG CHUK HANG SPORTS GROUND THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
MR. LEE SAID : +MOST CHILDREN ENJOY THE BENEFIT OF FREE PLAY AND COMPETITION IN GAMES BUT THE MENTALLY RETARDED ARE OFTEN FOUND AS STANDERS-BY, WATCHING THE FUN AND ACTION WITHOUT PARTICIPATION.+
THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAMME, HE SAID, WAS FIRST DEVELOPED IN AMERICA TO GIVE THIS GROUP OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE AND TO CONTRIBUTE.
+IT GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO DEVELOP AND TEST THEIR STRENGTH AND CO-ORDINATION. IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION AND TEAM PLAY,+ HE ADDED.
MR. LEE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT IT WOULD SOON BE POSSIBLE FOR HONG KONG TO BE REPRESENTED IN AN INTERNATIONAL MEETING, LIKE OTHER COUNTRIES IN MONTREAL LATER THIS YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WERE PROMOTING-SPORTS AND GAMES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
+RECREATION AND SPORTS GO HAND IN HAND WITH EDUCATION AND SOCIAL TRAINING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MENTALLY RETARDED CHILD,+ HE SAID.
EVENTS IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL OLYMPICS INCLUDED TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS, SOFTBALL THROW, OBSTACLE RACE, SPOON AND EGG RACE, AND THREE-LEGGED RACE.
MORE THAN 580 PEOPLE FROM 20 TRAINING CENTRES, SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION. THERE WERE SOME 700 SPECTATORS, INCLUDING PARENTS AND GUESTS.
» - «
- - o .
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1976
- 7 -TOPLEY OPENS NEW LIBRARY AT BAPTIST COLLEGE ******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY UNVEILED A PLAQUE TODAY AT THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE TO FORMALLY OPEN THE LUI MING CHOI LIBRARY.
MR. TOPLEY SAID LT WAS FITTING IN THIS TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF THE COLLEGE THAT THE CELEBRATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE THE OPENING OF A LIBRARY OF A SCOPE AND QUALITY WHICH THE COLLEGE HAD EVERY REASON TO BE PROUD OF - A LIBRARY THAT WOULD BE SEEN AS A SYMBOL OF THE COLLEGE’S GROWTH TOWARDS MATURITY.
THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT THE LIBRARY HAD BEEN ORGANISED WITH THE USER FIRMLY IN MIND - THAT IS, THE BOOKS SERVE THE STUDENTS INSTEAD OF THE STUDENTS SERVING THE BOOKS.
THE SPACIOUS LIBRARY BUILDING OFFERS COMFORTABLE STUDY FACILITIES FOR UP TO 350 STUDENTS AT A TIME.
THE NEW LIBRARY WAS GIVEN ITS NAME IN RECOGNITION OF A VERY GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE LUI MING CHOI FOUNDATION TO BUILD THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CENTRE ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUS.
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1.000 YOUNGSTERS TO COMPETE IN ENDURANCE RACE ******
SOME 1,000 BOYS AND GIRLS WILL COMPETE IN A SIX-MILE ENDURANCE RACE ROUND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE RACE, DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS OF DIFFERENT AGE, IS SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE KWUN TONG RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE FIRST 20 WINNERS OF EACH GROUP BY MR. DICKEN YUNG, SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT® POLICE SUPERINTENDENT R.C. SMALLSHAW OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT AND MR. LAM KWOK-WAN, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE RACE WHICH WILL START AT TSUI PING ROAD/LEI YU MUN ROAD RECREATION GROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 10 A.M. THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, 17 TSUI PING ROAD AT 11.30 A.M. ON THE SAME DAY.
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FRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 1976
_ * i.
MORATORIUM ON ALL TEMPORARY FACTORIES IN SHA TIN VALLEY * * * * *
SMALL FACTORY OPERATORS UNABLE TO OBTAIN SITES IN URBAN AREAS BECAUSE OF INCREASING DEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN TURNING THEIR ATTENTIONS TO SHA TIN VALLEY.
SOME HAVE MADE APPROACHES TO THE LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE AND BEEN GRANTED SHORT TERM WAIVERS OF THE TERMS OF THE CROWN LEASE WHICH ENABLE AGRICULTURAL LAND TO BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
OTHERS HAVE SET UP FACTORIES, WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT, IN BREACH OF THE CROWN LEASE.
A NUMBER OF THESE MANUFACTURERS ARE USING DIESEL OIL TO PROVIDE POWER FOR THEIR UNDERTAKINGS, RESULTING IN A SERIOUS SMOKE POLLUTION PROBLEM.
CERTAIN FACTORIES ARE ALSO DISCHARGING LIQUID EFFLUENT WHICH FINDS ITS WAY INTO AGRICULTURAL WATER CHANNELS.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS WARNED THESE MANUFACTURERS THAT IF THEY ARE NOT PREPARED TO MODIFY THEIR FUEL SOURCE THEY MUST CEASE OPERATION.
FACTORY OPERATORS IN THE AREA HAVE ALSO BEEN ADVISED OF THE PERMISSIBLE FORMS OF FUEL, SUCH AS ELECTRICITY OR LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE ADVERSE TOPOGRAPHICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WITHIN SHA TIN VALLEY, AERIAL POLLUTANTS TEND TO REMAIN IN THE ATMOSPHERE FOR EXTENSIVE PERIODS.
HE SAID THAT TO OVERCOME PROBLEMS CREATED BY PROLIFERATION OF. ILLEGAL FACTORY OPERATORS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS HAD TO IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON ISSUING SHORT TERM WAIVERS AND TENANCIES TO NEWCOMERS WISHING TO SET UP FACTORIES IN SHA TIN.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED: +LEGAL ACTION IS CURRENTLY BEING TAKEN AGAINST A NUMBER OF EXISTING OPERATORS TO ENFORCE BOTH THE TERMS OF THE CROWN LEASE AND THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE. IT IS HOPED THAT, THROUGH THIS ACTION, A NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT IN THE ATMOSPHERE WILL BE SEEN IN SHA TIN WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.*
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/2....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 1976
2
PROPOSED FOOTBRIDGE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD A FOOTBRIDGE OVER CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR CHUNG ON STREET, TSUEN WAN, TO PROVIDE A SAFE CROSSING POINT FOR PEDESTRIANS AT THIS BUSY JUNCTION.
MR. A.D.S. MACDONALD, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PWD’S HIGHWAYS (N.T.) DIVISION, SAID TODAY WORK ON THE FOOTBRIDGE WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
THE PROPOSED FOOTBRIDGE IS PART OF A LONG TERM PROGRAMME BY THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE TO PROVIDE MORE AND BETTER PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES AT BUSY LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
SAID MR. MACDONALDS +WITH THE STEPPED UP HIGHWAYS PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW MORE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES WILL BE NEEDED, AND ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR THESE HAS BEEN MADE.+
AT PRESENT, HE ADDED, WORK WAS EITHER UNDERWAY OR DUE TO START ON 65 FOOTBRIDGES OR SUBWAYS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, AND 13 MORE WERE PLANNED. THESE WOULD BE IN ADDITION TO THE 92 FOOTBRIDGES AND SUBWAYS NOW IN USE.
NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED FOOTBRIDGE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD WAS GIVEN LN THE GAZETTE LAST FRIDAY.
UNDER THE NOTICE, ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING MAY DIRECT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS BEFORE MAY 23, 1976.
THE PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED BRIDGE MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, OR AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, OR AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
K _ o -----------------
HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY
iff w a
Sunday, April 25, 1976
NO SUBSIDY FOR COMMERCIAL LETTINGS *»***««»
The Housing Authority pointed out today that it is not its policy to utilise taxpayers’ money to subsidise commercial lettings in public housing estates.
A spokesman for the Authority said it has been universally accepted that no subsidies should go to such businesses which are profit making concerns.
He was commenting on recent newspaper reports that some shop tenants of Group A estates have complained of increased rents on renewal of their agreements.
’’The shop tenants who are complaining applied for and were allocated their present tenancies some years ago at nominal commercial rents. All that is happening now is that their rents - which have been unchanged for three years - are being brought up to current market levels.
’’There is no reason for the Authority to place them in a more privileged position than their counterparts in the private sector,” he added.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SENIOR APPOINTMENTS IN CIVIL SERVICE ANNOUNCED .............. 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR MARCH RELEASED ..................... 2
APPLICATION FORMS FOR EXPORT AUTHORISATION AND SWING AND TRANSFER OF QUOTA ON SALE FROM TOMORROW ..................... 3
FINAL READING OF APPROPRIATION BILL ON WEDNESDAY ............ 4
NEW JURY LIST TO BE POSTED................................... 5
ffi. JAMES SWEETMAN AS NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ......................................*.............. 5
FIFTY-ONE DISABLED PLACED AT WORK LAST MONTH ................ 6
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION ON THURSDAY ........................ 6
INTERRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLY IN KOWLOON ..................... 7
GOVERNOR TO VISIT ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE ................ 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976 - 1 -
SENIOR APPOINTMENTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ******
IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT MR. JAMES ROBSpN, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, WILL RETIRE FROM THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN JUNE, AFTER OVER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CROWN.
MR. ROBSON WHO IS 57 YEARS OF AGE, SERVED WITH THE ROYAL MARINE, REACHING THE RANK OF CAPTAIN, DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. HE JOINED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AS AN ENGINEER IN MAY 1946. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF ENGINEER IN DECEMBER 1956, TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS IN APRIL 1958 AND TO THE RANK OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS IN NOVEMBER 1961. HE SUCCEEDED MR. A.M.J. WRIGHT AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS IN MARCH 1969. HE WAS APPOINTED AS SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN JUNE 1973.
MR. ROBSON IS A FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, A MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS AND A FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS. HE WAS APPOINTED A COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE IN 1972.
MR. DEREK J.C. JONES WILL REPLACE MR. ROBSON AS SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, TAKING UP THE APPOINTMENT WHEN HE COMES BACK FROM LEAVE EARLY IN SEPTEMBER. MR. JONES HAS BEEN SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES SINCE 1973 AND BEFORE HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1971, HAD SERVED FOR 21 YEARS IN THE U.K. CIVIL SERVICE.
MR. DAVID G. JEAFFRESON WILL REPLACE MR.‘ JONES AS SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER. MR. JEAFFRESON WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY SINCE 1972 AFTER THREE YEARS IN THE FINANCE BRANCH. HE PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. BEFORE COMING TO H.K., HE WAS IN THE TANGANYIKA GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
MR. HENRY CHING WILL ACT AS DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY FROM MID-JULY, WHEN MR. JEAFFRESON GOES ON ANNUAL LEAVE. MR. CHING, WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT, HAS BEEN FOUR YEARS IN THE FINANCE BRANCH.
MR. ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT WILL ACT AS SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FROM MR. ROBSON'S DEPARTURE IN MID-JUNE UNTIL MR. JONES' RETURN IN SEPTEMBER. MR. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY A PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT CIVIL ENGINEER IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HAS SERVED IN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH SINCE 1973.
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/2
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR MARCH ******
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) FOR MARCH 1976 WAS 110, TWO POINTS HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY THREE POINTS. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH WATER FISH, PORK AND FRESH VEGETABLES ADVANCED WHILE THOSE OF SALT WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY DECLINED.
FOLLOWING THE UPWARD REVISION IN THE FARES. CHARGED BY THE CHINA MOTOR BUS, THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES ROSE BY THREE POINTS.
A RISE OF ONE POINT WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR HOUSING AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASE IN THE RENTS OF PRIVATE DWELLINGS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR DECLINED BY THREE POINTS, DUE MAINLY TO LOWER PRICES .FOR SOME ITEMS OF MEN’S, WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S OUTERCLOTHING.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES EOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR MARCH 1976 WAS 110, ONE POINT HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
A RISE OF TWO POINTS WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH WATER FISH, FRESH VEGETABLES AND MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ADVANCED WHILE THAT OF LIVE POULTRY DECLINED.
FOLLOWING THE UPWARD REVISION IN THE FARES CHARGED BY CHINA MOTOR BUS, THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES ROSE BY THREE POINTS.
A RISE OF ONE POINT WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR HOUSING AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASE IN THE RENTS OF PRIVATE DWELLINGS.
AN INCREASE OF ONE POINT WAS ALSO RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR DECLINED BY TWO POINTS, DUE MAINLY TO LOWER PRICES FOR SOME ITEMS OF MEN’S, WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S OUTERCLOTHING.
DECREASES OF ONE POINT EACH WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR FUEL AND LIGHT, AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976
SALE OF TEXTILE FORMS ******
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT APPLICATION FORMS FOR EXPORT AUTHORISATION AND SWING AND TRANSFER OF QUOTA WOULD BE PUT ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, HONG KONG AND THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, GROUND FLOOR, (ROOM 4), HONG KONG.
THE CHARGES ARE AS FOLLOWS 8- 9 SETS PER PAD HK$ PER PAD
FORM NUMBER NAME OF FORM
c AND I 355 (REVISED) EXPORT AUTHORISATION (THREE-MONTH VALIDITY) 20 3.00
c AND I 355A (REVISED) EXPORT AUTHORISATION (SIX-MONTH VALIDITY) 10 2.50
c AND I 395 APPLICATION FOR SWING OF QUOTA 10 2.00
c AND I 396 APPLICATION FOR TYPE A TRANSFER OF QUOTA 10 2.00
c AND I 397 1 APPLICATION FOR TYPE B TRANSFER OF QUOTA 10 3.50
c AND 1 398 APPLICATION FOR SWING TRANSFER OF QUOTA 10 3.00
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS THE DEPARTMENT HAD MADE AVAILABLE THE APPLICATION FORMS TO THE TRADE FREE OF CHARGE.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT WITH INCREASING DEMAND ON ONE HAND AND COST ESCALATION ON THE OTHER, THE DEPARTMENT HAD FOUND IT NECESSARY TO APPLY A CHARGE ON THE FORMS.
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976.,
- 4 -
FINAL READING OF APPROPRIATION BILL KOO
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1976 WILL COMPLETE ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 28).
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A MOTION- BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES TO THE EFFECT, THAT THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE SHALL BE APPLIED TO THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND TO ANY ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE KUK.
DURING THE QUESTION TIME, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL INCREASE THE SCALE OF COMPENSATION AWARDED TO VICTIMS OF RAPE AND OTHER CRIMES OF VIOLENCE.
THE HON. ROGER LOBO WILL ASK IN VIEW OF THE PUBLICITY IN THE UNITED STATES ABOUT AN OUTBREAK OF SWINE INFLUENZA, WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE PRESENT SITUATION AND WHETHER OR NOT IT IS LIKELY TO AFFECT HONG KONG.
DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE WAITING PERIODS FOR CREMATIONS AT DIAMOND HILL AND CAPE COLLINSON CREMATORIA.
SIX BILLS WILL RECEIVE THEIR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS WHILE DEBATE WILL RESUME ON FIVE OTHER BILLS.
APART FROM THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1976 FOUR OTHER BILLS WILL RECEIVE THEIR THIRD READING. THEY ARE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY BILL 1976, THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) (N0.2) BILL 1976, THE AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY) BILL 1976 AND THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.
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/5
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976.
- 5 -NEW JURY LIST *****
THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR. JOHN OLIVER, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD NEAR THE LIFT INSIDE THE SOUTH-WEST ENTRANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING ON MAY 3, 1976.
THIS LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS.
DURING THIS PERIOD ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED UPON CAUSE DULY ASSIGNED IN THE NOTICE.
THE REGISTRAR SHALL IN HIS DISCRETION, POST OR REMOVE SUCH NAME ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL IF NECESSARY ALTER THE LIST.
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NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE X * * * * -
» MR. JAMES SWEETMAN, FORMERLY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT, TODAY (MONDAY) ASSUMED DUTIES AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
MR. SWEETMAN, WHO RETURNED FROM LEAVE YESTERDAY. HAS BEEN IN HONG KONG SINCE I960 AND HAS HELD VARIOUS POSTS IN DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE FORMER RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. AND THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT BEFORE MOVING TO THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT.
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/6
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976. - 6 -
FIFTY-ONE DISABLED PLACED TO WORK IN MARCH ******
THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE PLACED TO WORK LAST MONTH BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S JOB PLACEMENT UNIT REACHED 51, AN INCREASE OF 37 OVER THE CORRESPONDING MOUTH LAST YEAR. *
AMONG THE DISABLED EMPLOYED, 20 WERE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, 11 BLIND, EIGHT DEAF, WHILE THE OTHERS WERE EITHER MENTALLY-RETARDED OR MENTALLY-ILL.
TWELVE OF THEM WERE ABSORBED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, 11 IN ELECTRONICS AND EIGHT IN GARMENT INDUSTRY.
OF THE TOTAL PLACED TO WORK FORTY-TWO WERE EMPLOYED ON DAILY RATE RANGING FROM $10 TO $18.50 WHILE FIVE WERE EMPLOYED ON PIECE-RATE BASIS. THE SALARY OF THE OTHERS VARIED BETWEEN $180 TO $450 PER MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID: +EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO ACCEPT MORE DISABLED WORKERS. WE CAN ASSURE THEM THAT THESE WORKERS HAVE BEEN TRAINED AND PREPARED BEFORE BEING INTRODUCED TO A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER.+
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+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (APRIL 29), STARTING AT 4 P.M.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH), DR. K.L. THONG, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING, WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE G. I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY 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.
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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1976
- 7
INTERRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLY IN KOWLOON ******
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A' NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WANG TAU HOM, KOWLOON, WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS, STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (APRIL 29).
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE IS TO ALLOW THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A LEAKAGE TEST IN THE AREA.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU MEI STREET EAST, HENG LAM STREET AND JUNCTION ROAD, INCLUDING LOK FU ESTATE BLOCKS 13-23 AND HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION HOSPITAL.
ON FRIDAY (APRIL 30), A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG, KOWLOON, WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR FIVE HOURS, STARTING FROM 1 A.M.
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A LEAKAGE TEST THERE.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY HONG NING ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD, TUNG YAN STREET, HIP WO STREET, WAN HON STREET, SHU I NING STREET AND KA LOK STREET.
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GOVERNOR TO VISIT ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE *****
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT THE 0F ST* J0HN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND BRIGADE AT
2 MACDONNELL ROAD AT 6.30 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
photoM SEm A RER0RTER m ‘
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAX EVADERS STEAL FROM THE COMMUNITY, SAYS THE COMMISSIONER 1
PART OF ROBINSON ROAD TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY................. 2
TENANTS IN TWO WAN CHAI BUILDINGS HAVE THEIR RENT INCREASES
CUT BACK .................................................... 3
>*
GOVERNOR COMMUTES DEATH SENTENCE............................. 3
WELFARE PREMISES IN LAI YIU ESTATE ............................ 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1976
1
TAX EVADERS STEAL FROM THE COMMUNITY - SAYS THE COMMISSIONER
* * M M * *
+THE DOLLAR OF TAX EVADED IS NOT A LOSS TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT OR TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, BUT IS A DOLLAR STOLEN FROM THE COMMUNITY,* COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR. R.V. GIDDY TOLD A ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY)T
AS A RESULT OF TAX EVASION, MR. GIDDY POINTED OUT THAT EITHER DESERVING PROJECTS HAVE TO BE SHELVED, OR TAX RATES HAVE TO BE RAISED, AND THE BURDEN WOULD BE SHIFTED FROM THE DISHONEST PERSON TO THE HONEST TAXPAYER.
TALKING ABOUT THE EXTENT OF TAX EVASION IN HONG KONG, HE DESCRIBED THE .AMOUNT AS +VERY SUBSTANTIAL* AND +HIGHLY UNACCEPTABLE*. HE WENT ON TO REVEAL THAT IN 1975-76, THE INVESTIGATION BRANCH OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT FINALISED 77 CASES, AND THE AVERAGE UNDERSTATEMENT OF PROFITS PER CASE CAME TO 1600,000 -_0R 74 PER CENT OF THE PROFITS WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN RETURNED.
THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT EVASION IS PRACTISED IN TWO WAYS. IN ONE, THE TAXPAYER FILES FALSE RETURNS, AND IN THE OTHER, HE SIMPLY FILES NO RETURNS AT ALL, IN THE HOPES THAT HE WILL NOT BE FOUND OUT. MR. GIDDY STRESSED THAT BOTH FORMS OF EVASION ARE AGAINST THE LAW.
+WE ARE TODAY GETTING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE INTO THE TAX NET. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THAT AS A RESULT OF THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN*RECENT YEARS OF INCOMES IN HONG KONG, THAT THERE IS STILL A LARGE BODY OF PERSONS CROSSING THE TAX THRESHOLD WHO SEEM TO THINK THAT TAX. IS SOMETHING WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM,* HE POINTED OUT. *
TO TACKLE THIS, THE COMMISSIONER SAID, HIS DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY EMBARKING ON A CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING PEOPLE WITH INCOMES THAT COULD MAKE THEM LIABLE TO TAX TO COME FORWARD AND DECLARE THEIR EARNINGS.
APART FROM THIS PERSUASIVE APPROACH, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT STARTED A PHASED ANTI-TAX EVASION CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR WHEN THE MAXIMUM FINES AND PENALTIES FOR EVASION, BOTH FOR FALSE 'RETURNS AND FAILURE TO FILE RETURNS, WERE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED. THE LAW WAS ALSO AMENDED TO FACILITATE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN OBTAINING NECESSARY INFORMATION TO PURSUE INVESTIGATIONS, MR. GIDDY SAID.
+PHASE TWO CONSISTED OF ENCOURAGING PERSONS WHO HAD BEEN GUILTY OF EVASION IN THE PAST TO COME FORWARD AND MAKE A FULL VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE OF THE UNDERSTATEMENTS AND OMISSIONS,* HE CONTINUED.
/PRACTISING .....
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1976
2
PRACTISING ACCOUNTANTS WERE ALSO GIVEN GUIDELINES ON THE CALCULATION OF THE OMISSIONS WHERE PROPER BUSINESS RECORDS HAD NOT BEEN KEPT.
MR. GIDDY REMARKED THAT SUCCESS OF THE ABOVE TWO PHASES RELIED VERY MUCH ON THE EXPANSION OF THE ANTI-EVASION SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT. +THE TOTAL AUTHORIZED STRENGTH OF THE INVESTIGATION SECTION IS AT THE MOMENT 35 AND , EVEN THEN IT HAS.NOT BEEN UP TO FULL STRENGTH,* CITED THE COMMISSIONER.
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT BOTH THE INVESTIGATION SECTION AND THE OUTDOOR INSPECTION SECTION WOULD BE GRADUALLY BUILT UP TO THE EXTENT THAT THE NEXT FEW YEARS WOULD SHOW INCREASED ACTIVITY IN THE CONTROL OF TAX EVASION.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO BELIEVED THAT PROSECUTION OF SUITABLE CASES THROUGH CRIMINAL PROCEDURES WOULD HAVE A DETERRENT EFFECT ON WOULD-BE EVADERS.
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PARTIAL CLOSURE OF ROBINSON ROAD ******
A SECTION OF ROBINSON ROAD BETWEEN PARK ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO 105, ROBINSON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 30).
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER WORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF ROBINSON ROAD BETWEEN OAKLANDS AVENUE AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO 105, ROBINSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO AND EXIT FBOM PREMISES ON THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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/3
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1976
1
RENT INCREASES REVIEWED * * * *
TENANTS OF 201 SMALL DOMESTIC FLATS IN TWO WAN CHAI BUILDINGS HAVE HAD THEIR RENT INCREASES CUT B/aCK BY AN INDEPENDENT RENT TRIBUNAL PANEL.
THE FLATS ARE SITUATED IN KAM KWOK BUILDING AND NATIONAL BUILDING, WAN CHAI, WITH MONTHLY RENTS VARYING FROM $230 TO $740.
COMMENTING ON THE TENANTS’ SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION TODAY SAID THAT THE INCREASES ORIGINALLY CERTIFIED RANGED FROM A FEW DOLLARS UP TO $144 PER MONTH, DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE INDIVIDUAL TENANCY.
HOWEVER, THE 'THREE-MAN PANEL. HAVING VIEWED THE PREMISES AND CONSIDERED WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS FROM LANDLORDS AND TENANTS, DECIDED TO REDUCE THE COMMISSIONER’S FIGURES BY AMOUNTS VARYING FROM $1 TO $57 PER MONTH. IN SIX CASES, THE COMMISSIONER’S ORIGINAL FIGURE WAS UPHELD.
THE GROUNDS OF APPEAL PUT FORWARD BY THE TENANTS INCLUDED THE FREQUENCY OF INCREASES DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE POOR STATE OF REPAIR OF THE PREMISES AND INADEQUATE MANAGEMENT.
DETAILS OF THE RENTAL ADJUSTMENTS APPROVED BY THE RENT TRIBUNAL PANEL HAVE BEEN DESPATCHED BY POST TO THE TENANTS.
_ _ o - -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
* X * *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON OCTOBER 22, 1975 ON LAM TAO SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
LAM WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LEE CHUI YIN.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1976 - 4 -
WELFARE PREMISES IN LAI YIU ESTATE
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS TO APPLY FOR PREMISES RESERVED FOR WELFARE PURPOSES IN THE LAI YIU ESTATE IN HA KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN.
A UNIT OF ABOUT 3,000 SQUARE FEET, INTENDED FOR A NURSERY, IS AVAILABLE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCK 3 OF THE ESTATE. ANOTHER UNIT WITH ABOUT 5,000 SQUARE FEET SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IS RESERVED ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.
RENT IS CHARGED AT 50 CENTS PER SQUARE FOOT, EXCLUSIVE OF RATES.
WHEN COMPLETED IN JUNE THIS YEAR, THE ESTATE WILL BE ABLE TO HOUSE 19,100 PEOPLE.
APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG.
APPLICATION SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE MAY 28, 1976 AND INCLUDE THE NATURE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT, THE SPACE REQUIRED, THE NUMBER AND LEVEL OF STAFF AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
I
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PRH 7
IgisI hrasl
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED IN LEGCO ...................... 1
COMPULSORY PASSENGER INSURANCE SCHEME PROPOSED .......... 5
HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS CAN DRIVE WITH OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCE ................................................. 6
EXTENSION TO ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET OPENS TOMORROW . 6
DEVELOPMENTS OF SWINE INFLUENZA CLOSELY WATCHED ......... 7
ASSURANCE BY FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SALE ................................................ 8
POLICEMEN FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES INCREASED .......... 9
COMPENSATION FOR VIOLENT CRIME VICTIMS UNDER REVIEW .... 10
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE TO BE AMENDED .. 11
CORRUPTION LAW ALSO APPLIES TO HEUNG YEE KUK ELECTIONS . 12
FIVE BILLS PASSED INTO LAW ............................. 12
EXPANSION PROGRAMME FOR CREMATORIA UNDERWAY ............ 13
REQUESTS BY TAI HOM VILLAGE EIRE VICTIMS REJECTED ...... 14
MORE STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL .. 16
CONTRACT FOR SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW .. 16
* b
h
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
1
APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED IN LEGCO *****
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1976 COMPLETED ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, RAISED A NUMBER OF POINTS ON EDUCATION, LAW AND ORDER, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, THE ROLE OF SMALL FACTORIES, AND SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ON EDUCATION, HE EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE NUMBER OF DROP-OUTS IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SYSTEM.
HE SUGGESTED THAT IT BE MADE MANDATORY UNDER PENALTY OF A FINE OR OTHER APPROPRIATE PENALTY FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO REPORT DROP-OUTS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITHIN A PERIOD OF 60 DAYS OR LESS IF PRACTICABLE.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID MORE SPECIAL CLASSES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR DROP-OUTS AND OVER AGE PRIMARY PUPILS, AND INCREASING PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO SUBSIDISING NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS FOR LOWER INCOME FAMILIES.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN STRESSED THAT THESE WERE BUT PART OF A LARGER AND MORE COORDINATED EFFORT WHICH WAS REQUIRED TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL DROP-OUTS, AS WELL AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF POTENTIAL MISFITS, JUVENILE DELIQUENTS AND YOUNG CRIMINALS.
IN REPLY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY • SAID THE KIND OF POLICING ENVISAGED BY MR. CHEONG-LEEN WOULD BE CUMBERSOME AND VERY EXPENSIVE 'SO THAT HE WOULD NOT INTEND TO PROCEED ALONG THE LINES SUGGESTED.
HE BELIEVED THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING NON-ATTENDANCE WERE SOUND. +WE HAVE ALSO MOUNTED FOR THIS AND ALLIED PURPOSES A REACHING OUT SCHEME OF SOCIAL WORK, IN COOPERATION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.+
HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE ALREADY ADEQUATE PLACES IN SPECIAL CLASSES FOR SLOW LEARNERS AND SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR REENTRANTS TO THE PRIMARY SYSTEM. +WE ARE NOT IN A POSITION AT PRESENT IN THE LIGHT OF OUR OTHER PRIORITIES TO CONSIDER SUBSIDISING KINDERGARTEN PLACES.+
ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH, MR. CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED TO MAKE IT COMPULSORY REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK-UPS FOR GIRLS WORKING IN MUSIC PARLOURS AND OTHER LIKE ESTABLISHMENTS. b
IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, HE SAID POSITIVE PREVENTIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO REDUCE EVEN FURTHER THE INCIDENCE OF VENEREAL DISEASE IN THE COMMUNITY, +BEARING IN MIND THAT MANY YOUNG FACTORY WORKERS, APPRENTICES, MECHANICS AND LABOURERS PATRONISE SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS.*
/Turning .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
2
TURNING TO THE OPTHALMIC SERVICE IN HONG KONG, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WITH ADVICE AND SUPPORT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, SHOULD SET UP A PROGRAMME TO TRAIN TEACHERS INTO CARRYING OUT SCREENING TESTS BY USING THE SNELLEN CHART.
TOUCHING ON THE NARCOTICS PROBLEM, MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A MUCH STRONGER ANTI-DRUGS CAMPAIGN AS HE FELT THAT CURRENT DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES WERE +VERY LIMITED IN SIZE.+
HE SAID IT WAS VITALLY ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A COMMUNITY-WIDE AND WELL-COORDINATED EFFORT TO CUT OFF THE FLOW OF YOUNG PEOPLE FROM JOINING THE RANKS OF THE WELL-PUBLICISED ESTIMATE OF 100,000 ADDICTS.
+1 HOPE IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR ALL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AT THE GRASS-ROOTS LEVEL TO BE INSTRUCTED AND PRIMED TO PUT ACROSS THE ANTI-DRUGS MESSAGE, TO BE AIMED ESPECIALLY AT YOUNG PEOPLE. FOR THIS PURPOSE, SUFFICIENT FUNDS MUST BE PROVIDED TO MAKE THE DRIVE AN EFFECTIVE AND ON-GOING SUCCESS,+ HE SAID.
IN REPLY, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. GERALD CHOA, SAID THAT IN THEORY IT WAS POSSIBLE TO INTRODUCE ROUTINE COMPULSORY EXAMINATIONS FOR GIRLS WORKING IN MUSIC PARLOURS AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS.
• BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD HAD EXPRESSED THE OPINION THAT IN PRACTICE SUCH A STEP WAS NOT ANY MORE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF VENEREAL DISEASES IN COMMUNITY.
REFERRING TO THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS FOR CARRYING OUT EYE TESTS, HE SAID A VISUAL SCREENING HAD ALREADY BEEN OPERATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF PRIMARY ONE PUPILS IN CERTAIN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
PLANS TO EXTEND THE SCREENING TO COVER ALL PRIMARY ONE AND LATER ON POSSIBLY PRIMARY SIX PUPILS WERE NOW BEING CONSIDERED BY A WORKING PARTY AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME PLAN ON REHABILITATION SERVICES, HE SAID.
ON DRUG ADDICTION, DR. CHOA REFERRED TO A STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY IN THE COUNCIL ON APRIL 7 THAT THE SERVICE OF AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERT IN DATA COLLECTING AND ' ANALYSIS IN THIS FIELD HAD BEEN SECURED.
THE EXPERT HAD ARRIVED FROM THE UNITED STATES AND DR. CHOA SAID HE HOPED TO BE ABLE TO INFORM THE COUNCIL AT ITS NEXT SESSION THE RESULTS OF HIS INVESTIGATIONS.
THE DIRECTOR ADDED THAT THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN HAD ALSO BEEN CONDUCTING AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THE NEEDS IN THE AREA OF PREVENTIVE WORK.
/IN ADDITION .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
"5
IN ADDITION, HE SAID THE SUB-COMMITTEE WAS CURRENTLY WORKING ON AN OVERALL STRATEGY OF PREVENTIVE EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE BEST MEANS OF REACHING THE TARGET AUDIENCE, AND ALSO ON THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO ACHIEVE THEIR OBJECTIVES.
ON LAW AND ORDER, MR. CHEONG-LEEN ASKED WHETHER IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR A SPECIAL SECTION TO BE SET UP WITHIN THE POLICE TO TRAIN, GUIDE AND SUPERVISE NEIGHBOURHOOD PATROL UNITS, WHICH SPRANG INTO EXISTENCE BECAUSE OF A REAL AND PRAGMATIC NEED, SO THAT THEY COULD AUGMENT THE REGULAR AND AUXILIARY POLICE IN PATROLLING NEARBY STREETS, PUBLIC PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS.
+ALL MEMBERS OF EXISTING AND FUTURE NEIGHBOURHOOD PATROL UNITS WOULD OF COURSE HAVE TO BE REGULARLY SCREENED, AND THEY WILL HAVE TO ABIDE BY THE GUIDE-LINES LAID DOWN AS TO RESPONSIBILITY AND SCOPE OF ACTION.+
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR MORE ORGANISED PUBLIC SUPPORT TO HELP THE POLICE COPE WITH ROBBERIES, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE RATE OF DETECTION FOR ROBBERIES HAD BEEN LOW, THAT IS, 15.1 PER CENT DURING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1975.
IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, SAID FACILITIES FOR TRAINING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE SECURITY PATROL MEMBERS ALREADY EXISITED, AND ALL SUCH TRAINING WAS ORGANISED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, WITH THE ACTIVE CO-OPERATION OF THE POLICE THROUGH THEIR POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS AND THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
ON THE QUESTION OF POLICING THE STREETS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES, HE SAID THIS WAS A MORE COMPLEX AND DIFFICULT OPERATION REQUIRING MUCH LONGER TRAINING. +1 THINK IT IS REALLY BEST DONE BY THE POLICE AND WE DO NOT PROPOSE TO EXTEND MAC PATROLS TO PUBLIC PLACES.+
MR. DAVIES EMPHASISED THAT CONTINUOUS EFFORTS WERE MADE TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SECURITY IN PUBLIC PLACES. HE SAID 27 ADDITIONAL POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UNITS WOULD BE ESTABLISHED THIS YEAR.
+THE POLICY REMAINS TO ENCOURAGE MAC’S TO DEVELOP SECURITY PATROLS - AFTER TRAINING AND UNDER GUIDANCE INSIDE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND, TO INCREASE THE REGULAR POLICE PATROL PRESENCE IN PUBLIC PLACES,+ HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF SMALL FACTORIES, MR. CHEONG-LEEN ESTIMATED THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 16,500 FACTORIES EMPLOYING FEWER THAN 50 WORKERS EACH. THE FACTORIES PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE ECONOMY EITHER BY OPERATING INDEPENDENTLY ON THEIR OWN OR BY DOING SUB-CONTRACTING WORK.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THEM WERE +I NEFF ICI ENT, UNDER-CAPITALISED, OUT-OF-TOUCH WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN THEIR PRODUCT FIELD, AND ARE DESPERATELY IN NEED OF SOME FORM OF FLEXIBLY APPLIED GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT.
/HE SAID .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
- 4 -
HE SAID THAT PERHAPS A MORE IN-DEPTH STUDY SHOULD NOW BE MADE OF WHAT FURTHER SERVICES COULD BE OFFERED EITHER DIRECTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT OR INDIRECTLY BY GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED ORGANISATIONS.
MEANWHILE, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE COULD PROVIDE EXTENSION AND TECHNICAL SERVICES TO THE SMALLER FACTORIES ON A WIDER SCALE. +GOVERNMENT FOR EXAMPLE COULD SUBSIDISE UP TO 75 PER CENT OF THE COST OF ANY TECHNICAL SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE AT THE REQUEST OF ANY SMALL REGISTERED FACTORY TO IMPROVE ITS PRODUCTION QUALITY CONTROL, ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER RELATED PROBLEMS.
+ANY SUBSIDY IN THIS DIRECTION WOULD HELP IN THE LONG RUN TO KEEP PRODUCTION COSTS DOWN, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTS, AND RAISE UP THE LIVING STANDARDS OF OUR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS,+ HE SAID.
IN REPLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID MR. CHEONG-LEEN’S VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE NOTED.
TURNING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID NT RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE TOWNS, WOULD BE EXPECTING MORE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SERVICES IN RETURN FOR THE RATES THEY WERE BEG IN ING TO PAY.
IN PARTICULAR, HE REFERRED TO THE NEED FOR MUSEUM SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND IF A PLAN COULD BE DRAWN UP TO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES, THE REQUISITE FUNDS SHOULD NOT UNREASONABLY BE WITHHELD.
+l WOULD ALSO REMIND THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OF THE NEED TO HAVE A COORDINATED EFFORT IN STABILISING THE NUMBER OF HAWKERS IN EXISTING TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IN EFFECTIVELY PLANNING TO HAVE HAWKERS ONLY tN OFF-STREET SITES IN ALL THE NEW TOWNS AND HOUSING ESTATES.,
+THERE MUST BE A CLEAR-CUT BREAK WITH THE PAST IN THE NEW TOWNS IN THAT THERE WILL BE NO HAWKING IN THE STREETS AS EXISTS IN SUCH PROFUSE ABANDON IN THE URBAN AREAS,+ HE ADDED.
. i
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
5
MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 ******
THE COMPULSORY PASSENGER INSURANCE SCHEME PROPOSED UNDER THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976 SHOULD NOT COME INTO OPERATION UNTIL JUNE 1, 1977, IF THE BILL IS PASSED INTO LAW, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. ROBSON SAID s +THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ARE AGREEABLE TO THIS PROPOSAL.
+HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO ALLOW TIME FOR THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION TO ADJUST ITS ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR COMPULSORY PASSENGER INSURANCE, THE ASSOCIATION WILL NEED A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTHS’ NOTICE FROM THE TIME THE LEGISLATION IS PASSED UNTIL THE OPERATIVE DATE,+ HE SAID.
MR. ROBSON SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL, WITH PROVISIONS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MOTOR VEHICLES (PASSENGERS INSURANCE) ACT, 1971, WAS TO REQUIRE THE USERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO BE INSURED IN RESPECT OF LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR BODILY INJURY OF PASSENGERS AND PROHIBITED ANY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE’ USER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND A PASSENGER TO RESTRICT SUCH LIABILITY.
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG, A MOTORIST IS REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT THIRD PARTY INSURANCE TO COVER LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR INJURY ARISING FROM THE USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TO ANY PERSON, OTHER THAN THOSE CARRIED INSIDE THE VEHICLE.
THE EXISTING PASSENGER INSURANCE IS ONLY REQUIRED TO COVER THE DEATH OR BODILY INJURY OF ONLY SUCH PASSENGERS AS ARE CARRIED FOR HIRE OR REWARD, OR BY REASON OF, OR IN PURSUANCE OF A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.
MR. ROBSON SAID THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT EFFECTIVE THIRD PARTY INSURANCE FROM A FINE OF $1,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS TO A FINE OF $10,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS, COUPLED WITH LIABILITY FOR DISQUALIFYING THE DRIVING LICENCE FOR A PERIOD NOT LESS THAN 12 MONTHS BUT NOT MORE THAN THREE YEARS.
IN ADDITION, THE BILL SEEKS TO ENABLE REGULATIONS TO BE MADE REQUIRING THt PRODUCTION OF A THIRD PARTY INSURANCE CERTIFICATE ON GIVING NOTICE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OF A CHANGE OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP.
AT PRESENT, THIS REQUIREMENT IS ONLY MET ON INITIAL LICENSING OF A VEHICLE OR RENEWAL OF A LICENCE AND NOT ON THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF A VEHICLE.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
- 6 -
OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCES
******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO ABOLISH THE EXISTING DISTINCTION BETWEEN FOREIGN VISITORS AND HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS, AND ALLOW BOTH CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE TO DRIVE IN HONG KONG FOR A MAXIMUM OF ONE YEAR IF THEY POSSESS A RECOGNISED OVERSEAS MOTOR DRIVING LICENCE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
MR. ROBSON POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT AM OVERSEAS PASSPORT HOLDER COULD COME HERE AND,#ON THE STRENGTH OF HIS PASSPORT AND OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCE, OBTAIN A HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCE WITHOUT A TEST.
HOWEVER, A HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDER COULD NOT DO THE SAME, NOR COULD HE AUTOMATICALLY BE REGARDED AS A VISITOR WHO, AS SUCH, WOULD BE ENTITLED TO DRIVE ON HIS OVERSEAS LICENCE FOR UP TO 12 MONTHS.
+IT IS NOW PROPOSED TO GET AWAY FROM THE MATTER OF NATIONALITY OR TYPE OF PASSPORT, SO THAT ANYONE WITH AN OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCE CAN DRIVE IN HONG KONG FOR A MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS,* HE SAID.
+NEW ARRIVALS PROPOSING TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN A YEAR MAY, WITHIN THE YEAR, TAKE A TEST TO OBTAIN A HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCE.*
MR. ROBSON SAID HE HOPED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRIVING LICENCE REGULATIONS COULD BE PUT TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN JUNE OR JULY.
HE ADDED THAT THESE WOULD REQUIRE EVERYONE TAKING UP RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG WHO WISHED TO OBTAIN A DRIVING LICENCE TO PASS A TEST WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THEIR TAKING UP RESIDENCE.
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NEW EXTENSION TO ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET ******
TO EDITORS*
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS ^"wlnfJS T?tT5E,iB?R2EE! L^SAtE PISH. MARKET,
NOTE
WILL
SHEK
' ~....n« J.-AJ r.ri. IUFIUKKUW ^IHUKbDAYJ.
photoM T?R?oieRy™"VaJI8T:° SEND A REP0RTEB AND/0R '
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/7.....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
- 7 -
FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF SWINE INFLUENZA CLOSELY WATCHED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH, DR. THE HON. GERALD CHOA, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT HONG KONG WOULD BE IN A POSITION TO WATCH CLOSELY FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF SWINE INFLUENZA AND WOULD BE GUIDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION TO TAKE NECESSARY MEASURES AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON. ROGER LOBO WHO ASKED FOR A GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON THE PRESENT SITUATION AND ASKED WHETHER OR NOT THE DISEASE WOULD AFFECT HONG. KONG.
DR. CHOA SAID THAT FOLLOWING AN OUTBREAK OF INFLUENZA IN A MILITARY CAMP IN THE UNITED STATES, THE W.H.O. ALERTED IN FEBRUARY NATIONAL INFLUENZA CENTRES ALL OVER THE WORLD, OF WHICH THE VIRUS UNIT OF HONG KONG’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS ONE, TO REINFORCE SURVEILLANCE.
EARLY THIS MONTH, HE SAID A CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS WAS CALLED IN GENEVA BY THE W.H.O. TO ADVISE ON FUTURE ACTION. A SPECIALIST FROM THE VIRUS UNIT ATTENDED THE MEETING.
+THE CONSENSUS OF OPINION IS THAT IT IS ENTIRELY
POSSIBLE THAT THE OUTBREAK OF SWINE INFLUENZA-LIKE VIRUS IN FORT DIX MIGHT HAVE BEEN A UNIQUE EVENT IN A MILITARY RECRUIT POPULATION AND WOULD NOT LEAD TO A WIDE-SPREAD EPIDEMIC SUCH AS EXPERIENCED IN 1957-58 AND 1968-69,+ HE SAID.
AS REGARDS VACCINATION, DR. CHOA SAID IT WAS ACCEPTED THAT THE USE OF A VACCINE COULD MODIFY THE INCIDENCE OF INFLUENZA IN MAN, BUT IN ORDER TO BE EFFECTIVE, IT HAD TO BE PREPARED WITH THE NEW EPIDEMIC STRAIN.
+SUCH A VACCINE WILL PROVIDE ONLY A CERTAIN DEGREE OF IMMUNITY FOR A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME, HENCE, MASS VACCINATION AS A PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURE IS GENERALLY NOT RECOMMENDED EXCEPT IN THE FACE OF A PANDEMIC,* HE SAID.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
8 -
MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ****** . • •»
THE HON. JAMES WU TODAY CALLED FOR AN ASSURANCE FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT NO EFFORT WOULD BE SPARED TO MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC AUCTION AS MUCH INDUSTRIAL LAND AS POSSIBLE TO MEET THE URGENT NEED.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY BILL 1976 WHICH SEEKS TO SET UP THE AUTHORITY THAT WILL BE EMPOWERED TO ACQUIRE LAND TO DEVELOP IT FOR LETTING FOR USE BY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAK INGS.
MR. WU DESCRIBED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LEGISLATION AS +COMING ABOUT AT A VERY OPPORTUNE TIME,* AND HE PRESSED FOR EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORK WHICH WOULD FLOW FROM THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY. •
HE SAID HE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT RAPID ECONOMIC SUCCESS HAD BEEN MADE POSSIBLE ONLY BY STRONG GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGEMENT OF DEVELOPMENT WITHIN AN ESSENTIALLY PRIVATE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY.
+SINCE THE BASIC ESSENTIALS OF PRODUCTION ARE MAN-POWER, CAPITAL AND LAND, AND AS THE GOVERNMENT HOLDS MOST OF THE LAND AND CAN MANIPULATE THE CAPITAL SUPPLY, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST ASSUME AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.+
MR. WU WENT ON TO SAY THAT THERE WERE MANY WORTHWHILE INDUSTRIES THAT WERE LAND INTENSIVE AND COULD NOT BE TOLERABLY ESTABLISHED IN HIGH-RISE FACTORIES AND THESE INDEED WERE THE ONES THAT SHOULD BE GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION +SO LONG AS THEY ARE VIABLE, WILL UP-GRADE OUR TECHNOLOGY, PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR OUR EXISTING AND NEW INDUSTRIES AND IN GENERAL HELP TO BROADEN OUR INDUSTRIAL BASE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR GROWING MALE POPULATION WITH HIGH EDUCATION AND ASPIRATION.
+IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT HOWEVER THAT RULES AND PROCEDURES BE ESTABLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY TO SAFEGUARD AND ENSURE THAT ALL LAND PROVIDED WILL BE FULLY UTILISED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTENTS AND PURPOSES PROPOSED, AND TO PREVENT ABUSE AND SPECULATION,* HE ADDED.
IN REPLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, ASSURED MR. WU THAT AS MUCH GENERAL INDUSTRIAL LAND AS POSSIBLE WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE BY PUBLIC AUCTION.
HE RECALLED THAT IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH HE SAID 28 ACRES OF LAND WOULD BE PUT ON THE MARKET BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE PRESENT FISCAL YEAR.
AS REGARDS LAND MADE AVAILABLE WITH RESTRICTED USE OR CONDITIONS ATTACHED, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WAS GLAD MR. WU ACCEPTED THAT IT MUST BE PUT TO REALLY PRODUCTIVE USE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE. +THIS MEANS, AMONG-OTHER THINGS, PLACING AT LEAST SOME RELIANCE ON THE DISCIPLINE OF THE MARKET MECHANISM,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
9
MORE POLICEMEN FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES
THE NUMBER OF REGULAR POLICE OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAS BEEN INCREASED THIS YEAR, PARTICULARLY IN THOSE ESTATES WHERE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECUR ITY,‘THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. MISS KO SIU-WAH, HE SAID FURTHER INCREASES IN UNIFORMED BRANCH STRENGTH WERE PLANNED IN 1976/77, AND +OF THE 27 NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UNITS FOR WHICH PROVISION IS MADE IN THE ESTIMATES, 24 WILL BE IN PUBLIC ESTATES*.
MR. DAVIES SAID THAT DUR I NG THE LAST YEAR THE STRENGTH OF THE POLICE FORCE HAD INCREASED BY 1,180 TO 15,400, WHICH WAS WITHIN 630 OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT.
+THE STRENGTH OF MOST POLICE DIVISIONS IS CURRENTLY UP TO ESTABLISHMENT IN BOTH CID AND UNIFORMED BRANCH AND IN SOME CASES EXCEEDS IT,* HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE FLEXIBILITY, MR. DAVIES SAID, MANPOWER RESOURCES WERE DEPLOYED BY DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDERS ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC AREAS, PRIORITY BEING GIVEN TO COUNTER CRIME MEASURES.
+THUS, WITHIN THE EXISTING ESTABLISHMENT, RESOURCES ARE DEPLOYED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO OPT I MUN EFFECT AND HOUSING ESTATES RECEIVE A COVERAGE PROPORTIONATE TO THEIR NEEDS AND THE COMPETING REQUIREMENTS OF OTHER AREAS,* HE ADDED.
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/1O......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
-10-
COMPENSATION FOR VIOLENT CRIME VICTIMS UNDER REVIEW ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IS AT PRESENT REVIEWING THE RATES OF ASSISTANCE PAYABLE UNDER THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND WHICH WERE LAST REVISED IN OCTOBER 1974, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. F.K. LI, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, ANY REVISION OF RATES WILL ALSO APPLY TO THE TWO COMPENSATION SCHEMES ADMINISTERED BY THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD, HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. LI EXPLAINED THAT VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME MAY BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR INJURIES BY EITHER ONE OF THE TWO ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS.
+THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD ASSESSES COMPENSATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCALES APPLICABLE TO THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND,* HE SAID. +THE LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD HAS A BROADER BASIS OF ASSESSMENT IN THAT IT CAN EITHER USE THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND SCALES OR ASSESS COMPENSATION ON THE BASIS OF COMMON LAW DAMAGES, REGARDLESS OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WHICHEVER IS THE GREATER.+
IN BOTH CASES, HE ADDED, THE BOARDS MAY, AT THEIR DISCRETION, INCREASE AN AWARD UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 100 PER CENT OR REDUCE COMPENSATION IF THEY CONSIDER APPROPRIATE.
VICTIMS OF SEXUAL OFFENCES, SUCH AS RAPE, ARE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION UNDER THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME, ALTHOUGH THE EMERGENCY FUND SCALES ARE NOT RELEVANT, HE SAID.
+IN THESE CASES, THE BOARD CONSIDERS ALL APPLICATIONS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE AND COMPENSATION IS AWARDED ON THE MERITS OF EACH CASE, HAVING GENERAL REGARD TO THE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO OTHER VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE,* MR. LI ADDED.
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/11 ....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
11
AMENDMENTS TO CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE ******
A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE TO ENABLE A PERSON ^INVOLVED IN A CORRUPT OR ILLEGAL PRACTICE TO GIVE EVIDENCE AGAINST ANOTHER PARTY WITHOUT BEING REGARDED AS AN ACCOMPLICE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS AT COMMON LAW A RULE WHEREBY A COURT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE SPECIFIC REGARD TO THE DANGER OF CONVICTING A PERSON ON THE EVIDENCE OF AN ACCOMPLICE WITHOUT CORROBORATION.
THE BILL, HE SAID, SOUGHT TO MODIFY THE APPLICATION OF THIS RULE TO PROSECUTIONS FOR CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES AT THOSE ELECTIONS TO WHICH THE ORDINANCE APPLIED.
+THESE ARE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND, AS A RESULT OF THE RESOLUTION PASSED BY THIS COUNCIL TODAY, HEUNG YEE KUK ELECTIONS,* HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE BILL, MR. THORNTON STRESSED THAT IT WOULD NOT MEAN THAT THE COURT WOULD HAVE ANY OBLIGATION TO BELIEVE THE EVIDENCE OF THAT OTHER PARTY TO THE CORRUPT OR ILLEGAL PRACTICE, +BUT MERELY THAT THE COURT WOULD HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT IN THE PARTICULAR CASE SUCH A WITNESS IS WORTHY OF BELIEF, THE FACT THAT HE MIGHT BE AN ACCOMPLICE BEING DISREGARDED.*
HE ADDED THAT WHAT WAS PROPOSED IN THE BILL IN RELATION TO OFFENCES AT ELECTIONS WAS ALREADY THE LAW IN RELATION TO BRIBERY GENERALLY BY VIRTUE OF THE ENACTMENT IN 1970 OF SECTION 22 OF THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY , APRIL 28, 1976
12
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE APPLIES TO HEUNG YEE KUK . ******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY - ADOPTED A MOTION THAT THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE SHOULD APPLY TO THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND TO ANY ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID THAT THE HEUNG YEE KUK IS A STATUTORY BODY WHICH HAS AMONGST ITS OBJECTS THE PROMOTION OF CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ITS PRINCIPAL FUNCTION IS +TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WELFARE AND PROSPERITY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERR I TOR IES+.
HE SAID: +IT IS CLEARLY DESIRABLE THAT THE ELECTION FOR THE PRINCIPAL OFFICES IN THIS IMPORTANT PUBLIC BODY SHOULD NOT ONLY BE HONEST AND FREE FROM CORRUPTION, BUT SHOULD BE SEEN TO BE SO.+
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT, AT PRESENT, THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE APPLIES ONLY TO THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND IT WAS APPROPRIATE THAT IT SHOULD NOW BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE HEUNG YEE KUK ELECTIONS, WHICH WERE THE ONLY OTHER STATUTORY ELECTIONS FOR A PUBLIC BODY IN HONG KONG.
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I
BILLS PASSED * * * *
FIVE BILLS, INCLUDING THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1976 WHICH LAYS DOWN HONG KONG’S FISCAL POLICIES FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, PASSED THROUGH THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE OTHER BILLS PASSED ARE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY BILL 1976. THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1976, THE AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY) BILL 1976, AND THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.
FIVE OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST READING. THEY ARE THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE STAMP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976, AND THE PROBATION OF OFFENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.
DEBATE ON THEIR SECOND READING WAS ADJOURNED. DEBATE RESUMED ON THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1976.
o --------
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
13
EXPANSION PROGRAMME FOR CREMATORIA * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MOVE TO PRESS FOR THE CAPACITY OF CREMATORIA TO BE INCREASED.
ANSWERING A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG, MR. ROBSON SAID THIS WAS NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT WOULD REDUCE THE RISK OF LONG WAITING PERIODS BUT ALSO BECAUSE CREMATION WOULD REDUCE THE NEED TO PROVIDE SCARCE LAND FOR BURIALS.
+WITH THE EASING OF FINANCIAL STRINGENCIES IT IS INTENDED TO PRESS AHEAD WITH AN EXPANSION PROGRAMME, AND IN FACT ORDERS HAVE BEEN PLACED FOR NEW CREMATORS TO BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING CAPE COLLINSON CREMATORIUM,* HE SAID. +THESE SHOULD BE IN OPERATION WITHIN A YEAR, AND POSSIBLY IN LATE 1977 THE SMALL AND ELDERLY DIAMOND HILL CREMATORIUM CAN BE REPLACED, AND THE CAPACITY INCREASED.*
DR. FANG HAD ASKED HOW QUICKLY COULD STEPS BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE PRESENT WAITING PERIODS FOR CREMATIONS AT THE TWO CREMATORIA.
MR. ROBSON SAID THE PRESENT WAITING PERIOD AT THE CREMATORIA WAS TWO DAYS, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS +NOT UNREASONABLE*.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE QUESTION COULD HAVE BEEN PROMPTED BY THE SITUATION EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHEN THE WAITING PERIOD CREPT UP TO FIVE DAYS OR MORE.
IN THIS RESPECT, HE SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD TAKEN STEPS TO CUT DOWN THE WAITING TIME AND HAD INTRODUCED MEASURES WHICH, FOR THE TIME BEING, WOULD LIKELY MOLD THE WAITING TIME AT TWO DAYS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN CAUSE OF DELAYS WITH CREMATIONS WAS THE PRESENT OVERLOADING OF THE TWO CREMATORIA. *THIS MANES PROPER MAINTENANCE DIFFICULT AND CREATES A CONSTANT DANGER OF SERIOUS DISRUPTION IN THE EVENT OF BREAKDOWN,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
- 14 - •
REQUESTS BY TAI HOM VILLAGE FIRE VICTIMS REJECTED
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS REJECTED THE REQUESTS BY BUSINESS OPERATORS, WHOSE UNDERTAKINGS WERE DESTROYED IN THE TAI HOM VILLAGE FIRE ON MARCH 5, FOR PERMISSION TO REBUILD ON THE ORIGINAL SITE, OR ALLOCATION OF NEW SITES OR FLATTED FACTORIES.
IN REPLY TO A PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SAID IN A LETTER THAT AS THEIR UNDERTAKINGS EXISTED IN APPARENT SAFETY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TOLERATED THEM, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE ILLEGAL.
+SINCE EVENTS HAVE NOW PROVED'THEM TO HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS FIRE RISK, IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE TO ALLOW THEM SIMPLY TO BE RE-ESTABLISHED UNDER THE SAME DANGEROUS CONDITIONS,* HE SAID.
AS REGARDS ANOTHER REQUEST FOR THE ALLOCATION OF NEW SITES THE SECRETARY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE, BECAUSE LAND WAS N PROVIDED INDISCRIMINATELY AND FREE OF CHARGE FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
+IT IS NORMALLY SOLD ON OPEN MARKET FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS PROPERLY LOCATED AND DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE. THERE IS NO POLICY UNDER WHICH FREE LAND CAN BE PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHME^j OF SQUATTER INDUSTRY,* HE ADDED.
ANOTHERif'REQUEST FOR FACTORY UNITS TO BE ALLOCATED TO THE BUSINESS OPERATORS WAS ALSO REJECTED.
THE SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS ONLY POSSIBLE WHERE SQUATTER UNDERTAKINGS DESTROYED BY FIRE WERE COVERED BY THE RELEVANT SQUATTER CONTROL SURVEY.
ALTHOUGH THE BUSINESS OPERATORS CLAIMED THAT THEIR BUSINESSES HAD EXISTED FOR OVER TEN YEARS, HE POINTED OUT, THEY DID NOT MEET THE BASIC SURVEY REQUIREMENT.
THEY WERE ALSO ADVISED BY THE HOUSING
DEPARTMENT TO^PLY FOR WORKSHOP UNITS IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FLATTED FACT# BLOCKS AT KOWLOON BAY AND ELSEWHERE, BUT THEY DECLINED TO D^gO.
THE SECRETARY REMINDED THEM THAT THIS POSSIBILITY REMAINED
OPEN, AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WOULD INFORM THEM OF THE DETAILS OF THE NEXT TENDER.
HE REITERATED SOME OF THE POINTS HE MADE IN A PREVIOUS LETTER TO THE BUSINESS OPERATORS.
/HE oAID
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
- 15 -
HE SAID THAT FAMILIES WHOSE DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION WAS AFFECTED BY THE FIRE AT TAI HOM HAD ALREADY BEEN OFFERED ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION.
THE SECRETARY ADVISED FAMILIES PREVIOUSLY DEPENDENT ON THE BUSINESS DESTROYED, WHO WERE TEMPORARILY WITHOUT INCOME, TO CALL AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S NGAU TAU KOK FIELD UNIT TO SEE WHETHER THEY QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
OPERATORS AND EMPLOYEES WISHING TO SEEK OTHER WORK, HE SAID, SHOULD OBTAIN USEFUL ADVICE FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE AT KWUN TONG.
AS IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE BUSINESS OPERATORS TO RE-START THEIR BUSINESSES AT TAI HOM, THE SECRETARY URGED THEM TO CONSIDER SETTING UP NEW BUSINESSES IN RENTED ACCOMMODATION IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS PROPERLY DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSEAPPLYING TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR WORKSHOP UNIT TENANCIES IN ONE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FLATTED FACTORY BLOCKS- OR SEEKING EMPLOYMENT ELSEWHERE, THROUGH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IF NECESSARY.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE CLEARANCE OF THE FIRE SITE FOR TEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT AS MUCH-NEEDED RECREATION SPACE IN DENSELY POPULATED WONG TAI SIN HAD BEEN POSTPONED FOR TWO WEEKS FROM APRIL 14 TO ENABLE THE BUSINESS OPERATORS TO REMOVE THEIR MACHINERY FROM THE SITE.
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD CO-OPERATE IN THE CLEARANCE.
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/16....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976
- 16 -
SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL GETS BIGGER1
******
MORE THAN 2,700 STUDENTS FROM 241 TEAMS TOOK PART IN THE TWELFTH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH ONLY 240 STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN 1965 WHEN THE FESTIVAL STARTED.
WITH THE FESTIVAL GETTING BIGGER EVERY YEAR IT WAS NECESSARY TO BOOK THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL FOR THE WHOLE OF THIS WEEK IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE PRIZE WINNERS’ CONCERTS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY TOLD THE AUDIENCE AT THIS EVENING’S CONCERT.
HE CONGRATULATED THE PERFORMERS ON THEIR SUCCESS AND URGED THEM TO CONTINUE THEIR DANCING.
MR. TOPLEY SAIDt +THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE QUALITY OF CLASSICAL AND FOLK DANCE HAS RISEN CONSIDERABLY AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL.
+OUR DANCERS PERFORMED FOR HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN LAST YEAR, AND THIS YEAR WE HAVE ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO SEND A SCHOOLS’ CHINESE DANCE TEAM TO THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND PERFORMING ARTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. A HONG KONG SCHOOLS’ CHINESE DANCE TEAM HAS BEEN FORMED AND HAS ALMOST RAISED THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF MONEY TO G0.+
THE SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE TWO SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
0 -------
NOTE TO EDITORS:
CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL
*****
THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THE $64 MILLION SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL AT LAI CHI KOK WILL BE SIGNED AT 10.30 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OCCASION.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 10.15 A.M. IN THE LIFT LOBBY OF THE 12TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY P.W.D. INFORMATION OFFICERS.
PROJECT ARCHITECTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS AFTER THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY, AND GIVE DETAILS OF THE HOSPITAL.
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PRM 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976.
CONTENTS PASE H0-
ANT I-POLLUTION STANDARDS SET FOR NEW DIESEL VEHICLES..... 1
SIGNBOARDS TO MAKE WAY FOR MTR CONSTRUCTION ................ 2
ROLE OF TRAMS UNDER REVIEW ................................. 3
CHILD LABOUR SITUATION IMPROVES........................... 3
FIRST CONTRACT FOR SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL SIGNED ........... A
BAN ON GOODS VEHICLES DURING HOLIDAYS ...................... 5
NEW FUNERAL DEPOT IN HUNG HOM.............................. 6
WIFE OF MP TO VISIT BOYS’ HOME ............................. 6
FISHERMEN URGED TO ADAPT TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES......... 7
PROMOTION OF MODERN APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING A SUCCESS .... 8
SALARY CUT FOR 77 NTA DEMARCATORS .......................... 9
>
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
1
ANTI-POLLUTION STANDARDS FOR NEW DIESEL VEHICLES ft ft * * * *
STRICT NEW ANTI-POLLUTION STANDARDS FOR NEW DIESEL-ENGINED VEHICLES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN FOUR MONTHS’ TIME.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE NEW REGULATIONS ON TUESDAY (APRIL 27).
+UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, DIESEL-ENGINED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1976, WILL HAVE TO COMPLY WITH STRICT NEW EUROPEAN STANDARDS, + THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ' i,:
THE STANDARDS ARE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (EEC) DIRECTIVE NO. 72/306/EEC- EEC REGULATION NO. 24 FOR EUROPE- AND BRITISH STANDARD BS AU 141A._ ||
DIESEL-ENGINED VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO COMPLY WITH'!ANY OF THESE EUROPEAN REGULATIONS OR ALTERNATIVELY WITH AUSTRALIAN DESIGN RULE NO. 30 — ALL OF WHICH SET MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE SMOKE LEVELS.
THE FIRST COUNTRY TO COMPLY WITH THE EEC DIRECTIVE WAS HOLLAND IN OCTOBER LAST, FOLLOWED BY FRANCE FOUR MONTHS AGO. AUSTRALIA WILL INTRODUCE ITS STANDARD IN JULY THIS YEAR.
EXPLAINING THE ^BOVE STANDARDS THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE BRITISH STANDARD CONTROLS BOTH THE MEASUREMENT OF SMOKE EMISSION AND ENGINE POWER AND WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL THE MAJORITY OF EUROPEAN VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS ADOPT THE EEC DIRECTIVE 72 ON .DIESEL SMOKE, WHEN THE BRITISH STANDARD WILL CEASE TO APPLY.+
IN HONG KONG, THESE NEW MEASURES WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS REDUCING SMOKE POLLUTION WHICH IS CAUSED MAINLY BY DIESEL VEHICLES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOWEVER, AS THE NEW REGULATIONS COVER NEW VEHICLES ONLY, THE FULL EFFECT WILL NOT BE SEEN IMMEDIATELY. +BUT LATER THIS YEAR FURTHER ANTI-POLLUTION MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED COVERING ALL VEHICLES WHATEVER THEIR AGE,+ HE ADDED.
THE NEW REGULATIONS WERE ARRIVED AT AFTER CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MOTOR TRADERS ASSOCIATION. THEY FOLLOW LESS THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND USE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1974 WERE INTRODUCED TO CONTROL EXHAUST SMOKE FROM PETROL-ENGINED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER NOVEMBER 1, 1974.
THE NEW STANDARDS FOR DIESEL-ENGINED VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND USE)(AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1976, WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
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/2
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
- 2 -
SIGNBOARDS TO BE REMOVED FOR MTR CONSTRUCTION
******
A NUMBER OF LARGE SIGNBOARDS WHICH PROJECT OVER THE STREET FROM BUILDINGS ALONG THE ROUTE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN DOWN TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SIGNBOARDS REQUIRED TO BE REMOVED ARE MAINLY LOCATED NEAR THE STATION SITES FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, ESPECIALLY THOSE,IN NATHAN ROAD.
HE EXPLAINED THAT LARGE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDING TALL CRANES AND RIGS MUST BE USED AT THE STATION SITES WHERE THE' +CUT AND COVER* METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT. THE SIGNBOARDS, SOME OF THEM EXTENDING AS MUCH AS HALF WAY ACROSS THE STREET, WOULD NOT ONLY PREVENT THE EQUIPMENT FROM MOVJ NG ABOUT THE SITES BUT WOULD ALSO "MAKE IT UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR THE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT UNDERNEATH, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
REMOVAL NOTICES HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE SERVED ON THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE BY POSTING THE NOTICES IN PROMINENT PLACES ON THE BUILDINGS WHERE SIGNBOARDS HAVE TO BE MOVED.'
BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THE NOTICES, THE OWNERS WILL HAVE THE -OPTION OF REMOVING THE SIGNBOARDS THEMSELVES. OTHERWISE THE WORK WILL BE DONE BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WHO WILL ARRANGE FOR THE SIGNBOARDS TO BE TAKEN DOWN AND DISPOSED-OF WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNERS.
I
ON THE QUESTION OF COMPENSATION, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BUILDING OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE NOTICES MAY SERVE A WRITTEN CLAIM ON THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS UNDER ANY ONE OF THE FOUR CATEGORIES IN PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT COMPENSATION WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED WHERE SIGNBOARDS HAD BEEN ERECTED AND MAINTAINED WITHOUT THE CONTRAVENTION OF ANY ORDINANCE.
THE CLAIM CAN BE MADE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE DATE OF REMOVAL.
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/5
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
- 5 -
ROLE OF TRAMS UNDER REVIEW * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT AND HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LIMITED ARE JOINTLY REVIEWING THE ROLE OF TRAMS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM FUTURE OF THE COMPANY.
SUBJECTS PRESENTLY UNDER DISCUSSION ARE FOCUSSED ON THE FEASIBILITY AND COSTS INVOLVED IN UPGRADING THE SERVICE INCLUDING THE MODERNISATION OF ROLLING STOCK- THE IMMEDIATE AND PROGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF SEGREGATED TRACK- THE POSSIBLE EXPANSION OF THE SERVICE INTO THE ALDRICH BAY AREA, WITH AN EXTENSION INTO CHAI WAN.
DISCUSSIONS WILL CONTINUE IN PARALLEL WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS, AND WILL COVER. FUTURE INVESTMENT BY THE COMPANY TO COPE WITH EXPECTED DEMAND.
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CHILD LABOUR SITUATION IMPROVES
####**
ALTHOUGH SOME EMPLOYERS ARE STILL VIOLATING THE LAW WHICH PROHIBITS THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 IN INDUSTRY, THE OVERALL SITUATION HAS IMPROVED.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT WHEN HE GAVE THE RESULTS OF A RECENT ANTI-CHILD LABOUR CAMPAIGN CARRIED OUT BETWEEN FEBRUARY 24 AND 26 THIS YEAR.
HE SAID DURING THE CAMPAIGN - THE 19TH IN THE SERIES - SURPRISE VISITS WERE MADE BY LABOUR INSPECTORS TO OVER 5,450 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS SELECTED AT RANDOM FROM MORE THAN 33,500 ESTABLISHMENTS. ONLY 27 WERE FOUND TO BE ILLEGALLY EMPLOYING 28 CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS.
THE 5,450 UNDERTAKINGS INCLUDED. 16 WHICH WERE FOUND EMPLOYING CHILDREN DURING ROUTINE VISITS BETWEEN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AND THIS FEBRUARY, AND 40 WHICH WERE CAUGHT DURING A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN LAST SEPTEMBER. IN ACCORDANCE WITH LABOUR DEPARTMENT POLICY ALL WERE PROSECUTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT OF THESE 56 FORMERLY FAULTED EMPLOYERS ONLY ONE WAS AGAIN CAUGHT. THIS INDICATED THAT THE CAMPAIGNS HAD DISCOURAGED INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS FROM EMPLOYING CHILD LABOUR.
SINCE JULY 1973 THERE HAD BEEN A MARKED DECREASE IN THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN EMPLOYED PER 100 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS DURING SCHOOL SUMMER HOLIDAY PERIODS WHEN THERE WAS IN THE PAST HIGHER INCIDENCE OF CHILD LABOUR.
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
¥ -
FIRST CONTRACT SIGNED FOR SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL
* * * X * X
HONG KONG’S SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL AT LAI Cli I KOK IS ABOUT
TO GET OFF THE GROUND WITH CONSTRUCTION ON THE $64 MILLION PROJECT
TO BEGIN IN THE NEXT FEM-WEEKS. '
THE FIRST CONTRACT, WORTH $14 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO ON LEE AND COMPANY AND WAS OFFICIALLY SIGNED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
MR. EDWIN WONG, CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MR. SIU HON-SUM, PROPRIETOR OF ON LEE AND CO., SIGNED FOR THE COMPANY.
THE FIRST CONTRACT COVERS CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOUNDATIONS AND SUPERSTRUCTURE OF TWO MULTI-STOREY WARD BLOCKS — ONE FOR MALE AND THE OTHER FOR FEMALE PATIENTS. THESE STRUCTURES SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
•TENDERS FOR THE REMAINING WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BE INVITED NEXT YEAR ^ND THE WHOLE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED LATE 1979.
DESIGNED BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, THE NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE AN EXTRA 1,304 HOSPITAL BEDS AND SHOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS EASING THE PRESSURE ON EXISTING FACILITIES AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
IT WILL BE BUILT ON PART OF A 27-ACRE SITE ON WHICH THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL OPPOSITE MEI FU SUN CHUEN HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT. THE NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL WILL CATER MAINLY FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS WHOSE CONDITION IS AMENABLE TO TREATMENT, AND FOR VOLUNTARY AND INFIRMARY PATIENTS.
IN PLANNING THE NEW HOSPITAL, MR. WONG SAID, THE P.W.D. ARCHITECTS HAD OPTED FOR A 'MULTI-LEVEL' DESIGN SO AS TO LEAVE AS MUCH OPEN SPACE AS POSSIBLE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.
+IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL,* HE SAID, +GREATER PROVISION HAS TO BE MADE FOR RECREATIONAL, OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES THAN IN A GENERAL HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF MENTAL PATIENTS.
+THE HOSPITAL PROPER HAS THEREFORE BEEN DESIGNED AS A HIGH RISE DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL OCCUPY ONLY ABOUT ONE-QUARTER OF THE 27-ACRE SITE LEAVING THE REST TO BE LANDSCAPED.*
TO REDUCE THE INSTITUTIONAL CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING COMPLEX, HE ADDED, A LARGE GARDEN AS WELL AS A ROOF GARDEN WOULD BE PROVIDED TO ENHANCE THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT.
/OTHER .....
5
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WOULD INCLUDE A THEATRE FOR FILM SHOWS. CONCERTS OR INDOOR SPORTS, SHOP AND SOFT DRINK BAR, HAIRDRESSING SALON, A LIBRARY AND READING ROOM AS AIDS TO REHABILITATION.
A FOOTBALL PITCH AND A BASKETBALL COURT ARE ALREADY IN EXISTENCE TO SERVE BOTH THE NEARBY LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL AND THE SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL.
MR. WONG SAID THE MALE AND FEMALE WARD BLOCKS WOULD BOTH BE LINKED TO A FOUR-STOREY CLINICAL AND SERVICE BLOCK'BY A SYSTEM OF SUBWAYS. +THIS AGAIN ENABLES US TO SAVE MORE SPACE AS THE UPPER GROUND AREAS CAN BE LANDSCAPED AS RECREATIONAL GARDENS,* HE ADDED.
THE DESIGN ALSO INCLUDES A COVERED LINK WITH AN ADJACENT NURSES’ AND TRAINING SCHOOL AND STAFF QUARTERS TO FACILITATE STAFF CIRCULATION DURING BAD WEATHER.
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BAN ON GOODS VEHICLES
******
TO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION THIS SUMMER, GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM SECTIONS OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE BAN WILL BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ON CLEARWATER BAY ROAD EASTBOUND FROM KWUN TONG ROAD TO FEI NGO SHAN ROAD, AND WESTBOUND FROM HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO ANDERSON ROAD BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 7 P.M.
ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GOODS VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL IN BOTH DIRECTIONS BETWEEN SHA TSUI ROAD TO PUI TO ROAD FROM 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M.
THE BAN ON GOODS VEHICLES, OTHER THAN THOSE WITH PERMITS, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON SUNDAY (MAY 2) AND LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, 1976. TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED INDICATING THE RESTRICTIONS.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
- 6
NEW FUNERAL DEPOT AT HUNG HOM
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FUNERAL DEPOT AT HUNG HOM TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE AT ON FAT STREET WHICH HAS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLYTECHNIC.
THE NEW FUNERAL DEPOT IS TO BE LOCATED AT WINSLOW STREET AND WILL BE A SIX-STOREY BUILDING PROVIDING ESSENTIAL FACILITIES FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF LAST RITES.
MR. F. HO—ASJOE, P.W.D. CHIEF ARCHITECT, SAID TODAY PILING WORK FOR THE DEPOT WAS ALREADY IN PROGRESS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WAS EXPECTED TO BEGUN IN JULY FOR COMPLETION TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
THE BUILDING, HE SAID, WOULD CONSIST OF TWO BLOCKS — A SERVICE BLOCK AND ONE HOUSING ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND STAFF QUARTERS.
BOTH WOULD BE LINKED BY A PODIUM AT THE BASEMENT, LOWER GROUND AND UPPER GROUND LEVELS SO AS TO PROVIDE EASY AND QUICK ACCESS BETWEEN THE TWO BLOCKS.
MR. HO-ASJOE SAID THE SERVICE BLOCK WOULD PROVIDE SIX HALLS FOR FUNERAL SERVICES, A MUSIC GALLERY AND 18 REPOSING ROOMS. ALL SERVICE HALLS AND REPOSING ROOMS WOULD BE AIR-CONDITIONED.
PARKING SPACES WOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE BASEMENT AND LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK, WITH OFFICES AND STAFF QUARTERS ON THE UPPER FLOORS.
-----o------
MP’S WIFE TO VISIT BOYS’ HOME * * if * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MRS. RICHARD MITCHELL, WIFE OF THE VISITING MP, WILL TOUR THE BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON AT 2.30 P.M. TO SEE SOME OF THE PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
MRS. MITCHELL WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MISS ANNIE CHAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOCIAL WORK) AND MR. MAK WING-HONG, SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER.
THE HOME IS AT 62 BEGONIA ROAD, .YAU YAT CHUEN, KOWLOON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT.
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/7
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
- 7 -
FISHERMEN URGED TO ADAPT TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. EDWARD NICHOLS, TODAY URGED FISHERMEN IN HONG KONG TO BE PREPARED TO ADAPT TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS WHILE EXPLOITING NEW FISHING GROUNDS AND RESOURCES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A NEW EXTENSION TO THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET, HE POINTED OUT THAT OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE CAPTURE FISHERIES AROSE FROM THE UTILISATION OF CERTAIN TRADITIONAL DEMERSAL RESOURCES.
1 .
THERE WERE CLEAR SIGNS THAT HONG KONG HAD REACHED THE LIMIT OF THE SUSTAINABLE YIELD FROM THESE RESOURCES AND +WE CANNOT AFFORD TO OVER-FISH THESE STOCKS.*
HE SAID THE FISHERIES RESEARCH DIVISION OF HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN DOING MOST EFFECTIVELY IN LOOKING FOR NEW GROUNDS AND RESOURCES. +BUT ONCE THESE NEW RESOURCES ARE DISCOVERED IT IS UP TO YOU IN THE FLEET TO EXPLOIT THEM.*
HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE RECORD OF THE FISHERMEN’S PAST ACHIEVEMENTS, MR. NICHOLS SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE FISHING FLEET WOULD RESPOND HANDSOMELY TO THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE.
+0N THE MARKETING SIDE,* HE CONTINUED, +WE MUST BE EQUALLY PREPARED TO ADAPT TO FUTURE NEEDS- AND IT WAS WITH THIS IN VIEW THAT THIS PRESENT EXTENSION WAS CONSTRUCTED.*
THE BUILDING WAS DESIGNED NOT ONLY FOR FISH MARKETING BUT ALSO TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROCESSING OF FISHERY PRODUCTS. +THE LATTER, IT IS CONSIDERED, WILL BECOME AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF MARKETING IN THE FUTURE, ESPECIALLY AS AND WHEN WE START EXPLOITING THE PELAGIC RESOURCES OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.*
THE DIRECTOR TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION HAD BEEN PLANNING FOR SOME TIME TO SET UP NEW MARKETING FACILITIES AT TAI PO, CASTLE PEAK, SHAU KEI WAN AND EVEN ULTIMATELY AT CHEUNG SHA WAN.
in This expansion programme, however, he said much would DEPEND ON THE RATE OF PROGRESS IN GOVERNMENT RECLAMATION WORKS WHICH, MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, DICTATED THE SPEED OF IMPLEMENTATION. , ■
TOUCHING ON THE FISHING INDUSTRY, MR. NICHOLS SAID PROGRESS IN DEVELOPMENT WAS NOT ALWAYS EASY AND THE LAST TWO YEARS IN PARTICULAR HAD PRESENTED MANY PROBLEMS.
♦DESPITE THIS SITUATION, HOWEVER, IT IS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT LAST YEAR THE VOLUME OF FISH LANDINGS THROUGH THE F.M.O. INCREASED BY SOME EIGHT PER CENT. SUCH A GROWTH RATE IS IMPRESSIVE BY ANY STANDARDS AND ALL CONCERNED WITH OUR FISHING INDUSTRY CAN BE PROUD OF THIS ACHIEVEMENT,* HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
- 8 -
PROMOTION OF MODERN APPRENTICE TRAINING SUCCESSFUL * ft * * ft ft
THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN PROMOTING MODERN APPRENTICE TRAINING LAST YEAR, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING), MR. H.R. KNIGHT SAID TODAY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT 445 OR NEARLY 65 PER CENT OF THE 691 SCHOOL-LEAVERS TAKING UP APPRENTICE TRAINING DURING THE YEAR WERE PLACED WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS BY THE DIVISION..
♦CONSIDERING THE GENERAL EFFECT OF ECONOMIC RECESSION ON INDUSTRY FOR MUCH OF 1975, THE PLACEMENT OF SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE IN EMPLOYMENT AS APPRENTICES IS ENCOURAGING AND IT INDICATES THAT MORE MAJOR INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND EMPLOYERS ARE REALISING THE VALUE OF MODERN APPRENTICE TRAINING,* MR. KNIGHT REMARKED.
OF THE 691 SCHOOL-LEAVERS WHO BECAME APPRENTICES, 229 TOOK UP TECHNICIAN TRAINING AND 462 CRAFT TRAINING.
DURING THE YEAR, THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION HAD ALSO HELPED 22 FIRMS EITHER TO START APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES OR TO IMPROVE THEIR EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN 200 EMPLOYERS IN ALL THE MAJOR INDUSTRIES RUNNING APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEMES FOR SOME 3,200 YOUNG PEOPLE.
SAID MR. KNIGHT, +WE ARE STILL SOME WAY OFF FROM ACHIEVING OUR OBJECTIVES OF ASSISTING INDUSTRY IN TRAINING ALL THE SKILLED MANPOWER NEEDED TO SUSTAIN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND IN CREATING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO EMBARK ON A CAREER IN INDUSTRY THROUGH APPRENTICESHIP.
+BUT WITH BETTER CO-OPERATION FROM EMPLOYERS AND A GREATER WILLINGNESS ON THEIR PART TO SHARE THE BURDEN OF SKILLED MANPOWER TRAINING, I AM SURE WE WILL ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES.*
MR. KNIGHT SAID EMPLOYERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN APPRENTICE TRAINING CAN CALL AT THE DIVISION AT ASIAN HOUSE, 1, HENNESSY ROAD, 12TH FLOOR OR TELEPHONE 5-278760 FOR ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE.
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/9
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1976
- 9 -
SEVENTY-SEVEN DEMARCATORS* SALARIES REDUCED FOR NOT PERFORMING FULL NORMAL DUTIES *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE. MR. ALAN SCOTT, REPLIED TODAY TO QUESTIONS ABOUT SOME DEMARCATORS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WHO HAVE NOT BEEN PERFORMING THEIR FULL NORMAL DUTIES SINCE JANUARY.
LAST MONTH THEY WERE WARNED THAT THOSE WHO DID NOT RETURN TO NORMAL WORKING WOULD HAVE THEIR SALARIES REDUCED.
IT WAS NOT REASONABLE TO CONTINUE TO PAY STAFF WHO ARE FAILING TO DO A FULL DAY’S WORK, HE SAID, EITHER FROM THE TAXPAYERS’ VIEWPOINT OR FROM THE STANDPOINT OF GOOD MANAGEMENT.
EMPLOYEES WHO CURTAIL THEIR NORMAL DUTIES OR CEASE TO WORK CANNOT REASONABLY EXPECT THEIR EMPLOYER TO CONTINUE TO PAY THEM FULL SALARIES IF THEY DO.
THE +QO-SLOW+ ACTION IS IN SUPPORT OF A SALARY CLAIM AND OTHER MINOR ISSUES. THE CASE PUT FORWARD BY THE DEMARCATORS ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN LOOKED AT MOST CAREFULLY AND IN GREAT DETAIL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT. IT HAS NOT HOWEVER PROVED JUSTIFIED, BUT DISCUSSIONS ARE CONTINUING ON CERTAIN ASPECTS OF IT.
HOWEVER, 77 OUT OF THE 350 DEMARCATORS IGNORED THE WRITTEN WARNING GIVEN IN LATE MARCH, AND ARE CONTINUING TO DO LESS THAN THEIR FULL NORMAL DUTIES. IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CUT THE APRIL SALARIES OF THESE OFFICERS BY 30 PER CENT, UNDER THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE ADDED THAT SOME PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS MIGHT STOP SALARIES COMPLETELY IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, AND PERHAPS EVEN TERMINATE THE SERVICES OF EMPLOYEES. THE SECRETARY SAID THAT DIFFERENT CONSIDERATIONS APPLY TO CAREER STAFF SUCH AS CIVIL SERVANTS, ALTHOUGH PROCEDURES DO EXIST IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TO TAKE SUCH ACTION IF THE SITUATION REQUIRES IT.
0 -------
HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY fFtBCsESES vkr; bhxiY csmsrass
Thursday, April 29, 1975
FLATS TO HOUSE 60,000
*******
The Housing Authority is to provide more than 10,000 flr.ts in -'igh rise blocks which will be built on a 70-acre site in Clearwater By Boad near Anderson Hoad in Kowloon.
These blocks form part of Shun Lee Tsuen, a multi-million-dollar project to be carried out in stages over the ’next four to five years.
When completed, this housing estate will house 60,000 people. -t will be a self-contained township with shops, markets, a lar e commercial complex, multi-storey carparks and schools.
A number of construction firms, which have shown an interest in the building work liave been asked to submit tenders for the phase I, sta e II of t/ps housing project.
This phase of work includes the building of three 21 to 24-storey twin-tower blocks, a primary school and a three-storey carpark, the ro -k which will be used as a children’s playground.
Site formation is nearing completion. Foundation and buildiny ’/or.. are expected to start in about two months for completion by’ mid-1973.
Phase II of this stage, which includes a number of joined slnb Id ■ c • with shopping and marketing facilities, is now being finalised anc work s ou_.> stc.rt towards the end of this year.
These two phases of stage II on completion by 1973 should provide homes for about 26,000 people.
/Meanwhile, .......
I
I
- 2 -
Meanwhile, stage I of t is housing project which is undertaken by the Public Works Department, is pro. ressing on schedule with foundation work nearing completion. It includes two >3-storey cruciform bloc.’s and a seven-storey block housing about 19i^00 people as well as shops, an estate office, a kindergarten, a commercial complex, a multi-storey carpar’ and schools.
A novelty in the design of the estate is that all blocks will be linked by a system of elevated covered walkways which separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
FRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PLANNING OF NEW TOWNS WELL ORGANISED ................. 1
GREATER PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY PLANNING FULLY SUPPORTED......................................... 3
NOURSE RIDING FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN NO LONGER *
A DREAM ................................................ 5
FEES FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS TO DE INCREASED ... 6
% ....
CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO BE EXTENDED IN JULY .............. 7
MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.......................... 8
FEBRUARY ACCOUNTS SHOW 5247 MILLION SURPLUS ............ 8
APPLICATION FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE INVITED .. 9
FIRING PRACTICE ...................................... 10
RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF TS'lNG YI BRIDGE LIFTED........ 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5*233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976
1
PLANNING OF NEW TOWNS WELL ORGANISED
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW PARTICULARLY WELL ORGANISED IN ITS APPROACH TO THE PLANNING AND PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN THE NEW TOWNS, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR. E.B. WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS PRESENTING A PAPER ENTITLED +NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT* AT THE TWO-DAY HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE SYMPOSIUM ON +SOCIAL PLANNING IN A NEW TOWN* AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
MR. WIGGHAM, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES FOR TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWNS, SAID SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN IN PARTICULAR WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE LATEST . THINKING IN THE PLANNING AND DESIGN OF HOUSING, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS AND CULTURAL FACILITIES.
+BUT THESE 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 pF THEMSELVES AND THEIR NEW OPPORTUNITIES,* HE SAID.
+IT IS IN THE FIELD OF COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWNS, COUPLED WITH THE PROBLEMS OF IMPORTING A NEW POPULATION AND GRAFTING IT ON TO AN EXISTING RURAL SOCIETY. THAT WE ARE NOW BEGINNING TO BUILD UP EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE THAT WILL ENABLE US TO CHART OUR COURSE FOR THE FUTURE.*
HE SAID THAT THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT, WHICH IS THE STARTING POINT AND EVER-PRESENT BACKCLOTH FOR ALL THREE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MEANT THAT ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRST AIMS MUST BE TO PREVENT THE CREATION OF A VACUUM IN EXISTING COMMUNITY LIFE AS A RESULT OF THE DISSOLUTION OF VILLAGES AND THE REHOUSING OF THEIR POPULATIONS.
STRESSING THAT THIS DID NOT IMPLY TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL LANDSCAPE OR RURAL SOCIETY, MR. WIGGHAM SAID THAT IN SHA TIN, SPECIAL EFFORT HAD BEEN MADE TO PRESERVE AS MANY OF THE EXISTING VILLAGES AS POSSIBLE.
+THIS MEANS THAT, TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT, THE INHABITANTS OF THESE VILLAGES WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR LIFE STYLE IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE FAMILIAR TO THEM, YET AT THE SAME TIME ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FACILITIES AND IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS THAT A NEW TOWN ENVIRONMENT BRINGS,* HE ADDED.
FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, HOWEVER, MR. WIGGHAM SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PRESERVE ALL EXISTING VILLAGES INCLUDED WITHIN LAYOUTS.
/HE WENT
FRID4T, APRIL JO, 1976
- 2 -
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT ALL THREE NEW TOWNS WERE HEADED BY DISTRICT OFFICERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WITH VERY WIDE POWERS ON LAND CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT.
+IT IS IN EXERCISE OF HIS LAND CONTROL FUNCTIONS THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICER THROUGH MEDIATION, EXPLANATION, NEGOTIATION AND IN THE END CLEARANCE, IS CALLED UPON TO PLAY AN EARLY PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.+
MR. WIGGHAM SAID THE THREE NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES ENSURED .THAT THE NECESSARY FACILITIES AND SERVICES WERE PROVIDED IN EACH NEW TOWN TO MEET THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE GROWING POPULATION AND THAT THESE FACILITIES WERE USED PROPERLY AND TO THE FULLEST EXTENT.
HE FELT IT HIS DUTY TO ENSURE THAT THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT WAS DERIVED FROM MEETINGS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, BOTH IN TERMS OF A MUTUAL INTERCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN MEMBERS AND IN FEED-BACK OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND ADVICE TO DEPARTMENTAL HEADQUARTERS.
HE TOLD THE GATHERING THAT A PROGRAMME WAS BEING DRAWN UP BY THE N.T.A. TO MONITOR THE CURRENT AND FUTURE PROVISIONS OF SERVICES BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND UTILITY AND, IN THE WELFARE FIELD, BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
+IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE PLAN WILL PROVIDE A CHECK LIST FOR THE VARIOUS SPECIALIST DEPARTMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE SERVICES AS SOON AS POPULATION REQUIREMENTS DEMAND,+ HE SAID.
AT THE MOMENT, MR. WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS VERY MUCH AT THE CENTRE OF THE VARIOUS MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN EACH NEW TOWN DISTRICT.
+IT IS REPRESENTED ON ALL COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES AND CONTINUES TO INITIATE NEW BRANCHES OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITY AND LIAISON. IN FUTURE, HOWEVER, WE ENVISAGE THAT LOCAL PERSONALITIES WILL INCREASINGLY INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE RUNNING OF LOCAL AFFAIRS.+
HE ALSO STRESSED THE NEED OF BODIES OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT 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 THE NEW COMMUNITY AS HERE IN SHA TIN WILL BE SOMETHING OF WHICH WE WILL ALL BE ABLE TO FEEL PROUD.+
0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976
5
SUPPORT FOR GREATER PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY PLANNING
*****
THE CHIEF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANNING OFFICER FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN, MR. ALLAN CROSBY, TODAY FULLY SUPPORTED GREATER PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING SESSION OF A TWO-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON SOCIAL PLANNING IN THE NEW TOWN, HE STRESSED THAT PLANNING WAS VERY MUCH CONCERNED WITH PEOPLE, AND INCREASED INVOLVEMENT OF PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT WAS A MATTER OF HIGH PRIORITY AND IMPORTANCE.
THE SYMPOSIUM, CO-SPONSORED BY THE HONG KOJ^G COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, IS USING SHA TIN NEW TOWN AS ITS CASE STUDY.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SYMPOSIUM, A MINI■EXH IBITION ON THE NEW TOWN IS BEING HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY USING MATERIAL OF THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL SHA TIN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION STAGED IN MARCH BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
MR. CROSBY SAID THE PLANNING FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN HAD TAKEN MANY YEARS BY MANY PEOPLE OF MANY DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE AND THIS WOULD CONTINUE.
+THE PROPOSALS TO-DATE ALREADY SHOW THAT THE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR A VASTLY IMPROVED PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE NEW TOWN ARE BEING CAREFULLY AND METHODICALLY GRASPED AND DEVELOPED.+
THE MAIN AIM OF THE NEW TOWN, HE SAID, WAS NOT JUST TO PROVIDE 500,000 PEOPLE WITH SATISFACTORY HOMES AND EMPLOYMENT, BUT ALSO TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF A HEALTHY AND BALANCED COMMUNITY WHERE THE BASIC NEEDS OF ALL ITS RESIDENTS COULD READILY BE MET.
♦FROM THE MISTAKES AND SUCCESSES OF THE PAST, THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO DEVELOP A MORE BALANCED COMMUNITY IN THE NEW
' TOWN THAN HAS CHARACTERISED TOO MUCH OF THE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN URBAN AREAS IN THE PAST.
+THIS DOES NOT MEAN SOME PRECISE OR ACADEMIC REGULATING OF NUMBERS OF PEOPLE OR RESTRICTING THE SCOPE FOR HUMAN INTERACTION, MOST OF WHICH IS UNKNOWN. ON THE CONTRARY, IT IS A PRACTICAL POLICY OF GREATER FREEDOM OF CHOICE, AND IMPORTANT TO THE SOCIAL PROGRESS OF HONG KONG.+
FRIDAT, APRIL JO, 1976
- 4"-
mr CROSBY SAID THE NEW TOWN WAS BEING PLANNED TO BE DEVELOPED IN A SERIES OF SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITIES OF VARIOUS SIZES - EACH RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY HAVING ITS OWN LOCAL SHOPS, SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS, PLAYGROUNDS, OPEN SPACES, PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITY, SOCIAL WELFARE AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES APPROPRIATELY PLANNED AROUND ITS OWN FOCAL POINT ACCORDING TO THE SPECIAL CHARACTER OF THE PARTICULAR AREA.
HOWEVER, THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS OF ANY SUCH GOALS OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MUST DEPEND ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES AND THE LEADERSHIP GIVEN TO SUCH SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING WHICH BECAME ALMOST A RELIGION WITH MANY PLANNERS AND OTHERS IN WESTERN COUNTRIES IN THE SIXTIES WAS NOW KNOWN TO HAVE MANY PITFALLS AND LIMITATIONS. +BUT IT IS STILL AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT IN MODERN PLANNING,+ HE ADDED.
IN RECENT YEARS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DEMONSTRATED SEVERAL MOVES TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE INVOLVEMENT OF PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GENERALLY.
IN THIS REGARD, NEW GROUND WAS BEING BROKEN ALL THE TIME IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN. AS AN EXAMPLE, HE CITED THE RECENT SHA TIN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO GIVE PEOPLE A CLEAR VIEW OF THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AND ENCOURAGE THEIR INTEREST AND INVOLVEMENT.
MANY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG WERE GIVEN ENCOURAGEMENT AND HELP TO STUDY THE NEW TOWN PROJECT, AND A COMPREHENSIVE BROCHURE ON SHA TIN NEW TOWN PROPOSALS WAS ALSO BEING PREPARED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
MR. CROSBY SAID HE REGARDED THESE AS NOT ONLY THS F IRST STAGE OF PUBLIC AWARENESS BUT NECESSARY STEPS TO A WIDER PLATFORM OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT GENERALLY.
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976
- 5 -
HORSE-RIDING FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN NO LONGER A DREAM
******
FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, HORSE RIDING IS A SPORT THEY CAN ENJOY ONLY IN THEIR DREAMS.
BUT THE ERA OF THIS BELIEF HAS ENDED — THANKS TO LADY MACLEHOSE AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS WHOSE JOINT EFFORTS HAVE ENABLED MORE THAN 300 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN TO HAVE RIDING EXERCISE REGULARLY.
. LADY MACLEHOSE’S IDEA OF ORGANISING RIDING LESSONS FOR THESE CHILDREN CAME MORE THAN A YEAR AGO AND SHE WAS SUPPORTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND A NUMBER OF ENTHUSIASTS.
THE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION WAS SUBSEQUENTLY FORMED WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR. HARRY FANG AS ITS PRESIDENT. RIDING SESSIONS THEN BEGAN AT THE BEAS RIVER COUNTRY CLUB WITH THE JOCKEY CLUB DONATING ALL THE PONIES AS -WELL AS SPECIAL RIDING EQUIPMENT.
‘ LADY MACLEHOSE WHO INITIATED THE SCHEME CALLED AT THE BEAS RIVER COUNTRY CLUB YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AND SAW THE YOUNG RTDERS IN ACTION. SHE ALSO SPOKE TO THE VOLUNTEERS PRESENT.
SINCE OCTOBER LAST YEAR, RIDING LESSONS HAVE BEEN HELD REGULARLY ONCE A WEEK FOR DISABLED CHILDREN FROM ABOUT 20 INSTITUTIONS.
VOLUNTEERS WITH RIDING EXPERIENCE HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE SCHEME, ASSISTING THE YOUNG RIDERS AND INSTRUCTING THEM ON THE TECHNIQUES OF THE SPORT.
DR. FANG SAID A LARGER NUMBER OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WOULD BE ABLE TO BENEFIT IF MORE PEOPLE WOULD VOLUNTEER THEIR SERVICES IN THIS WORTHWHILE PROJECT. HE STRESSED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY FOR THOSE WISHING TO HELP TO HAVE RIDING EXPERIENCE.
RIDING NOT ONLY BENEFITS THE CHILDREN PHYSICALLY, BUT ALSO BOOSTS THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE, DR. FANG SAID. THEY HAVE PROVED TO THEMSELVES THAT THEY CAN TAKE PART IN A SPORT AND RECREATION THAT IS NORMALLY MEANT FOR THEIR ABLE-BODIED FRIENDS.
PARENTS AND TEACHERS, HE ADDED, HAVE ALL STATED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN THE CHILDREN AFTER TAKING PART IN THE RIDING LESSONS.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976
- 6 -
NEW FEES FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS
* M * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED NEW FEE LEVELS IN ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER, 1976. THE NEW FEES ARE $3,040 A YEAR FOR SECONDARY AND $1,900 A YEAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
+THEY WILL APPLY IN THE GOVERNMENT ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS AND IN THOSE RUN BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
WHEN THE PRESENT FEES WERE ANNOUNCED IN SEPTEMBER, 1973 IT WAS INTENDED THAT THEY WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR THREE YEARS AND THAT A TRIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE COST OF RUNNING ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN THE 1975/76 ACADEMIC YEAR.
+THE FEES HAVE REMAIN UNCHANGED AND THE TRIENNIAL REVIEW HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THE NEW FEE LEVELS ARE THE RESULT OF THIS REVIEW,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE NEW FEES HAVE BEEN CALCULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES LAID DOWN IN THE LONG TERM FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS AGREED IN 1973 AND EMBODIED IN THE CODE OF AID FOR SCHOOLS OPERATED BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT: +THESE ARRANGEMENTS PRESERVE SIMILAR FEE LEVELS FOR SCHOOLS OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FOUNDATION.
+THE NEW FEES WILL HOLD GOOD UNTIL THE NEW TRIENNIUM ENDS IN THE 1978/79 ACADEMIC YEAR.*
FOLLOWING ON THE FEE INCREASES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL AT THE SAME TIME MAKE COMPARABLE ADJUSTMENTS OF ITS LOCAL EDUCATION ALLOWANCES FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES. THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF FEE REMISSION WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO OPERATE.
THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS CONCERNED ARE KING GEORGE V SCHOOL, GLENEALY JUNIOR SCHOOL, KENNEDY ROAD JUNIOR SCHOOL, KOWLOON JUNIOR SCHOOL, PEAK SCHOOL AND QUARRY BAY SCHOOL.
THE SCHOOLS RUN BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FUNDATION AFFECTED ARE ISLAND SCHOOL, BEACON HILL SCHOOL, CAUSEWAY BAY SCHOOL AND BOUNDARY JUNIOR SCHOOL.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976
7 -
CANAL ROAD FLYOVER EXTENSION * * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN CONSTRUCTION WORK IN JULY TO EXTEND THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER WHICH WILL FORM PART OF A MAJOR ROUTE LINKING KOWLOON AND ABERDEEN.
TENDERS FOR THE EXTENSION WORKS ARE NOW BEING INVITED AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT CONTRACTS WILL BE SIGNED IN JUNE.
MR. C.K. CHOW, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PH.D.’S HIGHWAYS CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, SAID TODAY THE WORKS WOULD TAKE ABOUT THREE AND A HALF YEARS TO COMPLETE AND HAD BEEN TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH WORK ON THE PROPOSED ABERDEEN TUNNEL.
THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER EXTENSION, HE SAID, WOULD PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WHICH WILL RUN FROM HAPPY VALLEY TO WONG CHUK HANG.
PREQUALIFYING TENDERS FOR THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL ARE CURRENTLY BEING PROCESSED AND IT IS ENVISAGED THAT TENDERS FOR THE ACTUAL TUNNEL WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BE CALLED IN JULY. PRESENT ESTIMATES ARE THAT THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1979 OR EARLY 1980.
TOGETHER WITH THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER EXTENSION AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL FORM MAJOR HIGH CAPACITY ROUTE BETWEEN HUNG HOM AND WONG CHUK HANG AND REDUCE TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN THESE TWO DISTRICTS TO ABOUT 15 MINUTES.
MR. CHOW SAID THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER EXTENSION FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WOULD BASICALLY CONSIST OF AN ELEVATED ROAD PROVIDING FOUR LANES FOR TRAFFIC.
+ACCESS RAMPS WILL BE PROVIDED TO ENABLE TRAFFIC FROM MORRISON HILL ROAD AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD TO USE THE EXTENDED FLYOVER.
+THIS TOGETHER WITH GENERAL GROUND LEVEL IMPROVEMENTS AND ROAD WIDENING WILL HELP TO EASE CONGESTION AT THE KEY JUNCTIONS OF CANAL ROAD/LEIGHTON ROAD, MORRISON HILL ROAD/ LEIGHTON ROAD, AND ALSO THE JUNCTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD/ MORRISON HILL ROAD/QUEEN’S ROAD EAST,+ HE SAID.
TO ENABLE PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS THE ROADS IN SAFETY, HE SAID, A NETWORK OF SUBWAYS WOULD BE PROVIDED UNDER MORRISON HILL ROAD, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
+AN ADDED FEATURE WILL BE A SPECIAL EXTENSION OF -THE SUBWAY SYSTEM TO COPE WITH RACE DAY CROWDS AT HAPPY VALLEY,* HE ADDED.
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. 8 - FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976.
MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN KOK
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS APPROVED THE INCORPORATION OF NEW NOTES INTO THE APPROVED MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN TO PROVIDE FOR GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
THE NOTES LIST THE PERMITTED USES OF SITES WITHIN THE VARIOUS ZONES AS WELL AS THOSE USES THAT MAY BE PERMITTED ON APPLICATION TO THE BOARD.
ANYONE OBJECTING TO THE INCLUSION OF THE NOTES IN THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN SHOULD DIRECT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG, BEFORE JUNE 29, 1976.
THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN COVERS ABOUT 113 HECTARES (280 ACRES). P.W.D. PLANNERS HAVE EARMARKED ABOUT 35 HECTARES (87 ACRES) OF THE AREA FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, 34- HECTARES (85 ACRES) FOR ROADS, 15.7 HECTARES (39 ACRES) FOR OPEN SPACE, 14.5 HECTARES (36 ACRES) FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES, AND ABOUT 13.5 HECTARES (31 ACRES) FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
COPIES OF THE OUTLINE PLAN ARE ON SALE AT $5 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AT THE P.W.D.»S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG.
THE PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS UNTIL JUNE 29 AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HONG KONG, AND AT THE KOWLOON CITY C.D.O., 379 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
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FEBRUARY ACCOUNTS SHOW $247 M. SURPLUS
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1976 SHOW A SURPLUS OF $247 MILLION AS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $56 MILLION IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $407 MILLION (EXCLUDING LOAN RECEIPTS OF $264 MILLION) FOR THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1975-76, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $348 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE MONTH AT $713 MILLION WAS $124 MILLION MORE THAN IN FEBRUARY 1975 DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED RECEIPTS FROM INTERNAL REVENUE. THIS WAS THE RESULT PARTLY OF A MORE INTENSIVE EFFORT BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT TAX BY THE DUE DATE, AND PARTLY BECAUSE FEWER SALARIES TAXPAYERS THAN EXPECTED TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE FACILITY TO PAY THE TAX DUE IN TWO INSTALMENTS.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT $466 MILLION WAS $67 MILLION LESS THAN THE SAME MONTH IN 1975, MAINLY BECAUSE Of DECREASED
• SPENDING ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS FOLLOWING THE SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN CONTRACT PRICES. • '
/9....
0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976
-9-
TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE ******
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL OFFER A IWO YEAR FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.
THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN FORM V SCHOOL-LEAVERS WITH APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION BACKGROUND TO BECOME QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
DURING THE TWO YEARS OF TRAINING, STUDENTS WILL STUDY EDUCATION THEORIES, INCLUDING EDUCATION PHILOSOPHIES AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, THE DESIGN, PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS, TEACHING METHODOLOGY. MATHEMATICS AND GENERAL SCIENCES.
A PROPORTION OF TIME WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE POLISHING UP OF SPECIALIST SUBJECT-MATTER IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION, ACCOUNTANCY AND SECRETARYSHIP.
INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT AND VISITS WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED TO PROMOTE STUDENTS’ CONTACT WITH INDUSTRIES. STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS BOTH COURSE WORK AND EXAMINATIONS AS WELL AS TEACHING PRACTICES BEFORE THEY GRADUATE.
FINANCIAL AIDS ARE AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN TAKING UP THE TEACHER TRAINING.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FROM YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO INTEND TO TAKE UP THE TEACHING PROFESSION AS THEIR CAREER.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, START INGFROM MAY 1, 1976. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE ON OR BEFORE MAY 22, 1976.
PPIDAY, APRIL 30, 1976.
- 10 -
FIRING PRACTICE * * ft * ft
NINE M?s"ne5?*£|1tI.W'LL TAKE '>L‘Ce °N C‘STLE -PEAK RA'"SE °"
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE A^EA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:-
DATE
HOURS
MAY 5 (WEDNESDAY) MAY 6 (THURSDAY)
8.30 A.M. — 11 P.M.
MAY 18 (TUESDAY) MAY 19 (WEDNESDAY) MAY 20 (THURSDAY)
MAY 21 (FRIDAY) MAY 26 (WEDNESDAY)
MAY 27 (THURSDAY)
MAY 28 (FRIDAY)
RESTRICTIONS
8.30 A.M. — 10 P.M.
8^30 A.M. — 4.30 P.M
8.30 A.M. — 10 P.M.
8.30 A.M. — 6 P.M. J * . •» . .
* 4
BRIDGE LIFTED
ON USE OF TSING Yl ft ft ft ft *
tuf FXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON CARS USING TSING Yl BRIDGE WIU. M LIFtIJ ?RoS TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
::Si-ssss:
BRIDGE ITSELF.
cLE.^r.?’.jHil)E!?eLUHBT%mswi,itLc£M ro ^ouB ThE APPROACH ROAD LEADING TO TSING Yl BRIDGE.
ai i VFHICLES OVER TWO TONS. EXCEPT AUTHORIZED IN
R0«' LEAD I NGHTOAT™NG' Y l’ TOWH^BCYOmF/to IMuT^S METRES FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TSING Yl BRIDGE.
and fFoS wwffi s«s T0
LHNITeFrOAD“eTWCTK ON THE ISLAND AT PRESENT.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP FOR THE GUIDANCE OF MOTORISTS.
hr.;, . — 9