PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SPECIAL FUNDS FOR N.T. VILLAGE PROJECTS .................. 1
TRADE STATISTICS GO METRIC TODAY ......................... 3
WIDENING OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD............................ 4
NIGHT CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER .......... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 1978
1
SPECIAL FUND FOR N.T. VILLAGE PROJECTS *****
A SPECIAL FUND TO HELP FINANCE A VARIETY OF BASIC FACILITIES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL LIFE OF REMOTE VILLAGERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS INCREASED BY 40 FOLDS OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS.
THE FUND, KNOWN AS THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE, HAS RISEN TO $5 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR FROM $2.4 MILLION IN 1967-68 AND $120,000 TWO DECADES AGO.
IT IS ADMINISTERED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION THROUGH ITS VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES AND IS AIMED AT HELPING VILLAGERS TO HELP THEMSELVES.
IT HAS MADE POSSIBLE THE PROVISION OF MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS WHICH WOULD NORMALLY FALL OUTSIDE OTHER DEPARTMENT’S AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
ALTHOUGH PROJECTS ARE USUALLY PUT OUT TO TENDER BY LOCAL CONTRACTORS, THE FUND SOMETIMES WORKS AS A MUTUAL AID SCHEME UNDER WHICH THE GOVERNMENT GIVES CASH OR MATERIAL ASSISTANCE FOR A PARTICULAR PROJECT WHILE THE VILLAGERS CONCERNED TAKE CARE OF LABOUR AND TRANSPORT.
PROJECTS WHICH HAVE BEEN COMPLETED OVER THE PAST YEARS OR ARE BEING CARRIED OUT INCLUDE REPAIRS TO ACCESS ROADS, FOOTPATHS, VAN TRACKS AND BRIDGES, CONSTRUCTION OF PLAYGROUNDS, WATER PUMPS, WELLS AND RESITE MARKET.
+THIS YEAR, WE MAKE USE OF THE FUND TO PROVIDE YET ANOTHER ITEM OF SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT TO REMOTE VILLAGERS — VILLAGE STREET LIGHTING,+ SAID MR. ROBERT FOOTMAN, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE FUND IN THE N.T.A. HEADQUARTERS.
MR. FOOTMAN SAID WORK WAS DUE TO START ON THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF STREET LIGHTING INSTALLATION ON LANTAU ISLAND AND TENDERS WERE ABOUT TO BE INVITED FOR FURTHER INSTALLATIONS IN SHA TIN, YUEN LONG, TAI PO AND SAI KUNG.
THE INSTALLATION PROGRAMME AIMS AT PROVIDING ADEQUATE STREET LIGHTING IN VILLAGES WHERE THERE ARE NO STREET LIGHTS AT PRESENT, HE SAID.
DESCRIBING HOW THE FUND OPERATES, MR. FOOTMAN SAID THAT EACH YEAR, THE DISTRICT OFFICES INVITED RURAL COMMITTEES AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES TO SUBMIT LISTS OF PROJECTS THAT SHOULD BE FINANCED BY THE FUND.
+AFTER THE LISTS ARE STUDIED AND THE PRIORITIES SORTED OUT, THE DISTRICT OFFICES SEND OUT WORKS STAFF TO EXAMINE DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS ALONG WITH THE RURAL COMMITTEES OR VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES.
/+HBCQMUENDATIONS .....
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 1978
- 2 -
+RECOMMENDATIONS WILL THEN BE MADE BEFORE CERTAIN PROJECTS ARE APPROVED, IN WHICH CASE THEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF STAFF FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES,* HE SAID.
MR. FOOTMAN SAID THAT WITH. THE RECENT ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS, THE FUND WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE BOARDS’ TERMS OF REFERENCE.
+BOARD MEMBERS WILL ADVISE ON THE USE OF FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR EXPENDITURE WITHIN THE DISTRICTS UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE,* HE SAID.
THROUGH THE YEARS, MR. FOOTMAN SAID, THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE HAS PROVED TO BE VERY USEFUL IN PROVIDING BASIC FACILITIES FOR REMOTE VILLAGERS.
+IT CREATES A WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE AND HAS PROVED ITSELF RESPONSIVE TO THE NEED OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
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/3
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 1978
3
TRADE STATISTICS * * *
GO METRIC TODAY * * *
HONG KONG ADOPTS METRIC UNITS IN ITS TRADE STATISTICS WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY UNDER A RECLASSIFICATION OF TRADE FIGURES TO BRING THEM IN LINE WITH THOSE OF OUR MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE CHANGE, METRIC UNITS OF QUANTITY MUST BE USED IN COMPLETING TRADE DECLARATIONS FOR ALL SHIPMENTS MADE ON AND AFTER TODAY.
THE CHANGES WHICH ALSO‘INVOLVE SOME COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION ARE CONTAINED IN THE NEW EDITION OF THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST PUBLISHED IN MID-DECEMBER. IT IS NOW ON SALE AT $11 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN NEW GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW LIST WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC BEFORE ITS EFFECTIVE DATE IN ORDER TO GIVE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE TO COMPLETE TRADE DECLARATIONS, TIME TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THESE CHANGES.
THE NEW LIST REPLACES THE JANUARY 1974 EDITION WHICH IS BASED ON THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION, REVISED 1.
THE NEW EDITION INVOLVES A CHANGEOVER TO THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION, REVISED 2, IN LINE WITH A UNITED NATIONS RECOMMENDATION THAT IT BE ADOPTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BY COUNTRIES COMPILING EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID : +THE CHANGE WILL ENHANCE THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S PUBLISHED TRADE STATISTICS BECAUSE FINER COMMODITY BREAKDOWNS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE REVISED COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION LIST OF THE NEW HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST.+
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/4
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 1978
ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD TO BE WIDENED * * * *
A SECTION OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD IS TO BE WIDENED TO COPE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
MR. K.Y. HO, ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (H.K.) DIVISION, SAID THE WORK WOULD BEGIN IN MARCH THIS YEAR AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK WOULD INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF A BEND EAST OF THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET FROM 6.8 METRES TO 11 METRES.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT WOULD BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 130 METRES OF STORMWATER DRAIN AND SEWER.
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NIGHT CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER * * * * *
THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED FOR NINE DAYS BETWEEN 9 P.M. AND 6 A.M. DAILY FROM NEXT TUESDAY (JANUARY 3) EVENING TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS ON THE FLYOVER, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
DURING THE CLOSURE, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD TO WATERLOO ROAD SHOULD TURN LEFT INTO ARGYLE STREET, U-TURN IN FRONT OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY AND ENTER WATERLOO ROAD.
FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC, MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE ALONG WATERLOO ROAD, CROSS ARGYLE STREET AND ENTER PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
THE KMB BUS ROUTE NO. 7B WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE AT GROUND LEVEL DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO OPEN FOURTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ............... 1
SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL OPENS TO TRAFFIC ON JANUARY 18 ... 2
4,000 ID CARDS DESTROYED EACH YEAR .................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1978
GOVERNOR TO OPEN FOURTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN
* * * * *
THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, THE FIRST GOVERNMENT-RUN INSTITUTE TO OFFER TRAINING IN HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 5).
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. THE GUESTS OF HONOUR INVITED TO ATTEND INCLUDED MR. HAKING WONG, THE PRINCIPAL DONOR OF THE INSTITUTE, MR. D.M. MARCH, SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, AND OTHER PROMINENT BUSINESSMEN REPRESENTING HONG KONG’S TOURIST, SHIP-BUILDING AND ENGINEERING INTERESTS.
THE INSTITUTE, THE FOURTH OF ITS KIND SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL EDUCATION FACILITIES, HAS STARTED COURSES IN SEPTEMBER.
APART FROM CONDUCTING COURSES IN HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM, THE INSTITUTE ALSO OFFERS TRAINING IN CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MARINE AND FABRICATION, AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.
THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF THE INSTITUTE IS THE FIRST TO OFFER A COURSE IN LIFT MAINTENANCE, WHILE THE MARINE AND FABRICATION DEPARTMENT WILL EDUCATE STUDENTS IN YACHT AND BOAT BUILDING.
THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT PROVIDES COURSES IN INSTRUMENT REPAIRS, AND THE CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OFFERS COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION TO STUDENTS UNDERGOING ORGANISED TRAINING IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY CENTRE.
THE PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE, MR. ROBERT BRAY, SAID THE DEPARTMENTS ARE STAFFED BY HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED STAFF.
THE HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM DEPARTMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, HAS THE SERVICES OF A VISITING EXPERT FROM SHEFFIELD POLYTECHNIC WHO ADVISES ON THE BASIC ESTABLISHMENT AND OTHER NEEDS. THE DEPARTMENT HAS SEVERAL MEMBERS OF LOCAL STAFF WITH OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS. ONE IS A GRADUATE IN TOURISM FROM HAWAII, ANOTHER HAS A QUALIFICATION IN HOTEL-KEEPING FROM OXFORD POLYTECHNIC, WHILE A THIRD MEMBER HAS HAD HOTEL MANAGEMENT TRAINING IN LONDON.
+PROFESSIONAL COOKERY AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE ARE TAUGHT AS PART OF THE HOTEL-KEEPING COURSE, SO TOURISTS VISITING HONG KONG AND OTHERS WILL SOON HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAMPLE MEALS COOKED AND SERVED BY STUDENTS,+ MR. BRAY SAID.
+A SET OF TRAINING KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WOULD BE COMING FROM A BRITISH GOVERNMENT DONATION,+ MR. BRAY SAID. +THIS SHOULD BE ARRIVING IN JANUARY.+
/♦THE STUDENTS .....
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1978
♦THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SERVE 50 PERSONS FOR LUNCH AT A TIME. WE ALSO PLAN TO HAVE BANQUETS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS LATER IN THE YEAR,* HE ADDED.
THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF THE INSTITUTE IS ABOUT 1,600 STUDENTS AT ANY ONE TIME, BUT THE NUMBER ENROLLED IN ANY ONE ACADEMIC YEAR WILL DOUBLE THIS FIGURE, AS A LARGE PROPORTION PURSUE PART-TIME DAY RELEASE AND PART-TIME EVENING COURSES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY. THE ADDRESS OF THE INSTITUTE IS 702, LAI CHI KOK ROAD. CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON.
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SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL OPENS TO TRAFFIC
*******
THE NEW $68 MILLION SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL, WHICH AIMS TO IMPROVE ROAD COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN. WILL OPEN TO TRAFFIC ON JANUARY 18.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, MR. ROBIN SAUNDERS, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SAID THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE OPENING, THE EXISTING TUNNEL WOULD BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT NINE MONTHS FOR RENOVATION.
THIS WOULD INCLUDE THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE PRESENT VENTILATION AND LIGHTING SYSTEM.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, TRAFFIC WOULD BE DIVERTED TO THE NEW TUNNEL.
MR. SAUNDERS SAID THAT ON COMPLETION OF THE RENOVATION WORK, THE TWO TUNNELS, CONSISTING OF TWO TRAFFIC LANES EACH, 'WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IN GENERAL AND TO SHA TIN NEW TOWN IN PARTICULAR.
REFERRING TO THE SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL, MR. SAUNDERS SAID: +IT IS OVER 1,400 METRES IN LENGTH. TWO NEW TOLL BOOTHS, SIMILAR TO THE SIX NOW IN OPERATION, HAVE BEEN BUILT AT THE SHA TIN ENTRANCE.
/+TWO
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1978
+TWO TWO-STOREY BUILDINGS HAVE ALSO BEEN BUILT TO HOUSE VENTILATION AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT FOR THE NEW TUNNEL.
+IN ADDITION, A NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, OVERLOOKING THE TOLL PLAZA, WILL HOUSE ALL THE CONTROL EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE TWO TUNNELS AND THE TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM.*
MR. SAUNDERS SAID THAT THE PROJECT WAS MORE THAN JUST A ROAD TUNNEL AS TWO 1.5-METRE-DIAMETER WATER MAINS HAD BEEN LAID BENEATH THE TUNNEL ROADWAY TO CARRY TO THE URBAN AREAS OF KOWLOON THE ADDITIONAL WATER MADE AVAILABLE BY THE RAISING OF THE PLOVER COVE DAM.
+WATER AVAILABLE FROM THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME WILL GO THROUGH THE SAME PIPES,* HE ADDED.
ONE OF THE FEATURES OF THE NEW TUNNEL, MR. SAUNDERS SAID, WAS THE CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION WHICH WOULD BE USED TO MONITOR THE LIGHTING AND VENTILATION SITUATION INSIDE THE TUNNEL TO KEEP IT BRIGHT AND CLEAN.
A SIMILAR SYSTEM WOULD BE INSTALLED IN THE EXISTING TUNNEL DURING RENOVATION WORK.
MEANWHILE, CONSTRUCTION WORK HAS JUST BEGUN ON A TRAFFIC INTERCHANGE AND A SECTION OF THE SECOND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AT HUNG MUI KUK.
THE WORK, FORMING PART OF THE ROAD NETWORK PLANNED FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN, COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 440 METRES OF A 7.3-METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY IN THE VICINITY OF HUNG MUI KUK TOGETHER WITH A TRAFFIC INTERCGANGE AND SLIP ROADS TO PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO KAK TIN VILLAGE AND NEARBY NEW DEVELOPMENTS. IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
WORK ON ANOTHER CONTRACT, WHICH INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 2.5 KILOMETRES OF THE 7.3-METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY AND THE WIDENING OF THE EXISTING LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TO FOUR LANES, IS PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY.
WHEN COMPLETED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING THE INCREASED VOLUME OF TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
0
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1978
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4,000 ID CARDS DESTROYED EACH ..YEAR DUE TO FAILURE IN TRACING HOLDERS II I * X
AN AVERAGE OF 4,000 IDENTITY CARDS ARE BURNT EACH YEAR BY THE GOVERNMENT DUE TO THE FAILURE IN TRACING THEIR OWNERS.
THESE ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE LOST IDENTITY CARDS FOUND EACH YEAR BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND HANDED OVER TO THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE.
THE WASTAGE IS CAUSED BY THE OWNERS OF THESE ID CARDS WHO FAIL TO REPORT THE CHANGE OF THEIR ADDRESSES TO THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE.
COMMENTING ON THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE SAIDi + MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG STILL FAIL TO RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING OUR OFFICE INFORMED OF ANY CHANGE OF THEIR PERSONAL PARTICULARS, ESPECIALLY THEIR ADDRESSES.
♦ THIS NOT ONLY CAUSES OUR STAFF TO SPEND A CONSIDERABLE TIME IN CHECKING THE RECORDS IF THE CARD WAS LOST, BUT ALSO GREAT INCONVENIENCE TO THE HOLDER WHEN HE APPLIES FOR A REPLACEMENT, HE ADDED.
I
EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURE IN TRACING THE HOLDER OF A LOST ID CARD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +AN OFFICER FIRST CHECKS THE RECORDS THEN SENDS A NOTICE TO THE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF THE HOLDER.+
♦ MORE FOLLOW-UP NOTICES WOULD BE SERVED IF HE FAILS TO RECLAIM IT.
♦ BUT IF THERE IS STILL NO RESPONSE AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE CARD WOULD BE CANCELLED AND DESTROYED IN AN INCINERATOR,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR REPLACEMENT CARDS HAD INCREASED FROM 20,000 IN 1975/76 TO 23,000 IN 1976/77. AND THE FIGURE FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR WAS 13,651.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE HAD A TOTAL OF 4.2 MILLION IDENTITY CARDS IN CIRCULATION. OF THESE, 1.25 MILLION ARE THE NEW-TYPE IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED SINCE 1973.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 250,000 OLD-TYPE JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS ARE DUE TO BE PHASED OUT THIS YEAR BY THE NEW-TYPE IDENTITY CARDS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NORWAY INTRODUCES RESTRICTION ON HK TEXTILE EXPORTS ......... 1
TENDERS INVITED FOR OPERATING TWO NEW QUARRIES .............. 2
SAFETY RULES ON USE OF PORTABLE HEATERS ..................... 3
MARINE DEPARTMENT READY TO COMBAT OIL SPILLAGE .............. 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY AND KWUN TONG .......... 5
WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN ...................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1978
1
NORWAY INTRODUCES RESTRICTION ON HK TEXTILE EXPORTS X X X X X
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT NORWAY HAD DECIDED TO INTRODUCE +TEMPORARY IMPORT RESTRICTION*, WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1978, ON IMPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING FROM HONG KONG.
FULL DETAILS OF THE NORWEGIAN ACTION ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE BUT WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN A FURTHER NOTICE TO EXPORTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO ACCEPT EXPORT LICENCE APPLICATIONS COVERING EXPORTS OF ALL TEXTILE PRODUCTS TO NORWAY AND TO ISSUE LICENCES FREELY. •
THE DEPARTMENT HAS, HOWEVER, CAUTIONED THAT SUCH LICENCES DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE GOODS WOULD EE ADMITTED FOR IMPORTATION INTO NORWAY. IT HAS ADVISED EXPORTERS THAT THEY SHOULD, IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS, ENSURE THAT THEIR NORWEGIAN IMPORTERS HAVE THE NECESSARY IMPORT PERMITS IN RESPECT OF ANY TEXTILE PRODUCTS WHICH THEY SHIP TO NORWAY.
COMMENTING ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. JOHN CHAN, SAID THAT THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT’S DECISION WAS REGRETTABLE BUT NOT ENTIRELY UNEXPECTED.
MR. CHAN RECALLED THAT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN NORWAY AND HONG KONG TOOK PLACE LAST MONTH BUT WERE SUSPENDED BECAUSE HONG KONG COULD NOT ACCEPT THE HEFTY CUTBACKS IN QUOTAS DEMANDED BY THE NORWEGIAN SIDE.
+WE DID PROPOSE TO NORWAY THAT, IN ORDER TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO THE TRADE AND TO ALLOW THE NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES TIME FOR FURTHER REFLECTION, HONG KONG WOULD IMPLEMENT TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS TO RESTRAIN ITS EXPORTS OF CERTAIN TEXTILE PRODUCTS DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1978. CLEARLY THE NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE DECIDED NOT TO ACCEPT OUR PROPOSAL*, MR. CHAN SAID.
+WE NOW AWAIT FULL DETAILS OF THE NORWEGIAN ACTION. UNTIL SUCH DETAILS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED I CANNOT OFFER ANY FURTHER COMMENTS*, MR. CHAN ADDED.
HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO NORWAY AMOUNTED TO HKB222 MILLION IN 1976. THIS REPRESENTED 1.3 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO THE WORLD.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1978
2
TENDERS INVITED FOR OPERATING TWO NEW QUARRIES
* * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FROM A LIST OF PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE OPERATION OF TWO NEW QUARRIES — ONE AT ANDERSON ROAD IN KOWLOON AND THE OTHER AT PICNIC BAY ON LAMMA ISLAND.
THE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS CONSIST OF THREE LOCAL AND 12 FOREIGN COMPANIES, INCLUDING THOSE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRALIA AND HOLLAND.
MR. DICK PILLING, CHIEF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO INVITE TENDERS INTERNATIONALLY WAS AIMED AT BROADENING THE FIELD AND INTRODUCING MORE COMPETITION INTO THE MARKET.
CONTRACTORS ALREADY OPERATING CONTRACT QUARRIES IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE INVITED TO TENDER FOR THE NEW ONES.
MR. PILLING SAID THAT THE FIRST CONTRACT WOULD BE FOR THE QUARRY AT TAI SHEUNG TOK, ANDERSON ROAD, AND WOULD COMBINE TWO OF THE EXISTING QUARRIES THERE.
THE CONTRACTS FOR THESE TWO QUARRIES WILL EXPIRE LATER THIS YEAR.
THE OUTPUT FROM THE NEW QUARRY WILL EXCEED ONE MILLION TONNES OF AGGREGATE A YEAR.
+IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE NEW CONTRACT WILL START BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR AND WILL RUN FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS,+ HE SAID. +COMPREHENS IVE RESTORATION WORKS WILL EE CARRIED OUT WHEN QUARRYING IS COMPLETED.+
THE SECOND CONTRACT IS FOR QUARRYING ON LAMMA ISLAND AND WOULD START EARLY IN 1979.
MR. PILLING SAID IT WAS PLANNED TO BUILD A SEAWALL AT KOK TUNG WAN ON THE NORTHERN SHORE OF THE PICNIC BAY, AND RECLAIM ABOUT 7.3 HECTARES OF LAND WHICH WOULD BE USED INITIALLY AS A WORK SITE FOR THE NEW QUARRY THERE.
HE SAID THAT THE MATERIAL USED FOR RECLAMATION WOULD BE THE OVERBURDEN FROM THE SITE AND UNSUITABLE MATERIAL FROM THE QUARRY.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE OPERATION OF THIS QUARRY, HE ADDED, WOULD BE FOR TEN YEARS AND WHEN IT EXPIRES, THE LAND WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR GOVERNMENT USE.
MR. PILLING EMPHASISED THAT STRICT CONDITIONS WOULD EE LAID DOWN FOR THE OPERATION OF THE QUARRY AND THE REHABILITATION OF THE SITE.
/+NO WORK AT ALL .....
TUESDAY, JANUARY J, 1978
- 3 -
+N0 WORK AT ALL WILL BE PERMITTED ON SUNDAYS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS,* HE SAID, +AND STRINGENT CONTROLS WILL BE PLACED ON BLASTING AND DUST EMISSION FROM THE QUARRY WHEN IT IS OPERATING.*
WHEN THE EXCAVATION IS COMPLETED, THE AREA WILL BE LANDSCAPED, TREES AND OTHER VEGETATION PLANTED, AND ALL SIGNS OF THE INDUSTRY REMOVED.
STONES FROM THE QUARRY WILL EE TRANSPORTED BY BARGE FROM LAMMA ISLAND.
0
BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE PORTABLE HEATERS *****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY URGED THE PUBLIC TO BE CAUTIOUS WHEN USING PORTABLE HEATERS AT HOME AND AT PLACES OF WORK DURING COOLER AND DRIER WEATHER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID KEROSENE AND ELECTRIC HEATERS COME INTO WIDE USE DURING THESE DAYS AND FIRES WERE LIKELY TO OCCUR BECAUSE A FEW SIMPLE SAFETY RULES WERE OVERLOOKED.
+A COMMON CAUSE OF FIRES ARISING FROM THE USE OF ROOM HEATERS IS THROUGH PLACING THEM IN UNSUITABLE LOCATIONS,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT. THESE INCLUDED AREAS CLOSE TO INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR MATERIALS, OR WHERE CHILDREN PLAY.
+BEFORE TURNING ON ANY TYPE OF HEATERS,* HE SAID, +IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THOUGHT BE GIVEN AS TO WHICH IS THE SAFEST SPOT TO PUT IT. KEEP IT WELL AWAY FROM CURTAINS OR BEDDING MATERIALS AND ALSO MAKE SURE IT IS NOT TOO CLOSE TO UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE. SATISFY YOURSELF FULLY THAT IT CANNOT BE KNOCKED OVER BY PLAYING CHILDREN OR ELDERLY PEOPLE.*
HE SAID A NUMBER OF KEROSENE HEATER FIRES STARTED WHEN PEOPLE TRIED TO FILL OR MOVE THE HEATERS WHILE THEY WERE STILL BURNING. +THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS RESULTED IN DEATHS AND INJURIES.*
AS REGARDS ELECTRIC HEATERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE WERE SOMETIMES TURNED ON BLINDLY WITHOUT FIRST MAKING SURE THEY WtRE WELL AWAY FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS.
ALSO, WIRES WERE OFTEN PLUGGED INTO ADAPTORS OPERATING OTHER ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, THUS RESULTING IN THE WIRING BECOMING OVERHEATED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED THAT EEFORE TURNING ON A ROOM HEATER FOR THE FIRST TIME IT SHOULD EE GIVEN A THOROUGH INSPECTION TO ENSURE THAT IT IS CLEAN AND THAT ALL PLUGS, LEADS OR WICKS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION.
HE WARNED THAT DURING THE CURRENT DRY WEATHER, *THERE IS A TWO TO FIVE FOLD INCREASE IN THE CHANCES OF FIRE.*
*
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1978 - 4 -
MARINE DEPARTMENT READY TO COMBAT OIL SPILLAGE H * ** '
HONG KONG IS WELL GEARED TO COMBAT AN OIL SPILLAGE, THANKS TO THE FORESIGHT AND PREPAREDNESS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT’S POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT HAS TRAINED MORE THAN 200 CIVIL AID SERVICES PERSONNEL SINCE LAST APRIL.
ASSISTANT MARINE OFFICER, MR. R.A. CASTRO, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE TRAINING, SAID THAT THERE WAS A CONSTANT DANGER OF OIL SPILL IN HONG KONG WATERS BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY SEA TRAFFIC.
THE GROUNDING OF THE DANISH CONTAINER SHIP, ADRIAN MAERSK, OFF LAMMA ISLAND RECENTLY SERVES AS A REMINDER OF THIS EVER PRESENT THREAT.
+BECAUSE OF THIS, WE HAVE TO TRAIN UP AS MANY PERSONNEL AS POSSIBLE IN OIL CLEARING OPERATION TO MEET FUTURE CONTINGENCY,* MR. CASTRO SAID.
THE COURSE HELD ONCE EVERY MONTH IS A COMPREHENSIVE ONE LASTING TWO DAYS.
THE FIRST DAY TRAINING INVOLVES A SHORT THEORECTICAL LECTURE AND +DRY DRILL* AIMED AT GIVING THE TRAINEES THE BASICS OF ANTI-OIL POLLUTION WORK AND TO FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED IN OIL DISPERSAL.
ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE COURSE, +WET DRILL* PRACTICE TAKES PLACE ON BOARD A MARINE LAUNCH. THE EXERCISE IS USUALLY CARRIED OUT AT CHOSEN SPOTS WHERE OIL SPILLAGE POTENTIAL IS HIGH.
MR. CASTRO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF FIELD PRACTICE SO AS TO GET TRAINEES USED TO ROUGH SEA CONDITIONS AND THE HANDLING OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENT ON THE POLLUTION CONTROL LAUNCH.
THE EXERCISE ALSO PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TRAINEES TO LEARN HOW TO OPERATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE OF WIND AND TIDE EFFECTS AND TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF HONG KONG WATERS.
IN HONG KONG THE METHOD ADOPTED IN DISPERSING OIL IS THE USE OF A NON-TOXIC CHEMICAL WHICH IS SPRAYED ON THE OIL SLICK SO AS TO EMULSIFY IT.
IN THE EVENT OF AN OIL SPILL, THE FIRST ACTION BY THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT WOULD BE TO STOP THE SPILL AT SOURCE AND DISPERSE THE OIL BY APPLICATION OF CHEMICAL DISPERSANTS. IF POSSIBLE THE SPILL SHOULD BE CONTAINED AND PREVENTED FROM SPREADING TO AN AREA WHERE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR, SUCH AS A FISH FARM OR TYPHOON SHELTER BY DEPLOYMENT OF CONTAINMENT BOOMS.
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/5
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1978 '
5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY AND KWUN TONG ****** *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 6), THE ROAD INTERSECTION OF MOK CHEONG STREET AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD TRAFFIC REQUIRING ACCESS TO TO KWA WAN ROAD FROM MA TAU CHUNG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO OLYMPIC AVENUE AND SUNG WONG TOI ROAD OR VIA MA TAU WEI ROAD AND SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE AREA:
* SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, INCLUDING THE TEMPORARY ALIGNMENT SECTION, WILL BECOME URBAN CLEARWAY TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M. DAILY-
* MOK CHEONG STREET BETWEEN MA TAU CHUNG ROAD AND TAM KUNG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED WESTBOUND’ AND
* MOK CHEONG STREET FROM PAK TAI STREET TO KOWLOON CITY ROAD AND FROM TO KWA WAN ROAD TO KOWLOON CITY ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO TWO-WAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTE NOS. 3B, 5C, 11B, 12A, 13A, 293 AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE NO. 106 WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE ON SUNG WONG TOI ROAD INSTEAD OF MOK CHEONG STREET.
MEANWHILE IN KWUN TONG, A SECTION OF HOI BUN ROAD EAST OF SHUN YIP STREET WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW CARGO HANDLING AREA BETWEEN SHUN YIP STREET AND LAI YIP STREET.
TRAFFIC GOING TO THE NEW CARGO HANDLING AREA SHOULD USE WAI YIP STREET, SHUN YIP STREET AND THE NEW SECTION OF HOI BUN ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED IN KOWLOON CITY AND KWUN TONG AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
----o------
WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN
*****
A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN, NOW RECEIVING 24-HOUR WATER SUPPLY WILL HAVE THEIR TAPS TURNED OFF FROM 10 P.M. FRIDAY (JANUARY 6) TO 6 A.M. SATURDAY (JANUARY 7).
THIS IS TO FACILITATE WATERWORKS STAFF TO CARRY OUT WORK IN MA KOK STREET AND TEXACO ROAD.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE SOUTHSIDE OF YEUNG UK ROAD FROM TEXACO ROAD TO MA TAU PA ROAD’ TEXACO ROAD FROM YEUNG UK ROAD TO MA TAU PA ROAD= MA TAU PA ROAD FROM YEUNG UK ROAD TO TEXACO ROAD- FUI YIU KOK STREET’ WANG LUNG STREET’ MA KOK STREET AND LUNG TAK STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REVIEW OF HK’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES .................. 1
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION TO RETIRE .............. 3
NOTICE OF RATES PAYMENT ..................................... 4
BALLOT OF SITES FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR FAIRS IN NT ............ 5
SEMINAR ON CHOICE OF TEXTBOOKS .............................. 5
FIRST TV INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION ..................... 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WAN CHAI ............................. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1978
1
A REVIEW OF HONG KONG’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES ******
THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IS MOVING TOWARDS A BALANCED PROVISION OF THE BASIC, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND MORE SOPHISTICATION.
IN A REVIEW OF HONG KONG’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID PLANS ARE IN HAND TO SET UP A CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT EARLY THIS YEAR, WHICH WILL COORDINATE ALL HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT MORE LARGE-SCALE HEALTH CAMPAIGNS WILL BE LAUNCHED DURING 1978 TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH CARE.
AT THE SAME TIME, MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES WILL MOVE TOWARDS SOPHISTICATION IN SPECIAL AREAS.
MORE SPECIALIST CLINICS WILL BE BUILT. A CORNEA TRANSPLANT UNIT AND A RENAL TRANSPLANT UNIT ARE TO BE SET UP AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WHICH WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS.
+TREMENDOUS STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE DURING THE PAST YEAR IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A NUMBER OF WHAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ’REVOLUTIONARY’ MEASURES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME WAS PUT INTO FORCE IN APRIL BRINGING ENCOURAGING RESULTS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS. ONE OF THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME WAS TO PUT INTO THE BEST POSSIBLE USE OF THE FACILITIES AND MANPOWER WHICH EXISTED IN EACH REGION AND SO TO PRODUCE A MORE EFFECTIVE SERVICE.*
THE IMPORTANT OBJECTIVE HAS LARGELY BEEN ACHIEVED. PRESSURE ON THE TWO MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, THE QUEEN MARY AND QUEEN ELIZABETH, HAS BEEN REDUCED WITH THEIR CAMP BEDS VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED.
AS A RESULT OF THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME, THE BED OCCUPANCY RATES OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS SUCH AS POK 01, BUDDHIST, TUNG WAH AND YAN CHAI HOSPITALS HAVE NOW BEEN BROUGHT UP TO MORE THAN 80 PER CENT. A TOTAL OF 440 ADDITIONAL BEDS WERE BROUGHT INTO EFFECTIVE USE IN THE DISTRICT HOSPITALS WHICH CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME. IN ALL, THE BED OCCUPANCY RATES IN 14 DISTRICT AND NON-ACUTE HOSPITALS NOW AVERAGE 82.3 PER CENT.
+ANOTHER AREA WHERE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IS IN THE FIELD OF COMMUNITY NURSING,* THE SPOKESMAN OBSERVED.
+FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE FROM APRIL 1, 1977.
'+THE ORGANISATIONS.....
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1978;
- 2 -
+THE ORGANISATIONS ALREADY SUPPLYING THIS SERVICE HAVE BEEN GIVEN A 75 PER CENT SUBVENTION. A CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT AND SIX VOLUNTARY AGENCIES INVOLVED HAS BEEN FORMED TO ASSESS THE VALUE OF THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE IN THE CONTEXT OF HONG KONG’S OVERALL MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
+DATA ON PATIENT CARE, TYPES OF CASES AND THE IMPACT OF THE SERVICE ON IN-PATIENT FACILITIES ARE BEING COLLECTED AND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MDAC FOR REVIEW,* HE SAID.
DEMAND FOR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT AT GOVERNMENT CLINICS CONTINUED TO INCREASE.
A FRESH APPROACH WAS ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE OUT-PATIENT SERVICES. EXTRA OUT-PATIENT SESSIONS AT EIGHT CLINICS ARE NOW OPERATING ON WEEK-DAY EVENING AND AT SIX CLINICS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
+THE ADDITIONAL SESSIONS HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO RELIEVING PRESSURE AT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDED A MUCH NEEDED FACILITY FOR PEOPLE WHO, FOR SOME REASON OR OTHER, PREFER TO ATTEND CLINICS IN THE EVENINGS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THIS SCHEME IS BEING KEPT UNDER REVIEW WITH A VIEW TO MAKING FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANSION IF NECESSARY.*
AT THE SAME TIME, HE ADDED, TO MEET DEVELOPING NEEDS, MORE CLINIC FACILITIES WERE MADE AVAILABLE DURING THE YEAR.
THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG POLYCLINIC, THE EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC AND THE ARRAN STREET ASSESSMENT CLINIC ARE NOW IN OPERATION.
THE FIRST TWO PROVIDE SPECIALIST AND GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES WHILE THE CLINIC AT ARRAN STREET IS THE FIRST MEDICAL ASSESSMENT CLINIC AND WILL COMPLEMENT THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME RECENTLY ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
DURING THE YEAR, SATISFACTORY PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO MAJOR PROJECTS -- THE 1,300-BED SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL AT LAI CHI KOK, AND THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE A TRAINING SCHOOL FOR DENTAL NURSES AND A SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC.
ON THE HEALTH SIDE, THE COMMUNITY CONTINUED TO ENJOY A GOOD STATE OF HEALTH AS EVIDENCED BY THE LOW MORTALITY RATES AND THE CONTINUAL DECLINE IN THE INCIDENCE OF MANY COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MEASURES AND IMMUNISATION PROGRAMMES, HONG KONG HAS AGAIN REMAINED FREE FROM POLIO, CHOLERA AND OTHER QUARANTINAELE DISEASES.
/IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, .
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1978
3
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, A NUMBER OF MAJOR PROJECTS AS OUTLINED IN THE 10-YEAR MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ARE EXPECTED TO EE COMPLETED. THE NEW DENTAL CENTRE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR DENTAL NURSES WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1978 AND THE SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SERVICE WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL IN 1980 WHEN THE SUPPLY OF TRAINED STAFF COMES ON STREAM.
THE 1,300 BED PSYCHIATRIC WING OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1980. IN SHA TIN SITE FORMATION WORK FOR THE TEACHING HOSPITAL OF ABOUT 1,400 BEDS HAS COMMENCED WHILE AT TUEN MUN PREPARATORY WORK ON ANOTHER MAJOR HOSPITAL OF 1,200 BEDS IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.
THESE PROJECTS WILL EE COMPLETED BY 1982 AND 1983 RESPECTIVELY.
EIGHT NEW CLINICS AND POLYCLINICS WILL ALSO BE COMPLETED : SHATIN GENERAL CLINIC IN 1979, TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC STAGE I, NGAU TAU KOK AND LEI MUK SHU BY 1983, EAST KOWLOON BY 1981, SHA TIN POLYCLINIC BY 1982 AND HUNG HOM AND SHAM SHU I PO BY 1983.
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CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TO RETIRE X X X M M M
MR. J.K. SAUNDERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (TECHNICAL AND PLANNING) IS TO GO ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE SHORTLY AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. J.T. THORPE, CHIEF PLANNING OFFICER.
MR. SAUNDERS, WHO WAS RECRUITED FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1958 AFTER SERVICE WITH THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, STARTED HIS CAREER WITH THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER II, AT A TIME WHEN AIR TRAVEL WAS FAR LESS IN DEMAND BY THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC. HONG KONG AT THAT TIME WAS ONLY SERVED BY 20 AIRLINES OPERATING REGULAR SERVICES BRINGING IN SOME 115,000 PASSENGERS AND DEPARTING WITH ABOUT 120,000 PASSENGERS ANNUALLY.
MR. SAUNDERS HAS WITNESSED THE GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY AND THE EXPANSION OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. TODAY, THERE ARE 26 AIRLINES OPERATING SCHEDULED SERVICES AT THE AIRPORT AND THE NUMBER OF INCOMING AND OUTGOING PASSENGERS IS APPROACHING THE 5,000,000 MARK - A GROWTH OF OVER 2,000 PER CENT.
DURING HIS LONG YEARS OF SERVICE, MR. SAUNDERS WAS REDESIGNATED AS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER I IN I960 AND WAS APPOINTED AS CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER IN 1972. HE HAS HELD THE POST OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SINCE 1973.
TO MARK HIS WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT, MR. ROY DOWNING, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, WILL PRESENT A MEMENTO TO MR. SAUNDERS ON BEHALF OF HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AT A FAREWELL DINNER TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
------o ------ /4......................
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1978
NOTICE OF RATES PAYMENT * * *
RATEPAYERS WERE TODAY REMINDED THAT RATES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1978 MUST BE SETTLED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAD NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE SHOULD APPLY IMMEDIATELY FOR A COPY TO THE RATES SECTION OF TREASURY REVENUE BRANCH, ROOM 203, HANG CHONG BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 5, QUEEN’S ROAD, CENTRAL.
+NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY 4 P.M. ON JANUARY 31,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+AND UNLESS SO PAID IT MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT IMPOSED UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE. A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO AMOUNTS, INCLUDING THE NORMAL FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE, WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE,+ HE ADDED.
WHEN MAKING PAYMENT, RATEPAYERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID IS INDICATED ON THE DEMAND NOTE BY AN ARROW-HEAD IN THE +TOTAL AMOUNT NOW DUE+ EOX.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT +RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE ORD I NANCE.+
HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WOULD BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A
VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES, UNLESS IT IS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT.
RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY-ORDER THROUGH THE POST TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUING. IF THEY ARE PAYING IN PERSON THEY ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO EARLY AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1978
5
BALLOT OF SITES FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR FAIRS IN NT
******
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD CHINESE NEW YEAR FAIRS IN TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHUI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM JANUARY 31 TO FEBRUARY 7, 1978.
AN URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT A TOTAL OF 644 STALL SITES WILL BE ALLOCATED THROUGH OPEN BALLOT TO FLOWER GROWERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TO TRADERS SELLING PERMISSABLE DRY COMMODITIES.
THE OPEN BALLOT WILL TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 25.
- 0 -
SEMINAR ON TEXTBOOKS
*****
A SEMINAR ON +THE CHOICE AND USE OF TEXTBOCKS+ WILL BE HELD FOR THE HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, KOWLOON, FROM 9.30 A.M. TO NOON ON JANUARY 14.
ORGANISED BY THE ENGLISH SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SEMINAR AIMS TO OFFER SOME PRACTICAL HINTS TO HELP HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN DECIDING ON THE CURRENT CHOICE OF TEXTBOOKS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE REVISED PRIMARY ENGLISH SCHOOL SYLLABUS.
NEARLY 500 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
THE NEW TEXTBOOKS WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REVISED SYLLABUS SHOULD EE AVAILABLE BY MAY 1978.
THE SEMINAR TO EE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, WILL CONSIST OF THREE SESSIONS. MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, WILL SPEAK ON +SOME PRINCIPLES REGARDING THE CHOICE CF TEXTBOOKS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, + aHILE MR. ...K. TONG, INSPECTOR (ENGLISH SECTION), WILL TALK ON +PR IMARY ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS.+ THIS WILL EE FOLLOWED EY A GENERAL DISCUSSION.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ENGLISH SECTION), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG.
/6
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1978
NOTE TO EDITORS
FIRST TV INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION
*****
RTHK AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4 P.M. AT BROADCASTING HOUSE, BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON, TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE FINALS OF THE FIRST TELEVISION INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION.
THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. DONALD KERR, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. ARTHUR BROWN, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE.
TEN FINALISTS HAVE BEEN ‘CHOSEN FROM OVER 100 SCHOOLS THAT TOOK PART IN THE PRELIMINARIES.
THE PERFORMANCES OF THE FINALISTS WILL BE BROADCAST ON VARIOUS TELEVISION STATIONS FROM SATURDAY (JANUARY 7), AND FIVE WELL-KNOWN PERSONALITIES IN THE DRAMA FIELD WILL BE ADJUDICATORS OF THE COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY +YOUTH CALL+ OF RTHK AND +COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB+ OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
- 0 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) VEHICLES WILL NOT EE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT FROM STONE NULLAH LANE TO THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, IN WAN CHAI.
THE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE N0-
GOVERNOR OPENS HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ............ 1
BANKING STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER 1977 ...................... 2
OPENING OF KUNG TONG CARGO WORKING AREA ...................
LAST TWO DAYS FOR GOLD COIN APPLICATIONS ................... 5
NEW SERVICE CENTRE AT SAI KUNG PROVES POPULAR .............
CERTIFICATES FOR ’FRIENDS OF PROBATIONERS’ ................. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1978
1
GOVERNOR OPENS HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION WAS VITAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN ARMING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH +NEWFOUND SKILLS AND NEWFOUND CONFIDENCE IN THEIR PRACTICAL ABILITY*.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, THE FOURTH TO BE OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT, SIR MURRAY SAID THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAD A VERY IMPORTANT AND SATISFYING PART TO PLAY IN OUR EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND THEIR FIRST AIM WAS TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL FORM OF EDUCATION TO COMPLEMENT TRAINING IN INDUSTRY OR COMMERCE.
HE WAS GLAD THAT THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE IS ENCOURAGING MORE EMPLOYERS TO RELEASE YOUNG PERSONS TO ATTEND PART-TIME COURSE AT THE INSTITUTES.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
+ THIS IS THE FOURTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO BE COMPLETED AND THE FIFTH WILL SOON BE BUILT AT KOWLOON TONG. THIS INSTITUTE IS NAMED AFTER MR. HAKING WONG IN RECOGNITION OF HIS MOST GENEROUS DONATION. MR. WONG HAS CHANGED HIS PRODUCT SO OFTEN THAT I THINK HE SHOULD BE CALLED +MR. DIVERSIFICATION*. I AM SURE IT IS NO COINCIDENCE THAT AN INDUSTRIALIST SO NOTED FOR BOLD AND SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION SHOULD TAKE SUCH A PRACTICAL INTEREST IN THE PROMOTION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION. I THANK HIM FOR HIS GENEROSITY AND FOR THE EXAMPLE HE HAS GIVEN.
+ANOTHER DONATION FOR THIS INSTITUTE HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. THIS HAS BEEN USED TO BUY VALUABLE APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT AND TO PROVIDE PART OF THE INITIAL STOCK OF LIBRARY BOOKS. AGAIN WE ARE MOST APPRECIATIVE.
+THE FIRST AIM OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IS TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL FORM OF EDUCATION TO COMPLEMENT TRAINING IN INDUSTRY OR COMMERCE. I AM GLAD THAT THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE IS ENCOURAGING MORE EMPLOYERS TO RELEASE YOUNG PERSONS TO ATTEND PART-TIME COURSE AT THE INSTITUTES. THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION IS VITAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN ARMING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH NEWFOUND SKILLS, AND NEWFOUND CONFIDENCE IN THEIR PRACTICAL ABILITY.
+THE INSTITUTES PLACE SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLETED NINE YEARS OF GENERAL EDUCATION. THE SPECIALISED EDUCATION AND TRAINING THEY RECEIVE IN THE INSTITUTES OFFER A BRIDGE TO ADULT WORKING LIFE, AND FOR SOME EVEN A BRIDGE TO THE POLYTECHNIC. THE INSTITUTES THEREFORE DO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT THE SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL. I AM CONVINCED THAT THESE INSTITUTES, AND THOSE WHICH MAY BE ADDED AS DEMAND INCREASES, HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT AND SATISFYING PART TO PLAY IN OUR EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC SYSTEM.
/+THE PROGRAMME......
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5» 1978
- 2 -
Jj*e - <
+THE PROGRAMME CONTAINS DETAILS OF THE COURSES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THIS INSTITUTE, BUT I AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE HOTEL AND TOURIST INDUSTRIES ARE BEING PROVIDED FOR. BOTH THESE INDUSTRIES ARE OF GREAT AND GROWING IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG.
+l CONGRATULATE ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH THE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF THIS FINE INSTITUTE. THE PRINCIPAL AND STAFF ARE NOW GIVEN THE TASK OF SEEING THAT THESE RESOURCES ARE FULLY USED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY. I WISH THEM SUCCESS IN THIS VALUABLE AND EXCJTING VENTURE. I NOW HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL "INSTITUTE.*
-------- o - - - -
BANKING STATISTICS * * * *
BANKING DEPOSITS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER LAST YEAR STOOD AT 351,230 MILLION, COMPRISING $12,220 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, $18,825 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $20,185 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING THE MONTH WAS 44.84 PER CENT.
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF NOVEMBER.
THE FOLLOWING TABLES GIVE A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH.
$ MILLION
LIABILITIES
1. DEPOSITS 51,230
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 37,072
3. OTHER LIABILITIES 11,293
TOTAL LIABILITIES 99,595
/assets .....
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1978
ASSETS
1. CASH
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD: (I) DEMAND AND SHORT
TERM CLAIMS
( I I) TIME DEPOSITS
28,565
5,943
968
34,508
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES: (I) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD
35,552
18,249
53,801
4. INVESTMENTS:
(I) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD
3,665
115
3,780
5. OTHER ASSETS:
(I) HONG KONG
(II) ABROAD
5,597
941
6,538
TOTAL ASSETS
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH
99,595
44.84%
MONEY SUPPLY
MONTH ENDED
30 NOVEMBER 1977
$ MILLION
1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN CIRCULATION (A)
(1) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 5,545 (II) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 562 6,107
2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES (B) 968
3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF NONBANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) - (C) 5,139
4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D) 12,220
5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) + (D) - (E) 17,359
6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F) 18,825
7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G) 20,185
8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E) + (F) + (G) - (H) 56,369
- o- /4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1978
- 4 -
KWUN TONG CARGO WORKING AREA OPENS M * M M * K
THE KWUN TONG PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA — THE THIRD TO BE OPERATED AND MANAGED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT— WILL BE OFFICIALLY JAMESDWU0M0RRQW (FR IDAY) B~ LE-G1Si'ATt'VE- COtHiCILLOR, MR.
THE NEW CARGO WORKING AREA HAS A FRONTAGE OF 320 METRES CONSISTING OF 40 UNIT BERTHS AND 64 LORRY PARKING SPACES.
WITH THE OPENING OF THIS AREA, THE SECTION OF SEAWALL ALONG HOI BUN ROAD WHERE CARGO IS NOW HANDLED WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
WHEN THE WORK IS COMPLETED, THE CARGO WORKING AREA WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE WATERFRONT AND WILL HAVE A FRONTAGE OF 935 METRES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID MEASURES SIMILAR TO THOSE NOW IN OPERATION AT THE OTHER TWO PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AT WAN CHAI AND YAU MA TEI WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW AREA WHICH WOULD BE MANNED BY STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT ON A 24-HOUR BASIS ALL YEAR ROUND.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT KWUN TONG WAS ONE OF THE TWO MAJOR CARGO WORKING WATERFRONTS IN KOWLOON AND THE VOLUME OF CARGO HANDLED THERE REPRESENTED ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE PORT FREIGHT HANDLED BY LIGHTERS.
+EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THE TWO EXISTING CARGO WORKING AREAS SHOWS THAT CARGO THROUGHPUT AT CONTROLLED WORKING AREAS IS ABOUT 30 PER CENT BETTER THAN THE THROUGHPUT RATE AT CONTROLLED WATERFRONTS. THE OPENING OF THE NEW WORKING AREA WILL THEREFORE IMPROVE CARGO WORKING CONDITIONS IN KWUN TONG,+ HE ADDED.
note to Editors:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE KWUN TONG PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AT THE WATERFRONT AT HOI BUN ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WAI YIP STREET AT 10.30 A.M. TOMORROW.
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/5
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1978
- .5 -
LAST TWO DAYS FOR GOLD COIN APPLICATIONS IU ## K
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT SATURDAY (JANUARY 7) IS THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE YEAR OF THE HORSE GOLD COIN.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE COINS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL BRANCHES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION OR AT THE MERCANTILE BANK.
c.i.i i '4 3 AH 2’/^ £ 'I • 30 . ■■ a CiQj
k GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ONLY APPLICATIONS POSTMARKED JANUARY 7 OR BEFORE WOULD BE ACCEPTED BY THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.
1 * '. . ■ ' I ..-A ' 1 ' J < ■ . : .VI.
HE ADDED THAT THE NUMBER OF DAYS FOR THE PUBLIC TO OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AT BANK OFFICES WERE RELATIVELY FEW PARTLY DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF HOLIDAYS OVER THE INVITATION PERIOD.
HOWEVER, MORE ADVERTISEMENTS THAN USUAL HAD BEEN PLACED TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT COLLECTORS DID NOT MISS THE YEAR OF THE HORSE GOLD COIN.
3HT I d3TW3M3.t”r1l 38 GJbOW t 3T AM UAY GM4 I AH ; /AV I 8A3> A IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE GOLD COINS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED BY JANUARY 28 AND UNSUCCESSFUL ONES BY FEBRUARY 3.
TR09 3HT 30 TM30 fl33 Oi TU08A C3T/13r 39R3S 3fl3Hi Q3JUilAh OeHAJ
THE YEAR OF THE HORSE GOLD COIN IS THE THIRD IN THE 12 LUNAR NEW YEAR COINS SERIES. THE OBVERSE SIDE OF THE COIN CARRIES A PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN WHILE THE REVERSE DEPICTS A HORSE.
THE HORSE IS PROCEEDING AT A GALLOP AND TO SHOW THAT ITS SPEED IS GREATER THAN THAT OF A BIRD, ITS RIGHT HIND HOOF IS PLACED ON A SWALLOW IN FLIGHT.
n 3(1 'A
THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED VERSION OF THE GOLD COIN HAS A FACE VALUE OF $1,000 AND WILL BE SOLD AT THAT PRICE.
PROOF QUALITY COINS OF THE SAME FACE VALUE BUT WHICH HAVE A FROSTED RELIEF ON A MIRROR BACKGROUND ARE PRICED AT $1,500 EACH.
EACH COIN IS PACKED IN A PLASTIC SCREW TOP CAPSULE AND SUPPLIED WITH A PRESENTATION CASE AND A DESCRIPTIVE BOOKLET.
R3H9A?l30TOHc.\Bi ■ 903 3P A ..'Jr. HT I • JJAl 'JuY
SHOiflOW OOF'A" OIJS'.iM . ;:-r =0 Orfi/GflO 3HT <VOt> CT
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1978
6 -
NEW SERVICE CENTRE AT SAI KUNG TOWN PROVES POPULAR ******
THE BRANCH OFFICE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ESTABLISHED ONLY ONE MONTH AGO IS ALREADY PROVING POPULAR WITH RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
CENTRALLY LOCATED AT 63, MAN NIN STREET IN SAI KUNG TOWN, THE BRANCH OFFICE HAS DEALT WITH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, 170 PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS, GENERALLY ON LAND MATTERS.
+WE EXPECT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE TO COME AND MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES AT THE BRANCH OFFICE AS IT BECOMES BETTER KNOWN,+ SAID THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. COLIN BOSHER.
+WE FELL SUCH FACILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL IN HELPING CREATE A BETTER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL
' COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
A BI-LINGUAL PAMPHLET OUTLINING THE VARIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE BRANCH OFFICE HAS-BEEN PRODUCED.
TODAY, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE STARTED DISTRIBUTING THE PAMPHLETS TO SAI KUNG RESIDENTS AS WELL AS TO LOCAL RURAL AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
MR. BOSHER SAID THE BRANCH OFFICE HAD BEEN SET UP TO ENABLE THE LOCAL PEOPLE TO HAVE A MORE READY ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON | GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS OR AIR J COMPLAINTS ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS, TO FIND A JOB OR EVEN TO W SEEK ADVICE ON DOMESTIC PROBLEMS.
+WE HAVE TRAINED PERSONNEL AT THE OFFICE TO GIVE ASSISTANCE IN SOLVING PERSONAL PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH GOVERNMENT BUSINESS OR PRIVATE DISPUTES,* HE SAID.
4 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND GOVERNMENT
1 POLICIES -- FOR EXAMPLE, APPLICATION PROCEDURES GOVERNING
I VARIOUS TYPES OF LICENCES AND PERMITS, THE NATURE OF SERVICES
I OFFERED BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS -- MAY CONSULT THE ■PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE IN THE BRANCH OFFICE.
I APART FROM ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, THE OFFICE ■ALSO HAS SHROFFING FACILITIES TO FACILITATE PAYMENT OF ANNUAL BROWN RENTS, CROWN LAND LICENCE FEES AND WATER CHARGES.
I A LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE RUN BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT HE BRANCH OFFICE OFFERS, FREE OF CHARGE, AN EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE ft BOTH EMPLOYERS AND JOB SEEKERS.
F PEOPLE LOOKING FOR JOBS CAN REGISTER AT THE OFFICE ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS WHEN STAFF OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THEM.
/7
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1978
- 7 -
CERTIFICATES FOR ’FRIENDS OF PROBATIONERS’ ******
EIGHT LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A SIX-MONTH ASSIGNMENT UNDER THE ’VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS’ RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION THIS SATURDAY.
MR. MAK WING-HONG, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION, WILL TAKE PART IN THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE MING GARDEN, SHERATON HOTEL AT 2.15 P.M.
THE EIGHT VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE OFFERED COMPANIONSHIP AND OTHER ASSISTANCE TO YOUNG OFFENDERS DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS INCLUDE A POLICEWOMAN, A YOUTH WORKER, A CHINESE HERBALIST, A DRAFTSMAN, A MUSICIAN AND THREE TEACHERS.
THE SCHEME WAS STARTED IN 1975 AS A COMPLEMENTAY SERVICE RENDERED BY SELECTED VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE PERSONAL AND MORAL SUPPORT TO PROBATIONERS. SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY WORKERS HAS INCREASED FROM 25 TO 50.
AS THE YOUNG OFFENDER MAY FEEL MORE AT EASE AND LESS SUSPICIOUS TOWARDS A VOLUNTEER WHO IS NOT ASSIGNED BY THE AUTHORITIES TO KEEP AN EYE ON HIM, THE VOLUNTEER WORKER IS MORE LIKELY TO WIN HIS TRUST AND FRIENDSHIP.
THIS PROJECT HAS ALSO BEEN FOUND TO HELP INDIRECTLY REDUCE THE RATE OF RECIDIVISM BY ESTABLISHING A NEW CIRCLE OF FRIENDS FOR THE PROBATIONER, WHO WOULD FIND IT EASIER TO BREAK AWAY FROM HIS FORMER BAD ASSOCIATES.
AFTER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, A PANEL DISCUSSION WILL BE HELD SO THAT THE VOLUNTEERS WOULD BE ABLE TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH PROBATION STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FUNCTION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE MING GARDEN, SHERATON HOTEL ON SATURDAY AT 2.15 P.M. MR. MAK WING-HONG, HEAD OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION AND THE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW LATER.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TUEN MUN HIGHWAY PROJECT STAGE TWO STARTING SOON .......... 1
OVER 50,000 COMPANIES REGISTERED IN HK ................... 2
REHABILITATION DOLLAR LOAN 1973/1978 ...................... 2
OCTOBER 1977 GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS SHOW DEFICIT ............. 3
EMBLEM AND MURALS DESIGNS COMPETITION ..................... 3
PARTY FOR 1,000 CHILDREN OF POST OFFICE STAFF ............. 4
CLOSURE OF FUK KWAN AVENUE ................................ 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1978
- 1 -
WORK TO START SOON ON SECOND STAGE OF TUEN MUN HIGHWAY * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SOON EMBARK ON THE SECOND STAGE OF THE
TUEN MUN HIGHWAY PROJECT.
STAGE TWO OF THE PROJECT, COSTING AN ESTIMATED $82 MILLION, COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.
IT ALSO INCLUDES OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS REQUIRED FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY PROJECT.
THE 15-KILOMETRE LONG TUEN MUN HIGHWAY WILL PROVIDE A HIGH CAPACITY ROUTE LINKING THE TWO EXPANDING NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
THE MODERN HIGHWAY WILL BE OF CONSIDERABLE SIGNIFICANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG, SAID TODAY.
MR. NG SAID THE PROJECT HAD BEEN SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE LARGE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC EXPECTED TO BE GENERATED BETWEEN THE TWO NEW TOWNS.
♦ IT WILL MEAN A MARKED SAVING IN TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN CUTTING THE JOURNEY TO ABOUT 15 MINUTES,+ HE SAID.
TO MAKE WAY FOR SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT, THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME 5,858 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AT SO KWUN WAT, SIU SO AND SIU LAM IN TUEN MUN. TWO MONTHS’ NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
MR. NG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, GRAVES, URNS, FENCES, PIPELINES AND WELLS, AS WELL AS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CULTIVATORS, DISPLACED PIG-BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS.
THE LAND RESUMPTION WILL INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF 12 TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND 52 OTHER ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES.
+DEPENDING ON THEIR ELIGIBILITY, DISPLACED FAMILIES WILL BE OFFERED EITHER PUBLIC HOUSING OR SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN TUEN MUN.
♦GENUINE CULTIVATOR-FAMILIES WHO OPT FOR A RESITE OUTSIDE A LAYOUT WILL BE OFFERED AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $5,000, BUT WILL FORFEIT THEIR PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUS ING,+ MR. NG SAID.
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/2
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1978 - 2 -
NUMBER OF COMPANIES REGISTERED IN HK EXCEEDS 50,000 ******
THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG SINCE THE wcept mJrkFtotayC0MPANI£S reg,stry ,N 1865 HAS exceeded tS!
SA'D THE*RaW INCORPORATED
I? KS6^E2e:?s*^sT^'?2 I?t RES,sm MUCH BUSI£R ™‘N
HE SAID 10,000 COMPANIES HAD BEEN INCORPORATED IN
IN LESS THAN TW0 YEARS SINCE MARCH 1976, WHEREAS IT ln°RF YEARS UP T° 1966 F0R THE FIRST 10»°°0 COMPANIES
lU Dt I NUUKrUKA IbD•
eiue JcLeE2Li0'000 COMPANIES APPEARED ON THE REGISTER IN THE FIVE YEARS FROM JULY 1966 TO JUNE 1971. ANOTHER 10,000 WERE REGISTERED IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS, AND THE FOLLOWING 10,000 IN TWO YEARS AND FIVE MONTHS FROM NOVEMBER 1973 TO MARCH 1976.
MR. JACOBS ADDED THAT EVERY COMPANY ON THE REGISTER HAD TO FILE A VARIETY OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO ITS AFFAIRS AND PEOPLE DEALING WITH COMPANIES OFTEN CALL AT THE COMPANIES REGISTRY TO INSPECT THE FILES.
-----0------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REHABILITATION DOLLAR LOAN 1973/1978 ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE PRINCIPAL MONEYS AND INTEREST DUE ON THE REHABILITATION DOLLAR LOAN UP TO JANUARY 15, 1978 (SUNDAY) WILL BE PAID ON JANUARY 14.
THE PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE ON PRESENTATION OF THE BONDS ALONG WITH INTEREST COUPONS AT THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION OR AT THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE CHARTERED BANK, BOTH IN QUEEN’S ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
o
/3
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1978
3
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR OCTOBER 1977 SHOW $136.5 MILLION DEFICIT
X ft * ft *
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 1977, SHOW A DEFICIT OF $136.5 MILLION COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $86 MILLION IN OCTOBER 1976.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $1,023.5 MILLION AND TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS WERE $887 MILLION. THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT OF $507.6 MILLION FOR THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $483.4 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
- - o -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COMPETITIONS ON EMBLEM AND MURALS DESIGNS FOR TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE NEWLY-CREATED TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS ON THE DESIGNS FOR AN EMBLEM AND MURALS FOR USE IN THE $23 MILLION TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 10) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE COMPETITIONS.
THE CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2.30 P.M. AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2088, WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 1.50 P.M. TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND LATER BACK FROM TSUEN WAN.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1978
- 4 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PARTY FOR 1,000 CHILDREN * * *
OF POST OFFICE STAFF * *
THE POST OFFICE RECREATION CLUB WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL CHILDREN’S PARTY AT THE CLUB’S GROUND, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 8) STARTING FROM 1 P.M.
ATTENDING THE PARTY WILL BE THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR. D.J. K. BAMFORD AND ABOUT 1,000 CHILDREN OF POST OFFICE EMPLOYEES.
WELL-KNOWN TELEVISION ARTISTES FROM THREE STATIONS AS WELL AS FROM RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL ENTERTAIN AT THE PARTY, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO END AT 5 P.M.
PERFORMANCES WILL ALSO BE GIVEN BY THE BAND OF CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE AND MEMBERS OF JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
MRS. BAMFORD WILL LATER PICK THE WINNERS OF THE LUCKY DRAW.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OCCASION.
- - 0 -
CLOSURE OF FUK KWAN AVENUE IN TAI HANG
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY), FUK KWAN AVENUE IN TAI HANG WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES ON THAT ROAD.
THE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY CABLE REPAIR WORKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MM MMMM MM
FARMERS BENEFIT FROM TRUST FUNDS ............. 1
CALL FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS TO AID PROBATIONERS . 2
IMPROVEMENTS TO SOUTH LANTAU ROAD ............ 3
MPS TO GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE ................. 4
SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION BY COMPANIES ....... 4
FIRING PRACTICE .............................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1978
1
FARMERS BENEFIT FROM TRUST FUNDS
* * * M
THOUSANDS OF LOCAL FARMERS HAVE BENEFITED FROM LOW-INTEREST LOANS FROM TWO TRUST FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT UNDER ITS 22-YEAR-OLD AGRICULTURAL CREDIT SCHEME.
THE TWO TRUST FUNDS IN THE SCHEME - THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID LOAN FUND AND THE J.E. JOSEPH TRUST FUND - ARE DESIGNED TO HELP FARMERS TO INCREASE THEIR OUTPUT BY LOAN GRANTS SO AS TO ENABLE THEM TO BUY FARMING EQUIPMENT, LIVESTOCK FEEDS, FERTILISERS INSECTICIDES, SEEDS, AND OTHER FARMING MATERIAL, AS WELL AS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FARM STRUCTURES AND FISH PONDS, AND DEVELOP NEW AGRICULTURAL LAND.
AN AVERAGE OF 2,200 APPLICATIONS FOR LOANS ARE RECEIVED ANNUALLY.
FROM BOTH FUNDS
TODAY, THE TWO TRUST FUNDS HAVE A COMBINED CAPITAL OF MORE THAN $7 MILLION AND HAVE SO FAR GRANTED LOANS WORTH MORE THAN $98 MILLION TO FARMERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT EXPECTS THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF LOANS GRANTED TO REACH $100 MILLION NEXT MONTH AS MORE AND MORE FARMERS MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY TO IMPROVE AND INCREASE THEIR PRODUCTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM LOANS, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDES FARMERS WITH TECHNICAL ADVICE ON HOW TO OPERATE NEW EQUIPMENT, SIMPLE CONSTRUCTION WORK, THE INSTALLATION OF MACHINERY, FARM MANAGEMENT AND MODERN FARMING TECHNIQUE.
HE SAID: +THROUGH THESE VARIOUS FORMS OF ASSISTANCE, FARMING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG HAS ENTERED A MECHANISATION ERA.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED A TOTAL OF 2,400 SMALL MECHANISED CULTIVATORS AND ABOUT 1,500 UNITS OF SPRINKLERS ARE NOW IN USE IN THE FARMING INDUSTRY.
APPLICATIONS FOR LOANS FROM THE TWO TRUST FUNDS ARE MADE THROUGH THE EIGHT AGRICULTURAL LIAISON OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ON RECEIVING A LOAN APPLICATION, AN OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD VISIT THE APPLICANT TO ASSESS HIS NEED, REPAYMENT ABILITY AND THE PRACTICABILITY OF THE PROPOSED PLAN TO BE FINANCED BY THE LOAN. SUCH PROCESS NORMALLY TAKES TWO WEEKS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS NO CEILING FOR THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF AN INDIVIDUAL LOAN AS EACH APPLICATION IS CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS. +HOWEVER, THE AVERAGE SINGLE LOAN GRANTED IN 1977 WAS ABOUT $3,500, WITH MOST OF THEM USED IN BUYING FEEDS, ESPECIALLY FOR PIGS AND CHICKEN, FERTILISERS, FARMING MACHINERY AND LAND,* HE SAID.
THE PERIOD OF REPAYMENT NORMALLY BY INSTALMENTS VARIES, DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE LOAN. THE INTEREST RATES ARE VERY LOW RANGING FROM 3 PER CENT TO NEARLY 5 PER CENT A YEAR AND THE INITIAL LOAN OF UNDER $1,000 IS GENERALLY INTEREST-FREE.
- 0 -
2
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1978
2
CALL FOR MORE‘FRIENDS' OF PROBATIONERS
* M *
MR. MAK WING-HONG, HEAD OF THE PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, TODAY APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC FOR SUPPORT OF THE ’VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS’ -A REHABILITATION PROGRAMME RENDERED BY SELECTED VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE PERSONAL HELP AND MORAL SUPPORT FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS.
MR. MAK WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO NINE LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A SIX-MONTH ASSIGNMENT TO AID THE PROBATIONERS.
THE NINE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE OFFERED COMPANIONSHIP AND OTHER ASSISTANCE TO YOUNG OFFENDERS INCLUDE A POLICEWOMAN, A YOUTH WORKER, A CHINESE HERBALIST, A DRAFTSMAN, A MUSICIAN, A LIBRARIAN AND THREE TEACHERS.
MR. MAK SAID THAT COMMUNITY SUPPORT WAS VITAL IN THE SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION OF YOUNG OFFENDERS.
+AFTERALL THE REAL AIM OF PROBATION SERVICE IS TO HELP YOUNGSTERS AT VARIANCE WITH THE LAW TO PROGRESS FROM DELINQUENCY TO BECOME LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AGA IN,+ HE SAID.
MR. MAK EXPLAINED THAT A PROBATION OFFICER COULD ONLY PROVIDE GUIDANCE FOR THE YOUNG OFFENDERS, CORRECT THEIR DEVIATED CONCEPT, AND HELP THEM TO RECAPTURE SELF-RESPECT AND CONF IDENCE.
+IF THE OFFENDERS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY THE COMMUNITY, THEY WILL FEEL BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST AND REJECTED, AND THE EFFORTS OF THE PROBATION OFFICERS WILL BECOME FRUITLESS.+
TURNING TO THE NINE VOLUNTEERS AWARDED WITH THE CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION, MR. MAK SAID THAT THEY HAD DEVOTED MUCH OF THEIR TIME AND EFFORT TO THEIR ASSIGNMENT.
+NOT ONLY HAVE THESE VOLUNTEERS DONE VERY WELL IN THEIR ORIENTATION COURSE, BUT ALSO WHEN THEY EMBARKED ON PRACTICAL WORK, THEIR PERFORMANCE HAVE BEEN OUTSTANDING.
+THEY HAVE HELPED MANY PROBATIONERS DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY WITH THEIR PROBLEMS AND THEIR ENTHUSIASM IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN MOST ENCOURAG ING.+
THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS WHICH STARTED IN 1975 IS A COMPLEMENTARY SERVICE RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO HELP REFORM PROBATIONERS ON A FRIENDSHIP BASIS. SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY WORKERS HAS INCREASED FROM 25 TO 50.
INITIALLY, THE VOLUNTEERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN AN ORIENTATION COURSE IN WHICH TALKS, GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND OBSERVATION VISITS ARE ARRANGED FOR THEM.
/DURING THE .....
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1978
3
DURING THE COURSE, THEY WILL ACQUIRE THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE ON THE PROBATION SERVICE, THEIR ROLE AND FUNCTIONS AS VOLUNTEERS, AND THE SPECIAL PROBLEMS OF DRUG ADDICTS, TRIAD OFFENDERS AND PROBLEM GIRLS.
WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN ORIENTATED, THEY WILL BE ’MATCHED’ WITH THE PROBATIONERS AND START HELPING TO REFORM THEM.
THE SCHEME IS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF REFORMING YOUNG OFFENDERS BECAUSE A YOUNG OFFENDER MAY FEEL MORE AT EASE AND LESS SUSPICIOUS TOWARDS A VOLUNTEER WHO IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUTHORITIES AND IS LIKELY TO CONFIDE HIS DEEPEST FEELINGS TO HIM.
ANOTHER ADVANTAGE OF THE SCHEME IS THAT A VOLUNTEER COULD LEAD A PROBATIONER TO A NEW CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND HELP HIM BREAK AWAY FROM HIS FORMER BAD ASSOCIATES.
------o-------
IMPROVEMENTS TO ANOTHER SECTION OF SOUTH LANTAU ROAD * * * *
IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE SHORTLY TO ANOTHER SECTION OF SOUTH LANTAU ROAD TO PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS FOR BOTH VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.
THE SECTION OF THE ROAD BETWEEN SHU I HAU AND SHEK PIK WILL BE WIDENED TO TWO-LANE WITH A FOOTPATH ON ONE SIDE ALONG ITS ENTIRE LENGTH.
THE ROADWORKS WILL FORM THE FINAL PART OF A $35 MILLION SCHEME TO IMPROVE BY STAGES SOUTH LANTAU ROAD BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA AND KEUNG SHAN ALONG THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONTRACTORS ARE ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY ON THE FIRST THREE STAGES OF THE SCHEME COVERING THE SECTION FROM CHEUNG SHA TO TONG FUK.
ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. VICTOR YUNG, SAID TODAY LANTAU ISLAND HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AS A PICNIC AREA AND THE PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ROAD SHOULD GREATLY FACILITATE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND.
IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE ROADWORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT, THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME ABOUT 2,100 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND ALONG THE ROAD SECTION EARMARKED FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
MR. YUNG SAID THAT NO BUILDING LAND OR TEMPORARY STRUCTURES WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED AND NO FAMILIES WOULD BE DISPLACED.
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, GRAVES AND BONE POTS AS WELL AS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TO CULTIVATORS, HE SA ID.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1978
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MPS TO GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE X * * * X
THE TWO LABOUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR. BRYAN DAVIES AND MR. JOHN CARTWRIGHT, NOW IN HONG KONG FOR A TEN-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 4.30 P.M. ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 10) IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLIER SO THAT THEY HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
T - 0 -
BUSINESS FIRMS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION TO REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES
X X X X X
MANAGEMENTS OF BUSINESS FIRMS INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO SUBMIT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR COMPANIES TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SAID UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, MANAGEMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ANNUAL RETURN IN THE PRESCRIBED FORM AND FORWARD IT TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THEIR FIRST OR ONLY GENERAL MEETING EACH YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +IF FOR ANY REASON, A COMPANY HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HOLD A GENERAL MEETING IN 1977, AN ANNUAL RETURN MADE UP TO DECEMBER 31, 1977 SHOULD BE FILED NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 28 THIS YEAR*
IN ADDITION, MANAGEMENTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES OF ANY CHANGE IN THE REGISTERED PARTICULARS OF DIRECTORS WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE CHANGE AND IN THE SITUATION OF THE REGISTERED OFFICE WITHIN 28 DAYS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED MANAGEMENTS OF FOREIGN COMPANIES WHICH HAD ESTABLISHED BUSINESS IN HONG KONG THAT THEY MUST COMPLY WITH PART XI OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
+IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A BALANCE SHEET OF THEIR COMPANY IN THE PRESCRIBED FORM TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES EVERY CALENDAR YEAR AND TO REPORT TO HIM WITHIN 21 DAYS OF ANY CHANGE IN THE COMPANY’S CONSTITUTION- THE DIRECTORS OR THEIR PARTICULARS- AND THE NAMES OR ADDRESSES OF PERSONS AUTHORISED TO ACCEPT SERVICE ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY,+ HE ADDED.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1978
5
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FOUR DAYS FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 9).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE :
DATE HOURS
JANUARY 9 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
JANUARY 10 (TUESDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
JANUARY 12 (THURSDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
JANUARY 13 (FRIDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MORE DEVELOPMENT WORK TO START IN SHA TIN .............. 1
STREET-SLEEPERS - NOT FORGOTTEN ........................ 2
TSUEN WAN THANKS GURKHAS ............................... 4
TALKS ON CAREERS IN COMPUTI NG. SC IENCE ............... 5
PING TIN ROAD CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS ................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1978
1
MORE WORK TO START ON SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE ******
AN AREA NORTH OF THE RAILWAY STATION IN SHA TIN IS TO BE DEVELOPED AS SITE FOR GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES/INCLUDING A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
SITE FORMATION WORK WILL START IN THE AREA IN JUNE TO PRODUCE ABOUT SEVEN HECTARES OF LAND BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF AN $80 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME - INCLUDING LAND FORMATION, ROADWORKS AND DRAINAGE - FOR THE DISTRICT’S NEW TOWN CENTRE AREA.
SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. GERRY HIGGINSON, TODAY DESCRIBED IT AS YET ANOTHER BIG STEP FORWARD IN THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN INTO A BALANCED, SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY OF HALF A MILLION PEOPLE BY MID-198O’S.
OTHER PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE AREA ALSO HAVE A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND PARKING SPACES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT, HE SAID.
TO FACILITATE SITE FORMATION WORK, MR. HIGGINSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RESUME ABOUT 26,000 SQUARE METRES OF LAND, MOSTLY PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND, IN THE AREA NORTH OF THE SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION.
A THREE MONTHS’ NOTICE OF THE LAND RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LAST WEEK.
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, PINE TREES, FISH PONDS, GRAVES, BONE POTS, IRRIGATION PIPES, FENCES AND WELLS,+ HE SAID.
CULTIVATORS, PIG BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS AFFECTED WOULD BE GIVEN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE, HE ADDED.
THE RESUMPTION WOULD INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF 231 TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND 292 OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES.
+ELIGIBLE FAMILIES WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN SHA TIN WHILE THOSE FOUND NOT ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN THE SAME DISTRICT.
+GENUINE CULTIVATOR-FAMILIES, WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING BUT WHO OPT FOR A RESITE OUTSIDE THE LAYOUT TO CONTINUE FARMING, WILL BE OFFERED AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $5,000 PER FAMILY BUT WILL FORFEIT THEIR PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING,* HE SAID.
/2......
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1978
- 2 -
STREET-SLEEPERS — NOT FORGOTTEN
*******
AN OLD WOMAN WHO SPENT MANY NIGHTS SLEEPING IN THE COLD AND DAMP STREET HAS FINALLY FOUND A PLACE SHE COULD CALL HOME.
THE OLD WOMAN IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY STREET-SLEEPERS WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN ASSISTANCE BY THE FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE STORY OF HER BEING DISCOVERED SLEEPING IN A REAR LANE REVEALS ONE OF THE MANY WAYS HOW THE DIVISION LOCATES SUCH PEOPLE.
IT ALL STARTED ONE MORNING WHEN A YOUNG SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL IN HIS OFFICE GIVING HIM SKETCHY INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF THIS OLD WOMAN.
THIS IMMEDIATELY PROMPTED HIM INTO ACTION.
HE WENT TO A REAR LANE IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT DESCRIBED BY THE CALLER, PEERING INTO EVERY DARK CORNER, IN THE HOPE OF FINDING THIS OLD WOMAN. THE MORNING SEARCH WAS FUTILE.
UNDAUNTED, THE OFFICER WENT BACK TO THE AREA AFTER LUNCH AND EXTENDED HIS SEARCH TO COVER EVERY SIDE LANE NEARBY, MAKING ENQUIRIES AS HE WENT ALONG.
AFTER MANY HOURS OF PATIENT SEARCH, HE FINALLY CAME ACROSS A WOMAN THAT ANSWERED THE DESCRIPTION GIVEN ON THE TELEPHONE.
THE WOMAN, WHO HAS NEITHER FRIENDS NOR RELATIVES, AT FIRST REFUSED TO BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE CARED ABOUT HER. BUT THE SINCERITY OF THE OFFICER EVENTUALLY MADE HER LEAVE WITH HIM ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT SHE WOULD BE GIVEN ASSISTANCE AND A HOME.
HER PLIGHT HAS SINCE COME TO AN END AND SHE IS NOW LIVING COMFORTABLY IN A HOME FOR THE AGED WITH THE CARE AND WARMTH THAT WAS DENIED HER FOR YEARS.
MRS. EVELYN DOE, HEAD OF THE FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION, SAID THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STREET-SLEEPERS IN HONG KONG AS THEY WANDER FROM PLACE TO PLACE.
+HOWEVER, MORE THAN 150 CASES HAD BEEN DEALT WITH BY OUR SOCIAL WORKERS LAST YEAR.+
/Mas. DOS NOTED
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1978
3
MRS. DOE NOTED THAT WHEN SOCIAL WORKERS APPROACHED THE STREET-SLEEPERS, OFTEN A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF THEM WERE FOUND TO BE RECEIVING EITHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND/OR DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE. BUT WHEN THEY WERE OFFERED OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE, SOME OF THEM EITHER IGNORED OR REFUSED BECAUSE THEY PREFERRED TO LIVE IN THEIR USUAL STYLE.
MRS. DOE EMPHASISED THAT EVERY STREET-SLEEPER KNOWN TO OR REFERRED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE VISITED BY SOCIAL WORKERS WHO INVARIABLY MADE KNOWN TO HIM THE FULL RANGE OF SERVICES AVAILABLE AND ASSISTED HIM IN OBTAINING THESE SERVICES IF HE SO WISHED.
IN FACT, SHE CONTINUED, STREET-SLEEPERS ENJOY EQUAL PRIVILEGES AS ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
+TO MEET THEIR NEED FOR HOUSING, RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE MADE FOR THEM TO OBTAIN IT IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ON COMPASSIONATE GROUND. FOR THOSE IN NEED OF TEMPORARY HOUSING, THEY WILL BE REFERRED TO THE TRANSIT CENTRES OPERATED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, OR THE VARIOUS STREET-SLEEPERS HOMES AND SHELTERS OPERATED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.*
+APART FROM HELPING THEM TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF BOARD AND LODGING, ATTEMPTS WILL ALSO BE MADE TO ARRANGE EMPLOYMENT FOR THEM. THE DISABLED AND THE INFIRM WILL BE CARED FOR AT VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS,* SHE REMARKED.
+1N THE CASE OF STREET-SLEEPERS WITH CHILDREN, AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 12, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO HAVE THE CHILDREN ENROLLED IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS,* SHE ADDED.
MRS. DOE POINTED OUT THAT INFORMATION ON THE WHEREABOUTS OF STREET-SLEEPERS WERE MAINLY PASSED ON TO SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS EITHER BY TELEPHONE OR IN WRITING.
+UPON RECEIVING SUCH INFORMATION, SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY GO OUT TO HELP THEM WITH THEIR PROBLEMS.
+IN MOST CASES, MONETARY ASSISTANCE WILL BE GRANTED FROM TRUST FUNDS TO HELP THEM OUT FROM HARDSHIP BEFORE OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE,* SHE SAID.
FINALLY, MRS. DOE SAID THAT FOR THOSE STREET-SLEEPERS WHOM WE KNOW THEIR WHEREABOUTS BUT HAVE SO FAR REFUSED OUR HELP, SOCIAL WORKERS WILL STILL CONTINUE TO APPROACH THEM FROM TIME TO TIME.
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A
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1978
TSUEN WAN THANKS GURKHAS * * * *
TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE 1OTH PRINCESS MARY’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES WHICH WOULD EE LEAVING HONG KONG FOR BORNEO THIS SUMMER.
+WE IN TSUEN WAN HAVE GREATLY ENJOYED AND INDEED BENEFITED FROM THEIR COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROJECTS WHICH RANGE FROM CONSTRUCTION OF A BASKETBALL PITCH TO FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS AS WELL AS TO A SWIMMING GALA,* HE SAID.
+MUCH CREDIT IS DUE TO THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.
FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM AND INTEREST
MR. HAYES WAS SPEAKING AT A GURKHA FOOTBALL CUP AT GALLIPOLI
PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE LINES IN FANLING.
THE CUP WAS PRESENTED BY THE 1OTH PMO GURKHA RIFLES AND SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE REGIMENT AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
HE SAID THE CUP WAS FIRST COMPETED FOR LATE 1976 AND WAS FOLLOWED SUCCESSIVELY BY A SERIES CF BASKETBALL AND SWIMMING COMPETITIONS LAST YEAR.
+WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE IN TSUEN WAN, THESE EVENTS HAVE NOW BECOME PERMANENT FEATURES IN THE SPORTING CALENDAR FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG,* HE SAID.
MR. HAYES THANKED THE REGIMENT FOR ITS IMAGINATIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SPORTING LIFE OF TSUEN WAN. THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS HAVE COME FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, VILLAGES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN TSUEN WAN.
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/5
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1978
5
TALKS ON CAREERS IN COMPUTING SCIENCE
******
THE TENTH WEEKLY SERIES OF +CAREERS TALKS* ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS SECTION SINCE LAST OCTOBER FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, STARTS AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 12) AT THE MARYKNOLL SISTERS’ SCHOOL.
+COURSES AND CAREERS IN COMPUTING SCIENCE* WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF TALKS BY A PANEL OF SPEAKERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCE, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
AT THE MEETING, MR. G.P. MEAD, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCE, WILL GIVE AN INTRODUCTION ON THE ACTIVITIES OF HIS DEPARTMENT. THIS WILL BE'FOLLOW'ED BY TALKS BY OTHER LECTURERS ON THE NATURE OF COURSES AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, AS WELL AS EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF GRADUATES OF THE POLYTECHNIC.
THE TALKS WILL BE IN CANTONESE AND ARE INTENDED FOR SENIOR STUDENTS. NEARLY 700 STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
THE FINAL TALK IN THE CURRENT SERIES IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE AT THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY 22, WHEN A REPRESENTATIVE OF JOHN SWIRE AND SONS (HK) LTD., WILL SPEAK ON ■•COMMERCIAL JOBS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS.*
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PING TIN ROAD CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 11), LEARNER DRIVERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER PING TIN ROAD IN KOWLOON.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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i-Rpn
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORT OF MARINE COURT OF INQUIRY INTO COLLISION OF HYDROFOIL AND FERRY ......................................... 1
HK-EEC TEXTILE DEAL +COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE* ........... 4
WARMEST DECEMBER IN TEN YEARS'............................... 5
STAMPS TO MARK YEAR OF THE HORSE ON SALE SOON................ 5
BUSIEST CHRISTMAS FOR POST OFFICE ........................... 7
WARNING AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICER ........................ 7
SECRETARY FOR HOUSING TO OPEN NURSERY AT 01 MAN ESTATE ... 8
AUTHOR TO AUTOGRAPH COPIES OF NEW BOOK ...................... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
REPORT OF MARINE COURT OF INQUIRY INTO COLLISION OF HYDROFOIL AND FERRY
X * * X
SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE IN THE REPORT OF THE MARINE COURT OF INQUIRY INTO THE COLLISION BETWEEN THE FERRY +MAN TACK* AND THE HYDROFOIL +FLYING ALBATROSS* WHICH OCCURRED OFF HEI LING CHAU IN THICK FOG ON MARCH 2 LAST YEAR.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS +PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO THE TYPE
OF VESSEL CONCERNED IN THIS COLLISION* INCLUDE:
(I) ALL HYDROFOILS OPERATING OUT OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE FITTED - AND RETRO-FITTED WHERE NECESSARY - WITH A COMPASS STABLISED RADAR-
(II) ALL MASTERS AND DECK OFFICERS IN HYDROFOILS OPERATING OUT OF HONG KONG SHOULD HOLD A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE AT A RADAR SIMULATOR COURSE-
(III) THE RADAR SET PRESENTLY FITTED ON +FLYING ALBATROSS* SHOULD BE RE-SITED-
(IV) CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO FITTING HEAD-SETS AT THE MASTER’S, CHIEF ENGINEER’S AND CHIEF OFFICER’S POSITIONS- AND
(V) THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND OPERATORS OF HYDROFOILS SHOULD RE-EXAMINE THEIR SCHEDULES TO ALLOW A REASONABLE MID-DAY BREAK OF 30-45 MINUTES FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE CREW WITH PROPER FACILITIES FOR LUNCHEON PROVIDED, PENDING THE OUTCOME OF AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE EXAMINING ALL ASPECTS OF THE OPERATION OF DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT.
REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF THE +MAN TACK* AND SIMILAR VESSELS, THE COURT LISTED TWO REQUIREMENTS : THE NECESSITY OF PROVIDING, AS FAR AS IS POSSIBLE, POSITIVE STABILITY AT ALL ANGLES OF HEEL RESULTING FROM THE FLOODING OF ANY TWO ADJACENT COMPARTMENTSAND NO PASSENGER SHOULD BE CARRIED IN HOLDS, ALTHOUGH THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PASSENGERS NEED NOT BE REDUCED.
IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT NO BUOYANT APPARATUS SHOULD BE CARRIED ON THE SUN DECK ROOF OF THE +MAN TACK* CLASS OF FERRIES AS DROPPING LIFE RAFTS FROM THE ROOF OF A THREE-DECK FERRY MIGHT KILL OR INJURE PERSONS ALREADY IN THE WATER ALONGSIDE.
FURTHER, THE SUPPORTS IN WHICH THE BUOYANT APPARATUS ON THE MAIN DECK REST SHOULD BE IMPROVED TO FACILITATE EASIER LAUNCHING PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VESSEL IS HEELING.
EACH MEMBER OF THE CREW OF THE +MAN TACK* CLASS OF FERRIES SHOULD UNDERTAKE TRAINING IN THE BEST METHOD OF ASSISTING PASSENGERS TO LEAVE A SINKING VESSEL WITH EACH MEMBER OF THE CREW BEING ALLOCATED A SPECIFIC TASK IN THE EVENT OF A CASUALTY.
/THS HSPORT ...
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
- 2 -
THE REPORT SAYS THAT IT WAS UNDERSTOOD THAT, FOLLOWING THIS CASUALTY, CERTAIN PROPOSALS WERE MADE FOR SOME FORM OF MANDATORY TRAFFIC SEPARATION FOR OUTLYING ISLAND AND HONG KONG/MACAU FERRIES TO OPERATE ONLY AT THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN POOR VISIBILITY WAS TO BE EXPECTED.
+IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THESE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE PUT BEFORE THE RELATIVE PORT COMMITTEES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION BEFORE THE NEXT SEASON DURING WHICH FOG IS NORMALLY TO BE EXPECTED,* THE REPORT STATES.
THE COURT SAT FOR 13 DAYS LAST OCTOBER BEFORE JUDGE COLLIER, WHO WAS ASSISTED BY TWO MASTER MARINERS, CAPTAIN MAURICE BURBIDGE AND CAPTAIN PETER GRAY, AND A NAVAL ARCHITECT, DR. BRIAN BAXTER.
IT FOUND THAT THE COLLISION WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE SPEED ON THE PART OF BOTH VESSELS IN FOG. NO FAULT IN DESIGN OF EITHER VESSEL CONTRIBUTED TO THE CASUALTY +SAVE THAT THE RADAR SET IN THE BRIDGE OF THE 'FLYING ALBATROSS’ COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER SITED.*
THE COURT CENSURED THE MASTERS OF BOTH VESSELS.
A TOTAL OF 92 QUESTIONS WERE ASKED, OF WHICH 31 RELATED TO THE +MAN TACK+, 33 TO THE +FLYING ALBATROSS* AND THE REMAINDER WERE GENERAL QUESTIONS.
A WOMAN OF 70 DIED AS A RESULT OF CATCHING PNEUMONIA CAUSED BY BEING IMMERSED IN THE WATER AFTER THE +MAN TACK* CAPSIZED.
IN A +RELATIVE ASSESSMENT OF BLAME FOR THE COLLISION*, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE +FLYING ALBATROSS* MUST TAKE A GREATER SHARE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
* IT WAS AWARE, BY RADAR, OF THE PRESENCE OF ANOTHER VESSEL, BUT CONTINUED AT AN + IMMODERATE SPEED* OF SOME 34 KNOTS ON THE FOILS'
* +FLYING ALBATROSS* HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF KNOWING OF THE PRESENCE OF ANOTHER VESSEL, BUT THERE WAS NOT A PROPER RADAR WATCH KEPT NOR WAS INTELLIGENT AND REASONABLE USE MADE OF SUCH REPORTS THAT THE RADAR WATCH PRODUCED- AND
X +FLYING ALBATROSS* DID NOT TAKE EARLY AND SUBSTANTIAL ACTION.
THE +FLYING ALBATROSS* IS CRITICISED FOR EXCESSIVE SPEED IN REDUCED VISIBILITY DESPITE WARNING OF APPROACHING TARGETS ON RADAR-FOR INADEQUATE RADAR WATCHKEEPING' AND FOR LACK OF POSITIVE ACTION TO AVOID THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CLOSE QUARTER SITUATION.
/THE +MAN TACK* .....
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
THE +MAN TACK+ IS CRITICISED FOR NOT SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING ENGINES OR NAVIGATING WITH CAUTION WHEN A FOG SIGNAL FROM ANOTHER VESSEL, THE +MAN TO+, WAS HEARD’ FOR NOT MAKING SUFFICIENT FOG SIGNALS EARLY ENOUGH’ AND FOR NOT MAKING ANY REDUCTION OF SPEED AFTER AVOIDING +MAN TO*.
THE MASTER OF THE +FLYING ALBATROSS+ IS CRITICISED FOR HIS +LACK OF DECISION* IN THE FACE OF A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING CLOSE QUARTER SITUATION. +DESPITE THE INFORMATION THAT HIS DECK OFFICER RELAYED TO HIM HE STOOD ON AT AN UNREASONABLE SPEED INTO WHAT SHOULD HAVE SEEMED TO HIM A RISKY SITUATION,* THE REPORT STATES.
+HE WAS CONTENT TO RELY ON HIS SUPPOSED ABILITY TO STOP HIS VESSEL IN HALF THE RANGE OF VISIBILITY, EVEN THOUGH THE ACTUAL RANGE OF VISIBILITY HAD NEVER' BEEN ACCURATELY ESTABLISHED.*
THE REPORT SAYS: +THE COLLISION WAS CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO BY EXCESSIVE SPEED OF ’MAN TACK’ IN FOG AND EXCESSIVE SPEED OF ’FLYING ALBATROSS’ IN FOG UNTIL OR SHORTLY BEFORE THE MOMENT OF SIGHTING ’MAN TACK’.*
IN CONCLUSION, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE COURT WAS NOT ASKED TO DEAL WITH THE CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY OF THE MASTERS OF EITHER VESSEL AND THE COURT +SEES NO REASON TO DO SO.*
IT GOES ON TO STATE: +HOWEVER, BOTH MASTERS SHOULD BE CENSURED FOR PROCEEDING AT EXCESSIVE SPEED IN FOG, THE WORD ’EXCESSIVE’ BEING RELATIVE TO THE EQUIPMENT CARRIED ON EACH VESSEL.*
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/4......
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
- 4 -
HK-EEC TEXTILE DEAL *COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE* X X X * * X
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN, SAID TODAY THAT THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED TEXTILES AGREEMENT WITH THE EEC + IS A BAD AGREEMENT BUT THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE*.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR. JORDAN TOLD THE 400 GUESTS THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS WITH QUOTAS FOR 1978 ENABLING THEM TO SHIP AS MUCH AS THEY DID IN 1977 APART FROM A VERY FEW CATEGORIES.
IT WAS HONG KONG’S FUTURE POTENTIAL FOR TRADE THAT HAD BEEN REDUCED.
MR. JORDAN EXPLAINED THAT, BECAUSE 1977 WAS NOT A GOOD YEAR FOR HONG KONG’S TEXTILES EXPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY, THE IMMEDIATE EFFECT WOULD BE SMALL.
+ BUT OUR EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE, IF AND WHEN DEMAND SHOULD REVIVE, HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLY REDUCED.*
NONETHELESS, MR. JORDAN BELIEVED THAT THE MANY WEEKS OF TALKS IN BRUSSELS HAD NOT BEEN WASTED AS THE TERMS OF THE FINAL AGREEMENT WERE +A GOOD DEAL BETTER THAN WHAT THE COMMUNITY WAS ORIGINALLY SEEKING FROM US.+
HE SAID THAT THE EEC’S ORIGINAL DEMANDS INCLUDED RESTRAINTS ON FIBRES OTHER THAN COTTON, WOOL AND MAN-MADE FIBRES, SUCH AS FLAX.
+THEY STARTED WITH ABOUT 140 CATEGORIES AND WE FINISHED UP WITH 41 CATEGORIES WITH SPECIFIC LIMITS AND NO OVERALL LIMIT AND WITH RESTRAINTS COVERING ONLY COTTON, WOOL AND MAN-MADE FIBRE.*
MR. JORDAN POINTED OUT THAT INCREASING THE NUMBER OF CATEGORIES FROM THE PREVIOUS 24 TO 41 WILL REDUCE THE FLEXIBILITY OF MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS. BUT EVEN SO HE SAID THIS STILL COMPARES QUITE FAVOURABLY WITH THE 37 LIMITS IN THE U.S. AGREEMENT NEGOTIATED IN JULY, +AND THAT AGREEMENT INCLUDES AN OVERALL LIMIT AND INDIVIDUAL GROUP LIMITS.*
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS OF THE EEC NEGOTIATIONS WAS THAT HONG KONG SECURED ’EXPORT CONTROL’ OF QUOTAS, DESPITE THE COMMUNITY HAVING ORIGINALLY PRESENTED THE HONG KONG NEGOTIATING TEAM WITH WHAT AMOUNTED TO AN +IMPORT CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH SLIGHT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AT THE EXPORT END.*
BUT, MR. JORDAN TOLD THE CROWDED LUNCHEON MEETING, *IT TOOK WEEKS TO SECURE WHAT SHOULD MORALLY BE OUR RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE.*
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/5....
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
5
WARMEST DECEMBER IN TEN YEARS * * * *
HONG KONG EXPERIENCED THE WARMEST DECEMBER SINCE 1968 WITH THE MONTH’S MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 19.4 DEGREES CELSIUS — TWO DEGREES ABOVE AVERAGE AND THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR DECEMBER.
LAST MONTH WAS ALSO SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN USUAL. AS IN NOVEMBER, VERY LITTLE RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AND DECEMBER’S RAINFALL OF 7.9 MM REPRESENTED ONLY 32 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE.
TWO TYPHOONS WERE REPORTED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC DURING THE MONTH BUT NEITHER OF THEM CAME NEAR HONG KONG.
THE FIRST 24 DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE SUNNY AND MILD. HOWEVER, COOLER CONDITIONS WERE EXPERIENCED AFTER THE PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT ON THE NIGHT OF DECEMBER 24 AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN.
ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 26, TEMPERATURES FELL TO A MINIMUM OF 13.6 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE LOWEST RECORDED IN THE MONTH.
THE REST OF THE MONTH REMAINED CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RA IN* AND THE WEATHER GRADUALLY BECAME WARMER AND MORE HUMID.
ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 30, VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED TO 300 METRES AT WAGLAN ISLAND AND IN THE AFTERNOON, THE FOLLOWING DAY, TEMPERATURES ROSE TO AN UNSEASONABLE MAXIMUM OF 24.9 DEGREES CELSIUS, WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST RECORDED IN THE MONTH.
NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS LAST MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON 17 DAYS.
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STAMPS TO MARK YEAR OF THE HORSE ON SALE SOON * * * * *
THE TWO COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS TO MARK THE FORTHCOMING LUNAR YEAR OF THE HORSE WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON JANUARY 26.
THE TWO NEW STAMPS IN 20 CENTS AND 31.30 DENOMINATIONS, EACH DEPICTING A HORSE IN AN ANCIENT CHINESE STONE CARVING, WERE DESIGNED BY GRAPHIC ATELIER LTD OF HONG KONG.
IT WILL BE THE TWELFTH AND THE LAST IN THE SERIES OF LUNAR YEAR COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE. THE FIRST IN THE SERIES WAS ISSUED IN 1967 TO MARK THE YEAR OF THE RAM.
/the new .....
MONDAY, JANUARY 9. 1978
6
THE NEW STAMPS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE PUBLIC COUNTER ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF NEW GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON JANUARY 19.
SPECIAL FIRST DAY COVERS FOR THE NEW STAMPS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES AT 20 CENTS EACH FROM THURSDAY (JANUARY 12).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE TODAY URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO OBTAIN THEIR REQUIREMENTS EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
HE SAID ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING OF FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE-KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, NATHAN ROAD- AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, SALISBURY ROAD WHERE THE ORDER FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THURSDAY.
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 SI.70 PER COVER INCLUDING THE COST OF THE TWO STAMPS TOGETHER WITH A SERVICE FEE OF 20 CENTS.
THE COVERS MUST BE FULLY ADDRESSED BY THE APPLICANT, AND NO LESS THAN 10 COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH EACH ORDER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANY PERSON ORDERING SERVICED COVERS ADDRESSED TO A LOCAL DESTINATION MAY COLLECT THEM ON JANUARY 27 FROM THE OFFICE WHERE THE ORDER WAS PLACED. HE POINTED OUT THAT COVERS ADDRESSED OVERSEAS WILL BE SENT BY SURFACE MAIL, UNLESS SUFFICIENT STAMPS ARE AFFIXED TO COVER AIRMAIL OR REGISTRATION CHARGES.
THE LATEST ACCEPTANCE DATE FOR ADVANCE ORDERS OF SERVICED COVERS WILL BE 5 P.M. ON JANUARY 23.
IN ADDITION, A SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON JANUARY 26
AT ALL POST OFFICES WHEREBY FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH NORMAL POST OFFICE DATE STAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.
NO TIME TYPE WILL APPEAR IN THE POSTMARK.
THIS SERVICE IS ONLY FOR UNREGISTERED ARTICLES WITH A LOCAL ADDRESS, MARKED +FIRST DAY COVER+ AND NOT BEARING ANY CANCELLATION.
SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE ON JANUARY 26 FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE FIRST DAY COVERS CAREFULLY HAND-POSTMARKED BEFORE DESPATCH TO THE ADDRESS ON THE COVERS.
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/7
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
7
BUSIEST CHRISTMAS FOR POST OFFICE * * * * * * *
THE POST OFFICE LAST MONTH EXPERIENCED THE BUSIEST CHRISTMAS EVER.
IN THE 12 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS ABOUT 19 MILLION LETTERS WERE POSTED — TWO MILLION MORE THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS CHRISTMAS.
SENIOR CONTROLLER OF POSTS, MR. ARTHUR DICKSON, COMMENTED s +THIS IS EQUAL TO A PILE OF LETTERS THIRTY TIMES THE HEIGHT OF VICTORIA PEAK.*
INCOMING MAIL WAS AT AN ALL TIME RECORD TOO WITH 18 CONTAINERS OF SURFACE MAIL, AND 70 TONS OF LETTERS ARRIVING BY AIR FOR DELIVERY DURING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD.
+SOME AIRMAIL FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS DELAYED
DUE TO FOG AT LONDON AIRPORT BUT IT FINALLY ARRIVED JUST IN TIME FOR DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS,* MR. DICKSON SAID.
HE ADDED : +OUR SORTERS AND POSTMEN HAVE DONE A MAGNIFICENT JOB IN HANDLING THIS LARGE QUANTITY OF MAIL EFFICIENTLY AND DELIVERYING IT IN GOOD TIME.*
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WARNING AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS
******
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. M.C. LAO, TODAY AGAIN WARNED FACTORY OWNERS TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS. ' 7?
HE SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM FACTORY PROPRIETORS OF A MAN IMPERSONATING AN OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, AND WHO THREATENED TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THEM UNLESS HE WAS PAID A SUM OF MONEY.
THE IMPERSONATOR, CALLING HIMSELF INSPECTOR CHAN KWOK-WAH OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WAS IN HIS LATE TWENTIES, AND ABOUT 5 FT 7 IN TALL.
AC!/ THE LAB0UR DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN AUTHORISED TO
ASK FOR OR ACCEPT MONEY FROM THE PUBLIC.* MR. LAO STRESSED.
r.»r,™+lSBERS 0F THE INSPECTORATE HAVE WITH THEM GOVERNMENT IDENTITY S-JSuau- CARRY THE PHOTOGRAPH AND NAME OF THE HOLDER.
B” PRODUCING THEIR
...... Mgl e,A?.AI?VISED FACT0RY PROPRIETORS TO CHECK THE IDENTITY OF VIS T0RS CLAIMING TO BE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS AND NOTIFY THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY IF THEY ARE IN DOUBT. WHEN THEY FEEL CERTAIN THAT THEIR OWN SAFETY WILL NOT EE ENDANGERED, THEY SHOULD TRY IF THE ARRIVAL°OFETHE POL ,c|PARTURE 0F SUCH SUSPECTED PERSONS PENDING
0 - -
/8......
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
8
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SECRETARY FOR HOUSING TO OPEN NURSERY IN 01 MAN ESTATE ******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. ALAN SCOTT WILL PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUNG WAH 01 MAN DAY NURSERY AT ROOMS 425-434, PO MAN HOUSE, 01 MAN ESTATE AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 11).
MR. SCOTT WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE CEREMONY SHOULD ENTER PO MAN HOUSE FROM THE SHOPPERS’ CAR PARK OF THE 01 MAN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.
OFFICERS FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978
9
AUTHOR TO SIGN COPIES OF NEW BOOK ******
VISITORS TO THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET JOYCE SAVIDGE, AUTHOR OF THE NEW BOOK ON HONG KONG TEMPLES ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 11).
MRS. SAVIDGE WILL BE AT THE CENTRE WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, FROM NOON - 2 P.M., TO AUTOGRAPH COPIES SOLD TO CUSTOMERS.
THE BOOK ON TEMPLES IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES UNDER THE +THIS IS HONG KONG+ TITLE. IT IS ON SALE IN HARDBACK AT $20.
+THIS IS HONG KONG: TEMPLES* PROVIDES A FASCINATING GUIDE TO THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHINESE TEMPLES FOUND IN HONG KONG. IT ALSO DEALS WITH THE ACT OF WORSHIPPING, THE DUTIES OF THE TEMPLE KEEPERS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING THE RIGHT +FUNG SHUI+ WHEN BUILDING A NEW TEMPLE.
THE BOOK CONTAINS MORE THAN 100 COLOUR PICTURES OF TEMPLES, DEITIES AND MYTHICAL CHARACTERS.
SALES HAVE ALREADY PASSED THE 1,000 MARK. OTHER OUTLETS WHERE IT CAN BE OBTAINED INCLUDE LEADING BOOKSHOPS, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES, + THE STORY OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE,* WILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY.
+NOW IS THE TIME FOR BOOK LOVERS TO START THEIR COLLECTION BY PURCHASING A COPY OF THE TEMPLES BOOK,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE AUTOGRAPH SIGNING BY MRS. JOYCE SAVIDGE, AUTHOR OF THE BOOK +THIS IS HONG KONG: TEMPLES*, FROM NOON TO 2 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 11) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1978.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POLICE SPECIAL ADVISERS FROM U.K........................... 1
UNOFFICIALS TO RAISE 17 QUESTIONS AT LEGCO MEETING ........ 2
EMBLEM AND MURAL DESIGN COMPETITIONS FOR TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ....................................................... 3
METRICATION SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS START TOMORROW .......... 5
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................... 5
GOVERNOR TO INSPECT PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL PARADE ... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1978
1
POLICE SPECIAL ADVISERS * * * *
A SMALL HOME OFFICE TEAM OF POLICE SPECIAL ADVISERS WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON JANUARY 17. IT WILL CONSIST OF THREE OFFICERS, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MR, J.W.D. CRANE WHO IS ONE OF HM INSPECTORS OF CONSTABULARY. THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TEAM ARE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT A.B.G. WALLEM OF THE INSPECTORS OF CONSTABULARY OFFICE AND CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT E.D. HUMPHREY OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE.
THE TEAM WILL ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON THE ORGANISATION AND OPERATION OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO DISCIPLINE, STAFF MANAGEMENT AND MORALE, CHAIN OF COMMAND AND CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION AT ALL LEVELS, SOURCES AND STANDARDS OF RECRUITMENT, RELATIONS WITH THE ICAC, AND ANY OTHER MATTERS THE TEAM CONSIDERS RELEVANT TO THE FOREGOING.
THE TEAM WILL ALSO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION ON ICAC PROCEDURES.
AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION, THE GOVERNOR DECIDED THAT, AT THIS JUNCTURE, ASSISTANCE FROM IMPARTIAL PROFESSIONALS OF PROVED EXPERIENCE FROM OUTSIDE WAS NECESSARY. THESE ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF HMG DURING HIS RECENT VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE TEAM WILL KEEP THE GOVERNOR INFORMED OF ITS PROGRESS AND OF ANY CONCLUSIONS IT REACHES.
THE TEAM WILL BE ASSISTED IN ITS WORK BY THE POLICE AND THE ICAC. ITS ROLE IS ADVISORY, AND ITS OBJECT WILL BE TO ENCOURAGE AND SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS WHERE NEEDED. ITS WORK IS EXPECTED TO EXTEND OVER THREE OR FOUR MONTHS.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1978
2 -
UNOFFICIALS TO RAISE 17 QUESTIONS AT LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW ******
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 17 QUESTIONS AT TOMORROW’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH WILL RAISE A QUESTION ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR FILM CENSORSHIP ADEQUATELY REFLECT PUBLIC OPINION.
SHE WILL ALSO ASK WHAT MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE TO PROVIDE MORE SUBSIDISED CHILD-CARE CENTRES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND THEIR MAIN CAUSES IN 1977 IN RESPECT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND OTHER INDUSTRIES.
REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WILL RAISE A QUESTION ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ENFORCE THE REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE PERMISSIBLE NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN EACH CLASS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS ESPECIALLY IN THOSE CLASSES WITH BOUGHT PLACES.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS CONCERN
THE POLICY ON APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS TO ASSIST IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS, THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE SITE OCCUPIED BY THE PRESENT FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING, THE CONTROL OF ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS IN DOMESTIC PREMISES AND A LOAN SCHEME TO ENABLE LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ANY FORM OF PUBLIC HOUSING TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN FLATS.
TWO BILLS - THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE MERCANTILE BANK NOTE ISSUE (REPEAL) BILL 1978 - WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THREE BILLS DURING THEIR SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1977 AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1978
3
EMBLEM AND MURAL DESIGN COMPETITIONS FOR TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL *******
THE NEWLY-CREATED TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE THIS AFTERNOON TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A SERIES OF OPEN COMPETITIONS FOR THE EMBLEM AND MURALS TO BE USED IN THE $23 MILLION TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE COMPETITIONS, THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR. JAMES HAYES, SAID THE COMPETITION REPRESENTED THE FIRST MAJOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT BY THE BOARD SINCE ITS INAUGURATION JUST OVER A MONTH AGO.
MR. HAYES SAID THE EVENT WAS MEANINGFUL IN THAT THE WINNING DESIGNS WOULD BE USED AND DISPLAYED AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WHICH WOULD BE READY LATE NEXT YEAR, PROVIDING A WELL-EQUIPPED AUDITORIUM AND OTHER FACILITIES TO MEET 'THE GROWING CULTURAL NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWN.
+THE TOWN HALL IS A PROJECT FOR THE COMMUNITY AND IT IS MOST FITTING THAT THE DESIGNS OF ITS EMBLEM AND MURALS SHOULD COME FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
APART FROM PROMOTING PUBLIC INTEREST IN ART, IT HELPS CREATE A BETTER SENSE OF BELONGING FOR THE TOWN HALL, HE ADDED.
MR. HAYES SAID THE BOARD HAD ALLOCATED $23,000 AND OTHER PRIZES FOR THE COMPETITION WINNERS.
THE COMPETITION ON THE EMBLEM DESIGN IS OPEN TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS, AND THE ONE ON THE MURAL DESIGNS IS DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS — GROUND-FLOOR MURAL, OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS-FIRST-FLOOR MURAL, TO PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS- AND SECOND-FLOOR MURAL, TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
MR. HAYES SAID ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES CAN BE SUBMITTED TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TSUEN WAN OR KWAI CHUNG TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICES, OR TO THE ART SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED FLAT, NOT ROLLED, TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETED ENTRY FORM, BEFORE THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 12-435408 OR 12-271335.
MR. HAYES SAID JUDGING WOULD BE MADE BY A PANEL OF ACCOMPLISHED ARTISTS AND EXPERIENCED DESIGNERS ALONG WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
+ALL ENTRIES, PRIZE-WINNING OR OTHERWISE, SHALL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND MAY BE USED AT ITS DISCRETION,* HE SAID.
/IN THE EMBLEM .....
4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1978
IN THE EMBLEM DESIGN COMPETITION, THE THEME IS ON TSUEN WAN AND THE DESIGN SHOULD INCLUDE THE WORDS +TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL+ RUNNING HORIZONTALLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY WAY OF A DRAWING, IN METRIC SCALE OF 1:100, SHOWING THE DESIGN OF THE EMBLEM AS MOUNTED ON A BLANK WHITE WALL OF 8.55 M HIGH AND 34.15 M WIDE.
A MINIATURE OF THE DESIGN SHOULD ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN 1/4TH OF THE EMBLEM’S FULL SIZE MEASURING 1.83 M HIGH AND 1.22 M WIDE.
THE EMBLEM WILL BE MADE OF BRONZE AND PLACED ON THE OUTER WALL OF THE TOWN HALL IMMEDIATELY ABOVE ROWS OF GLAZED WINDOWS.
THERE WILL BE A CASH PRIZE OF $5,000 AND A TROPHY FOR THE WINNING EMBLEM DESIGN, AND THREE CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $1,000 EACH.
THE THEME OF THE MURAL DESIGN COMPETITION IS +TSUEN WAN - OLD AND NEW+. ENTRIES FOR ALL THREE GROUPS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ON A SHEET OF DRAWING PAPER NOT LARGER THAN 381 MM X 584 MM IN SIZE, PRESENTING THE DESIGN IN SCALE TO THE MURALS WITH INDICATION ON THE COLOUR SCHEME USED.
ENTRIES FOR THE GROUND-FLOOR MURAL GROUP SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE WORKING DRAWINGS, MATERIALS USED, THE METHOD OF FIXING AND THE ESTIMATED COST.
THE ACTUAL GROUND-FLOOR MURAL, EITHER A SCULPTURE OR A PAINTING, WILL BE 4.26 M HIGH AND 2 M WIDE, AND WILL BE PLACED NEAR THE LOUNGE OF THE TOWN HALL.
IT WILL BE MOUNTED ON A MARBLE FINISH OF BEIGE COLOUR, A SAMPLE OF WHICH CAN BE SEEN AT THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICES.
THE GROUND-FLOOR MURAL DESIGN WINNER WILL RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF $5,900 AND A TROPHY. THERE WILL ALSO BE THREE CONSOLATION CASH PRIZES OF $1,000 EACH.
IN THE FIRST AND SECOND-FLOOR GROUPS, PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO STATE ON THE BACK OF EACH ENTRY THE FOLLOWING PARTICULARS — NAME, AGE, SEX, NAME OF SCHOOL, CLASS, RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, TELEPHONE AND TITLE OF WORK.
THE FIRST-FLOOR MURAL, TO BE PLACED AT THE LIFT LOBBY, WILL MEASURE 3.35 M HIGH AND 3.66 M WIDE, WHILE THE SECOND-FLOOR MURAL WILL BE 4.26 M HIGH AND 9.75 M WIDE, TO BE DISPLAYED NEAR THE GRAND STAIRCASE.
FOR EACH OF THE FIRST AND SECOND-FLOOR MURAL GROUPS, THERE WILL BE ONE FIRST PRIZE OF BOOK COUPONS WORTH 3590 AND A TROPHY, PLUS 19 CONSOLATION PRIZES GF BOOK COUPONS WORTH 3399 EACH.
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/5
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1978
5
METRICATION SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS
******
THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF METRICATION SEMINARS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE THE USE OF METRIC UNITS IN THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS STARTS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
THE SEMINARS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE CENTRE’S INSPECTORS WITH THE HELP OF DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS. THEY WILL INCLUDE TALKS, DISCUSSIONS, AND EXHIBITS.
METRICATION POSTERS AND REFERENCE PAMPHLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE SEMINARS.
THE SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS OF YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AT THE YUEN LONG PRIMARY SCHOOL- FOR TEACHERS OF SCHOOLS IN SAI KUNG AND THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS ON JANUARY 16 AT THE TANNER ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, HONG KONG- AND FOR TAI PO AND SHA TIN SCHOOLS’ TEACHERS ON JANUARY 19 AT THE MA TAU CHUNG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, KOWLOON.
- 0 - -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON CHOW MAN-LAP ON MARCH 1 LAST YEAR SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. CHOW WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF HO KAM-TING ON JUNE 15, 1976.
- 0 - -
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1978
6
GOVERNOR TO INSPECT PRISONS DEPARTMENT o ANNUAL PARADE * * * *
THE GOVERNOR SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, W ILL INSPECT THE ANNUAL PARAD- OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 13) AFTERNOON AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT STANLEY.
SIR MURRAY WILL PRESENT COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDALS TO AO OFFICERS AFTER THE INSPECTION.
THE MEDALS ARE AWARDED FOR 18 YEARS’ EXEMPLARY SERVICE.
FIGHT CONTINGENTS. COMPRISING ABOUT 220 PRISONS OFFICERS, WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE COMMANDED BY SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT G.D. HYDES.
THROUGHOUT THE PARADE, THE BAND OF CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE WILL PROVIDE THE MUSIC.
THE ANNUAL INSPECTION WILL BE ATTENDED BY DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND STAFF MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. A PRESS BUS WILL LEAVE THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI FOR STANLEY AT 3.15 P.M. ON JANUARY 13. THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO NOTIFY MR. LEUNG KWAI-HOI ON TEL. 5-756521 EXT. 49 BY NOON ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 12).
C
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SITES TO SIGN LEASE AGREEMENTS SOON ......................................... 1
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE .................. 2
BILL TO TRANSFER NOTE-ISSUING POWERS TO HONGKONG BANK ......... 4
URBCO TO PROVIDE INEXPENSIVE FUNERAL SERVICE .................. 5
HK POLYTECHNIC AMENDMENT BILL PASSED .......................... 6
FILM CENSORSHIP ARRANGEMENTS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW ............ 7
GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO SELL SITE OF CENTRAL FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING ...................................................... 8
LABOUR DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGING SAFE WORKING PRACTICES .......... 8
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN 1977 .................................. 9
MAJOR REVIEW OF BUILDING CONTROL LAW UNDERWAY ................ 10
ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING LEASE CONDITIONS .................... 11
SELECTION OF AREAS FOR NT DEVELOPMENT......................... 12
POLICY ON COMPUTERISATION OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS ............. 13
REVIEW OF HOUSING POLICIES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ................ 13
HOUSING AUTHORITY APPOINTS ITS OWN AUDITORS .................. 14
NURSERIES IN HOUSING ESTATES ................................. 1^
/ENFORCEMENT OF
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS ON NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN CLASS .. 14
EXPANSION OF DISTRICT COURT JURISDICTION ...................... 15
MARRIAGE REGISTRIES ........................................... 15
AVERAGE TIME FOR ISSUE OF TRAFFIC OFFENCE SUMMONSES ........... 15
TAX ON NON-PROFIT MAKING CLUBS ................................ 16
MTR PAYMENT GUARANTEES ........................................ 17
GROWING RESPONSE TO TEXTBOOK SEMINAR .......................... 17
FIRE PREVENTION CHECK IN QUARRY BAY ......................... 18
WINNERS OF INTER-SCHOOL PROJECT COMPETITION TO RECEIVE AWARDS ........................................................ 18
FIVE BILLS PASSED ............................................. 18
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
1
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SITES TO SIGN LEASE AGREEMENTS SOON ******
SOME OF THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR SITES OF TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE STAGE I ARE EXPECTED TO SIGN THE LEASE AGREEMENTS WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND TO PROCEED WITH PREPARATION OF PLANS FOR BUILDING THEIR FACTORIES.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE HON. LI FOOK-WO IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION WHEN HE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THE CORPORATION’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1977.
MR. LI SAID SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LEASING IN DECEMBER 1976, A STEADY FLOW OF APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND THESE NOW TOTALLED 84 OF WHICH TEN HAD BEEN APPROVED.
HE SAID THE LEASE DOCUMENT, WHICH HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERABLE DISCUSSIONS, AND THE AMENDMENT TO MEET PARTICULAR CRITICISMS BY INTERESTED PARTIES HAD BEEN FINALISED.
BUT HE SAID THE NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS COULD NOT BE ANNOUNCED UNTIL THE LEASE DOCUMENTS WERE ACTUALLY SIGNED BECAUSE THE CORPORATION WAS BOUND TO RESPECT THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF ALL APPLICATIONS.
ON THE PROGRESS OF WORK BY THE CORPORATION, MR. LI POINTED OUT THAT THE FORMATION OF LAND FOR STAGE I AT TA I PO ESTATE IS NOW SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE AND CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN LET FOR STAGE II.
HE WELCOMED THE RECENT APPROVAL BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION’S PROPOSAL TO PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECOND ESTATE AT YUEN LONG AND HOPED THAT LOANS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND WILL SHORTLY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ENABLE CONSTRUCTION TO COMMENCE IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE LEVEL OF DEMAND AND QUALITY OF APPLICANTS, MR. LI SAID THEY HAD NOT BEEN +AS HIGH AS WE MAY HAVE HOPED, PARTICULARLY FROM OVERSEAS, IT HAS NONETHELESS BEEN ENCOURAGING AND COMMENSURATE WITH THE SUPPLY OF LAND.+
HE NOTED THAT THE CORPORATION AND THE FORMER PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY IN ESTABLISHING THE SELECTION CRITERIA AND LEASE CONDITIONS WERE MINDFUL OF THE SPECIAL PURPOSE OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AND THE SPECIAL PRICE OF THE LAND AND HAVE THEREFORE SOUGHT BY STRICT IMPOSITION OF THE CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS TO PREVENT MISUSE AND SPECULATION SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE BASIC OBJECTIVE OF BROADENING THE BASE OF INDUSTRY IS ACHIEVED.
+THE TASK THUS FACING THE CORPORATION IS FAR FROM EASY BUT IT BELIEVES THE COURSE ON WHICH IT HAS SET OUT TO BE THE RIGHT ONE AND THAT ONLY IF THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE WILL BE BETTER SERVED SHOULD THE PRESENT POLICIES BE MODIFIED,* MR. LI SA ID.
/♦AT THE MOMENT.......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
2
+AT THE MOMENT, HOWEVER, THE CORPORATION CONSIDERS ITS MAIN TASK IS THE FORMATION OF THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF LAND AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE UNTIL A SUFFICIENTLY LARGE AREA OF FORMED AND SERVICED LAND IS AVAILABLE, IT IS NOT REASONABLY POSSIBLE TO ASSESS OR PROVE DEMAND ACCURATELY.
+THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH LAND WILL IN ITSELF STIMULATE DEMAND AND PROVE A POSITIVE ATTRACTION TO THE DESIRED TYPES OF INDUSTRY,* HE ADDED.
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION
*
(AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1978 * * * *
THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG EMPLOYEES ARE NOW ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION BENEFITS IF INJURED AT WORK UNDER THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1978 PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE LAW RAISES THE WAGE CEILING IN THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE TO COVER THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING UP TO $5,000 A MONTH.
IT ALSO HAS THE EFFECT OF DISCOURAGING EMPLOYERS FROM DELAYING COMPENSATION PAYMENT TO INJURED WORKERS AND EXTENDS THE TIME LIMIT IN WHICH WORKERS CAN APPLY FOR COMPENSATION FROM 12 TO 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT.
IT ALSO AMENDS THE EXISTING LAW SO THAT ASSESSMENT OF CERTAIN INJURIES CAUSING PARTIAL PERMANENT INCAPACITIES SHOULD BE MADE BY REFERENCE TO THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WHICH LISTS OUT THE PERCENTAGE OF LOSS OF EARNING POWER OF THE INJURED WORKER.
FORMERLY, THE LAW COVERED ONLY MANUAL WORKERS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR MONTHLY EARNINGS AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1977 THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS, SAID WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION WAS AN AREA THAT NEEDED CONSTANT REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT.
HE SAID A WORKING PARTY WAS ABOUT TO START A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE OF WHICH SEVERAL AREAS REQUIRED EXAMINATION AND IMPROVEMENT.
THREE UNOFFICIALS - THE HON. WONG LAM, THE HON, LEUNG TAT-SHING, AND REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL IN THE DEBATE.
MR. WONG POINTED OUT THAT IT IS REASONABLE TO EXTEND
CHE INCOME CEILING OF NON-MANUAL WORKERS FROM $2,000 TO $5,000, FOR
•HEY ARE ALL EMPLOYEES WHETHER MANUAL OR NON-MANUAL.
/BOTH MR. LEUNG AND .....
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
- 3 -
BOTH MR. LEUNG AND FATHER MCGOVERN URGED THAT THE CEILING BE LIFTED ALTOGETHER. MR. LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT IT COULD BE DIFFICULT AND OFTEN NOT PRACTICABLE TO DRAW A LINE ALONG THE SCALE OF EARNINGS TO DISTINGUISH THOSE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE LAW- AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS SHOULD NOT BE DEBARRED, LIKE MANUAL WORKERS AT PRESENT, FROM PROTECTION ON AN INCOME BASIS.
FOR THOSE NON-MANUAL WORKERS NOT PROTECTED AT PRESENT, EVEN IF THEY COULD PROVE THAT THEIR EMPLOYERS OWED THEM A CIVIL LIABILITY TO PAY DAMAGES, THEY WERE LIABLE FOR THE COST OF ANY COURT PROCEEDINGS FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE DAMAGES, MR. LEUNG SAID.
MR. WONG ALSO POINTED OUT THE INADEQUACY IN THE EXISTING RATE OF COMPENSATION IN NOT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VARYING DEGREES OF LOSS BY WORKERS BELONGING TO DIFFERENT TRADES THOUGH SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PHYSICAL INJURY.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THE LOSS OF AN INDEX FINGER WOULD MEAN DIFFERENTLY TO A HIGHLY-SKILLED CRAFTSMAN AND AN ORDINARY FACTORY HAND AND YET THE LOSS IN EARNING CAPACITY OF BOTH IS REGARDED AS 14 PER CENT.
FATHER MCGOVERN ADDED SUPPORT TO MR. WONG’S CALL FOR JUSTICE TO THE SKILLED WORKER. EASE OF ADMINISTRATION SHOULD NOT BE THE MAIN CONSIDERATION IN ASSESSMENT, +THE PURPOSE OF WORKMEN’S COMPENSATIONS IS PRIMARILY TO HELP THE INJURED PERSON TO A DEGREE WHICH WILL JUSTLY COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS HE HAS SUFFERED,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO THOUGHT THAT THE BASIS OF ASSESSMENT FOR COMPENSATION WAS GENERALLY INADEQUATE SO THAT THERE WAS INADEQUACY IN THE COMPENSATION PAID.
ALL THE THREE UNOFFICIALS SPOKE ON THE NEED TO INTRODUCE A PRO-RATA SURCHARGE ON LATE PAYMENTS OF COMPENSATION, TO IMPROVE ON THE FIXED 350 OR 5 PER CENT (IF MORE) SURCHARGE PROVIDED FOR IN THE PRESENT AMENDING ORDINANCE.
FATHER MCGOVERN SAID THE PRESENT POSITION IS OPEN TO SERIOUS ABUSE, WHILE THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY INSUPERABLE ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTY IN INTRODUCING SUCH PRO-RATA SURCHARGES. +BUT EVEN IF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT DOES FIND PROBLEMS I AM SURE THAT ADVICE COULD BE SOUGHT FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE A HIGHLY EFFICIENT, ALMOST INSTANTANEOUS, METHOD OF GETTING OUT DEMAND NOTICES, AND SURCHARGES FOR LATE TAX PAYMENT,* HE SAID.
MR. WONG WELCOMED THE IMPROVEMENT ARISING FROM EXTENDING THE TIME LIMIT FOR MAKING COMPENSATION APPLICATIONS, FROM 12 TO 24 MONTHS, WHICH WOULD GIVE INJURED WORKERS A MORE REALISTIC ASSESSMENT AND CUT DOWN ON UNNECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.
VERY OFTEN, THE DEGREE OF PERMANENT INCAPACITY AND HENCE THE LOSS SUFFERED BY AN INJURED WORKER IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ASSESS BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THE PRESENT 12 MONTHS PERIOD, HE SAID.
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/A
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
BILL TO TRANSFER NOTE-ISSUING POWERS TO HONGKONG BANK
******
TWO BILLS AIMED AT TRANSFERRING THE NOTE-ISSUING POWERS FROM MERCANTILE BANK TO HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, AND ENSURING THAT MERCANTILE BANK NOTES IN CIRCULATION WILL REMAIN LEGAL TENDER WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THEY ARE THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE MERCANTILE BANK NOTE ISSUE (REPEAL) BILL 1978.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE FIRST BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO REPEAL THE NOTE-ISSUING POWERS OF MERCANTILE BANK AND TO TRANSFER ITS AUTHORITY TO THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION TO ISSUE NOTES UP TO S3O MILLION AGAINST SECURITIES.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT THE MERCANTILE BANK WAS ACQUIRED BY THE HONGKONG BANK IN 1964 AND SINCE THEN ITS OPERATIONS WITHIN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN PROGRESSIVELY ABSORBED WITHIN THE HONGKONG BANK, AND AS A RESULT ALL BUT ONE OF ITS BRANCHES IN HONG KONG HAVE NOW BEEN CLOSED.
+THUS, THE
BANK HAS BECOME
MERCANTILE BANK’S POSITION AS A NOTE-ISSUING ANOMALOUS.
+MOREOVER,+HE SAID, +THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT 330 MILLION OF THE BANK’S NOTES IN CIRCULATION AND THEY ACCOUNT FOR LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NOTE CIRCULATION.*
HE SAID BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG BANK GROUP NOW FELT THAT THE EXISTENCE OF A THIRD NOTE-ISSUING BANK WAS NO LONGER NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE.
AT PRESENT THE THREE NOTE-ISSUING BANKS MAY ISSUE SMALL AMOUNTS OF NOTES KNOWN AS +AUTHORISED ISSUES* AGAINST INTEREST BEARING SECURITIES IN A FORM APPROVED EY THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND DEPOSITED WITH THE GOVERNMENT OR THE CROWN AGENTS.
BOTH THE HONGKONG BANK AND THE MERCANTILE BANK ARE PERMITTED TO ISSUE $30 MILLION EACH AND THE CHARTERED BANK HAS AN AUTHORISED ISSUE OF $35 MILLION.
ADDITIONAL NOTES THAT FORM THE VAST BULK OF THE TOTAL NOTE CIRCULATION ARE ISSUED AGAINST NON-INTEREST BEARING CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS ISSUED EY THE EXCHANGE FUND AND OVER 80 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NOTES IN CIRCULATION ARE ISSUED BY THE HONGKONG BANK.
ON THE SECOND READING OF THE MERCANTILE BANK NOTE ISSUE (REPEAL) BILL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE MOST SIGNIFICANT POINT IN THE BILL FOR THE PUBLIC ..'AS THAT ..HEN THE BILL BECAME LAW, ANY MERCANTILE BANK NOTE IN ISSUE WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN ISSUED BY THE HONGKONG BANK.
/+THIS -INSURES THAT .........
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
5
+THIS ENSURES THAT WHEN THE MERCANTILE BANK’S NOTE-ISSUING POWERS CEASE ITS NOTES WILL REMAIN LEGAL TENDER AND THE HONGKONG BANK WILL BE OBLIGED TO REDEEM THEM.
+THERE IS, THEREFORE, NO DANGER THAT SUCH NOTES IN THE HANDS OF THE PUBLIC WILL LOSE THEIR VALUE,+ HE ADDED.
THE_DEBATES~ON THE BILLS HAVE BEEN ADJOURNED.
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URBCO TO PROVIDE INEXPENSIVE FUNERAL SERVICE * X X **
A BILL TO ENABLE THE URBAN COUNCIL TO PROVIDE INEXPENSIVE FUNERAL SERVICE TO FAMILIES WITH LIMITED INCOMES, WHEN THE NEED ARISES, WAS PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, SAID: +TO ENABLE THE LIVING, ESPECIALLY THOSE FAMILIES WHO HAVE A LIMITED INCOME, TO PROVIDE A DIGNIFIED AND INEXPENSIVE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THEIR DEPARTED ONES, IT IS PROPER AND FITTING FOR THIS COUNCIL TO SUPPORT AND APPROVE THIS AMENDING BILL.+
HE ADDED THAT WITH THE DECLINE IN THE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR OVER THE YEARS, + IT COULD BE CLAIMED THAT IT COST AS MUCH TO BE ALIVE THAN TO DIE AND BE BURIED.+
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD START THE ECONOMICAL FUNERAL SERVICE WHEN THE NEW HUNG HOM PUBLIC FUNERAL HALL IS OPENED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN, WHO IS ALSO AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, REVEALED THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL IS WORKING OUT DETAILS OF THE SERVICE TO BE PROVIDED, WHICH MIGHT INCLUDE A TRAINED MASTER OF CEREMONIES, SUITABLE BACKGROUND MUSIC, AND THE ORGANISING OF RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE FUNERAL.
HE HOPED THAT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE OPERATION OF THE NEW HUNG HOM PUBLIC FUNERAL HALL MAY WELL INDICATE FUTURE DEMAND FOR THIS SERVICE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE URBAN AREAS AS WELL AS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
6
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AMENDMENT BILL PASSED * * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND SUBSTANTIALLY THE POLYTECHNIC ORDINANCE.
TWO UNOFFICIALS SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE GN THE BILL, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. SIR S.Y. CHUNG HOPED THAT ANY CHANGES IN FUTURE WOULD TAKE THE FORM OF FURTHER EXPANSION IN STUDENT NUMBERS, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF THOSE PURSUING PART-TIME STUDIES WHO NEEDED TO UP-DATE AND RE-TRAIN THEMSELVES TO MEET THE EVER-CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES IN HONG KONG.
+WE ARE ALL ACUTELY AWARE IN THIS COUNCIL OF THE URGENT NEED TO DIVERSIFY HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES, AND THE POLYTECHNIC MUST AND WILL PLAY AN EVER-INCREASING ROLE IN THIS VITALLY IMPORTANT ENDEAVOUR,* HE SAID.
SIR S.Y. CHUNG POINTED OUT THAT EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC INVARIABLY BROUGHT GREATER COMPLEXITY INTO MANAGEMENT AND ADM INSTRAT ION AND IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE BILL SOUGHT TO PROVIDE AN ENLARGEMENT OF THE GOVERNING BODY FROM 15 TO 23 MEMBERS.
HE SAID THE APPOINTMENT OF FOUR OF THESE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, WHICH THE BILL SOUGHT TO RETITLE THE +COUNCIL OF THE POLYTECHNIC*, WOULD BE DRAWN FROM INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
THIS WOULD INCREASE THE REPRESENTATION OF THE +PRIVATE SECTOR* BY 50 PER CENT.
+THIS WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER DIVERSIFY THx VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE ON THc. GOVERNING BODY, BUT WILL ALSO LIGHTEN THE MANAGERIAL BURDEN WHICH HAS BEEN IMPOSED UPON ALL TOO FEW MEMBERS IN THE PAST,* HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE PROVISION WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE STAFF OF THE POLYTECHNIC TO ELECT THREE REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON THE NEW COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG SAID ALTHOUGH THE POLYTECHNIC HAD APPROACHED THE QUESTION OF STAFF REPRESENTATION WITH SOME CAUTION, FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS, TWO STAFF MEMBERS HAD BEEN IN REGULAR ATTENDANCE AT GOVERNOR BOARD MEETING.
+THERE IS EVERY INDICATION THAT THIS EXPERIMENT HAS BEEN A SUCCESS,* HE STRESSED.
ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE AMENDING BILL GAVE STATUTORY RECOGNITION TO THE POLYTECHNIC’S INTERNAL ACADEMIC COMMITTEE WHICH, SIR S.Y. CHUNG SAID, WAS SIMILAR TO THE UNIVERSITIES’ SENATES.
BUT, HE SAID THE POLYTECHNIC’S FOREMOST COUNCIL OF +TECHNOCRATS+ CALLED ITSELF THE +ACADEMIC BOARD*, AND HE HOPED IT WOULD FUNCTION +WITH A STABILITY AND PERPETUITY WHICH ITS ENSHRINEMENT IN THE ORDINANCE WILL HOPEFULLY BRING ABOUT*.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 19?8 7 -
CONCERNING THE LAST PROVISION OF THE BILL WHICH CONFERRED THE PRESIDENCY OF THE POLYTECHNIC UPON THE GOVERNOR, SIR S.Y. CHUNG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE GOVERNOR FOR ACCEPTING IT BY A NON-STATUTORY ARRANGEMENT IN EARLY 1973 AND HIS REGULAR OFFICIATION AT THE POLYTECHNIC’S GRADUATION CEREMONIES.
+THIS HAD DONE MUCH TO ENHANCE THE PRESTIGE OF THE INSTITUTION AND TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE GRADUATES THE HIGH VALUE WHICH HONG KONG PLACES UPON THEIR FUTURE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR SOCIETY,* HE SAID.
SIR S.Y. CHUNG ALSO OBSERVED THAT THE FULL-TIME STUDENT POPULATION OF THE POLYTECHNIC HAD EXPANDED FROM 3,500 TO OVER 9,000 IN SIX YEARS AND THE SPECTRUM OF COURSES HAD WIDENED TO PROVIDE STUDIES IN VARIOUS NEW AREAS.
+DESPITE THE FAST EXPANSION OF THE POLYTECHNIC, ONLY SIX PER CENT OF LAST YEAR’S GRADUATES WERE STILL UNEMPLOYED BY OCTOBER 1977 AND THE RATIO OF QUALIFIED APPLICANTS TO FULL-TIME PLACES AVAILABt? FOR THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR IS MAINTAINED AT HIGH LEVEL OF ABOUT SIX TO ONE,* HE ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, DR. THE HON. RAYSON HUANG DESCRIBED THE EXPANSION OF THE POLYTECHNIC AS +TRULY REMARKABLE* AND SAID IN THE YEARS TO COME, AS HONG KONG MOVED TOWARDS DIVERSIFICATION OF ITS ECONOMY, THE POLYTECHNIC WOULD HAVE AN EVEN GREATER ROLE TO PLAY IN PROVIDING TECHNICAL PERSONNEL IN A HOST OF DISCIPLINES.
+THE TIME HAS THEREFORE COME FOR POLYTECHNIC’S TEACHERS, WHO HAVE NOW SETTLED IN THEIR JOBS AND HAVE BECOME CONVERSANT WITH LOCAL CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG AND ITS NEEDS TO BE GIVEN A GREATER PART IN THE GOVERNANCE OF THE INSTITUTION.
+THIS WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP IN CHARTING THE COURSE OF THE POLYTECHNIC’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND AT THE SAME TIME GIVE THEM A GREATER SENSE OF PARTICIPATION AND BELONGING,* HE ADDED.
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FILM CENSORSHIP ARRANGEMENTS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, TODAY ASSURED THAT IT IS GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO KEEP THE PRESENT FILM CENSORSHIP ARRANGEMENTS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE WHEREVER NECESSARY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. KWAN KO SIU-WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LI SAID FOR THIS REASON, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING OR HIS STAFF FREQUENTLY ATTEND SEMINARS AND DISCUSSIONS ORGANISED BY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, STUDENTS GROUPS AND OTHER BODIES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON CURRENT CENSORSHIP PROBLEMS.
+THESE DISCUSSIONS GREATLY ASSIST THE COMMISSIONER TO KEEP ABREAST WITH PUBLIC SENTIMENTS,* HE ADDED.
MR. LI ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS GENERALLY SATISFIED THAT PUBLIC OPINION HAS BEEN ADEQUATELY REFLECTED IN FILM CENSORSHIP.
o
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
8
GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO SELL SITE OF CENTRAL FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING ******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION THE SITE NOW OCCUPIED BY THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING FOR FULL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WHEN IT BECOMES VACANT.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIROMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LYDIA DUNN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HOWEVER, MR. JONES SAID, THE SITE WAS UNLIKELY TO BE READY FOR SALE FOR ANOTHER TWO OR THREE YEARS BECAUSE ITS AVAILABILITY DEPENDED ON THE REPROVISIONING OF THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION.
- - 0
ENCOURAGING SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
*****
THE NUMBER OF WORKERS KILLED IN FALLS FROM HIGH WORKING PLACES WAS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND A GREAT DEAL OF ADVICE WAS BEING GIVEN BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO ENCOURAGE SAFER WORKING PRACTICES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FROM THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING, MR. WILLIAMS HOPED THAT ENFORCEMENT, ADVICE AND EDUCATION BY HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD ENCOURAGE SAFER WORKING PRACTICES AND ADDED THAT IN THE END IT WAS THE VIGILANCE OF CONTRACTORS AND INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES THAT WOULD EFFECTIVELY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF THESE CASUALTIES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN 1977, THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE ORGANISED 79 COURSES IN CONSTRUCTION SAFETY.
+THESE COURSES WERE ATTENDED BY NEARLY 2,300 PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WHERE THE MAJORITY OF FALLS FROM WORK AT HEIGHT OCCUR.
♦PRECAUTION AGAINST FALLS FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART OF EVERY COURSE,+ MR. WILLIAMS SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A MOBILE EXHIBITION VISITED MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SITES ON THREE OCCASIONS DURING THE YEAR TO DISPLAY SAFETY MEASURES TO WORKERS ON SITE AND THAT FACTORY INSPECTORS GAVE WRITTEN AND VERBAL ADVICE TO CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS DURING THE COURSE OF THEIR REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION SITES.
REFERRING TO PROTECTION BY LEGISLATION, MR. WILLIAMS SAID THIS WAS NOW AFFORDED BY THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS WHICH COVER THE USE OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND OTHER ASPECTS OF WORK ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION HAD BEEN PREPARED AND WOULD BE INTRODUCED LATER.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
9
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN 1977
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS SAID TODAY, ASSUMING THE PATTERN OF MAIN CAUSES FOR LAST YEAR’S INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS FOLLOWED THAT OF 1976, FATAL ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DURING 1977 WERE MAINLY CAUSED BY +FALLING FROM HEIGHTS* AND +VEHICLES AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT.*
HE EXPECTED THIS WOULD BE THE CASE AND BASED ON THIS, HE SAID, THE FIRST CATEGORY OF FATAL ACCIDENTS WOULD TAKE UP 32 PER CENT AND THE SECOND CATEGORY 22 PER CENT OF TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
MR. WILLIAMS WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE . COUNCIL FROM THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WHO ASKED FOR LAST YEAR’S TOTAL NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND THEIR MAIN CAUSES.
MR. WILLIAMS SAID TOTAL FIGURES FOR LAST YEAR WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE NEXT MONTH AS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR THERE WERE STILL A NUMBER OF ACCIDENT NOTIFICATIONS TO EE RECEIVED AND PROCESSED.
HOWEVER, HE GAVE A ROUGH INDICATION OF THE 1977 FIGURES. IN THE CASE OF NON-FATAL ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, HE SAID THE MAIN CAUSES WERE +STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS* -33 PER CENT- +FALLING FROM HEIGHTS* - 18 °ER CENT AND SO CALLED +HANDLING WITHOUT MACHINERY* - 17 PER CENT.
IN THE CASE OF NON-FATAL INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, THE MAIN CAUSES WERE +STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS* - 28 PER CENT, AND ♦MACHINERY ACCIDENTS* -- 27 PER CENT.
MR. WILLIAMS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1977 THERE WERE 67 FATAL AND 9,303 NON-FATAL ACCIDENTS IN NON-REGISTRABLE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS- 30 FATAL AND 16,630 NON-FATAL ACCIDENTS IN REGISTRABLE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS- AND 86 FATAL AND 8,700 NON-FATAL ONES IN OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
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/1O......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
10
MAJOR REVIEW OF BUILDING CONTROL LAW UNDERWAY * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONDUCTING A MAJOR REVIEW OF EXISTING BUILDING CONTROL LEGISLATION AND IS EXPLORING MEANS OF INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE LAW RELATING TO BUILDING AND THE DANGERS OF CARRYING OUT ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+AS PART OF THIS REVIEW, A STUDY WILL BE CONDUCTED INTO THE TYPES OF ILLEGAL WORKS COMMONLY CARRIED OUT AND THEIR EFFECTS SO AS TO ASCERTAIN WHAT FURTHER EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE LEGISLATION COULD BE GIVEN IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE OVERALL PROBLEM TO ONE OF PRACTICABLE DIMENSIONS,* HE SAID. +AT THE SAME TIME, METHODS OF IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS ARE ALSO BEING EXAMINED.*
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT THE CURRENT POLICY REGARDING ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1975.
IN VIEW OF THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE STAFFING SITUATION IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, HE SAID, IT WAS DECIDED THAT FOR BUILDINGS COMPLETED AFTER JULY 31, 1975, ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST ALL WORKS WHICH CONTRAVENED THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND FOR BUILDINGS COMPLETED ON OR EEFORE THAT DATE ACTION WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO REMOVING ILLEGAL WORKS WHICH WERE A RISK TO LIFE AND LIMB.
REFERRING TO MR. LEUNG’S QUESTION, MR. MCDONALD SAID IT MAINLY RELATED TO THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF POSTWAR DOMESTIC BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED BEFORE AUGUST 1975.
+WHILE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO FORECAST WHEN ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS IN THESE PREMISES CAN BE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL, IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO BE MADE IN THE NEXT SESSION FOLLOWING THE REVIEW I HAVE REFERRED TO, TOGETHER WITH A FURTHER EXPANSION Oc THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, WILL ENABLE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS TO BE MADE IN THIS FIELD,* HE ADDED.
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/11 .....
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
11
ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING LEASE CONDITIONS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT ADDITIONAL POSTS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING LEASE CONDITIONS HAD BEEN CREATED AND RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING WAS PROCEEDING.
MR. JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN CONCERNING THE USE OF GROUND FLOOR PARKING AREAS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AS GODOWNS AND MACHINE SHOPS.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT TOOK A SERIOUS VIEW OF BREACHES OF LEASE CONDITIONS SUCH AS THE MISUSE OF PARKING AREAS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
+THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUND FLOOR PARKING AREAS ARE PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE OFF-STREET LOADING AND UNLOADING FACILITIES ARE MADE AVAILABLE IN LARGE INDUSTRIAL BUILD INGS,+ MR. JONES SAID.
+AND THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT IS STRICTLY TO ENFORCE THESE CONDITIONS, PARTICULARLY IN NEW BUILDINGS AND IN CASES WHERE IT IS CLEAR THAT BREACHES ADD SIGNIFICANTLY TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION.+
BUT, MR. JONES ADDED, THE PROCESS OF ENFORCEMENT DEPENDS IN PRACTICE ON THE AVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCED STAFF AND OTHER COMPETING PRIORITIES FOR THEIR DEPLOYMENT.
/12
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
12
SELECTION OF AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN NT
******
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PRESERVE VILLAGES WHEREVER POSSIBLE WITHIN AREAS SELECTED FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
MR. AKERS-JONES STRESSED IN HIS REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THAT THE SELECTION OF AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT WAS MADE VERY CAREFULLY.
VILLAGERS ARE CLOSELY AND INDIVIDUALLY CONSULTED WHERE THEIR OWN VILLAGE IS INVOLVED, AND RURAL COMMITTEES ARE CONSULTED WHERE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE CONCERNED, HE ADDED.
+ IF WE COULD, WE WOULD CHOOSE AREAS WHICH DID NOT DISTURB PRIVATE RIGHTS AND ANCIENT VILLAGES, BUT THIS HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
GENERALLY, HE EXPLAINED, MOST AREAS SELECTED FOR DEVELOPMENT CONSIST OF RECLAMATION OF THE SEA COUPLED WITH DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADJOINING LAND, AND DEVELOPMENTS AT SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN ARE TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF THIS.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, MANY VILLAGES ARE WELL BELOW DEVELOPMENT LEVELS AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FLOODING, AND THERE MAY BE OTHER PRACTICAL REASONS FOR THEIR REMOVAL.
WITH REGARD TO VILLAGERS’ REPRESENTATIONS, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID SOME TOWNS WERE COVERED BY STATUTORY PLANS UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE WHICH PRESCRIBED THE PROCESS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND REPRESENTATION, WHILE OTHERS WERE COVERED BY LAYOUT PLANS WHICH WERE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE.
+BUT WHATEVER THE CASE, THERE WOULD BE CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL LEADERS AND AN EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION DURING THE PROCESS OF SELECTING A PARTICULAR AREA FOR DEVELOPMENT.*
THEREAFTER, HE SAID, DRAFT LAYOUT PLANS ARE DISCUSSED IN GENERAL TERMS WITH RURAL COMMITTEES AND COMMENTS FORWARDED TO THE PLANNING OFFICERS FOR CONSIDERATION.
+WHERE INDIVIDUAL VILLAGES ARE INVOLVED, WHICH MAY HAVE TO
BE MOVED, VILLAGERS AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE INFORMED, PROPOSALS FOR REMOVAL DISCUSSED, AND, SO FAR AS IT IS POSSIBLE, LOCAL VIEWS ON A SITE FOR RE-LOCATION TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT,* HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES ADDED THAT THE RECENT APPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE FORMAL AND EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION ABOUT LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
+D(STRICT OFFICERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO DISCUSS LOCAL PLANS WITH THEIR ADVISORY BOARDS AND TO SEEK THEIR ADVICE,* HE SAID.
/13
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
13
POLICY ON COMPUTERISATION OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON. SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAID TODAY IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO USE COMPUTERS IF PRACTICABLE WHEN THIS WOULD SAVE STAFF COSTS OR PRODUCE QUICKER AND MORE RELIABLE RESULTS.
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. S.L. CHEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DENYS SAID ALL PROPOSALS FOR COMPUTERISATION OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS HAD TO BE APPROVED BY A COMPUTER APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE.
HE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE COMPRISING THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION, THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, ALSO DETERMINED THE PRIORITY TO BE GIVEN IN EACH CASE.
- - 0 - -
REVIEW OF HOUSING POLICIES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING ALL EXISTING POLICIES FOR THE HOUSING OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO DECIDE WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE MODIFIED AND, IF SO, HOW THESE MODIFICATIONS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT.
THE SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. RON BRIDGE SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
MR. BRIDGE SAID VIEWS OF THE MAIN STAFF ASSOCIATIONS HAD BEEN OBTAINED INFORMALLY AND HE EXPECTED THE REVIEW WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.
IN ANSWER TO A POINT RAISED BY MR. CHEONG-LEEN ON A LOAN SCHEME FOR ABOUT 8,000 LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS, WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ANY FORM OF PUBLIC HOUSING OR HOUSING ALLOWANCES, TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN FLATS, MR. BRIDGE SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONSIDER THE LOAN SCHEME TO THESE CIVIL SERVANTS AT PRESENT IN ISOLATION FROM THE TYPE OF ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO OTHER CIVIL SERVANTS.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
14 -
HOUSING AUTHORITY APPOINTS ITS OWN AUDITORS
* * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY APPOINTED ITS OWN AUDITORS UNDER THE HOUSING ORDINANCE AND REVIEWED THE APPOINTMENT ANNUALLY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. WONG LAM, WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD AGREE THAT THE ACCOUNTS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD BE AUDITED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT IN VIEW OF THE VERY HEAVY EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC HOUSING.
MR. SCOTT SAID IT WAS THE CASE THAT VERY LARGE SUMS OF MONEY WERE ALLOCATED TO THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC HOUSING BUT A PRIVATE FIRM OF ACCOUNTANTS HAD CARRIED OUT THE AUDIT TASK SINCE 1954 TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE AUTHORITY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ACCOUNTS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE TABLED ANNUALLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
-----o------
NURSERY IN HOUSING ESTATES
******
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXISTING POLICY OF PROVIDING 1,000 MORE SUBVENTED NURSERY PLACES EACH YEAR, SUFFICIENT ACCOMMODATION MAINLY IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS HAVE BEEN EARMARKED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS IN 1978/79, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. KWAN KO SIU-WAH, MR. LEE SAID THAT THIS WOULD ENSURE THAT RESIDENTS OF THESE NEW ESTATES WHO WERE ELIGIBLE FOR USING SUBVENTED SERVICES WOULD HAVE THE SAME CHANCES OF GETTING THEIR CHILDREN INTO SUBVENTED PLACES AS THOSE IN EXISTING HOUSING ESTATES IN WHICH MOST OF THESE NURSERIES WERE LOCATED.
--------o - _ - _
ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS ON NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN EACH CLASS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ENFORCE THE REGULATIONS SO FAR AS IS PRACTICAL CONCERNING THE PERMISSIBLE NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN EACH CLASS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS ESPECIALLY IN THOSE CLASSES WITH BOUGHT PLACES.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
15
EXPANSION OF DISTRICT COURT JURISDICTION
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CONSIDER THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE DISTRICT COURT TO ENABLE IT TO DEAL WITH PROCEEDINGS OF ANNUAL RENT, RATEABLE VALUE OR ANNUAL VALUE OF UP TO $15,000.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, STATED THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HENRY HU.
AT PRESENT UNDER THE PARTITION ORDINANCE, THE DISTRICT COURT DEALS WITH PROCEEDINGS WHERE THE ANNUAL RENT, RATEABLE VALUE OR ANNUAL VALUE DOES NOT EXCEED $5,000.
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MARRIAGE REGISTRIES *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON. SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAID TODAY THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER OPENING MORE MARRIAGE REGISTRIES ON SUNDAYS IF THERE WAS SUFFICIENT DEMAND TO JUSTIFY IT.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FROM THE HON. ALEX WU WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER KEEPING A MARRIAGE REGISTRY BOTH IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES OPEN ON SUNDAY MORNINGS IN VIEW OF THE GROWING POPULATION AND THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR THIS SERVICE IN THESE AREAS.
AVERAGE TIME FOR ISSUE OF TRAFFIC OFFENCE SUMMONS
******
THE AVERAGE PERIOD BETWEEN THE DATE OF A NON-FIXED PENALTY TRAFFIC OFFENCE AND THE ISSUE OF A SUMMONS WAS ABOUT THREE MONTHS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HOBLEY SAID ACCORDING TO CURRENT FIGURES PROVIDED BY THE POLICE, THE AVERAGE PERIOD BETWEEN THE DATE OF SUCH OFFENCE AND THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF A DEFENDANT IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT WAS ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE AVERAGE PERIOD BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE DATE FIXED FOR THE HEARING WHEN PROCEEDINGS ARE DEFENDED IS ABOUT FIVE MONTHS.
0
/16
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
16
TAX ON NON-PROFIT MAKING CLUBS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT INCREASES IN PROPERTY TAX PAYABLE BY SOME NON-PROFIT-MAKING SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUBS HAVE CAUSED +GRAVE ADVERSE EFFECTS+, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, MR. HADDON-CAVE AGREED THAT THE INCREASES IN THE ASSESSABLE VALUES FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUBS RANGED FROM FIVE TIMES TO A LITTLE OVER 20 TIMES, BUT POINTED OUT THAT THE GENERAL RUN OF INCREASES DID NOT EXCEED 10 TIMES.
+1 MIGHT ADD THAT THE NUMBER OF CLUBS WHICH MAY, AS A RESULT, BE LIABLE FOR TAX AT OVER $100,000 PER ANNUM IS VERY, VERY SMALL INDEED, AND I ONLY KNOW TWO CASES,+ HE SAID.
+AND IT IS, OF COURSE, OPEN TO A CLUB TO OBTAIN EXEMPTION FROM PROPERTY TAX BY ENSURING THAT LESS THAN HALF OF ITS INCOME IS DERIVED FROM VOTING MEMBERS, ALTHOUGH IT WILL THEREBY BECOME LIABLE TO PROFITS TAX FOR IT WILL NO LONGER BE REGARDED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AS A PRIVATE CLUB,+ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO A POSSIBLE MISCONCEPTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT PROPERTY TAX WAS NO LONGER CHARGED ON RATEABLE VALUES.
+SINCE 1976-77 PROPERTY TAX HAS BEEN CHARGED ON QUITE SEPARATE ASSESSABLE VALUES, THAT IS TO SAY, VALUES WHICH, GENERALLY, ARE FIXED IN LINE WITH CURRENT MARKET RENTALS, BUT WHICH ALSO REFLECT THE EFFECTIVE RESTRICTIONS PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED THAT THE REASON FOR THE INCREASES WAS THAT PREVIOUS ASSESSMENTS WERE BASED ON AN OUTDATED RATING FORMULA WHICH HAD NOT BEEN REVISED FOR MANY YEARS.
WITH THE CHANGE-OVER FROM RATEABLE VALUES TO ASSESSABLE VALUES AS THE BASIS FOR PROPERTY TAX, VALUES HAD TO BE CALCULATED ON CURRENT MARKET VALUES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, HE ADDED.
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/17......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
17
AMENDMENT TO MTR PAYMENT GUARANTEES
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ADOPTED A MOTION GRANTING THE GOVERNMENT THE AUTHORITY TO GIVE PAYMENT GUARANTEES TO A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONTRACTOR, SIEMENS, WHOSE WORK FOR THE CORPORATION WILL BE FINANCED THROUGH AKA, A GERMAN CONSORTIUM BANK PROVIDING EXPORT CREDIT FACILITIES.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THE GUARANTEE ITEM TO BE AMENDED ALREADY PROVIDED AUTHORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE PAYMENT GUARANTEE DIRECT TO AKA, BUT THE ORGANISATION WAS UNWILLING TO MAKE FUNDS AVAILABLE UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED A SEPARATE GUARANTEE IN FAVOUR OF CONTRACTORS.
+THIS IS A PURELY TECHNICAL AMENDMENT, AND IT DOES NOT ADD TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES WHICH THIS COUNCIL HAS APPROVED,+ HE SAID.
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GROWING RESPONSE TO TEXTBOOK SEMINAR
******
INTEREST IS MOUNTING IN THE SEMINAR TO BE CONDUCTED THIS SATURDAY (JANUARY 14) BY THE ENGLISH SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON THE CHOICE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS.
MORE THAN 600 HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE REGISTERED SO FAR FOR THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, KOWLOON.
THE SEMINAR IS DESIGNED TO OFFER THEM GUIDANCE IN MAKING THE CORRECT CHOICE OF TEXTBOOKS WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REVISED SYLLABUS AND BE READY IM MAY.
MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE WHICH REVIEWS AND APPROVES BOOKS FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON ALL SUBJECTS, WILL BRIEF THE HEADS ON THE PRINCIPLES GOVERNING TEXTBOOK SELECTION.
THE HEAD OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL INSPECTION TEAM OF THE ENGLISH ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, MR. TONG WAI-KEUNG, WILL OUTLINE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS. THE TALKS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND NOON ON SATURDAY AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1978
18
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FIRE PREVENTION SURVEY IN QUARRY BAY M *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT A FIRE PREVENTION SURVEY ON DOMESTIC PREMISES IN QUARRY BAY TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE OPERATION IS PART OF THE CURRENT FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WHICH IS AIMED AT DRIVING HOME THE AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF FIRE IN THE CROWDED MULTI-STOREY ENVIRONMENT.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE SURVEY WHICH WILL START AT 9 A.M. TOMORROW. YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE ASKED TO REPORT TO THE FIRE SERVICES MOBILE COMMAND UNIT WHICH WILL BE SET UP AT THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND MOUNT PARKER ROAD, QUARRY BAY. DIVISIONAL OFFICER KEN HODGKINS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
AWARD PRESENTATION AT CITY HALL * * * *
AN AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE INTER-SCHOOL PROJECT COMPETITION ON OCEAN PARK ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MR. ARTHUR BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), AND SIR KENNETH FUNG, CHAIRMAN OF OCEAN PARK LTD., WILL SPEAK ON THE OCCASION.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER THE EVENT AT 10.45 A.M. TOMORROW IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL, LOWER BLOCK.
FIVE BILLS PASSED * * *
FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THEY ARE THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1977, AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
TWO OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST READING. THESE ARE THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, AND THE MERCANTILE BANK NOTE ISSUE (REPEAL) BILL 1978.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS SUI-LOONG PAO BUILDING AT CHINESE UNIVERSITY 1
GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN PROMOTING MUTUAL CARE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT .................................................. 3
RECORD NUMBER OF MARRIAGES LAST YEAR ......................... 5
CALL ON AIDED SCHOOLS TO EXPAND SPECIAL EDUCATION ............ 6
OVER 51 MILLION RAISED FOR JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE ............. 7
FIRE INSPECTION IN QUARRY BAY ................................ 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTS FESTIVAL AND +WALK FOR A
MILLION* ..................................................... 8
SPECTATOR STAND TO HAVE RAIN SHELTER ......................... 9
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE’S ANNUAL DINNER .................... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 19'78
1
GOVERNOR OPENS SUI-LOONG PAO BUILDING AT CHINESE UNIVERSITY
******
THP GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WERE GREATLY IN DEBT TO THOSE WHO HAD DONATED TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SUI-LOONG PAO BUILDING AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, SIR MURRAY DESCRIBED THEIR DONATIONS AMOUNTING TO ABOUT S34.5 MILLION AS A +PUBLIC SPIRITED RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.+
HE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY ALL CONCERNED IN ESTABLISHING THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY IN MERE TEN YEARS.
+IT HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS TASK IN WHICH MANY PEOPLE HAVE PLAYED A PART — ARCHITECTS, ADMINISTRATORS, CONTRACTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE’ BUT UNDOUBTEDLY THE MAIN BURDEN HAS FALLEN ON THE UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR HIMSELF,+ HE SAID.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE SUI-LOONG PAO BUILDING:
+MR VICE-CHANCELLOR, DR. PAO, MR PAO SUI-LOONG, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF THE PAO FAMILY WE ARE TODAY CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THIS FINE BUILDING. THIS IS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND TIME TO CONSIDER WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.
+CHUNG CHI COLLEGE HAS BEEN ON THIS SITE SINCE 1956, BUT THE START OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DATES FROM DECEMBER 1967 WHE-N MY PREDECESSOR SIR DAVID TRENCH, PLANTED A TREE TO COMMEMORATE THE EVENT.
+1 SAY PLANTED, BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT IN FACT IT HAD TO BE PUT INA SMALL HOLE CHISELLED OUT OF CRUMBLING ROCK AND GRIT, BECAUSE THE SITE WE ARE NOW STANDING ON WAS THEN A WILDERNESS OF EXPOSED ROCK AND DUST. THAT WAS ALMOST EXACTLY TEN YEARS AND ONE MONTH AGO.
+BY ANY STANDARDS, SINCE THEN THE PROGRESS HAS BEEN REMARKABLE. BY MID-1973, ONLY FIVE AND A HALF YEARS AFTER THAT FIRST CEREMONY, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY WAS ASSEMBLED ON THIS ONE SITE: AND WE ARE NOW LOOKING AT A LARGE MODERN UNIVERSITY SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED IN A MERE TEN YEARS.
+IT HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS TASK IN WHICH VERY MANY PEOPLE HAVE PLAYED A PART - ARCHITECTS, ADMINISTRATORS, CONTRACTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UPGC: BUT UNDOUBTEDLY THE MAIN BURDEN HAS FALLEN ON THE UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR HIMSELF.
/+THE CAPITAL ....
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
- 2
+ THE CAPITAL COST AMOUNTS TO ABOUT S24OM. GOVERNMENT FUNDS ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT $2O5M OF THIS AND PRIVATE FUNDS ABOUT S34.5M - A VERY LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO HAVE BEEN RAISED FROM PRIVATE SOURCES. THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, AND THIS UNIVERSITY ARE GREATLY IN THEIR DEBT FOR SO PUBLIC SPIRITED A RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
+INCLUDED IN THEM IS OF COURSE THE PAO FAMILY REPRESENTED BY MR PAO SUI-LOONG AND HIS SON DR. PAO YUE-KONG WITHOUT WHOSE AID THIS BUILDING COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BUILT AT THIS STAGE. IT WAS ORIGINALLY ENVISAGED THAT THIS WOULD BE PART OF A JOINT PROJECT COMPRISING THREE BUILDINGS BUT THE FINANCIAL RECESSION OF 1975 BROUGHT PLANS TO A HALT. THE PAO FAMILY THEN STEPPED IN AND BY MORE THAN DOUBLING THEIR ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION ENABLED THE PLANS TO BE RE-STARTED AND THE BUILDING COMPLETED.
+THE BUILDING WILL CATER FOR BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH AND, WILL ALSO HOUSE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES FOR THE GRADUATE SCHOOL AND FOR THE EMBRYONIC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.
I AM SURE IT IS A SOURCE OF PARTICULAR SATISFACTION TO ALL OF US THAT THE PMLFAMILY’ SHOULD HAVE ENSURED THAT THIS BUILDING CATERING FOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SHOULD HAVE BEEN OPENED DURING THE VICE-CHANCELLORSHIP OF DR. LI CHOH-MING, WHOSE PERSONAL INTEREST AND PREEMINENCE IN THIS DISCIPLINE ARE OF SUCH WIDE RENOWN.
+IT IS ALSO MOST APPROPRIATE THAT THE TEACHING OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PAO FAMILY AS I SUSPECT FEW HAVE MUCH TO TEACH THEM ABOUT THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. THEIR EXTRAORDINARY CAPACITY FOR HARD WORK, CLEAR THOUGHT AND INTENSE SELF-DISCIPLINE, SHOULD INSPIRE THOSE WHO WORK HERE AND I WISH THEM SIMILAR COMMERCIAL SUCCESS AND FAMILY HAPPINESS.
+MR VICE-CHANCELLOR, MR. PAO, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THE SUI-LOONG PAO BUILDING.+
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
3
MUTUAL CARE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT * M K * * *
SIX GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE PROMOTING COMMUNITY WORK TO BUILD FOR HONG KONG A SOCIETY WHERE THERE IS MUTUAL CARE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE KOWLOON ZONTA CLUB, MR. LEE SAID THAT IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO HELP THE PEOPLE, WHO ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER TO LIVE IN DENSELY POPULATED HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS OR HOUSING ESTATES, TO DEVELOP HEALTHY SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THEMSELVES AND TO LIVE IN HARMONY.
+ IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IS A CARING COMMUNITY IN WHICH THE INDIVIDUALS CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER AND PARTICULARLY CARE FOR THOSE WHO ARE LEAST ABLE TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES.+
MR. LEE NOTED THAT OFFICERS OF THE SIX GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONTRIBUTING DIRECTLY TO COMMUNITY WORK AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL ARE THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE DISTRICT OFFICERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE OFFICERS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
UNDER THE BROAD OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING +MUTUAL CARE AND SOCIAL COHESION,* MR. LEE SAID THAT THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT COULD BE SEEN IN TWO ASPECTS.
+THE FIRST ONE IS TO PROVIDE PHYSICAL FACILITIES FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND SERVICE SUCH AS IN COMMUNITY CENTRES, ESTATE WELFARE BUILDINGS, COMMUNITY HALLS AND YOUTH CENTRES.
+THE SECOND ASPECT IS TO ACHIEVE THE MORE INTANGIBLE GOALS OF DEVELOPING COMMUNITY CAPACITY AND INTEGRATION THROUGH ESTABLISHING FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATIONS AND RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDES.
+THIS WILL SET IN MOTION A SPONTANEOUS PROCESS OF WORKING TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE TO FORM GROUPS AND COMMITTEES ON SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES WHICH AIM AT IMPROVING SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, WHERE A NEED OF IMPROVEMENT IN CERTAIN AREAS HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED,* MR. LEE SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE DIRECTOR ADDED, THERE WERE SEVEN COMMUNITY CENTRES DIRECTLY RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPREAD OVER HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. EIGHT ESTATE WELFARE BUILDINGS AND SIX COMMUNITY HALLS HAD ALSO BEEN PUT UP IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES PROVIDING COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE FOR THE RESIDENTS.
/+TO CC'..CPLcjL. ^2• • • ■ •
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
- 4 -
+T0 COMPLEMENT AND CO-ORDINATE THE COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE OF THESE COMMUNITY CENTRES, ESTATE WELFARE BUILDINGS AND COMMUNITY HALLS, THE DEPARTMENT SET UP IN 1973 ANOTHER NETWORK OF OFFICERS, KNOWN AS THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS SCHEME TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY WORK AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL. NOW THERE ARE TEN COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS IN THE URBAN DISTRICT AND FOUR IN THE NEW' TERRITORIES,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE WORK OF A COMMUNITY WORKER IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR. LEE NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH HE MIGHT HOLD DIFFERENT TITLES SUCH AS WARDENS OF COMMUNITY CENTRES OR COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS, THEIR METHODS OF WORK WERE IN THE MAIN VERY SIMILAR AND WERE BASED ON THE SAME GOALS AND CONCEPTS.
+THE ROLE OF THE WORKER IS THAT OF AN ENABLER AND DEVELOPER. HE ENDEAVOURS TO BUILD UP AND WORK WITH GROUPS FORMED EITHER ON A COMMON INTEREST OR COMMON CONCERN AND HE HELPS TO SUSTAIN AND STRENGTHEN EXISTING COMMUNITY ORIENTATED ORGANISATIONS BY PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE AND SECURING FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
+HE TRIES TO INVOLVE INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS IN COMMITTEES DEALING WITH SPECIFIC PROBLEMS AND WITH THE PARTICIPATIONS OF ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. THE COMMUNITY WORKER PROMOTES OTHER ACTIVITIES LIKE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS, GATHERING AND SHARING INFORMATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL LEADERSHIP.*
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
5
RECORD NUMBER OF MARRIAGES LAST YEAR
******
THE NUMBER OF MARRIAGES REGISTERED LAST YEAR REACHED A RECORD 40,383 - 683 OR 1.7 PER CENT MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 39,700 IN 1976.
ACCORDING TO MARRIAGE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT TODAY THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY RECORDED DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR WHEN 10,728 MARRIAGES WERE CELEBRATED AS COMPARED WITH 9,010 DURING THE SAME PERIOD IN 1976 - A GAIN OF ABOUT 19 PER CENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT JANUARY AND THE FIRST HALF OF FEBRUARY WERE STILL WITHIN THE LUNAR YEAR OF THE DRAGON, THE MOST POPULAR YEAR FOR MARRIAGES AMONGST THE CHINESE.
+ANOTHER MAJOR FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE OVERALL INCREASE IS BELIEVED TO BE THE STRUCTURE OF THE POPULATION WHICH NOW HAS A LARGE NUMBER OF PERSONS WITHIN THE MOST POPULAR AGE GROUPS FOR MARRIAGE -THAT IS FROM 21 TO 24 FOR WOMEN AND 25 TO 29 FOR MEN,+ HE ADDED.
LAST YEAR’S TOTAL ALSO INCLUDED 4,541 MARRIAGES BETWEEN PARTIES PREVIOUSLY MARRIED TO EACH OTHER, GENERALLY BY CHINESE CUSTOMARY CEREMONIES, AS COMPARED WITH 4,098 MARRIAGES OF THIS CATEGORY IN 1976.
EXCLUDING THESE ’RE-MARRIAGES’, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED MARRIAGES INCREASED BY 240 FROM 35,602 TO 35,842.
THE NUMBER OF CHURCH MARRIAGES LAST YEAR FELL BY 426 TO 2,502 AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 2,928 IN 1976.
MOST OF THE REGISTERED MARRIAGES WERE, AS USUAL, CELEBRATED AT THE MARRIAGE REGISTRIES. THE TOTAL OF SUCH MARRIAGES WAS 37,881 -1,109 MORE THAN THE 1976 FIGURE.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, REGISTERED MARRIAGES SHOWED A SLIGHT DECREASE DURING THE YEAR WITH A TOTAL OF 7,871 MARRIAGES CELEBRATED, DOWN BY 369 OR 4.5 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 8,240 IN 1976. THERE ARE NOW FOUR FULL-TIME AND FOUR PART-TIME MARRIAGE REGISTRIES OPERATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TWO PRINCIPAL MARRIAGE REGISTRIES AT THE CITY HALL AND THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES REMAIN THE MOST POPULAR ONES, WITH 35.7 PER CENT OF ALL REGISTRY MARRIAGES CELEBRATED THERE. NEXT WAS THE SAN PO KONG REGISTRY, WHERE 6,858 MARRIAGES TOOK PLACE DURING THE YEAR.
THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY CONTINUED TO OPEN ON SUNDAY MORNINGS DURING THE YEAR AND A TOTAL CF 545 MARRIAGES WERE PERFORMED ON SUNDAYS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN MANY CASES, SUNDAY WAS CHOSEN FOR MARRIAGES BECAUSE IT HAPPENED TO BE A LUCKY DAY IN THE CHINESE CALENDAR WHILE IN OTHER SIMPLY BECAUSE OF CONVENIENCE FOR WORK OR OTHER REASONS. "
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
6
TOPLEY APPEALS TO AIDED SCHOOLS TO EXPAND SPECIAL EDUCATION ******
GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS WILL BE CALLED ON TO PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN EXTENDING SPECIAL EDUCATION TO HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, SAID THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY WHEN HE ADDRESSED HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT ST. PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL, CAUSEWAY BAY.
SPEAKING ON THE +EXPANSION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AT SECONDARY LEVEL+ AT A MEETING ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MR. TOPLEY EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS TO PROVIDE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR ALL --INCLUDING HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
TO PROVIDE MORE PLACES FOR THE HANDICAPPED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO DEPEND ON AIDED SCHOOLS — IN ADDITION TO GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, MR. TOPLEY SAID.
IN PARTICULAR, MR. TOPLEY STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASSISTANCE OF AIDED SCHOOLS IN PROVIDING THE KIND OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SUITABLE FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
TO ACHIEVE THIS END, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD START SPECIAL CLASSES FOR THE PARTIALLY HEARING, PARTIALLY SIGHTED, MALADJUSTED, AND SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
SEMINARS WOULD BE HELD FROM NEXT MONTH FOR PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS OF SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN OPERATING SPECIAL CLASSES FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN SEPTEMBER.
AS AN INCENTIVE, .FULL-TIME SPECIAL CLASS TEACHERS WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR AN ALLOWANCE EQUIVALENT TO ONE INCREMENT ON THEIR SALARY SCALE WHILE UNDERGOING TRAINING. AFTER ONE YEAR IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE THEY WILL RECEIVE ANOTHER INCREMENT.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1973 .
7
NOTE TO EDITORS:
OVER SI MILLION RAISED FOR JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE * * * *
THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE RAISED MORE THAN SI MILLION AS THEIR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COST OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN THIS YEAR.
THE MONEY HAS BEEN DONATED THROUGH FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SILVER JUBILEE FUND NEW TERRITORIES MAIN COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES.
TO MARK THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE FUND-RAISING DRIVE, A PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE OFFICE OF MR. Q.W. LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF HANG SENG BANK BUILDING, 77, DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
- - 0 - -
FIRE INSPECTION IN QUARRY BAY ******
OFFICERS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING INSPECTED MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND FLATS IN TEN DOMESTIC BUILDINGS CHOSEN AT RANDOM IN THE QUARRY BAY AREA.
DURING THE INSPECTION AS PART OF AN INTENSIVE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN, SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS PAID TO THE MEANS OF ESCAPE, INSTALLATION OF METAL GATES AND ROOF-TOP EXITS OF THE BUILDINGS. AS A RESULT, MORE THAN 100 FLATS WERE FOUND TO HAVE SERIOUS OBSTRUCTION, A MAJORITY OF WHICH CONCERNED INSTALLATION OF METAL GATES ACROSS COMMON CORRIDORS. FIRE ABATEMENT NOTICES WILL BE SERVED ON OCCUPANTS OF THESE PREMISES.
SIXTEEN GALLONS OF KEROSENE, WHICH WERE STORED IN EXCESS OF THE LIMIT, WERE SEIZED.
FIRE OFFICERS ALSO FOUND SIX CASES OF ILLEGAL BUILDING ALTERATION AND ONE FACTORY IN DOMESTIC PREMISES WITHOUT A LICENCE. THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THEM.
COMMENTING ON THE SURVEY, DIVISIONAL OFFICER KEN HODGKINS, WHO COMMANDED THE OPERAT ION,SA ID THE SITUATION IN THESE BUILDINGS WAS GENERALLY SATISFACTORY.
+HOWEVER, THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS IN ONE OF THE BUILDINGS APPEAR TO BE DEFECTIVE AND ACTION WILL BE TAKEN TO REMEDY THE SITUATION,* HE ADDED.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
8 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTS FESTIVAL AND +WALK FOR A MILLION* ******
THE SECTION OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST, IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 14) AND JANUARY 21 FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. IN CONNECTION WITH THE REHEARSALS FOR THE 1978 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL.
ON THE GALA OPENING OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL ON JANUARY 23, THE SECTION OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH HARCOURT ROAD AND QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 5.30 P.M. TO 8.30 P.M.
MEANWHILE, IN TSUEN WAN A NUMBER OF ROADS WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 15) FROM 7 A.M. TO ABOUT 2 P.M. FOR THE +WALK FOR A MILLION* EVENT.
THESE ROADS ARE:
* KWOK SHU I ROAD BETWEEN SHING MUN ROAD AND FU UK ROAD-
* SHING MUN ROAD BETWEEN LO WAI VILLAGE AND PINE APPLE DAM (SHING MUN RESERVOIR)”
* TING FUNG STREET- TING KWOK STREET-FU UK ROAD- YAU MA HOM ROAD-
* CHEUNG WING ROAD BETWEEN YAU MA HOM ROAD
AND WO Yl HOP ROAD-
* WO Yl HOP ROAD (NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY) BETWEEN NGON HOM ROAD AND BLOCK 9, LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE-(THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE REROUTED TWO-WAY)-
* ON YUK ROAD- AND
* THE SERVICE ROAD AT 9 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD OUTSIDE THE NEW CHINA ENAMELWARE COMPANY AND THE MEI FUNG INDUSTRIAL COMPANY. (THE BUS STOP FOR ROUTES 53, 51 AND 52 AT THE SERVICE ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-POSITIONED TO THE MAIN ROAD).
AT THE SAME TIME ALL PARKING SPACES IN THESE CLOSED ROADS AND IN THE UNNAMED STREET OPPOSITE THE TSUEN WAN POLICE STATION LEADING TO THE TSUEN WAN TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOL WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED EXCEPT FOR OFFICIAL AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
PARKING SPACES AT TAI HA STREET WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED
AND RESERVED FOR COACHES OF ORGANISED GROUPS TAKING PART IN THE WALK.
/DURING THE .....
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1978
9
DURING THE PERIOD OF THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN, KMB ROUTE 32 WILL BE SUSPENDED AND ROUTE 36 WILL BE DIVERTED TO RUN ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD INSTEAD OF KWOK SHU I ROAD ON BOTH EAST AND WEST BOUND JOURNEYS.
AS LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE +WALK FOR A MILLION*, MOTORISTS IN THE AREA ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN CENTRAL AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICTS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - V -
SPECTATOR STAND TO HAVE RAIN SHELTER
*****
SPECTATORS AT THE EAST STANDS OF THE HONG KONG STADIUM WILL HAVE PROTECTION FROM RAIN AND SUN WHEN IMPROVEMENT WORK ON THE STADIUM IS COMPLETED THIS AUTUMN.
TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
MR. K.M. TSENG, CHIEF ARCHITECT, SAID THE WORK WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STEEL TRUSS ROOF TOGETHER WITH MINOR IMPROVEMENTS.
WORK WOULD BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THAT THE WORK WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH PROGRAMMED FOOTBALL MATCHES AS THE ASSEMBLY OF THE STRUCTURE WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AT A NEARBY CAR PARK.
THE PROJECT WOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE START OF THE NEXT FOOTBALL SEASON.
NOTE TO EDITORS
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE’S ANNUAL DINNER * * *
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL DINNER AT THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 14) AT 8 P.M. TO MARK ITS 27TH ANNIVERSARY.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, WHO IS ALSO THE UNIT CONTROLLER OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE, WILL SPEAK AT THE DINNER AND PRESENT CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 53 OF ITS MEMBERS, AND THE FIRST CLASP TO THE LONG SERVICE MEDAL TO TWO OTHERS.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE SPEECH.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
OVERCROWDING PROBLEM IN PRISONS IMPROVED IN THE PAST YEAR................................................. 1
FIVE MORE TRADES DESIGNATED UNDER APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE ................................................ 2
SOUTH LANTAU ISLAND GAZETTED AS A COUNTRY PARK .......... 4
AMENDED ZONING PLAN FOR WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU PUBLISHED ................................................ 5
SUCCESS OF REHABILITATING PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED DEPENDS ON CONCERTED EFFORTS ............................. 6
WIDER RANGE OF LUCKY CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION ............. 8
MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TO 'WALK FOR A MILLION’ ................................................. 9
NOTICES OF RATEABLE VALUE ................................ 10
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO ATTEND PERFORMANCE BY DANCE CONTEST WINNERS ................................... 10
U.S. INDUSTRIALISTS TO VISIT HONG KONG .................. 11
EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS ................... 11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUM TONG ........................ 12
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT ................. 12
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
1
GOVERNOR INSPECTS PRISONS DEPARTMENT ANNUAL PARADE ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY THERE HAD BEEN A WELCOME RELIEF TO THE PROBLEM OF OVERCROWDING IN PRISONS BROUGHT ABOUT BY AN INCREASE IN ACCOMMODATION AND OVER TEN PER CENT DECREASE IN THE PRISONER POPULATION.
SPEAKING AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL INSPECTION PARADE AT STANLEY, SIR MURRAY SAID THE OPENING OF THE LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE FOR 960 INMATES AND THE NEW BLOCK FOR 70 YOUNG ADULTS AT SHA TSUI WERE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCREASE IN ACCOMMODATION.
HE NOTED THAT THE LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE FOR 260 AND AN EXTENSION TO THE TREATMENT CENTRE AT HEI LING CHAU FOR 200 YOUNG ADDICTS WILL BE OPENED THIS YEAR, AND WORK HAS COMMENCED ON A NEW MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK ON LANTAU ISLAND.
SIR MURRAY INSPECTED THE PARADE AND LATER PRESENTED COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDALS TO 40 PRISON OFFICERS INCLUDING THE COMMISSIONER FOR PRISONS, MR. TOM GARNER.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL INSPECTION PARADE :
+SINCE LAST YEAR’S ANNUAL INSPECTION THERE HAVE BEEN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS. THERE HAS BEEN A WELCOME RELIEF TO THE PROBLEM OF OVERCROWDING IN PRISONS, BROUGHT ABOUT BY AN INCREASE IN CERTIFIED ACCOMMODATION, AND A REDUCTION IN THE PRISONER POPULATION OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT.
+THE OPENING OF THE LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE FOR 960 INMATES AND THE NEW CELL BLOCK FOR 70 YOUNG ADULTS AT SHA TSUI WERE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCREASE IN ACCOMMODATION. ALTHOUGH THE CHATHAM ROAD PRISON IS TO BE GIVEN UP SHORTLY, THE LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE FOR 260 AND AN EXTENSION TO THE TREATMENT CENTRE AT HEI LING CHAU FOR 200 YOUNG ADDICTS WILL BE OPENED LATER THIS YEAR. FOR THE FUTURE - WORK HAS COMMENCED ON A NEW MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK ON LANTAU.
+1 AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THIS VIGOROUS PROGRAMME OF CONSTRUCTION HAS RELIEVED SOME OF THE DAY-TO-DAY PRESSURE ON PRISONS STAFF, AND THAT MORE INTENSIVE STAFF TRAINING IS ADVANCING YOUR ALREADY HIGH STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE. I WELCOME THE NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL UNIT WHICH SHOULD MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.
+THE EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PRISON INDUSTRIES SHOULD NOW GATHER MOMENTUM AS SPECIALIST STAFF ARE SECURED. THIS SHOULD SAVE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND ALSO AID THE REHABILITATION OF PRISONERS.
AIN THE DETENTION.......
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1J, 1978
2
+IN THE DETENTION CENTRE PROGRAMME, A SUCCESS RATE OF OVER 70 PER CENT FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS AFTER RELEASE IS BEING ACHIEVED. THIS IS QUITE REMARKABLE AND A CREDIT TO ALL ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
+YOUR SERVICE HAS A FINE RECORD AND ITS STANDARDS HAVE IMPROVED STEADILY OVER THE YEARS. TODAY, AS A RESULT OF AN AMENDMENT, I AM HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO PRESENT THE COLONIAL SERVICE MEDAL TO A NUMBER OF SENIOR PRISONS OFFICERS, INCLUDING YOUR COMMISSIONER, WHO BY VIRTUE OF THEIR RANK, WERE ONCE INELIGIBLE FOR THIS AWARD.
+l KNOW THAT UNDER YOUR COMMISSIONER ALL WILL STRIVE TO MAINTAIN THE DISCIPLINED, INTEGRATED AND EFFICIENT SERVICE WHICH YOU NOW HAVE. YOUR TURN-OUT AND BEARING TODAY REFLECTS THIS, AND I CONGRATULATE YOU ON IT.
+l WISH THE DEPARTMENT EVERY SUCCESS IN THE YEARS TO COME.+
0 - _
FIVE MORE TRADES DESIGNATED UNDER APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE
******
FIVE MORE TRADES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THESE TRADES, SPECIFIED BY THE GOVERNOR ON THE ADVICE OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, ARE MACHINIST, FITTER, TOOL AND DIE MAKER, ELECTRICIAN, AND INSTRUMENT MECHANIC.
THEY BECOME DESIGNATED TRADES ON FEBRUARY 1, 1978. THIS INCREASES THE NUMBER OF DESIGNATED TRADES UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE FROM 23 TO 28.
THE APPRENTICESHIP PERIOD FOR THESE TRADES IS FOUR YEARS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO PROMOTE APPRENTICE TRAINING IN TRADES WHICH ARE VITAL TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES AND TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER IN THESE TRADES.
HE SAID: + THE DESIGNATION OF THESE TRADES WILL AFFECT THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OF YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGE OF 14 AND 18 YEARS.
+EMPLOYERS ENGAGED I N THESE DESIGNATED TRADES MUST ENTER INTO A VALID CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP WITH YOUNG EMPLOYEE EMPLOYED IN ANY OF THESE TRADES UNLESS HE HAS ALREADY COMPLETED AN APPRENTICESHIP IN THAT TRADE.
/THS CONTRACT OF
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1J, 1978
3
♦THE CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP MUST BE IN THE SPECIFIED FORM AND REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SO THAT THE APPRENTICE WILL BE GIVEN PROPER TRAINING.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, A CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HELP PROTECT THE EMPLOYER FROM LOSING HIS APPRENTICE TO ANOTHER EMPLOYER.+
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, HOWEVER, HAS THE POWER TO GRANT EXEMPTION IN CERTAIN CASES, FOR EXAMPLE, IF HE IS SATISFIED THAT THE YOUNG PERSON HAS UNDERGONE SUFFICIENT TRAINING IN A PARTICULAR TRADE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE ADVISED EMPLOYERS OF YOUNG PERSONS IN THE FIVE ENGINEERING TRADES TO PREPARE THEMSELVES TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE AND TO SIGN CONTRACTS WITH THEIR APPRENTICES.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE OR APPRENTICE TRAINING, OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION WILL BE OBLIGED TO HELP ON TELEPHONE 5-280545 OR 3-219285 OR AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99, QUEENSWAY, WAN CHAI, OR PARIS THEATRE BUILDING, 7, KING FUK STREET, GROUND FLOOR, SAN PO KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SENIOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICER, MR. AU-YEUNG MAN-TAK, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRESS INTERVIEWS ON THE DESIGNATION OF THE FIVE ADDITIONAL TRADES AND EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE. THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MR. AU-YEUNG CAN CONTACT HIM ON TELEPHONE 5-282523 EXT. 23. MR. AU-YEUNG’S OFFICE IS ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF NEW RODNEY BLOCK IN QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
0 -------
/4
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
_ 4 -
COUNTRY PARK FOR LANTAU
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GAZETTED MORE THAN 5,500 HECTARES OF SOUTH LANTAU ISLAND AS A PROPOSED COUNTRY PARK.
THE COUNTRY PARK WILL STRETCH FROM MUI WO (SILVERMINE BAY) TO NEAR Yl 0 IN THE WEST AND WILL BE SOUTH OF THE RIDGELINE BETWEEN SUNSET PEAK AND LANTAU PEAK.
THE AREA OF 5,640 HECTARES INCLUDED 5,536 HECTARES OF RUGGED MOUNTAIN, FOREST PLANTATION AND UNSPOILT COASTLINE OF THE ISLAND. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE AREA IS THE SHEK PIK RESERVOIR, WITH A WATER SURFACE AREA OF 104 HECTARES.
SOUTH LANTAU IS THE TENTH PARK TO BE GAZETTED UNDER THE COUNTRY PARK ORDINANCE. ALREADY DESIGNATED ARE THE TAI PO TOWN SPECIAL AREA, SHING MUN, KAM SHAN, LION ROCK, ABERDEEN AND TAI TAM COUNTRY PARKS. AWAITING DESIGNATION ARE SAI KUNG (EAST AND WEST) AND PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARKS.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED LAST MONTH, THE COUNTRY PARK AUTHORITY PROPOSED TO DESIGNATE 19 COUNTRY PARKS BY 1981.
NOTIFICATION IN THE GAZETTE OF THE PROPOSED SOUTH LANTAU COUNTRY PARK ENABLES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC A PERIOD OF 60 DAYS TO INSPECT THE DRAFT MAP AND EXEMPLARY STATEMENT OF THE AREA, IF NEED BE, TO LODGE OBJECTION WITH THE COUNTRY PARK AUTHORITY BEFORE DESIGNATION OF THE PARK.
THE ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT NO NEW DEVELOPMENT MAY BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN A COUNTRY PARK WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORITY.
- - c -
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
5
ZONING PLAN FOR WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU AMENDED
*****
AN AMENDED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR w'ANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU AREAS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
AMONG THE NINE ZONING AMENDMENTS CONTAINED IN THE NEW DRAFT PLAN IS THE RE-ZONING OF TWO AREAS FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES.
THREE OTHER SITES HAVE BEEN RE-ZONED FROM GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES TO RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE WITHIN GOVERNMENT HOUSING ESTATES.
THE NOTES TO THE PLAN HAVE ALSO BEEN AMENDED TO REMOVE ANOMALIES IN USES AND TO PERMIT CLOSER CONTROL OVER COMMERCIAL USE IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING, WHICH HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO RESIDENTIAL ’A’ AND ’B’ GROUPS.
THE PLAN COVERS 189.6 HECTARES OF LAND, OF WHICH 58.7 HECTARES ARE RESERVED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, 29.3 HECTARES FOR OPEN SPACE AND 27.3 FOR GREENBELT.
A TOTAL OF 30 HECTARES IS EARMARKED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES.
THE AMENDED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UNTIL FEBRUARY 2, AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN, WONG TAI SIN, AND KOWLOON CITY AND AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE ALSO ON SALE AT THE P.W.D.’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING. THE PRICES ARE 55 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $25 FOR A COLOURED ONE.
UNDER A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN CAN SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTIONS BEFORE FEBRUARY 2 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG.
/6
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
6 -
SUCCESS OF REHABILITATING A DISABLED DEPENDS ON CONCERTED EFFORTS *****
THE SUCCESS OF REHABILITATING A PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSON DEPENDS ON THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL STAFF, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE COMMUNITY AND, ABOVE ALL, THE PATIENT HIMSELF.
THIS WAS STATED BY DR. S.F. LAM, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (MEDICAL) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE LIONS CLUB OF KOWLOON CENTRAL THIS EVENING.
HE SAID REHABILITATION OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED EMBODIED THE WHOLE PROCESS OF RESTORING DISABLED PERSONS BACK TO NORMAL LIFE OR AS NEAR TO ONE AS POSSIBLE, AND EACH AND EVERY PARTY CONCERNED HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE PROCESS.
ON THE PART OF THE PATIENT HIMSELF, DR. LAM SAID, THE WILL TO SUCCEED IN THE FACE OF OVERWHELMING ODDS COULD DO MORE THAN ANY FORM OF THERAPY.
+HISTORY IS FULL OF EXAMPLES OF COURAGEOUS MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SURMOUNTED THEIR PHYSICAL HANDICAP AND HA’V'E REHABILITATED THEMSELVES,* HE SAID.
DR. LAM SAID ALTHOUGH REHABILITATION IS THE CONCERN OF ALL DOCTORS, YET IN PRACTICE, NURSES, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS ARE MOST CLOSELY CONCERNED WITH PHYSICAL RECOVERY.
IN ADDITION, SOCIAL WORKERS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS HAVE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION IN CONTINUING CARE AT HOME, AND IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES RESETTLEMENT OR HOUSING OFFICES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OR JOB PLACEMENT STAFF MUST ALSO PLAY THEIR PART.
DR. LAM WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE CONTRIBUTION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAS ALWAYS BEEN INVALUABLE.
+THESE ORGANISATIONS ARE USUALLY THE FIRST TO REACT TO ANY NEED AND ARE MORE SENSITIVE TO WHAT IS LACKING IN THE COMMUNITY, AND CAN AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST AND EVEN PRESSURE TO INFLUENCE LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE NEEDED,* HE SAID.
DR. LAM ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS IN FULL SUPPORT OF REHABILITATION AND THIS IS DEMONSTRATED BY THE ADOPTION NOT TOC LONG AGO OF THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION AND THE SETTING UP OF A REHABILITATION UNIT AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
+THIS CO-ORDINATION AMONGST THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL AVOID FRAGMENTATION AND DUPLICATION OF EFFORTS, ECONOMISE ON RESOURCES, PROVIDE CONTINUITY OF CARE, FEED BACK INFORMATION AND SUPPLY EXPERTISE FOR IMPROVEMENT AND MATERIAL FOR RESEARCH,* HE SAID.
/.THAT IS MORE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1J, 1978
7
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT, SAID DR. LAM, IS THE ATTITUDE OF THE SOCIETY TOWARDS THE DISABLED.
THE SOCIETY MUST BE SYMPATHETIC TOWARDS THEM AND BE READY TO ACCEPT THEM, HE SAID.
DR. LAM POINTED OUT THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR EACH AND EVERY DOCTOR TO ORGANISE A REHABILITATION PROGRAMME FOR EVERY PATIENT OF HIS WHO NEEDS SUCH A SERVICE.
+DOCTORS JUST DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME AND ALSO THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH REMEDIAL STAFF TO GIVE THE CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS ALL THE MANPOWER THEY NEED,+ HE SAID.
IT WOULD THEREFORE SEEM LOGICAL THAT IN A GENERAL HOSPITAL ONE DOCTOR SHOULD ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ORGANISING THE REHABILITATION SERVICES, AND CO-ORDINATING THE WORK OF THE REMEDIAL THERAPISTS WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS SUCH AS THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS, SPEECH THERAPISTS, JOB PLACEMENT OFFICERS, HOUSING OFFICERS AND VOLUNTARY WORKERS, HE SAID.
+THE HOSPITAL REHABILITATION UNIT THROUGH THE DOCTOR MUST FUNCTION AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE HEALTH SERVICES AND THE SOCIAL SERVICES SO THAT REHABILITATION BECOMES ONE CONTINUOUS PROCESS,+ HE SAID.
_____0------
/8
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
- 8 -
WIDER RANGE OF LUCKY CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION *****
MOTORISTS WILL SOON BE ABLE TO +BID+ FOR A MUCH WIDER RANGE OF +LUCKY+ VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS.
AT PRESENT ONLY SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS LISTED IN THE SIXTH SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS ARE CONSIDERED LUCKY AND SOLD BY AUCTION.
OTHER REGISTRATION NUMBERS, THAT IS NON-SCHEDULED NUMBERS. ARE CURRENTLY ALLOCATED IN STRICT SEQUENCE IN THE ORDER OF INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT FREQUENT ENQUIRIES HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FOR REGISTRATION NUMBERS WHICH ARE NOT ON THE LIST OF LUCKY NUMBERS.
HE SAID THAT THE NUMBERS THEY ENQUIRED ABOUT MIGHT HAVE A COMBINATION OF NUMBERS WHICH MEAN LUCK OR PROSPERITY, OR THE NUMBERS MIGHT COINCIDE WITH THEIR HOUSE NUMBERS OR THE MODEL OF THEIR CARS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WAS GENERALLY NOT POSSIBLE TO DECIDE IN ADVANCE WHICH NON-SCHEDULED NUMBERS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED LUCKY AND THEREFORE IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO DEAL WITH THEM UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISIONS REGULATING THE AUCTION OF SCHEDULED NUMBERS.
AMENDING LEGISLATION IS THEREFORE BEING SOUGHT TO ENABLE REGULATIONS TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL EMPOWERING THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO SELL BY AUCTION AT A RESERVE PRICE OF 51,000 NON-SCHEDULED NUMBERS APPLIED FOR OR WHICH THE COMMISSIONER CONSIDERS SUITABLE FOR AUCTION.
ONLY NON-SCHEDULED NUMBERS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ISSUED IN THE ORDINARY MANNER WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR AUCTION.
+UNDER THE PROPOSALS AN APPLICANT WILL HAVE TO DEPOSIT $1,000 WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE NUMBER WILL BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION,+ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
BUT IF THERE
+WHEN THE NUMBER COMES UP FOR AUCTION AND IF THERE IS NO OTHER_ BIDDER THE NUMBER WILL GO TO THE APPLICANT FOR $1,000. BUT IFTHcaz ARE OTHER BIDDERS HE WILL HAVE TO COMPETE WITH THEM FOR THE NUMBEn. IF HE IS UNSUCCESSFUL THE $1,000 DEPOSIT WILL BE RETURNED.+
THE PROCEEDS FROM ALL SALES OF +LUCKY+ REGISTRATION NUMBERS GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND WHICH ARE USED IN SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS.
SINCE MAY 1973, 35 AUCTIONS OF +LUCKY+ NUMBERS HAVE BEEN ORGANIS'D BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WITH THE TOTAL AMOUNT 0, MONcY REALISED SO FAR AT ABOUT S6.3 MILLION.
/9
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
9
MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TO WALK FOR A MILLION
******
ABOUT 500 YOUTHS FROM THE NEWLY FORMED COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) WILL TAKE PART IN THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S WALK FOR A MILLION TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 15).
IT WILL BE THE NEW CLUB’S MEMBERS’ FIRST MAJOR COMMUNITY PROJECT.
THE CYC GROUPS, ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED AS +CLEAN YOUR CITY/ COUNTRYSIDE* GROUPS, HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING TO REDUCE THE LITTER MENACE IN HONG KONG. THEY HAVE NOW EXTENDED THEIR SCOPE TO COVER A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY - ORIENTED ACTIVITIES UNDER A NEW NAME - COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS.
+THEIR ACTIVITIES WILL RANGE FROM ASSISTING THE DISABLED OR OLD PEOPLE TO HELPING DISASTER VICTIMS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CLUB’S ORGANISERS AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
HE ADDED : +WE HOPE THE CYC’S WILL SET AN EXAMPLE ON SUNDAY BY HELPING TO RAISE AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE FOR CHARITY.*
+WE ARE QUITE SURE THEY WILL TAKE THE LEAD IN WALKS LIKE THIS WHENEVER THEY ARE HELD.*
STUDENTS FROM CYC GROUPS IN MORE THAN 10 SCHOOLS, MAINLY IN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT, WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE CHARITY WALK. ALL OF THEM WILL BE WEARING SMART WHITE CAPS BEARING THE DISTINCTIVE RED CYC LOGO.
THE WALK BEGINS AT TAI WO HAU, TSUEN WAN AND FOLLOWS A 14-MILE CIRCUIT. AMONG THE FIRST AWAY FROM THE STARTING POINT WILL BE THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
AMONG THE SCHOOLS TAKING PART WILL BE DON BOSCO TECHNICAL SCHOOL, DAUGHTERS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIAN SIU MING CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL, BETHEL HIGH SCHOOL, NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, BUDDHIST SIN TAK COLLEGE, T3UNG SUN COLLEGE, SAM SHU I BRANCH SCHOOL, LO WAI PUBLIC SCHOOL, LEI MUK SHUE RHENISH CHURCH PRIMARY SCHOOL, BUDDHIST TO Ch I FAT SHE MEMORIAL SCHOOL AND TSANG SHING DISTRICT CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION SCHOOL.
ONE CYC GROUP LEADER FROM DON BOSCO TECHNICAL SCHOOL, MR. HUI SHU I WING SAID TODAY : +.<E ARE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WALK.*
+0F COURSE WE HOPE TO HELP RAISE A LOT OF MONEY TO HELP THE NEEDY AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE PUBLIC HAS HAD A CHANCE TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.*
0 - -
FRIDAY, vAMJARY 1), 1970
10
NOTICES OF RATEABLE VALUE
******
DEPARTMENT
THE RATING AND VALUATION
SENDING NOTICES OF RATEABLE VALUE (FORMS
IS IN THE COURSE OF R4) BY POST TO THE NEW TERRITORIES
RATEPAYERS OF PREMISES IN THOSE PARTS OF WHICH WERE RECENTLY SPECIFIED AS RATING AREAS.
PREMISES IN THESE AREAS WILL BECOME LIABLE FOR RATES WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF SENDING THE NOTICES OF RATEABLE VALUE WAS TO INFORM RATEPAYERS OF THE RATING ASSESSMENTS OF THEIR PROPERTIES. HE SAID s +LEAFLETS EXPLAINING GENERALLY ABOUT RATES, LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT, AND EXEMPTIONS, WILL BE SENT WITH THE NOTICES.
+RATEPAYERS ARE ADVISED TO PAY ATTENTION TO PROCEDURES REGARDING THE MAKING OF PROPOSALS FOR THE ALTERATION OF RATEABLE VALUES, WHICH ARE PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE NOTICES,+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ANYONE, WHO IS IN DOUBT REGARDING THE RATEABLE VALUE ASSESSED FOR HIS PROPERTY OR OTHER ASSOCIATED RATING MATTERS, --------------------------------- ■— VALUATION DEPARTMENT,
MAY MAKE ENQUIRIES AT THE RATING AND 1 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. :
5-249021).
-----0------
TOPLEY TO ATTEND PERFORMANCE BY * * * * *
WINNERS OF DANCE CONTEST *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE, WILL ATTEND A PERFORMANCE BY WINNERS OF THE SEVENTH OPEN DANCE CONTEST AT THE CONCERT HALL, CITY HALL NEXT TUESDAY (JANUARY 17).
AT THE END OF THE PERFORMANCE, MR. AND MRS. TOPLEY WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
THE COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG), THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION WAS HELD LAST DECEMBER.
MORE THAN 1,500 STUDENTS TOOK PART IN THE CONTEST WHICH INCLUDED BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN FOLK AND CLASSICAL DANCES.
TICKETS FOR THE WINNERS PERFORMANCE PRICED AT $5 AND 310 ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE BOOKING OFFICE OF CITY HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE DANCE WINNERS PERFORMANCE AT THE CONCERT HALL, CITY HALL AT 7 P.M. NEXT TUESDAY.
0 - - - -
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1975
11
U.S. INDUSTRIALISTS TO VISIT HONG KONG * * * *
SENIOR EXECUTIVES FROM A NUMBER OF U.S. COMPANIES WILL BE MAKING FAMILIARISATION TRIPS TO HONG KONG OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
THE FIRST GROUP, COMPRISING SEVERAL EXECUTIVES FROM TWO MAJOR AMERICAN COMPANIES, WILL ARRIVE HERE SUNDAY (JANUARY 15) ON A FIVE-DAY VISIT AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.
A FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME HAS BEEN ARRANGED BY THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE THE VISITORS WITH AN OVERALL PICTURE OF HONG KONG, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON ITS INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL.
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. ROY PORTER, WILL GIVE A BRIEFING TO THE VISITORS WHO WILL ALSO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.
IN ADDITION, THE OVERSEAS INDUSTRIALISTS WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND VIEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ESPECIALLY IN THE NEW TOWNS OF TAI PO AND TUEN MUN. THEY WILL ALSO VISIT FACTORIES AND HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH FACTORY MANAGEMENTS ON POSSIBLE INDUSTRIAL JOINT VENTURES.
THE INCOMING MISSION IS PART OF HONG KONG’S CONTINUING PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE OVERSEAS PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL INDUSTRY BY SHOWING LEADING BUSINESSMEN THE MANY ADVANTAGES THAT HONG KONG HAS TO OFFER AS A MANUFACTURING LOCATION.
EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS
*****
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS OFFERING A TWO-YEAR EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS COMMENCING JANUARY 30, 1978. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FROM TEACHERS OR THOSE INTENDING TO TAKE UP PART-TIME TEACHING.
THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN EVENING PART-TIME TEACHERS ENGAGED IN FURTHER EDUCATION OR THOSE WISHING TO TAKE UP EVENING PART-TIME TEACHING. THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO RAISE THE GENERAL STANDARD OF PART-TIME TEACHING IN HONG KONG.
THE COURSE PROVIDES A STUDY OF PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF TEACHING. IN ADDITION TO THEORETICAL STUDIES, EMPHASIS WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON PRACTICAL TEACHING. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES ONE EVENING PER WEEK.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A GOOD COMMAND OF WRITTEN AND SPOKEN ENGLISH AND PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WITH SUITABLE TECHNICAL OR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG FROM SATURDAY (JANUARY 14).
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY JANUARY 21, 1978.
FR IDAY, JANUARY 13, 1978
12
RE-ROUTING OF HOW MING STREET IN KWUN TONG
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 16), HOW MING STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN HOI BUN ROAD AND HUNG TO ROAD.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS INTRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SIGNALISATION OF THE JUNCTION BETWEEN WAI YIP STREET AND HOW MING STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 -
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
******
THE FINAL TWO MATCHES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S WILSON CUP INTER-SECTION MINI-SOCCER TOURNAMENT WILL BE PLAYED AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
THE FIRST OF THE TWO MATCHES, BETWEEN TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND RUMSEY STREET CARPARK, WILL KICK OFF AT 5 P.M.
THE OTHER MATCH,-CITY HALL CAR PARK VERSUS DRIVING TEST SECTION, WILL KICK OFF AT 6 P.M.
THE WILSON CUP, NAMED AFTER THE FORMER COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. BRIAN WILSON, WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FINAL MATCH EY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. PETER LEEDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR REPORTER TO COVER THE TWO MATCHES ON JANUARY 14, AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, STARTING AT 5 P.M.
0
II
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
STAGGERED WORKING HOURS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS .............. 1
HUGE ROOF OF INDOOR STADIUM COMPLETED ................... 2
BIRTHS AND DEATHS STATISTICS ............................ 3
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE PRAISED ....................... 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ..................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1978
1
GOVERNMENT LOOKS INTO STAGGERED WORKING HOURS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS *******
IN A BID TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION DURING PEAK HOURS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF STAGGERING WORKING HOURS AT GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
NORMAL WORKING HOURS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ARE FROM 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. AND STAGGERED HOURS WOULD REQUIRE STAFF TO ARRIVE EARLIER AND LEAVE EARLIER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID MANY DEPARTMENTS HAD ALREADY STAGGERED THEIR WORKING HOURS TO SOME EXTENT.
HE NOTED THAT HEADS OF ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE ASKED LAST NOVEMBER TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF WIDENING THE USE OF STAGGERED WORKING HOURS, BEARING IN MIND THE CONVENIENCE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THEY WERE ASKED ALSO TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THEIR STAFF.
THE FINDINGS SHOW THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, AND THE RATING AND VALUATION WOULD BE ABLE TO EXTEND THE USE OF STAGGERED HOURS IN MOST OF THEIR OFFICES. __________________________—
SOME OTHER DEPARTMENTS WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE GREATER USE OF STAGGERED HOURS TO A LIMITED EXTENT ONLY, WHILE OTHERS ARE NOT ABLE TO MAKE MORE USE OF STAGGERED HOURS FOR OPERATIONAL REASONS.
IN THE DEPARTMENTS WHICH CAN EXTEND STAGGERED HOURS, PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH IMPLEMENTATION WILL NOW BE EXAMINED IN GREATER DETAIL AND FURTHER CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND STAFF BE HELD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO MAKE MORE USE OF STAGGERED HOURS WHENEVER THIS WAS POSSIBLE WITHOUT DETRACTING FROM THE QUALITY OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
+FOR THE LONGER TERM, GOVERNMENT IS STILL CONSIDERING THE POSSIBLE ADVANTAGES OF FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS WHICH ARE BEING INTRODUCED ON A LIMITED SCALE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ HE ADDED.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1978 2 -
HUGE ROOF OF INDOOR STADIUM COMPLETED ******
WORK ON THE HUGE ROOF OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR STADIUM AT HUNG HOM HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
THE ROOF, WEIGHING ABOUT 1,300 TONNES AND MEASURING 10,000 SQUARE METRES, IS BEING LIFTED FROM GROUND LEVEL TO A HEIGHT OF 23 METRES TO REST ON TEMPORARY STEEL TOWERS.
MR. EDWIN WONG, GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SAID THAT THE JACKING PROCESS WOULD TAKE ABOUT 20 DAYS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THAT AFTER THE ROOF WAS RAISED TO THE DESIGNED HEIGHT, THE SPECTATOR STAND AND INTERIOR OF THE STADIUM WOULD BE BUILT BENEATH IT.
+ONCE THIS WORK IS COMPLETED,+ HE SAID, +THE ROOF WILL THEN BE LOWERED ONTO THE CONCRETE RIM OF THE SPECTATOR STAND, AND THE TEMPORARY STEEL TOWERS SUPPORTS CUT AWAY.+
CONSTRUCTION OF THE 12,500-SEAT SPECTATOR STAND WILL TAKE ABOUT 19 MONTHS AND THE WHOLE STADIUM SHOULD BE READY IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1980 WHEN IT WILL BE HANDED OVER TO URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
MR. WONG DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS AN UNUSUAL ENGINEERING FEAT AS THE STADIUM WAS BUILT OVER THE NETWORK OF RAIL TRACKS.
+IN VIEW OF THE SOMEWHAT RESTRICTED SITE, ONLY FOUR MAJOR SUPPORTS FOR THE STADIUM ARE PERMITTED,+ HE SAID.
MR. WONG ADDED THAT THIS PRODUCED COMPLEX BUT INTERESTING ENGINEERING PROBLEMS REQUIRING COMPUTER AIDED STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS WITH TESTS BEING CARRIED OUT ON A MODEL UNDER LABORATORY CONDIT IONS.
THE DESIGN OF THE $88 MILLION STADIUM, WHICH WILL BE IN THE SHAPE OF AN INVERTED PYRAMID, WILL NOT ONLY GIVE HONG KONG ANOTHER AMBITIOUS AND IMPOSING BUILDING ON ITS WATERFRONT BUT WILL ALSO GIVE THE STADIUM AS MUCH OPEN SPACE AS POSSIBLE.
ON COMPLETION, THE STADIUM WILL HAVE FACILITIES FOR EVERYTHING FROM GYMNASTICS AND BASKETBALL MATCHES TO THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES AND MAJOR EXHIBITIONS.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1978 <
5
MORE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTERED LAST YEAR KOK
MORE BIRTHS AND DEATHS WERE REGISTERED LAST YEAR THAN IN 1976, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
THE NUMBER OF BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1977 WAS 78,807 - 2,465 MORE THAN THE 1976 FIGURE, AND THE NUMBER OF DEATHS INCREASED BY 264 TO 23,459.
THE INCREASE IN REGISTERED BIRTHS WAS ABOUT 3.2 PER CENT, AND IT HAD REVERSED THE TREND OF DECREASES IN TWO SUCCESSIVE YEARS OF 1975 AND 1976.
THE LARGEST NUMBER OF BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ANY ONE YEAR WAS IN 1963, WITH 115,263 BIRTHS.
THEREAFTER,THE NUMBER DECLINED EVERY YEAR UNTIL THE DOWNWARD TREND WAS REVERSED IN 1972. AFTER SLIGHT INCREASES IN THREE SUCCESSIVE YEARS, THE NUMBER FELL AGAIN IN 1975 AND 1976.
OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BIRTHS REGISTERED LAST YEAR, 76,868 WERE CHINESE (39,845 MALES AND 37,023 FEMALES) AND 1,939 NON-CHINESE (948 MALES AND 991 FEMALES).
OF THESE 20,321 WERE REGISTERED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 49,766
IN KOWLOON AND 8,720 IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES,REPRESENT I NG
PERCENTAGE INCREASES OF 1.9, 4.4 AND 0.02 RESPECTIVELY AS COMPARED WITH THE 1976 FIGURES.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THE FIGURES WERE IN RESPECT OF REGISTERED BIRTHS ONLY.
HE SAID, +THERE ARE ALWAYS A NUMBER OF BIRTHS EVERY YEAR WHICH ARE NOT REGISTERED BY THE PARENTS AT THE TIME, WITH THE RESULT THAT WHILE THE FIGURES SHOW TRENDS, THEY DO NOT GIVE A COMPLETELY ACCURATE PICTURE.*
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEATHS LAST YEAR COMPRISED 23,160 CHINESE (12,624 MALES AND 10,536 FEMALES) AND 299 NONCHINESE (200 MALES AND 99 FEMALES).
THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR OLD WAS 1,093 AS AGAINST 1,092 IN 1976, WHILE THAT OF INFANTS UNDER ONE WEEK OLD WAS 565 COMPARED WITH 564 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
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A
u
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1978
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE PRAISED * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, SPOKE OF THE REMARKABLE RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT BY_THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE (AMS) IN RENDERING A WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AT ALL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
♦WHENEVER A DISASTER OCCURS OR WHERE THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES ARISES, AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE FOREFRONT IN HELPING VICTIMS OF FIRE AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS,* HE SAID,
DR. THONG, WHO IS ALSO UNIT CONTROLLER OF AMS, WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE SERVICE THIS EVENING TO MARK ITS 27TH ANNIVERSARY.
OVER THE YEARS, HE SAID, AMS HAD GROWN BOTH IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY WITH A PROUD RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT.
THE STRENGTH OF AMS HAS GROWN TO NEARLY 6,000, AND MORE THAN 1,400 MEMBERS HAVE RECEIVED THE CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDAL FOR EFFICIENT AND LOYAL SERVICE AND ANOTHER 20 AWARDED THE FIRST CLASP TO THE LONG SERVICE MEDAL.
+1 AM CONFIDENT THAT TO OLD AND YOUNG MEMBERS ALIKE, I COULD LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND LOYAL SERVICE FOR MANY MORE YEARS TO COME AND THAT AMS WILL NO DOUBT PROGRESS FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH,* HE SAID.
DR. THONG SAID THE PAST YEAR HAD BEEN ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR AS FAR AS DEDICATED SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY BY AMS MEMBERS ARE CONCERNED.
THE MEMBERS HAD RENDERED A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, FROM THE MANNING OF METHADONE CENTRES TO LIFE GUARD DUTIES AT VARIOUS PUBLIC BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS, HE SAID.
THEY HAD-z MANNED AMBULANCES ATTACHED TO THE AMBULANCE DEPOTS OF THE FIRE SERVICES AND PROVIDED FIRST AID COVERAGE AS AND WHEN THE OCCASION AROSE.'
THE AMS HAD SPENT A TOTAL OF 18,003 MAN-HOURS IN PROVIDING ALL THESE SERVICES LAST YEAR.
DR. THONG LATER PRESENTED THE CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 73 AMS MEMBERS AND THE FIRST CLASP TO THE LONG SERVICE MEDAL TO THREE OTHER MEMBERS WHO WERE RECENTLY QUALIFIED FOR THESE AWARDS.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1978
5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT FROM SHU ROAD EASTBOUND WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M.
TODAY THAT VEHICLES WILL KUK STREET INTO KING’S NEXT TUESDAY (JANUARY 17).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CURRENT BAN ON VEHICLES TURNING LEFT FROM SHU KUK STREET INTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE LIFTED.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE PART OF A +L INKED SIGNAL SCHEME* ON KING’S ROAD.
APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - o - -
I
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WEATHER IN 1977 “ DRIEST IN 10 YEARS ......................... 1
HONG KONG TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY TO NOVEMBER, 1977 ........ 3
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT APPOINTS COMPLAINTS OFFICER ........ 8
ADVICE ON SAFE USE OF LPG ON SMALL CRAFT...................... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
1
WEATHER IN 1977 - DRIEST IN 10 YEARS ******
THE YEAR 1977 WAS THE DRIEST IN TEN YEARS, ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S YEARLY WEATHER REVIEW.
A TOTAL OF 1,680 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WHICH REPRESENTED ONLY 77 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE FIGURE.
CONDITIONS WERE EXTREMELY DRY DURING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR, AND THE RAINFALL FOR THE FIVE-MONTH PERIOD ENDING MARCH 1977 AMOUNTED TO ONLY 29.2 MM, WHICH WAS THE LOWEST EVER RECORDED FOR THIS PERIOD.
DURING THE PROLONGED DROUGHT, THERE WERE REPORTS OF LOSSES AMONG FARMERS, FLOWER GROWERS AND FISH BREEDERS. FARM LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE REPORTEDLY ABANDONED DUE TO THE LACK OF WATER AS WELLS AND STREAMS DRIED UP.
THE YEAR AS A WHOLE WAS SUNNIER AND WARMER THAN USUAL. BUT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR WAS MUCH COLDER THAN USUAL.
JANUARY 1977 WAS THE COLDEST JANUARY SINCE 1934, WITH MINIMUM TEMPERATURES BELOW 10 DEGREES CELSIUS RECORDED FOR 18 DAYS. ON JANUARY 5, THE TEMPERATURE FELL TO A MINIMUM OF 6.2 DEGREES CELSIUS, WHICH WAS THE LOWEST RECORDED IN THE YEAR.
DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER, 11 PEOPLE WERE REPORTED TO HAVE DIED IN THE URBAN AREAS. IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, FARMERS REPORTED LOSSES OF PIGLETS AND CHICKENS.
CONDITIONS WERE ALSO VERY DRY IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR, WITH RAINFALL MUCH BELOW AVERAGE. ALTHOUGH MANY FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED IN FEBRUARY, A LARGE NUMBER OF FIRES BROKE OUT BOTH IN BUILDINGS AND IN FOREST AREAS.
DURING MARCH AND APRIL, THE WEATHER WAS SUNNIER AND WARMER THAN USUAL, AND THE RAINFALL WAS VERY MUCH BELOW AVERAGE. THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 73 PER CENT IN MARCH WAS THE LOWEST ON RECORD FOR MARCH WHILE THE MEAN TEMPERATURES IN APRIL WAS THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR APRIL. THERE WAS ALSO A PERIOD OF PERSISTENT AND WIDE-SPREAD FOG ALONG THE COASTAL AREAS ON MARCH 2, WHICH RESULTED IN THE SINKING OF A TRIPLE-DECKER FERRY AFTER COLLIDING WITH A HYDROFOIL NEAR HEI LING CHAU.
THE DRY CONDITIONS CAME TO AN END IN THE MIDDLE OF MAY WHICH WAS THE FIRST MONTH SINCE AUGUST 1976 WITH ABOVE AVERAGE RAINFALL. THE FIRST HALF OF THE MONTH WAS FINE AND SUNNY BUT AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE REMAINED CLOSE TO HONG KONG FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH WHICH WAS CLOUDY WITH FREQUENT HEAVY SHOWERS AND SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS.
/hainpall as.......
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
2
RAINFALL WAS AGAIN BELOW AVERAGE IN THE FOLLOWING THREE MONTHS WHICH WERE MUCH HOTTER THAN USUAL. ON THE AFTERNOON OF AUGUST 24, THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 34.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST RECORDED IN THE YEAR.
TWENTY-ONE TROPICAL CYCLONES WERE REPORTED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE YEAR, AND TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS WERE HOISTED ON EIGHT OCCASIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL WENT UP ON JUNE 16 WHEN TROPICAL STORM RUTH PASSED ABOUT 2OO MILES TO THE EAST OF HONG KONG. IN JULY, STORM SIGNALS WERE HOISTED FOR THREE TROPICAL CYCLONES AND TWO OF THEM CAUSED HEAVY SQUALLY SHOWERS AND STRONG WINDS IN HONG KONG.
THE SIGNALS WERE ALSO HOISTED FOR TROPICAL STORM AMY IN AUGUST.
UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS MONTHS, RAINFALL IN SEPTEMBER WAS ABOUT 50 PER CENT ABOVE AVERAGE. FIVE TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE NORTH-WESTERN PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH AND LOCAL SIGNALS WERE HOISTED FOR THREE OF THEM. TROPICAL STORM CARLA, THE WETTEST TROPICAL CYCLONE OF THE YEAR, PASSED ABOUT 240 MILES SOUTH OF HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 3 AND AS SHE MOVED OVER VIETNAM BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 4 AND 6, AN ACTIVE RAINBAND STAYED NEAR HONG KONG BRINGING 268.4 MM OF RAINFALL.
FROM SEPTEMBER 16 TO 22, TYPHOON DINAH STAYED OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE STANDBY NO. 1 SIGNAL REMAINED HOISTED FOR A RECORD 124 HOURS AND 40 MINUTES. ON SEPTEMBER 24, SEVERE TROPICAL STORM FREDA MOVED RAPIDLY ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND PASSED WITHIN 80 MILES OF HONG KONG.
IT WAS THE ONLY TROPICAL CYCLONE FOR WHICH GALE OR STORM SIGNALS WERE HOISTED DURING THE YEAR. ALTHOUGH NO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS REPORTED, ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND AIR TRAFFIC WERE DISRUPTED AND 37 CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED.
OCTOBER WAS EXCEPTIONALLY WET WITH RAINFALL NEARLY DOUBLE THE AVERAGE FOR THE MONTH AND PARTICULARLY HEAVY RAIN WAS EXPERIENCED ON OCTOBER 26 WITH 51.7 MM OF RAINFALL RECORDED BETWEEN 11 A.M. AND NOON. STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FOR ABOUT NINE HOURS ON OCTOBER 11 BECAUSE OF STRONG EASTERLY WINDS
DUE TO THE PERSISTENCE OF THE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE OVER CHINA, NOVEMBER WAS SUNNIER, SLIGHTLY COOLER AND MUCH DRIER THAN USUAL. THERE WERE ONLY THREE DAYS WITH MEASURABLE RAINFALL AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND THE HUMIDITY WAS VERY LOW.
DECEMBER WAS SUNNY MILD AND DRY. THE MONTH WAS ABOUT TWO DEGREES CELSIUS WARMER THAN USUAL MAKING IT THE WARMEST DECEMBER SINCE 1968.
0---------
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
- 3 -
TRADE FIGURES FOR JAN-NOV 1977
******
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER LAST YEAR ROSE BY 6.4 PER CENT TO $31,427 MILLION COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1976, ACCORDING TO TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
THE FIGURES ALSO SHOWED THAT THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BETWEEN
JANUARY AND NOVEMBER LAST YEAR 343,785 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11.6 PER UP BY 9.1 PER CENT TO CENT TO $8,855 MILLION
AS COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1976.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS MAJOR MARKETS: HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN
JAN.-NOV. 1976 (HK$MN) JAN.-NOV. 1977 (HK$MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
——— - - - - - ——
U.S.A. 10,260 12,284 +2,024 + 19.7%
F.R. OF GERMANY 3,555 3,183 - 372 - 10.5%
UNITED KINGDOM 2,922 2,633 - 289 - 9.9%
JAPAN 1,306 1,270 - 37 - 2.8%
AUSTRALIA 1,261 1,144 - 117 - 9.3%
CANADA 1,291 1,075 - 216 - 16.7%
SINGAPORE 708 • 814 + 106 + 14.9%
NETHERLANDS 658 662 + 4 + 0.6%
SWEDEN 642 538 - 104 - 16.2%
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTE IN 594 515 78 - 13.2%
DESPITE THE CONTINUING DROP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO A NUMBER OF MAJOR MARKETS, SOME SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENTS WERE OBSERVED. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, WEST GERMANY AND JAPAN FELL LESS SHARPLY IN COMPARISON WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF PREVIOUS MONTHS.
THE IMPROVEMENT IN EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM APPEARED TO BE RELATIVELY MORE SIGNIFICANT.
EXPORTS TO OUR LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, THE U.S.A. CONTINUED WITH A REMARKABLE GROWTH RATE OF 19.7%, COMPRISING AN INCREASE OF $655 MILLION (+15.5%) IN CLOTHING, $274 MILLION (+31.7%) IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS, $166 MILLION (+49.1%) IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS AND ALSO S1O7 MILLION (+14.3%) IN TRANSISTORISED RADIOS.
/an analysis .....
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
4
AN ANALYSIS OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS IS PRESENTED BELOW:
JAN.-NOV. 1976 (HK$MN) JAN.-NOV. 1977 (HK$MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (hk$mn) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
CLOTHING MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY 12,981 12,355 — 626 — 4.8%
PLASTIC FLOWERS, TOYS AND DOLLS) ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND 4,384 9 5,456 +1 ,073 ♦ 24.5%
APPLIANCES (MAINLY 3,769 TRANSISTORISED RADIOS AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS) TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND 4,665 + 896 + 23.8%
RELATED PRODUCTS PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING 2,771 2,365 406 14.7%
INSTRUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS. MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURES OF METAL (MAINLY 1,396 • 1,957 + 561 4- 40.2%
HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT OF BASE METALS AND LOCK, PADLOCKS AND KEYS OF BASE METAL) 756 880 + 124 + 16.3%
EXPORTS OF CLOTHING AND TEXTILES CONTINUED TO SHOW A DOWNWARD TREND BUT WITH A MORE MODERATE RATE OF DECLINE THAN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS.
SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF INCREASE WERE REGISTERED IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (+$566 MILLION OR +34.0%), TRANSISTORISED RADIOS (+$249 MILLION OR +14.6%), AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS (+$202 MILLION OR +47.8%).
IN ADDITION. WATCHES AND CLOCKS ALSO DISPLAYED AN ENCOURAGING GROWTH RATE (+$448 MILLION OR +41.8%).
/the changes......
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
- 5 -
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED BELOW :
JAN.-NOV. 1976 (HK3MN) JAN.-NOV. 1977 (HK3MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK3MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAPAN 8,396 10,234 +1,838 + 21.9%
CHINA 6,963 7,222 + 258 + 3.7%
U.S.A. 4,865 5,543 + 678 + 13.9%
TAIWAN 2,753 2,939 + 186 + 6.8%
SINGAPORE 2,296 2,668 + 371 + 16.2%
UNITED KINGDOM 1,678 1,964 + 285 + 17.0%
SOUTH KOREA 1,484 1,503 + 19 + 1.3%
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,197 1,309 + 112 + 9.4%
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTE IN 1,021 1,147 + 126 + 12.4%
AUSTRALIA 849 883 + 34 + 4.0%
IMPORTS FROM JAPAN ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 21.9%. MAJOR INCREASES OCCURRED IN BOTH CAPITAL AND CONSUMER GOODS, OF WHICH PROMINENT ITEMS ARE TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+3351 MILLION OR +119.9%), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+3332 MILLION OR +61.8%), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (+3196 MILLION OR +16.7%), MACHINERY, OTHER THAN ELECTRIC (+3195 MILLION OR +23.7%), AND IRON AND STEEL (+.3120 MILLION OR +17.4%).
SUPPLIES FROM CHINA RECORDED A GAIN OF 3.7% WITH MAJOR INCREASES IN PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (+3158 MILLION OR +58.0%) AND CLOTHING (+3123 MILLION OR +41.5%).
DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN FOODSTUFFS — CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (-348 MILLION), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (-332 MILLION) AND FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS (-325 MILLION).
INCREASES OF IMPORTS OF TEXTILE FIBRES (+3298 MILLION OR +103.1%) AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+3254 MILLION OR +800.6%) FROM THE UNITED STATES ACCOUNTED MAINLY FOR A MODERATE 13.9% INCREASE IN IMPORTS.
/the following .....
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1976
6
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS :
JAN.-NOV. 1976 (HKSMN) JAN.-NOV. 1977 (HK$MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, AND DIAMONDS) 12,158 13,036 + 878 ♦ 7.2%
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 6,953 8,377 +1,424 ♦ 20.5%
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS 6,009 6,525 + 516 + 8.6%
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS) 4,538 5,893 +1,354 + 29.8%
CHEMICALS 3,121 3,267 + 147 + 4.7%
CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE EXCEPT FUELS (MAINLY TEXTILE FIBRES) 3^062 2,952 - 110 — 3.6%
STRENGTHENED DOMESTIC DEMAND FOR CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS WAS EVIDENT FROM AN INCREASE OF 3661 MILLION OR +98.8$ IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND ANOTHER OF 3587 MILLION OR +15.0% IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES.
IN ADDITION, IMPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS WENT UP BY 3521 MILLION OR +36.2%, PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 3Y 3329 MILLION OR +13.9%.
RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN DECLINED FURTHER BY 12.2% OR $168 MILLION THIS WAS OFFSET BY INCREASES OF RE-EXPORTS TO INDONESIA (+S298 MILLION OR +46.0%) AND SINGAPORE (+9111 MILLION OR +13.3%).
/COI.l'ODITISS ......
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
- 7 -
COMMODITIES REGISTERING FAVOURABLE GROWTH RATES INCLUDED ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (+$167 MILLION OR +29.3%), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+$112 MILLION OR +66.4%), MACHINERY, OTHER THAN ELECTRIC (+$104 MILLION OR +23.5%) AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+$94 MILLION OR +125.8%).
THE TRADE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER, 1977 WERE AS FOLLOWS:
VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX (1973-100)
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 179 134 133
IMPORTS 177 135 131
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (I.E. EXPORT PRICES OVER IMPORT
PRICES) FOR OCTOBER WAS 99.
(NOTE: ALL VALUES WERE ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST MILLION DOLLAR.)
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/8
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
- 8 -
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT APPOINTS COMPLAINTS OFFICER * * X * * *
A SENIOR ASSESSOR OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, MR. LING MAN-WAI, HAS BEEN APPOINTED COMPLAINTS OFFICER TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN ADDITIONAL MEANS OF LODGING COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT.
ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE MR. R.V. GIDDY SAID MR. LING WILL START HANDLING COMPLAINTS TOMORROW (MONDAY) CONCERNING INCIVILITY, DELAYS AND INEFFICIENCY.
BUT COMPLAINTS RELATING TO THE CORRECTNESS OF ASSESSMENTS AND THE LAW ITSELF WILL NOT BE HANDLED BY THE COMPLAINTS OFFICER.
MR. GIDDY SAID: +THERE ARE ALREADY ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS, BOTH LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TO ENSURE THAT OBJECTIONS AGAINST ASSESSMENTS ARE PROPERLY PROCESSED UNTIL EITHER THE OBJECTION IS WITHDRAWN OR A FORMAL DECISION IS ISSUED BY ME.+
+MY FUNCTION IS TO ADMINISTER THE LAW AND NOT TO MAKE IT,+ HE ADDED.
TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM EFFECT, THE PUBLIC ARE ASKED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES TO THE SERVICE OF THE COMPLAINTS OFFICER ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN SATISFACTION FROM THE OFFICER HANDLING THE CASE OR HIS IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR.
MR. GIDDY FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT COMPLAINTS, REQUESTS AND ENQUIRIES SHOULD NOT BE DIRECTED TO THE COMPLAINTS OFFICER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE BECAUSE IN THE GREAT MAJORITY OF CASES PROBLEMS MIGHT BE QUICKLY AND READILY RESOLVED WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE COMPLAINTS OFFICER.
HOWEVER, IF THE COMPLA I NTS HAVE NOT BEEN DEALT WITH TO THE TAXPAYER’S SATISFACTION, HE CAN TELEPHONE THE COMPLAINTS OFFICER AT 5-245858, 5-247878 OR WRITE TO G.P.O. BOX 11234, HONG KONG.
ALL COMPLAINTS MADE TO THE COMPLAINTS OFFICER MUST INCLUDE COMPLETE DETAILS TO ENABLE A FULL INVESTIGATION TO BE CARRIED OUT.
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/?
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1978
- 9 -
PAMPHLETS ON SAFE USE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GA’S ON SMALL CRAFT * * * K
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED TWO INFORMATIVE PAMPHLETS ON THE SAFE USE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) ON BOARD SMALL CRAFT FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION.
THE TWO LEAFLETS ARE +ADVICE ON THE SAFE_U.SE J1F LPG ON PLEASURE CRAFT+ IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AND +ADVICE ON THE SAFE USE OF LPG ON FISHING BOATS. SMALL CRAFT, CARGO VESSELS AND MECHANISED JUNKS+ IN CHINESE.THEY LIST ALL THE SAFETY RULES ON INSTALLATION. USE AND MAINTENANCE <0F LPG ON SMALL CRAFT, WITH ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS.
THE TWO PAMPHLETS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM MARINE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES IN CENTRAL, YAU MA TEI, SHAU KEI WAN, ABERDEEN, CHEUNG CHAU, CASTLE PEAK, TAI PO AND SAI KUNG.
IN ADDITION, LPG SUPPLIERS WILL HAVE COPIES OF BOTH PAMPHLETS AVAILABLE AT THEIR VARIOUS MARINE AGENCIES.
THE LEAFLETS FOR PLEASURE CRAFT WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED BY LOCAL BOATING ASSOCIATIONS TO THEIR MEMBERS, -•r-
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID: +LWEFIED PETROLEUM GAS IS INCREASINGLY USED BY THOSE WHO DERIVE THEIR LIVELIHOOD FROM MARINE ACTIVITY AND BY THOSE WHO USE BOATS FOR RECREATION.+
+ IT IS ESSENTIAL .THAT ALL THOSE WHO USE THIS FORM ,OF FUEL SHOULD HAVE A KNOWLEDGE OF ITS NATURE AND PROPER USE,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED ALL THOSE WHO USE LPG ON SMALL CRAFT TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE PAMPHLET, TO BE CONVERSANT WITH ITS CONTENTS, AND TO DISPLAY IT PROMINENTLY ON THE BOAT IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY OF ALL CONCERNED. “
o
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1978 «
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR STRESSES NEED TO MAINTAIN HK’S GROWTH ....... 1
BRITISH EXPERT TO HEAD PWD’S GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE . 3
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL.............. 4
LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT OPENS BRANCH OFFICE ............. 4
PATHOLOGY BUILDING MARKS PROGRESS OF GOVERNMENT’S MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT .......................................... 6
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO OPEN CHILD CARE CENTRE . 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1978
1
GOVERNOR STRESSES NEED TO MAINTAIN HK’S GROWTH
* * K K
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY STRESSED THE NEED TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S GROWTH BY +ANY MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL*, INCLUDING TRADING UP, AND DIVERSIFYING AND BROADENING OUR INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC BASE.
SIR MURRAY EMPHASISED THIS NEED BECAUSE +THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN ONE OF UNCERTAINTY FOR THE TRADING SECTOR AND SEEN A MARKED LURCH TO PROTECTIONISM IN SOME OF OUR MAJOR MARKETS.*
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE 9TH ANNUAL +GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR HONG KONG DESIGN* AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, SIR MURRAY SAID: +IN THIS SITUATION THE IMPROVEMENT OF DESIGN PROMOTED BY THE HONG KONG DESIGN COUNCIL CAN HELP A GREAT DEAL,* SIR MURRAY OBSERVED.
HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCTS, AND SAID INDUSTRIALISTS WERE AWARE OF THE NEED TO ACHIEVE THIS IN ORDER TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF SIR MURRAY’S SPEECH:
+ONCE AGAIN WE ARE GATHERED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EFFORTS OF OUR INDUSTRIALISTS TO ADVANCE THE QUALITY AND DESIGN OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS AND TO IMPROVE OUR IMAGE OVERSEAS.
+THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN ONE OF UNCERTAINTY FOR THE TRADING SECTOR AND SEEN A MARKED LURCH TO PROTECTIONISM IN SOME OF OUR MAJOR MARKETS. THIS HAS EMPHASISED THE NEED TO MAINTAIN GROWTH BY ANY MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL, INCLUDING TRADING UP, AND DIVERSIFYING AND BROADENING OUR INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC BASE.
*IN THIS SITUATION THE IMPROVEMENT OF DESIGN PROMOTED BY THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL CAN HELP A GREAT DEAL.
*OVER THE TEN YEARS OF THE COUNCIL’S OPERATION, HONG KONG HAS SUCCESSFULLY MOVED AWAY FROM PRODUCING ONLY TO BUYERS’ SPECIFICATION, AND NOW MANUFACTURES ORIGINAL PRODUCTS, WHICH INCREASINGLY COMMAND THE RESPECT OF BUYERS ON THEIR OWN MERIT. MANY LOCALLY-DESIGNED PRODUCTS ARE HOLDING THEIR OWN IN THE MOST INDUSTRIALLY ADVANCED COUNTRIES. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE OF OUR GROWTH INDUSTRIES SUCH AS ELECTRONICS AND OPTICAL GOODS.
♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCTS. INDUSTRIALISTS ARE AWARE OF THE NEED TO ACHIEVE THIS IN ORDER TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE. MY VISITS TO FACTORIES HAVE ALSO BROUGHT HOME TO ME HOW MANY YOUNG PEOPLE FROM OUR UNIVERSITIES, THE POLYTECHNIC AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE JOINING THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND THAT MANY HAVE ALREADY MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN DESIGN AND ENGINEERING. WE SHALL NO DOUBT SEE MORE GOODS WITH GOOD, ORIGINAL DESIGNS AS INDUSTRIALISTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TALENT OF OUR YOUTH.
/+I RATHER .....
MONDAY, JANUAfiY 16, 1978
2 -
+1 RATHER LIKE MR. WU’S IDEA OF 'BUY HONG KONG’- THOUGH I’M GLAD THAT HE DOESN’T ADVOCATE GOING AS FAR AS OTHERS HAVE. RAISING A TARIFF WALL BEHIND WHICH TO CONSTRUCT IMPORTS — SUBSTITUTION INDUSTRIES IS A POLICY WITH PITFALLS. IF ANYONE SUFFERS IT’S ALWAYS THE CONSUMER.
+THE FIRST ESSENTIAL WOULD BE THAT MORE LOCAL MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO SELL IN HONG KONG. THE FEW WHO HAVE WORKED AT DEVELOPING LOCAL RETAIL SALES HAVE SHOWN THAT IT CAN BE DONE AND CAN BE PROFITABLE, AND CAN MAKE A WELCOME CONTRIBUTION TO THEIR PRODUCTION FLOW
+LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE NAME OF THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S GOVERNOR’S AWARD IS CASSIA ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS LIMITED, AND THE WINNING PRODUCT IS A TRAVELLING DIGITAL ALARM CLOCK. THE JUDGES WERE OF THE OPINION THAT THE QUALITY OF THIS ITEM WOULD CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TO HONG KONG’S DESIGN REPUTATION IN OVERSEAS MARKETS, AND THAT ITS LIGHT WEIGHT, GOOD FINISH AND STREAMLINED DESIGN COMBINE TO MAKE IT AN IDEAL TRAVELLER’S TIME-KEEPER.
+1 CONGRATULATE CASSIA ELECTRONIC AND WISH THEM SUCCESSFUL SALES OF THIS EXCELLENT PRODUCT.
♦ AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN ASKING THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CASSIA ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS LIMITED, TO COME FORWARD TO RECEIVE THE TROPHY.+
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MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1978
- 3
BRITISH EXPERT TO HEAD PWD’S GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS APPOINTED A BRITISH CONSULTANT WITH MORE THAN 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN SOIL MECHANICS AND FOUNDATION ENGINEERING TO HEAD ITS GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE.
HE IS MR. STANLEY RODIN WHO BEFORE COMING HERE WAS DIRECTOR FOR GENERAL TECHNICAL SERVICES OF WIMPEY LABORATORIES IN BRITAIN.
HE WILL BE TAKING OVER FROM MR. BRYAN O’RORKE WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING UP THE NEW OFFICE LAST YEAR.
MR. RODIN HOLDS A FIRST-CLASS HONOURS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE FROM LONDON UNIVERSITY AND A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. HE IS A FELLOW OF THE BRITISH INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS AND ALSO OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.
MR. RODIN BRINGS TO THE P.W.D. A WEALTH OF EXPERTISE HE HAS GAINED OVER THE YEARS’ WORKING ON MAJOR CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING PROJECTS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
FOLLOWING THE ABERFAN DISASTER IN WALES IN 1966 HE WAS APPOINTED BY THE NATIONAL COAL BOARD AS CONSULTANT ON COLLIERY SPOIL TIPS AND WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THEIR CODE OF PRACTICE AND FOR DEVISING A COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMME ON SPOIL TIP MATERIALS AND DESIGN.
OTHER PROJECTS WITH WHICH MR. RODIN HAD BEEN CONNECTED INCLUDE A REFINERY IN ADEN, DAMS IN BRAZIL, SUDAN, SOUTH AFRICA, SCOTLAND, TURKEY, AUSTRALIA AND ICELAND, THE LANCASHIRE-YORKSHIRE MOTORWAY AND THE MEDWAY BRIDGE IN BRITAIN.
IN ADDITION, MR. RODIN IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF MANY TECHNICAL PAPERS, ONE OF WHICH +PRESSURE OF CONCRETE ON FORMWORK+ HAS BECOME THE STANDARD REFERENCE FOR THE SUBJECT.
MR. RODIN IS MARRIED AND HAS A SON AND A DAUGHTER.
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/4
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1978
4
NOTE TO EDITORS:
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE $68 MILLION SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL AT 3 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 18).
THE 1,400-METRE TUNNEL AIMS TO IMPROVE ROAD COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN.
SIR MURRAY WILL FIRST UNVEIL A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO DECLARE THE SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL OPENED. HE WILL THEN TOUR THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING BEFORE DEPARTING BY WAY OF THE NEW TUNNEL.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. TWO VANS, AM2080 AND AM2O81, WILL LEAVE THE CAR PARK OUTSIDE THE RECEPTION OFFICE AT MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT 2 P.M. SHARP ON WEDNESDAY.
OFFICERS OF THE P.W.D.’S PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
- 0 -
LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT OPENS BRANCH OFFICE
******
THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN A BRANCH OFFICE IN KOWLOON ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 18) TO COPE WITH ITS INCREASING WORKLOAD AND TO MAKE ITS SERVICE MORE READILY AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE LIVING IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NEW OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH AND NINTH FLOORS OF RITZ BUILDING, 625 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, WILL HANDLE ALL TYPES OF APPLICATIONS FOR AID IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.
THESE WILL INCLUDE CASES ARISING OUT OF TRAFFIC OR INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS’ CASES IN RELATION TO FAMILY LAW COVERING DIVORCE, SEPARATION, MAINTENANCE, CHILD CUSTODY AND WARDSHIP- WAGE CLAIMS-BANKRUPTCY- COMPANY WINDING-UP- ADMIRALTY- WORKMEN’S COMPENSATIONLANDLORD AND TENANT MATTERS AND BREACH OF CONTRACT.
APPLICATIONS FOR AID IN CRIMINAL CASES WILL CONTINUE TO BE DEALT WITH IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEAD OFFICE ON THE 18TH FLOOR OF SINCERE BUILDING, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, AND APPLICANTS WHO ARE IN CUSTODY WILL CONTINUE TO BE ASSISTED IN MAKING THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR AID THROUGH CO-OPERATION OF PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
/THS BRANCH
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1978
5
THE BRANCH OFFICE’S HOURS OF WORK WILL BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 5.30 P.M. ON MONDAYS TO THURSDAYS, 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON FRIDAYS AND 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON SATURDAYS. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 3-302241 (TEN LINES).
THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID, MR. D. O’R. MAYNE, SAID THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE IS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THOSE LIVING IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HOPED THAT +SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE SO THAT RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL HAVE EVEN MORE CONVENIENT FACILITIES FOR SEEKING LEGAL AID NEARER TO THEIR HOMES.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT MEMBERS OF PUBLIC WHO LIVE OR WORK IN KOWLOON OR THE NEW TERRITORIES DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO GO TO THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE AND THEY HAVE A CHOICE OF CONDUCTING THEIR LEGAL MATTERS EITHER AT THE HEAD OFFICE OR AT THE KOWLOON OFFICE.
+BUT ONCE A FILE HAS BEEN OPENED, LITIGANTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO CONDUCT THEIR LITIGIOUS MATTERS IN THAT OFFICE UNLESS THEIR CASE IS REFERRED BY MY STAFF TO ANOTHER OFFICE,* HE ADDED.
MR. MAYNE ALSO ASSURED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE THE SAME STANDARD OF SERVICE IN THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE AS IS AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEAD OFFICE.
HE SAID THAT IF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE UNABLE TO SEEK LEGAL AID DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO SEE THEM OUTSIDE THESE HOURS.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN TRAVELLING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES EITHER BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR INJURY MR. MAYNE SAID HIS OFFICERS WOULD CONTINUE TO VISIT THEM AT HOME OR IN HOSPITAL IF THEY WILL CONTACT HIS DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY AT 5-457036 EXT. 224.
THE WORKLOAD OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN JANUARY 1967.
IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED ABOUT 1,200 CIVIL CASES AND LAST YEAR IT DEALT WITH MORE THAN 7,300 CASES IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS - MORE THAN FIVE TIMES OF THAT IN 1967. IN 1977 THE DEPARTMENT ALSO HANDLED 1,389 CRIMINAL CASES OF VARIOUS KINDS.
THE NUMBER OF CIVIL CASES HANDLED LAST YEAR REPRESENTED A 43 PER CENT INCREASE AS AGAINST THAT IN 1976 AND THIS WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTED TO THE RAISE OF THE CEILINGS IN MEANS TEST ON JUNE 1, 1977 WHEN THE MAXIMUM DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR A PERSON ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID WAS INCREASED FROM $700 TO $1,000 A MONTH AND THE DISPOSABLE CAPITAL FROM $4,000 TO $10,000.
MR. MAYNE EMPHASISED THAT THE LEGISLATION USES THE PHRASES ♦DISPOSABLE INCOME* AND +DISPOSABLE CAPITAL* WHICH MEANS THE INCOME AND CAPITAL ARRIVED AT AFTER STATUTORY DEDUCTIONS. +IN OTHER WORDS, PERSONS WITH REAL INCOMES AND CAPITAL OF FAR MORE THAN $1,000 PER MONTH AND $10,000 CAPITAL RESPECTIVELY VERY OFTEN QUALIFY FOR LEGAL AID.*
Monday, January 16, 1978
6
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, ABOUT 42,000 PEOPLE HAVE SOUGHT AID FROM THE DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF CIVIL CASES AND THE TOTAL VALUE OF DAMAGES RECOVERED FOR AIDED PERSONS AMOUNTED TO MANY TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
THE SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE EXTENDED IN JANUARY 1970 TO COVER CRIMINAL TRIALS IN THE HIGH COURT AND APPEAL CASES GENERALLY. THEY WERE FURTHER EXPANDED IN APRIL 1973 TO COVER MOST CASES TRIED IN DISTRICT COURTS. MORE THAN 7,000 PEOPLE HAVE APPROACHED THE DEPARTMENT FOR AID IN CRIMINAL CASES SINCE JAjU/APY 1970.
PATHOLOGY BUILDING MARKS PROGRESS OF GOVERNMENT MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S 10-YEAR MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAS TAKEN ANOTHER BIG STRIDE FORWARD WtTH THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN 11-STOREY CLLN4CAC PATHOLOGY BUILDING AT KWONG. WAH HOSPITAL.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, TODAY PERFORMED THE EARTH-BREAKING CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE HUGE MEDICAL COMPLEX.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE BUILDING WILL HOUSE A LARGE NUMBER OF RESEARCH AND THERAPY UNITS, SUCH AS X-RAY DEPARTMENT-, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT, PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT, ORTHOPAEDIC WARD, CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY UNIT, BACTERIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY UNIT AND BLOOD TESTING UNIT.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, DR. THONG SAID THE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING WAS THE LATEST PRODUCT OF THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE . SUCCESSIVE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP AND THE GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE BUILDING WAS ONE OF THE PROJECTS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S 10-YEAR MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
+WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL PROVIDE A MUCH LARGER ACCOMMODATION AND GREATER RANGE OF VARIOUS SERVICES WHICH WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE FACILITIES OF KWONG WAH HOSPITAL AND ENABLE IT TO PLAY THE FULL ROLE OF A REGIONAL HOSPITAL,* HE SAID.
DR. THONG SAID THAT DUE TO THE SIZE AND COMPLEX NATURE OF THE PROJECT, CONSIDERABLE TIME HAD BEEN SPENT IN ITS PLANNING.
THE LATEST ESTIMATED COST OF THE PROJECT WAS $17 MILLION, 80 PER CENT OF WHICH WAS TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE BALANCE TO BE RAISED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP, HE SAID.
DR. THONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE PAST AND PRESENT BOARDS OF DIRECTORS FOR THEIR UNCEASING EFFORTS IN GETTING THE PROJECT FINALLY UNDERWAY.
0 - -
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1978
- 7 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO OPEN CHILD CARE CENTRE
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST SELF-SUPPORTING AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING CHILD CARE CENTRE IN HONG KONG AT NOON TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE TUNG WAH SELF-SUPPORTING DAY NURSERY, OPERATED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, IS SITUATED AT 12-22, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, TUNG HEY LAU, FIRST FLOOR, FLAT A, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER MR. LEE’S SPEECH.
COPIES OF MR. LEE’S SPEECH IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM G.I.S. PRESS BOXES LATER TOMORROW AFTERNOON.
--------o -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEED FOR MORE SELF-SUPPORTING AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING NURSERIES ................................................. 1
HONG KONG JURY LIST ....................................... 2
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO ATTEND GALA FILM PREMIERE .. 3
LICENSING OF FISHING VESSELS ............................. 3
PRESENTATION OF NEW BOOK AT MAN MO TEMPLE ................. 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHA TIN AND TSIM SHA TSUI ......... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1978
1
NEED FOR MORE SELF-SUPPORTING AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING NURSERIES ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY URGED VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS TO SET UP MORE SELF-SUPPORTING AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING CHILD CARE CENTRES TO CATER FOR CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES WHICH CANNOT AFFORD THE HIGH FEES OF THE PRIVATE NURSERIES AND ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED ONES.
MR. LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUNG WAH SELF-SUPPORTING DAY NURSERY - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE FROM JUNE 1, 1977, A DEMAND IN THIS SERVICE WAS CREATED BY THE CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF GROSSLY SUBSTANDARD NURSERIES AND THE REDUCTION OF CAPACITY OF SOME CENTRES IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS.
+TO MAKE UP FOR THIS SHORTFALL, THE GOVERNMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXISTING POLICY WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUBSIDISED NURSERY PLACES AT THE RATE OF 1,000 PER YEAR, AND AT THE SAME TIME CONTINUE TO OFFER SUPPORT TO THE EXISTING SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES FOR CHILDREN COMING FROM FAMILIES WHOSE INCOME IS BELOW THE PRESCRIBED LEVEL.+
FOR CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES IN THE HIGHER INCOME BRACKET, MR. LEE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGED VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS TO SET UP NON-SUBVENTED, NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND SELF-SUPPORTING NURSERIES WITH GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND ONLY TO COVER INITIAL CAPITAL COST.
+THESE NURSERIES WILL RELY ON FEES PAID BY PARENTS TO MEET THE RUNNING COST.+
TURNING TO THE 101 SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES RUN BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, MR. LEE SAID THAT $17 MILLION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR FINANCING THEIR OPERATION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
+MOREOVER, AN ESTIMATED SI.65 MILLION FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND HAS ALSO BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF THESE CENTRES. IN OTHER WORDS, MORE THAN $18 MILLION WILL BE SPENT THIS YEAR TO SUPPORT ABOUT 10,300 SUBVENTED NURSERY PLACES, OR AN AVERAGE OF $150 PER CHILD PER MONTH.+
THIS SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF PUBLIC FUNDS, MR. LEE NOTED, WAS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO AID THOSE FAMILIES WHO WERE IN NEED OF CHILD CARE SERVICE BUT COULD NOT AFFORD THE HIGH FEES IN PRIVATE NURSERIES.
+HOWEVER, AS EXPERIENCE REVEALS, A NUMBER OF CHILDREN CURRENTLY OCCUPYING SUBVENTED PLACES COME FROM FAMILIES WITH INCOME LEVEL HIGHER THAN THE SET CRITERIA.
/♦IN ORDER TO ENSURE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1978
- 2
+ IN ORDER TO ENSURE A FAIR SPREAD OF WELFARE BENEFITS, AND TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THE NEEDY FAMILIES TO ENJOY THE SUBSIDISED SERVICE, THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING THE PRESENT POLICY ON CHILD CARE SERVICE AND IN CONNECTION WITH SUBVENTION GRANTED TO THEM.
+SUBJECT TO DETAILED RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION, THE WORKING GROUP ON DAY NURSERIES SET UP LAST YEAR WOULD SOON COME UP WITH PROPOSALS, WHICH MIGHT INCLUDE A CHANGE OF THE ADMISSION CRITERIA TO MAKE THEM MORE REALISTIC AND A REASONABLE INCREASE IN FEES FOR THOSE PARENTS WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY MORE,+ HE SAID.
----o------
HONG KONG JURY LIST
******
THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR. SIMON HERBERT MAYO HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WOULD BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD NEAR THE LIFT INSIDE THE SOUTHWEST ENTRANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING ON JANUARY 23.
THE 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 SUCH NOTICE.
THE REGISTRAR SHALL IN NAME ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL,
HIS DISCRETION, POST OR REMOVE SUCH IF NECESSARY, ALTER THE LIST.
----o------
/3
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1978
5 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO ATTEND GALA FILM PREMIERE
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN WILL ATTEND THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG 1977/78 RAFFLE DRAW AND THE GALA PREMIERE OF THE FILM +STAR WARS* TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE OCEAN THEATRE, KOWLOON.
THE RAFFLE DRAW AND GALA FILM PREMIERE IS PART OF THE DRIVE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR A TRAINING BUNGALOW TO BE BUILT AT THE SCOUT TRAINING CENTRE AT TUNG TSE, NEW TERRITORIES.
MRS. WALDEN WILL DRAW THE RAFFLE TICKETS AND THE FILM WILL BE SHOWN AFTERWARDS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT TOMORROW AT 9.30 P.M. AT THE OCEAN THEATRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
0
LICENSING OF FISHING VESSELS
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CARRY OUT LICENSING OF FISHING VESSELS OPERATING IN JUNK BAY,’ HANG HAU, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY.
TO MAKE IT CONVENIENT FOR THE FISHERMEN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WOULD SEND A LICENSING TEAM ON ITS DEPARTMENTAL VESSEL TO JUNK BAY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON JANUARY 23 AND 25.
HE SAID DURING THESE THREE DAYS, THE'TEAM WILL OPERATE AT HANG HAU FROM 9.30 A.M. TO NOON, AND AT RENNIE’S MILL PUBLIC LANDING AREA FROM 2 P.M. TO 3.30 P.M.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED THE FISHERMEN TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FOR THE LICENSING OR RE-LICENSING OF THEIR VESSELS.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1978
PRESENTATION OF NEW BOOK AT MAN MO TEMPLE * * * * *
REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL TEMPLES WILL RECEIVE COPIES OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOK, +THIS IS HONG KONG: TEMPLES+ AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT MAN MO TEMPLE, HOLLYWOOD ROAD ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 20) AT 3 P.M.
THE AUTHOR, MRS. JOYCE SAVIDGE, DURING THE COURSE OF WRITING THE BOOK, RECEIVED INVALUABLE ADVICE AND HELP FROM THE VARIOUS TEMPLES SHE VISITED.
THE BOOK, PRICED AT HK$20 A COPY, IS THE FIRST IN A NEW SERIES OF PUBLICATIONS UNDER THE GENERAL TITLE OF +THIS IS HONG KONG.+ IT IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AND ALL LEADING BOOK SHOPS.
THE MAN MO TEMPLE, ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TEMPLES IN HONG KONG, HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE PRESENTATION BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, WHICH LOOKS AFTER IT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE BOOK PRESENTATION AT MAN MO TEMPLE, HOLLYWOOD ROAD ON JANUARY 20 AT 3 P.M.
TELEVISION CREWS MAY ARRIVE AT 2.30 P.M. TO FILM THE TEMPLE SCENES BEFORE THE CEREMONY, IF NECESSARY.
THE AUTHOR, MRS. JOYCE SAVIDGE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER ANY PRESS ENQUIRIES.
/5
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1978
5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHA TIN AND TSIM SHA TSUI * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) UNTIL JUNE THIS YEAR, TRAFFIC ON TAI PO ROAD NEAR HO TUNG LAU WILL BE DIVERTED TO A REVISED ALIGNMENT TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRUNK ROAD ADJACENT TO THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE.
THE REVISED ALIGNMENT IS TO THE SOUTH OF THE EXISTING TAI PO ROAD AND IT INCORPORATES A NEW LEVEL CROSSING WITH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY REPLACING THE PRESENT ONE AT HO TUNG LAU.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M.
SATURDAY (JANUARY 21), THE SECTION OF CARNARVON ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND BRISTOL AVENUE WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM THE PRESENT ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, MODY ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND BRISTOL AVENUE WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY EASTEOUND.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-------o---------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL ................ 1
SITE IN SHA TIN TO BE DEVELOPED FOR RECREATIONAL USES . 2
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO VISIT HOSPITAL .............. 3
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS’ PASSING OUT PARADE ................ 3
BOOKLET ON PLOVER COVE ON SALE .......................... 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TAI KOK TSUI .................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1978
1
GOVERNOR OPENS SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, EMPHASISED TODAY THAT IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS WAS THE ESSENTIAL CONDITION FOR THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF NEW TOWNS AND BOTH OLD AND NEW COMMUNITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL, SIR MURRAY DESCRIBED IT AS +THE MOST SPECTACULAR AND SYMBOLIC+ PART OF A NEW COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM THAT BY 1983 WILL SERVE 600,000 RESIDENTS.
+OUR NORTH-EAST IS AN AREA OF GREAT BEAUTY AND GREAT POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND FOR RECREATION® THIS IS ITS GATEWAY, AND THROUGH IT INCREASED WEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY WILL FLOW,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
+ IT MUST BE OUR TASK TO ENSURE THAT THESE BENEFIT ORIGINAL INHABITANTS AND NEW RESIDENTS ALIKE, AND THAT THEY ENABLE NEW COMMUNITIES TO GROW AND PROSPER IN NEW AND ATTRACTIVE CONDITIONS UNTHOUGHT OF IN THE 5O’S AND 60’3 WHEN CONGESTED URBAN AREAS WERE BUILT UP,* HE ADDED.
THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COASTAL EXTENSION OF THE HIGHWAY FROM SHA TIN TO TAI PO THAT WILL START THIS YEAR AND THE PROGRESSIVE DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE RAILWAY.
SIR MURRAY THANKED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THEIR ENGINEERS CONTRACTORS AND WORKMEN FOR THEIR EXPERTISE AND ENERGY IN BUILDING THE TUNNEL AND ITS ACCOMPANYING WORKS WHICH OPENED UP FOR ALL OF US +THESE NEW AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES*.
EARLIER, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, SAID IN HIS SPEECH WELCOMING THE GOVERNOR THAT THE NEW TUNNEL +REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT STAGE IN THE PLAN FOR A MULTI-LANE HIGHWAY LINKING KOWLOON WITH SHA TIN AND THE REST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
HE SAID THAT THE TUNNEL, WHICH IS SOME 1,400 METRES-LONG AND ACCOMMODATES GAS AND WATER PIPES AS WELL AS A TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, WAS CONSTRUCTED AT A COST OF S68 MILLION AND TOOK OVER FOUR YEARS TO COMPLETE.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE NEW TUNNEL WAS
HANDED OVER TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND OPENED TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE THE FIRST TUNNEL WOULD EE CLOSED TO ALLOW ALTERATION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT LATER THIS YEAR, BOTH TUNNELS WOULD BE I SERVICE AND THEY WOULD PROVIDE A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE ROAD COMMUN ICATIONS.
AFTER UNVEILING THE PLAQUE, THE GOVERNOR WENT ON A TOUR OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING ACCOMPANIED BY MR. IAN MACPHERSON, COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT® MR. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF P.W.D.® MR. DAVID STEAD, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT OF P.W.D. AND MR. STAN BARDEN, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1978
2
SITE FOR ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO DEVELOP AN AREA NORTH OF SHING MUN RIVER IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN TO PROVIDE SITES FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, INCLUDING A RECREATION GROUND AND A DISTRICT OPEN SPACE.
THE SITE FORMATION IS PART OF AN 380 MILLION DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, WHICH INCLUDES ROADWORKS AND DRAINAGE, FOR THE DISTRICT’S NEW TOWN CENTRE AREA. IT IS NEAR ANOTHER SITE TO BE FORMED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE MONTHS TIME BY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTORS AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID TODAY THE PROJECT WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE AMENITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE FAST-GROWING POPULATION IN SHA TIN.
+IT HAS BEEN PLANNED AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH WILL SEE THE NEW TOWN TRANSFORMED INTO A BALANCED, SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY OF HALF A MILLION PEOPLE BY MID-1983’S,+ HE SAID.
TO FACILITATE SITE FORMATION WORK, WOULD RESUME ABOUT 27,260 SQUARE METRES TO THE NORTH OF THE SHING MUN RIVER.
A THREE MONTHS’ NOTICE OF THE LAND IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LAST WEEK.
HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT OF AGR(CULTURAL LAND
RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED
AS THE LAND TO EE RESUMED LIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF THE NEW TOWN, THE OWNERS OF THE AGRICULTURAL LAND WILL BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVE OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS OR CASH COMPENSATION.
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL BAMBOOS, IRRIGATION PIPES
PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, AND FENCES,* HE SAID.
+CULTIVATORS WILL EE GIVEN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES WHILE DISPLACED PIG-BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS WILL RECEIVE EX-GRATIA DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE, TOGETHER WITH +TUN FU+ CEREMONIAL FEES.*
HE SAID NO BUILDING LAND WOULD EE INVOLVED IN THE RESUMPTION, BUT 156 DOMESTIC TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, MOSTLY ON PRIVATE LAND, WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED.
+ELIGIBLE FAMILIES WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN SHA TIN WHILE THOSE FOUND NOT ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN THE DISTRICT.
+GENUINE CULTIVATOR-FAMILIES, WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING BUT OPT FOR A RESITE OUTSIDE THE LAYOUT TO CONTINUE FARMING WILL BE OFFERED AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $5,033 PER FAMILY BUT WILL FORFEIT THEIR PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING,* HE SAID.
0--------
/5......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1978
3
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO VISIT HOSPITAL
******
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) VISIT THE SANDY BAY CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL MANAGED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
MR. WALDEN WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY MR. WILSON CHEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS' THE DIRECTORS OF THE GROUP AND MR. WILLIAM YAP, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN).
THE SANDY BAY CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL HAS A TOTAL OF 503 BEDS MAINLY FOR PATIENTS TRANSFERRED FROM QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
IT HAS A NUMBER OF UNITS, INCLUDING MEDICAL, .SURGERY, PAEDIATRIC, GYNAECOLOGY, ORTHOPAEDIC, RADIOTHERAPY AND THORACIC.
THE RUNNING COST OF THE HOSPITAL IS MAINLY FINANCED BY GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS’ VISIT. THE DIRECTOR WILL ARRIVE AT THE SANDY BAY CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, SANDY BAY ROAD AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW.
0 - -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS PASSING OUT PARADE
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 20) AT 9.30 A.M. AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR. LEUNG TAT-SHING, a ILL INSPECT THE PARADE AND ADDRESS THE GRADUATES.
MORE THAN 40 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1978
BOOKLET ON PLOVER COVE * * * *
A FULL-COLOUR BOOKLET ON PLOVER COVE, HONG KONG’S FIRST RESERVOIR FROM THE SEA, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THE 16-PAGE BOOKLET, AT 54 EACH, IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF THREE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S BOOKLETS ON WATER PROJECTS.
THE OTHER TWO ARE ON LOK ON PAI DESALTING PLANT AND HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO EE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, RECALLED THAT THE IDEA OF CONVERTING SEA INLETS INTO FRESH-WATER RESERVOIRS BY DAMMING THE INLET CAME FROM HIS PREDECESSOR, THE LATE MR. T.O. MORGAN, WHEN HE WAS SWIMMING IN TOLO HARBOUR SOME 20 YEARS AGO.
HE SAID THAT THE BOOKLET -- WHICH IS VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED EY COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS AND DIAGRAMS — GAVE THE HISTORY OF PLOVER COVE, DETAILS OF DIFFERENT STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION AND PROBLEMS WHICH HAD TO EE OVERCOME IN THE COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION.
THE BOOKLET IS THE FIRST PUBLISHED EY THE P.W.D. FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE WHOLE PROJECT.
TWO OTHER COLOUR BOOKLETS ON PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR WERE PRODUCED DURING ITS VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION.
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TAI KOK TSUI
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM ID A.M. ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 20), THE SECTION OF TUNG CHAU STREET BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH WILLOW STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHWEST BOUND TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
ALONG WITH THIS TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING, MAPLE STREET BETWEEN TUNG CHAU STREET AND BEDFORD ROAD WILL EE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHWEST BOUND AND BEDFORD ROAD BETWEEN WALNUT STREET AND TAI KOK TSUI ROAD RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHWEST BOUND.
NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC IN TUNG CHAU STREET TRAVELLING TO TAI KOK TSUI ROAD WILL EE DIVERTED VIA MAPLE STREET AND BEDFORD ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO ASS 1ST MOTOR ISTS.
PR 33 4000033
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
H 3'8 SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF SECOND LION ROCK TDM'EL OK 1b JANUARY, 197%
* * ♦ #
It is a great pleasure to me to have been asked to open this tunnel.
The growth and prosperity of new towns and both old and n v communities in the New Territories depend on many things, but the essential condition is inproved communications. Hence the importance of this new four lane highway from Kowloon to Shatin that will open snortly, and the construction of a coastal extension of the highway from Shatin to Tai Po that will start this year. Hence also the importance of the progressive double tracking of the railway.
tunnel is only part of this r.e.7 communications system, that by 1983 win serve 600,000 residents, but it is the most spectacular part and it is symbolic. Cur north-east is an area of great beauty and great potential for development and for rec. • tion: this is its gateway, and through it increased wealth and opportunity will flow. It must ■e our task to ensure that these benefit original inhabitants and new residents alike, and that they enable new communities to grow and prosper in new and attractive conditions unthought of in the 50s when the congested urban areas were built up.
We are all grateful for the expertise and energy of the Public Works Department and their engineers, contractors an' workmen who nave built this tunnel and its accompanying works, and thus or nee. up or all of us these new and exciting opportunities.
It is with the greatest pleasure there-ore that I sclare this seconc Lion keck Tunnel open.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG NEEDS MASSIVE EXPANSION OF EDUCATION -SAYS GOVERNOR ............................................. 1
MR. JOHN SLIMMING TO SUCCEED MR. RICHARD LAI AS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES ................................... 3
OVER 100 DISABLED FOUND JOBS DURING THE LAST THREE MONTHS 3
COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS PRESENTATION .............................................. 4
NEW OFFICES FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION ................................................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1978
1
HK NEEDS MASSIVE EXPANSION OF EDUCATION - SAYS GOVERNOR ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY HONG KONG NOW NEEDS A MASSIVE EXPANSION OF EDUCATION QUICKLY WHICH IS BOTH SOCIALLY RIGHT AND ECONOMICALLY IMPERATIVE.
+TO SUCCEED, WE ALSO NEED TO WORK FOR A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN ACADEMIC AND PRACTICAL EDUCATION IN OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS,+ SIR MURRAY SAID AT THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GREAT CHALLENGE FOR EDUCATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD IS THE SETTING OF +SOL IDLY PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS THAT CAN AND MUST BE ATTAINED BY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PUPILS AND THOUSANDS OF TEACHERS FROM AVERAGE BACKGROUNDS. + '---'■---
+THANKS IN LARGE PART TO THE EFFORTS OF SCHOOL AND VOLUNTARY BODIES SUCH AS YOURS, HONG KONG HAS AN ENVIABLE RECORD IN EDUCATION AND A FIRM BASIS ON WHICH TO BE BUILT,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL:
+1 AM HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN INVITED TO THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF YOUR SCHOOL AS A GRANT-IN-AID SCHOOL AND TO OPEN THE EXHIBITION WHICH IS BEING PREPARED BY THE GIRLS. ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF CONGENIAL CO-OPERATION WITH GOVERNMENT CERTAINLY IS AN OCCASION WORTH CELEBRATING, AND I OFFER THE SCHOOL AND EVERYONE CONNECTED WITH IT MY WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES.
+ONE OF THE EXCITING THINGS ABOUT HONG KONG IS THAT THE UNAVOIDABLE DEFICIENCIES OF YESTERDAY, AND THE INSISTENT DEMANDS OF TOMORROW REQUIRE US ALWAYS TO BE IN A HURRY TODAY. WE MUST LIVE -EXHILARATINGLY - UNDER PRESSURE, AND IN A STATE OF PROGRESS AND CHANGE. IMMOBILITY OF THOUGHT OR STRUCTURE MAY NOT BE WRONG BUT SHOULD CONSTANTLY BE QUESTIONED -THAT IS WHAT EDUCATION IS ALL ABOUT - AND I AM SURE THAT NOT EVEN SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTION AS THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL WOULD WISH TO REST ON ITS LAURELS.
+WE HAVE ENTERED AN ERA OF SECONDARY EDUCATION WITHOUT FEES FOR ALL. IT IS OBVIOUSLY HIGHLY DESIRABLE, BUT LESS OBVIOUSLY IT DOES INVOLVE COMPLICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS.
+1 LOOK TO SCHOOLS SUCH AS THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL AND BODIES SUCH AS THE SHENG KUNG HUI TO PLUNGE INTO THIS NEW AND DEMANDING ENTERPRISE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH THE REST OF THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY.
+IN PARTICULAR I LOOK FOR THE SETTING OF STANDARDS' I DO NOT MEAN THE KIND OF STANDARDS THAT CAN ONLY BE ATTAINED BY A COMBINATION OF EXCEPTIONALLY GIFTED TEACHERS AND OUTSTANDINGLY ABLE PUPILS FROM WEALTHY AND SCHOLARLY HOMES' I MEAN SOLIDLY PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS THAT CAN AND MUST BE ATTAINED BY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PUPILS AND THOUSANDS OF TEACHERS FROM AVERAGE BACKGROUNDS.
/+ THIS IS THE GREAT .....
- 2 -
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1978
+THIS IS THE GREAT CHALLENGE OF THE YEARS AHEAD. THANKS IN LARGE PART TO THE EFFORTS OF SCHOOL AND VOLUNTARY BODIES SUCH AS YOURS, HONG KONG HAS AN ENVIABLE RECORD IN EDUCATION AND A FIRM BAS I ON WHICH TO BUILD. WE NOW NEED A MASSIVE EXPANSION, AND WE NEED IT QUICKLY - THIS IS BOTH SOCIALLY RIGHT AND ECONOMICALLY IMPERATIVE.
+TO SUCCEED WE ALSO NEED TO WORK FOR A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN ACADEMIC AND PRACTICAL EDUCATION IN OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL DOES A PARTICULARLY FINE JOB HERE BY STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL SUBJECTS LIKE MUSIC, ART AND DOMESTIC SCIENCE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME MAINTAINING AN ADMIRABLE STANDARD ON ACADEMIC SUBJECTS.
+EDUCATION IS NOT ONLY THE ACQUISITION OF PARTICULAR SKILLS BUT THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF A STUDENT’S ABILITY TO DEVELOP SKILLS AND TO UNDERSTAND HIS OR HER OWN POTENTIAL. SO THE WIDER AND BETTER BALANCED THE CURRICULUM THE GREATER THE CHANCE OF STRIKING IN EACH STUDENT A CHORD OF SPECIAL INTEREST OR SELF-KNOWLEDGE.
+THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH DEDICATED AND ABLE PRINCIPALS AND STAFF AND HAS DEVELOPED A TRADITION WHICH IS WELL-KNOWN THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND OF WHICH IT CAN JUSTLY EE PROUD. I AM PARTICULARLY GLAD TO SAY THIS IN THE PRESENCE OF MRS SYMONS WHO HAS MADE SUCH A NOTABLE PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THIS SCHOOL, JUST AS SHE HAS MADE SUCH A CONTRIBUTION IN THE WIDER SPHERE OF GOVERNMENT. I AM SURE THAT WITH SUCH A NOTABLE TRADITION EEHIND YOU AND SUCH WISE GUIDANCE TO LEAD YOU, THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL WILL MAKE THE SAME HIGH CONTRIBUTION IN THE NEW ERA OF EDUCATION INTO WHICH WE ARE ENTERING AS IT HAS DONE DURING THE LAST ONE HUNDRED YEARS WE ARE HERE TO COMMEMORATE.
+IN THIS VENTURE, I WISH YOU ALL POSSIBLE SUCCESS.+
o --------
/3
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1978
- 3 -
MR. JOHN SLIMMING TO SUCCEED MR. RICHARD LAI AS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR. RICHARD LAI MING, WILL LEAVE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN JUNE 1978 ON LEAVE PRIOR TO RETIREMENT. HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. J.D. SLIMMING, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, WHOSE PROMOTION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.
MR. SLIMMING, AGED 50, IS AT PRESENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES. HE FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS A SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER IN AUGUST 1968. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER IN MARCH 1973 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN JULY 1974.
MR. LAI IS AGED 57. HE HAS BEEN 16 YEARS IN THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVING SERVED SUCCESSIVELY AS A PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER FROM 1962, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER FROM 1972, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES IN 1973 AND AS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES IN 1976. MR. LAI IS MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN.
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OVER 100 DISABLED FOUND JOBS DURING LAST QUARTER
* * * * * i THE JOE PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND JOBS FOR OVER 100 DISABLED PEOPLE DURING THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
AMONG THOSE PLACED TO WORK WERE 13 BLIND, 22 DEAF, 50 PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, 10 EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AND NINE MENTAL RETARDATES.
MOST OF THEM ARE ENGAGED IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FIELDS AS TYPISTS, CLERKS, LIFT OPERATORS AND MESSENGERS, WHILE OTHERS ARE EMPLOYED AS ASSEMBLERS, MACHINE SEWING WORKERS, THREAD-CUTTERS AND MACHI NE OPERATORS.
THEY ARE EITHER PAID ON A MONTHLY RATE AVERAGED AT 3650 OR AT A DAILY RATE RANGING FROM $18 TO $26, WITH ONE GETTING A DAILY WAGE OF $80.
0
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1978
- 4 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS PRESENTATION *****
MORE THAN 80 SERVING AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS FROM THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. M.K. LANE, AT A CEREMONY AT HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 21).
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 9 A.M. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD MEET SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR. H.F. CHUI, AT THE HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION NOT LATER THAN 8.45 A.M.
NEW OFFICES FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION ******
THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS MOVING ITS OFFICES FROM BONAVENTURE HOUSE TO THE NEARBY LEIGHTON CENTRE.
STUDENTS SEEKING ADVICE FROM THE SECTION SHOULD GO TO ROOM 1522, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, FROM NEXT MONDAY.
THE NEW OFFICE IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE SECTION’S INCREASING ACTIVITIES AND PROVIDES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, AN INTERVIEW ROOM AND A READING AREA FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS.
THE SECTION, HEADED BY A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, ASSISTS STUDENTS PLANNING STUDIES ABROAD, BY ADVISING THEM ON THE COURSES AVAILABLE, THE TYPES OF INSTITUTES, AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR THE OVERSEAS CENTRES.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF OFFICERS IN THE SECTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER : MISS ALICE S.K. YAU 5-793968
EDUCATION OFFICERS
MR. C.K. LAU 5-778725
(GENERAL OFFICE)
MRS. C. WONG, MISS Y.H. WONG 5-793869
(ENQUIRIES)
MR. K.M. LAU, MRS. CHUNG LEUNG-SIU 5~793877 (ENQUIR IES)
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PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Thursday, January 19, 1978
Speech By Governor At Centenary Celebrations Of Diocesan Girls* School ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
The following is the full text of the speech by the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, at the Centenary Celebrations of the Diocesan Girls' School today:
I am honoured to have been invited to the Centenary Celebrations of your school as a grant-in-aid school and to ouen the exhibition which is being prepared by the girls. One hundred ye; rs of con *enial co-eperation with Government certainly is an occasion worth celebrating, nd I offer the school anh everyone connected with it my war* ast congratulations and best "irhes.
One of the exciting things about Hong Kony is that rho unavoidable deficiencies of yesterday, and the insistent demands of tomorrow require us always to be in a hurry today. V/e must live - exhilaratingly - under pressure, and in a state of progress and change. Immobility of thought or structure may not be wrong but should constantly be questioned - that is what education is all about - and I am sure that not eV .-n such a prestigious institution as the Diocesan Girls’ School would wish to rest on its laurels.
/"He have entered.....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
We have entered an era of secondary education without fees for all. It is obviously desirable, 'out less obviously it does involve complications and . justments. I look to schools such as tee 10c Girls’ School and bodies such as the Sheng Kung Hui to plunge into this new and demanding enterprise wholeheartedly with the re t 01 the ed> cational community. In particular I look for the setting of standards; I do not mean the kind of standards that can only be attained by a combination of exceptionally gifted teachers and outstandingly able pupils from wealthy and scholarly homes; I mean solidly professional standards that can and must be attained by millions of pupils and thousands of teachers from average backgrounds. This is the great challenge of the years ahead. Thanks in large part to the efforts of school and voluntary bodies such as yours, Hong Kong has an enviable record in educt tier ano a firm basis on which to build. We now need a massive expansion, and we need it quickly - this is both socially right and economically imperative.
To succeed we alsc need to wori: for a good balance between academic and practice! c <-,c tion in our secondary scioole. he Jiocesan Girls' School does a particularly fin job here by stressing the importance of practical ,-ubjects like music, art and domestic science, ut t t-.a same time maintaining an admirable standard on academic su: ._ c Education is not only the acquisition of particular skills but the encouragement of a student's ability to develo; skills and to understand his or her own potential. So the wider and better balanced the curriculum the greater the chance of striking in each student a chord of special interest or self-knowledge•
/The Diocesan
3
The Diocesan Girls’ School has been blessed with dedicated and able Principals and staff and has developed a tradition which is well-known throughout Hon5 F.ong and of which it can justly be proud. I am particularly glad to say this in the presence of Mrs. Symons who has made such a notable pe. on 1 contribution to this school, just as she has made such a contribution in the wider sphere of Government. I am sure that with such a notable tradition behind you and such wise guidance to lead you, the Diocesan Girls’ School will make the same high contribution in the new era of education into which we are moving as it has done during the last one hundred years we are here to commemorate.
In this venture, I wish you all possible success.
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PRH 7
IgisI liiSfel
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
—— RRPIRWlF- ■
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WORKERS IN FISHING AND FARMING INDUSTRIES ................................................. 1
U.S. EXPERT TO ADVISE ON INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN ................................................... 2
THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING READING HABITS ............... 3
TENDERS FOR ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS ........................ 4
AMS GRAND PARADE ON LANTAU ................................. 5
GRADUATION OF CAS RECRUITS ................................. 6
NEW OFFICES FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION ............... 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG AND WONG TA I SIN....... 7
FIRING PRACTICE ............................................ 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1973
1
SCHOLARSHIPS PROPOSED FOR WORKERS IN FISHING AND FARMING INDUSTRIES ******
YOUNG PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG MAY SOON BE ABLE TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION THROUGH THE PROPOSED TWO NEW SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE PROPOSALS FOR THE TWO FUNDS ARE CONTAINED IN THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS (MARKET I NG)(AMENDMENT) BILL AND THE MARINE FISH (MARKET ING)(AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEEK BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. EDWARD NICHOLS.
THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND HAVE A COMBINED CAPITAL OF $2 MILLION AND WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AS TRUSTEE OF THE FUNDS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES WOULD EE COMPLEMENTARY TO THE PRESENT EDUCATION SYSTEM.
+THE FUNDS ARE DESIGNED TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE CONNECTED WITH THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES (EITHER BY DIRECT EMPLOYMENT OR THROUGH THEIR PARENTS) TO FURTHER THEIR CAREERS WITHIN THESE INDUSTRIES. YOUNG PEOPLE ALSO INTERESTED IN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT IN THESE INDUSTRIES MAY ALSO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHOLARSHI PS,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL EE USED FOR LOCAL TERTIARY OR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION BY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
EACH OF THE FUNDS WILL BE FINANCED BY 51 MILLION FROM RESERVES FROM THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION. THE TWO BILLS ALSO ALLOW THE FUNDS TO BE BOOSTED BY BEQUESTS, SUBSCRIPTIONS CR DONATIONS ACCEPTED BY THE TRUSTEE FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT EACH SCHOLARSHIP FUND WOULD ALSO HAVE AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSISTING CF "HE TRUSTEE, THREE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD (CR THE FISH MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD) AMD TWO GOVERN' EXT OFFICERS AND TWO MEMBERS CF THE PUBLIC APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1978
2
U.S. PSYCHOLOGY CONSULTANT TO ADVISE ON INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENT
* * * *
DR. HANS J. PRIESTER, PSYCHOLOGY CONSULTANT AND DIRECTOR OF WHITNEY CENTRE, PRINCETON, U.S.A., ARRIVED IN HONG 4ONG TODAY TO ASSIST THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN STANDARDISING THE INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENT FOR CANTONESE SPEAKING CHILDREN.
DR. PRIESTER, WHOSE VISIT IS SPONSORED BY THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WILL BE A CONSULTANT TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ADVISE ON THE STANDARDISATION OF THE +WECHSLER INTELLIGENCE SCALE FOR CHILDREN (WISC)+. HE WILL BE STAYING IN HONG KONG FOR FOUR MONTHS.
THE WISC, CONSTRUCTED AND STANDARDISED IN THE UNITED STATES, IS THE TEST MOST WIDELY USED BY PSYCHOLOGISTS IN HONG KONG IN ASSESSING THE INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES OF CHILDREN IN THE AGE RANGE FROM 6 TO 15.
THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION CONSIDERS +THE STANDARDISATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL NORMS TOGETHER WITH THE MODIFICATION OF TEST ITEMS FOR DIMINISHING CULTURAL BIAS,+ A VER; IMPORTANT STEP IN HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES.
THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE JOINTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THE FUNDS AND MANPOWER FOR CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID
THAT ASSISTANCE WOULD BE ENLISTED ALSO FROM THE HONG
KONG PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND FROM PSYCHOLOGISTS WORKING IN OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE UNIVERSITIES AND VOLUNTARY AGENC IES.
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/3
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1978
3
ENJOY LEISURE BY READING BOOKS -SAYS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ******
MR. HO NGA-MING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), TODAY STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING READING HABITS EARLY IN LIFE.
MR. HO WAS ADDRESSING STUDENTS AND STAFF OF THE EVENING INSTITUTE SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE ON THEIR ANNUAL SPEECH DAY AT THE CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL CENTRE IN NORTH POINT.
DESCRIBING READING AS A +CONTEMPLATIVE PASTIME+, MR. HO SAID BOCKS GAVE AN ESCAPE FROM THE DAILY STRESSES OF LIFE AND HELPED TO CALM THE MIND.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BOOKS ALSO BROADENED THE READER’S OUTLOOK BY ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH INTERESTING AND STIMULATING MINDS.
FORMING THE HABIT EARLY IN LIFE HELPED THE READER IN LATER YEARS TO ENJOY HIS LEISURE, HE ADDED.
DR. JIMMY CHAN, SUPERVISOR AND PRINCIPAL OF THE EVENING INSTITUTE SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE AT THE CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL CENTRE, SPOKE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOLS IN PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID: +TEACHERS SHOULD EE AWARE OF THE CONTINUING NEED TO SHOW AN INTEREST IN THE ADOLESCENT’S ACTIVITIES INSIDE SCHOOL AS WELL AS OUTSIDE, AND IN HIS FUTURE PROSPECTS AND AMBITIONS AS WELL AS HIS PRESENT PERFORMANCES.
+REFUSAL TO ACCEPT THAT THE ADOLESCENT IS GROWING UP ONLY MAKES HIM ASSERT HIS RIGHT TO INDEPENDENCE ALL THE MORE STRONGLY.+
DR. CHAN CALLED ON TEACHERS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE STUDENT TO DEMONSTRATE HIS GROWING ABILITIES FOR TAKING ON ADULT RESPONSIBILITY.
REFERRING TO THE GROWTH OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE, DR. CHAN SAID THAT THE COURSE THIS YEAR HAD 710 STUDENTS ENROLLED IN 23 CLASSES AT SIX LEVELS WITH A 53 PART-TIME LECTURERS.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
- 4 -
TENDERS FOR ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS k H *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A ROAD AND A DRAINAGE IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
MR. K.K. TANG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT THE CONSTRUCTION FORMED PART OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN.
HE SAID IT WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ROAD NETWORK AROUND THE SAM SHING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1979.
A 23-METRE-LONG FOOTBRIDGE WOULD ALSO EE EUILT TO PROVIDE A SAFE WAY OF CROSSING CASTLE PEAK ROAD FOR RESIDENTS AND CHILDREN OF THE HOUSING ESTATE, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, MR. TANG SAID, A SEWER WOULD EE LAID ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN 18-1/2 MILESTONE AND SAM SHING HUI TO SERVE BOTH THE HOUSING ESTATE AND THE AREA EAST OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR DRAGON INN.
WORK WOULD BEGIN IN APRIL AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MEANWHILE, WORK IS NO.. IN HAND TO FORM A SITE OF 4.3 HECTARES IN THE AREA NEAR DRAGON INN FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
WHEN COMPLETED, THIS AREA WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE SOME 5,633 PEOPLE.
J
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1973
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE TO HOLD PARADE ON LANTAU ISLAND ******
ABOUT 250 MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE (AMS) FROM VARIOUS SUB-UNITS ON OUTLYING ISLANDS JILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR FIRST AID AND CASUALTY HANDLING TECHNIQUES IN A GRAND PARADE AT MUI kVO, LANTAU ISLAND ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 22).
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YtE KUK, MR. TSANG NIN, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE FORMED BY AMS SUB-UNIT MEMBERS FROM CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU, TUNG CHUNG, SOUTH LANTAU, TAI 0 AND MUI WO.
AMS BANDS WILL EE IN ATTENDANCE.
MEMBERS OF AMS SUE-UN ITS ARE TAUGHT BASIC SKILLS OF FIRST AIL, CASUALTY HANDLING AND EVACUATION. Cii SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY3 THEY ARE DEPLOYED FOR AMBULANCE DUTIES AT CHEUNG SHA FIRE STATION ON LANTAU ISLAND.
IN THE 1973 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHEN A BUS PLUNGED INTO A RAVINE ON LANTAU ISLAND, AMS MEMBERS WERE THE FIRST TO ARRIVE AT THE SCENE TO HELP IN THE RESCUE OPERATION.
SINCE THEN, A LANDROVER AMBULANCE, WHICH WAS DONATED TO AMS FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES, HAS BEEN OM STAND-BY DUTY EVERY SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY AT TUNG CHUNG, LANTAU ISLAND. IT ALSO RESPONDS TO EMERGENCY CALLS FROM RESIDENTS II; THE AREA.
IN ADDITION, THE AMS SUB-UNIT HEADQUARTERS IN TUNG CHUNG, WHICH IS HOUSED IN A TWO-STOREY BUILDING DONATED BY ROTARY CLUE OF KOWLOON JEST, IS MANNED ON SUNDAYS, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND DURING TYPHOON PERIODS. THE BUILDING ALSO SERVES AS A CLINIC ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FOR VISITING DOCTORS AND NURSES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTCGRAPHER TO COVER THE PARADE WHICH ..ILL BE HELD AT THE PUBLIC PLAYGROUND IN .UI wO, NEAR THE MUI WO RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, AT 11 A.ON SUNDAY.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
6
GRADUATION OF CAS RECRUITS
* * * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS 15TH PASSING-OUT PARADE AT ITS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE IN ARGYLE STREET ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 22) AT 13 A.M.
THE COMMANDER ROYAL AIR FORCE, GROUP CAPTAIN A.D.A.
HONLEY, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE BY 183 RECRUITS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE EASIC TRAINING COURSES I.'! FOOTER ILL, FIRST AID AND CIVIL DEFENCE.
HE WILL EE MET ON ARRIVAL EY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES COMMISSIONER, MR. ROGER LCDS, AND THE SERVICES CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR. JOHN FORTUNE.
AFTER INSPECTING THE PARADE, GROUP CAPTAIN HONLEY WILL ALSO AWARD SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO FOUR MOST OUTSTANDING RECRUITS AND PRESENT CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 13 C.A.S. OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
THE C.A.S. BAND WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CIVIL AID SERVICES PASSING-CUT PARADE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. ON JANUARY 22 AT THE C.A.S. KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 234 ARGYLE STREET.
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NEW OFFICES FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION '*****■
THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS MOVING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM EONAVENTURE HOUSE TO LEE GARDENS (SECOND FLOOR, EAST WING), WHERE THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED.
THE DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF APPROVED PROGRAMMES FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE. IN ADDITION, IT MAINTAINS THE CLOSEST POSSIBLE LINKS WITH THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE DIVISION IS HEADED EY MR. DANIEL WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL). HIS TELEPHONE NUMBER REMAINS 5-793979.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE OTHER OFFICERS IN THE DIVISION ARE:
SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICERS (TECHNICAL), MR. ”.... CH'J 5-793791
MR. I.T. TSANG 5-79378=
ENQUIRIES AND GENERAL OFFICE .............. 5-79397S
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1978
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THE RE-ARRANGEMENTS OF TRAFFIC IN KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS.
IN KWUN TONG, HONG TAK ROAD BETWEEN KWUN TONG ROAD AND TAI YIP STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC BETWEEN 9 P.M. TO 6 A.M. FOR THREE DAYS FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM KWUN TONG ROAD TO TAI YIP STREET WILL EE DIVERTED TO KWUN TONG ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROUNDABOUT, KWUN TONG ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION TO REJOIN TAI YIP STREET.
TRAFFIC FROM HONG TAK ROAD TO KWUIJ TONG ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO TA I YIP STREET, .-. A I YIP STREET, AND LAI YIP STREET TO REJOIN KWUN TONG ROAD.
IN WONG TAI SIN,’ LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN SHATIN PASS ROAD AND FUNG MO STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 A.M. AND 5 A.M. ON MONDAY (JANUARY 23).
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ..'ILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHATIN PASS ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEi. ROAD, AND FUNG MO STREET TO REJOIN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC .'.ILL BE DIVERTED VIA FUNG MO STREET, TUNG T~U TSUEN ROAD, AND SHATIN PASS ROAD TO- REJOIN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
TRAFFIC WILL BE TEMPORARILY ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM SHATIN PASS ROAD TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS I _L EE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1978
- e -
FIRE PRACTICE
*****
FIRING PRACTICE- WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK MANSE ®N TIN DAYS NEXT MONTH (FEBRUARY).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DATE HOURS
e a.m. 4 P.M.
FEBRUARY 1 (WEDNESDAY)
FEBRUARY 2 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. 4 P.M.
FEBRUARY 3 (FRIDAY) 8 A.I-'.. 4 P.M.
FEBRUARY 16 (THURSDAY) 10 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
FEBRUARY 23 (MONDAY) 9.30 A.M.-- 4 P.M.
FEBRUARY 22 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.. . 5 P.M.
FEBRUARY 23 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. i: ) P.M
FEBRUARY 24 (FR IDAY) 8 A.M. 4 P.M.
FEBRUARY 27 (MONDAY) 3 A.M. 5 P.M.
FEBRUARY 28 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. 5 P.M.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO BE INCREASED NEXT MONTH .... 1
ANOTHER AREA FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IN SHA TIN .................. 3
LAND RECLAMATION IN SHAM SHUI PO ............................ 4
LADY MACLEHOSE TO TOUR SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK ................ 4
PRESENTATION OF COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI ........... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1978 1 -
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO BE INCREASED NEXT MONTH ******
THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES WILL BE INCREASED FROM NEXT MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ADVISED RECIPIENTS TO BRING ALONG THEIR ORIGINAL CASH VOUCHER BOOKS AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY COUPONS WHEN COLLECTING THEIR PAYMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT RECIPIENTS CURRENTLY RECEIVING PAYMENTS ALREADY POSSESS THE NORMAL CASH VOUCHER BOOKS AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN SUPPLEMENTARY CASH COUPONS FOR THE ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS IN THE REVISED SCALE.
+TO SAVE TIME, RECIPIENTS ARE REQUESTED TO PRODUCE BOTH THE COUPONS SO THAT THE TWO PAYMENTS COULD BE MADE AT THE SAME TIME,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES RECIPIENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS IF THEY HAVE ANY DOUBTS OR QUERIES.
THE INCREASE IN THE SCALE OF SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS OF ABOUT 11 PER CENT WAS ANNOUNCED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
♦THIS IS THE FIFTH REVISION SINCE THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1971,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ALWAYS KEEPS A CLOSE WATCH ON THE LEVELS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES BY REFERRING EACH MONTH TO THE MOVEMENT OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INDEX IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE POORER- SECTOR OF OUR COMMUNITY.
+THIS INDEX IS MADE UP OF THOSE ELEMENTS IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SUCH AS FOOD, FUEL, LIGHTING, CLOTHING IN PROPORTIONS REFLECTING THE SPENDING HABITS OF THE POORER FAMILIES,* HE EXPLAINED, +RENT IS EXCLUDED BECAUSE IT IS ALLOWED FOR SEPARATELY IN CALCULATING THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE PAYABLE.*
/THE new rates of .....
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1978
- 2 -
THE NEW RATES OF PAYMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
A) FOR A SINGLE PERSON ON HIS OWN ...... FROM $180 TO $200-
B) FOR A FAMILY -
FIRST THREE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS ...... FROM $130 TO $145
PER PERSON,
SECOND THREE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS .... FROM $105 TO $120 PER PERSON,
EACH ADDITIONAL ELIGIBLE MEMBER .. FROM $80 TO $90 PER PERSON-
DISABILITY ALLOWANCE ................... FROM $180 TO $200 AND
INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE .................... FROM $90 TO $100.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1978
ANOTHER AREA FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IN SHA TIN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CARRY OUT A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAINLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, IN THE AREA WEST OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TN SHA TIN.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS YEAR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PART OF THE AREA ABOVE KAK TIN TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE SITE FOR ABOUT 20,000 PEOPLE.
IN ADDITION, A SITE NEAR THE SHING MUN RIVER IS EARMARKED FOR A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO ACCOMMODATE OVER 3,000 PEOPLE, AS WELL AS FOR THE ASSOCIATED ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. GERRRY HIGGINSON, SAID TODAY DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN HAD BEEN PROGRESSING RAPIDLY.
+THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA PLANNED FOR THESE AREAS WILL MAKE AVAILABLE MORE ACCOMMODATION FOR AFFECTED PEOPLE AS DEVELOPMENT GOES ON, AND WILL BE A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN,+ HE SAID.
TO FACILITATE THE SITE FORMATION WORK, WHICH WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTORS, THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME ABOUT 42,874 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LAND, MOSTLY AGRICULTURAL LAND, AND NOTICE OF THE LAND RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY.
MR. HIGGINSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, PINE TREES, FRUIT TREES, GRAVES AND BONE URNS, AS WELL AS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CULTIVATORS, PIG-BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS.
HE SAID THE LAND RESUMPTION WOULD INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF ABOUT 500 TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND 1,000 OTHER ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, MOST OF THEM ON CROWN LAND.
+FAMILIES WHO ARE ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN SHA TIN AND WILL RECEIVE EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCE OF UP TO $1,000 EACH.
♦THOSE WHO ARE FOUND NOT ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
MR. HIGGINSON SAID LAND OWNERS INVOLVED IN THE RESUMPTION WOULD BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVE OF CASH COMPENSATION OR LAND EXCHANGE DOCUMENTS.
o -------
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1978
- 4 -
LAND RECLAMATION IN SHAM SHU I PO * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 170-METRE SEAWALL WHICH WILL CONTAIN THE SECOND STAGE OF RECLAMATION IN SHAM SHU I PO.
THE RECLAMATION, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR A SECTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATIONAL USES.
MR. HOWARD CHAMBERLAIN, CHIEF ENGINEER OF PORT WORKS DIVISION, SAID TODAY WORK ON THE SEAWALL WOULD START IN MARCH AND TAKE TEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
0
NOTE TO EDITORS*
LADY MACLEHOSE TO TOUR SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK
*****
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL BE TOURING THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 24).
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (COUNTRY PARKS), MR. MARTIN LEWIS, LADY MACLEHOSE WILL MAKE AN AERIAL TOUR OF THE 7,500 HECTARES OF COUNTRYSIDE IN THE GAZETTED AREA. SHE WILL THEN MAKE A ROAD TOUR OF VARIOUS SITES AND FACILITIES WITHIN THE COUNTRY PARK AFTER LANDING AT PAK TAM AU MANAGEMENT CENTRE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR
YUU AKt uukuiauut in -------- PRESS TRANSp()RT W|L1. LEAVE KOWLOON
PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
PUBLIC PIER AT 8.15 A.M. AND RETURN AT 11.30 A.M. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE VISIT ARE REQUESTED TO MEET SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR. MARK PINKSTONE, AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE DEPARTURE TIME.
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/5
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1978
5
PRESENTATION OF COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS ******
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. M.K. LANE, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRESENTED COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS TO MORE THAN 80 FIRE OFFICERS, AT HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION.
ADDRESSING THE RECIPIENTS, SOME OF WHOM HAVE ALREADY RETIRED, MR. LANE SAIDr +IN A FIRE SERVICE SUCH AS OURS, THESE AWARDS ARE NOT EARNED LIGHTLY, INDEED THE VERY OPPOSITE APPLIES.*
HE SAID THAT IN THE PAST, A MEMBER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DID MOST OF HIS WORK IN THE PUBLIC VIEW AND GAINED IMMEDIATE PUBLIC RECOGNITION AND PLAUDITS.
+NOW THAT HIS WORK IS MORE DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT, IT IS LARGELY DONE OUT OF THE GAZE OF THE PUBLIC WHO SEE ONLY THE APPLIANCES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE OPERATORS WITH HOSES DISAPPEARING INSIDE A HIGH-RISE BUILDING, TO WHERE OR WHAT THEY KNOW NOT,+ MR. LANE SAID.
♦NEVERTHELESS,* HE ADDED, +YOU KNOW AND I KNOW WHAT WE DO AND HOW WE DO IT AND OVER THE PERIOD OF YOUR SERVICE, THERE ARE MANY THOUSANDS WHO HAVE CAUSE TO BE THANKFUL FOR THEIR DELIVERANCE BY YOU AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THIS SERVICE FROM THE IMMEDIATE THREAT TO THEIR LIVES, HEALTH AND TO THEIR PROPERTY.*
AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION, 37 FIRE OFFICERS RECEIVED THE LONG SERVICE MEDALS IN RECOGNITION OF 18 YEARS OF SERVICE, 29 RECEIVED FIRST CLASPS TO THEIR MEDALS FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE AND 18 HAVING SERVED FOR OVER 30 YEARS WERE AWARDED THE SECOND CLASPS.
0
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS *
IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE MAXICAB STANDS IN EDINBURGH PLACE EAST, WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 5 P.M. AND 9 P.M. ON MONDAY (JANUARY 23) FOR THE GALA OPENING OF THE ARTS I
FESTIVAL.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE STAND WILL BE SET UP IN FRONT OF THE STAR FERRY PIER.
TUESDAY
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON
(JANUARY 24) THE NEW EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SALISBURY ROAD EXTENSION CONNECTING MIDDLE ROAD AND HONG CHONG ROAD/CHEONG WAN ROAD
WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS MAY TAKE THIS NEW ROUTE THROUGH CHEONG WAN ROAD OR HONG CHONG ROAD TO YAU MA TEI, OR TO HUNG HOM THROUGH HONG CHEONG ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE MEAS TO GUIDE MOTOR ISTS.
- - o - -
PRH 7
gis| |f
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT TO RE-INTRODUCE PREMIUM PAYMENTS BY SLOW DEVELOPERS ................................................. 1
LOWER COST OF LIVING LAST MONTH ............................ 2
FLYOVER TO LINK POK FU LAM AND WESTERN .................... 4
TENDERS FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN TSIM SHA TSUI ........... 4
FUN AND GAMES FOR NT RESIDENTS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR .... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 1978
- 1 -
GOVERNMENT TO RE-INTRODUCE PREMIUM PAYMENTS
BY SLOW DEVELOPERS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RE-INTRODUCE FROM JANUARY 1, 1979, PREMIUM PAYMENTS BY PROPERTY DEVELOPERS WHO REQUIRE TIME EXTENSIONS TO COMPLETE SITE REDEVELOPMENT UNDER EXCLUSION ORDERS IN THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE AND REDEVELOPMENT ORDERS IN THE DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (REDEVELOPMENT OF SITES) ORDINANCE.
THIS WILL BRING TREATMENT OF EXCLUSION AND REDEVELOPMENT ORDER EXTENSIONS INTO LINE ONCE AGAIN WITH BUILDING COVENANT EXTENSIONS WHERE LAND IS SOLD FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE ORDINARY WAY.
PREMIA TO BE CHARGED FOR THESE EXTENSIONS WILL ALSO BE CALCULATED IN THE SAME WAY AS FOR BUILDING COVENANT EXTENSIONS, THE BASIS BEING THE VALUE OF THE LAND AT THE TIME THE EXTENSION IS FIRST REQUIRED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID PAYMENT OF PREMIA FOR EXTENSIONS TO THE TIME PERMITTED FOR REDEVELOPMENT WAS DROPPED IN 1965 BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTIES BEING EXPERIENCED BY PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AT THAT TIME.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH PREMIA FOR ORDINARY BUILDING COVENANT TIME EXTENSIONS HAD BEEN RE-INTRODUCED SINCE 1969 EXTENSIONS UNDER THE TWO TYPES OF STATUTORY ORDER CONTINUED TO BE PERMITTED FREE OF CHARGE.
THE DECISION TO RE-INTRODUCE THE MEASURE NOT ONLY RECOGNISED THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET WAS IN A MUCH HEALTHIER STATE NOW THAN 12 YEARS AGO BUT WAS ALSO INTENDED TO DISCOURAGE DEVELOPERS FROM OBTAINING CLEARED SITES UNDER STATUTORY PROCEDURES, WHICH RELIEVED THEM OF OBLIGATIONS TO PROTECTED TENANTS, BUT FOR SPECULATIVE REASONS, NOT DEVELOPING THEM.
+BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT BEEN CHARGING A PREMIUM FOR TIME EXTENSIONS, SOME PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TAKE SEVERAL EXTRA YEARS TO COMPLETE REDEVELOPMENT WITHOUT PENALTY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD HAD AVAILABLE TO IT OVER THE YEARS THE ULTIMATE SANCTION OF RE-ENTRY, BUT THIS HAD RARELY BEEN USED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PROPERTY OWNERS WERE BEING GIVEN ALMOST A YEAR’S NOTICE OF THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF PREMIA SO THAT THEY COULD MAKE ANY NECESSARY CHANGES IN THEIR ARRANGEMENTS.
+THE ADJUSTMENT IS NOT EXPECTED TO CAUSE ANY GREAT DIFFICULTY BECAUSE, IN THE FIRST PLACE, GENEROUS PERIODS AMOUNTING TO BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE YEARS ARE NORMALLY ALLOWED FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND FURTHERMORE IN MOST CASES REDEVELOPMENT IS COMPLETED WITHIN THE PERIOD INITIALLY ALLOWED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED: +MOD IFICATION PREMIA ARE THEREFORE ONLY LIKELY TO BE CHARGED IN CASES WHERE AN OWNER IS PARTICULARLY DILATORY.*
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 1973
2
LOWER COST OF LIVING LAST MONTH
* * * K *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) FOR LAST MONTH (DECEMBER) WERE 117 AND 118, EACH DOWN BY ONE POINT COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND (B).
THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF PORK FELL, FOLLOWING DOWNWARD WHOLESALE PRICE MOVEMENTS OF LIVE SWINE AND THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF SALT-WATER FISH ALSO DECLINED DESPITE REDUCED SUPPLY. THE PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES DROPPED DUE TO INCREASED SUPPLY.
MOVEMENTS IN RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
ON ACCOUNT OF LOWER COST OF FUEL OIL, ELECTRICITY RATES FOR LAST MONTH WERE REDUCED AND THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT FELL BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND (B).
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ADVANCED BY ONE POINT IN C.P. I. (A) AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASE IN THE RENT OF SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS.
A RISE OF ONE POINT WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES IN C.P. I. (A) OWING TO HIGHER PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES.
HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT PUSHED THE INDEX FOR SERVICES UP BY ONE POINT IN C.P. I. (B).
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE C.P. I. (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 - $1,499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I. (B) BETWEEN $1,500 - $2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973/74.
/the section .....
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 1978
3
THE SECTION INDEXES FOR DECEMBER COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1976 ARE INDICATED BELOWs-
C.P. 1. (A)' C.P. 1. (B)
SECTION DEC. 77 NOV. 77 DEC. 76 DEC. 77 NOV. 77 DEC. 76
FOODSTUFFS Ill 113 106 112 114 107
HOUS ING 127 126 121 126 126 119
FUEL AND LIGHT 135 136 132 134 135 131
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 137 137 131 133 133 128
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 103 103 101 102 102 100
DURABLE GOODS 110 110 107 107 107 105
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 125 125 123 122 122 120
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 117 116 113 121 121 118
SERVICES 133 133 126 134 133 125
ALL ITEMS 117 118 112 118 119 113
0 --------
/4
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 1978
FLYOVER TO LINK POK FU LAM ROAD WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST *****
A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR FLYOVER FROM POK FU LAM ROAD TO CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL SOON BE BUILT AS PART OF THE MID-LEVELS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 660-METRE ELEVATED ROAD AND THE RE-ALIGNMENT OF A SECTION OF HILL ROAD AND MODIFICATION OF THE EXISTING DRAINAGE WORKS, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS (HONG KONG) DIVISION, MR. K.Y. HO, SAID TODAY CONSTRUCTION ON THE TWO-LANE FLYOVER WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN APRIL AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 26 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
ON COMPLETION, THE FLYOVER WOULD IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN POK FU LAM AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
+WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN ABERDEEN AND POK FU LAM AREAS, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS ON THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK LINKING THE CENTRAL DISTRICT WITH ABERDEEN AND POK FU LAM AREAS,+ MR. HO EXPLAINED.
+TO CATER FOR THE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC NEED, MAJOR ROAD WIDENING WORKS ARE ALSO BEING CARRIED OUT IN POK FU LAM ROAD AND SHEK PAI WAN ROAD,+ HE ADDED.
TENDERS FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AREA *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AREA.
THE AREA INVOLVED IS BOUNDED BY CHATHAM ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD EXTENSION.
MR. TOM ARMOUR, ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS (KOWLOON) DIVISION, SAID: +THIS IS THE FIRST STAGE OF PROVIDING THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE TO KEEP PACE WITH THE COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOING ON IN THE AREA.
+THE NEW ROAD WILL SERVE THREE HOTEL COMPLEXES, A CINEMA AND THREE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH NEED DIRECT CONNECTION TO MAIN ROADS AND DRAINAGE.*
FOOTWAYS AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS, HE ADDED, WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 1978
- 5 -
FUN AND GAMES FOR NT RESIDENTS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR *****
A SERIES OF RECREATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES ARE BEING ORGANISED FOR THE RURAL DISTRICTS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ALONG WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, RURAL COMMITTEES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT WHICH IS PART OF A HONG KONG-WIDE PROGRAMME AIMED AT GIVING THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY WORKERS, AN ENJOYABLE TIME IN THE FESTIVE SEASON.
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMMES WERE GIVEN TODAY BY THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MRS. EMILY CHONG, IN AN INTERVIEW ON THE ’N.T. WEEKLY’ PROGRAMME ON RTHK’S CHINESE SERVICE.
+THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES WILL BE STAGED IN VARIOUS PLAYGROUNDS AND COMMUNITY HALLS IN TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TAI PO, SAI KUNG AND ON THE OUTLYING ISLANDS,* SHE SAID.
+THE PROGRAMMES ARE VARIED AND DESIGNED TO CATER FOR EVERYONE FROM THE VERY OLD TO THE VERY YOUNG.+
THEY FEATURE FUN FAIRS, VARIETY SHOWS, BARBECUES, FOLK SONG CONCERTS, ROUND-THE-N.T.-TOURS, VISITS TO THE OCEAN PARK, ROUND-TOWN WALKATHONS, SPORTING EVENTS, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS AND MANY OTHERS.
MRS. CHONG SAID: +PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES, MOST OF WHICH WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE.
+ONLY TOKEN FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR A NUMBER OF EVENTS TO HELP WITH THE NECESSARY EXPENSES.
♦DETAILS OF PROGRAMMES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT OFFICES AND INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO APPROACH THEIR DISTRICT OFFICERS FOR REGISTRATION WHILE PLACES LAST,+ SHE ADDED.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS ARTS FESTIVAL ............................. 1
NEW ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER TAKES UP POST ............ 2
APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES ....... 2
AUSTRALIAN MINISTER VISITS REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS . 3
DSW VISITS VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES .................... 4
DAY CAMP FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN......................... 5
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SECTION OF BOUNDARY STREET .......... 6
WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN .................................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
- 1 -
GOVERNOR OPENS ARTS FESTIVAL * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THIS EVENING +A NEW DIMENSION IS BEING ADDED TO THE LEISURES OF AN EVER-WIDENING NUMBER OF PEOPLE HERE, AND HONG KONG IS EVEN GETTING A NAME AS A BUDDING CENTRE OF THE ARTS.+
SIR MURRAY WAS SPEAKING AT THE GALA OPENING OF THE 1978 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL IN THE CONCERT HALL, CITY HALL.
SIR MURRAY OBSERV£D~THAT IN THE LAST FOUR OR FIVE YEARS THIS ALLEGED DESERT HAS BLOOMED IN NEW CULTURAL MANIFESTATIONS OF EVERY SORT.
f
+BUT FAR FROM BEING SURFEITED, CULTURAL APPETITES IN HONG KONG SEEM ONLY TO BE WHETTED, AND THE DEMAND GROWS FROM YEAR TO YEAR AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL AS WELL AS VISITING ARTISTS INCREASE,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF SIR MURRAY’S SPEECH:
+IT IS EXCITING TO BE AT THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER HONG KONG FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS. SHAKESPEARE WROTE IN TWELFTH NIGHT:
’IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON: GIVE ME EXCESS OF IT THAT SURFEITING THE APPETITE MAY SICKEN AND SO DIE.’
♦WELL, THAT MAY WORK IN 16TH CENTURY ENGLAND, BUT IT WILL NEVER WORK IN HONG KONG.
+IN THE LAST FOUR OR FIVE YEARS THIS ALLEGED DESERT HAS BLOOMED IN NEW CULTURAL MANIFESTATIONS OF EVERY SORT. BUT FAR FROM BEING SURFEITED, CULTURAL APPETITES IN HONG KONG SEEM ONLY TO BE WHETTED, AND THE DEMAND GROWS FROM YEAR TO YEAR AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL AS WELL AS VISITING ARTISTS INCREASE.
+AND INDEED A NEW DIMENSION IS BEING ADDED TO THE LEISURE OF AN EVER-WIDENING NUMBER OF PEOPLE HERE, AND HONG KONG IS EVEN GETTING A NAME ASA BUDDING CENTRE OF THE ARTS.
+THE BOLD SPIRITS WHO STARTED THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS SIX YEARS AGO PROVIDED THE STIMULANT FOR THIS SUDDEN UPSURGE IN CULTURAL INTEREST, AND CREDIT IS DUE TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR SUBSEQUENTLY CATERING FOR IT SO WELL.
+NOW, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF SIR RUN RUN SHAW AND THE DIRECTION OF MR. CHARDET, THE FESTIVAL IS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.
+ONCE AGAIN WE ARE OFFERED WIDE CHOICE AND HIGH STANDARD AND WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A MONTH OF VARIED ENJOYMENT.
+1 WELCOME THE ARTISTS FROM ABROAD AND CONGRATULATE THOSE FROM HONG KONG WHO WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS FESTIVAL AND HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING IT OPEN.+
/2.......
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
2
NEW ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER ARRIVES TO TAKE UP POST * * * *
A FORMER FIRST SECRETARY AT THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING, MR. IAIN CAMPBELL ORR, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TODAY (MONDAY) TO TAKE UP THE POST OF ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER.
HE TAKES OVER FROM MR. CHARLES DRACE-FRANC IS, WHO LEFT HONG KONG IN EARLY DECEMBER TO JOIN THE OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY IN BRUSSELS.
MR. ORR, AGED 35, LEARNED CHINESE IN HONG KONG FROM 1969-71 AND WAS FIRST SECRETARY IN PEKING FROM 1972-74. SINCE RETURNING TO LONDON, HE HAS BEEN FIRST SECRETARY AT THE FAR EASTERN DEPARTMENT OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
MR. ORR MARRIED RECENTLY.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES ******
THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, MR. F. CRABB, WILL LEAVE THE SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN MARCH 1978 ON PRERETIREMENT LEAVE. HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. G.D. EDEN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, WHOSE PROMOTION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.
MR. EDEN, AGED 54, FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN MAY 1961. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN NOVEMBER 1966, TO CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN JANUARY 1972, TO PRINCIPAL TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN OCTOBER 1974 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN MARCH 1975. MR. EDEN IS MARRIED AND HAS A SON AND A DAUGHTER.
MR. CRABB JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE SENIOR CLERICAL AND ACCOUNTING STAFF IN NOVEMBER 1940. HE WAS APPOINTED ON TRANSFER TO THE EXECUTIVE GRADE IN JANUARY 1947 AND AS A TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN APRIL I960. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ACCOUNTANT IN JUNE 1965, TO PRINCIPAL TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN MARCH 1970, TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES IN MARCH 1972, AND TO DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES IN MARCH 1975. HE IS MARRIED AND HAS TWO SONS.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
- 3
AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER VISITS REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS
* * * *
THE AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY, SENATOR MARGARET GUILFOYLE, NOW IN HONG KONG FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT, THIS (MONDAY) MORNING TOURED TWO REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY HER HUSBAND, MR. STAN GUILFOYLE AND HER PERSONAL SECRETARY, MISS JAN STEPHEN, THE SENATOR FIRST CALLED AT THE WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE IN KWUN TONG ROAD.
THE PARTY WAS SHOWN ROUND THE INSTITUTE BY MRS. NANCY TSUI, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CENTRE.
SENATOR GUILFOYLE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES AT THE CENTRE, PROVIDING SPECIALISED SERVICES AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR THE DISABLED.
THE PARTY THEN WENT TO THE KAI NANG TRAINING CENTRE AT FUK TONG ROAD WHERE MRS. SHIRLEY LAI, THE CENTRE’S SUPERINTENDENT EXPLAINED TO THE VISITORS THE WORK OF THE INSTITUTE.
THE CENTRE, DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS, RUNS PROGRAMMES AIMED AT DEVELOPING SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL SKILLS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 25 SO THAT THEY COULD BECOME INDEPENDENT AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
DURING THE TOUR, SENATOR GUILFOYLE MET CHILDREN ATTENDING VARIOUS CLASSES ON HABIT FORMATION, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT, AND ARTS AND CRAFTS.
THE SENATOR SHOWED SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE SKILLS DISPLAYED BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN VOCATIONAL CLASSES SUCH AS WOODWORK, SHOEMAKING AND TAILORING. SHE ALSO VISITED THE HOSTEL FOR 40 ADULT TRAINEES.
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A
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978 4 -
THOMAS LEE TO VISIT VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL VISIT THREE VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING TO . SEE THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION OF THESE ORGANISATIONS AND TO KEEP HIMSELF INFORMED OF THEIR LATEST DEVELOPMENT.
MR. LEE WILL VISIT THE FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, THE PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION AND THE PO LEUNG KUK.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY MRS. EVELYN DOE, HEAD OF THE FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION AND MR. HENRY AU, HEAD OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION.
MR. LEE WILL ARRIVE AT THE EASTERN OFFICE OF THE FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY IN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WAN CHA I AT 9.45 A.M. TOMORROW AND THEN AT THE PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION, ALSO IN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND AT ABOUT 10.30 A.M.
HE WILL THEN GO TO PO LEUNG KUK AT 66, LEIGHTON ROAD AT 11.30 A.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO THREE VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO USE THE FACILITIES ARE ASKED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE EASTERN ENTRANCE OF LEE GARDENS IN CAUSEWAY BAY NOT LATER THAN 9.20 A.M. TOMORROW.
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/5
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
5
DAY CAMP FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN *****
ABOUT 300 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN UNDER THE CARE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN A DAY CAMP AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 25).
THE CHILDREN, AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 16, ARE TRAINEES FROM NINE CLUBS FOR THE DEAF AND TRAINING CENTRES FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN.
THE DAY CAMP, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S DEAF AND MENTAL WELFARE UNIT, AIMS TO FOSTER FRIENDSHIP AMONG PARTICIPANTS AND AROUSE THEIR INTEREST IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
PROGRAMMES FOR THE DAY INCLUDE ROLLER SKATING, TRAMPOLINE, ARCHERY, BALL GAMES, ROPE WORK AND A LUCKY DRAW.
INSTRUCTORS OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP THE CAMPERS USE THE SPORTS EQUIPMENT, WHILE 50 STAFF MEMBERS FROM THE PARTICIPATING CENTRES WILL CONDUCT OTHER GROUP GAMES.
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/6
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1978
6
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SECTION OF BOUNDARY STREET
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE SECTION OF BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN TAI HANG TUNG ROAD AND EMBANKMENT ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED BETWEEN 11.55 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 25) AND 5 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF THE TEMPORARY SUPPORTING STRUCTURES ON THE RAILING BRIDGE ACROSS BOUNDARY STREET.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, SAI YEE STREET BETWEEN FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET, AND BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN SAI YEE STREET AND TAI HANG TUNG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
OTHER TRAFFIC AFFECTED BY THE ROAD CLOSURE WILL BE DIVERTED AS FOLLOWS:
* EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO SAI YEE STREET, FLOWER MARKET ROAD, YUEN NGA I STREET, AND EMBANKMENT ROAD TO RE-JOIN BOUNDARY STREET**
* WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD GOING TO TAI HANG TUNG MAY TURN INTO TUNG CHOI STREET FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND THEN TO TAI HANG TUNG ROAD VIA BOUNDARY STREET- AND
* TRAFFIC FROM TAI HANG TUNG ROAD GOING TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD MAY GO WESTBOUND ON BOUNDARY STREET AND THEN TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD VIA SAI YEE STREET, FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND YUEN NGA I STREET.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE AREA AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE THEM.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES- IN TUEN MUN INDUSTRIAL AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 26) TO ALLOW STAFF OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT WATER PIPE CONNECTION WORK IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR FU TEI CHUNG TSUEN IN TUEN MUN.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED BY THE WATER CUT ARE THOSE IN TUEN MUN INDUSTRIAL AREAS 9 AND 12.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE N(L
PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON SOCIAL INSURANCE SCHEME . 1
MORE PASSENGER PROCESSING FACILITIES AT AIRPORT .... 2
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW ............................ 3
LADY MACLEHOSE TOURS SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK ......... 4
DSW ON INSPECTION VISIT ............................ A
MARINE ASSISTANT RETIRING .......................... 5
PLB RESTRICTED ZONES IN KWAI CHUNG ................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1978
1
PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON THE SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME *****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, TODAY URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT GREEN PAPER AND IN PARTICULAR THE SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR. SWEETMAN SAID THAT THE PROPOSED SCHEME WAS A SEMI-VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTORY ONE AND IT WOULD BE POINTLESS TO INTRODUCE IT IF IT WOULD ATTRACT ONLY LIMITED SUPPORT.
+IT IS THEREFORE UP TO THE PUBLIC OF HONG KONG TO RESPOND AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON WHETHER THEY WANT PROGRESS TO CONTINUE ON NON-CONTRIBUTORY LINES, WITH BENEFITS PAID FROM GENERAL REVENUE, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ECONOMY’S ABILITY TO AFFORD THEM, OR WHETHER THEY WOULD WELCOME A MOVE TOWARDS CONTRIBUTING SOCIAL INSURANCE.*
EXPLAINING THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME, MR. SWEETMAN SAID THAT SUCH A SCHEME WOULD FIT A SITUATION WHERE THE RATE OF BENEFITS WERE RELATED TO THE LEVEL OF INCOME EARNED AND CONTRIBUTIONS PAID BY THE BENEFICIARY AND TO THE LENGTH OF TIME HE HAD BEEN IN THE SCHEME.
+SUCH A SCHEME IS ALSO USEFUL IN ORDER TO SPREAD THE RISKS AMONG THE CONTRIBUTORS AND TO REWARD THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN PRUDENT ENOUGH TO JOIN IN WHILE LEAVING OUT IN THE COLD THOSE WHO DO NOT WISH TO JOIN ANY VOLUNTARY SCHEME OF SOCIAL INSURANCE.
+A CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME ALSO ENSURES THAT SUFFICIENT FUNDS ARE SET ASIDE AND INVESTED TODAY TO PROVIDE BENEFITS FOR TOMORROW.*
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, INFLATION COULD ERODE THE REAL VALUE OF THE MONEY COLLECTED AND INVESTED TO MEET FUTURE COMMITMENTS AND, A CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME ENTAILS PAYING HIGH OFFICE RENTS AND SALARIES TO THE PEOPLE WHO WOULD ADMINISTER IT.
MR. SWEETMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THE DIFFICULTIES IN THE INVESTMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTORS’ FUNDS AND SAID THAT THERE COULD BE ANOTHER MORE DIRECT WAY OF INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE AND DEVELOPING OUR ECONOMY TO ENABLE US EVENTUALLY TO AFFORD, OUT OF FUTURE TAXATION BASED ON A GREATER GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT, SICKNESS BENEFITS AND RETIREMENT ALLOWANCES FOR OUR AGING WORK FORCE.
+WE WOULD THEREFORE CONTINUE TO PAY FOR OUR SOCIAL SECURITY OUT OF GENERAL REVENUE, GENERATED BY DIRECT DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT-INDEED THIS IS THE WAY THAT HONG KONG ALREADY FINANCES MOST OF ITS DEVELOPMENT IN ALL FIELDS.*
/turning to .....
- 2 -
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1?7E
TURNING TO THE NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT RATHER THAN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO OPERATE SUCH A SCHEME, MR. SWEETMAN EXPLAINED: +IF WE ARE TO PROVIDE FUTURE BENEFITS AT A REALISTIC LEVEL, TYING THEM TO FUTURE CURRENT EARNINGS, WHILE ACCEPTING COMPARATIVELY LOW RATES OF CONTRIBUTION IN EARLIER YEARS, IT WOULD BE ASKING TOO MUCH OF ANY PRIVATE INSURER AND WE NEED THE GOVERNMENT TO UNDERWRITE THESE FUTURE CONTINGENCIES, PARTICULARLY TO PROTECT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION.+
ON PUBLIC REACTION TO THE SCHEME RECEIVED SO FAR, MR. SWEETMAN SAID THAT A MOST CONVINCING VOLUME OF COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS HAD GIVEN SUPPORT TO THE VIEW THAT FOR SUCCESS IT MUST BE COMPULSORY, BUT HE ADDED THAT-TH IS WAS A POINT WHICH HAS YET TO BE ARGUED OUT AND DECIDED UPON.
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MORE PASSENGER PROCESSING FACILITIES AT AIRPORT
* X X X X
ADDITIONAL PASSENGER PROCESSING FACILITIES WILL BE BROUGHT INTO USE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WITH THE COMPLETION OF ANOTHER STAGE OF THE AIRPORT’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THESE WILL INCLUDE LARGER AREAS AT THE AIRSIDE AT BOTH THE DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL LEVELS, ADDITIONAL IMMIGRATION CONTROL COUNTERS AND A SECOND BAGGAGE RECLAIM DISTRIBUTOR.
AT DEPARTURE LEVEL, THE WAITING AREA HAS BEEN EXTENDED, INCORPORATING A LARGER AND MORE SPACIOUS CONCESSION AND SEATING AREA.
MORE DEPARTURE PASSPORT CONTROL DESKS HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVIDED TO IMPROVE PASSENGER FLOW DURING PEAK PERIODS.
THE NEW AIRSIDE EXTENSION WILL FULLY COMPLEMENT THE LANDSIDE EXTENSION AREA WHICH WAS OPENED LAST AUGUST TO PROVIDE IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR DEPARTING PASSENGERS AT THE AIRPORT.
AT ARRIVAL LEVEL, THE SECOND BAGGAGE RECLAIM DISTRIBUTOR, SIMILIAR TO THE ONE WHICH BECAME OPERATIONAL LAST SEPTEMBER, HAS AN AUTOMATIC FEED AND WILL SHORTEN THE TIME ARRIVING PASSENGERS HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEIR BAGGAGE.
MORE IMMIGRATION DESKS HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVIDED TO ENABLE SPEEDIER ARRIVAL CLEARANCE.
AS FOR TRANSIT PASSENGERS AN ESCALATOR WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WISHING TO USE THE NEW DEPARTURE LOUNGE EXTENSION.
0
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1978
3
LEGCO MEETING
* * * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 19 QUESTIONS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE HON. DR. HARRY FANG WILL RAISE TWO QUESTIONS ON GOVERNMENT PLANS TO MAKE THE OVERHEAD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES IN CENTRAL FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PERSONS AND TO EXPAND THE FACILITY OF PROVIDING DROPPED KERBS FOR THE USE OF THE DISABLED AT PEDESTRIAN CROSS INGS.
ON CHILD CARE CENTRES, THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE A SPECIFIC CODE OF AID FOR SUBVENTED CHILD-CARE CENTRES SO THAT THEIR STAFF WILL FULLY UNDERSTAND THEIR PROMOTION PROSPECT.
THE HON. JAMES WU WILL URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO SPEED UP THE OPENING OF MORE NURSERIES SO AS TO ALLOW MOTHERS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN TO WORK IN INDUSTRY IN VIEW OF A +CHRONIC SHORTAGE* OF FEMALE LABOUR.
ON TEXTILES, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT CONCERNING THE EEC/HONG KONG TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
THERE WILL BE TWO QUESTIONS CONCERNING EDUCATION. THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG WILL ASK ABOUT APTITUDE TEST, WHILE THE HON. KWAN KO SIU-WAH WILL TOUCH ON THE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THE FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN.
SOME OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS CONCERN THE SETTING UP OF A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, RATES ON PRIVATELY EXTENDED AND ALTERED BUILDINGS, THE BENEFITS TO BRITAIN OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL METRO SYSTEM AND THE EXPANSION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE.
SIX BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE APPROPRIATION (1976-77) BILL 1978, THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS (MARKET I NG)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE MARINE FISH (MARKET I NG)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THREE BILLS. THEY ARE THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE MERCANTILE BANK NOTE ISSUE (REPEAL) BILL 1978, AND THE SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
/4
TUESfiAY, JANUARY 24, 1978
4
LADY MACLEHOSE TOURS SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK * * * *
LADY MACLEHOSE TODAY MADE AN AIR-AND-LAND TOUR OF THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASS ISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRI CULTURE AND TOOK^A'hEL^ICOPTER^TOUR^OF*THE*4^500 HECTARES SWSHe’lATER LANDED AT RAK TAM AU IN SAI KUNG PENINSULA AND “GAN A ROAD TOUR FROM LONG HARBOUR TO HOI HA, A SMALL COVER OFF TOLO CHANNEL WHERE A NEW MANAGEMENT CENTRE IS BEING BUILT.
LADY MACLEHOSE ALSO WENT TO PAK TAM CHUNG TO INSPECT ANOTHER NEW MANAGEMENT CENTRE NEAR THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR. .
TO CONCLUDE HER MORNING TOUR, LADY MACLEHOSE VISITED THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S MANAGED AREA AT NA I CHUNG IN THE TOLO CHANNEL.
DURING THE VISIT, MR. LEWIS TOLD LADY MACLEHOSE THAT MORE THAN HALF OF HONG KONG’S LAND MASS IS PLANNED TO BE DESIGNATED AS COUNTRY PARK RESERVES DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
MR. LEWIS SAID UNDER THE $71 MILLION PROGRAMME APPROVED LAST MONTH FOR THE RETENTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG S COUNTRYSIDE, 19 AREAS ARE PLANNED TO BE DESIGNATED AS COUNTRY PARKS.
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DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ON INSPECTION VISIT ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SPENT THIS MORNING VISITING THREE WELL-KNOWN VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES TO KEEP HIMSELF INFORMED OF THEIR OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY MRS. EVELYN DOE, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION AND MR. HENRY AU, HEAD OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION, THE DIRECTOR CALLED AT THE FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY AND THE PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION IN WAN CHAI, AND THE PO LEUNG KUK IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
AT THE FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, MR. LEE WAS BRIEFED BY THE SOCIETY’S DIRECTOR, MRS. CHOY POON SIU-FUN, ON ITS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, COUNSELLING AND HOME HELP SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN FIVE CENTRES.
LATER MR. LEE WENT TO THE PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION WHERE HE WAS MET BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR. F.K. HU, WHO GAVE HIM A RUNDOWN OF THE ASSOCIATION’S PLANS. MR. LEE WAS ALSO CONDUCTED ON A TOUR OF THE ASSOCIATION’S RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
THE DIRECTOR CONCLUDED HIS VISIT BY CALLING AT PO LEUNG KUK WHERE HE WAS MET BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR. CHENG ENG-KUAN.
DURING HIS HOUR-LONG STAY AT THE KUK, MR. LEE INSPECTED THE VARIOUS SERVICES IT PROVIDES FOR THE CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN. THE DIRECTOR SHOWED PARTICULAR INTEREST TO THE BABY WARD, THE NURSERY, AND THE SHELTER WORKSHOP FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1978
5
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MARINE ASSISTANT RETIRING * * * *
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. W.D. LEIGHTON, WILL PRESENT ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 26) A FAREWELL GIFT ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES TO MARINE ASSISTANT I, MR. AU WING-HUI, WHO IS RETIRING AFTER ALMOST 19 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
MR. AU JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1959 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE PRESENT RANK IN 1970. HE IS MARRIED AND HAS SIX CHILDREN.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN ROOM 105 AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF MARINE DEPARTMENT, 102 CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL AT 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY.
- - 0 - -
PLB RESTRICTED ZONES IN KWAI CHUNG *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. SATURDAY (JANUARY 28), SEVERAL SECTIONS OF ROADS IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT DAILY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THE AREAS ARE:
* HING FONG ROAD BETWEEN KWAI FOO ROAD AND KWAI FUK ROAD-
* KWAI FUK ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HING FONG ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 190 FEET WEST-
* KWAI FUK ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HING FONG ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 190 FEET EAST- AND
* THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE TSI NG Yl BRIDGE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI FUK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 190 FEET SOUTH.
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING ON “THESE SECTIONS OF ROADS FOR PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREAS TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTIONS.
o
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NO RELAXATION IN GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT AGAINST CORRUPTION ... 1
BILL TO CURB INSIDER TRADING PASSED .......................... 2
POLICE TO CONDUCT SURVEY ON UNREPORTED CRIME ................ 4
HK’S METRO WORTH $1,300 MILLION TO UK ...................... 5
POLYTECHNIC BECOMES LARGEST TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTE .. 6
UK’S CONCERN FOR HK .......................................... 7
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE TO BE EXPANDED AND REGIONALISED ................................................. 8
NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES ................ 9
ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN ........................................ 9
SUPPLY OF FEMALE WORKFORCE .................................... 10
ACCESS FACILITIES FOR DISABLED ................................ U
SPECIAL BUS LANE SCHEME SUCCESSFUL ............................ 12
TOPLEY COMMENTS ON ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST.................... 12
RATEABLE VALUE OF MODIFIED PREMISES ........................ 13
POSTAL SERVICE IN NT......................................... 13
MORE PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO OPEN IN NT.......................... 1*
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND' COMM I TTEES .................. 15‘
SETTING UP OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ................... 15
SPECIAL NEEDS OF FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN ....................... 16
PAYMENT OF JURORS ALLOWANCE ................................. 17
BILLS PASSED ................................................ 17
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
NO RELAXATION IN GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT AGAINST CORRUPTION
******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON. SIR DENYS ROBERTS TODAY STRESSED THAT THE PARTIAL AMNESTY FOR PAST CORRUPTION OFFENCES DID NOT SIGNAL A RELAXATION OF GOVERNMENT EFFORT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN THE FUTURE.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDEMNT) BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DENYS SAID THOSE WHO MIGHT HOPE FOR SUCH A RELAXATION SHOULD BE WARNED THAT IT DID NOT.
HE SAID, +GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT STANDS AND THE ABILITY AND DETERMINATION OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TO DETECT ANY RESURGENCE OF CORRUPTION ARE VERY GREAT.
+WE INSIST ON KEEPING HONG KONG AS FREE FROM CORRUPTION AS WE CAN MAKE IT AND WE HAVE THE WILL AND THE MEANS TO DO SO,+ HE ADDED.
SIR DENYS POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTED ITSELF TO FIGHT CORRUPTION AND TO ELIMINATE THIS SLURR ON THE LIFE AND REPUTATION OF HONG KONG IN 1974, VERY GREAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
+THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS AND HAS BROUGHT BOTH RELIEF AND PRIDE TO ALL OF US,+ HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL, SIR DENYS SAID ITS OBJECT WAS TO EMBODY THE SUBSTANCE OF THE GOVERNOR’S DIRECTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION IN THE LAW OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID UNDER THE PRESSURE OF EVENTS IN LATE OCTOBER AND
EARLY NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, DURING THE COURSE OF WHICH WIDESPREAD AND DEEP-SEATED DISQUIET AMONG MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG POLICE FORCE BECAME EVIDENT, THE GOVERNOR WAS OBLIGED TO ACT ON THE BASIS OF HIS GENERAL AUTHORITY UNDER THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTIO.. ORDINANCE TO GIVE ORDERS AND DIRECTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION.
+THE GOVERNOR HAS EXERCISED AND DIRECTIONS TO THE COMMISSION
HIS AUTHORITY TO GIVE SUCH ORDERS FROM TIME TO TIME ON OTHER MATTERS.
+IN THIS INSTANCE, HOWEVER, SINCE THEY HAVE AN IMPORTANT AND PERMANENT EFFECT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION, IT IS CONSIDERED RIGHT THAT THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN STATUTORY FORM EY THEIR INCLUSION IN THE ORDINANCE,* SIR DENYS SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25,
1978
- 2 -
BILL TO CURB INSIDER TRADING PASSED ******
A BILL TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH INSIDER DEALING IN HONG KONG WAS PASSED WITH A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, WHICH 'WERE GENERALLY AGREED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE AD HOC GROUP FORMED BY THE UNOFFICIALS TO STUDY THE BILL, INCLUDE:
* THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES SHOULD NOT BE EMPOWERED TO TAKE POSSESSION OF BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE COMPANY CONCERNED FOR MORE THAN 48 HOURS-
* A PERSON FOUND NOT CULPABLE BY THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL MAY ASK TO HAVE HIS NAME LEFT OUT OF THE TR IBUNAL’S REPORT- AND
* THE WORDS ’IS CULPABLE’ WERE CHANGED TO ’MAY BE CULPABLE’ IN A NEW SECTION OF THE BILL.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE HON. SIR
S.Y. CHUNG SAID THE UNOFFICIALS BELIEVED THAT ONLY TIME WOULD TELL WHETHER THE AMENDING LEGISLATION WOULD PROVE EFFECTIVE AND THEREFORE WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO ASSESS THE POSITION IN 1980.
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS HAD ADOPTED A CAUTIOUS APPROACH, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED ELSEWHERE IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM, BUT ALSO BECAUSE OF CONTRARY VIEWS EXPRESSED LOCALLY THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION EITHER WENT TOO FAR OR DID NOT GO FAR ENOUGH.
THE GROUP HAD A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DURING WHICH A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO. THE ORIGINAL BILL WERE REACHED.
DURING THE DISCUSSIONS, MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT UNREPORTED +CURBSIDE DEALS+ WHICH WERE REQUIRED BY THE RULES OF THE STOCK EXCHANGES TO BE REPORTED.
THEY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT INSIDER DEALINGS COULD STILL BE ARRANGED EITHER THROUGH THE USE OF NOMINEES OUTSIDE HONG KONG, OR THROUGH DEALINGS IN HONG KONG SHARES LISTED OR TRADED ON THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, SO THAT UNLESS THESE TWO LOOPHOLES WERE PLUGGED, THE BILL WOULD AT BEST CATCH +SMALL AND NOT BIG F ISH+.
IN REPLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE THANKED THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR THOROUGH STUDY AND SHARED ITS CONCERN ON THE METHODS BY WHICH INSIDERS MIGHT BE ABLE TO CONCEAL THEIR TRANSACTIONS.
/as regards .....
■®’SSDAV, JAKUAH’: 25,
AS REGARDS NON-REPORTED DEALS DY STOCKBROKERS IN CONTRAVENTION OF THEIR OWN EXCHANGE RULES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES HAD ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE RULES OF THE VARIOUS EXCHANGES REGARDING THE REPORTING OF THESE SO CALLED CURBSIDE DEALS.
ON DEALINGS IN HONG KONG SHARES LISTED AND/OR TRADED ON LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, HE SAID AS THE JOBBERS AND BROKERS INVOLVED IN THESE TRANSACTIONS WERE NOT SUBJECT EITHER TO THE RULES OF A HONG KONG EXCHANGE OR TO THE OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED ON DEALERS BY THE SECURI.IcS ORDINANCE, THERE WAS A REAL POSSIBILITY OF WOULD-BE INSIDERS USING THIS ROUTE.
+ACCORDINGLY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES OF THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL LET UNOFFICIALS KNOW THE OUTCOME OF THE COMMISSIONER’S DISCUSSIONS IN DUE COURSE.
TURNING TO THE USE OF OFFSHORE NOMINEES TO HANDLE TRANSACTIONS MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE PREFERRED TO SEE WHAT EVIDENCE THERE WAS THAT THIS PRESENTED A PROBLEM BEFORE CONSIDERING WHAT ACTION, IF ANY, WAS NECESSARY AND POSSIBLE. HE IS IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES ABOUT THIS.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO REVEALED THAT HE HAD ASKED THE STOCK EXCHANGES AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES TO DRAW UP GUIDELINES FOR DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES OF A COMPANY WHO LEGITIMATELY WISH TO DEAL IN GOOD FAITH IN SHARES OF THEIR OWN COMPANY.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THE PROCEDURES FOR A CASE TO BE REFERRED TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL AND ALLAYED FEARS THAT THE STOCK MARKET ITSELF AND EVEN CONFIDENCE GENERALLY COULD BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE REFERENCE OF AN EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF CASES TO THE TR IBUNAL. »
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE NORMAL PROCEDURE WOULD BE THAT A POTENTIAL CASE WOULD INITIALLY BE INQUIRED INTO BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES, AND IF HE WAS SATISFIED THAT A PR IHA FACIE CASE EXISTED, HE WOULD REPORT HIS VIEWS TO THE SECURITIES COMMISSION.
+IF THE COMMISSION DECIDES THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAS ESTABLISHED A PR IMA FACIE CASE, IT JILL SO INFORM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
+IF HE, IN TURN, IS SATISFIED THAT INSIDER DEALING MAY HAVE TAKEN PLACE, THEN ..ILL REFER THE CASE TO THE TR IBUNAL.+
+ IN OTHER .'.ORDS, ONLY /.HE' THERE IS CLEAR EVIDENCE OF INSIDER DEALING ..ILL A CASE REACH THE TRIBUNAL,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
0
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
- 4 -
POLICE TO CONDUCT SURVEY ON UNREPORTED CRIME ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE ARE EXPECTED TO CARRY OUT A SURVEY LATER THIS YEAR ON THE EXTENT OF UNREPORTED CRIME, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. KWAN KO SIU-WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. DAVIES SAID PLANNING OF THE SURVEY WAS WELL ADVANCED.
HE ALSO REVEALED THE RESULTS OF THE CRIMINAL VICTIMISATION SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME COMMITTEE LAST YEAR TO ASSESS PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS CRIME SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT AND TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN FIGHTING CRIME.
MR. DAVIES SAID IN THE SURVEY, 216 INCIDENTS OF ALLEGED CRIME IN TWO BROAD CATEGORIES OF +CRIME AGAINST PERSONS+ AND +CRIME AGAINST HOUSEHOLDS+ WERE CONSIDERED IN DETAIL BY THE SURVEY TEAM WHO HAD INTERVIEWED ABOUT 6,600 PEOPLE OVER 12 YEARS OF AGE IN 1,770 HOUSEHOLDS.
THE RESULTS SHOWED THAT PETTY THEFT AND PICKPOCKETING ACCOUNTED FOR 55 PER CENT OF THE ALLEGED CRIMES, ROBBERY 16 PER CENT AND PURSE SNATCHING 13 PER CENT.
IT ALSO SHOWED THAT 46 PER CENT OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 6 P.M. AND 32 PER CENT BETWEEN 6 P.M. AND MIDNIGHT.
THE LOSSES SUFFERED WERE USUALLY CASH AND IN 60 PER CENT OF THE INCIDENTS, THE LOSS WAS LESS THAN $200.
IT WAS CLAIMED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN THE SURVEY THAT ABOUT 85 PER CENT OF THESE ALLEGED CRIMES WERE NOT REPORTED AND THE REASONS FOR NOT REPORTING THEM WERE: INCONVENIENCE (33%)-NOT SERIOUS ENOUGH TO WARRANT A REPORT (26%)- NO PROOF OF INCIDENT (12%) AND LOSS TOO INSIGNIFICANT (10%).
MR. DAVIES SAID A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE SURVEY BY THE DIRECTOR OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE RESEARCH DESIGN WAS SIMILAR TO THAT EMPLOYED IN THE UNITED STATES UNDER THE NATIONAL CRIME SURVEY PROGRAMME, EXCEPT FOR TWO DEVIATIONS.
'+THESE INVOLVE THE SAMPLING METHOD EMPLOYED AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF ONLY SELECTED INCIDENTS OF CRIME FOR THE STUDY.
+THESE DEVIATIONS HAVE REDUCED THE VALUE OF THE SURVEY. IT IS ALSO PROBABLE THAT A PROPORTION OF THE INCIDENTS REPORTED £RE NOT CRIME AT ALL,+ HE SAID.
/MH. DAVIES .....
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978 - 5 -
MR. DAVIES POINTED OUT THAT THE PLANNING OF THE SURVEY WAS BASED ON SOME PRELIMINARY RESEARCH CARRIED OUT BY THE SHUE YAN COLLEGE, A POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION.
THEIR PROPOSALS WERE CONSIDERED BY THE WAN CHAI FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME COMMITTEE AND SOME AMENDMENTS WERE MADE BEFORE THE SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT LAST AUGUST BY STUDENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HEAD OF THE SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SHUE YAN COLLEGE.
MR. DAVIES NOTED THAT THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED WITH ENTHUSIASM AND SINCERITY AND IS BEING EXAMINED FURTHER BY THE GOVERNMENT.
-----o------
HK’S METRO WORTH $1,3OOM TO UK ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT ON THE BASIS OF CONTRACTS LET SO FAR, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ESTIMATES THAT THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE METRO IS WORTH ABOUT HK$1,3OO MILLION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE FIGURE IS MADE UP OF HK$1,O43 MILLION IN +VISIBLE EARNINGS+ AND HK$257 MILLION IN +INVISIBLE EARNINGS+, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. T.S. LO.
+BY ’VISIBLE EARNINGS’, I MEAN THE UK ELEMENT IN CONTRACT PRICES FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND EQUIPMENT OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM. ’INVISIBLE EARNINGS’ INCLUDE THE UK ELEMENT IN INTEREST AND FINANCE COSTS AND SUCH ITEMS AS INSURANCE AND CONSULTANCY FEES.+ HE EXPLAINED.'
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN MAY WELL ADD TO THESE EARNINGS.
+BUT NO CONTRACTS HAVE YET BEEN LET SO IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY IN THIS STAGE,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
-----o------
/6
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
- 6 -
POLYTECHNIC BECOMES LARGEST TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTE ******
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, WITH A TOTAL STUDENT ENROLMENT OF OVER 25,000, HAS NOW BECOME THE LARGEST TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE HON. SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE POLYTECHNIC WHEN HE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ANNUAL REPORT 1976-77.
HE DESCRIBED THE LAST ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL YEAR OF THE POLYTECHNIC AS +YET ANOTHER YEAR OF EXPANSION OF AN INSTITUTION WHOSE CONTINUING GROWTH RATE SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1972 HAS BEEN QUITE REMARKABLE BY ANY STANDARD*.
THE FULL-TIME STUDENT POPULATION ROSE BY A FURTHER 20 PER CENT TO A TOTAL OF 4,800.
ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A SLIGHT DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ON PART-TIME-DAY-RELEASE AND EVENING COURSES, THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ON SPECIAL SHORT-COURSES TAILORED TO THE SPECIFIC AND URGENT NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS ALMOST DOUBLED TO A TOTAL OF 6,221, SIR SZE-YUEN SA ID. -
ON THE PROSPECTS OF THE GRADUATES, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID THE YEAR’S OUTPUT OF STUDENTS WAS WELL RECEIVED BY LOCAL EMPLOYERS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT 77.5 PER CENT OF OVER 1,400 GRADUATES HAD SECURED +SUITABLE AND REWARDING* JOBS IN INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICES.
ANOTHER 16.5 PER CENT WENT ON TO FURTHER STUDIES, MAINLY WITHIN THE POLYTECHNIC, AND ONLY SIX PER CENT WERE STILL UNEMPLOYED BY OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
REVIEWING THE PROGRESS OF THE POLYTECHNIC’S BUILDING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID A NEW COMPLEX TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT SPORTS, SOCIAL AND OTHER STUDENT-FACILITIES, AS WELL AS WORKSHOP SPACES FOR THE NEW INSTITUTE OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, WOULD BE READY FOR USE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
BUT SIR SZE-YUEN ALSO NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE . POLYTECHNIC’S NEW BUILDINGS WERE VAST AND IMPRESSIVE, THEY WOULD SOON BE OVER-TAXED BY THE +LESS IMMEDIATELY-VISIBLE EXPANSION IN STUDENT-NUMBERS*.
' FOR THIS REASON, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE ADJACENT LAND, SET ASIDE FOR LONGER-TERM EXPANSION, WOULD HAVE TO BE DEVELOPED MORE QUICKLY THAN WAS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT NECESSARY.
/SIR SZE-YUEN
7
iTSDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
SIR SZE—YUEN ALSO NOTED THAT IN THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR,
THE POLYTECHNIC HAD TIME TO EXAMINE ITS PAST AND TO IDENTIFY THE PLAN FOR ITS OBJECTIVES IN THE LONGER-TERM, DESPITE ITS RAPID AND CONTINUED EXPANSION. +THIS WAS DONE PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF A VISITATION OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE IN MARCH 1977 WHEN, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE POLYTECHNIC SUBMITTED A COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE TRIENNIUM 1978-81, IN PHASE WITH SIMILAR TRIENNIAL PLANS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES,* HE SAID.
SIR SZEr-YUEN EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE POLYTECHNIC, WHICH NOW PLAYS A PROMINENT PART IN HONG KONG’S FAST-MULTIPLYING ARRAY OF SOCIAL SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP IN TUNE WITH HONG KONG’S EVER-CHANGING AND INCREASING NEEDS.
- 0 -
UK’S CONCERN FOR HONG KONG
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE CONCERN OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS OVER THE EEC-HONG KONG TEXTILES AGREEMENT WAS CONVEYED TO HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT LAST MONTH.
+1 HAVE NOW BEEN ASKED TO ASSURE THEM (HONOURABLE MEMBERS) THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG REMAINS AS STRONG AS EVER,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
8
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE TO BE EXPANDED AND REGIONALISED * K * K *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PLANS TO INCREASE THE STAFF OF ITS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE AND TO REGIONAL ISE THE SERVICE IM FIVE YEARS’ TIME BY SETTING UP BRANCH OFFICES IN VARIOUS SCHOOL AREAS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS SAID TODAY.
+CAREERS GUIDANCE,* HE SAID, +WILL THEN BE EXTENDED TO COVER M.L FORM V STUDENTS.
+DURING THIS PERIOD, WE SHALL BUILD UP A CAREERS REFERENCE L|>RARY IN EACH OFFICE AND STRENGTHEN THE CAREERS INFORMATION SERVICE,* HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. WONG LAM IN TMf LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. WILLIAMS EXPECTED TO INCREASE THE SERVICE’S STAFF BY THREE OFFICERS DURING THE COMING YEAR.
+THIS WILL ENABLE THE SERVICE TO EXTEND ITS PREPARATION OF CAREERS MATERIAL,* HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO PUBLICITY, MR. WILLIAMS POINTED OUT THAT A CAREERS NEWSLETTER WAS PREPARED BY THE SERVICE AND PUBLISHED EVERY IWO MONTHS.
THE NEWSLETTER, SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, WAS DISTRIBUTED TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES.
PRESS RELEASES ON CAREERS SEMINARS AND EXHIBITION WERE ISSUED REGULARLY AND LAST YEAR, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG DID TWO SPECIAL PROGRAMMES TO HIGHLIGHT THE RECENT CAREERS EXHIBITION.
PLANS WERE ALSO UNDERWAY TO PRODUCE A SERIES OF TV PROGRAMMES ON CAREERS FOR TRANSMISSION ON THE COMMERCIAL STATIONS IN THE COMING YEAR.
REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE SERVICE IN THE PAST YEAR, MR. WILLIAMS SAID IT HAD AN ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE LABOUR OFFICER AND EIGHT ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS OPERATING FROM TWO OFFICES -- ONE IN WAN CHAI AND THE OTHER IN KOWLOON CITY.
LAST YEAR OFFICERS OF THE UNIT GAVE 350 SCHOOL TALKS TO 33,000 FORM V STUDENTS, ORGANISED SEVEN CAREERS SEMINARS FOR 6,000 SCHOOL LEAVERS AND TOOK PART IN 17 OTHER CAREERS ACTIVITIES.
EIGHT CAREERS EXHIBITIONS WERE STAGED ON A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TRUCK WHICH CALLED AT HOUSING ESTATES, PARKS AND SCHOOLS AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR’S WORK WAS THE CAREERS EXHIBITION HELD AT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TERMINUS IN NOVEMBER WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAL 113,000 VISITORS IN TEN DAYS.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
9
NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS WORKING TOWARDS A PER CAPITA SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND FOR OTHER SERVICES.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. THOMAS LEE IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT’S GRANTS TO SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES ARE EITHER ON A DISCRETIONARY OR A PER CAPITA BASIS AS IS ALREADY THE CASE IN DAY NURSERIES.
BECAUSE OF THIS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT PROVIDE A CODE OF AID ON PROMOTION PROSPECTS FOR WORKERS IN THESE CENTRES.
HE SAID EVEN WHEN THE NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED, THE NEED FOR A CODE-OF-AID WAS UNLIKELY BECAUSE THIS WAS ONLY APPROPRIATE WHEN AN ORGANISATION, SUCH AS A SCHOOL, WAS AIDED BY A DEFICIENCY GRANT.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT THE NUMBER OF CHILD CARE WORKERS IN CHILD CARE CENTRES IS CALCULATED ACCORDING TO STAFF AND CHILDREN RATIO AS SPECIFIED IN THE REGULATIONS AND THERE IS ONLY ONE SUPERVISOR IN EACH CENTRE.
0 -
CAMPAIGN TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING
*****
AND
FOR
THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING IN PUBLIC ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT BY PERSUASION AND EDUCATION, THE SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO, SAID TODAY.
PLACES SECRETARY
+THE SUGGESTION OF LEGISLATION FOR A TOTAL BAN ON SMOKING IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT WOULD BE CONTRARY TO CURRENT POLICY AND THINKING,* HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ON THE RESULT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES, MR. HO SAID THAT IT WAS TOO EARLY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF THE DRIVE.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS TOGETHER WITH THE DISPLAY OF SLIDES AND SHORT FILMS ON TELEVISION SCREENS, HAD HAD SOME EFFECT IN ENCOURAGING MORE CONSIDERATE TOWARDS OTHERS.
AND STICKERS, CINEMA AND SMOKERS TO BE
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/1O
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
10
SUPPLY OF FEMALE WORKFORCE AND NURSERIES *****
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WELCOME +ENLIGHTENED SELF-INTEREST AMONG INDUSTRIALISTS* IN THE PROVISION OF NURSERIES FOR CHILDREN OF THEIR WORKFORCE CLOSE TO THEIR PLACE OF WORK.
MR. HO ASSURED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD READILY PROVIDE ANY NECESSARY GUIDANCE AND ADVICE IN THE SETTING UP OF THESE NURSERIES IF THE INDUSTRIALISTS CONSIDER THIS WOULD OPEN UP A FRESH SUPPLY OF FEMALE LABOUR FOR INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT, AND AS AN ADDITIONAL BENEFIT FOR WORKING MOTHERS ALREADY AT WORK.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU WHO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE STEPS TO ENCOURAGE AND EXPEDITE THE SETTING UP OF MORE NURSERIES SO THAT MOTHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR WORK IN INDUSTRY.
ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION FROM MR. WU CONCERNING A +CHRONIC SHORTAGE OF LABOUR*, MR. HO SAID: +IN A FREE ECONOMY LIKE HONG KONG WHICH DOES NOT HAVE ANY ARTIFICIAL LIMITATIONS ON WAGE BARGAINING OR ON LABOUR MOBILITY, A CHRONIC, OR LONG-LASTING, SHORTAGE OF LABOUR CANNOT OCCUR.
+ANY TEMPORARY SHORTAGE OF FEMALE LABOUR CAN BE EXPECTED TO RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN THE WAGE RATE BEING OFFERED WHICH MAY INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF SUCH LABOUR TO MEET DEMAND.
+THIS PROCESS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE SHORTAGE IS ELIMINATED,* HE SAID.
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/11
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
11
ACCESS FACILITIES FOR DISABLED
*****
DROPPED KERBS HAVE ALREADY BEEN INSTALLED AT 20 PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN FENWICK STREET AND YEE WO STREET FOR THE USE OF DISABLED PEOPLE, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, SAID TODAY.
IN ADDITION, 28 MORE CROSSINGS ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED IN THE KWUN TONG AREA, HE GA ID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
+THE NEW KERB DETAILS ARE BEING INSTALLED IN THE TWO URBAN AREAS MENTIONED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BAS IS,+ MR. MCDONALD SAID.
+LATER THIS YEAR AN ASSESSMENT WILL BE MADE OF THE BENEFITS OF THE SYSTEM AND OF THE POSSIBLE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS SUCH AS THE PONDING OF RAINWATER IN THE FORMED AREAS.+
HE SAID IF THE STUDY INDICATED THAT THERE WERE NO SERIOUS DISADVANTAGES IN THE SYSTEM, A PROGRAMME OF WORKS WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE DROPPED KERBS AT OTHER PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, MR. MCDONALD SAID THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE WAS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE DISABLED AND HAD ADOPTED THE DESIGN STANDARDS LAID DOWN IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE RELATING TO ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED TO BUILDINGS FOR ALL NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PROJECTS.
HE SAID THIS MEANT THE PROVISION OF EASIER-GOING STAIRWAYS, SHORTER STAIR-FLIGHTS, LONGER INTERMEDIATE LANDINGS AND FLATTER RAMP GRADIENTS. ESCALATORS WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED IN SOME CASES.
MR. MCDONALD POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD NOT, HOWEVER, BE POSSIBLE TO INCORPORATE ALL OF THE RECOMMENDED STANDARDS IN EVERY NEW STRUCTURE DUE MAINLY TO THE LIMITED GROUND AREA AVAILABLE FOR LANDINGS.
+ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO PROPOSALS AT PRESENT TO RECONSTRUCT EXISTING FACILITIES TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THE STANDARDS THEY ARE BEING EXAMINED TO DETERMINE WHETHER IMPROVEMENTS MIGHT BE MADE TO THEM IN THE FUTURE,* HE ADDED.
.'WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
- 12 -SPECIAL BUS LANE SCHEME SUCCESSFUL *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE BUS-ONLY-LANE SCHEMES HAVE GENERALLY IMPROVED THE JOURNEY TIMES AND INCREASED THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE BUSES USING THEM.
THE BETTER SERVICE THUS PROVIDED HAD PERSUADED MORE PEOPLE TO TRAVEL ON THE BUSES, HE SAID IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. PETER C. WONG.
MR. JONES ADDED THAT RECENT SURVEYS IN THE MID-LEVELS SHOW THAT THE PROPORTION OF TRIPS MADE BY FRANCHISED BUSES DURING THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD HAS RISEN FROM 21 PER CENT BEFORE THE BUS PRIORITY SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TO AS MUCH AS 40 PER CENT.
ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION FROM MR. WONG ON RELAXING THE SCHEME DURING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE ANY RELAXATION WAS INTRODUCED IT WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARLY SHOWN THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT WOULD NOT SUFFER.
+THE OBJECT OF THE BUS ONLY LANES IS TO GIVE PRIORITY TO HIGH CAPACITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE ROAD CAPACITY DOES NOT PERMIT THE UNRESTRICTED USE OF PRIVATE CARS.
+IN THE PARTICULAR CASE OF THE MID-LEVELS THE SITUATION
IS AFFECTED BY THE MAJOR ROAD ..ORKS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN THAT AREA AND IT IS NOT YET KNOWN WHAT THE EFFECT WILL BE OF THE LIFTING OF THE BUILDING RESTRICTIONS IN THE AREA.
+1 HAVE, HOWEVER, ASKED THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO LOOK AGAIN AT THE POSITION ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO SEE IF ANY CHANGES CAN BE MADE AT THESE TIMES WHICH WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT BUS OPERATIONS.+
TOPLEY COMMENTS ON ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST ******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY SOME PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE COACHING THEIR PUPILS FOR THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST.
+THIS WAS TO BE EXPECTED,+ HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHAT POSITIVE ACTION THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE TO ENSURE THAT THE PURPOSE OF APTITUDE TEST WAS NOT DEFEATED BY SUCH PRACTICE.
MR. TOPLEY STATED THAT HE DID NOT INTEND TRYING FORCIBLY TO STOP PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM COACHING THEIR PUPILS FOR THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST.
+SOME PREPARATION FOR THE TEST IS DESIRABLE, BUT EXCESSIVE COACHING IS INEFFECTIVE,* HE SAID.
+MANY SCHOOLS HAVE ALREADY APPRECIATED THE TRUE ROLE AND NATURE OF THE TEST WHICH IS USED SOLELY TO SCALE THE INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS OF SCHOOLS AND WHICH IS DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY AS NOT TO EXERT UNDUE PRESSURE ON CHILDREN* HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
13
ASSESSING RATEABLE VALUE OF MODIFIED PREMISES * * * *
UNAUTHORISED EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF A REASONABLY PERMANENT NATURE BUILT BY A LANDLORD OR TENANT ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN ASSESSING THE RATEABLE VALUE OF PREMISES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT WHEN PREMISES ARE ASSESSED TO RATES FOR THE FIRST TIME, INSPECTORS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT RECORD ALL MATERIAL EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS WHICH MIGHT AFFECT THE ASSESSMENT.
+ANY LATER EXTENSIONS OR MODIFICATIONS ARE NOTED BY INSPECTORATE STAFF DURING THE COURSE OF DAY TO DAY WORK, AND, IF WARRANTED, AN ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT IS MADE,* HE EXPLAINED.
+OF COURSE, A THOROUGH CHECK ON THE PHYSICAL STATE OF PREMISES IS MADE DURING REVALUATIONS WHICH ARE NORMALLY CARRIED OUT EVERY THREE OR FOUR YEARS, AND THE NEW ASSESSMENTS WHICH FLOW THEREFROM REFLECT THE VALUE OF THE PREMISES IN THEIR MODIFIED OR EXTENDED FORM.+
-----o-------
POSTAL SERVICE IN NT
*****
A FURTHER 247 COMMUNAL LETTER BOXES ARE EXPECTED TO BE INSTALLED BY JUNE THIS YEAR IN VILLAGES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES I^nS^JARY F0R EC0N0MIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID TODAY.
_iTucIHnvGn««IER PART 0F THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD THEN BE SERVED EITHER BY DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERY OR BY COMMUNAL LETTER BOXES MR. JEAFFRESON SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
,WE SAID THE DECISION TO INSTALL MORE COMMUNAL LETTER BOXES t2cLdoct/ ^VEY BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL LAST YEAR TO SEE HOW THE POSTAL SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MIGHT BE IMPROVED.
the POSTMASTER GENERAL WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS IN THE VILLAGES WHEREBY THE POST OFFICE DELIVERS MAJLS FOR SOME VILLAGES BY ARRANGEMENT TO A CONVENIENT LOCATION SUCH AS A LOCAL RICE SHOP, FROM WHERE VILLAGERS COLLECT THEIR ' Lt I It no.
CONCERNING POSTAL MR. JEAFFRESON SAID AS MAIL DELIVERY SERVICES STREETS HAD OFFICIALLY PROPERLY NUMBERED.
SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES GENERALLY, IN OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG, DOOR-TO-DOOR WERE PROVIDED IN PLACES WHERE ROADS AND RECOGNISED NAMES AND THE BUILDINGS WERE
♦THERE ARE THUS DELIVERY SERVICES IN ALL THE TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
- 14 -
MORE PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO OPEN IN NT ******
A NUMBER OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES OPENED LAST YEAR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THERE ARE PLANS FOR MORE IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. ALEX WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE SHEUNG SHU I LIBRARY WOULD OPEN IN A WEEK’S TIME AND THE TUEN MUN LIBRARY IN JULY.
+AT KWAI CHUNG, CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO LEASING 12,000 SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE SPACE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS PENDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF PERMANENT PREMISES,* HE SAID.
IN YUEN LONG, HE SAID, THE NIXON LIBRARY IN THE TOWN HALL WILL BE SHORTLY TRANSFERRED TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND BECOME A PUBLIC LIBRARY.
A BOOK BOX SERVICE TO CHEUNG CHAU STARTED LAST SEPTEMBER, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A LIBRARY SERVICE TO SAI KUNG IS NOW BEING EXAMINED, HE SAID.
IN THE NEW TOWNS, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO PROVIDE, FOR EACH POPULATION GROUP OF 200,000, A LIBRARY OCCUPYING ABOUT 12,000 SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR SPACE TOGETHER WITH A STUDY ROOM FOR 220 STUDENTS.
+IN OTHER PLACES, THE NEED FOR STUDY ROOMS IS BEING TACKLED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND A TOTAL OF EIGHT CLASSROOMS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THIS PURPOSE,* HE SAID.
LAST YEAR, THE TAI PO LIBRARY OPENED IN SEPTEMBER AND IS LENDING SOME 22,000 BOOKS A MONTH. AND A LIBRARY AT SHA TIN IN THE LEK YUEN ESTATE OPENED IN NOVEMBER LAST, AND IN DECEMBER ISSUED OVER 13,000 BOOKS - TWICE THE NUMBER OF BOOKS IN STOCK.
+CLEARLY, HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE OVERWHELMING USE BEING MADE OF OUR LIBRARIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WE WILL HAVE TO RE-EXAMINE THE TIMING AND ADEQUACY OF CUR FUTURE PLANS FOR LIBRARIES AND TO KEEP THE PROVISION AND NEED FOR STUDY ROOMS UNDER REVIEW,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
--------0 -
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978 .
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT REPRESENTATION ON COMMITTEES SHOULD BE DRAWN FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SECRETARIES OR HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LYDIA DUNN CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENTS OF SUITABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO THE NETWORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
MR. LI POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THOSE STATUTORY COMMITTEES WHICH STIPULATE MEMBERSHIP OF SOME PROFESSIONAL OR SPECIALISED BODY, IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT +REPRESENTATION ON COMMITTEES SHOULD GENERALLY BE DRAWN FROM A WIDE RANGE OF PERSONS FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.+
HE ADDED THAT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT TO COMMITTEES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SECRETARY OR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT WHO IS MOST CONCERNED WITH THE PRINCIPAL AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMITTEE, AND WHO WOULD CONSULT OFFICERS OF HIS BRANCH OR DEPARTMENT.
+HE MIGHT ALSO CONSULT THOSE UNOFFICIALS WHO ARE ALREADY ASSOCIATED WITH THE WORK OF THAT COMMITTEE. HE ALSO SEEKS ADVICE FROM THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, PARTICULARLY ON THE APPOINTMENT OF NON-PROFESS IONAL PERSONS TO HIS COMMITTEES SINCE THE LATTER, AND MEMBERS OF HIS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS MAINTAIN A CLOSE CONTACT WITH MANY ORGANISATIONS, GROUPS AND LOCAL INDIVIDUALS,* MR. LI SAID.
-----o------
SETTING UP OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS WORKING ON DETAILED PROCEDURES FOR THE SETTING UP OF A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+ONCE THIS HAS BEEN DONE A MOTION WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED AS A SELECT COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. F.W. LI.
+IT IS INTENDED THAT THE COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE JURISDICTION TO CONSIDER AND COMMENT AS IT MAY THINK FIT ON SUCH MATTERS AS ARE CONTAINED IN THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT ON ANY ACCOUNTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, OR ON SUCH METHODS AS MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE LAID BEFORE HONOURABLE MEMBERS,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS PROPOSED TO SET UP THE COMMITTEE IN TIME TO CONSIDER THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1978.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
16
SPECIAL NEEDS OF FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN
******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID TODAY THAT HE WOULD NEED TO GATHER FRESH FACTS AND TO CONSULT OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN.
REPLYING TO THE HON. KWAN KO SIU-WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT THERE WERE +CONCEPTUAL AND NUMERICAL* PROBLEMS TO BE TACKLED BEFORE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS COULD BE ARRIVED AT.
+SOME 60,000 PEOPLE STILL LIVE AFLOAT, MORE THAN HALF ARE FISHERFOLK,* HE SAID.
+IT IS NOT NECESSARILY FISHING OR LIVING AFLOAT WHICH CREATES PROBLEMS OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, BUT RATHER REMOTENESS AND THE ITINERANT HOME,* HE ADDED.
+REMOTENESS CAN BE MET BY BRINGING THE SCHOOLS TO THE CHILDREN AND THIS HAS BEEN DONE WITH PRIMARY SHCOOLS. IT IS NOT SUCH A PRACTICAL SOLUTION WITH SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH SHOULD BE OF A MINIMUM SIZE TO OFFER SOME CHOICE OF SUBJECTS.
+THE ITINERANT HOME CAN BE MANAGED BY PROVIDING A HOME ASHORE. BUT HERE A RECENT SURVEY HAS SHOWN A PREFERENCE BY FISHERMEN FOR PURPOSE-BUILT FISHERMEN’S VILLAGES RATHER THAN PUBLIC HOUSING.
+THESE SOLUTIONS WILL NOT BE EASY TO APPLY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THESE PROBLEMS HAVE TO A SUBSTANTIAL EXTENT BEEN SOLVING THEMSELVES INDIRECTLY THROUGH THE GENERAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG. OUR TRANSPORT NETWORK HAS BECOME WIDER AND MORE COMPLETE AND FISHERMEN HAVE INCREASINGLY COME ASHORE TO LIVE, MANY IN PUBLIC HOUSING, AND SOMETIMES TURNING TO OTHER TRADES.
+WE MUST NOW CONSIDER TO WHAT DEGREE THESE PROBLEMS WILL FIND THEIR OWN SOLUTIONS AND HOW FAR WE SHOULD GO IN MEETING THEM HEAD ON HERE WE MUST CONSIDER HOW FAR SOLUTIONS COMPELLING IN PRINCIPLE WILL PROVE PRACTICAL IN APPLICATION AND HOW FAR DIVERSION OF EFFORT FROM OUR MAIN PROGRAMME IS JUSTIFIED,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
- 0------------
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1978
PAYMENT OF JURORS ALLOWANCE
*****
ALLOWANCES FOR JURORS CANNOT BE PAID AT THE CONCLUSION OF A TRIAL BECAUSE THE PAYMENTS HAVE TO BE CHECKED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. HOBLEY WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WHO ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ARRANGE SUCH PAYMENTS BE MADE TO THE JURORS AT THE COURTS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR SERVICE ON A CASE RATHER THAN LATER AT THE SUPREME COURT ACCOUNTS OFFICE.
MR. HOBLEY ADDED THAT ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF PAYMENT WAS ALSO MADE BY POST IF A JUROR SO ASKED.
HE SAID THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT BELIEVED THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS DO NOT IN PRACTICE CAUSE ANY INCONVENIENCE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE SERVED AS JURORS.
IT WAS ALSO NOT CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS A CASE FOR ABANDONING THE CONTROLS NOW EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES — WHICH WOULD BE NECESSARY IF PAYMENT WERE TO BE MADE AT THE CONCLUSION OF A TRIAL, HE ADDED.
- 0-----------
BILLS PASSED * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED THREE BILLS INTO LAW.
THESE ARE THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, MERCANTILE BANK NOTE ISSUE (REPEAL) BILL 1978 AND SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
T1URSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITS HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE ........................ 1
TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TO 3E PUBLISHED LATER THIS YEAR ........ 2
NEW MAXICAB ROUTES BEING WORKED OUT .......................... 4
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1977 .................. 5
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS UNITS OF CIVIL AID SERVICES ........... 7
APPROACH IN DEVELOPING THE POTENTIAL OF HANDICAPPED
CHILDREN ..................................................... 8
BALLOT FOR BATHING SHEDS IN NT ............................... 9
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISONS OFFICERS ....................... 9
BASKETBALL COMPETITION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN ................ 10
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ROAD JUNCTION IN MID-LEVELS ............ 1G
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
1
’ GOVERNOR VISITS HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE * * * * *
THE;GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAS OPENED A NEW ERA IN THE HISTORY OF PUBLIC HOUSING I'N HONG KONG.
SIR MURRAY SAID THIS DURING HIS TOUR OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE AT Ol MAN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX THIS MORNING.
DURING THE VISIT, MR. CHARLES SIN, CHAIRMAN OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, SHOWED SIR MURRAY THE VARIOUS MODELS AND OTHER FEATURES OF THE SIX PROJECTS IN PHASE OF THE SCHEME, WHICH ARE NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE CENTRE’S EXHIBITION HALL.
SIR MURRAY SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED EY HOW QUICKLY THE SCHEME HAD PROGRESSED SINCE PLANNI NG STARTED |N 1976, AND BY THE ENTHUSIASM AND DETERMINATION SHOWN EY EVERYBODY INVOLVED.
HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT THE PRICE OF THE FLATS HAD BEEN KEPT TO A LEVEL WHICH LOWER-MIDDLE INCOME PEOPLE COULD GENUINELY AFFORD.
THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE Ol MAN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
- 2 -
TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED LATER THIS YEAR
******
THE DEPUTY SECRET'?.Y FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, DR. RICHARD BUTLER, SAID TODAY THE GOVER’..<tNT WILL PUBLISH A WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT LATER THIS YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A Lt .CHEON MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB AT MANDARIN HOTEL, DR. JJTLER SAID THE WHITE PAPER WOULD BE UP DATED EVERY FEW YEARS, BUT WOULD NOT CONSTITUTE A DETAILED, ROUTE-BY-ROUTE SET OF TRANSPORT PLANS BECAUSE THESE WOULD LACK THE FLEXIBILITY ESSENTIAL TO MEET HONG KONG’S EVER-CHANGING CONDITIONS.
HE REJECTED THE IDEA OF A LONG-TERM MASTER PLAN FOR TRANSPORT AND SAID THE DAY HONG KONG HAD SUCH A PLAN FOR ANYTHING WAS THE DAY IT CEASED TO BE THE RAPIDLY GROWING, DYNAMIC ECONOMY THAT IT WAS NOW.
DR. BUTLER SAID: +MASTER PLANS, FOR ALL I KNOW, MAY WORK IN TOTALLY PLANNED ECONOMIES AND SOCIETIES, ALTHOUGH I DOUBT IT EVEN THERE. BUT THEY CAN NEVER WORK WHERE INDIVIDUALS ARE ALLOWED TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES AND HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH CHO ICES.+
CONTINGENCY PLANS WERE, OF COURSE, ESSENTIAL FOR HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND, INDEED, WE HAD THEM’ BUT CONTINGENCY PLANS CONCERNED THEMSELVES WITH BROAD STRATEGIES.
THEY HAD BEEN AN ESSENTIAL INPUT TO MAJOR INVESTMENT DECISIONS OF THOUSANDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS CURRENTLY BEING SPENT ON OUR ROADS, OUR MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, OUR KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND OUR BUSES, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE PUBLIC ITS BROAD TRANSPORT PLANS IN THE TRANSPORT GREEN PAPER OF 1974 IN WHICH IT WAS INDICATED THAT POLICY RESTED ON A TRIPOD, THE LEGS OF WHICH WERE :-
* ADDITIONAL ROAD INVESTMENT’
* IMPROVED PUBLIC TRANSPORT’ AND
* MAKING MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROAD SYSTEM.
+WE HAVE OPENLY PURSUED SAID.
THIS POLICY FOR YEARS NOW,+ DR.
BUTLER
OF HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT, EXCEPT mu iwv nn.unn.w, ...........♦ PRIVATE SECTOR AND, FOR THIS REASON
ALONE, CENTRAL PLANNING WOULD BE +DOOMED FROM THE START+.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL
THE TWO RAILWAYS
ARE IN THE
+THE BUS COMPANIES MIGHT WELL DISAGREE WITH THE MASTER PLAN’S REQUIREMENTS FOR BUS ORDERING AND REFUSE TO COMPLY.
/♦THIS MUST MEAN.......
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
3
+THIS MUST MEAN, IF THE MASTER PLAN IS TO SURVIVE, A PREPAREDNESS, IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, FOR THE OPERATORS TO BE ABSORBED AND DIRECTED BY THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MASTER PLAN. THAT, IN TURN, WOULD MEAN HONG KONG ENDING UP WITH ONE HUGE UNMANAGEABLE TRANSPORT OPERATOR. WHAT A GHASTLY PROSPECT,* He SAID.
+EVEN IF IT WERE POSSIBLE FOR A MASTER PLAN TO WORK - AND, AS I HAVE INDICATED, THIS POSSIBILITY CAN BE ENTIRELY DISCOUNTED -IS IT NEEDED? I DON’T THINK SO - FOR THREE REASONS.
+IN THE FIRST PLACE, UNDER PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS TREMENDOUSLY DYNAMIC AND RESPONSIVE TO DEMAND WHICH LEAPT FORWARD BETWEEN 1973 AND 1977 AND WAS MET.
+THE OPERATORS, ACTING UNDER WHAT I MIGHT DESCRIBE AS GENTLE GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE, CARRIED 5.5 MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY IN 1977 AS CONTRASTED WITH 4.1 MILLION A DAY IN 1973. WHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD IS THERE SUCH EXCELLENT, RESPONSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
+SECONDLY, ANYONE WHO ARGUES FOR A MASTER PLAN HAS GOT TO POINT TO A GENERAL MISCHIEF UNDER OUR PRESENT SYSTEM OF LIMITED PLANNING. I DON’T THINK THAT THEY CAN. IF THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM IS REALLY AS BAD AS OUR DETRACTORS SAY, HOW DO WE ACHIEVE SUCH EXCELLENT GROWTH RATES IN OUR GDP AS WE HAVE RECENTLY REGlSTERcD, I.E. 16% IN 1976 AND 8% IN 1977?
+SURELY WE WOULD NEVER GET TO THE OFFICE* WE WOULD ALL STAY AT HOME* THE FACTORIES WOULD CEASE TO HUM AND THE ECONOMY WOULD COME TO A HALT. OUR GROWTH RATE IS AN EMBARRASSMENT TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO ALLEGE AN APPALLINGLY BAD STATE OF OUR GENERAL TRANSPORT DUE TO A LACK OF A MASTER PLAN.
+THIRDLY, SUCH AN ALLEGATION ALSO MAKES EXCEEDINGLY LARGE DRAFTS ON HUMAN CREDULITY AT A TIME WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IS DEMONSTRABLY INVESTING HUGE SUMS IN THE MTRC, AN EXPANDED ROAD PROGRAMME AND, IN ALL PROBABILITY, AN ELECTRIFIED KCR.
+HAVE THE CRITICS NO EYES FOR THE STRUCTURES STEADILY RISING FROM THIS TERRITORY? OR THE GREAT PITS IN WHICH MEN ARE MINING FOR MASS TRANSIT? THE BLAST OF THE PNEUMATIC DRILL MAY NOT BE MUSIC TO THEIR EARS, BUT I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS DEMONSTRATION ENOUGH THAT THE TRANSPORT SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY IS SCARCELY A POOR RELATION.*
REGARDING THE PROPOSAL FOR AN INDEPENDENT TRANSPORT AUTHORITY, DR-. BUTLER DESCRIBED IT AS +SPLENDID PHANTASY*.
HE SAID THAT, IF A GOVERNMENT WAS TO GOVERN, THERE COULD BE NO STRAIGHT-JACKET OF MASTER PLANNING, HO OUTSIDE BODY TO WHOM TO PASS THE BUCK, BUT A CONSTANT AND OFTEN AGONISING RE-ORDERING OF PRIORITIES AND DECISION TAKING IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.
+80 I SUGGEST THAT WE STICK TO CUE PRESENT SYSTEM OF LETTING THE GOVERNMENT GOVERN AND THE CRITICS CRITICISE,* HE SAID.
/4 ....
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
4
NEW MAXICAB ROUTES BEING WORKED OUT * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS WORKING OUT DETAILS OF 65 NEW MAXICAB ROUTES WHICH WILL BE PROGRESSIVELY INTRODUCED ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID FULL DETAILS OF ROUTES INCLUDING PROPOSED FREQUENCIES, VEHICLE ALLOCATIONS AND PROCEDURES ON HOW TO APPLY WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE ROUTES WOULD BE OFFERED IN PACKAGES AND WOULD CONSIST OF LIKELY PROFITABLE AND NON-PROFI TABLE ONES SO THAT THERE WOULD BE AN EXTENT OF CROSS-SUBSIDISATION BETWEEN ROUTES IN ANY ONE BATCH.
HE EXPECTED THAT THE FIRST BATCH OF ROUTES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE READY FOR APPLICATION IN EARLY APRIL THIS YEAR. ALL EXISTING PLB OWNERS AND OPERATORS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
THE AVERAGE VEHICLE REQUIREMENT FOR EACH ROUTE IS ABOUT FOUR TO FIVE VEHICLES AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE 65 NEW MAXICAB ROUTES WILL ABSORB ABOUT 300 PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM THE EXISTING FLEET OF OVER 4,300.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AN INDEPENDENT SELECTION COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND POSSIBLY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WOULD BE FORMED TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS.
THE SELECTION OF APPLICANTS WOULD BE LARGELY BASED ON EXPERIENCE IN THE TRADE, FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THE APPLICANT’S ABILITY TO OPERATE A SATISFACTORY SERVICE.
A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WOULD, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, BE AWARDED AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO OPERATE A PACKAGE OF MAXICAB ROUTES FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF NOT MORE THAN THREE MONTHS.
IF HIS OPERATION PROVES SUCCESSFUL AND SATISFACTORY, AN EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE WILL BE AWARDED TO HIM.
THE FRANCHISE WOULD BE FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF THREE YEARS WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THE MAXICAB SERVICE PROVES SUCCESSFUL IN BOTH HONG KONG AND KOWLOON THEN SIMILAR ROUTES WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-----o - -
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1977
******
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR DECEMBER , 1977 WAS $3,577 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $4,916 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS *975 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT’S PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1977 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 8.2 PER CENT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 15.4 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 12.4 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1976.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1976, INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $485 MILLION OR 15.7 PER CENT IN EXPORTS, $851 MILLION OR 29.9 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $163 MILLION OR 20.1 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES, DECEMBER 1977 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1977, SHOWED INCREASES OF $522 MILLION OR 17.1 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $591 MILLION OR 13.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND S106 MILLION OR 12.2 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS. DECEMBER EXPORTS WERE AT AN ALL TIME RECORD HIGH LEVEL.
THE FIGURES FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1977 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF 1976 SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 7.3 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 12.5 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 13.1 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
FOLLOWING ARE COMPARATIVE TRADE FIGURES:
OCTOBER - OCTOBER - INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS DECEMBER 1977 DECEMBER 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. ■J • 5 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9,533 3,807 + 726 + 8.2
IMPORTS 13,519 11,714 +1,835 + 15.4
RE-EXPORTS 2,740 2,437 + 303 + 12.4
/SAME MONTH LAST YEAR ....
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
- 6
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR DECEMBER 1977 DECEMBER 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
3 MN. 3 MN. 3 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,577 3,092 + 485 + 15.7
(% OF TOTAL
EXPORTS) (78.6%) (79-2%)
IMPORTS 4,916 4,066 + 851 + 20.9
RE-EXPORTS 975 812 + 163 + 20.1
(% OF TOTAL
EXPORTS) (21.4%) (20.8%)
DECEMBER NOVEMBER INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1977 1977 DECREASE
$ MN. 3 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,577 3,055 + 522 + 17.1
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (78.6%) (77.9%)
IMPORTS 4,916 4,325 + 591 + 13.7
RE-EXPORTS 975 868 + 106 + 12.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (21.4%) (22.1%)
JANUARY - JANUARY- INCREASE OR
LAST 12 MONTHS DECEMBER 1977 DECEMBER 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. 3 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 35,005 32,629 +2,375 + 7.3
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (78.1%) (78.5%)
IMPORTS 48,701 43,293 +5,439 + 12.5
RE-EXPORTS 9,829 8,928 + 901 + 10.1
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (21.9%) (21.5%)
/7
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978 - 7 -
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS UNITS OF CIVIL AID SERVICES ******
THF CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, TH'S (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED VARIOUS UNITS OF THE CIVIL Al?) SERVICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF CIVIL AID SERVICES, MR. JOHN FORTUNE, SIR DENYS FIRST WENT TO THE CAS HONG KONG REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN THE BASEMENT OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO INSPECT THE FACILITIES THERE.
SIR DENYS THEN CROSSED THE HARBOUR TO VISIT THE CAS KOWLOON/ NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN ARGYLE STREET. HERE HE SAW CAS MEMBERS UNDERGOING TRAINING IN RESCUING PEOPLE FROM A SIMULATED HOUSE COLLAPSE, FROM HEIGHTS AND IN CONFINED SPACES.
HE ALSO WATCHED CAS CADET INSTRUCTORS MAKING FIBRE-GLASS CANOES WHILE OTHERS WERE LEARNING LORRY DRIVING TECHNIQUES.
SIR DENYS LATER RETURNED TO HONG KONG ISLAND TO SEE CAS MEMBERS RECEIVING TRAINING IN CASUALTY EVACUATION AND IN MECHANICAL WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR’S COURSE AT THE CAS HEADQUARTERS IN CAROLINE HILL ROAD. HE ALSO SAW CAS OFFICERS ATTENDING A MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND MET STAFF REPRESENTATIVES.
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/8
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
- 8 -
INTEGRATION OF HAND I GAPPED SCHOOL CHILDREN
H ft ft # M1
MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TODAY SPOKE ON THE MODERN POSITIVE APPROACH IN DEVELOPING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF HANDICA^PEp.CHILDREN.BY EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
HE WAS ADDRESSING A' LUNCHEON' MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUE OF-HONG KONG SOUTH AT THE COUNTRY CLUE.
+THE MODERN TREND CF EDUCATION FOR THE HANDICAPPED IS TO EMPHASISE FULL UTILISATION OF, THEIR ABILITIES,* HE SAID.
+WE BELIEVE THAT CHILDREN WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF DISABILITIES CAN RESPOND TO THE STIMULI OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, SOCIAL ACTIVITY, AND INTEGRATION.+
HE ADDED: +THE KEYNOTE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION IS ’INTEGRATION’ AS OPPOSED TO SEGREGATION.+
+OUR AIM IS TO PLACE HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WHEREVER POSSIBLE IK ORDINARY SCHOOLS SO THAT THEY RECEIVE THE EQUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY AND THE BENEFIT FROM MIXING WITH ORDINARY CHILDREN.+
+THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION FACILITIES FOR SEVERELY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN HONG KONG WAS PIONEERED BY VOLUNTARY ORGAN I SAT IONS,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID. + IT IS STILL THE POLICY OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO -NCOURAGE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE AND TO EXPAND FACILITIES FOR THESE CHILDREN.+
MR. TOPLEY NOTED THAT THE REHABILITATION WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR MARKED THE LATEST AND THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP TAKEN TO INCREASE PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS DIRECTLY INVOLVED 'WITH THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVER THE YEARS TO 1986 OF ITS SCREENING, ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIAL SERVICES AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR THE CHILDREN.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SCREENING SERVICES INCLUDE AUDIO-
METRIC SCREENING, VISION SCREENING, SPEECH SCREENING, AND GROUP TESTING PROGRAMMES FOR PRIMARY 1 AND 3 PUPILS BETWEEN NOW AND 1985.
ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIAL SERVICES WILL INCLUDE SPECIALIST SERVICES TO ADMINISTER DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE TYPE AND DEGREE OF DISABILITIES. IT IS PROPOSED TO PROVIDE SCREENING, DIAGNOSTIC AND REMEDIAL SERVICES TO COVER 430,000 CHILDREN BY 1985-86.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
9
BALLOT FOR NT BATHING * * * *
SHEDS
ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR
tu- .JfE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR
OSx 0, PRIVATE AND CLUB BATHING SHEDS ON NEW TERRITORIES BEACHES FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNTIL FEBRUARY 17. EKKHURItS BcACHEo
addi SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT
S cr ?-pS?!eiTATJ“TCEACH’ CAN EE OBTAINED FROM THE URBAN
DEPARTMENT, NcW TERRITORIES REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS 19-22 cnoI-NvAytNU£’ K0'A'L00N, fROM JANUARY 27 TO FEBRUARY 17 “ COMPLETED FORMo MUST BE RETURNED BEFORE FEBRUARY 18. * U LtTED
PFiK 'a baJ'PJt1'™17..48 EATH,NG SHEDS ON BEACHES ALONG THE CASTLE BALLOT TO ALLOCATE THE SHEDS WILL TAKE PLACE ON r c Dn U An Y dd.
------0-------
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS
*****
A TOTAL OF 1D2 PRISON OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY AT 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 28).
SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PRISONS, MR. LO KWOK-KUEN, WHO IS RETIRING SHORTLY, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE AT 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY FROM THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 01 KWAN ROAD, wAN CHAI.
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/10.....
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1978
10 -
BASKETBALL COMPETITION FOR RETARDED CHILDREN *****
A BASKETBALL COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS WILL EE HELD BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 28) AT THE BOUNDARY STREET GAMES HALL NEAR THE MONG KOK STADIUM IN SAI YEE STREET, KOWLOON.
ABOUT 100 MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN FROM FIVE SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE FIVE SCHOOLS TAKING PART IN THE COMPETITION ARE: MARY ROSE SCHOOL, SAVIOUR LUTHERAN SCHOOL, YAU TONG MORNING HILL SCHOOL, LIONS MORNING HILL SCHOOL, AND SAM SHU I SCHOOL.
MR. RAYMOND BIRD, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION ALONG KITH MRS. WINNIE CHAN AND MR. LUCAS CHAN, PRINCIPAL INSPECTORS OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS BEFORE NOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENATIVES TO COVER THE BASKETBALL COMPETITION TO BE HELD FROM 9 A.M. ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 28).
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ROAD JUNCTION IN MID-LEVELS * * * *
THt TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE JUNCTION OF GARDEN ROAD, ROBINSON ROAD AND MAGAZINE GAP ROAD WILL BE CLOStD TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 6 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GARDEN ROAD ROUNDABOUT.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON MAGAZINC GAP. ROAD WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE ALONG ROBINSON ROAD TO CASTL-ROAD BEFORE TURNING NORTH WHILE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON ROBINSON ROAD WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT AT ALBANY RCAD TO PROCEED TO CENTRAL.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN TH- AR-A TO
GUIDE MOTORISTS. ’
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
GOVERNOR CALLS ON PUBLIC TO GIVE CONFIDENCE TO THE POLICE ...................................................... 1
PERSONAL ALLOWANCES IN LEGAL AID SCHEME TO BE RAISED NEXT MONTH .................................................. 3
BILL TO CONTROL NEW INSURANCE COMPANIES GAZETTED ............ 4
SUCCESS OF REHABILITATION OF DELINQUENTS DEPENDS ON PARENTS ................................. 5
EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF LUNAR NEW YEAR STATUTORY HOLIDAYS .. 7
SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION INVITES APPLICATION ................................................. 8
NEW NOTES FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ........ 9
NEW PLB RESTRICTED ZONE DESIGNATED IN SHAU KEI WAN .......... 9
APPLICATION INVITED FOR INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSES .................................................... 10
YAN CHAI HOSPITAL EXTENSION ................................ 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
1
GIVE CONFIDENCE TO THE POLICE - GOVERNOR * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS EVENING CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO HELP THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND HIS OFFICERS AND MEN IN THEIR TASK BY SHOWING CONFIDENCE IN A FORCE WHICH, AS A WHOLE, +IS SURELY DESERVING OF MUCH MORE PRAISE THAN CRITICISM.+
♦THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND I AM SURE THAT IT IS THE WISH OF THE OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF ITS MEMBERSHIP TO TAKE THE ONE STEP MORE WHICH WILL COMPLETELY RE-ESTABLISH ITS STANDING IN THE EYES OF THE COMMUNITY,+ SIR MURRAY SAID AT THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ANNUAL DINNER AT THE FURAMA HOTEL.
HE SAID THAT THE TRAUMA OF THE PAST FEW MONTHS SHOULD NOT OBSCURE THE SIGNIFICANT SUCCESSES THAT THE FORCE IS ACHIEVING AND ACHIEVED.
♦FURTHERMORE, THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE FORCE WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND ITS AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR THE CLOSEST CO-OPERATION WITH THOSE WHOM IT IS THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT, HAS GREATLY IMPROVED,+ HE SAID.
BUT, HE ADDED, HE WOULD NOT HAVE CALLED IN A VERY SENIOR TEAM OF UK OFFICERS IF HE THOUGHT THAT ALL WAS WELL.
♦OBVIOUSLY THE LAW MUST BE ENFORCED WHETHER BY POLICE OR ON POLICE OR ON ANY OTHER MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
♦IF THERE ARE SOME SO FOOLISH AS TO THINK THAT IN MODERN HONG KONG IT COULD BE OTHERWISE, THEY SHOULD COME TO THEIR SENSES- THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPROMISE,+ SIR MURRAY STRESSED.
HE BELIEVED THAT IN THE FORCE AS A WHOLE, ATTITUDES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SOME GENUINE GRIEVANCES AND BY A SENSE OF ILL-USAGE, AS WELL AS BY MISUNDERSTANDINGS, AND THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY WEAKNESSES IN COMMUNICATION AND CHAIN OF COMMAND AND OTHER FACTORS RESULTING FROM VERY RAPID EXPANSION.
♦I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM TEAM WITH LOCAL HELP AND ACTION WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST IN PUTTING ALL THIS TO RIGHT.
♦I ALSO BELIEVE THAT A POLICE ASSOCIATION COULD PLAY A VERY USEFUL ROLE, PROVIDED IT IS PROPERLY MOTIVATED AND RESPONSIBLY LED,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
EARLIER, SIR MURRAY SPOKE ABOUT HONG KONG’S TRADING PROSPECTS.
HE URGED THAT WE MUST NOW GET ON WITH MAKING THE BEST OF THE (TEXTILES) AGREEMENTS WHICH WE HAVE SIGNED WITH OUR TRADING PARTNERS AND ALSO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO IMPRESS ON OFFICIALS AND EXPORTERS AS WELL AS THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC IN EUROPE AND AMERICA WHAT HCNG KONG HAS TO OFFER AS A PLACE OF BUSINESS.
/SIR MURRAY SAID .....
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
2
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG MUST NOT BE REGARDED SIMPLY AS A SOURCE OF IMPORTS OR A SHOPPING CENTRE.
+IT IS A VERY BIG MARKET IN ITS OWN RIGHT, AND THROUGH THE COMPARATIVE ABSENCE OF RED TAPE AND THE SOPHISTICATED SERVICES AND COMMUNICATIONS THAT IT OFFERS, A PARTICULARLY QUICK AND CONVENIENT ONE IN WHICH TO DO BUSINESS,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
+ IT IS ON THE MAINLAND OF CHINA, THE BIGGEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD WHICH IS HEADED FOR RAPID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT* AND IS ALSO AT THE +HEART OF THE GROWTH AREA OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC*.
+IT IS THE NATURAL PLATFORM FROM WHICH THESE MARKETS SHOULD BE WORKED BY HEAD OFFICES, BY STOCKING AND SERVICING CENTRES, BY LOCAL ASSEMBLY OR MANUFACTURE.
+WE MUST BUILD UP AN IMAGE OF HONG KONG AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF PROFIT AND EMPLOYMENT TO EUROPE AND AMERICA, A LARGE MARKET ITSELF AND THE FOCAL POINT IN ONE OF ALMOST UNLIMITED EXTENT,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WE HAVE A DUTY TO OURSELVES AND TO ALL SMALL TRADING UNITS TO KEEP ALIVE THE ISSUE OF THE RULE OF LAW IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND TO +EMPHASISE WHENEVER WE REASONABLY CAN BOTH THE ECONOMIC FALLACIES BEHIND THE VIOLENCE THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO THESE RULES AT OUR EXPENSE, AND THE DANGER TO WORLD TRADE THAT COULD RESULT IF SUCH ATTITUDES ABOUT TEXTILES ARE ALLOWED TO SPREAD TO OTHER ITEMS*.
ON THE PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMY THIS YEAR, SIR MURRAY SAID THE BALANCE OF OPINION AT PRESENT SUGGESTS THAT THE OVERALL GROWTH IN OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1973 IS LIKELY TO BE NO LESS THAN LAST YEAR’S.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM G.I.S. PRESS BOXES.
/3
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
- 5 -
PERSONAL ALLOWANCES IN LEGAL AID SCHEME TO BE INCREASED ******
THE LEGAL AID (ASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS) REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO INCREASE THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCES MADE WHEN ASSESSING THE DISPOSABLE INCOMES OF LEGAL AID APPLICANTS IN BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES.
THE INCREASE WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FROM NEXT MONTH. IT WILL ENABLE PEOPLE WITH HIGHER GROSS INCOMES TO BECOME FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT SAID: +IT MEANS MORE PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE COMPLETELY FREE LEGAL AID, WHICH OTHERS WITH HIGHER INCOMES WILL PAY SMALLER CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THEIR LEGAL COSTS.+
UNDER THE LEGAL AID SCHEME, WHEN CALCULATING THE DISPOSABLE INCOME AND CAPITAL OF AN APPLICANT FOR AID, ALLOWANCES ARE MADE IN RESPECT OF RENT FOR THE APPLICANT’S DWELLING AND FOR HIS BASIC LIVING EXPENSES, AND OF THE APPLICANT’S DEPENDENTS.
SINCE 1973, THE ALLOWANCES MADE FOR THE LIVING EXPENSES OF APPLICANTS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS HAVE BEEN AT THE GAME RATE AS THE BASIC PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RELIEF SCALES IN FORCE AT THE RELEVANT TIME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +IT HAS RECENTLY BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT THE BASIC PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCALES WILL BE INCREASED.
+ACCORDINGLY, THE RELEVANT LEGAL AID REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO INCREASE THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE LEVELS USED IN CALCULATING THE DISPOSABLE INCOMES OF APPLICANTS, SO AS TO KEEP
THIS ALLOWANCE IN LINE WITH THE NEW PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES.+ THE EXISTING AND NEW SCALES OF ALLOWANCES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
EXISTING RATE NEW RATE
(A) PERSON WITH NO DEPENDENT 3180 $200
(B) PERSON WITH FIRST TWO DEPENDENTS $130 EACH $145 EACH
(C) THIRD, FOURTH AND FIFTH $105 EACH $120 EACH
DEPENDENTS IN ADDITION TO (E) IN ADDITION TO (B)
(D) SIXTH AND ADDITIONAL $80 EACH IN $90 EACH IN
DEPENDENTS ADDITION TO (B) AND (C) ADDITION TO (B) AND (C)
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A
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
BILL TO CONTROL NEW INSURANCE COMPANIES K * # * *
NEW INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SET UP IN HONG KONG AFTER JANUARY 31 UNLESS THEY CAN SATISFY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES THAT THEY HAVE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF NOT LESS THAN $5 MILLION FULLY PAID IN CASH.
COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION IS PROPOSED TO CONTROL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT WITHIN TWO YEARS. MEANWHILE, IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE PROBLEM PRESENTED BY UNDER-CAPITALISED COMPANIES THE GOVERNMENT HAS GAZETTED THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS) BILL 197'8.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH (FEBRUARY), IS TO PREVENT FURTHER EFFORTS TO ANTICIPATE THE COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION.
THERE IS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF INSURANCE COMPANIES BEING ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG IN THE HOPE, IT IS THOUGH", OF GAINING SOME ADVANTAGE THROUGH BEING IN BUSINESS AHEAD OF THE PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION.
A TOTAL OF 19 NEW COMPANIES RECEIVED AUTHORISATION TO CARRY ON REGULATED CLASSES OF BUSINESS IN 1975, 17 IN 1976, AND 43 DURING 1977, OF WHOM MANY HAD A PAID UP CAPITAL OF LESS THAN $5 MILLION.
IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE MARKET HAS NOW REACHED SATURATION POINT WITH A TOTAL OF 316 LOCALLY INCORPORATED COMPANIES AND FOREIGN COMPANIES CARRYING ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR REGULATED CLASSES OF INSURANCE BUSINESS - FIRE, MARINE, LIFE OR MOTOR VEHICLE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMPANIES RANGED FROM OLD ESTABLISHED CONCERNS TO RECENTLY INCORPORATED COMPANIES WITH SMALL CAPITAL AND DOUBTFUL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE.
COMPETITION WAS FIERCE AND, WHILE THIS MAY APPEAR TO BENEFIT CONSUMERS, IT COULD HAVE DISASTROUS LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES BECAUSE IN THE STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE SOME COMPANIES OFFERED SUCH LOW RATES OF PREMIUM AND SUCH LARGE DISCOUNTS THAT THEY RISKED INSOLVENCY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESENT REQUIREMENTS UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION ARE FAIRLY EASILY MET, EVEN BY COMPANIES WITHOUT A STRONG FINANCIAL BASE.
■ HE ADDED THE COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION WAS UNDER PREPARATION IN CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRY. BESIDES THE REQUIREMENT OF A MINIMUM PAID UP CAPITAL, COMPANIES WOULD ALSO NEED TO HAVE A SATISFACTORY MARGIN OF SOLVENCY.
THE LEGISLATION WOULD GIVE THE REGISTRAR GENERAL MUCH WIDER POWERS, INCLUDING THE POWER TO INTERVENE IN TEE EVENT OF CAUSE FOR SERIOUS CONCERN.
/THE SPOKESMAN OBSERVED ....
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
- 5 -
THE SPOKESMAN OBSERVED THAT IF A COMPANY COULD NOT RAISE THIS AMOUNT OF CAPITAL IT COULD NOT HOPE TO SURVIVE ON A LONG TERM EASIS IN THE MODERN INSURANCE INDUSTRY AND, TO PROTECT POTENTIAL POLICY HOLDERS, SHOULD NOT EE ALLOWED TO SET UP IN BUSINESS.
THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL IN THE GAZETTE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED TO EXISTING INSURANCE COMPANIES.
+IT REMAINS NO MORE THAN AN INTERIM MEASURE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LIMITING THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM PRESENTED BY UNDER-CAPITALISED INSURANCE COMPANIES WHEN THE SUBSTANTIVE LEGISLATION COMES INTO EFFECT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL PROPOSES PENALTIES OF $500,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS, PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $50,000 IF THE OFFENCE CONTINUES.
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PARENTS PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN REHABILITATION OF DELINQUENTS
******
A CRUCIAL PART OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME FOR JUVENILE DELINQUENTS WOULD REST ON THE CHILDREN’S PARENTS BECAUSE WITHOUT WHOSE CO-OPERATION, EFFORTS OF THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS WOULD BE WASTED, MR. JUSTICE T.L.YANG, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
MR. JUSTICE YANG WAS ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE FELLOWSHIP NIGHT - A PERFORMANCE STAGED BY RESIDENTS OF THE FIVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
HE ALSO EMPHASISED THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY IN ASSISTING MINOR OFFENDERS IN THEIR STRUGGLE FOR A FRESH START IN SOCIETY.
+IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT IN ANY HUMAN SERVICE THE EXPERTS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO DO ALL THE WORK- A LOT MORE DEPENDS ON THE ATTITUDES OF ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED AND THAT OF THE COMMUNITY ITSELF,+ MR. JUSTICE YANG SAID.
HE SAID THAT THESE UNFORTUNATE YOUTHS NEED THE ACCEPTANCE BY THEIR PARENTS, HEADMASTERS OR EMPLOYERS AS THE MERE GESTURE OF ACCEPTANCE WOULD GREATLY REINFORCE THEIR CONFIDENCE.
TURNING TO THE WORK OF THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, MR. JUSTICE YANG INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A CLEAR NEED FOR THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WHERE DELINQUENT YOUNGSTERS WERE TRUSTED TO THE CARE AND SUPERVISION OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS.
THEY WOULD BE PROVIDED ..ITH ALL THE FACILITIES, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL, TO LEARN TO COME TO TERMS .d TH THEIR PROBLEMS 11. AN ORDERLY AND DISCIPLINED ENVIRONMENT, HE SAID.
/+THESE YOUNGSTERS ?/H0,
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
6
+THESE YOUNGSTERS WHO, THROUGH THEIR OWN MISCHIEF, HAVE VIOLATED THE LAW, SHOULD CONSIDER THEMSELVES FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN PLACED IN THE CARE OF THESE HOMES.
+THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES OF TRAINING AT PRESENT BEING PROVIDED WOULD CERTAINLY HELP MODIFY THEIR ATTITUDE AND CHARACTER, IMPART MORE SOCIAL SKILLS WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO RESTORE THEIR SELF-RESPECT AND COPE WITH THE STRENUOUS SITUATIONS IN LIFE. MOREOVER, THEY WOULD LEARN HOW TO MAKE DECISION FOR THEMSELVES.+
MR. JUSTICE YANG NOTED THAT EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE BY WORKERS OF THE INSTITUTIONS TO INVOLVE THE PARENTS IN THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES.
+NOT ONLY WOULD THE PARENTS BE KEPT IN THE PICTURE ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THEIR CHILDREN BUT THEY ARE HELPED TO BRIDGE THE COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN SO AS TO BRING ABOUT POSITIVE INTERACTION BETWEEN THEM,+ HE SAID.
DESCRIBING TONIGHT’S JOINT PERFORMANCE AS AN OCCASION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF THE CHILDREN’S SKILLS AND TALENTS IN A POSITIVE PURSUIT, HE CONGRATULATED ALL THOSE WHO HAD PARTICIPATED IN ITS PRODUCTION AND ORGANISATION.
THE 90-MINUTE PROGRAMME FEATURES A MODERN MUSICAL PLAY AND A CHINESE OPERA IN ENGLISH. OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE CHINESE RIEBON DANCE, HARMONIC PERFORMANCE AND FOLK SONGS.
THE OCCASION WAS ATTENDED BY COURT JUDGES, MAGISTRATES, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY LEADERS CONCERNED WITH THE SERVICES FOR MINOR OFFENDERS AND PARENTS OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE INSTITUTIONS.
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/7
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
7
LUNAR NEW YEAR STATUTORY HOLIDAYS * * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WHICH FALL ON FEBRUARY 7, 8 AND 9 ARE THREE OF THE TEN STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
MR. WILLIAMS EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE APPLY NOT ONLY TO ALL MANUAL WORKERS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, EUT ALSO THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING LESS THAN $2,300 A MONTH. IT COVERS WORKERS IN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES SECTORS WITHIN THIS DESCRIPTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A COMMON MISCONCEPTION THAT THE LAW APPLIES ONLY TO ALL THOSE WORKERS EARNING LESS THAN $2,300 A MONTH.
HE SAID: +UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,033 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOL IDAYS.
+THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE THREE DAYS OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOL IDAYS.+
MR. WILLIAMS POINTED OUT THAT AN EMPLOYEE, WHO IS NOT EMPLOYED ON A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT BY THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR LESS THAN THREE MONTHS, IS ALSO ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAYS, BUT HAS NO LEGAL ENTITLEMENT TO PAY.
A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT, HE EXPLAINED, IS ONE WHERE THE EMPLOYEE HAS WORKED FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR FOUR WEEKS OR MORE, PRIOR TC A GIVEN DATE, ON AT LEAST THREE DAYS IN EACH OF THE FOUR WEEKS AND FOR NOT LESS THAN SIX HOURS ON EACH DAY.
IF AN EMPLOYER REQUIRES AN EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, Hz MUST GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48 HOURS’ NOTICE, AND HE MUST GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 63 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST NOTIFY HIS EMPLOYEE 43 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THAT ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. AND IF AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO EE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM HIS EMPLOYEE OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY CR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY EE TAKEN BY THEIR EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES OR COMPLAINTS REGARDING STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY EE MADE TO THE NEAREST ERANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: KOWLOON EAST - 3—235638= KOWLOON «EST -3-231652= KW'UN TONG - 3-898523= TSUEN ’..All - 12-422396= TUEN MUN -12-318443= AND HONG KONG ISLAND - 5-282523 EXT. 63.
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/8
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
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HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT SCHOOL COMPETITION
*****
A HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION IS BEING JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE EDUCATION URBAN COUNCIL TO STIMULATE THE INTEREST AND CHILDREN ON PUBLIC HEALTH TOPICS.
FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT AND THE AWARENESS AMONG SCHOOL
THE THEMES CHOSEN FOR THE PROJECT ARE: HYGIENE OF DRINKING WATER, PREVENTION OF RODENT INFESTATION, AND PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS AT PLAY.
THE SUBJECTS WILL BE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO TEACHERS IN SOCIAL STUDIES, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND SCIENCE SUBJECTS, AS THEY WILL HELP THEM TO DRAW PUPILS’ ATTENTION TO MATTERS RELATING TO CLEANLINESS AT HOME, PROPER USAGE OF WATER, AND SAFETY AT PLAY.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE FOR EYE-CATCHING ILLUSTRATIONS AND DISPLAYS, INCLUDING PICTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, MODELS, SPECIMENS, GRAPHS, CHARTS, OR FEATURE ARTICLES. THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL AWARD FIVE CASH PRIZES RANGING BETWEEN 3500 AND 31,500 AND 10 MERIT PRIZES OF 3300 EACH.
A PRIZE FOR THE WILL ALSO BE AWARDED JUDGING WILL BE DONE EXHIBITION HALL.
BEST ARTWORK DESIGN IN THE FORM OF A TROPHY TO THE PROJECT ;■< I TH THE BEST ARTWORK. THE DURING THE JOINT EXHIBITION IN THE CITY HALL
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WITH PROJECT MATERIALS WORTH ABOUT 3100.
COMPETING SCHOOLS WILL PUT UP THEIR DISPLAYS AT THEIR SCHOOLS FOR AT LEAST SEVEN WORKDAYS FROM MARCH 1 TO MARCH 10, WHEN JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE. SCHOOLS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THS COMPETITION ARE REMINDED TO SEND THEIR APPLICATION FORMS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (HEALTH EDUCATION SECTION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, BEFORE FEBRUARY 2.
THE PUBLIC EXHIBIT WILL EE HELD AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL FROM MARCH 23 TO 27. THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION ON MARCH 23.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
9
NEW NOTES FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
******
BANNING BOARD HAS APPROVED THE INCORPORATION OF NEW NOT-S INTO THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR TSIM SHA TSUI cAST.
THE NOTES LIST THE PERMITTEE USES WITHIN THE VARIOUS ZONES AS WELL AS THOSE THAT MAY BE PERMITTED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
COPIES OF THE UNCOLOURED DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. LK 1/62) ALONG WITH THE NOTES ARE ON SALE AT 35 A COPY AT THE P.W.D.’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG
THE PLAN MAY ALSO EE INSPECTED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS UNTIL MARCH 26 AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING- THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE- AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (YAU MA TEI), 260-264 TEMPLE STREET, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANYONE OBJECTING TO ANY ASPECT OF THE NEW NOTES SHOULD ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG, BEFORE MARCH 26, THIS YEAR.
PLB RESTRICTED ZONES IN CHURCH STREET, SHAU KEI WAN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. MONDAY (JANUARY 30), CHURCH STREET IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
DURING THESE HOURS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS ON THE STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO INDICATE THE RESTR I CT I ON.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1978
10
INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSES
*****
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO TWO-WEEK FULL-TIME BLOCK-RELEASE AND 15-WEEK PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSES.
THE COURSES, COMMENCING IN LATER FEBRUARY, OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING FOR CARRYING OUT THEIR DAY TO DAY TEACHING DUTIES.
AMONG THE SUBJECTS TAUGHT WILL BE METHODS OF TEACHING, EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 3.
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NOTE TO EDITORS
EXTENSION OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG WILL PERFORM A CEREMONY MARKING THE START OF CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EXTENSION TO THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL, TSUEN WAN ON MONDAY (JANUARY 30) AT 3 P.M.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OCCASION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Friday, January 27, 1973
Speech By Governor At The Hon^ Kong General Chamber
Of Couixrce Connittei iiembers Annual Dinner
The following is the full text of the speech by the Governor, Sir Kurr .y ilicLehose, -.t the Hong Kong General Chamber of Comnerce Committee Members Annual Dinner this evening:
I should like to start by talking about around the problem tK,t has concerned us all so much since the middle of last year, that is the trend to protectionism, which was such a feature of our major markets
in 1977 :nd which shows no signs of failing.
I will not rake over the singularly unedifying story of Lhe negotiations in Brussels. All the credit goes to our negotiators :nd all the odium to the Governments who handed down the mandate to which the Commission worked.
The aspect of this diktat in which 1 soo the greatest danger is that the EEC "breached and deliberately breached, and refused even to discuss as relevant, various International undertakings about the conduct of international trade to which they had subscribed. The rule of law in international trade broadly associated with the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs has served the world well for a quarter of a century, a considerable factor in the unprecedented expansion of world trade, those rules fall into disregard it will be the weak and the small who suffer. Indeed it is significant that the most likely gainers from the W! restrictions will not be the producers of Europe, far less the allegedly deserving and somewhat hypothetical new entrants into the market, tuv the exporters of large unrestrained countries like the U.S. and Japan.
A;e Iznow......
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Horig Kong.Tel: 5-233191
2
*i*M>*rf tir.i lyys
We know that the justification for this restrictive agreement cannot stand up to economic or statistical analysis, c.nd this was consistently evaded. It was politically motivated; a response to massive and persistent unemployment and all the pressures it generated. In such circumstances it was easier to lay the blame at the door of so-called ’market penetration’ by inports than to consider rationally what their effect on employment really was in comparison to that of increased productivity and other factors, and agree appropriate levels of restraint.
The major cause of unemployment in Europe has not been inports but the unexpectedly slow recovery of the economies of Europe and America from recession for reasons that ore basically financial, psychological, fiscal and political, rather than commercial.
Vfe have signed the agreements and must now get on with making the best of them. But I do suggest that we have a duty to ourselves and to all small trading units to keep alive the issue of the rule of law in international trade, and to emphasise whenever we reasonably can both the economic fallacies behind the violence that has been done to these rules at our expense, and the danger to world trade that could result if such attitudes about textiles are allowed to spread to other items.
Because that is precisely what is already beginning to happen. Once the principle is accepted that protection may be freed from accepted rules, the political pressures to widen its scope are very strong.
I hope this situation is an ephemeral product of the post-oilcrisis world of today. I hope that the threat will fade as economies and employment recover and the normally liberal Governments of our principal markets arc released from the present pressures. This, I think, will bo a matter of time and above all of the crop; ion of confidence through successful leadership. World trade has picked up from deep recession, but has got stuck short of complete recovery. A demonstrable success, whether in stabilising an international trouble spot or in legislating for one of the major economies such as that of the U.S. would have a tonic effect.
Meanwhile one may expect a period in which the threat of protectionism exists, particularly, but not exclusively, in respect of Asian products.
Friday, January 27, 1978
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We can help ourselves .by diversifying into products that escape restraint, end this is happening. Any more radical change to broaden the base of our economy will take time, but I await with the greatest interest •the outcome of the Financial Secretary’s Committee on Diversification.
t We will resist any new manifestations of protectionism with all the ingenuity and determination we can. But over this pe riod muscle j could help. We are devoted multi-nationalists in accordance with the basic concept of the GATT. Nevertheless Hong Kong would be in a stronger position could the point to better sales in Hong Kong by the exporters in her principal markets. Profits and jobs duo to Hong Kong orders would speak louder to Governments than anything we could say. We are bound to run a very large deficit in our trade with China and this is entirely acceptable; but both the public and private sectors should bear in mind that when other things are equal, or almost equal, to buy from our major markets’ may help us to sell in them. Of course this is a two-sided business and it is for this reason that we have made such efforts to encourage the exporters of our major markets to pay more attention to their sales in Hong Kong.
We must also do everything we can to impress on officials and exporters as well as the media and public in Europe and America^ what, Hong Kong has to offer as a place of business. It must not be regarded simply ?.s a source of imports, a shopping centre. It is a very big market in its own right, and through the comparative absence of red tape cjid the sophisticated services and communications that it offers, a particn~l? rly quick end convenient one in which to do business. It is on the mainland of China, the biggest country in the world which is headed for rapid economic development. It is also at the heart of the growth area of the Western Pacific. It is the natural platform from which these
/markets .....
Friday, January 27, 197$
- 4 -
markets should be worked by head offices, by stocking and servicing centres, . i"
by local assembly or manufacture. We -must build up an image of Hong Kong as a potential source of profit and employment to Europe and America, a large market itself and the focal point in one of almost unlimited extent.
It will be apparent to you from what I have just said why I have so enthusiastically supported the efforts of this Chamber, in conjunction with the Trade Development Council and the Department of Trade,' Inudstry and Customs, to promote Hong Kong abroad as a place* for investment or • establishment. It is very valuable work and pays a-political and public relations dividend at least equal to its direct comrrercial return. Prospects for the Economy in 197&
I have spoken at some length about this subject of the threat of protectionism, how real it is, and what we can do to counter its effect on us, because it has been very much in all our minds. But I shall emphasise that so far it has only operated at the margins and has not substantially affected the overall expansion of• our economy, though it certainly could do, and certainly is already affecting certain sectors of it. I therefore do not want what I have said to distort the general image of Hong Kong, its economy and its prospects at this time, which I see as definitely favourable.
• o; • . .. .
/Our......
I
’ »i i * । i |i * v
Friday, January 27, 1978
t . . hOiHWUI, 'Lljn I 1 I
4
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Our economists are still analysing the performance for trade and economy generally in 1977, and preparing a forecast for 1978; but they believe that growth in 1977 is likely to have been rather better than we expected at the beginning of the year; and that the outlook for the economy in 1978 is far from gloomy.
Although our domestic exports in 1977 only increased by about five per cent in real terms, or 7.3% in value terms over 1976 - an exceptional year — economic growth was boosted by buoyant domestic activity• This is a situation unusual for Hong Kong and one that cannot be sustained indefinitely given the open nature of our economy. In my address at the opening session of the Legislative Council in October 1977, I said that the situation needed watching. But I also said there vfcs no cause for immediate anxiety and that I expected market forces would adjust the economy to its normal export-led situation. This may already be happening. Our export prices stopped rising in the second half of 1976 and have since remained fairly stable. The exchange rate has adjusted downwards against most currencies other than the U.S. dollar since March 1977* Although the boom in the construction industry shows no signs of slackening, the increase in the import of consumer goods has slowed down, suggesting a reduction in consumer demand; at the same time, there has been a slight improvement in orders for textiles and clothing and in the import of raw materials. This is still no more than a trend. Its continuation must depend Largely on the state of demand in our major export markets, and our ability to take advantage of it.
The outlook for demand in our largest market, the United States, is reasonably good for the immediate future, and we expect exports to it to continue to grow, though perhaps at a slower rate than in 1977 • Tbe outlook in Europe varies; for instance while there seems little immediate hope of much improvement in the Federal Republic of Germany, prospects in the United Kingdom are good. So are those in the Middle East and in some other new markets. Overall it looks as if there should be a least adequate demand in our major markets.
/Trade .....
Friday, January 27, 1978*
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•'Trade prospects have of course been complicated and restricted by the new bilateral textiles agreement, particularly that with the EEC. Although the restraint limits in 1978 are generally higher than the level of shipments in 1977, the flexibility with which exporters will be able to respond to a revival in demand has been reduced; more products have been brought under restraint; the rate of growth of the restraint levels has been reduced; and flexibility to move between products i.s much less.
In addition, the EEC agreement has set a dangerous precedent. The Norwegians and Swedes have already followed it and proposed substantial cuts. Although trade with these countries represents only a small proportion of our domestic exports, the implications are depressing and could be serious if Sweden and Norway were joined by other countries.
•As I have already said there is the further danger, and at present it is no more than that so far as Hong Kong products are concerned, of the extension of protectionism to other products.
Against this background, it is obviously difficult to assess our export prospects with any accuracy. Nevertheless, at present the balance of opinion suggests that growth in our domestic exports in 1978 is likely to be no less than in 1977- In other words, though the problems will be different, and the balance between different markets or lines of export may change, the overall growth rate for exports is likely to be similar to 1977-
'I think that the sort of steady rather than frenetic growth in exports and in the economy which we experienced last year was what suits Hong Kong best, and the prospect of much the same overall picture next year is heartening. As I said in speaking to the Legislative Council last October, the picture could be greatly improved, at least in the short-term, were measures taken to stimulate the economies of any of our major markets and this is still not impossible. / tfe have......
Friday, January 27, 1978
”'7e have ur-ed this favourable period to push on. with our social programmes; since last year I descri lC. in some detail the way in which they will transform Hong Kong physically and socially over the next few years, I will not do so again. Suffice it to say that we have kept well up to all targets and expect to continue so this
The pace of consti’uction for all programmes and consequent physical change has now reached the level at which we h;ve been aiming. I know it is fast, and it »is disconcertin' as well as excitin. and encouraging to watch the face of Hong Kong’changing so rapidly. I kno it is causing acute inconvenience and discomfort to many people, and we have every reason to be grateful to them for the patience and good humour with which they have t legated the dust, the construction trucks nd the pile drivers. However, the,.end result will soon be a cleaner, quieter, better provided, and in many cases a ..lore profitable life for all, including present sufferers.
As you know I attach gre-t importance to these changes and to their rapid implementation. I believe them to be the prerequisite for ’long Kony’s survival as a cohesive, contented healthy and efficient society, and I believe there is good support for this view amongst all sections of* the population.
Insofar as there is di trust or reservations they relate not to what has been or is being done, but to the fear that in the future something will be attempted that will set the economy or the financial attraction, of Hong Kong at risk. Such fears are natural, but I can only say they are unfounded. The economy is the pc er house of all we wish to do here, must be, and always will be, our prime concern.
Xie must also remember that the rest of the world is changing too,and must be sensitive to its view cf us and 'hat we are doing. ’7e have every right to •be proud of our present rate of progress, but I can see a Hong Ron • which faltejrod in these aims receivin short shrift in a world impatient with a community irresolute in solving its onstand-in - soci 1 problems though anxious to market its goods. /Any survey ...
Friday, January 27, 1973
- S -
Any survey of Hong Kong’s recent performance and prospects would be incomplete without some reference to the Royal Hong Kon;? Police Force. News tends to be bad news, and toy first point is that the trauma of the past few months should not obscure the significant successes-onerational-that the Force is achieving and has achieved.
Thexfe can be li tie doubt that it has become far more effective in its in its main task - the containment of crime. Its greater, strength, its improved organisation, equipment .and professional skill, have done much to reduce crime, improve detection, and to mke people safer.
Furthermore, the- relationship of the Force with menb'ers of the public, and its awareness of the need for the closest cooperation with those whom it is their duty to. protect, has greatly' improved,
But I would not have called in • very senior team of UK Officers if I thought tnat all was well. Obviously the law must be enforced whether by Police or on Police cr on any other member of the public service. If there are some so foolish us to think that in modern Hong Kon it could be otherwise, they should come to their senses; there is no room for compromise.
But I believe that in the Force as a whole attitudes h.-?ve been affected by some genuine . rievimccs and by a serve of ill-usage, as well as by misunderstandings, and that there are probably weaknesses in communication and chain of com)!3and and ot.icr factors resulting iro: very raoid expansion which have contributed. I very much hope* that the United. Kingdom teem with local help and action will be ble to assist in putting all this to rights. I also believe that a police association could’play a very useful"role, provided it is pronerly motivated and responsibly led. '
• /The Royal .....
xt
Friday, January 27, 1978
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The Poyal Hong Kong Police ^orce has made great strides in the past few years and I am sure that it is the v/ish of the overwhelming number of its membership to take the one step more which will completely re-establish its standing in the eyes of the community. Meanwhile the community can do much to help the Commissioner and his officers and men in their task by showing confidence in a Force which, as a whole, is surely deserving of much more praise than criticism.
I should like to congratulate, you Sir, on such a notably successful spell as Chairman of the Chamber. It has been a term of constant challenge in Hong Kong, and under your Chairmanship the Chamber has always been ready to encourage, to caution, or to give a hand as the situation required - and then four years included times when it was not easy for all to keep their heads. I am well aware of the Chamber’s many-sided role, and admire the work it does for Hong Kong as well as of its members -nd its innumerable correspondents.
I am grateful too for its cooperation with the Government, and I do not forget that a hundred years ago the roles might he ve been reversed.
I thank you and the Committee and Members for your hospitality and ask all to rise and drink a toast to the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the prosperity of its members in 1978.
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PRH 7
I
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1978
CONTENTS • PAGE NO.
YUEN LONG SITE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING .............................. 1
REVIEW OF WORK OF LABOUR RELATION SERVICE ...................... 2
PRISONS DEPARTMENT DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMME A SUCCESS .......... 3
CROWN LAND FOR SALE ............................................ 4
SPECIAL KCR SERVICE DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD ............... 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR ..................... 6
OPENING OF SHEU.NG SHUI PUBLIC LIBRARY ......................... 7
FIRING PRACTICE ................................................ 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1978
- 1 -
YUEN LONG SITE TO BE DEVELOPED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO DEVELOP A LARGE AREA IN YUEN LONG TO PROVIDED SITE FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR ABOUT 11,000 PEOPLE BY THE END OF 1980.
WORK WILL START SOON ON THE SITE FORMATION AT SHU I PIN WEI AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
FACILITIES WITHIN THE ESTATE WILL INCLUDE A NURSERY, KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY SCHOOL AND A MARKET.
THE ACTING YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. K.K. FUNG, SAID TODAY THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WAS PLANNED TO COPE WITH THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GROWING YUEN LONG MARKET TOWN.
HE SAID THE SITE FORMATION WORK WOULD COST ABOUT $4 MILLION AND WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTORS.
TO FACILITATE THE WORK, MR. FUNG SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME ABOUT 16,700 SQUARE METRES OF LIGHT INDUSTRIAL LAND AT SHU I PIN WEI.
NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE RECENTLY.
THE LAND RESUMPTION WILL INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF THREE TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES, A FOOD-PROCESSING FACTORY AND 13 OTHER ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES.
+DEPENDING ON THEIR ELIGIBILITY, DISPLACED FAMILIES WILL BE OFFERED EITHER PUBLIC HOUSING OR SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
+IF NO REHOUSING IS AVAILABLE WITHIN THE DISTRICT, THEN THE FAMILY MAY OPT FOR A RESITE TOGETHER WITH AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OF $5,000, BUT THE FAMILY WILL FORFEIT PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUS ING,+ HE SAID.
LAND OWNERS INVOLVED IN THE RESUMPTION WILL BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVE OF CASH COMPENSATION OR LAND EXCHANGE DOCUMENTS, HE ADDED.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 197S
2
REVIEW OF WORK OF LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE
* M n fc H
_ HONG KONG WORKERS LAST YEAR RECEIVED MORE THAN $8 MILLION liv SETTLEMENT OF TRADE DISPUTES THROUGH EFFORTS OF LABOUR Relations service of the labour department.
MORE THAN 03.2 MILLION, REPRESENTING 40 PER CENT OF THE SUM, WERE SEVERANCE PAYMENT TO 3,025 EMPLOYEES WHO BECAME REDUNDANT BY OPERATIONAL OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE REMAINDER WAS PAID AS ARREARS OF WAGES, WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, STATUTORY HOLIDAY PAY, BONUSES AND OTHER PAYMENTS DUE TO 7,306 OTHER EMPLOYEES.
THE NUMBER OF TRADE DISPUTES HANDLED BY THE SERVICE DURING THE YEAR TOTALLED 145 OF WHICH 102, OR MORE THAN 70 PER CENT, WERE SETTLED WITH THE HELP OF THE SERVICE.
THE SERVICE ALSO HELPED TO BRING ABOUT CONCILIATION IN 7,226 CLAIMS IN CONNECTION ..IT! THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE OR THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.
IT SETTLED 3,596, OR SOME 53 PER CENT OF THEM, AND REFERRED MOST OF THE REMAINDER TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR JUDICIAL DECISION.
THE SERVICE ALSO INVESTIGATED 252 MAJOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT ALLEGED BREACHES OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE SUCH AS FAILURE TO PROVIDE REST DAYS, HOLIDAYS WITH PAY AND IMPROPER DEDUCTIONS OF WORKERS’ '..'AGES.
DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, THERE WERE 38 WORK STOPPAGES RESULTING IN 10,814 WORKING DAYS LOST. THIS REPRESENTED AN AVERAGE OF 6.37 DAYS LOST PER THOUSAND WORKERS.
THE SPOKESMAN STANDARDS AND WAS A
SAID THIS WAS CONS I POSITIVE INDICATOR
DERED LOW BY INTERNATIONAL vF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS.
IN THE SAME YEAR, THE SERVICE HANDLED 50,396 ENQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS, COMPARED .. ITH 43,792 IN 1976. MOST OF THESE CONCERNED THE PROVISIONS IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND OTHER MATTERS CONCERNING LABOUR RELATIONS.
+THE INCREASE I!.' THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS REFLECTS THE GROWING IMPORTANCE NOW ATTACHED TC LABOUR RELATIONS AND EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS BY BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
REFERRING TC THE SERIES OF AMENDMENTS MADE TC LABOUR LAWS LAST YEAR SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES, IMPROVED SEVERA"CZ PAY, BETTER SICKNESS ALLOWANCE AND '..AGE PROTECTION AGAINST DEFAULTING SUE-CCNTRACTORS IN TH; BUILDING AND CONSTRUC IC.! INDUSTRY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW LAWS HAD CONTRIBUTED TC A BETTE" LIFE FOR THE AVERAGE EMPLOYEE AND PROVIDED A SOUND BASIS FOR HAFMCNIOUS LABOUR-- ANAGEMEN'T RELATIONS.
/3
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1978
3
PRISONS DEPARTMENT DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMME A SUCCESS ******
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HAS ACHIEVED A GREAT SUCCESS IN DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMME WHICH HAS EARNED THE DEPARTMENT A REPUTATION BOTH LOCALLY AND ABROAD.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PRISONS, MR. LO KWOK-KUEN, IN HIS ADDRESS TO 36 PRISON OFFICERS AND 66 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO TOOK PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE TODAY AT PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
MR. LO SAID A PRISON OFFICER NOT ONLY HAS A DUTY TO REHABILITATE PRISONERS OR INMATES BUT A RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFE CUSTODY OF THOSE WHO HAVE DONE HARM TO SOCIETY.
NOTING THAT THE DUTIES OF A PRISON OFFICER NOWADAYS ARE NOT SIMPLE OR EASY, HE TOLD THE GRADUATES: + YOU MUST AT ALL TIMES PERFORM YOUR DUTY FIRMLY BUT FAIRLY WITH UNDERSTANDING, PATIENCE, AND TACT BUT WITH DUE REGARD TO MAINTAINING A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF DISCIPLINE.*
+OFTEN A PRISON OFFICER IS CALLED UPON TO PERFORM DIFFERENT ROLES AS A GUARDIAN, COUNSELLOR, WELFARE OFFICER, EDUCATIONALIST OR THERAPIST,* HE ADDED.
FIR. LO WHO JOINED THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT 31 YEARS AGO IN DUE TO RETIRE SOON. A MAJOR PART OF HIS SERVICE IN THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WITH THE TREATMENT OF DRUG OFFENDERS.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1978
4
FIVE LOTS OF CROWN LAND FOR SALE
******
FIVE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON MARCH 3 AT 2.30 P.M.
THE FIRST SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 3,200 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. IT IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
TWO OTHER SITES ALSO FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL USES ARE LOCATED AT KAM SHING ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON. THEY MEASURE 2,156 SQUARE METRES AND 61.6 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THE FOURTH LOT, WITH AN AREA OF 3,000 SQUARE METRES IN CHA KWO LING ROAD, IS FOR ICE MAKING AND COLD STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE LAST LOT, LOCATED AT FUNG YIP STREET, CHAI WAN, WILL EE USED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. IT HAS AN AREA OF 1,403 SQUARE METRES.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
MEANWHILE, THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT HAS OFFERED ANOTHER PIECE OF CROWN LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER.
THE SITE, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 910 SQUARE METRES IN LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KOWLOON, IS FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION.
THE LEASE TERM IS 21 YEARS LESS THREE DAYS FROM JULY 1, 1976.
CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS FEBRUARY 24, 1978 (NOT LATER THAN NOON).
COPIES OF THE TENDER FORM AND NOTICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND THE PLAN INSPECTED AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 435 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1978
- 5
SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES FROM FEBRUARY 7 TO 9 TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN COMMUTERS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
DURING THESE THREE DAYS SIX ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 9.56 A.M., 10.50 A.M., 12.35 P.M., 1.35 P.M., 3.39 P.M. AND 5.05 P.M. ANOTHER SPECIAL TRAIN WILL DEPART FROM KOWLOON STATION AT 6.50 A.M. ON LUNAR NEW YEAR DAY.
ALL ADDITIONAL AND SCHEDULED TRAINS LEAVING KOWLOON STATION BEFORE 3 P.M. DURING THESE THREE DAYS WILL NOT STOP AT MONG KOK STATION.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL ALSO OPERATE SIX ADDITIONAL SOUTHBOUND TRAINS DURING THESE THREE DAYS -- THREE DEPARTING FROM LO WU AT 11.34 A.M., 12.58 P.M. AND 5.51 P.M.- TWO FROM FANLING AT 2.14 P.M. AND 2.42 P.M. AND ONE FROM SHA TIN AT 5.46 P.M.
ON LUNAR NEW YEAR DAY AN ADDITIONAL SOUTHBOUND TRAIN WILL DEPART FROM LO WU AT 8.38 A.M.
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID MORE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL BE RUN IN THE LATE EVENINGS DURING THESE THREE DAYS IF THERE IS A DEMAND.
HE SAID MONTHLY TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE PERMITTED TO BOARD THE SPECIAL TRAINS WITHOUT EXTRA CHARGES.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPECTED THAT DURING THESE THREE DAYS THE NEW TERR I TOR IES-BOUND TRAINS WILL BE FULL BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 3 P.M. AND THE KOWLOON-BOUND ONES WILL ALSO BE FULL BETWEEN 3 P.M. AND 9 P.M.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS GOING TO CHINA DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD, ORDINARY CLASS RETURN TICKETS FROM KOWLOON TO LO WU STATIONS WILL BE SOLD AT KOWLOON STATION FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 1) UNTIL FEBRUARY 28.
EACH RETURN TICKET WILL BE VALID FOR THE JOURNEY FROM KOWLOON TO LO WU ON THE DATE OF ISSUE AND FOR A RETURN JOURNEY ON ANY DAY FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 1978.
ON ARRIVAL AT LO WU, PASSENGERS HOLDING RETURN TICKETS ARE REQUESTED TO SHOW THE TICKETS TO THE TICKET COLLECTORS AT THE EXIT GATES AND THEN KEEP THE TICKETS FOR USE ON THE RETURN JOURNEY AFTER WHICH THE TICKETS WILL BE COLLECTED AT KOWLOON OR MONG KOK STATION.
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/6......
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1973.
6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR
*******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.
IN HUNG HOM, THE CENTRAL DIVIDER IN GILLIES AVENUE AT ITS JUNCTION WITH BAKER STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 3 TO 4 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 11.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD NORTHWEST-BOUND VEHICLES IN BAKER STREET WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT INTO GILLIES AVENUE.
IN WONG TAI SIN, ALL PARKING IN SHEUNG HEI STREET, SAN PO KONG, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM 8 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 4 UNTIL 8 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 7.
AND IN SHAM SHU I PO, ALL PARKING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL EE BANKED BETWEEN 8 A.M. TODAY (SATURDAY) AND 4 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 7s-
* THE UNNAMED ROAD LEADING NORTH FROM TONKIN STREET AND BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND CHEUNG SHA WAN POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS" AND
* FAT TSEUNG STREET BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
THESE SECTIONS OF ROADS IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL ALSO EE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 6 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 5 UNTIL 2 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 7.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, TWO SECTIONS OF ROADS IK YUEN LONG WILL DE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO FEBRUARY 7 FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR IK THE AREA.
OF
THEY ARE THE WHOLE LENGTH ON NING ROAD BETWEEN MA MIU
OF KIK YEUNG ROAD AND THE SECTION ROAD AND TAI KIU ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS ..'ILL BE SET UP IN ALL THESE AREAS TO ASSIST MOTORISTS.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1978
7
NOTE TO EDITORS:
OPENING OF SHEUNG 3HUI
******
LIBRARY
THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SHEUNG (JANUARY 30) AT 11 A.M.
SERVICES, MR. ERIAN WILSON, WILL SHU I PUBLIC LIBRARY ON MONDAY
THE LIBRARY, LOCATED AT SHING FAT BUILDING, SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEUNG SHU I, IS THE FOURTH PUBLIC LIBRARY TO COME INTO OPERATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR PARK AT 9.30 A.M. ON MONDAY.
FIRING PRACTICE
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON TEN DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DATE HOURS
FEBRUARY 1 (WEDNESDAY) FEBRUARY 2 (THURSDAY) FEBRUARY 3 (FRIDAY) FEBRUARY 16 (THURSDAY) FEBRUARY 20 (MONDAY) FEBRUARY 22 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. — 4 P.M. 8 A.M. -- 4 P.M. 8 A.M. -- 4 P.M. 10 A.M. — 5 P.M. 9.33 A.M. — 4 P.M. 8 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
FEBRUARY 23 (THURSDAY) FEBRUARY 24 (FRIDAY) FEBRUARY 27 (MONDAY) FEBRUARY 23 (TUESDAY) 1 > 0? CO IX) •J • > X • 5* • • • • ■ • • • Illi Illi Mi Ml >-*• O U "17 ’U * - L u •
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JANUARY 99, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HIGHEST NUMBER OF BUILDING PLANS APPROVED SINCE 197A 1
HK GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO MEET IN LONDON ............... 2
PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS 3
NT OUTLETS FOR GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS .................. *
TRAFFI C ARRANGEMENTS ................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 1978
1
NUMBER OF BUILDING PLANS APPROVED -- THE HIGHEST SINCE 1974
******
A TOTAL OF 795 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED IN 1977 --THE HIGHEST NUMBER SINCE 1974, ACCORDING TO FIGURES ISSUED TODAY BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
DURING THE YEAR, THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED WAS .$2,435 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $1,730 MILLION IN 1976.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED WAS ABOUT 2.3 MILLION SQUARE METRES AS AGAINST 1.5 MILLION SQUARE METRES IN 1976.
IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR A TOTAL OF 71 BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE COMPARED WITH 55 IN NOVEMBER.
OF THESE, 30 WERE FOR PROJECTS ON HONG KONG, 11 FOR KOWLOON AND 30 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED A YOUTH CENTRE BETWEEN MANSION STREET AND MODEL STREET, A SCHOOL AT DUKE STREET, AN CIL TANK IN CHA KWO LING ROAD, A PIER AND FOOTBRIDGE AT Yl LONG WAN, LANTAU ISLAND AND AN ELECTRIC SUB-STATION IN YUEN LONG.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $170 MILLION.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN DECEMBER WAS ABOUT 177,003 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 122,000 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 55,000 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
IN DECEMBER, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR ..ORK TO START ON 56 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING A HOSPITAL EXTENSION AT MOUNT KELLETT ROAD, A TEMPLE ON LANTAU ISLAND AND A SCHOOL IN YUEN LONG. —
FIFTY-THREE NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 31 BUILDINGS.
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/2
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 197=
2
HK GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO MEET IN LONDON * X * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN, LEFT FOR LONDON LAST (SATURDAY) NIGHT TO ATTEND A LIAISON MEETING WITH HONG KONG’S REPRESENTATIVES OVERSEAS.
THE TWO-DAY MEETING IS A ROUTINE ONE. THE DISCUSSIONS WILL COVER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS WHICH FALL WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT’S SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
OFFICIALS OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN LONDON, BRUSSELS, GENEVA AND WASHINGTON WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
ALSO ATTENDING WILL BE HONG KONG’S DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, WHO HAS BEEN IN EUROPE SINCE JANUARY 9 NEGOTIATING NEW TEXTILES AGREEMENTS WITH FINLAND, SWEDEN AND AUSTR I A.
WHILE IN LONDON, MR. JORDAN WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TC HOLD INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS WITH BRITISH OFFICIALS FROM THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
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/3
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 1973
3
PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS
******
SPECIAL PAYMENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WHOSE PAY DATES FALL
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR RECIPIENTS AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES CN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE CORRESPOND I NG ADVANCE PAYMENT DATES FOR RECIPIENTS >HTH COUPONS TO BE CASHED ON FEBRUARY 7, 8 AND 9 WILL NOW DE FEBRUARY 3 (FRIDAY), FEBRUARY 4 (SATURDAY) AND FEBRUARY 6 (MONDAY).
HE STRtSSED: +THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THEIR OWN PAYMENT DATES SO THAT THEY CAN GET THE ALLOWANCES BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.+
AS BOTH THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES WILL EE INCREASED EY ABOUT 11 PER CENT FROM NEXT MONTH, THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED RECIPIENTS TO ERING THEIR ORIGINAL CASH VOUCHER BOOKS AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY COUPONS WHEN COLLECTING PAYMENTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT RECIPIENTS CURRENTLY RECEIVING PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN SUPPLEMENTARY CASH COUPONS FOR THE ADDITIONAL SUM ACCORDING TO THE REVISED SCALE.
♦RECIPIENTS WHO HAVE ANY DOUBTS CR QUERIES CONCERNING THE SCALE OR DATE OF PAYMENT SHOULD CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS,+ HE ADDED.
THIS INCREASE IN SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS, THE FIFTH REVISION SINCE THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1971, AIMS TO MAINTAIN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE POORER SECTOR OF OUR COMMUNITY.
IN DECIDING THE SCALE OF REVISION, REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE MOVEMENT OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INDEX WHICH COMPRISES ELEMENTS IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SUCH AS FOOD, FUEL, LIGHTING AND CLOTHING IN PROPORTIONS REFLECTING THE SPENDING HABITS OF THE POORER FAMILIES.
. . . - 0
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 1978
4 -
NSW OUTLETS IN NT FOR GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS
******
TWO NEW GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES OFFICES WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 1).
THE TWO NEW OFFICES ARE IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG HUI, AND IN THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE, 31, KWCNG FAT CIRCUIT, KWAI KING BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY, +WE WILL NOW HAVE A TOTAL OF EIGHT SALES OUTLETS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THUS MAKING IT MUCH EASIER FOR PEOPLE LIVING THERE TO OBTAIN GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS.+
+THE TWO NEW OUTLETS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CREATED WITHOUT THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF IN THE AREAS CONCERNED,+ HE ADDED.
THE OTHER SALES OUTLETS ARE LOCATED AT DISTRICT OFFICE HEADQUARTERS IN SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND SAI KUNG, AND AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE IN SHEUNG SHU I.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHAIN OF OUTLETS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS BEEN INITIATED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION ScRVICES AS PART OF AN OVERALL DRIVE TC EXTEND CUSTOMER SERVICES IN THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS FIELD.
A SIMILAR NETWORK HAS ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED TO SERVE THE URBAN AREAS THROUGH THE CREATION OF OUTLETS IN CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN KOWLOON AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM LEADING BOOKSHOPS AND FROM RECEPTION COUNTERS IN A NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES.
THE VARIOUS +SATELLITE+ OUTLETS SUPPLEMENT THE MAIN SALE FACILITIES PROVIDED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL. A FREE GUIDE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE CAN BE OBTAINED ON REQUEST FROM THE CENTRE.
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/5
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 1978
5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN ..’ONG TAI SIN AND SHAT IN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THE SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN SHATIN PASS ROAD AND FUNG MO STREET IN WONG TAI SIN WILL EE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 A.M. AND 5 P.M. TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL EE DIVERTED VIA SHAT IN PASS ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND FUNG MO STREET TO REJOIN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND SHAT IN PASS ROAD CHEUNG ROAD.
TRAFFIC WILL BE TEMPORARILY ALLOWED SHAT IN PASS ROAD TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
VIA FUNG MO STREET, TO REJOIN LUNG
TO TURN RIGHT FROM
MEANWHILE, SHA TIN MARKET ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH SHATIN BY-PASS WILL EE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
MOTORISTS PROCEEDING TO SHATIN MARKET FROM SHATIN BY-PASS ARE ADVISED TO USE A NE.. ACCESS ROAD SITUATED ABOUT 459 FEET NORTH OF SHATIN MARKET ROAD.
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS NEW ACCESS ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPANSION OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL ............................ 1
GOVERNOR TO LAY TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL FOUNDATION STONE ... 2
INAUGURATION OF CYC GROUPS ................................ 3
BANKING STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1977 ...................... 4
NEW ROAD TO BE BUILT IN KWAI CHUNG ........................ 6
MORE FACILITIES FOR KCR COMMUTERS ......................... 7
TALLER CHIMNEY TO SOLVE AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM ............. 7
NEW HARD-COVER BOOK ON BIRDS .............................. 8
USD TO MOVE TAI PO OFFICE ................................. 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ...................................... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1978
1
EXPANSION OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL
*****
THE GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL BE EXPANDED TO PROVIDE MORE BEDS FOR KWAI CHUNG AND THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWN OF TSUEN WAN.
DURING A CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EXTENSION TO THE HOSPITAL, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS +A FURTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE PROVISION-OF MEDICAL CARE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.+
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN THE RAISING OF FUNDS FOR THE NEW EXTENSION.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE HOSPITAL’S EXPANSION SCHEME CONSISTS OF BUILDING THREE ADDITIONAL STOREYS TO THE EXISTING COMPLEX, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 75 ADDITIONAL BEDS, INSTEAD OF 50 AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED, SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL OF THE ,GOVERNMENT.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED A CAPITAL SUBVENTION OF $2.5 MILLION TO MEET 75 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COST AND ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE RESULTING FROM THE EXPANSION.
DR. THONG SAID YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WAS OPENED JUST OVER FOUR YEARS AGO AND SINCE THEN HAS BEEN PLAYING A VALUABLE ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY BY WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AND GOVERNMENT CLINICS IN THE WEST NEW TERRITORIES.
NOT LONG AFTER ITS OPENING THE SUCCESSIVE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS HAVE STARTED TO SET THEMSELVES THE GOAL OF EXPANDING THE FACILITIES BY STAGES TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWN, HE SAID.
♦THE PAST AND PRESENT BOARDS OF DIRECTORS ARE TO BE CONGRATULATED FOR THEIR FAR-SIGHTEDNESS AND DEVOTION TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS OF THIS AREA,+ SAID DR.THONG.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HOSPITAL ALSO PLANS TO BUILD ADDITIONAL STAFF QUARTERS AND BEDS IN THE SECOND STAGE OF THE EXPANSION PROJECT.
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/2......
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1978
_ 2 _
NOTE TO EDITORS:
GOVERNOR TO LAY TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL FOUNDATION STONE ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE $23 MILLION TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR MURRAY WILL ARRIVE AT 3 P.M. AT THE TOWN HALL SITE, NEXT TO THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY BUILDING, AND WILL EE MET BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES-THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR.DAV ID MCDONALD- THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. BRIAN WILSON- AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES.
THE LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE WILL EE FOLLOWED BY SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, AS WELL AS A DRAGON DANCE WHOSE EYES WILL BE DOTTED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. PETER YEUNG.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY. TWO PRESS BUSES,AM 2388 AND AM 2135,WILL BE PROVIDED. THEY WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 2 P.M. THOSE WISHING TC MAKE THEIR OWN WAY THERc ARc REQUESTED TO BE IN POSITION NOT LATER THAN 2:43 P.M.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1973
5
INAUGURATION OF CYC GROUPS * * * *
THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUE GROUPS, ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED +CLEAK YEDrfl!^^mARYDl) GR0UPS’ '',U 3£ <F1G1<LY INAUGURATED ON
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, AND THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF LIONS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, MR. NG YIN-NAM, WILL TAKE PART IN THE INAUGURATION AND PRESENT SPECIAL GOLDEN PIONEER BADGES TO $ IX TEAM CAPTAINS REPRESENTING MEMBERS OF THE FIRST SIX CYC GROUPS WHO PIONEERED THE MOVEMENT,
THE PRESENT CYC MOVEMENT WAS FORMED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF CLEAN YOUR CITY/CCUNTRYSI DE GROUPS AND COVER A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES. ITS MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE UPPER PRIMARY AND LOWER SECONDARY FORMS.
MR. ARTHUR BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY AND ADDRESS 66 MEMBERS OF THE GROUPS, TEACHERS, AND HEADS OF THE SIX SCHOOLS.
THC SIX PION-ER GROUPS TO RECEIVE THE BADGES ARE: HAPPY VALLEY AND CANAL ROAD DISTRICT KAIFONG ASSOCIATION SCHOOL, ST. JOAN OF ARC SCHOOL (PRIMARY SECTION), TAI PO OLD MARKET PUBLIC SCHOOL, RAIMONDI COLLEGE, AND THE A.M. AND P.M. SECTIONS OF THE KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG YAU TONG BAY PRIMARY SCHOOL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE INAUGURATION OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB GROUPS AT 10.30 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 1 IN THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES THEATRE ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1978
4
BANKING STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1977 ******
BANKING DEPOSITS AT THE END OF DECEMBER LAST YEAR STOOD AT 353,019 MILLION, COMPRISING $12,650 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, $19,616 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $20,753 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING THE MONTH WAS 45.26 PER CENT.
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF DECEMBER.
THE FOLLOWING TABLES GIVE A LIABILITIES AND ASSETS AND MONEY
DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH.
LIABILITIES
----------- 3 MILLION
1. DEPOSITS 53,019
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 36,850
3. OTHER LIABILITIES 10,497
TOTAL LIABILITIES 100,366
ASSETS
1. CASH
924
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD:
(1) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS 28,952
(2) TIME DEPOSITS 5,200 34,152
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES:
(1) HONG KONG 36,856
(2) ABROAD 18,793 55,649
/4. INVESTMENTS:
MONDAY, JANUARY JO, 1978
- 5 -
4. INVESTMENTS;
(1) HONG KONG (2) ABROAD 3,836 101 3,937
5. OTHER ASSETS; j
(1) HONG KONG 4,218
(2) ABROAD 1,486 5,704
TOTAL ASSETS 100,366
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH 45.26%
MONEY SUPPLY
MONTH ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 1977
$ MILLION
1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN CIRCULATION (A)
(1) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 5,759
(2) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 597 6,356
2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL TENDER
COINS AND NOTES (B) 924
3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF
NON-BANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) = (C) 5,432
4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LI CENSED•BANKS (D) 12,650
5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) + (D) = (E) 18,082
6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F) 19,616
7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G) 20,753
8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E) + (F) + (G) = (H) 58,451
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MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1978
- 6 -
NEW ROAD TO BE BUILT * * * *
IN KWAI CHUNG
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AND OOTPATHS FROM THE ROAD NEAR HING FONG ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG TO "EXACO ROAD AS PART OF TSUEN WAN BYPASS PROJECT.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES ALTERATION QF THE ALIGNMENT, _EVEL AND WIDTH OF THAT PART OF TEXACO ROAD.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO CONSTRUCT TWO FOOTBRIDGES OVER CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR PING FU PATH AND WO Yl HOP ROAD IN TSUEN JAN.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON JANUARY 27.
PLANS ON THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKINGS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE" AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HONG KCNG HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON OR" AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 27, 1978, AND THOSE MAKING A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION NOT LATER THAN MARCH 27, 1978.
ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST SPECIFY THE PROPERTY WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKINGS AND THE INTEREST OF THE PERSON MAKING THE CLAIM IN THE PROPERTY AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PROPERTY WILL EE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKINGS.
ANY SUCH CLAIM MUST ALSO SPECIFY AN ESTIMATE OF THE PECUNIARY _OSS OR DAMAGE TC THE PPO^EPTY WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE CAUSED BY THE UNDERTAKINGS.
/7
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1978
- 7 -
MORE FACILITIES FOR KCR COMMUTERS * * * *
A LARGE ILLUMINATED NOTICE BOARD SHOWING THE CONNECTING BUS SERVICES FOR KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN THE MAIN CONCOURSE OF THE STATION AT HUNG HOM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID THE BOARD SHOWING THE BUS ROUTE NUMBERS, THEIR STOPPING POINTS AND DESTINATIONS, WAS SET UP WITH THE AIM OF FACILITATING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN USING THE KOWLOON STATION.
ROUTE MAPS AND NOTICES SHOWING BUS CONNECTIONS FOR KOWLOON STATION HAVE ALSO BEEN DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONNECTING BUS SERVICES FOR KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION MAY BE MADE AT THE ENQUIRY OFFICES OF ANY RAILWAY STATION OR TELEPHONE THE KOWLOON STATION AT 3-646321 EXTENSION 240 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
TALLER CHIMNEY SOLVES AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM ******
RESIDENTS IN TAK WAH STREET, TSUEN WAN WILL BE ABLE TO BREATH CLEANERAIR BY THE END OF THE YEAR WHEN AN OVER 5500,000 POLLUTION ABATEMENT WORK IS COMPLETED IN A TSUEN WAN DYEING FACTORY.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY MR. M.K. CHUNG, THE ACTING AIR POLLUTION CONTROL OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT AIR POLLUTION CAUSED BY SMOKE EMITTED FROM CHIMNEYS OF A NEARBY LARGE DYEING FACTORY.
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATIONS BY THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT INDICATED THAT THE UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN THE AREA WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE UNSATISFACTORY DISPERSION OF SMOKE FROM THE EXISTING LOW CHIMNEYS OF THE FACTORY WHICH ARE NOW SURROUNDED BY RELATIVELY MODERN HIGH R ISE BU ILD INGS.
MR. CHUNG SAID THAT THE EXISTING SHORT CHIMNEYS WILL BE REPLACED BY A 330 FEET CHIMNEY WHICH WILL RISE ABOVE ALL SURROUNDING BUILDINGS AND WILL HELP REDUCE THE EXISTING SMOKE NUISANCE. THE METHOD OF ELEVATED DISCHARGE IS CONSIDERED MOST SUITABLE IN THE PRESENT CASE AMONG VARIOUS AVAILABLE SOLUTIONS TO THE SULPHUR DIOXIDE CONTAMINATION PROBLEM.
MR. CHUNG COMMENDED THE FACTORY MANAGEMENT FOR THEIR CIVIC MINDEDNESS IN ACCEPTING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S ADVICE TO CARRY OUT THE WORK AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE TO THE COMPANY.
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/8
■ • ?
MONDAY, JANUARY 33, 1978 j’) - 8 -
■ y.
' NEW HARD-COVER BOOK ON BIRDS » _________________ —
~ * * * *
A HARD-COVER EDITION OF THE NEW BOOK, +A COLOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG BIRDS+, IS NOW ON SALE AMD KEEN DEMAND IS EXPECTED AS ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES HAVE BEEN PRINTED.
THE PRICE OF THE HARDBACK VERSION IS HK$32, AND HK$20 FOR THE LAMINATED SOFT-COVER EDITION, SALES OF WHICH ALREADY EXCEED 1,400 COP IES.
BOTH EDITIONS OF THE BOOK ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND AT LEADING BOOKSHOPS.
RICHLY ILLUSTRATED WITH ORIGINAL PAINTINGS IN FULL COLOUR, THE BOOK CONTAINS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF BIRDS THAT ARE TO BE FOUND IN HONG KONG.
IT ALSO ADVISES PEOPLE ON THE KIND OF EQUIPMENT TO USE WHILE ON BIRD-WATCHING EXPEDITIONS AND MEANS OF IDENTIFYING EACH BIRD BY ITS KNOWN CHARACTERISTICS.
+A COLOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG BIRDS+ IS ILLUSTRATED BY MISS KAREN PHILLIPPS, A LOCAL ARTIST WHO SPECIALISES IN NATURAL LIFE SUBJECTS. THE TEXT IS BY CLIVE VINEY, HONORARY RECORDER OF THE HONG KONG BIRD WATCHING SOCIETY.
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USD TO MOVE TAI PO OFFICE * * * *
THE ADMINISTRATION, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, RECREATION AND AMENITIES AND PEST CONTROL SECTIONS OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL MOVE FROM ITS PRESENT ADDRESS TO MEI TAK BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO, THE NEW TERRITORIES, ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 1).
THE VACANTED OFFICE SPACE AT BLOCK ’D’, TING KOK BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, WILL IN TURN BE OCCUPIED BY THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION ON THE SAME DATE.
BUSINESS IN CONNECTION WITH’THESE OFFICES WILL BE HANDLED at The new premises from Thursday (February 2).
ALL TELEPHONE COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE EY DIALLING 12-672511.
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/9
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1978
9
'TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THE SECTION OF PEKING ROAD BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE AREA.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS WILL BE PERMITTED AT THE JUNCTION OF PEKING ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE:
* STRAIGHT AHEAD MOVEMENT ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KOWLOON PARK DRIVE*
* STRAIGHT AHEAD MOVEMENT ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KOWLOON PARK DRIVE*
* LEFT-TURN FROM PEKING ROAD EASTBOUND ONTO KOWLOON PARK DRIVE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY* AND
* RIGHT-TURN FROM PEKING ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO KOWLOON PARK DRIVE NORTHBOUND.
MEANWHILE, ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTORED IN THE SECTION OF GLENEALY SOUTH OF ROBINSON ROAD AND THE SECTION OF CONDUIT ROAD BETWEEN HORNSEY ROAD AND CASTLE ROAD FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 1).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL .. 1
WATER SUPPLY DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR ...................... 2
MAJOR ROAD PROJECT FOR SHA TIN .......................... 3
DSW TO VISIT ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME ...................... 4
FIRST MEETING OF METRICATION COMMITTEE .................. 4
PARTY FOR GERIATRIC PATIENTS ............................ 5
NATIONAL DANCE SEMINAR .................................. 5
RE-OPENING OF HOI FOO STREET............................. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1978
1
TOWN HALL MARKS TURNING POINT IN TSUEN WAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY THE BUILDING OF THE $23 MILLION TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL MARKS A TURNING POINT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN AS A COMMUNITY.
+IT IS ALSO SYMBOLIC OF THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW POLICY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS A WHOLE,* SIR MURRAY SAID AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE TOWN HALL.
♦THIS POLICY WALKS ON THREE LEGSi THE HEUNG YEE KUK AS THE ADVISER ABOUT NEW TERRITORIES AFFAIRS- THE MORE DIRECT ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENTS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THEIR OWN TOWNS OR DISTRICTS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS- AND THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OF ALL SORTS UP TO STANDARDS NORMAL IN THE URBAN AREAS,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦IT IS SYMPTOMATIC OF THIS POLICY THAT WHILE THIS HALL IS BEING BUILT, LONG-OVERDUE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MARKET IS UNDERWAY, THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTSGROUND IS BEING FLOODLIT, THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTSGROUND IS BEING CONSTRUCTED, AND THAT OF THE 26 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT BY 1981, FOUR HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND EIGHT ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE PRESENT TIME,* HE ADDED.
SIR MURRAY ALSO SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED THAT TRADITIONAL LEADERS -THE RURAL COMMITTEES - NEW SETTLERS, AND REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS HAD COME TOGETHER TO WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF TSUEN WAN IN THE ADVISORY BOARD.
+1 COUNT ON IT TO PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE -ORGANISING PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITY, SUGGESTING PRIORITIES FOR FUTURE GOVERNMENT EFFORT, STIMULATING THE CLEAN-UP OF THE DIRTY AND UNKEMPT CORNERS OF THE TOWN, AND GIVING CONSTRUCTIVE ADVICE ON ALL MANNER OF THINGS AFFECTING THE LIFE OF THE TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT MUST HAVE THE ADVICE OF THE RESIDENTS IN ADMINISTERING AND DEVELOPING THIS LARGE NEW CITY.*
COMMENTING ON THE TOWN HALL, TO WHICH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS CONTRIBUTED $10 MILLION, SIR MURRAY SAID THE COMPLEX WILL GIVE +SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FOCUS TO LIFE* IN THE CONURBATION OF TSUEN WAN-KWAI CHUNG-TSING Yl.
IT IS AN IMPROVED VERSION OF THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CITY HALL BUT WITH A BIGGER STAGE TO ACCOMMODATE OPERA, BALLET AND LARGER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS.
WHEN IT IS OPENED BEFORE THE END OF NEXT YEAR, SIR MURRAY SAID THE TOWN HALL WOULD HAVE A NOTICEABLE TSUEN WAN PERSONALITY, +BECAUSE OF THE STIMULUS GIVEN BY THE ADVISORY BOARD IN PROMOTING A COMPETITION FOR AN EMBLEM AND FOR THE WALL DECORATIONS AND CARPETS.*
/the ceremony......
TUESDAY, JANUABY 31, 1978
THE CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES- THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, Ml. DAVID MCDONALD- THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. BRIAN WILSON- THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES- THE NEW TOWN’S PROJECT MANAGER, MR. EDDIE SHORT- AND THE TOWN HALL’S PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR. FEDER ICK WOO AS WELL AS OVER 200 GUESTS AND 500 LOCAL STUDENTS. THE MUSIC WAS PROVIDED BY THE GURKHA BAND.
IT WAS FOLLOWED BY SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, AS WELL AS A DRAGON DANCE WHOSE EYES WERE DOTTED BY THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR. PETER YEUNG.
EARLIER IN WELCOMING SIR MURRAY, MR. WILSON SAID THE TOWN HALL REPRESENTED AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EXTENSIVE SCHEME TO PROVIDE THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH CULTURAL FACILITIES COMPARABLE TO THOSE IN OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG.
+THE NEED HAS BEEN AMPLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE SUCCESS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC LIBRARIES, THE FIRST OF WHICH OPENED IN TSUEN WAN IN 1974,+ HE SAID.
MR. WILSON POINTED OUT THAT THE TOWN HALL WAS AN EXAMPLE OF THE GOVERNOR’S PERSONAL EFFORT TO MAKE THE ARTS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TOWN HALL FEATURES A 1,500-SEAT MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM WITH A HIGH STANDARD OF ACOUSTICS, STAGE AND TECHNICAL FACILITIES. IT WILL BE MANAGED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON COMPLETION.
- - - - 0------------
WATER SUPPLY DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR * * * *
.DETAILS OF WATER SUPPLY HOURS DURING THE LUNAR NFW yfap HOLIDAYS WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY.
■m TURNED ON FROM 4 P.M. ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 5)
TO 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 10), GIVING FOUR FULL DAYS SUPPLY.
n. .n IHE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER MR TOM TOMLINSON
water reA ™ 'So8?"'
that Kf?’coH5T?JS'?;e5sE‘s5^sRT sB^S%G°Lv?R^p?^^STl!EcR*"sDAA1!t
o --------
/3
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1978
3
MAJOR ROAD PROJECT FOR SHA TIN ft ft ft *
WORK WILL BEGIN SHORTLY ON A MAJOR ROAD PROJECT IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE MULT I-MILL I ON-DOLLAR PROJECT MAINLY CONSISTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE SEPARATED ROAD JUNCTION WHICH WILL CONNECT A PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD AND A TRUNK ROAD NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEAR FU TAN, SHA TIN.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN STAGE ONE DEVELOPMENT, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
MR. S.K. KWEI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT THE PROJECT COMPRISED THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 600 METRES OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ROAD, ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE, TWO OVERBRIDGES AND ONE SUBWAY.
WORK WOULD BEGIN IN APRIL AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
+0N COMPLETION, THE ROAD JUNCTION WILL PROVIDE A GRADE SEPARATED CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD ALONGSIDE THE WO CHE ESTATE AND THE TRUNK ROAD LEADING TO THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE,+ HE SAID.
MR. KWEI SAID THAT FURTHER ROAD WORKS WERE PLANNED TO LINK LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WITH THIS JUNCTION TO PROVIDE A FAST DUAL CARRIAGEWAY FROM KOWLOON, BYPASSING THE NEW TOWN, TO DEVELOPMENT AREAS NORTH OF SHA TIN.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE FEATURE OF THE ROAD SYSTEM FOR SHA TIN WAS THAT IT WOULD HAVE SEPARATE CYCLE LANES AND FOOTPATHS.
♦THIS MEANS THAT VEHICLES USING THE ROAD WILL NOT BE OBSTRUCTED BY BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS,+ HE ADDED.
♦SUBWAYS AND OVERHEAD BRIDGES ARE ALSO PLANNED AT MAJOR JUNCTIONS TO SEPARATE PEDESTRIANS FROM CYCLISTS AND MOTORISTS.+
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/4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1978
4
NOTE TO EDITORS*
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO VISIT ST CHRISTOPHER'S HOME ft * * ft
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL VISIT THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME AT 13-1/2 MILESTONE, TAI PO ROAD, TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO KEEP HIMSELF INFORMED OF ITS LATEST DEVELOPMENT.
MR. LEE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY MRS. EVELYN DOE, HEAD OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT'S FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION. THEY WILL ARRIVE AT THE HOME AT 3 P.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO USE THE FACILITIES ARE ASKED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE EASTERN ENTRANCE OF LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY NOT LATER THAN 1.45 P.M.
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FIRST MEETING OF METRICATION COMMITTEE .ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE METRICATION COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR ON DECEMBER 30 LAST YEAR HAS SET UP THREE SUB-COMMITTEES TO LOOK AT PROGRESS OF METRICATION IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, CONSUMER INTERESTS AND IN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
THE SETTING UP OF THESE SUB-COMMITTEES WAS AGREED AT THE COMMITTEE’S FIRST MEETING HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
ALL 12 MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE PRESENT AT THE MEETING.
DURING THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE AGREED TO REQUEST THE AUSTRALIAN METRIC CONVERSION BOARD TO PERMIT ITS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MR.A.F.A. HARPER, WHO WILL BE PASSING THROUGH HONG KONG IN MAY, TO EXTEND HIS STAY HERE FOR A FEW DAYS SO THAT HE CAN GIVE THE HONG KONG METRICATION COMMITTEE ADVICE AS WELL AS THE BENEFIT OF HIS EXPERTISE.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE ON MARCH 6.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1978
NOTE TO EDITORS!
5
PARTY FOR GERIATRIC PATIENTS OF PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL *****
MORE THAN 100 ELDERLY PATIENTS IN THE GERIATRIC WARDS OF PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WILL BE TREATED TO A LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 3).
THE ANNUAL PARTY, ORGANISED BY STAFF OF THE GERIATRIC UNIT, WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG.
THERE WILL BE A CANTONESE OPERA AND A MAGIC SHOW AND GIFTS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PATIENTS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OCCASION. THE PARTY WILL BE HELD IN THE GERIATRIC WARDS FROM 2 P.M. TO 3 P.M.
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NATIONAL DANCE SEMINAR AT HOMANTIN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A NATIONAL DANCE SEMINAR WITH THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FROM 6 P.M. TO 8.30 P.M. AT THE HOMANTIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL. KOWLOON. MORE THAN 200 TEACHERS FROM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND LECTURERS FROM COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
MR. RAY BIRD, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION). WILL WELCOME THE SPEAKERS AND DELIVER THE OPENING SPEECH. MISS PEARL CHAN, HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE OF THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING, WILL SPEAK ON +EUROPEAN FOLK DANCE.+ WHILE MISS JUNE RYCROFT, VISITING EXAMINER OF THE SOCIETY’S NATIONAL DANCE BRANCH, WILL DEMONSTRATE AND TEACH +EUROPEAN FOLK DANCE 7ECHNIQUES+. MISS WINNIE HO, INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, WILL CONDUCT -THE OPEN DISCUSSIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE NATIONAL DANCE SEMINAR BETWEEN 6 P.M. AND 8.30 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 1, AT THE HOMANTIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL, PERTH STREET, KOWLOON.
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/6
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31,
1978
- 6 -
RE-OPENING OF HOI FOO STREET
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE SECTION OF HOI FOO STREET BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND SAI WAN.HO STREET WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 2) FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF CABLE LAYING WORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, ONE-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTORED ON THE SECTION OF SAI WAN HO STREET BETWEEN HOI AN STREET AND HOI FOO STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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II 1 ’ ‘M । ।
' i 1 • i । 1
PR 33
III I*,
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Tuesday, January 31, 1978
GOVERNOR LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR TSUEN WAN TO7/N HALL
* * * * *
The following is the full text of the speech by the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, at the laying of the foundation stone for the Tsuen Wan Town Hall today:
I am sure the people of Tsuen Wan will all share my deep personal satisfaction that the foundation stone of their Tom Hall has been laid, and that they can expect the Hall to open before the end of next year.
The present pace and growth of construction in the conurbation of Tsuen Wan/Kwai Chung/Tsing I is phenomenal. But the building of this Town Hall marks a turning point in its development as a community.
It is also symbolic of the Government’s new policy in the New Territories as a whole. This policy walks on three legs: The Heung Yee Kuk as the adviser about New Territories affairs; the more direct association of residents with the administration of their own towns or districts through participation in District Advisory Boards; and the provision of community cultural and recreational facilities of all sorts up to standards normal in the urban areas. It is symptomatic of this policy that while this Hall is being built, long-overdue construction of the market is underway, the Yeung Uk Road sportsground is being constructed, and that of the 26 secondary schools to be built by 1?81, four have been completed and eight are under construction at the present time.
/The Government .
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
The Government must have the advice of the residents in
administering and developing this large new city. So I am delighted that traditional leaders - the rural committees - new settlers, and representative organisations have come together to work for the benefit of Tsuen Wan in the Tsuen Wan Advisory Board. This has already provided funds to increase cultural and recreational activities, and has started to publish a local newspaper. I count on it to play an increasingly important role - organising programmes of activity, suggesting priorities for future Government effort, stimulating the clean-up of the dirty and unkempt corners of the town, and giving constructive advice on all manner of things affecting the life of the town and its people.
The Town Hall has been built to give social and cultural focus to life in the Tsuen Wan conurbation. It is an improved version of the concert hall of the Hong Kong City Hall but with a bigger stage to accommodate opera, ballet and larger symphony orchestras. It will have a noticeable Tsuen Wan personality, because of the stimulus given by the Advisory Board in promoting a competition for an emblem and for the wall decorations and carpets. The building will cost 323 million and was made possible by an initial generous contribution of 310 million from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Ladies and gentlemen, it has given me great pleasure to lay the foundation stone of your Town Hall and to wish Tsuen Wan and its people a happy and prosperous future.