DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHINA WATER AGREEMENT SIGNED ........................... 1
D.S.W. UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICE ................................................ 1
CHOICE OF A CAREER ..................................... 3
BUSY MONTHS FOR ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE ................... 4
D.S.W. OPENS $2.5 MILLION HOME FOR THE AGED ............ 5
SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE ........ 6
GOVERNOR OPENS 33RD INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY ............................................ 7
DISABLED PEOPLE TO COMPETE IN TALENT QUEST FINAL ....... 8
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SHA TIN BY-PASS ................... 8
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
1
CHINA WATER AGREEMENT SIGNED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, MR. TOM TOMLINSON, RETURNED FROM CANTON TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER SIGNING A NEW WAVER AGREEMENT WITH THE KWANGTUNG PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES.
MR. LEUNG WAI-LAM, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE KWANGTUNG PROVINCIAL REVOLUTIONARY COMMITTEE, OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY, WHICH WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY MR. MA PO, HEAD OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECTION OF THE PROVINCIAL REVOLUTIONARY COMMITTEE.
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BY MR. MCDONALD ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND, ON BEHALF OF THE KWANGTUNG REVOLUTIONARY COMMITTEE, BY MR. FUNG CHI-YAN, DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF WATER CONSERVANCY AND ELECTRIC POWER, KWANGTUNG PROVINCE.
AFTER THE SIGNING CEREMONY MR. LEUNG HOSTED A RECEPTION FOR REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH PARTIES.
ON HIS RETURN FROM CANTON, MR. TOMLINSON ELABORATED ON THE DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT, WHICH PROVIDES FOR A SUPPLY OF 145 MILLION CUBIC METRES THIS YEAR, 168 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER ANNUM COMMENCING OCTOBER 1 NEXT YEAR AND A YEARLY SUPPLY OF 182 MILLION CUBIC METRES BY 1982.
THE COST OF THE WATER IS RMB 0.15 YUAN PER CUBIC METRE.
THE AGREEMENT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ANNUAL SHUT-DOWN PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS, CURRENTLY AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER OF EACH YEAR, TO CHANGE TO MARCH AND APRIL IN 1982 IN ORDER TO MORE READILY FACILITATE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE OF THE EAST RIVER-SHUM CHUN SYSTEM.
THE AMOUNT OF WATER SUPPLIED LAST YEAR WAS 136 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
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D.S.W. UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICE
******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICE IN THE DETECTION OF PUPILS WITH PROBLEMS AND PROVISION OF GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE AT AN EARLY STAGE.
ADDRESSING THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THEIR THREE-MONTH TRAINING PROGRAMME AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MR. LEE CALLED ON THE 78 STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS TO TRY THEIR BEST TO MEET THE CHALLENGE AHEAD.
/HE SAID .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
2
HE SAID THEY WERE EXPECTED TO PERFORM VARIOUS FUNCTIONS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS SUCH AS GIVING PERSONAL, EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE AND HELPING PREVENT SCHOOL DROP-OUTS.
HE TOLD THE NEWLY-TRAINED OFFICERS! + NOW AS AN OFFICER, YOU ARE TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY AND TO PROVIDE SERVICE AMONG SOME 3,000 PUPILS FROM TWO TO SIX DIFFERENT SCHOOLS EACH, OR 2,000 PUPILS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
WITH A STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICER WORKING ON THE SPOT, HE SAID, PUPILS WITH PROBLEMS SHOULD BE DETECTED AT AN EARLY STAGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE ADDED, IF APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE IS GIVEN AT THE RIGHT MOMENT BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT PRE-OCCUPIED WITH THE TEACHING OF THE WHOLE CLASS, IT WILL BE OF HELP TO ALL CONCERNED.
♦THIS MEANS THE CLASS WILL NOT BE DISRUPTED, THE TEACHER WILL BE RELIEVED, AND NATURALLY THE PUPIL WITH THE PROBLEM WILL BE F£LPED BY SOMEONE DESIGNATED FOR THE JOB WHO NOT ONLY HAS THE TIME BUT ALSO THE SKILL TO DO IT,+ HE SAID.
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT AS SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK OR STUDENT GUIDANCE WORK WAS STILL A NEW CONCEPT TO MANY, THE PROCESS OF REFERRAL WAS LIKELY TO BE SLOW IN THE INITIAL STAGE, PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE DISTRUST THE SCHOOL STAFF MIGHT HAVE IN THE OFFICERS, AND PARTLY BECAUSE IT WAS OFTEN TAKEN AS AN ADDITIONAL TASK FOR THE TEACHER.
♦THIS MEANS THAT THEY MUST HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE YOU PLAY IN THE SCHOOL AND TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME OF THE DIFFICULT PUPILS THEY HAVE,+ HE TOLD THE OFFICERS.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT IN THEIR NEW JOB, THERE WERE BOUND TO BE CASES WHICH CALLED FOR THE EXPERTISE OF OTHER PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLORS, PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS.
HE SAID THAT SHOULD THEY ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES, THEY WERE FREE TO CONSULT THEIR SUPERVISORS WHO WOULD, IN TURN, SEEK ASSISTANCE WHERE APPROPRIATE FROM OTHER PROFESSIONALS.
THERE ARE EIGHT RECEIVING OFFICERS — FOUR TO BE PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE OTHERS BY VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES — WHO ARE READY TO BACK THEM UP AND TAKE OVER THE DIFFICULT CASES WHERE NECESSARY, HE SAID.
MR. LEE ALSO SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD A GOOD LIBRARY AND HE CALLED ON THE STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF IT IN KEEPING ABREAST WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN GUIDANCE WORK.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
- 3 -
CHOICE OF A CAREER
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD NOT DRIFT INTO WORK FOR WHICH THEY HAVE LITTLE INTEREST AND NO TALENT, SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER, MR. TSUI TIM-FOOK, TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING THE MUNSANG COLLEGE SPEECH DAY AUDIENCE, MR. TSUI SAID THE CHOICE OF A CAREER SHOULD BE BASED ON A PERSON’S OWN INCLINATIONS, PERSONALITY AND CAPABILITIES.
♦NOT ALL OF US CAN BECOME A DOCTOR, LAWYER, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT, THE PRINCIPAL OF A SCHOOL OR A CELEBRATED ARTIST. HOWEVER HARD WE MAY TRY,* HE SAID.
+ON THE CONTRARY, EVERYONE OF US HAS A REASONABLE CHANCE TO FIND SATISFACTION AND FULFILMENT IN A JOB TO WHICH WE ARE WELL SUITED. THUS YOU SHOULD FIRST IDENTIFY YOUR OWN INTEREST AND APTITUDE AND THEN DECIDE ON A CAREER WHICH MATCHES THESE QUALITIES.*
MR. TSUI POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S RAPID ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS HAD CREATED MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERESTING AND REWARDING CAREERS, BUT THIS ALSO DEMANDED SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, HE ADDED, WERE PRE-REQUISITES FOR EMBARKING ON GOOD CAREERS IN COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND THE SERVICES.
MR. TSUI WARNED YOUNG PEOPLE NOT TO BE UNDULY INFLUENCED BY THE INITIAL PAY WHEN CONSIDERING A JOB.
+AS FAR AS IS PRACTICAL, IT IS THE PROSPECTS FOR ADVANCEMENT OR CAREER DEVELOPMENT THAT SHOULD BE YOUR PRIMARY CONCERN.*
MR. TSUI POINTED OUT THAT THE PREVIOUS DISTINCTION BETWEEN WHITE-COLLAR AND BLUE-COLLAR EMPLOYEES HAD LOST ITS SHARPNESS IN THE WAKE OF INDUSTRIALISATION.
HE SAID MANY OF HONG KONG’S YOUNG CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WERE FORMER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND MANY OTHERS HAVE GONE INTO SERVICES SUCH AS HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN AN OPINION POLL HELD AT LAST YEAR’S LABOUR DEPARTMENT CAREERS EXHIBITION, ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY WOULD PREFER TO WORK IN INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY ELECTRONICS, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORK ING.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
BUSY MONTHS FOR ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE
* # * * * M
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 29 PROJECTS DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR - ABOUT ONE EVERY THREE DAYS.
THE NUMBER EXCLUDES THOSE RELATING TO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
+3UT.+ SAID A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN, +THESE WERE FAR FROM BEING THE ONLY PROJECTS THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE WAS ENGAGED ON.+
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD, VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE WERE INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER 95 PROJECTS. AND, ON TOP OF THAT, ANOTHER 40 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS WERE IN HAND.
SOME OF THE WORKS COMPLETED WERE;
X A NEW FRONTIER DIVISIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND STATION BUILDING-
* A FUNERAL DEPOT IN HUNG HOM-
* A SPORTS GROUND AT KWAI CHUNG-
* THE FITTING OUT OF BIOLOGY LABORATORIES FOR THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS-
* A LIBRARY AT MEI FOO SUN CHUEN-
* CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AT LAM TIN AND TUNG TAU ESTATES-
* A SWIMMING POOL AT FAN LING-
* A TEMPORARY MARKET IN HO I PHONG ROAD- AND
M THE FIRST PHASE OF HONG KONG’S SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL.
AMONG THE PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE WERE:
* A DENTAL THERAPISTS’ TRAINING SCHOOL-
* TEMPORARY MARKETS AT WONG TAI SIN AND TSIM SHA TSUI-
* BUILDING WORK ON THE SPACE MUSEUM-
* AN AMENITIES BUILDING FOR THE WAN CHAI CARGO HANDLING AREA-
* AMBULANCE DEPOTS AT NGAU CHI WAN, SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN- AND
* A MULTI-STOREY AUDITORIUM AT TSUEN WAN.
THE P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAID: * IT WAS A BUSY THREE MONTHS AND A VERY WORTHWHILE PERIOD IN TERMS OF THE VARIETY OF WORK DONE.*
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
5
D.S.W. OPENS $2.5 MILLION HOME FOR THE AGED *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED A $2.5 MILLION OLD PEOPLE’S HOME IN FAN LING WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING THE GOVERNMENT A STRIDE CLOSER TO THE TARGET PROPOSED BY THE GREEN PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BUDDHIST PO CHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR AGED WOMEN, MR. LEE SAID THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO EASING THE EXISTING SHORTAGE OF CARE AND ATTENTION FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY.
CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING 117 PEOPLE, THE PROJECT IS SPONSORED BY THE HEUNG HOI CHING KOK LIN ASSOCIATION, AND FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING PRIVATE AND ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DONATIONS.
MR. LEE SAID THE ELDERLY SERVICES GREEN PAPER HAD POINTED TO THE NEED FOR MORE CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, GENERAL CARE AND LIMITED NURSING CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE WHO, MAINLY FOR HEALTH REASONS, COULD NOT CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES.
THE GREEN PAPER, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED LATE LAST YEAR, HAS RECOMMENDED THE PROVISION BY 1980-81 OF 1,000 EXTRA PLACES IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING 316 PLACES, HE SAID.
IT HAS ALSO RECOMMENDED PLANNED PROVISIONS FROM 1981-82 ONWARDS TO ACHIEVE A LONG-TERM TARGET OF FOUR PLACES PER 1,000 AGED 60 AND OVER BY 1986-87, HE ADDED.
MR. LEE PRAISED THE HEUNG HOI CHING KOK LIN ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONCERTED EFFORTS IN THE FIELD OF SERVICES FOR OLD PEOPLE.
HE SAID THE CARE AND ATTENTION HOME REPRESENTED YET ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT BY THE ASSOCIATION BECAUSE SINCE 1966, IT HAD BEEN OPERATING ITS FIRST OLD PEOPLE'S HOME FOR 108 AGED WOMEN.
+1 UNDERSTAND THE NEW HOME STARTED ADMITTING OLD PEOPLE IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AND IS NOW ACCOMMODATING A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF 117, TWO-THIRDS OF WHOM HAVE BEEN REFERRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE
*******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE FOUR SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO THE SHA TIN RACE-COURSE FOR THE RACES TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THESE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 12.15 P.M., 12.31 P.M., 12.57 P.M. AND 1.10 P.M. RESPECTIVELY.
FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY, THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS TO CARRY PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE-COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION. IN ADDITION, K.C.R. WILL RE-ROUTE TWO OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE-COURSE STATION AT 4.31 P.M. AND 6.42 P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.
THE RUNNING TIME OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINS IS 20 MINUTES AND THEIR TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND AT THE JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
A K.C.R. SPOKESMAN SAID THOSE GOING TO THE RACES BY PRIVATE CAR SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK ABOVE THE KOWLOON STATION.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT APART FROM SEVERAL BUS CONNECTING ROUTES, THERE WERE FERRY SERVICES OPERATING BETWEEN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI AND NORTH POINT AND THE HUNG HOM PIER, WHICH IS A FEW MINUTES WALK FROM THE STATION TERMINAL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE TIMETABLES OF TOMORROW’S SCHEDULED TRAIN SERVICES HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY AMENDED. THE REVISED TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAINS BETWEEN THE PERIOD FROM 11 A.M. AND 11 P.M. ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FROM KOWLOON STATION: 11.09 A.M., 12 NOON, 1.31 P.M.,
2.io P.M., 3.07 P.M., 3.54 P.M.,
5.07 P.M., 5.38 P.M., 6.54 P.M.,
7.46 P.M., 8.32 P.M., 9.21 P.M. AND
11 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION: 10.52 A.M., 11.51 A.M., 12.51 P.M.,
1.43 P.M., 3 P.M., 3.38 P.M., 4.35 P.M.,
5.48 P.M., 6.52 P.M., 7.25 P.M., 8.27 P.M. AND 9.28 P.M.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
7
GOVERNOR OPENS 33RD INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (FRIDAY) OPENED THE 33RD HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE CITY HALL.
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS THE GOVERNOR SAID THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY +HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION.+
SIR MURRAY ALSO CONGRATULATED THOSE PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE GAINED ADMISSION AND AWARDS.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF HIS SPEECH:
♦THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG WAS FOUNDED IN 1937 WITH THE OBJECT OF PROMOTING AND IMPROVING PHOTOGRAPHY AND ITS APPL ICATION.
♦EACH YEAR, THE EXHIBITS FEATURED IN THE SALON SHOW IMPROVED ARTISTIC AND TECHNICAL MERIT, AND PROVIDE MEMBERS AND OVERSEAS EXHIBITORS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THROUGH DISCUSSION AND EXCHANGE OF IDEAS.
♦THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION. I CONGRATULATE ALL THOSE PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE GAINED ADMISSION AND AWARDS AND I WISH THE SALON EVERY SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.
+1 NOW TAKE GREAT PLEASURE IN DECLARING THE 33RD HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY OPEN.+
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1978
8
DISABLED PEOPLE TO COMPETE IN TALENT QUEST FINAL * * * * *
THREE TEAMS OF DISABLED PEOPLE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION CENTRES WILL BE COMPETING WITH 16 OTHER TEAMS FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE FINAL OF THE 1978 TALENT QUEST FOR THE HANDICAPPED TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL BE ONE OF THE JUDGES AND WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE EVENT ORGANISED BY THE ST. LOUIS YOUTH CLUB.
THE TALENT QUEST, AN ANNUAL OPEN COMPETITION WITH ALL SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRES INVITED TO JOIN, AIMS AT ENCOURAGING THE DISABLED TO TAKE PART IN SOCIAL FUNCTIONS AND PROVIDING THEM WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS.
A TOTAL OF 50 TEAMS FROM MORE THAN 20 SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRES HAD ENTERED THE COMPETITION AND TOOK PART IN TWO PRELIMINARY HEATS LAST MONTH.
THE THREE REHABILITATION REHABILITATION
S.W.D. TEAMS COMPRISE TRAINEES FROM THE ABERDEEN CENTRE, THE KAI CHI CHILDREN'S CENTRE AND THE WORLD FUND DAY CENTRE.
THEY WILL BE GIVING A MIME SHOW, AND A CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE.
A DANCE AND MASQUARADE SHOW
OTHER JUDGES AT THE FINAL WILL AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
INCLUDE LEADING T.V. ARTISTES
NOTE TO EDITORS-.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER THE FINAL OF THE 1978 TALENT QUEST FOR THE HANDICAPPED TO BE HELD TOMORROW (DECEMBER 2) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE ---------
COMMUNITY HALL, CARITAS
HOUSE, IN CAINE ROAD.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SHA TIN BY-PASS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A SECTION OF SHA TIN BY-PASS BETWEEN SHA TIN MARKET AND WO CHE ESTATE WILL BE REDUCED TO SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT FIVE-AND-A-HALF MONTHS STARTING FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 4).
THIS ARRANGEMENT IS TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBWAY AND STRENGTHEN AN EXISTING CULVERT BENEATH SHA TIN BY-PASS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
BE SET UP AND TRAFFIC POLICE
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
’SPECIAL SITES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES’ FOR SALE AT SHA TIN .......................................................... 1
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON CONTAINERISATION TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG .................................................... 1
REGULATIONS ON SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL GAZETTED ............ 3
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT .......................................... 5
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICE MOVES ................ 5
45 P.W.D. CONTRACTS IN OCTOBER .............................. 6
FIRING PRACTICE .............................................. 6
WATER CUT
6
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1978
" 1 -
♦SPECIAL SITES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES* FOR SALE AT SHA TIN
* * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT TO SELL THE FIRST TWO INDUSTRIAL SITES WITH SPECIAL LEASE CONDITIONS DESIGNED TO HELP INDUSTRIES WHICH CANNOT NORMALLY OPERATE IN MULTI-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS.
THE TWO SITES, MEASURING 2,966 SQUARE METRES AND 2,821
SQUARE METRES, ARE LOCATED IN THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA OF SHA TIN AND WILL BE SOLD BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON DECEMBER 19 AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE +SPECIAL SITES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES*, AS DESCRIBED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON, WILL BE BUILT WITH INCREASED FLOOR LOADING CAPACITIES AND HIGHER CEILING CLEARANCES.
THE SALE CONDITIONS, HE SAID, SPECIFIED THE PROVISION OF 3OO LBS PER SQUARE FOOT LOADING AND A 25-F00T HEIGHT FOR THREE FLOORS OF THE BUILDINGS TO BE ERECTED, INCLUDING THE GROUND FLOOR.
MR. THOMPSON SAID THE CONDITIONS CARRIED A 9.5 PLOT RATIO ALLOWING FOR MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL-GODOWN DEVELOPMENT SIMILAR TO THAT ALREADY BLOSSOMING AT FO TAN.
♦THE INCREASED FLOOR LOADINGS CAN ACCOMMODATE INDUSTRIES USING VERY HEAVY MACHINERY SUCH AS CUTLERY MANUFACTURES AND THE HIGH CEILINGS ARE DESIGNED TO CATER FOR INDUSTRIES LIKE SILK WEAVING WHICH REQUIRE MORE HEADROOM THAN IS NORMALLY FOUND IN REGULAR HIGH-RISE FACTORY BUILD INGS.+
MR. THOMPSON SAID THE LEASE CONDITIONS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF PROVIDING LAND TO MEET ALL THE NEEDS OF PRESENT DAY INDUSTRY. <
♦THE FO TAN SITES HAVE BEEN EARMARKED AS A MOVE tN THIS DIRECTION TO TEST THE INTEREST OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPERS,+ HE ADDED. “
♦THE TWO SITES ARE IN AN ATTRACTIVE AREA, CLOSE TO KOWLOON WITH GOOD LINKS TO ALL THE DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦WE WOULD EXPECT CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THE SITES — THE LAST SITE AUCTIONED AT FO TAN REALISED A RECORD NEW TERRITORIES PRICE LAST MONTH.+
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INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON CONTAINERISATION TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG
* * * *
A TWO-WEEK SEMINAR ON CONTAINERISATION, ORGANISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP) IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE HONG KONG AND NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENTS, WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEGINNING NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 4).
A TOTAL OF 23 REPRESENTATIVES FROM 13 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES IN THE REGION WILL PARTICIPATE.
/a ....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1978
2 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE SEMINAR — ♦PLANNING FOR CHANGEi UNIT LOADS IN ESCAP PORTS* — WOULD BE TO PROVIDE A FORUM TO DISCUSS PLANNING TECHNIQUES FOR INTRODUCING UNIT LOADS AND CONTAINERISATION INTO PORTS.
HE SAID PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE MAINLY PERSONNEL IN GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS ENGAGED IN PLANNING OR DIRECTING OPERATIONS OF UNIT LOAD BERTHS AND TERMINALS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN CHOSEN TO HOST THE SEMINAR, WHICH ENDS ON DECEMBER 15, BECAUSE IT POSSESSED MODERN CONTAINER TERMINAL FACILITIES AND A POOL OF SHIPPING, CARGO HANDLING AND PORT OPERATIONS EXPERTS.
HE SAID THESE EXPERTS WOULD GIVE LECTURES ON THEIR SPECIAL FIELDS, ORGANISE SITE VISITS TO CONTAINER TERMINALS AND CONTAINER FREIGHT STATIONS AND HOST AND PARTICIPATE IN OTHER SEMINAR FUNCTIONS.
NINE EXPERTS FROM OVERSEAS WILL GIVE LECTURES AND LEAD DISCUSSIONS. THEY INCLUDE STAFF OF ESCAP, THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD), THE INSTITUTE OF SHIPPING ECONOMICS, BREMEN, THE NATIONAL PORTS COUNCIL, LONDON, AND THE FIJI PORTS AUTHORITY.
LOCAL EXPERTS WHO WILL SPEAK INCLUDE MR. FRANK CHAO OF WAH KWONG SHIPPING (HK) LIMITED, DR. T.N. CHIU OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR. A. DAVIDSON OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON GODOWN AND WHARF COMPANY LIMITED, MR. D. HUTCHISON OF CONSULTING ENGINEER, MR. J.M.E. LEESE OF MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED, MR. J. BOWER I NG AND MR. J. NORTHFIELD OF MACGREGOR CARGO HANDLING COMPANY (HK) LIMITED, MR. F. PONG OF SHIU WING STEEL LIMITED, AND MR. B. TANG OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT OF HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORSl
THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE SEMINAR ON CONTAINERISATION WILL BE HELD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 4) AT 9.30 A.M. OFFICIATING WILL BE MR. R.H. GONTHA, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ESCAP, MR. B.T. AUGDHAL, NORWEGIAN CONSUL GENERAL, AND MR. M.J. ALEXANDER, DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE OPENING. THEY SHOULD MEET MR. DONALD STRANGE, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT PRESS OFFICER, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER BY 9.20 A.M.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1978
3
REGULATIONS ON SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL GAZETTED ******
A SET OF THREE REGULATIONS RELATING TO SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THESE ARE THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL REGULATIONS 1978-SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (TYPHOON SHELTERS) REGULATIONS 1978-AND THE SHIPPING PORT CONTROL (HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINALS) REGULATIONS 1978. THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL REGULATIONS 1978
THESE REGULATIONS MAINLY REPLACE AND RE-ENACT THE PRESENT MERCHANT SHIPPING (CONTROL OF PORTS) REGULATIONS.
THE MAJOR CHANGE IS IN PART II OF THE REGULATIONS WHICH REQUIRES ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS OVER 300 TONS GROSS USING HONG KONG WATERS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (V.H.F.) RADIO-TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT.
MOST OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ALREADY HAVE THIS EQUIPMENT AND DO MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE, BUT IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY IT WAS CONSIDERED DESIRABLE TO MAKE THIS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT SO THAT THE PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE WILL BE ABLE TO CO-ORDINATE THE MOVEMENT OF ALL OCEANGOING VESSELS.
AN OCEAN-GOING VESSEL WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTACT THE PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE BEFORE ENTERING THE WATERS OF HONG KONG AND GIVE ITS IDENTITY', LOCATION AND INTENDED ROUTE.
AFTER THE VESSEL IS ANCHORED, IT WILL BE REQUIRED TO REPORT ITS LOCATION, THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ITS NEXT MOVEMENT AND CHANGE OF ANCHORAGE OR MOVEMENT.
BEFORE IT PROCEEDS TO SEA, IT WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO GIVE ITS IDENTITY, LOCATION AND INTENDED COURSE.
HAVING REGARD TO THE TRAFFIC, WEATHER, AND OTHER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS, THE PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE MAY GIVE DIRECTIONS AS TO THE TIME WHEN AND THE PLACE WHERE THE VESSEL MAY ANCHOR, MOVE WITHIN OR DEPART FROM THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.
DURING ITS STAY IN HONG KONG WATERS, THE VESSEL MAY BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A CONTINUOUS LISTENING WATCH ON THE RADIOTELEPHONE SO THAT IT IS AWARE OF THE PREVAILING TRAFFIC AND WEATHER CONDITIONS IN LOCAL WATERS.
THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION FROM COMPLIANCE WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS A BREAKDOWN IN THE EQUIPMENT OR AN EMERGENCY AFFECTING THE SAFETY OF LIFE CR PROPERTY.
/OTHSR...
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1978
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OTHER CHANGES INCLUDE REGULATIONS WHICH FORMALISE THE PRESENT TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES AND IMPOSE A SPEED LIMIT ON HYDROFOIL BOATS IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS.
CONCERNING SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG SUCH AS SWIMMING RACES OR BOAT RACES WHICH ARE LIKELY TO INTERFERE WITH THE SAFE NAVIGATION OF VESSELS OR THE SAFETY OF PERSONS, THESE ARE SUBJECT TO THE CONTROL OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IN A PROVISION WHICH SEEKS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PERSONS AFFECTED BY SUCH SPORTING ACTIVITIES.
A REGULATION IS ALSO PROVIDED WHICH EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PROHIBIT WATER SKI-ING AND PRESCRIBE SPEED LIMITS FOR VESSELS IN SPECIFIED AREAS.
WATERS NEAR GAZETTED BEACHES AND MOORING AREAS WILL BE SO GAZETTED TO PROTECT SWIMMERS AND OTHER USERS OF LOCAL WATERS FROM THE HAZARDS OF SPEED-BOATING AND WATER SKI-1 NG.
IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY, THE REGULATION ALSO REQUIRES VESSELS TOWING WATERS SKIERS TO POST A LOOK-OUT.
SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (TYPHOON SHELTERS) REGULATIONS 1978
THESE REGULATIONS REPLACE THE EXISTING RELATED REGULATIONS.
THE ONLY CHANGE IN SUBSTANCE IS THAT THEY NOW MAKE CLEAR THAT, EXCEPT WHEN A STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL OR TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL IS HOISTED NO VESSEL SHALL ENTER OR REMAIN IN A TYPHOON SHELTER WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
THIS GIVES THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE THE NECESSARY POWER TO MANAGE TYPHOON SHELTERS, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO THE CONTROL OF DWELLING OR HOUSE BOATS AND OTHER STATIONARY CRAFT.
HOWEVER, THE DIRECTOR WILL CONTINUE TO TOLERATE EXISTING DWELLING BOATS IN TYPHOON SHELTERS ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS UNTIL THOSE LIVING IN THEM ARE PROPERLY RE-HOUSED.
SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINALS) REGULATIONS 1978
THESE REGULATIONS REPLACE THE EXISTING RELATED REGULATIONS. THERE ARE NO MAJOR CHANGES AND THE ONLY MINOR CHANGE OF SUBSTANCE RELATES TO THE PROVISION THAT A FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ISSUE OF A PASS AND THIS FEE OF $10 IS PRESCRIBED IN THE SCHEDULE.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1978
5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ft * ft *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE WHOLE SECTION OF BLACK’S LINK FROM DEEP WATER BAY ROAD TO WANCHAI GAP ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO PRIVATE CARS AND TAXIS ONLY BETWEEN 7.30 A.M. AND 9.30 A.M. ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS STARTING THIS TUESDAY (DECEMBER 5).
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO ENABLE PRIVATE CARS AND TAXIS TO USE BLACK’S LINK AS A RELIEF ROUTE FROM WONG NAI CHUNG GAP TO MAGAZINE GAP AND CENTRAL TO BYPASS THE CONGESTED STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT DURING THE MORNING RUSH HOURS ON WEEKDAYS.
♦NEVERTHELESS, BECAUSE OF THE PHYSICAL LIMITATION OF BLACK’S LINK, MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH UTMOST CARE AND CARS AND TAXIS EXCEEDING 2,500 C.C. IN CYLINDER CAPACITY ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THIS RELIEF ROUTE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT OTHER TIMES, THE SECTION OF BLACK'S LINK NEAR WANCHAI GAP ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND AND BE CLOSED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. THE TWO-WAY SECTION NEAR DEEP WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THIS AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICE MOVES * * * ft
THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SCHOOLS DIVISION WILL BE OPERATING AT NEW PREMISES FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 4).
THE OFFICE WILL MOVE FROM CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOORS, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AT THE OFFICE WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. THE NEW NUMBER FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES EAST REGION IS 3-050842, 3-046451 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST, AND 3-044094 FOR THE TSUEN WAN REGION.
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/6 ...
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1978
6
45 P.W.D. CONTRACTS IN OCTOBER *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED 45 CONTRACTS WORTH $131.3 MILLION IN OCTOBER.
OF THESE, 25 WERE AWARDED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND 20 ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TENDER BOARD.
THE BIGGEST CONTRACT SIGNED IN OCTOBER WAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WONG CHUK HANG INTERCHANGE.
THE $57.5 MILLION CONTRACT, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL PROJECT, INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE LINKING THE SOUTHERN PORTALS AND TOLL PLAZA AREA WITH THE EXISTING WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WHICH LEADS TO ABERDEEN TOWN CENTRE.
IT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION TOWARDS THE END OF 1980.
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FIRING PRACTICE *****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL
9 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M
December 8.'
TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, AND FRIDAY,
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
WATER CUT * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE PEAK AREA WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 4) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MT. GOUGH TANK TO BARKER ROAD, PART OF SEVERN ROAD AND BARKER ROAD FROM RURAL BUILDING LOT NO. 733 TO FINDLAY PATH.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO
S53 MILLION SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS PAID OUT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ...................................... 1
DRAGNET AGAINST TAX EVADERS BEING TIGHTENED ................ 2
SCHOOLS GIVEN RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS LIST ................... 3
COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF TSIM SHA TSUI ............... 4
MANAGEMENT SEMINARS FOR SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS ......... 5
WATER CUT................................................... 5
I
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1978
1 $53 MILLION SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS PAID OUT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ft ft ft ft
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PAID OUT $53 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER AS NON-CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY CASH BENEFITS TO NEfDY FAMILIES, THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED.
THIS BRINGS TO A STAGGERING $188 MILLION THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID OUT IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR — NEARLY $50 MILLION MORE THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE MONEY WENT TO MORE THAN 140,000 NEEDY FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS AS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, OLD AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY DIVISION.
MR. CHENG KWAN-KUEN, HEAD OF THE DIVISION, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT OF THE AMOUNT DISTRIBUTED IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, $31.7 MILLION WERE PAID OUT AS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, $13.2 MILLION AS OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND $8 MILLION AS DISABILITY ALLOWANCE.
♦PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A GUARANTEED INCOME TO NEEDY HOUSEHOLDS, ENABLING THEM TO MEET THE COST OF ESSENTIALS SUCH AS FOOD AND CLOTHING WITHOUT SUFFERING HARDSHIP,+ ffi. CHENG SAID.
♦OLD AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES PROVIDE CASH ASSISTANCE ON TCP OF ANY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENT TO ENCOURAGE THE ELDERLY AND THE SEVERELY DISABLED TO REMAIN WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND AMONG THEIR FAMILIAR SURROUND INGS,+ HE ADDED.
MR. CHENG SAID HIS DIVISION’S 26 FIELD UNITS WERE HANDLING AROUND 47,300 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 120,000 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASES AND 200,000 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES.
MR. CHENG SAID THAT OF THE 120,000 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASES, 54,000 WERE MADE BY APPLICANTS AGED BETWEEN 70 AND 74 YEARS AS THE QUALIFYING AGE WAS REDUCED TO 70 ON OCTOBER 1.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD MADE ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING WORKING OVERTIME BY SOME OF THE STAFF, TO CLEAR THE EXISTING BACKLOG DUE TO THE INITIAL INFLUX OF NEW APPLICATIONS.
NEWLY-RECRUITED WELFARE ASSISTANTS HAVE ALSO BEEN ASSIGNED EXCLUSIVELY TO PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS AND ANOTHER RECRUITMENT EXERCISE IS BEING CARRIED OUT TO PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL MANPOWER REQUIRED, HE SAID.
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/2......
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DRAGNET AGAINST TAX EVADERS BEING TIGHTENED M * * *
THE INVESTIGATION UNIT OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IS GRADUALLY TIGHTENING THE DRAGNET AGAINST TAX EVADERS WITH AN INCREASE IN STAFF.
OFFICERS EXPERIENCED IN TAXATION WORK HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED FROM OTHER UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT TO FILL NEW POSTS IN THE INVESTIGATION UNIT WHICH IS ALSO WIDENING THE SCOPE OF ITS WORK AGAINST TAX EVASION.
AT PRESENT, THE INVESTIGATION UNIT IS HEADED BY AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE. UNDER HIM THE ESTABLISHMENT PROVIDES FOR ONE CHIEF ASSESSOR, SEVEN SENIOR ASSESSORS, 26 ASSESSORS, 15 ASSISTANT ASSESSORS AND A NUMBER OF SUPPORTING STAFF.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID, *THIS HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH OUR STRENGTH IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.*
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THE CASES HANDLED BY THE INVESTIGATION UNIT CONCERN PROFITS TAX EVASION, ALTHOUGH SALARIES TAX CASES AND TO A LESSER EXTENT OTHER TAXES ARE ALSO DEALT WITH.
DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, IT COMPLETED CASES INVOLVING $25.9 MILLION IN BACK TAXES. INCLUDING OVERDUE PENALTY PAYMENTS. COMPARED WITH BACK TAXES AND PENALTY PAYMENTS AMOUNTING TO $15.7 MILLION IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1977/78.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 287 CASES LISTED FOR INVESTIGATION WITH 251 UNDER ACTIVE EXAMINATION.
THE SPOKESMAN ANTICIPATED THAT THE NUMBER OF CASES TO BE COMPLETED IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WOULD BE ABOUT 120. HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT EACH INVESTIGATION OFFICER NORMALLY HANDLES ABOUT TEN CASES AT ANY ONE TIME AND ADDED THAT MANY OF THE CASES HANDLED ARE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX AND CAN BE EXTREMELY TIME CONSUMING.
ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, MORE THAN 95 PER CENT OF THE CASES PROBED BY THE INVESTIGATION UNIT TURNED OUT TO HAVE INVOLVED TAX EVASION.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF MINOR AND MORE STRAIGHT FORWARD CASES ARE HANDLED BY ASSESSORS IN THE PROFITS TAX AND SALARIES TAX UNITS IN ADDITION TO THEIR NORMAL ASSESSMENT WORK. IN 1977/78, THE NUMBER OF SUCH CASES WAS 316 INVOLVING TAX AND PENALTIES AMOUNTING TO ANOTHER $2.5 MILLION, HE SAID.
♦TAX EVASION IS A GAMBLE NOT WORTH TAKING BECAUSE BOTH THE CHANCES AND THE COST OF THEIR BEING CAUGHT ARE GREATER TODAY THAN BEFORE,♦ HE ADDED.
UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE CAN IMPOSE ON THE EVADER A MAXIMUM FINE OF TREBLE THE AMOUNT OF THE TAX EVADED. ALTERNATIVELY, WHERE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS ARE INSTITUTED IN THE COURTS, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT PLUS A $10,000 FINE AND A FURTHER FINE OF TREBLE THE AMOUNT OF THE TAX EVADED.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1978
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SCHOOLS GIVEN RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS LIST * * * *
A CONSOLIDATED LIST OF RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN SENT TO HEADS "CF ALL SCHOOLS FOR INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE.
THE LIST, DRAWN UP BY THE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, COVERS SUCH SUBJECTS AS CHINESE, ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, HISTORY AND OTHERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAIDi +THE NUMBER OF TEXTBOOKS USED FOR ANY ONE SUBJECT SHOULD BE KEPT TO A REASONABLE MINIMUM, AND FREQUENT CHANGES OF TEXTBOOKS SHOULD BE AVOIDED.*
TO ENSURE THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE TO PARENTS IN THE PURCHASE OF NEW OR SECOND-HAND COPIES, BOOK LISTS DISTRIBUTED TO PUPILS SHOULD GIVE FULL DETAILS OF ALL TEXTBOOKS REQUIRED FOR THE NEW TERM.
♦THESE DETAILS SHOULD INCLUDE THE EXACT TITLE OF EACH TEXTBOOK, THE EDITION, THE NAMES OF THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER AND ANY OTHER DETAILS NECESSARY TO AVOID AMBIGUITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE PRICES OF THE TEXTBOOKS SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN AS A GUIDE TO PARENTS, AND SCHOOLS SHOULD MAKE THE RECOMMENDED LIST AVAILABLE TO ANY PARENT WHO WISHED TO SEE IT.
IT IS THE PRACTICE OF SOME BOOKSELLERS TO PRINT COMPLETE LISTS OF BOOKS SELECTED FOR USE IN THE FOLLOWING ACADEMIC YEAR AND DISTRIBUTE THEM FREE OF CHARGE TO PUPILS.
♦THERE IS NO OBJECTION TO THIS ARRANGEMENT PROVIDED PARENTS ARE CLEARLY INFORMED THAT THE ISSUE OF SUCH A LIST IMPLIES NO COMPULSION WHATSOEVER TO PURHCASE FROM A PARTICULAR BOOKSELLER,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON SCHOOLS MAKING BULK PURCHASES OF TEXTBOOKS FOR SALE TO THEIR PUPILS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS NO OBJECTION TO SUCH ARRANGEMENTS PROVIDED THAT PARTICIPATION BY PUPILS WAS ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY AND PARENTS WERE MADE FULLY AWARE OF THIS.
THIS APPLIES ALSO TO CASES WHERE SCHOOLS OFFER FOR SALE COMPLETE PARCELS OF BOOKS, WITH OR WITHOUT SCHOOL MATERIALS.
♦PARENTS MUST NOT BE COMPELLED TO PURCHASE SUCH PARCELS.
♦THE CONTENTS MUST BE CLEARLY ITEMISED, THE PRICE OF EACH ITEM SHOWN SEPARATELY, AND PARENTS BE MADE FULLY AWARE THAT, IF THEY WISH, THEY CAN BUY THE NECESSARY ITEMS INDEPENDENTLY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SIMILARLY, THAT IS NO OBJECTION TO TEXTBOOKS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE ON SCHOOL PREMISES BY REPRESENTATIVES OF BOOKSELLERS OR PUBLISHERS, PROVIDED PARENTS ARE FULLY INFORMED OF THE PROCEDURE AND THE BENEFIT OF ANY SPECIAL DISCOUNT GIVEN IS PASSED ON TO THE PUPILS IN THE FORM OF REDUCED PRICES.
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A
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1978 4 _
COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF TSIM SHA TSUI AREA ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED DETAILS OF PROPOSALS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE 0.92 HECTARE REDEVELOPMENT AREA IS BOUNDED BY HANOI ROAD, MODY ROAD, BRISTOL AVENUE AND CARNARVON ROAD.
THE AREA AT PRESENT COMPRISES INDIVIDUAL LOTS WHOSE CROWN LEASES ARE DUE TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 24, 1978.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIM OF THE SCHEME WAS TO RAISE THE QUALITY AND TONE OF THIS PART OF TSIM SHA TSUI.
♦WITHOUT COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT THE AREA WOULD BE REDEVELOPED, IF AT ALL, PIECEMEAL OVER A LONGER PERIOD WITH EVEN GREATER CONGESTION THAN AT PRESENT, LITTLE IMPROVEMENT IN THE GENERAL STANDARD OF BUILDING AND NO PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE,+ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
♦A FEATURE OF THE SCHEME IS TO USE 0.26 HECTARE FOR PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION AND OPEN SPACE,+ HE SAID.
♦THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW PROPOSALS FOR IMPLEMENTATION FOLLOW RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND GIVE THE OWNERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE — A REQUEST WHICH THEY MADE WHEN THE SCHEME WAS FIRST PUBLICISED,* HE ADDED.
TO ENSURE THE AREA WAS REDEVELOPED AS A WHOLE, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD LAID DOWN A TIMETABLE AND CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD APPLY IF THE PRESENT OWNERS WISHED TO PARTICIPATE WHEN THEIR LEASES EXPIRE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT A MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN MUST BE SUBMITTED TO, AND APPROVED BY, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD. THIS WOULD BE A SINGLE PLAN INCORPORATING ALL SEVEN NEW SITES, OUTLINING THE BASIC SHAPE OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND GENERALLY CONFORMING WITH A LAYOUT PREPARED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE OWNERS WERE REQUIRED TO FORM THEMSELVES INTO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS AND FORMALLY APPLY FOR THE GRANT OF THE NEW SITES. ONCE THE CORPORATIONS HAD BEEN FORMED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD GRANT THE NEW SITES TO THESE CORPORATIONS.
THE OWNERS MAY FORM ONE CORPORATION TO DEVELOP ALL SITES, OR MORE THAN ONE TO DEVELOP THE SITES INDIVIDUALLY OR IN GROUPS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1978
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MANAGEMENT SEMINARS FOR SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS ******
A SERIES OF TWO-DAY SEMINARS ON +MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GROWTH OF A LARGE PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANISATION* WILL BE HELD FOR 100 SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS STARTING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE SEMINARS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY PROFESSOR LEONARD MINKES. PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS ORGANISATION AT BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY, AND DR. GORDON REDDING, DIRECTOR OF DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE COMMONWEALTH FUND FOR TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR. JACK CATER, WILL OPEN THE FIRST SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (DECEMBER 4-5). THE DATES OF THE OTHER TWO SEMINARS ARE DECEMBER 14-15 AND DECEMBER 18-19. ALL WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
THIS IS THE FOURTH YEAR IN SUCCESSION THAT PROFESSOR MINKES HAS COME TO HONG KONG TO CONDUCT MANAGEMENT SEMINARS. ON THIS OCCASION HE WILL ALSO HOLD TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFICERS FROM 10 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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WATER CUT * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 5) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IN CENTRAL IS BOUNDED BY 127-133 AND 84-130 HOLLYWOOD ROAD, INCLUDING HOLLYWOOD ROAD POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL, 1-13 SHING WONG STREET AND 1-51 GOUGH STREET.
IN KENNEDY TOWN, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY 2-62A BELCHER’S STREET, 1E-1M AND 32-34 SANDS STREET, 16-30 AND 29-39 NORTH STREET, 12A-12G AND 41A-43 SMITHFIELD, 1A-1C AND 1-13 ROCK HILL STREET INCLUDING COLLINSON STREET.
MEANWHILE THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON CITY, WANG TAU HOM AND WONG TAI SIN WILL BE INTERRUPTED FROM 10 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 6) TO 5 P.M. ON THURSDAY TO FACILITATE THE DIVERSION OF WATER MAIN WORKS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTAINERISATION SEMINAR OPENED ............................ 1
EMPLOY THE BLIND CALL BY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ... 3
CHOOSING MEDICAL CAREER .................................... 5
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES IN SEPTEMBER 1978 ....................... 6
GOVERNOR VISITS SHAM SHU I PO................................. 9
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN CHEUNG CHAU................... 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ....................................... 10
WATER CUT ................................................. 10
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
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CONTAINERISATION SEMINAR OPENED
*******
NEARLY 90,000 VESSELS OF ALL TYPES ENTERED AND CLEARED THE PORT OF HONG KONG LAST YEAR, HANDLING A TOTAL OF 25 MILLION DEADWEIGHT TONS OF CARGO, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. M.J. ALEXANDER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR. ALEXANDER WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT THE OPENING OF A TWO-WEEK SEMINAR ON CONTAINERISATION, ORGANISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP) IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE HONG KONG AND NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENTS.
MR. ALEXANDER SAID IN TERMS OF TONNAGE OF SHIPPING USING ITS FACILITIES, THE AMOUNT OF CARGO HANDLED AND THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED WITHIN IT, HE BELIEVED HONG KONG TO BE THE SEVENTH LARGEST PORT IN THE WORLD.
+AT ANY ONE TIME,+ MR. ALEXANDER SAID, +THERE ARE ABOUT 100 OCEAN-GOING SHIPS AND 5,000 LOCAL CRAFT WORKING OR UNDERWAY IN THE HARBOUR, AND OUR FLEET OF LOCALLY-BASED SMALL SHIPS COMPRISING FISHING BOATS, CARGO LIGHTERS, PLEASURE CRAFT AND THE LIKE, TOTALS MORE THAN 15,000.+
HE SAID ABOUT 170 MILLION PASSENGERS USED THE INTERNAL FERRIES EACH YEAR AND FIVE AND A HALF MILLION MADE THE JOURNEY TO AND FROM MACAU.
A RECENT SAMPLE SURVEY HAD INDICATED THAT, ON AVERAGE, CONVENTIONAL SHIPS WORKING CARGO AT BUOYS WERE IN PORT FOR 2.8 DAYS AND CONTAINER SHIPS WERE HERE FOR JUST TWO AND A HALF HOURS, INCLUDING STEAMING, BERTHING AND UNBERTHING TIME.
MR. ALEXANDER TOLD THE DELEGATES FROM 13 COUNTRIES IN THE REGION THAT THE INCREASING AND CHANGING DEMANDS ON THE PORT HAD LONG FORCED HONG KONG TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH PLANNING TO ENSURE THAT THE INSTALLATIONS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE ITS WORKING EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY WERE PROVIDED WHEN AND WHERE NEEDED.
♦KEEPING UP TO DATE HAS PROVED PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN RECENT YEARS WHEN LARGER, FASTER AND MORE SOPHISTICATED VESSELS ARE BEING USED AND WHEN THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING AND RUNNING THESE VESSELS IS SUCH THAT THEY MUST SPEND AS LITTLE TIME IN PORT AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
HE CONTINUEDj +S0, TODAY, WE HAVE NEARLY 250 MODERN NAVIGATIONAL AIDS STRATEGICALLY LOCATED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG WATERS TO GUIDE SHIPS TO AND FROM THEIR BERTHS.+ .
THERE ARE ALSO 71 MOORING BUOYS FOR VESSELS OF UP TO 180 METRES IN LENGTH AND WHARVES FOR SHIPS OF LENGTH OF UP TO 300 METRES. PRIVATE OPERATORS DEVELOPED EXTENSIVE AND EFFICIENT CONTAINER FACILITIES AND THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL, COMPLETED IN 1976, COULD PROVIDE BERTHS FOR SIX THIRD-GENERATION CONTAINER SHIPS SIMULTANEOUSLY IN WHAT WAS NOW, IN TERMS OF CONTAINERISATION, THE FOURTH LARGEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD, AFTER NEW YORK, ROTTERDAM AND KOBE.
/MS. ALEXANDER.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
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MR. ALEXANDER SAID THE KEY THESE DAYS WAS THAT PLANNING SHOULD BE CONTINUOUS.
ALTHOUGH THE DECISION TO INTRODUCE A PARTICULAR SERVICE LAY ENTIRELY WITH THE SHIPOWNER, AND WAS BASED ON ECONOMICS OF OPERATION, AN ENTERPRISING PORT AUTHORITY MUST BE ALERT TO CHANGE.
+IT MUST,* HE SAID, +BE AWARE OF THE ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL PRESSURES WHICH CAUSE CHANGE AND, INDEED, IT MUST FREQUENTLY ANTICIPATE CHANGE BEFORE IT OCCURS, FOR PORT INSTALLATIONS MUST BE VERY CAREFULLY PLANNED AND DESIGNED.*
THEY WERE EXPENSIVE AND TOOK A LONG TIME TO BUILD, AND THERE WAS USUALLY A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD BETWEEN CONCEPTION AND FULFILLMENT.
MR. ALEXANDER SAID THE DELEGATES WOULD OBSERVE THAT IN HONG KONG, DESPITE THE ADVENT OF CONTAINERISATION, A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF CARGO MOVING THROUGH THE PORT WAS STILL HANDLED, AT ONE STAGE OR ANOTHER, BY CONVENTIONAL OR TRADITIONAL MEANS.
IN THE MAIN, IT WAS HANDLED IN BREAKBULK FORM AND TRANSPORTED BY BARGE AND LORRY. IT FOLLOWED THAT THE EFFICIENT AND RAPID MOVEMENT OF THIS CARGO WAS VITAL IF HANDLING COSTS WERE TO BE MINIMISED.
+TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM,* MR. ALEXANDER SAID, +THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED UPON A PROGRAMME THAT CALLS FOR THE INTRODUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF CONTROL MEASURES AT PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, SO AS TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF SEAWALLS, INCREASE THROUGHPUT RATES, REDUCE CARGO HANDLING COSTS AND ALLEVIATE ROAD TRAFFIC CONGESTION.*
THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE SEMINAR, WHICH IS ENTITLED +PLANNING FOR CHANGEi UNIT LOADS IN ESCAP PORTS*, IS TO PROVIDE A FORUM TO DISCUSS PLANNING TECHNIQUES FOR INTRODUCING UNIT LOADS AND CONTAINERISATION INTO PORTS. PARTICIPANTS ARE MAINLY PERSONNEL IN GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS ENGAGED IN PLANNING OR DIRECTING OPERATIONS OF UNIT LOAD BERTHS AND TERMINALS.
BESIDES MR. ALEXANDER, OTHER OFFICIALS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THIS MORNING WERE MR. R.H. GONTHA, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ESCAP, AND MR. B.T. AUGDHAL, NORWEGIAN CONSUL-GENERAL.
NINE EXPERTS FROM OVERSEAS WILL GIVE LECTURES AND LEAD DISCUSSIONS DURING THE SEMINAR, INCLUDING STAFF OF ESCAP, THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON-TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD), THE INSTITUTE OF SHIPPING ECONOMICS, BREMEN, THE NATIONAL PORTS COUNCIL, LONDON, AND THE FIJI PORTS AUTHORITY. SEVERAL LOCAL EXPERTS WILL ALSO TAKE PART.
THE DELEGATES WILL ALSO VISIT CONTAINER TERMINALS AND CONTAINER FREIGHT STATIONS.
--------0 ---------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
- 3 -
EMPLOY THE BLIND CALL BY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ******
AN APPEAL TO EMPLOYERS TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO EMPLOY BLIND PEOPLE WAS MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. E.P. HO TODAY (MONDAY).
MR. HO WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIFTH ASIAN CONFERENCE ON WORK FOR THE BLIND.
HE SA ID i +1 FEEL IT WILL NOT BE OUT OF PLACE FOR ME TO USE THIS FORUM TO MAKE AN APPEAL TO EMPLOYERS EVERYWHERE, NOT ONLY IN HONG KONG, IN ASKING THEM TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO GIVE SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT TO VISUALLY DISABLED PERSONS WHO ARE WAITING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE THEIR SKILLS.*
♦THEY DO JUST AS WELL, AND SOMETIMES EVEN BETTER, THAN THE FULLY SIGHTED. THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THOUGHT TO THIS MATTER RECOGNISE THAT VISUALLY DISABLED PEOPLE USUALLY HAVE MORE ABILITIES THAN DISABILITIES,* MR. HO SAID, ADDING: +1 STRONGLY URGE ALL EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG AND THROUGHOUT ASIA TO IMPROVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE VISUALLY DISABLED. GIVEN THIS OPPORTUNITY THEY WILL PROVE THEIR REAL WORTH TO THE COMMUNITY.*
MR. HO SAID THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE — +TOWARDS TOTAL INTEGRATION — A PRACTICAL APPROACH* — SUMMARISED +VERY SUCCINCTLY* WHAT REHABILITATION WAS ABOUT, NAMELY, TO ENABLE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO FUNCTION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF WHICH THEY WERE CAPABLE SO THAT THEY MAY, LIKE THE REST OF SOCIETY, GO TO SCHOOLS, WORK AT JOBS, MAINTAIN HOUSEHOLDS AND PARTICIPATE WITH NEIGHBOURS IN SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PURSUITS.
+THE THEME ALSO REFLECTS VERY CLEARLY THE HOPES OF THE DISABLED THEMSELVES, WHO LOOK TO US NOT FOR PITY OR TOLERANCE, BUT FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN THE NORMAL LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY, AND TO LIVE THEIR LIVES IN DIGNITY,* MR. HO SAID.
HE CONTINUED: +1 HOPE YOU WILL COME TO AGREE THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN A VERY SUITABLE VENUE FOR THIS CONFERENCE. FROM THE REHABILITATION AND INTEGRATION POINT OF VIEW, WE HAVE, I THINK, MUCH OF INTEREST TO OFFER.*
THE FIRST HOME FOR THE BLIND WAS BUILT IN 1863- SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, TRAINING CENTRES AND SOCIAL CLUBS FOR THE BLIND WERE ESTABLISHED DURING THE 195OS- THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1956.
IN THE EARLY 1970S, MR. HO WENT ON, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN THE VIEW THAT HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT IN REHABILITATION HAD REACHED THE STAGE WHERE PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINED AND, IN 1974, A WORKING GROUP OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WAS SET UP TO PLAN A CO-ORDINATED AND INTEGRATED APPROACH IN REHABILITATION.
/the......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN WAS COMPLETED IN 1977 AND A WHITE PAPER STATING THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES FOR THE PROVISION AND EXPANSION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES OVER THE NEXT DECADE WAS PUBLISHED.
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE VISUALLY DISABLED THERE WAS NOW A WELL-EQUIPPED REHABILITATION CENTRE, A VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE, A FAST GROWING BRAILLE LIBRARY AND BRAILLE PRODUCTION CENTRE, A MODERN WORKSHOP FOR THE BLIND, A HOSTEL AND A HOME FOR THE AGED BLIND, ALL OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND WHICH WAS ALSO HOSTING THE CONFERENCE.
IN ALL THERE WERE FOUR ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG DEALING IN ONE WAY OR THE OTHER WITH REHABILITATION PROBLEMS OF THE VISUALLY DISABLED. THESE SERVICES WERE AUGMENTED AND SUPPORTED BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, IN PARTICULAR EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE.
MR. HO SAID 93 PER CENT OF BLIND CHILDREN HERE WERE CATERED FOR IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS. WHEN THE CANOSSA SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY DISABLED HAD BEEN REBUILT IN I960 PROVISION WOULD MEET 100 PER CENT OF THE DEMAND.
ALSO BY 1980 HONG KONG PLANNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT PLACES IN SPECIAL CLASSES INTEGRATED WITHIN ORDINARY SCHOOLS FOR ALL KNOWN PARTIALLY SIGHTED CHILDREN.
♦THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED NOT ONLY WITH QUANTITY BUT WITH THE QUALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED FOR OUR BLIND PEOPLE,+ l*R. HO SAID.
FOR EXAMPLE HONG KONG PLANNED TO PROVIDE MORE COMPREHENSIVE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CARE IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS NEXT YEAR AND IN THE MEDICAL FIELD, PLANS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED ON MUCH MORE GENEROUS ALLOCATION FOR CASES IN EYE CLINICS IN PARTICULAR TO DEAL WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SIGHT PROBLEMS.
+WE HAVE TRIED TO GET OURSELVES ON THE RIGHT LINES, AND WOULD LIKE TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCE WITH YOU,+ MR. HO SAID.
♦ON THE OTHER HAND, WE ALSO REALISE THAT WE HAVE MUCH TO LEARN AND THE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE OF OUR DISTINGUISHED DELEGATES REPRESENTING 20 COUNTRIES WILL BE OF GREAT VALUE TO US. I BELIEVE THAT THIS CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL TO JOIN FORCES TO PUSH CLOSER TOWARDS OUR MUTUAL GOALj TOTAL INTEGRATION.+
HE HAD GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR THE CONFERENCE +BECAUSE WHEN DEDICATED PERSONS SUCH AS OURSELVES GATHER TOGETHER AND EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND NEW IDEAS, CONSTRUCTIVE RESULTS ARE INEVITABLE.+
THE CONFERENCE IS BEING HELD AT THE LEE GARDENS HOTEL AND ENDS ON SATURDAY.
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/5....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
5
CHOOSING MEDICAL CAREER *****
EVERY GRADE OF STAFF WITHIN THE RANKS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, FROM THE HIGHEST TO THE LOWEST LEVEL, HAS AN EQUALLY IMPORTANT DUTY TO PERFORM.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG SAID THIS AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE CHEUNG CHUK SHAN COLLEGE THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
+NO ONE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANOTHER AND EACH ONE HELPS IN, AND COMPLEMENTS, THE WORK OF ANOTHER AS MEMBERS OF A WHOLE TEAM WHICH MAKES UP THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID.
DR. THONG ADVISED STUDENTS WISHING TO TAKE UP A CAREER WITH THE DEPARTMENT THAT APART FROM POSSESSING THE PROPER ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS THEY MUST BE MOTIVATED BY A SPIRIT OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
♦TO BE A DOCTOR, FOR INSTANCE, ONE HAS TO HAVE AN INITIAL HIGH ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT WHICH IS ONLY THE VERY START OF A LONG HARD ROAD,+ HE POINTED OUT.
♦ONE HAS TO GO THROUGH LONG YEARS OF STUDY IN THE UNIVERSITY AND A SERIES OF EXAMINATIONS, PERHAPS TOO MANY, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AND, EVEN AFTER GRADUATION, THE YOUNG DOCTOR W4LL FIND THAT HE IS ONLY AT THE BEGINNING OF AN UNENDING ROAD OF HARD WORK AND ACADEMIC ENDEAVOURS,♦ HE SAID.
BESIDES BEING DOCTORS, SAID DR. THONG, THERE ARE OTHER WORTHWHILE CAREERS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, MANY OF WHICH REQUIRE ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL TRAINING.
HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE ENGAGED IN REWARDING AND FULL LIFE TIME OF WORK IN THE SERVICE OF HIS FELLOW MEN TO CONSIDER ONE OF THE CAREERS IN THE DEPARTMENT.
THE DIRECTOR REMINDED STUDENTS THAT A CAREER ♦BEGINS FROM THE MOMENT ONE ENTERS SCHOOL.♦
♦THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE AND THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE FOR THE PERSON WHO TRIES HARD ENOUGH TO ACHIEVE. DO NOT BE DETERRED BY TEMPORARY SETBACKS AND KEEP YOUR SIGHTS ON THE GOAL YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE AND WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE IT, REMEMBERING THAT HARD WORK IS AN ESSENTIAL PRE-REQUISITE TO ACHIEVEMENTS,* HE ADVISED.
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/6
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
6
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES IN SEPTEMBER 1978 ******
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES REGISTERED A MARGINAL DECLINE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1978 WHILE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SHOWED AN INCREASE, THE LATEST EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT REVEALED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SURVEY SHOWED 791,073 PEOPLE WERE EMPLOYED IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AS AT SEPTEMBER 15, REPRESENTING A DECLINE OF ABOUT 13,000 PEOPLE OR 1.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH JUNE 1978 BUT AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 33,000 PEOPLE OR 4.3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER OF 1977.
IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, THE FIVE LARGEST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES REMAINED WEARING APPAREL- TEXTILES- ELECTRICAL MACHINERYAPPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES- PLASTIC PRODUCTS- AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
THE CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT IN THESE 1978 AND JUNE 1978 IS GIVEN BELOW i-
INDUSTRIES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER
CHANGE OF SEPT.
1978
OVER JUNE 1978
INDUSTRY GROUP PERSONS ENGAGED IN SEPT. 1977 PERSONS ENGAGED IN JUNE 1978 PERSONS ENGAGED IN SEPT. 1978 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
WEARING APPAREL 248,737 261,791 263,960 +2,169 +0.8
TEXTILES 104,500 99,926 95,365 -4,561 -4.6
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 91,776 100,324 94,207 -6,117 -6.1
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 81,476 90,020 85,507 -4,513 -5.0
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 71,027 75,807 74,283 -1,524 -2.0
/the more.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
THE MORE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT AT THE INDUSTRY SECTOR LEVEL BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1978 AND JUNE 1978 WERE AS FOLLOWS i-
CHANGE OF SEPT.
1978
OVER JUNE 1978
PERSONS ENGAGED IN PERSONS ENGAGED IN PERSONS ENGAGED IN PERSONS %
INDUSTRY SECTOR SEPT. 1977 JUNE 1978 SEPT. 1978 ENGAGED CHANGE
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 14,401 18,110 20,152 +2,042 +11.3
GARMENTS EXCEPT KNITWEAR FROM YARN 1 194,449 203,804 205,695 +1,891 +0.9
PLASTIC PRODUCTS OTHER THAN PLASTIC TOYS AND PLASTIC FLOWERS 30,118 33,014 33,850 +836 +2.5
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 72,210 77,938 71,887 -6,051 -7.8
PLASTIC TOYS 43,992 50,554 45,202 -5,352 -10.6
WOOLLEN KNITTING INCLUDING KNITWEAR FROM YARN 40,525 41,102 39,293 -1,809 -4.4
COTTON SPINNING 18,656 18,337 16,965 -1,372 -7.5
MISCELLANEOUS FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 29,797 30,959 29,857 -1,102 -3.6
THERE WERE 92,549 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES AS AT AUGUST 15, 1978. OF THESE, 32,638 WERE ENGAGED IN MONETARY INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS, 14,041 IN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES AND 11,704 IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OTHER THAN BANKS.
THE FIGURE REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 5,800 PEOPLE OR 6.7 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MAY 1978 AND ABOUT 12,400 PEOPLE OR 15.4 PER CENT COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1977.
/THE MAIN.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
8
THE MAIN INCREASES FROM SHOWN BELOW »-
MAY 1978 TO AUGUST 1978 ARE
CHANGE OF AUG.
1978 OVER MAY 1978
TRADE/SERV ICE PERSONS ENGAGED IN AUG. 1977 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MAY 1978 PERSONS ENGAGED IN AUG. 1978 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OTHER THAN BANKS 9,390 10,152 11,704 +1,552 +15.3
MONETARY INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS 30,038 31,393 32,638 ♦1,245 +4.0
ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 4,174 4,983 5,790 ♦807 +16.2
REAL ESTATE COMPANIES AND AGENCIES 11,652 13,540 14,041 ♦501 ♦3.7
DETAILED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR VARIOUS INDUSTRY GROUPS AND SECTORS ARE OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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/9
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
9
GOVERNOR VISITS SHAM SHU I PO ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (MONDAY) GAINED PANORAMIC VIEW OF SHAM SHU I PO FROM THE ROOF OF A MULTI-STORE BUILDING DURING A VISIT TO THE DISTRICT.
DURING HIS STAY ON TOP OF THE BUILDING IN YEN CHAU STREET, SIR MURRAY WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING THE LAI KOK ESTATE, A NEW PARK AND SWIMMING POOL, A MARKET, THE RECLAMATION AND THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR PROJECTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY DR. P.H. HASE, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, SHAM SHU I PO- MR. A.G. EASON, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, KOWLOON WEST AND MR. HUI KI-ON, DIVISIONAL SUPERINTENDENT, SHAM SHUI PO, SIR MURRAY LATER TOURED THE OLDER PART OF THE DISTRICT TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENT THERE.
HE WALKED THROUGH A MARKET IN KI LUNG STREET AND STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES TO CHAT WITH HAWKERS AND SHOP-OPERATORS.
THE GOVERNOR ENDED HIS VISIT BY ATTENDING A MEETING WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, SHAM SHUI PO.
0 - -
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN CHEUNG CHAU ******
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATION AT THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE PREMISES FOR FOUR DAYS FROM DECEMBER 12.
REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARDS BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
ALL PEOPLE LIVING ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 6), THE SECTION OF ROUTE TWISK AT THE 12-MILESTONE BETWEEN CULVERTS 67 AND 68 ■WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE TRAFFIC FOR BOTH DIRECTIONS.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS. WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE, TO BE CARRIED OUT
DURING THIS PERIOD, TRAFFIC ALONG THIS SECTION OF ROAD WILL BE CONTROLLED BY TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 -
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS FROM THURSDAY (DECEMBER 7) MIDNIGHT AND FRIDAY (DECEMBER 8) MIDNIGHT RESPECTIVELY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THOSE AFFECTED ON THURSDAY WILL BE PREMISES ALONG ON NING ROAD AND tHE MAIN NULLAH, INCLUDING TAI KIU ROAD, WANG CHAU ROAD, YEUNG UK SAN TSUEN, WANG CHAU, YEUNG UK TSUEN, LAM UK TSUEN AND FUK HING TSUEN.
ON FRIDAY, WATER SUPPLY TO THE PREMISES IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY ON NING ROAD, KUK TING STREET, TAI FUNG STREET, TAI CHEUNG STREET AND YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, INCLUDING YUEN LONG OLD TOWN, SAI PIN WAI, TUNG TAU TSUEN, YING LUNG WAI, CHUNG HAU YUE MAN TSUEN AND SHAN PUI WILL BE AFFECTED.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PLAN TO SET UP 3 REGIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRES ... 1
SERVICING THE GOVERNMENT’S FLEET OF VEHICLES ......... 2
FULL-SCALE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS ......................... 3
COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS TO MEET THE MEDIA............. 4
SCHOOL HEADS TO DISCUSS MANAGEMENT OF CURRICULUM ..... 4
SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS ............................. 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................................. 6
WATER CUT............................................. 7
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
1
PLAN TO SET UP 3 REGIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRES ******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO SET UP THREE REGIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRES TO HELP THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT PROMOTE PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DR. S.H. LEE, THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE LIONS CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ON THE SUBJECT OF HEALTH EDUCATION.
HE SAID HEALTH EDUCATION PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE POSITIVE PROMOTION OF HEALTH AND IN THE PREVENTION OF DISEASE.
+THE BASIC PRINCIPLE OF HEALTH EDUCATION IS TO HELP PEOPLE TO DEVELOP NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE CONDUCIVE TO HEALTH, AND TO UNDERSTAND THE BASIC CONCEPT OF PREVENTION AND TIMELY TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES,♦ HE SAID.
♦HEALTH EDUCATION,* SAID DR. LEE, +NOT ONLY CONCERNS THE INDIVIDUAL, BUT ALSO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, BECAUSE AN INDIVIDUAL DOES NOT LIVE IN ISOLATION, HE BELONGS TO VARIOUS GROUPS — THE FAMILY COMMUNITIES, INSTITUTIONS, CLUBS AND SO ON.*
♦HEALTH EDUCATION CANNOT BE IMPOSED UPON PEOPLE, IT INVOLVES A TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION PROCESS IN WHICH MAXIMUM INVOLVEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY AND ITS INDIVIDUALS FACILITATES THE LEARNING PROCESS,+ HE ADDED.
DR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT MOTIVATION OF THE PEOPLE TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IS ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF SUCH ACTIVITIES.
♦ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF SPECIAL GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS SCHOOL CHILDREN, PARENTS, TEACHERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, MEDICAL AND HEALTH WORKERS, WOULD HELP TO MAINTAIN AN AWARENESS OF THE COMMUNITY IN ADOPTING THE NECESSARY ATTITUDE, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE TO ATTAIN OPTIMAL HEALTH,♦ HE SAID.
DR. LEE SAID THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, FORMED A YEAR AGO, WAS PRIMARILY A RESOURCE UNIT FOR BOTH METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS, WHOSE MAIN TASK WAS TO COORDINATE HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OR LN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND ORGANISATIONS.
DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE UNIT WORKED WITH OTHER PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN LAUNCHING A SER IES.OF HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS, INCLUDING RUBELLA VACCINATION, HYPERTENSION, EYE CARE, JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEAF AND CHILD HEALTH.
DR. LEE SAID THE CAMPAIGNS HAD MET WITH ENCOURAGING RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC AND HE PAID TRIBUTE TO VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL BODIES, VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS THE MASS MEDIA FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT.
/LOOKING .....
2
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR c<in LARGE-SCALE HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS WERE IN THE TOU^^
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- - 0 - -
SERVICING THE GOVERNMENT’S FLEET OF VEHICLES ft ft ft ft
FOR MOST PEOPLE, THE LITTLE ODD JOBS NECESSARY IN MAINTAINING ONE MOTOR VEHICLE ARE ENOUGH — BUT WHAT ABOUT 28,295 PROBLEMS OVER A THREE-MONTH PERIOD?
THAT IS HOW MANY JOBS THE VEHICLE AND ANCILLARIES SECTIONS OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DEALT WITH BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER.
AS A PWD SPOKESMAN COMMENTEDi +IT DOES KEEP THE MEN PRETTY BUSY.*
OF THIS MAMMOTH TOTAL 13,854 JOBS WERE DONE IN THE HONG KONG ISLAND WORKSHOPS AND THE OTHER 14,441 IN KOWLOON.
THE PWD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE AND ANCILLARIES SECTIONS OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE ARE DIVIDED INTO UNITS, EACH RESPONSIBLE FOR SOME PART OF THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OVERHAUL OF VEHICLES.
♦THE VARIOUS SHOPS UNDERTAKE THE INSPECTION, SERVICING AND REPAIR OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FLEET OF VEHICLES,* HE SAID.
THE TYPE OF WORK INVOLVED RANGES THROUGH TESTING, MODIFYING, OVERHAULS AND ACCIDENT REPAIRS TO BREAKDOWN REPAIRS, RESPRAYING, UPHOLSTERY WORK AND BATTERY RECHARGING.
FOR INSTANCE, THERE WERE 4,234 TYRES REPAIRED, 7,220 VEHICLE SERVICING OPERATIONS AND 158-MAJOR ENGINE OVERHAULS.
AND, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THERE WERE EVEN FIVE BICYCLES REPAIRED.
THERE WERE ALSO 26 ACCIDENT INSPECTIONS OF PRIVATE VEHICLES, 18 ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND EIGHT IN KOWLOON.
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE ALSO PUT SOME WORK OUT UNDER CONTRACT.
THIS NUMBERED 215 ITEMS INVOLVING BODY REPAIRS, REPAINTING, MODIFICATIONS, ENGINE OVERHAULS, BODY CONSTRUCTION AND MISCELLANEOUS ODD JOBS.
- - 0 -
/3......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
FULL-SCALE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) APPEALED TO MANAGEMENT OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS FOR CO-OPERATION IN A FULL-SCALE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES ON THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR NOW BEING CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID SURVEY ENQUIRY CARDS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ABOUT 46,000 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AND MANAGEMENTS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO COMPLETE THEM WITH THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED AND EXISTING VACANCIES AS AT DECEMBER 4 THIS YEAR.
COMPLETED CARDS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE DECEMBER 11.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THE SURVEY WOULD PROVIDE NOT ONLY DETAILED STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE AND TRENDS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, BUT ALSO A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE DIRECTORY OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS FOR SUBSEQUENT SAMPLE ENQUIRIES.
+ INFORMAT I ON FURNISHED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES,* HE STRESSED.
MEANWHILE, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CONDUCTING A SIMILAR SURVEY ON ABOUT 22,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN BANKING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND OTHER SELECTED TRADES AND SERVICES.
ENQUIRIES ON ABOUT 16,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THE IMPORT/ EXPORT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS WILL ALSO COMMENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH.
/4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
4
COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS TO MEET MEDIA
******
A *MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 7) AT 10.30 A.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS. W. T.G. GARNER.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO THE MEETING. TELEVISION CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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SCHOOL HEADS TO DISCUSS MANAGEMENT OF CURRICULUM *******
MORE THAN 170 SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WILL ATTEND A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 7) ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRICULUM IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE SEMINAR IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRICULUM.
MR. KEN TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WILL GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE FORM OF GROUP DISCUSSIONS, FOLLOWED BY A PLENARY SESSION WHERE GROUP LEADERS WILL GIVE BRIEF REPORTS ON THE DISCUSSIONS.
PROF. M.A. BRIMER OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND MR. E. WHITELEY, AN ADVISER TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL PRESENT A SUMMARY.
THE GROUP DISCUSSIONS WILL BE DIRECTED ALONG FOUR MAIN TOPICSl THE ROLE OF THE HEAD IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE CURRICULUM-THE HEAD AND HIS STAFF- THE HEAD AND THE TIMETABLE- AND PARENTS AND THE CURRICULUM.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE HALL OF THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE CF EDUCATION BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY.
NOTE TO ED ITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPORTERS AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRICULUM IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, AT THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, SASSOON ROAD, HONG KONG, FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
5
SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS
******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE THREE SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS BETWEEN KOWLOON STATION, HUNG HOM, AND SHA TIN RACE-COURSE STATION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR RACE-GOERS.
THESE NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 5.28 P.M., 6.04 P.M., AND 6.52 P.M. THE TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS TO CONVEY PASSENGERS FROM THE RACE-COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION.
IN ADDITION, THE KCR WILL RE-ROUTE ITS SCHEDULED TRAIN SERVICES VIA THE RACE-COURSE STATION AT 9.11 P.M. AND 9.53 P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID THE TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAIN SERVICES HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY AMENDED. THE REVISED TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAINS OPERATING BETWEEN THE PERIOD FROM 4 P.M. AND 11 P.M. ARE AS FOLLOWS!
FROM KOWLOON STATIONS 5 P.M., 5.42 P.M., 6.25 P.M., 7 P.M.,
7.30 P.M., 8.12 P.M., 9 P.M. AND 10.30 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATIONS 4.29 P.M., 5.26 P.M., 6.26 P.M., 7.11 P.M., 8.15 P.M. AND 9.02 P.M.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT APART FROM SEVERAL BUS CONNECTING ROUTES, THERE ARE FERRY SERVICES OPERATING BETWEEN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI AND NORTH POINT AND THE HUNG HOM PIER WHICH IS A FEW MINUTES WALK FROM THE STATION TERMINAL.
HE ADVISED THOSE GOING BY PRIVATE CAR TO MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK WHICH IS ABOVE THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) SEVERAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CHEUNG SHA WAN IN KOWLOON TO FACILITATE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE AREA.
UNDER THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND FAT TSEUNG STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW.
IN ADDITION, EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING INTO TONKIN STREET AND VEHICLES IN TONKIN STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING ON TO CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WESTBOUND FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 7).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
MEANWHILE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, CONDUIT ROAD WILL BE OPEN AGAIN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 8).
ANNOUNCING THIS, A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID, +WORK ON THE GLENEALY-ROBINSON ROAD FLYOVER IS ON SCHEDULE AND THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCTION IN THIS AREA IS EXPECTED TO BE OVER IN ABOUT NINE MONTHS.
+WORK ON THE UPPER GLENEALY PART OF THE COMPLEX BEGAN IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND SOME OF THE CONSTRUCTION NECESSITATED THE CONDUIT ROAD TRAFFIC TO BE RESTRICTED TO ONE WAY.
+NOW THIS CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED FIVE DAYS EARLIER THAN ORIGINALLY PLANNED AND WE ARE HAPPY THAT MID-LEVELS COMMUTERS, WHO HAVE BEEN VERY UNDERSTANDING, CAN AGAIN DRIVE BOTH WAYS.+
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 8), THE OUTERMOST TRAFFIC LANE IN THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH ARGYLE STREET BENEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE DESIGNATED A +BUS ONLY+ LANE FOR A LENGTH OF 46 FEET.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES. PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS LANE.
WILL BE
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITION.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1978
7
WATER CUT * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN AND NORTH POINT WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 6) AND THURSDAY (DECEMBER 7) RESPECTIVELY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
IN CHAI WAN, THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED ON WEDNESDAY IS BOUNDED BY THE SECTION IN CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN A KUNG NGAM ROAD AND WAN TSUI ROAD, HONG MAN STREET, CHEUNG LEE STREET, KUT SHING STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET, NING FOO STREET, AND CHAI WAN HILL RESITE AREA, INCLUDING THE CHAI WAN GOVERNMENT LAUNDRY.
ON THURSDAY, THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IN NORTH POINT IS BOUNDED BY THE SOUTH SIDE OF KING’S ROAD, SHU KUK STREET, PEACOCK ROAD, MING YUEN WESTERN STREET, INCLUDING 243-333 KING’S ROAD.
o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE LAND IN NT EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRY .................. 1
DEVELOPMENTS IN YUEN LONG............................... 2
S.W.D. FINDS JOBS FOR 166 DISABLED IN PAST FIVE MONTHS .................................................. 3
FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL .......................... A
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................................... 5
WATER CUT ............................................... 6
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1978 •
- 1 -
MORE LAND IN NT EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRY
******
MORE THAN 273 HECTARES OF LAND IN DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN FORMED, SERVICED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO INDUSTRY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, M?. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE TOLD A TOP-LEVEL PARTY OF INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN THAT ADDITIONAL LARGE AREAS OF INDUSTRIAL LAND WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS —WITH ABOUT 350 HECTARES IN TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, FAN LING, YUEN LONG AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT.
MR. AKERS-JONES GAVE THE FIGURES DURING A TOUR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES BY A 15-MAN PARTY FROM THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG.
THE TEAMS WERE HEADED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE LEADERS, FEDERATION CHAIRMAN MR. JAMES WU, HONG KONG CHAMBER GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR. A.G. HUTCHINSON, AND MR. MICHAEL EMMONS, PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAIDt +THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL SEE THE RAPID EXPANSION OF INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF ALL TYPES IN LINE WITH THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND WITH THE POLICY OF BALANCING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
♦BY 1986 AN ADDITIONAL 66 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND WILL BE FORMED AND IN USE IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT.
♦TUEN MUN WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 75 HECTARES AND SHA TIN A TOTAL OF 58.5 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND.
♦GIVEN THE STANDARD 'PLOT RATIO’ FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF 9.5, ONE HECTARE NET CAN PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR 5,133 WORKERS.♦
AT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT TAI PO, +SPECIAL LAND FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES AT A SPECIAL PR ICE,+ IS IN GREAT DEMAND AT $595 PER SQUARE METRE. ALREADY 12 SITES COVERING A TOTAL AREA OF 9.3 HECTARES HAVE BEEN LEASED BY THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.
*?RK HAS JUST STARTED ON THE CORPORATION’S SECOND ESTATE AT WANG CHAU, NORTH OF YUEN LONG. IT WILL EVENTUALLY PROVIDE 72 ICC TARES OF LAND FOR +SPECIAL INDUSTRY+ TO HELP HONG KONG BROADEN ITS INDUSTRIAL BASE, HE SAID.
+FAN LING-SHEK WU HUI TOWN WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 24 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND AND THE RURAL TOWNSHIPS OF MUI WO, TAI 0, PENG fHEUNG CHAU WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 13.15 HECTARES INCLUDING LAND FOR LOCAL INDUSTRIES TO MEET LOCAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS,♦ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD, ACCOMPANIED THE TOP-LEVEL PARTY THROUGHOUT THEIR TOUR OF TSUEN WAN, TSI NG Yl, TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1978 2 -
DEVELOPMENTS IN YUEN LONG
*****
THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG AS A SELF-CONTAINED MARKET TOWN FOR 95,800 RESIDENTS IS PUSHING AHEAD.
THE PROGRAMME ENVISAGES THE MARKET TOWN COVERING ABOUT 163 HECTARES. THERE ARE ALSO OTHER DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT, BUT NOT IN THE DESIGNATED MARKET TOWN AREA.
AT YUEN LONG THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, DRAINS AND A BUS TERMINUS CONTINUED AND A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN DESCRIBED PROGRESS AS +FAIR+.
THE BUS TERMINUS IS NEARING COMPLETION AND IS EXPECTED TO BE HANDED OVER SOON.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHIU LUT SAU GOVERNMENT SCHOOL AND AN EXTRA FLOOR FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE BOTH IN HAND.
THE PWD SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SITE INVESTIGATIONS FOR BRIDGE WORKS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND A FINAL REPORT IS NOW BEING PREPARED
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT THE DRAWING UP OF PLANS FOR THE TRADITIONAL RURAL TOWNSHIPS HAD GREATLY INCREASED THE SCOPE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREAS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK CONTINUED AT TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG AND ON THE TOWNSHIPS OF MUI WO AND TAI 0. THE TOTAL AREA INVOLVED WAS JUST OVER 75 HECTARES.
AT MUI WO THE TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS AND CAR PARK HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINS, AND THE FORMATION OF THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT SITE CONTINUED.
PILING WORK FOR THE MUI WO FERRY PIER IS CONTINUING SATISFACTORILY AND CONCRETING OF THE MAIN DECK HAS BEGUN.
ROAD, DRAINS AND BUS TERMINUS WORK AT TA I 0 WERE ALSO FINISHED AND AN INTERCEPTING SEWER IS NOW SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED.
PILING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AT TAI 0 HAS BEEN FINISHED.
AT SAI KUNG, 2.5 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN HANDED OVER TO THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PWD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FISHERMEN’S HOUSING ESTATE.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1978
- 3 -
S.W.D. FINDS JOBS,FOR 166 DISABLED IN PAST FIVE MONTHS ■ * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S JOB PLACEMENT UNIT HELPED FIND JOBS FOR 166 DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS FROM JULY TO NOVEMBER.
THIS BRINGS TO 286 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO FOUND WORK WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE UNIT IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE GROUP WHO FOUND JOBS IN THE FIVE-MONTH PERIOD COMPRISED 92 PHYSICALLY DISABLED, 26 DEAF, 17 BLIND, 12 EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AND^ 14 MENTAL RETARDATES.
THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE UNIT, MR. CHAN SHIU-WING, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE RATE OF JOB PLACEMENTS FOR THE DISABLED HAD BEEN STEADY, SHOWING CONTINUAL SUPPORT BY EMPLOYERS.
MR. CHAN SAID THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASING AWARENESS BY OPERATORS OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FIRMS OF THE POTENTIAL ABILITY OF THE DISABLED AND HE HOPED MORE SUPPORT WOULD BE FORTHCOMING.
MOST OF THE DISABLED ARE EMPLOYED SUCH AS TELEPHONE OPERATOR, ASSEMBLER, OPERATOR AND GENERAL FACTORY WORKER.
IN WORK OF GENERAL NATURE, PACKER, CAR-CLEANER, LIFT
THEY ARE PAID EITHER AT DAILY RATES RANGING FROM $18 TO $30 OR ON A MONTHLY BASIS BETWEEN $400 AND ABOUT $1,000.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1978
FIRST TSUEN JWAN ARTS FESTIVAL
-" ’ *’* * * M
THE FIRST DISTRICT-WIDE ARTS FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG WILL BE HELD FROM NEW YEAR’S DAY NEXT YEAR IN TSUEN WAN TO PROMOTE NOT ONLY ARTS AND CULTURE BUT ALSO COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN THE DISTRICT.
I
THE FIRST TSEUN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE GIVEN AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN THE FUNG SHU I ROOM OF THE HONG KONG HOTEL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 3 P.M.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR. JAMES HAYES AND ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
FIVE LEADING MEMBERS OF THE PHOENIX OPERA TROUPE - WHICH WILL GIVE FIVE PERFORMANCES DURING THE FESTIVAL - MR. LEUNG SING-BOR, M.B.E., MISS LUNG KIM-SANG, MISS MUI SHUE-SEE, MISS YIN SHUE-FUN AND MISS CHU KIM-DAN AND REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER PERFORMING GROUPS WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN THE FUNG SHU I ROOM, HONG KONG HOTEL, TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 3 P.M.
OFFICERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST PRESS MEMBERS.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1978
- 5 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN HEREFORD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON TWO CONSECUTIVE MORNINGS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO FACILITATE THE CORNWALL STREET INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
THE CLOSURE PERIODS WILL BE FROM MIDNIGHT TO 5.30 A.M. ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
ALL NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG THIS SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND HEREFORD ROAD TO TRAVEL VIA HEREFORD ROAD, RENFREW ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD TO REJOIN WATERLOO ROAD.
THE NORMAL ROUTING FOR NORTHBOUND BUS ROUTE NOS. 3C, 7, 7 A AND 70 WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
HOWEVER, ALL SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC INCLUDING BUS ROUTE NOS. 3C, 7, 7A AND 70 WILL BE DIVERTED AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD TO TRAVEL VIA JUNCTION ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TO REJOIN WATERLOO ROAD.
the
WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 8) FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE ROBINSON ROAD-GLENEALY JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT.
THE SECTION OF CONDUIT ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE ROAD AND HORNSEY ROAD WILL ALSO BE RE-OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1978
6
WATER CUT
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONGKOK AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 8) NIGHT TO ENABLE STAFF OF WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT THEIR WORK.
IN MONGKOK, SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. FOR FRESH WATER MAIN CONNECTION WORK TO BE DONE AT CANTON ROAD/PITT STREET.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NOS. 800-947 CANTON ROAD, TAK CHEONG LANE, TAK CHEONG STREET, TUNG ON STREET, KAM FONG STREET, NOS. 1-1A WATERLOO ROAD, NOS. 1-22 PITT STREET, NOS. 2-6A DUNDAS STREET AND NOS. 1-4 SOY STREET.
IN CAUSEWAY BAY, SUPPLY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TUNG LO WAN ROAD, LIN FA KUNG STREET EAST AND WEST, LILY STREET, LUNG KAI TERRACE, WU SHA STREET, BROWN STREET, JONES STREET, SCHOOL STREET, FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD LANE, SHEPHERD STREET, SUN CHUN STREET AND KWONG MING TERRACE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG7TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHANGES PROPOSED IN MANAGEMENT OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS ................................................. 1
GOVERNOR SEES FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME .................. 2
FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL............................ 3
’COMMON CORE’ CONCEPT IN CURRICULUM PLANNING ............ 5
CAUSEWAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED ............................ 6
AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS .............................. 7
S.W.D. TO PRODUCE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CALENDAR ........ 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ..................................... 8
TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND TO BE AUCTIONED................... 8
NEW YOUTH SERVICE CENTRE FOR TUEN MUN.................... 9
CIVIL AID SERVICES ANNUAL SPORTS DAY .................... 9
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
- 1 -
CHANGES PROPOSED IN MANAGEMENT OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) NEW PROPOSALS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS. IT IS PROPOSED THAT FROM SEPTEMBER 1979 THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION WILL TAKE OVER THE DIRECTION OF ALL ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR INCLUDING THOSE AT PRESENT RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE INITIAL SECONDMENT OF GOVERNMENT TEACHERS IN THESE SCHOOLS AND THEIR SUBSEQUENT EMPLOYMENT IF THEY ACCEPT CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE ESF.
THESE NEW PROPOSALS STEM FROM AN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ALL ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOLING FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING CHILDREN.
♦THE MAIN CONCLUSION IS THAT THE TIME HAS COME FOR A BASIC CHANGE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SYSTEM. WE BELIEVE THAT THE SCHOOLS WILL WORK BETTER IF THEY ARE ALL UNDER ONE MASTER,♦ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦IN THE COURSE OF THIS REVIEW IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO LOOK HARD AT THE FINANCING OF THESE SCHOOLS AND IN PARTICULAR AT THE LEVEL OF FEES. IT HAS BEEN CONCLUDED THAT THE MECHANISM DESIGNED TO GIVE EFFECT TO GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF PARITY OF SUBSIDY WITH ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS HAS NOT WORKED SATISFACTORILY. AS A RESULT A NEW FORMULA HAS BEEN DEVISED, WHICH WILL ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT RISING COSTS. IF THESE PROPOSALS ARE FINALLY AGREED IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO RAISE FEES IN SEPTEMBER 1979 FROM SI,900 PER ANNUM TO ABOUT $3,500 PER ANNUM IN JUNIOR ENGLISH SCHOOLS AND FROM $3,040 PER ANNUM TO ABOUT $5,300 PER ANNUM IN THE ENGLISH SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THIS WILL BE A MATTER OF CONCERN TO PARENTS BUT EMPLOYERS MAY BE WILLING TO HELP IN SOME CASES AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL RE-EXAMINE THE LEVELS OF LOCAL EDUCATION ALLOWANCES PAID TO ITS OWN EMPLOYEES. ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE TO COVER FEE REMISSION FOR THOSE PARENTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE INCREASED FEES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT FEES WOULD STILL NEED TO RISE TO LEVELS SIMILAR TO THOSE NOW PROPOSED EVEN WITHOUT CHANGES IN THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THESE SCHOOLS. FEES WERE LAST REVIEWED FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS IN 1976.
AT PRESENT THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION RUNS TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHILE A THIRD SECONDARY SCHOOL AND FIVE PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THERE WILL NOW BE CONSULTATION WITH THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION, THE PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT STAFF AFFECTED BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS MADE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, SUBJECT TO ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT IS HOPED THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1979, THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR.
THE FOUNDATION WILL HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL MEASURE OF FREEDOM UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO INTRODUCE IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDARDS AND FACILITIES TO MEET THE WISHES OF PARENTS.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
2
GOVERNOR SEES FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (THURSDAY) TOOK A CLOSE LOOK AT THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME, WHICH IS RECEIVING ENCOURAGING RESPONSE, DURING A VISIT TO EASTERN DISTRICT.
IN THE COURSE OF HIS VISIT, SIR MURRAY SAW LAWYERS GIVING LEGAL ADVICE TO PEOPLE AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN), AND WAS TOLD THAT BOOKINGS FOR THE SERVICE HAD TO BE MADE TWO VEEKS AHEAD.
HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE SCHEME BY MR. B. TISDALL, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE SCHEME AND MR. S.C. WILLIAMS, ACTING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SCHEME.
SIR MURRAY WAS ALSO TOLD THAT A TOTAL OF 140 LAWYERS INCLUDING 40 EXPATRIATES WERE PART ICIPATING IN THE SCHEME ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS AND 131 CASES HAD BEEN HANDLED SINCE THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED A MONTH AGO.
OF THESE, 35 INVOLVED MONEY MATTERS AND COMMERCIAL DISPUTES, 26 ON MATTERS BETWEEN THE LANDLORDS AND TENANTS, 20 ON DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR OTHER MATRIMONIAL MATTERS, 14 ON COMPENSATION OR DAMAGES, 12 ON ESTATE ADMINISTRATION, SIX ON WAGE AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS, AND THE REMAINING 18, MISCELLANEOUS CASES.
THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED BY THE LAW SOCIETY ON NOVEMBER 2 WITH FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENSES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT. AT PRESENT THERE ARE TWO LEGAL ADVICE CENTRES IN THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN EASTERN DISTRICT AND MONG KOK.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THREE PRACTISING LAWYERS ATTEND EACH CENTRE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS EVERY THURSDAY EVENING TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE TO PEOPLE REFERRED TO THEM BY VARIOUS AGENCIES AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
EARLIER, SIR MURRAY VISITED CHAI WAN AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THERE BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (HONG KONG) MRS. MABLE HAYES, THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN) MR. CHARLES GATELY, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOUSING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS.
THESE INCLUDED THE CHAI WAN CIVIC CENTRE WITH A MULTIPURPOSE INDOOR GAMES HALL SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1981, THE LEI YUE MUN PARK, A NEW MULTI-STOREY MARKET FOR YUE WAN ESTATE AND RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES FOR CHAI WAN.
SIR MURRAY ALSO LEARNT ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATE BEING BUILT IN CHAI WAN AND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CHAI WAN WEST ESTATE.
HE VIEWED THE DEVELOPMENTS IN CHAI WAN FROM THE ROOF OF A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING AND TOURED THE AREA. LATER HE WENT TO THE TOP OF A HIGH-RISE BLOCK IN YUE WAN ESTATE FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF CHAI WAN.
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SIR MURRAY THEN WENT TO THE YUE WAN COMMUNITY HALL AND CHATTED WITH GROUPS OF CHILDREN PLAYING VARIOUS INDOOR GAMES THERE.
THE GOVERNOR WOUND UP HIS CHAI WAN VISIT BY HAVING A MEETING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE HALL.
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FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL ******
THE FIRST DISTRICT-WIDE ARTS FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG WILL BE HELD FROM NEW YEAR’S DAY IN TSUEN WAN TO BRING ART AND CULTURE TO +WHAT IS STILL A CULTURALLY—DEPRIVED COMMUNITY*.
THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JOINT EFFORT OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL RUN FOR TWO WEEKS TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT ON A WIDE AND VARIED SCALE FOR THE FAST INCREASING POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWN AND TO MEET THEIR NEEDS FOR BETTER CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR. JAMES HAYES DESCRIBED THE EVENT AS +A TURNING POINT IN THE HISTORY OF MODERN TSUEN WAN*.
HE SAIDi +THE FESTIVAL IS THE FIRST OF WHAT HAS BEEN PLANNED AS A SERIES OF YEARLY EVENTS FOR TSUEN WAN AND IS EVERY BIT AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN.*
THE FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE 25 PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD IN EIGHT DIFFERENT VENUES IN THE NEW TOWN.
THEY WILL MAINLY BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATAGORIES -DRAMA AND OPERA, MUSIC, DANCES AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE DRAMA AND OPERA CATAGORY WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED BY FIVE PERFORMANCES BY THE FAMOUS PHOENIX OPERA TROUPE LED BY RENOWNED OPERA STARS MR. LEUNG SING-POR, MISS LUNG KIM-SANG AND MISS MUI SHUE-SEE.
ADDING COLOUR TO THE CANTONESE OPERA WILL BE TSUEN WAN’S YOUTH DRAMA GROUP AND THE NORTHCOTE PLAYERS WHO WILL PERFORM THREE DRAMAS BASED ON THE POPULAR FRENCH NOVELS +TOPAZE+ AND ♦MEN WITHOUT SHADOWS*.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
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THERE WILL ALSO BE THREE FAMOUS CHIU CHOW OPERAS BY THE HONG KONG SUN LOK SING CHIU CHOW OPERA GROUP WHILE THE FAMOUS MANDARIN OPERA ACTORS, MR. KUO TIT-WAH, MR. LUK YING AND OTHERS WILL PERFORM EXCERPTS FROM FOUR OPERAS BASED ON ANCIENT CHINESE LEGENDS.
TO GIVE MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS AUDIO ENJOYMENT, THE FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO ORGANISED, AS PART OF THE COLOURFUL PROGRAMME, CONCERTS BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, THE WAN KWONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND OTHER LOCAL CELEBRITIES.
THE COMMITTEE HAS PAID NO LESS ATTENTION TO DANCE PERFORMANCES AND HAS SEEN TO THAT BOTH CHINESE CLASSICAL AND WESTERN FOLK DANCES HAVE WOVEN INTO THE PROGRAMME.
THE MAIN PERFORMERS WILL BE THE TSUEN WAN DANCE TROUPE AND THE HONG KONG FOLK DANCE TROUPE.
IN THE EXHIBITION SECTION, ABOUT 100 HONG KONG PAINTERS AND CALLIGRAPHERS WILL PRESENT MORE THAN 300 OF THEIR WORKS FOR DISPLAY AT A FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE STARTING FROM JANUARY 8.
THE CENTRE WILL ALSO BE THE VENUE OF A PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION ON THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, FEATURING MORE THAN 400 PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS BY DISTINGUISHED PHOTOGRAPHERS.
ON TOP OF THE FULL BUT BALANCED PROGRAMMES WILL BE A PUPPET SHOW BY THE HON WAH NIN CANTONESE PUPPET TROUPE AND AN APPRECIATION SERIES ON CHINESE MUSIC, CHINESE OPERA, WESTERN MUSIC AND CANTONESE DRAMA.
IN ORDER TO GIVE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE A CHANCE TO ENJOY THE FESTIVAL, NOMINAL CHARGES WILL BE IMPOSED ON ALL PERFORMANCES EXCEPT THE CANTONESE OPERA.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR. CHAN PO-FONG, WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, POINTED OUT THAT THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL AIMED NOT ONLY TO GAIN EXPERIENCE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE SECOND FESTIVAL TO BE STAGED IN THE $23 MILLION TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WHEN IT OPENED LATE NEXT YEAR, BUT ALSO TO INTRODUCE MORE HIGH-QUALITY CULTURAL ACTIVITIES TO TSUEN WAN.
♦BECAUSE OF THE VENUE AND FACILITY FACTORS, WE CANNOT EXPECT THE FIRST FESTIVAL TO BE AS MUCH COMPREHENSIVE AS HONG KONG’S MAJOR ARTS FESTIVALS,* HE SAID.
♦HOWEVER, IF OUR PILOT ATTEMPT CAN AROUSE THE CULTURAL INTEREST OF LOCAL PEOPLE, OUR OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE DISTRICT WILL HAVE BEEN FULFILLED.*
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
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♦COMMON CORE* CONCEPT IN CURRICULUM PLANNING ft * * * ft *
THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECOMMENDED A +COMMON CORE* FOR EACH SUBJECT IN ORDER TO CATER FOR A WIDER RANGE OF ABILITIES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF UNIVERSAL JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, MR. KEN TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS COMMON CORE CONCEPT MEANT THE WORKING OUT OF BASIC PRINCIPLES AND SKILLS WITHIN THE REACH OF PUPILS OF ALL ABILITIES, WHILE PROVIDING ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR THE MORE ABLE PUPILS, HE ADDED.
MR. TOPLEY WAS SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR OF HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS HELD AT THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
HE DESCRIBED THE SEMINAR AS A MEANS OF *PROVIDING IMPORTANT FEEDBACK OF VALUABLE DATA FOR FUTURE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, THUS PROMOTING BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SCHOOLS ON CURRICULUM MATTERS.*
IN RECENT YEARS THE NEED HAD BEEN RECOGNISED FOR A BROADER CURRICULUM WITH MORE EMPHASIS ON PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A MODERN AND INCREASINGLY TECHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY, MR. TOPLEY SAID.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE NEW SUBJECTS MEANT THAT TEACHERS NOW NEEDED TO SPEND MORE TIME IN PLANNING AND DISCUSSING SYLLABUS CONTENT AND APPROACHES.
MR. TOPLEY NEXT TURNED TO THE PROBLEM OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND HOW THE SCHOOL HEADS COULD MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE COMPETENCE AND PROFESSIONAL SELF-ESTEEM OF TEACHERS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT TEACHERS BE GIVEN EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO VISIT OTHER SCHOOLS FOR OBSERVATION AND EXCHANGE OF VIEWS, TO PARTICIPATE IN WORKING COMMITTEES, TO RUN SCHOOL-BASED COURSES AND WORKSHOPS, AND TO DEVELOP NEW TEACHING MATERIALS AS A TEAM WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR WITH TEACHERS OF OTHER SCHOOLS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WERE URGED TO ENCOURAGE TEACHERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED IN-SERVICE COURSES TO APPLY WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED WITHIN THE SCHOOL. THERE SHOULD ALSO BE REGULAR +COUNSELLING* INTERVIEWS WITH STAFF TO DISCUSS THEIR WORK AND ASPIRATIONS.
WITH REGARD TO CURRICULUM INNOVATION, MR. TOPLEY RECOGNISED THAT THE HEADS WHEN DECIDING ON CHANGES HAD TO DO SO ON THE BASIS OF WHAT THEY CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE TO THEIR OWN SCHOOL.
+CARE IS NEEDED NOT TO OVERTAX OUR STUDENTS AND CREATE AN IMBALANCE IN THE CURRICULUM BY MERELY ADDING WITHOUT SUBSEQUENTLY DELETING THE LESS RELEVANT CONTENT FROM THE CURRICULUM,* HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
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* IT WAS BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT THAT HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND THE’IR SENIOR STAFF BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN THE PROBLEMS OF TIME-TABLING AND ACQUIRE STILL MORE EXPERTISE IN THE METHODS OF MEETING THESE PROBLEMS.
♦THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TOO, MUST BECOME MORE ACTIVE IN THIS AREA AND MUST SO EQUIP ITSELF THAT IT CAN PROVIDE AS COMPREHENSIVE A SERVICE TO SCHOOLS AS IS POSSIBLE.
♦WAYS OF DOING SO ARE ALREADY BEING INVESTIGATED WITHIN THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE,♦ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AFFECTING THE CURRICULUM WAS CLOSE LINKS WITH PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, AND MR. TOPLEY SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT HEADS OF SCHOOLS WERE FULLY ALIVE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCHOOLS’ RELATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC AND BE EVER ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR WAYS BY WHICH THESE RELATIONS COULD BE ENHANCED.
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CAUSEWAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED K K K M
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT A CAUSEWAY ALONG THE SOUTHWEST COAST OF SHA TAU KOK HOI (STARLING INLET) TO ACCOMMODATE A SECTION OF NEW ROAD IN CONNECTION WITH THE IMPROVEMENT OF LUK KENG ROAD.
THE CAUSEWAY IS TO BE BUILT WITHIN THE LIMITS OF AN AREA OF ABOUT 5.16 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
ON COMPLETION, THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT IS EXPECTED TO REMOVE THE BOTTLENECK ON THE CIRCULAR ROUTE LINKING TAI PO, TAI MEI TUK, LUK KENG AND FAN LING.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ALL PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH OBJECTIONS AND/OR CLAIMS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS, FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTIFICATION.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, 1ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS ******
TWENTY-FIVE +SPECIAL+ CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS WILL BE AUCTIONED THIS SATURDAY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL STARTING FROM 10 A.M.
THE NUMBERS THAT WILL BE AUCTIONED OFF ARE AS FOLLOWSi 6- BV 3333- BV 8673- BW 338- BW 809- XX 47- BW 1- BV 9133- BW 357-BW 983- BM 595- BW 123- BW 238- BW 633- BW 1112- BP 1- BW 1818-BW 288- BW 663- BW 2228- BV 595- BV 8388- BW 328- BW 728- BW 3338.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSE OF BIDDING ON SATURDAY.
HE REMINDED BIDDERS THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL, AS USUAL, GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
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S.W.D. TO PRODUCE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CALENDAR ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS TO PRODUCE A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CALENDAR DESIGNED TO DRIVE HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER GUIDANCE AND CARE OF CHILDREN.
PRODUCTION OF THE WALL CALENDAR FORMS PART OF THE CURRENT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO FOSTER STRONGER FAMILY TIES AND FORESTALL FAMILY BREAKDOWNS.
FEATURING CARTOONS AND 13 SPECIAL MESSAGES OF PROPER PARENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN, THE CALENDAR PROJECT IS FINANCED BY A CONTRIBUTION MADE BY A YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY LEADER, MR. CHIU YU-HEI.
AT A BRIEF CEREMONY THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING, MR. CHIU PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $34,000 TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, AT THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE.
MR. LEE THANKED HIM FOR HIS GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION AND FOR HIS SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
MR. CHIU HAS KEEN INTEREST IN COMMUNITY SERVICES. PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELD OF YOUTH SERVICES. HE IS, AMONG OTHERS, THE PRESIDENT OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CALENDAR IS PLANNED FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE SOUTHEAST-BOUND SLIP ROAD OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FROM THE JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 9) FROM 2.00 A.M. TO 6.00 A.M. TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF A COMPRESSOR AND A GENERATOR IN A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS SITE.
CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE NO. 122 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE SECTION OF GASCOIGNE ROAD NORTH OF ASTOR THEATRE.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE SAME ALTERNATIVE ROUTE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND TO BE AUCTIONED *****
TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE AT AN AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON JANUARY 9, 1979, AT 11 A.M.
ONE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2,900 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON. THE OTHER SITE AT QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, HONG KONG, COVERS AN AREA OF 1,299 SQUARE METRES. BOTH SITES ARE FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
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, KOWLOON.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1978
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NEW YOUTH SERVICE CENTRE FOR TUEN MUN *****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY OPEN THE TAI HING CHRISTIAN YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE IN TUEN MUN WHICH IS TO MEET THE GROWING NEED FOR YOUTH SERVICES IN THE NEW TOWN.
LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TAI HING CHRISTIAN YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE WHICH IS AT HING SHING HOUSE. BLOCK 2 OF THE TAI HING ESTATE, AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE FINNISH MISSIONARY SOCIETY WILL PROVIDE TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES, WHICH WILL LEAVE AT 1.45 P.M. FROM 60 BUTE STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET IN MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
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CIVIL AID SERVICES ANNUAL SPORTS DAY * * * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SPORTS DAY AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE CAS COMMISSIONER, MR. ROGER LOBO WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND PRESENT PRIZES.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE AN INVITATION RELAY WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TAKING PART.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CAS SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEET IS ONE OF THE MANY RECREATIONAL FUNCTIONS ORGANISED FOR MEMBERS OTHER THAN ROUTINE TRAINING IN FIRST AID, YOUTH LEADERSHIP, LIGHT AND HEAVY RESCUE, MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE, COMMUNICATION, CROWD CONTROL AND FOREST FIRE FIGHTING DUTIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CIVIL AID SERVICES ANNUAL SPORTS DAY AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 10).
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG SETTING OUT TO ACHIEVE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ................................. 1
SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE 1978 ................. 3
PROPOSAL TO TIGHTEN UP EXISTING LAW ON THE GRANTING OF BAIL ..................................................... 5
YUNG SHUE WAN FISHERMEN ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES ............................................... 6
S36.4 MILLION PWD CONTRACT AWARDED ....................... 7
QUARRY BAY RECLAMATION................................... 8
MTR WORK TO AFFECT KWAI CHUNG ROADS...................... 9
POPULAR EDUCATIONIST RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS WITH GOVERNMENT............................................... 10
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION POPULAR IN HONG KONG ............ 11
♦REVOLUTION* IN THE BLIND WELFARE SCENE ................. 12
YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE OPENED IN TUEN MUN .......... 13
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL POSTAL BOOKING OPENS TODAY .... 14
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION .. 15
SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS ................................ 16
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE EXTENDED ............... 17
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
1
HONG KONG SETTING OUT TO ACHIEVE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ******
HONG KONG IS NOW AT THE STARTING POINT IN SETTING OUT TO ACHIEVE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH'OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
MR. TONY BENNETT WAS ADDRESSING A MEETING OF THE PENINSULA LIONS CLUB IN KOWLOON.
♦IN SETTING ABOUT THIS TASK, WE CAN TO SOME EXTENT BENEFIT BY THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE INTRODUCED ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS,+ HE SAID.
♦BUT I SHOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THAT OUR AIM WILL BE TO PRODUCE MEASURES TO SUIT THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF HONG KONG, AND NOT SIMPLY TO FOLLOW METHODS WHICH HAVE BEEN PRODUCED ELSEWHERE IN RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES THAN WE HAVE HERE.
♦WE DO NOT PROPOSE, FOR EXAMPLE, TO FOLLOW THE APPROACH ADOPTED IN SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WHERE ’BLANKET’ CONTROLS ARE LAID DOWN, SETTING PERMITTED EMISSION LEVELS WHICH APPLY TO ALL MUNICIPAL INSTALLATIONS, FACTORIES, ETC., REGARDLESS OF THE LOCATION.
♦THE ’ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT’ APPROACH NOW BEING FORMULATED FOR HONG KONG AIMS TO MATCH THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTANTS EMITTED IN THE VARIOUS GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS OF THE TERRITORY WITH THE CAPACITY OF EACH OF THESE AREAS TO ABSORB AND DISPERSE THESE POLLUTANTS.+
MR. BENNETT SAID HONG KONG COULD NOT AFFORD TO RUSH IN WITH DRASTIC ANTI-POLLUTION CONTROLS WHICH WOULD PUT LARGE NUMBERS OF UNDERTAKINGS OUT OF BUSINESS.
♦ ON THE OTHER HAND, IF WE DO NOT INTRODUCE SOME FORM OF CONTROL OVER POLLUTION WHERE THIS IS NEEDED, THIS CAN DETERIORATE TO THE POINT WHERE IT PUT PEOPLE OUT OF BUSINESS BY ITSELF.
♦ SO, IN INTRODUCING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, WE ARE TREADING CAREFULLY RATHER THAN RUSHING IN,+ MR. BENNETT POINTED OUT.
HE SAID HE THOUGHT INDUSTRIAL REPRESENTATIVES HAD RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR MEASURES TO PREVENT THE POLLUTION SITUATION FROM DETERIORATING AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS WITHOUT CAUSING ANY SIGNIFICANT DISRUPTION OR EXPENSE TO EXISTING INDUSTRIES.
♦ I THINK THAT IT HAS ALSO BEEN RECOGNISED THAT IT IS MORE SENSIBLE, AND CONSIDERABLY LESS EXPENSIVE TO INDUSTRY, TO PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS INTO AN OPERATION THAN TO WAIT UNTIL THE POLLUTION SITUATION BECOMES CRITICAL AND THEN HAVE TO SUDDENLY INSTALL POLLUTION CONTROLS ONTO AN EXISTING OPERATION,+ MR. BENNETT SAID.
HE SAID SUCH CONTROLS WERE EXPECTED TO BE REQUIRED IN ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF AREAS, AND THEN IN RESPECT OF ONLY VERY LIMITED CATEGORIES OF LIQUID EFFLUENTS.
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WHILE THE OBJECT OF SUCH A MEASURE WAS TO PREVENT WATER POLLUTION FROM BECOMING ANY WORSE THAN IT WAS AT PRESENT IN HONG KONG — AND, IN +BLACK SPOT AREAS+, TO IMPROVE IT — THE MEANS OF ACHIEVING THIS WERE EXPECTED TO AFFECT ONLY A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS.
MR. BENNETT SAID THE NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT WOULD HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN ENSURING THAT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE PLANNING OF NEW DEVELOPMENT.
THIS WAS THE MEANS BY WHICH INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES COULD BE EXPANDED AND NEW FACTORIES, HOMES AND COMMUNICATIONS COULD BE PROVIDED WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AGAINST DETERIORATION BY BUILDING IN THE NECESSARY SAFETY FACTORS AT THE OUTSET.
+THIS IS, IN THE LONG RUN, THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF ENR IRONMENTAL PROTECTION.+
WHILE ENGAGED AT PRESENT IN DISCUSSIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF MORE EFFECTIVE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT WAS ALSO BECOMING MORE AND MORE INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY FORMULATING PROCESSES.
THIS WAS A TREND WHICH WOULD ALSO BE REFLECTED, HOPEFULLY, IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS IN THE COMING YEARS.
IN HELPING TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, CAREFUL PLANNING AND A FRESH LOOK AT OPERATIONAL PROCESSES COULD SOMETIMES EVEN SAVE MONEY.
NEW PROCESSES COULD INTRODUCE SAVINGS, AND SUBSTANCES PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED AS WASTE COULD BE FOUND TO HAVE COMMERCIAL VALUE, MR. BENNETT SAID.
♦ I AM NOT SAYING THAT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE MONEY,* MR. BENNETT DECLARED, +BUT IT IS CERTAINLY LESS EXPENSIVE, AND MORE BENEFICIAL IN THE LONG RUN, TO INTRODUCE IT CAREFULLY NOW THAN TO HAVE TO APPLY RESTRICTIVE MEASURES QUICKLY LATER IN RESPONSE TO SERIOUS DETERIORATION IN OUR ENVIRONMENT.*
MR. BENNETT SAID THAT WHERE ACTIVITIES WHICH CAUSED POLLUTION WERE DESIRABLE AND BENEFICIAL ACTIVITIES IN THEMSELVES, THE AIM SHOULD, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, BE TO ALLOW THESE ACTIVITIES TO CONTINUE TO FLOURISH — BUT IN A WAY THAT DID NOT UNACCEPTABLY POLLUTE THE ENVIRONMENT.
♦ THIS IS NOT BY ANY MEANS AN EASY TASK, AND IN EXTREME CASES IT MAY HARDLY BE POSSIBLE AT ALL -- HOWEVER, WITH CAREFUL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT, THE SEEMINGLY OPPOSING FACTORS CAN IN MOST CASES BE RECONCILED,+ MR. BENNETT SAID.
♦ RATHER THAN TALKING SIMPLY OF POLLUTION CONTROL, WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH MANAGING OUR ENVIRONMENT,* HE ADDED. RATHER THAN ATTEMPTING TO DEAL IN A PIECEMEAL FASHION WITH INDIVIDUAL FORMS OF POLLUTION, HONG KONG NEEDED TO MANAGE THE USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AS A WHOLE.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
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SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE 1978 * ft ft * * *
THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE 1978, WHICH IMPROVES AND CONSOLIDATES EXISTING LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE SHIPPING AND CONTROL OF PORTS IN HONG KONG, WILL COME INTO FORCE ON DECEMBER 29, 1978.
THE NEW ORDINANCE REPRODUCES EXISTING PROVISIONS IN THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE IN A FORM WHICH CLARIFIES THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S POWERS TO CO-ORDINATE NAVIGATION AND MOORING OF VESSELS, TO CONTROL SHIP-BREAKING, SHIP REPAIRING AND CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES- AND GENERALLY TO ADMINISTER THE WATERS OF HONG KONG WITH MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.
THE ORDINANCE, WHICH COMPRISES 81 SECTIONS, REPEALS AND REPLACES CERTAIN PARTS OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE. IT RE-ENACTS MOST OF THE EXISTING PROVISIONS BUT THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO INTRODUCE SOME AMENDMENTS AND OTHER NEW PROVISIONS IN THE LIGHT OF OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND REVISED POL ICY.
AMONG THE MORE SIGNIFICANT INNOVATIONS ARE THE APPLICATION TO ALL VESSELS OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA AND THE PROVISION OF A PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY- THE POWER TO REFUSE CERTAIN VESSELS PERMISSION TO ENTER OR LEAVE HONG KONG WATERS AND TO CONTROL VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING THE WATERS OF HONG KONG INCLUDING THE CONTROL OF THEIR NAVIGATION, MOVEMENT AND MOORING.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE PROHIBITION OF LA ID-UP SHIPS FROM MOORING AND ANCHORING AT ANY PLACE WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS EXCEPT WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR MORE CLEARLY DEFINITIVE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND IMPROVED MEANS OF ENFORCEMENT, PROVISIONS RELATING TO CARGO HANDLING AND TO THE REPAIR AND BREAKING UP OF VESSELS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (CARGO HANDLING REGULATIONS) 1978.
THESE REGULATIONS EXTEND THE PRESENT SAFETY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING (CARGO HANDLING) REGULATIONS TO CARGO HANDLING ON VESSELS.
THIS REQUIREMENT IS IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY AS THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING ORDINANCE COVERS ONLY THE SAFETY ASPECT OF CARGO HANDLING ON LAND, AT DOCKS AND QUAYS, BUT NOT ON VESSELS THEMSELVES.
THE MAIN BODY OF THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (CARGO HANDLING) REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON DECEMBER 29, 1978, BUT THOSE PROVISIONS WHICH RELATE TO THE TESTING AND EXAMINATION OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND GEAR WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JULY 1, 1979.
/this is.....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
THIS IS TO ALLOW TIME FOR LOCAL CARGO HANDLING OPERATORS TO HAVE THEIR EXISTING EQUIPMENT TESTED, EXAMINED AND MARKED WITH THE APPROPRIATE SAFE WORKING LOADS.
OTHER REGULATIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE — THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL REGULATIONS 1978, THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (TYPHOON SHELTERS) REGULATIONS 1978, AND THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINALS) REGULATIONS 1978 — ALSO COME INTO OPERATION ON DECEMBER 29, 1978.
THE ORDINANCE MAKES ALL REPAIRS TO AND BREAKING UP OF VESSELS EXCEEDING 50 METRES IN LENGTH SUBJECT TO THE PERMISSION AND CONTROL OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
OTHER SECTIONS PROHIBIT THE USE OF DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT AND THE CARRYING OUT OF WORK IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AND EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR TO APPOINT INSPECTORS WHO MAY BOARD ANY VESSEL AND CARRY OUT SUCH INSPECTION AND EXAMINATION AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO ENSURE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.
THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR OIL POLLUTION OFFENCES HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $20,000 TO $200,000 BUT THE IMPRISONMENT PROVISION UNDER PREVIOUS LEGISLATION HAS BEEN DELETED.
THE HIGHER MAXIMUM FINE IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE IN VIEW OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF SUCH OFFENCES AND THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE FROM OIL POLLUTION AND IS COMPARABLE TO SIMILAR FINES PRESCRIBED IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE OMISSION OF AN IMPRISONMENT PROVISION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SECTION PROVIDING FOR DEFENCES ARE MADE TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE CORRESPONDING U.K. LEGISLATION. LOCAL SHIP AGENTS ARE ALSO OMITTED FROM THOSE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF OIL POLLUTION OFFENCES.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
- 5 -
PROPOSAL TO TIGHTEN UP EXISTING LAW ON THE GRANTING OF BAIL ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO TIGHTEN UP THE EXISTING LAW ON THE GRANTING OF BAIL TO ACCUSED PERSONS.
THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 4) BILL 1978 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) AIMS AT LIMITING THE SCOPE FOR FRESH APPLICATIONS BY ACCUSED PERSONS ONCE A HIGH COURT JUDGE HAS REFUSED BAIL.
IT ALSO ENABLES THE GRANT OF BAIL TO ACCUSED PERSONS BY DISTRICT JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES TO BE REVIEWED BY A HIGH COURT JUDGE ON THE APPLICATION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND PENDING SUCH REVIEW, THE ACCUSED PERSON TO BE REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING 48 HOURS IF HE HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN RELEASED.
EXPLAINING THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ■THAT UNDER THE EXISTING LAW ANY MAGISTRATE, DISTRICT JUDGE OR HIGH COURT JUDGE MAY GRANT BAIL TO AN ACCUSED PERSON AND THAT THERE WAS NO PROVISION FOR THE CROWN TO APPEAL AGAINST IT.
BUT AN ACCUSED PERSON WHO IS REFUSED BAIL MAY MAKE ANY NUMBER OF FRESH APPLICATIONS FOR BAIL TO THE SAME MAGISTRATE, DISTRICT JUDGE OR HIGH COURT JUDGE, AND CAN ALSO +SHOP AROUND+ TO OTHER HIGH COURT JUDGES.
+THOUGH THE EXISTING LAW HAS, BY AND LARGE, WORKED WELL THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF CASES IN WHICH BAIL HAS BEEN GRANTED IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT HAVE CAUSED CONCERN DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+AND RECENTLY THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE ESCAPE WHILST ON BAIL OF TWO OF THE ACCUSED IN A MAJOR DRUGS CONSPIRARY CASE DEMANDS SOME TIGHTENING-UP OF THE EXISTING LAW,+ HE ADDED.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
6
YUNG SHUE WAN FISHERMEN ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES M M K
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER PAYING EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO YUNG SHUE WAN FISHERMEN HABITUALLY ENGAGED IN INSHORE FISHING IN WATERS AROUND PO LO TSUI, NORTH LAMMA, THE SITE OF THE NEW GENERATING STATION.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DISTRICT OFFICER, ISLANDS, MR. VICTOR YUNG SAID ONLY INSHORE FISHERMEN BASED AT YUNG SHUE WAN WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE ALLOWANCES.
HE SAID A TEAM OF DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WOULD BE STATIONED AT THE NORTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 11 TO DECEMBER 21 TO REGISTER FISHERMEN WISHING TO MAKE CLAIMS.
THE SIZE OF THE ALLOWANCES WOULD DEPEND ON THE VALUE OF THE ANNUAL CATCH OBTAINED IN WATERS AROUND PO LO TSUI.
EACH ELIGIBLE FISHERMAN WOULD RECEIVE A PORTION OF AN AMOUNT ASSESSED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ACCORDING TO VESSEL SIZE AND FISHING METHOD.
MR. YUNG SAID THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN SURVEYING INSHORE FISHING AROUND PO LO TSUI FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
HE ADDED THAT TWO STAKE-NET FISHERMEN ENGAGED IN FISHING AT PO LO TSUI FOR MANY YEARS WOULD ALSO RECEIVE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES BECAUSE THEY WERE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
$36.4 MILLION PWD CONTRACT AWARDED ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED A $36.4 MILLION CONTRACT TO ASIA STONE CO. LTD. FOR THE SUPPLY OF 200,000 CUBIC METRES OF MANUFACTURED SAND ANNUALLY OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THE SAND WILL BE PRODUCED IN THE ASIA STONE CO. LTD. QUARRY AT LAM TEI, TUEN MUN.
THE CONTRACT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED TODAY AT A CEREMONY HELD IN MURRAY BUILDING.
MR. DICK PILLING, CHIEF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER (MATERIALS), AND MR. C.A. MAUNDER OF THE P.W.D.’S GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MR. T.W. CHOW. MANAGING DIRECTOR, AND MR. K.Y. NG, DIRECTOR, FOR THE COMPANY.
THE COMPANY WILL ORDER THE NECESSARY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT IMMEDIATELY AND PRODUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
THIS IS THE SECOND P.W.D. CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY OF MANUFACTURED SAND. THE FIRST WAS SIGNED TWO YEARS AGO.
MR. PILLING SAID THE MANUFACTURED SAND WOULD BE ACCURATELY CLASSIFIED AND SIZED TO MEET BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
♦IT WILL BE SUITABLE FOR PLASTERING WORK WHILE THE SAND BEING SUPPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS CONTRACT IS MORE SUITABLE FOR USE IN CONCRETE,+ HE EXPLAINED.
♦AS THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE SAND FINER AND, AT THE SAME TIME, REDUCING ITS DUST CONTENT IS MORE EXPENSIVE, THE PRICE WILL BE SLIGHTLY HIGHER.+
MR. PILLING POINTED OUT THAT THE SALE OF MANUFACTURED SAND HAD NEARLY DOUBLED SINCE IT WAS FIRST INTRODUCED JUST TWO YEARS AGO.
THE NEW PRODUCT FIRST WENT ON SALE IN THE NORTH POINT SAND DEPOT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON OCTOBER 1, 1976.
SINCE THEN, SALES HAVE GONE UP FROM 76,000 CUBIC METRES IN THE FIRST YEAR TO 140,000 CUBIC METRES IN THE SECOND YEAR.
WHILE HAPPY ABOUT THE INCREASE MR. PILLING WOULD LIKE TO SEE FURTHER GROWTH IN THE USE OF THIS MATERIAL AS ♦MANUFACTURED SAND PLAYS AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT PART IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY+.
/manufactured.....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
8
MANUFACTURED SAND IS BASICALLY MADE BY CRUSHING GOOD QUALITY GRANITE AND EMPLOYING SPECIAL SCREENS AND CLASSIFICATION PLANT TO GIVE THE REQUIRED GRADING CHARACTERISTICS.
THE PRESENT SUPPLY IS SELLING FOR $36.8 PER CUBIC METRE, INCLUDING THE COST OF MECHANICAL LOADING, COMPARED WITH $40.50 PER CUBIC METRE, INCLUDING LOADING, FOR MARINE SAND.
+BESIDES BEING CHEAPER, THE PRODUCT OFFERS CERTAIN DISTINCT ADVANTAGES OVER MARINE SAND,+ MR. PILLING SAID.
+IT HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF CONSISTENT GRADING. IT CONTAINS NO SALT, SHELLS OR OTHER DELETERIOUS MATTER AND ITS COLOUR IS CONSISTENT — MAKING IT AN IDEAL SUBSTITUTE FOR MARINE SAND.+
MANUFATURED SAND IS SOLD THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT SAND DEPOTS IN NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON BAY.
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QUARRY BAY RECLAMATION *****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 12.5 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT QUARRY BAY TO ACCOMMODATE PART OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WHILE THE REMAINDER WILL BE DESIGNATED MAINLY AS AN OPEN SPACE, WITH A SMALL SECTION USED AS PART OF A PROPOSED CARGO HANDLING AREA.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
ALL PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH OBJECTIONS AND/OR CLAIMS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS, FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTIFICATION.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
- 9 -
MTR WORK TO AFFECT KWAI CHUNG ROADS ******
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A NUMBER OF FOOTPATHS AND CARRIAGEWAYS IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE KWAI HING AND KWAI FONG STATIONS AND AN OVERHEAD STRUCTURE FOR THE TSUEN WAN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION.
THE STREETS TO BE AFFECTED ARE THE KWAI FONG HOUSING ESTATE SERVICE ROAD TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF BLOCK 3 AND TO THE NORTH OF THE ESTATE MARKET- KWAI FOO ROAD BETWEEN BLOCKS 5 AND 2 OF THE KWAI FONG HOUSING ESTATE- LAI KING HILL ROAD AT THE JUNCTION WITH KWAI FUK ROAD- THE SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN SLIP ROADS BETWEEN KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND KWAI ON ROAD AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI CHUNG AND KWAI ON ROADS- KWAI ON ROAD AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD- AND HING FONG ROAD FROM TAI WO HAU TO KWAI CHUNG ROADS.
A PLAN SHOWING THE AREAS AFFECTED MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FU WAH CENTRE, 312 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN- THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG- OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD. KOWLOON, BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON ANY DAY EXCEPT SATURDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE ROAD CLOSURE AND WISHING TO MAKE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST SEND THE CLAIM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
CLAIMS MUST BE LODGED WITHIN A YEAR OF THE DATE OF A ROAD CLOSURE OR OF COMPLETION OF THE SUBSTANTIAL ALTERNATION ALLEGED TO HAVE CAUSED PECUNIARY LOSS OR DAMAGE.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
- 10 -
POPULAR EDUCATIONIST RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS WITH GOVT. ********
MR. N.M. HO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL) AND A POPULAR FIGURE IN THE LOCAL EDUCATION CIRCLE, IS RETIRING AFTER 28 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT. HE WILL BE GOING ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE AS FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
IN A CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY), MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, PRESENTED HIM WITH A COLOUR TELEVISION AS A MEMENTO ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
. MR. TOPLEY SAID: +THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR. HO HAS PROVED TO BE A CAPABLE TEACHER AND AN EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATOR.
+HIS WORK HAS ALWAYS REFLECTED HIS STRONG SENSE OF LOYALTY AND INTEGRITY, AND HIS COMPETENT MANNER HAS COMMANDED THE RESPECT AND CO-OPERATION OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH HIM.+
MR. HO RECEIVED HIS EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND ENGLAND.
HE OBTAINED HIS B.A. DEGREE IN JULY, 1949 FROM THE MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY, AND HIS TEACHER’S DIPLOMA (MANCHESTER) THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
HE JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ON SEPTEMBER 25, 1950, AND WORKED HIS WAY UP TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ON JUNE 12, 1966. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK ON AUGUST 23, 1971, AND ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS HAD ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
' MR. HO WAS AWARDED THE O.B.E. EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
I i *
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
.1 - 11 -
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION POPULAR IN HONG KONG ******
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION IS POPULAR IN HONG KONG AND OF SOME 3,100 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL PLACES AVAILABLE THIS ACADEMIC YEAR EACH PLACE WAS OVER-SUBSCRIBED FIVE AND A HALF TIMES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY MR. DANIEL WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS JOINT OPEN DAY.
+A PREVOCATIONAL LEAVER NOT ONLY HAS A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION, BUT ALSO WELL VERSED IN, AND HAS AN APTITUDE FOR, TECHNICAL SUBJECTS,* HE SAID.
EVERY YEAR ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL LEAVERS HAVE GONE ON TO FULL-TIME COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, MR. WATERS SAID.
ABOUT ANOTHER 38 PER CENT HAVE GONE INTO APPRENTICESHIPS LINKED WITH PART-TIME DAY STUDIES IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHILE ANOTHER 24 PER CENT CHOSE TO GO ON TO FURTHER STUDIES IN ANOTHER TYPE OF SCHOOL.
+ INDUSTRIAL I STS ARE KEEN TO EMPLOY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL LEAVERS,* HE SAID.
ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, MR. WATERS SAID i +AT THE PRESENT TIME, THREE NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR ARE IN THE PIPELINE, THIS MEANS THAT BY 1980 WE SHALL HAVE A TOTAL OF 13 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.*
HE ADDED THAT A FURTHER NINE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS MIGHT BE REQUIRED, NOTING THAT THIS TYPE OF EDUCATION WAS ESPECIALLY POPULAR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR. WATERS SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS NOW CONSIDERING PLANS TO ENABLE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED FORM 3 IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO GO ON TO FORMS 4 AND 5 IN THE SAME TYPE OF SCHOOLS.
+IT IS GENERALLY FELT THAT ALTHOUGH THE CURRICULA IN FORMS 4 AND 5 SHOULD LEAD TO THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION THE GENERAL CHARACTER OF PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION SHOULD BE RETAINED IN THE UPPER FORMS AND THERE SHOULD BE A STRONG EMPHASIS ON TECHNICAL SUBJECTS,* HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
12
♦REVOLUTION* IN THE BLIND WELFARE SCENE *****
A BLIND WOMAN SOCIAL WORKER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SPOKE OF A +REVOLUTION+ IN THE LOCAL BLIND WELFARE SCENE THAT HAD TRANSFORMED THE LIVES OF BLIND PEOPLE OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES.
ADDRESSING THE FIFTH ASIAN CONFERENCE ON WORK FOR THE BLIND AT LEE GARDENS HOTEL, MISS LUCY CHING, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S BLIND WELFARE UNIT, SAID THAT 30 YEARS AGO, PARENTS FACED WITH THE TRAUMATIC PROBLEM OF A BLIND CHILD WERE PRACTICALLY ON THEIR OWN.
BLIND PEOPLE AT THAT TIME GREW UP DEPRIVED, RESENTED, UNEDUCATED AND SEEN ONLY AS A FAMILY BURDEN, SAID MISS CHING IN HER TALK ON ♦EMPLOYMENT OF BLIND WOMEN+.
TODAY, SHE SAID, THEY WORK AND CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR FAMILY INCOME, LIVE NORMAL LIVES IN THE COMMUNITY AND HAVE RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES.
MISS CHING SAID THAT OVER THESE DECADES, THROUGH CONCERTED EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR, THE BLIND HAVE BEEN GRADUALLY PROVIDED WITH MORE FACILITIES IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSISTED IN FINDING JOBS.
SINCE 1968, SHE SAID, THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND JOBS FOR 400 VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE — ONE-THIRD OF WHOM ARE WOMEN — AND THEY WORK AS CLERKS, TELEPHONE OPERATORS, CLEANING WORKERS, MACHINE OPERATORS AND ASSEMBLERS.
♦I AM A BLIND WOMAN MYSELF, AND I THINK WE CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT WE HAVE PROVED OURSELVES TO BE HARDWORKING, CAPABLE OF BEING SELF-SUPPORTING AND OF REAL USE TO THE COMMUNITY OF WHICH WE ARE A PART,+ SHE SAID.
MISS CHING POINTED OUT THAT EDUCATION HAD BEEN THE MAINSPRING OF THE PAST YEARS’ IMPROVEMENTS — EDUCATION OF THE BLIND TO DO JOBS, AND OF THE COMMUNITY TO BE MORE TOLERANT AND UNDERSTANDING AND TO ACCEPT THAT BLIND PEOPLE ARE NOT A RACE APART TO BE FEARED AND AVOIDED.
♦BLIND PEOPLE ARE JUST ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO HAPPEN TO BE BLIND, AND WHO LIVE AND LAUGH, FALL IN LOVE AND GET MARRIED, AND NEED TO WORK FOR THEIR LIVING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE,+ SHE SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
" 13
YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE OPENED IN TUEN MUN
***** I '
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN SA IQ TODAY (FRIDAY) A NEW CONCEPT IN TOWN PLANNING HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO BETTER MEET THE NEEDS FOR WELFARE SERVICES IN NEW HOUSING ESTATES.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI HING CHRISTIAN YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S SERVICE CENTRE IN TUEN MUN, MR. SWEETMAN SAID WHENEVER A NEW HOUSING ESTATE WAS PLANNED, THE FUTURE DEMAND OF ITS RESIDENTS FOR WELFARE SERVICES WAS ASSESSED AND INCLUDED IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE ESTATE.
+ IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH SUCH ARRANGEMENTS, WELFARE SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE ONCE THE RESIDENTS MOVE INTO THE NEW ESTATES,* HE SAID.
THE NEW YOUTH CENTRE, PARTLY FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IS RUN BY THE FINNISH MISSIONARY SOCIETY TO SERVE YOUNG PEOPLE OF TAI HING ESTATE -THE SECOND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN.
MR. SWEETMAN SAID THE ESTATE WOULD EVENTUALLY HAVE A POPULATION OF OVER 54,000 AND YOUNGSTERS MOVING IN WOULD NATURALLY CREATE A DEMAND FOR WHOLESOME GROUP ACTIVITIES.
+WITH THE OPENING OF THE YOUTH CENTRE, THEY WILL BE GUIDED BY THE EXPERTISE OF ITS WORKERS WHO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES AS INTEREST GROUPS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSES AND OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AIMED AT TRAINING THEM TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND DEVELOPING THEIR LEADERSHIP POTENTIALS,* HE SAID.
HE PRAISED THE FINNISH MISSIONARY SOCIETY FOR ITS WORK IN THE FIELD OF WELFARE SERVICES, PARTICULARLY THE NEW YOUTH CENTRE WHICH ALREADY HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 400 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE DISTRICT.
IN RECENT YEARS, HE NOTED, THE SOCIETY HAS OPENED THE LING Ol YOUTH CENTRE, THE LING ON DAY NURSERY AND THE HON LOK RECREATION CENTRE ONE AFTER ANOTHER.
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/14
■ FR IDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
14
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL POSTAL BOOKING OPENS TODAY *****
A POSTAL BOOKING SERVICE FOR TICKETS TO TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES OPENS TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING THIS, THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR, MR. BENJAMIN TANG, SAID THE SERVICE WAS SPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS IN URBAN AREAS AND THOSE OUTSIDE TSUEN WAN TO MAKE ADVANCE BOOKINGS.
MR. TANG WENT ONi +IT COVERS ALL PERFORMANCES EXCEPT CANTONESE OPERA, CHIU CHOW OPERA AND THE POPULAR MUSIC CONCERT. THE LATTER IS ADMISSION FREE.+
THE FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HAS HAD A GREAT NUMBER OF BOOKING FORMS PRINTED FOR USE BY THE PUBLIC.
THEY ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEAD OFFICE AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
SAID MR. TANGi +PEOPLE MAKING USE OF THE SERVICE SHOULD SEND IN THEIR CHEQUES OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO ’THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’, TOGETHER WITH THE COMPLETED BOOKING FORMS.
+THEY SHOULD REACH THE FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE AT TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE, 93, HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE ON DECEMBER 20. +
LATE BOOKINGS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, HE SAID.
TICKETS TO ALL PERFORMANCES AND PRESENTATIONS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER 20 AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AT 10, CHUNG ON STREET, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
BOOKING ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 12-420747 AND 12-420324.
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>
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
I
- 15 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION * * * * * *
SEWAGE DISPOSAL IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED SOON.
TENDERS HAVE BEEN INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR ™ £0J?™UCTI0N 0F A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION NEAR TEXACO ROAD IN IwUtN WAii•
COMMENTING ON THIS PROJECT FOR THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR. WONG WAN-MING, CHIEF ENGINEER, DRAINAGE WORKS PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SAID THAT WITH THE PROGRESSIVE INCREASE IN &EUL£o™SEttSsl»TTRIAL 06VE,-0F’"ENT IN ™ AREA,S»EW FACILITIES1" TA -ru^L«^ECT WILL PROVIDE PUMPING FACILITIES TO CONVEY SEWAGE TO THE PROPOSED SCREENING PLANT AT PILLAR ISLAND, KWAI CHUNG FOR 2cFe*inBEING D,SCHARGED INTO DEEPER WATER IN THE RAMBLER LnANNtL,* HE SAID.
THE ENGINEERING WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AND 100 METRES OF TWIN 1800 MM DIAMETER PIPES LINKING THE SEWAGE SYSTEM IN TEXACO ROAD TO THE PROPOSED PUMPING STATION.
AB0UTC?6SH™"s°?0Wi0HPLE?E!NCE FEBRU‘R¥ NEXT ¥E<R ‘ND ™E
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
- 16 -
SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS *******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE SEVERAL SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO THE SHA TIN RACE-COURSE STATION FOR THE RACES TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND SUNDAY.
THESE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 12.31 P.M., 12.57 P.M. AND 1.12 P.M. TOMORROW AND AT 11.49 A.M., 12.40 P.M., 1.05 P.M. AND 1.29 P.M. ON SUNDAY.
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THERE WILL BE THREE SPECIAL TRAINS TO CONVEY PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE-COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION TOMORROW AND FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS ON SUNDAY. IN ADDITION. K.C.R. WILL RE-ROUTE THREE OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE-COURSE STATION AT 4.31 P.M., 6.42 P.M. AND 7.16 P.M. TOMORROW TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.
THE RUNNING TIME OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINS IS 20 MINUTES AND THEIR TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
A K.C.R. SPOKESMAN ENCOURAGED THOSE GOING TO THE RACE-COURSE BY PRIVATE CARS TO MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM STATION MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK ABOVE THE KOWLOON STATION.
HE ALSO REMINDED PEOPLE GOING ON PICNIC ON THESE TWO DAYS OF THE SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT OF THE TIMETABLES ON THEIR RETURN JOURNEYS TO THE URBAN AREA.
THE REVISED TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAINS BETWEEN THE PERIODS FROM 11 A.M. TO 11 P.M. TOMORROW AND SUNDAY ARE AS FOLLOWi
TOMORROW (SATURDAY) — FROM KOWLOON STATION: 11.09 A.M., 12.11 P.M., 1.22 P.M., 2.20 P.M., 3.07 P.M., 3.54 P.M., 5.07 P.M., 5.38 P.M., 6.56 P.M., 7.46 P.M., 8.32 P.M., 9.21 P.M., AND 11 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION: 10.52 A.M., 11.51 A.M., 12.49 P.M., 1.43 P.M., 3 P.M., 3.38 P.M., 4.35 P.M., 5.48 P.M., 6.28 P.M., 7.25 P.M., 8.27 P.M. AND 9.28 P.M.
SUNDAY (DECEMBER 10) — FROM KOWLOON STATION: 9.56 A.M., 10.25 A.M., 11.13 A.M., 12.15 P.M., 1.12 P.M., 2.02 P.M. 2.54 P.M., 3.57 P.M., 5 P.M., 6.29 P.M., 7.15 P.M., 7.54 P.M., 8.35 P.M., 9.45 P.M. AND 11 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION: 10.10 A.M., 11.05 A.M., 11.57 A.M., 12.52 P.M., 1.58 P.M., 2.53 P.M. 3.39 P.M., 4.23 P.M., 5.24 P.M., 6.35 P.M., 7.50 P.M., 8.33 P.M. AND 9.25 P.M.
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/17
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978
- 17 - '
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE EXTENDED ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE EXISTING 24-HOUR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE IN JARDINE’S BAZAAR, CAUSEWAY BAY, WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARDS BY ABOUT 164 FEET FROM 10 A.M.'oN TUESDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE AREA.
UNDER THE NEW RESTRICTION, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ARE .PBOH Bl TED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS ALONG THIS SECTION
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL NEW PROHIBITED ZONE.
BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE
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1
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTEGRATED POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SYSTEM ............... 1
OVER $4,300 MILLION IN TAXES COLLECTED LAST FINANCIAL YEAR............................................ 3
GOVERNOR OPENS BOATING FESTIVAL .......................... 4
HONG KONG TO ATTEND TRANSPORT SEMINAR IN BANGKOK ......... 5
SHA TIN RAIL STATION MOVES WEST........................... 5
CAR NUMBERS AUCTION REALISES $595,800 .................... 6
REFUSE BALING PLANT READY FOR TRIAL RUN .................. 7
TSI NG Yl SITE AWARDED TO SHIPYARD........................ 8
LABOUR COMMISSIONER TO VISIT ABERDEEN TUNNEL SITE ........ 8
FIRING PRACTICE 4...................................... 9
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO HOLD FUN FAIR..................... 9
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE ON PENG CHAU................ 10
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
INTEGRATED POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SYSTEM *******
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THE TIME HAD COME TO DESIGN AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION WHICH WOULD HAVE DIVERSIFIED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNIT IES, MEET THE PRACTICAL NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND SOCIETY, AND BE WITHIN THE MEANS TO PROVIDE.
SPEAKING AT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE’S 19TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY MR. HO SAID IT WAS THIS GENERAL INTENT WHICH HAD BEEN TRANSLATED INTO SPECIFIC PROPOSALS IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
THESE PROPOSALS WOULD ENABLE THE COMMUNITY ASSETS REPRESENTED BY THE BAPTIST COLLEGE AND THE OTHER TWO APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES IF THEY TOO ELECTED TO ACCEPT THE GOVERNMENT’S AID SCHEME TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS MEETING GOVERNMENT’S EXPANSION TARGETS ABOVE FORM V LEVEL.
+OUR AIM FOR THE BAPTIST COLLEGE IS THAT THE GOOD WORK YOU HAVE BEEN DOING TO DATE LARGELY ON YOUR OWN (EXCEPT FOR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IN THE FREE GRANT OF LAND FOR YOUR CAMPUS, LOW INTEREST LOANS TOTALLING $2.3 MILLION, AND A LIMITED STUDENT LOAN SCHEME) MAY BE STRENGTHENED WITH ANNUALLY RECURRENT GRANTS TO EASE YOUR DAY TO DAY WORRIES, SO THAT YOUR STANDARDS MAY BE FURTHER IMPROVED, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE RETENTION OF SUITABLE STAFF,+ MR. HO SAID.
+THIS REFERENCE TO IMPROVING STANDARDS IS NOT INTENDED AS ANY DISRESPECT TO YOU GRADUATES WE ARE HERE TO HONOUR TODAY, BUT RATHER THAT YOU, AS EDUCATED MEN AND WOMEN, WOULD WISH AND EXPECT THOSE WHO COME AFTER YOU TO ATTAIN GREATER HEIGHTS THAN YOURSELVES-BECAUSE THIS IS THE MEASURE OF PROGRESS FOR YOUR ALMA MATER,+ HE ADDED.
MR. HO SAID THE GRADUATES WOULD BE AWARE THAT AS PART OF THE PACKAGE PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE WAS ASKED TO RESTRUCTURE ITS COURSES.
+WE ARE ASKING THE COLLEGE TO ATTEMPT THIS RESTRUCTURING TO PROVIDE TWO-YEAR COURSES AT THE SIXTH-FORM LEVEL AND FURTHER TWO-YEAR COURSES LEADING TO PROFESSIONAL OR OTHER VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS WHERE APPROPRIATE, FOR IT IS IN THESE AREAS THAT SHORTFALLS EXIST OR MIGHT OTHERWISE ARISE.+
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE COLLEGE’S DESIRE TO PROVIDE A FURTHER ONE-YEAR COURSE FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING THE SECOND OF THE TWO-YEAR COURSES AND HAVING DEMONSTRATED THE ABILITY TO PROCEED TO A HIGHER AWARD.
IT RAISED NO OBJECTION TO THE COLLEGE DOING THIS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF ITS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
BUT THE GOVERNMENT IS UNABLE TO OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THIS FIFTH YEAR BECAUSE ITS TARGETS AT THIS LEVEL ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO BE MET BY OTHER PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS.
/MR. HO SAID ......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
2
MR. HO SAID THE COURSES UNDER THE NEW STRUCTURE WOULD BE RELATED TO THOSE IN PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS, AND THIS DEVELOPMENT WOULD FACILITATE THE GRANTING OF APPROPRIATE RECOGNITION FOR THE COLLEGE’S AWARDS.
THE TWO-YEAR COURSES AT THE SIXTH FORM LEVEL WOULD LEAD TO THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION OR A RECOGNISED EQUIVALENT EXAMINATION- THE COLLEGE MIGHT ALSO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR A NEW COURSE AND EXAMINATION WHICH THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY ACCEPTED AS BEING AT AN EQUIVALENT LEVEL.
POSSESSION OF THESE RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS WOULD ENABLE STUDENTS FROM THE COLLEGE, IF THEY SO CHOSE, TO PROCEED TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TO ENTER EMPLOYMENT AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL, OR TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AT THE COLLEGE.
MR. HO SAIDi +THOSE WHO CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES AT THE COLLEGE FOR THE SECOND TWO-YEAR COURSE MAY BE JOINED BY OTHER STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED A SUITABLE ADVANCED LEVEL COURSE ELSEWHERE.
+STUDENTS COMPLETING THIS COURSE MAY APPLY TO BE SELECTED BY THE COLLEGE FOR THE FURTHER ONE-YEAR COURSE REFERRED TO EARLIER, FOR WHICH I UNDERSTAND THE COLLEGE PROPOSES TO GRANT A DIPLOMA WITH HONOURS,* HE SAID.
IT WAS NOT INTENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE SELECTION AND EXAMINATION PROCEDURES FOR THESE TERTIARY LEVEL COURSES, WHICH WOULD REMAIN MATTERS FOR THE COLLEGE.
HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE STATUS OF THE COLLEGE’S AWARDS WAS CLEAR, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO ARRANGE FOR INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENTS TO BE MADE OF THE STANDARD OF THE AWARDS PROVIDED BY THE COLLEGE IN RELATION TO THE AWARDS MADE BY THE POLYTECHNIC AND TO REVIEW ON THIS BASIS THE RECOGNITION GIVEN TO THOSE ENTERING GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
NEEDY STUDENTS ENTERING THE TWO-YEAR POST-FORM VI COURSES WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR GRANTS OF UP TO $2,000 PER ANNUM AND LOANS CF $2,400 PER ANNUM. STUDENTS CONTINUING ON THE OLD STRUCTURE COURSES AND THE FUTURE FIFTH YEAR COURSE SHOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR LOANS OF UP TO $4,400 A YEAR, EVEN THOUGH THE COLLEGES THEMSELVES WOULD NOT QUALIFY FOR ANY GRANT IN RESPECT OF SUCH COURSES.
MR. HO SAIDs +IN FRAMING THE WHITE PAPER PROPOSALS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN CARE NOT TO UNDERMINE THEIR STATUS AS PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS WITH A CONSIDERABLE MEASURE OF FREEDOM OVER CURRICULUM, SYLLABUSES AND STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS.*
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/3
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
5
OVER $4,300 MILLION IN TAXES * *
COLLECTED LAST FINANCIAL YEAR * * * *
COLLECTED $4,371.8 MILLION
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT .
IN REVENUE DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN $827.8 MILLION OR 23.4 PER CENT OVER
THE PREVIOUS YFAD
ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) THE BIGGEST PROPORTION OF REVENUE COLLECTED CAME FROM EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAX WHICH TOTALLED $3,357.2 MILLION FOR THE YEAR. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF $658.5 MILLION OR 24.4 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
OTHER MAJOR SOURCES OF REVENUE WEREt ESTATE DUTY ($109.7 MILLION), STAMP DUTY ($490 MILLION), ENTERTAINMENT TAX ($26.5 MILLION), BETTING DUTY ($336.3 MILLION), BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES ($32.7 MILLION) AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX ($19.4 MILLION).
THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE FILES FOR PEOPLE LIABLE TO SALARIES TAX ON MARCH 31, 1978 STOOD AT 293,573 , REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR OF 6.9 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A 22 PER CENT INCREASE IN 1976-77.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY THAT THE LOWER RATE OF INCREASE WAS DUE TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCES AND THE INCREASE IN CHILD ALLOWANCES WHICH WERE REFLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE 1976-77 FINAL ASSESSMENTS.
♦THE EFFECT OF THIS INCREASE IN PERSONAL ALLOWANCES WAS TO REMOVE SOME TAXPAYERS FROM, AND KEEP OTHER TAXPAYERS OUTSIDE, THE TAX NET,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INCREASED ALLOWANCES ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGE NUMBER (39,936) OF REFUNDS MADE DURING THE YEAR IN RESPECT OF SALARIES TAX, INVOLVING MORE THAN $14.1 MILLION. THERE WERE 11,337 REFUNDS AMOUNTING TO $8.3 MILLION DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF SALARIES TAXPAYERS HAVING AN INCOME OF NOT MORE THAN $3,000 PER MONTH ALSO DROPPED FROM 72.4 PER CENT IN 1976-77 TO 63.33 PER CENT IN 1977-78.
THE SPOKESMAN ATTRIBUTED THE DECLINE TO THE EXTRA ALLOWANCES AS WELL AS THE INCREASES IN INCOME WHICH MOVED TAXPAYERS OUT INTO HIGHER INCOME GROUPINGS.
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/4
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
GOVERNOR OPENS BOATING FESTIVAL K » * K H
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRAISED THE HONG KONG YACHTING ASSOCIATION FOR ITS GOOD WORK IN PROMOTING THE POPULARITY OF SAILING AND BOATING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG BOATING FESTIVAL, SIR MURRAY SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL WHICH IS A JOINT SPONSOR OF THE FESTIVAL AND THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE STOOD READY TO HELP PROMOTE THIS SPORT IN ANY WAY THEY COULD.
THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL IS +YOUTH TRAINING* AND IT INVOLVES A SPONSORSHIP SCHEME TO WIDEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SAIL. A NUMBER OF MAJOR COMPANIES WILL PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOATS FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG BOATING FESTIVAL.
+THE BOATING FESTIVAL IS AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO HONG KONG SPORTING LIFE. OUR CONDITIONS ARE IDEAL FOR BOATING AND SAILING, AND THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THOSE WHO ALREADY ENJOY THE SEA TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO.
+THE THEME OF THIS FESTIVAL IS ’YOUTH TRAINING’. IT INVOLVES A SPONSORSHIP SCHEME TO WIDEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SAIL. A NUMBER OF MAJOR COMPANIES WILL PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOATS, AND THIS MORNING THERE ARE ALREADY SIX BOATS READY AND WAITING FOR PROSPECTIVE YOUNG LEARNERS.
+1 CONGRATULATE THE HONG KONG YACHTING ASSOCIATION ON ITS GOOD WORK IN PROMOTING THE POPULARITY OF SAILING AND BOATING, THROUGH THIS FESTIVAL AND IN OTHER WAYS. THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, AND I FEEL SURE THE URBAN COUNCIL TOO, WHICH IS A JOINT SPONSOR OF THE FESTIVAL, STAND READY TO HELP IN ANY WAY THEY CAN.
+1 NOW TAKE PLEASURE IN COMMISSIONING THESE BOATS FOR USE AND WISH THE YOUTH SAIL TRAINING SCHEME EVERY SUCCESS.*
- 0 -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978 - 5 -
HONG KONG TO ATTEND TRANSPORT SEMINAR IN BANGKOK ft ft ft ft ft ft
TWO SENIOR TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS WILL LEAVE FOR BANGKOK THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING TO ATTEND A 12-DAY SEMINAR ON URBAN TRANSPORT PLANNING ORGANISED BY THE GERMAN FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
THEY ARE MR. PETER MILLER. ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WHO WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON +URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION IN HONG KONG+, AND MR. CHOY HON-LEUNG, SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER, WHO WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON +PARKING IN HONG KONG.+
SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICIALS FROM BANGLADESH, INDIA, INDONESIA, SOUTH KOREA, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA AND THAILAND WILL ALSO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
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SHA TIN RAIL STATION MOVES WEST ft ft ft ft ft
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM TUESDAY (DECEMBER 12) THE SHA TIN STATION WILL BE TEMPORARILY RESITED TO A LOCATION ABOUT 25 METRES TO THE WEST OF THE PRESENT STATION TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 1O-STOREY STATION BLOCK.
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW STATION BLOCK IS PART OF THE RAILWAY’S MODERNISATION PROGRAMME.
HE ADDED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE NEW SHA TIN STATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1980.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT FACILITIES IN THE TEMPORARY STATION ARE BETTER THAN THE EXISTING ONE. THERE WILL ALSO BE FOOTPATHS LEADING FROM EITHER SIDE OF THE STATION TO THE STATION PLATFORM.
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/6
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
6
CAR NUMBERS AUCTION REALISES $595,800
******
TWENTY-THREE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $595,800 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 6 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $330,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER BP 1 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $57,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS BW 809 FOR $1,600.
THE OTHER SPECIAL FOLLOWING PRICES! REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE
XX 47 5,500 BW 1818 15,000 BW 633 7,000
BM 595 3,000 BV 8388 4,000 BW 663 5,000
BV 595 5,500 BW 238 5,900 BW 728 3,200
BV 3333 23,000 BW 288 9,000 BW 983 1,900
BW 1 53,000 BW 328 30,000 BW 1112 1,900
BW 123 13,000 BW 338 10,400 BW 2228 4,000
BW 357 2,100 BW 3338 4,500
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS CF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 40TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $8,857,232.
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/7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
7
REFUSE BALING PLANT READY FOR TRIAL RUN * * * *
HONG KONG’S FIRST HIGH DENSITY SOLID WASTE BALING PLANT AT SA! TSO WAN IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE READY FOR TRIAL RUN LATER THIS MONTH.
MR. WONG KWOK-CHOY, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, SAID THAT WORK ON INSTALLING ELECTRICAL AND ------------------------
*
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE PLANT
WAS ALMOST COMPLETE.
BALING WAS A TREATMENT PROCESS WHEREBY
HE SAID HIGH DENSITY REFUSE WAS COMPACTED IN A
, ---- HYDRAULIC PRESS TO FORM BALES OF ABOUT
1-1/2 CUBIC METRES IN VOLUME AND 1-1/2 TONNES IN WEIGHT.
THE REFUSE WOULD THEREFORE BE MORE CONVENIENT TO BE TRANSPORTED BY ROAD, RAIL OR SEA TO CONTROLLED TIPPING SITES.
MEANWHILE, WORK IS RACING AHEAD ON THE 347.5 MILLION REFUSE COMPOSTING PLANT IN CHAI WAN.
CONSTRUCTION IS NOW WELL ADVANCED WITH TRIAL RUNS DUE EARLY NEXT YEAR.
MR. IVAN D’SOUZA, SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE, SAID INSTALLATION OF THE 20-T0NNE DIGESTOR MAIN SHAFT FOR THE CHAI WAN PLANT WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY FOLLOWING CAREFUL PLANNING BY THE E ’
AND M OFFICE AND THE JAPANESE CONTRACTOR
THE FABRICATED STEEL IC METRES IN DIAMETER AND 200 TONNES OF REFUSE.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF LAND, THE PULVERISING AND IN HONG KONG.
DIGESTOR WHICH HOUSES THE MAIN SHAFT IS
15 METRES IN HEIGHT. IT CAN ACCOMMODATE
ABOUT 9,300 SQUARE METRES ON RECLAIMED COMPOSTING PLANT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND
+THE COMPOSTING PROCESS INVOLVES THE TREATMENT OF SOLID WASTE THROUGH GRADUAL DECOMPOSITION INTO HYGIENICALLY SAFE, INERT AND INOFFENSIVE MATERIAL,* MR. D’SOUZA SAID.
+THIS METHOD OF WASTE DISPOSAL DOES NOT PRODUCE ANY ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION AND THE COMPOSTED WASTES MAY BE USED AS INTERMEDIATE AND FINAL COVER MATERIAL IN CONTROLLED TIPPING.*
THE NEW PLANT REPRESENTS A MAJOR STEP IN THE P.W.D.’S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP BETTER AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF DISPOSING OF REFUSE.
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/8
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
8
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TSI NG Yl SITE AWARDED TO SHIPYARD *****
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF A SHIPPING FIRM WILL SIGN THE CONDITIONS OF GRANT FOR A 9.6-HECTARE SHIPYARD SITE AT TSI NG Yl ISLAND ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 11).
THE SIGNING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, FOURTH FLOOR, HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON AT 3 P.M.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
LABOUR COMMISSIONER TO VISIT ABERDEEN TUNNEL SITE
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON WILL VISIT THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION SITE ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 12).
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT.
TO RESPECT TUNNELLING TRADITION HELD BY WORKERS THAT NO WOMEN SHOULD ENTER A TUNNEL UNDER CONSTRUCTION IT WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED IF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE SHOULD BE A MAN.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. A LAND ROVER AND A SALOON CAR WILL LEAVE THE LEE GARDENS HOTEL IN HYSAN AVENUE AT 2.10 P.M. TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TUNNEL SITE.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
9
FIRING PRACTICE
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
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
DECEMBER 11 (MONDAY) 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.
DECEMBER 13 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
DECEMBER 14 (THURSDAY) 9 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO
*****
HOLD FUN FAIR
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CELEBRATE ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH A FUN FAIR.
THE FAIR WILL BE HELD IN THE MURRAY ROAD OPEN AIR CAR PARK FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
THERE WILL BE 12 GAMES STALLS MANNED BY VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WITH SHOWS PROVIDED BY THE POLICE DOG UNIT, TELEVISION ARTISTES, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES BAND AND T«E GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES MOBILE STREET THEATRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S FUN FAIR IN MURRAY ROAD OPEN AIR CAR PARK FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M. TOMORROW.
/w....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1978
10 >
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE ON PENG CHAU
******
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL OPERATE AT THE PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE’S OFFICE FOR THREE DAYS FROM DECEMBER 19 TO 21.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY DURING THESE THREE DAYS.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARDS BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT, RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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h
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WEATHER IN NOVEMBER — FINE AND MILD....................... 1
LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT KNITWEAR FACTORY ................. 2
MORE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS BEING RECRUITED ........... 3
SHORT COURSES ON CHINESE CULTURE ......................... 4
SCHOOL ACCESS ROAD CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS ............. 5
WATER CUT ..............................................
5
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1978
1
WEATHER IN NOVEMBER — FINE AND MILD
* * * *
THE MAINLY FINE AND MILD WEATHER LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER) WAS FAIRLY NORMAL AND QUITE SEASONABLE, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER SUMMARY ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (SUNDAY).
FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES WERE REPORTED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC BUT NONE AFFECTED HONG KONG.
APART FROM SOME LIGHT RAIN PATCHES ON NOVEMBER 7, THE
FIRST NINE DAYS WERE MAINLY FINE. RAIN ALSO DEVELOPED ON NOVEMBER 10 AND SOME THUNDERSTORMS WERE REPORTED IN THE EVENING AS A WEAK COLD FRONT SLOWLY APPROACHED HONG KONG.
THE WEATHER GRADUALLY IMPROVED THE FOLLOWING DAY AS THE COLD FRONT MOVED AWAY AND DURING THE NEXT THREE DAYS IT WAS MOSTLY FINE.
A PERIOD OF RAIN WAS AGAIN EXPERIENCED ON NOVEMBER 15 AS AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE MOVED WESTWARD ACROSS THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. CONDITIONS BECAME FINE ON NOVEMBER 16 AND REMAINED FINE AND DRY FOR MOST PART OF THE MONTH WITH THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 26.4 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR THE MONTH RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 17.
BUT COOLER WEATHER DEVELOPED ON THE LAST FOUR DAYS OF THE MONTH WITH THE PASSAGE OF A WEAK SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ON NOVEMBER 26. TEMPERATURES FELL TO A MINIMUM OF 13.6 DEGREES CELSIUS ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 29, THE LOWEST RECORDED IN THE MONTH.
THE DRY WEATHER RESULTED IN THE ISSUE OF FIRE DANGER . WARNINGS ON TEN OCCASIONS.
THERE WAS ALSO NO DIVERSION OF AIRCRAFT FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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/2
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1978
2
LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT KNITWEAR FACTORY * * * *
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT ONE OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST KNITWEAR FACTORIES ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 12).
SIR MURRAY AND LADY MACLEHOSE TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY BY PAYING REGULAR V SITS TO LOCAL FACTORIES OF ALL SIZES AND REPRESENTING ALL INDUSTRIES.
ON THIS OCCASION LADY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT HONG KONG MILO’S KNITWEAR FACTORY LTD IN KWAI CHUNG. THE FACTORY, WHICH HAS A STAFF OF 550, IS LOCATED IN MILO’S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN TAI YUEN STREET.
IT PRODUCES WOOLLEN AND ACRYLIC KNITWEAR TO THE EEC, PARTICULARLY TO WEST GERMANY.
FOR EXPORT MAINLY
DURING THE VISIT, LADY MACLEHOSE WILL BE SHOWN THE FULL RANGE OF MILO’S OPERATIONS, FROM DYEING, KNITTING FROM YARN, LOOPING CUTTING AND SEWING, FINISHING UP, TO PACKAGING, BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR. FRANK LIN.
ALSO ACCOMPANYING HER ON THE HOUR-LONG VISIT WILL BE AN OFFICER OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, FR. THOMAS YIU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER LADY MACLEHOSE’S VISIT TO MILO’S KNITWEAR FACTORY LTD IN TAI YUEN STREET, KWAI CHUNG AT 3 P.M. ON TUESDAY. AN INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, MRS. ELLA TAM, WILL BE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE FACTORY AT 2*45 P M TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE PRESS.
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/3
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1978
3
MORE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS BEING RECRUITED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF RECRUITING MORE THAN 70 LANGUAGE OFFICERS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR TO COPE WITH THE WORKLOAD ASSOCIATED WITH THE GROWING USAGE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT BUSINESS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS (CHINESE LANGUAGE), MRS. KATHERINE FOK, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS INCREASED TO 245 -- MORE THAN DOUBLE THAT IN 1971.
+HALF OF THE ADDITIONAL POSTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL ™R ^AmrsAL?okADsa?dEN FILLED AND THE rest will be taken UP — ADDIT’ON, MRS. FOK SAID, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING ™ CREAJE M0RE SENI0R CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER POSTS IN VARIOUS ^5Te™I^.SUCH AS GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRA-nON, HOUSING, LABOUR AND THE POLICE TO IMPROVE THE CH,NESE LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNICATIONS WITH Inc rUBLIC•
+APART FROM THE STAFF INCREASE, INTENSIVE IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES ARE ORGANISED ANNUALLY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE TWO DIVERSITIES TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICE IN GOVERNMENT BUS INESS,+ SHE ADDED.
FOK POINTED OUT THAT ALL IMPORTANT PUBLIC DOCUMENTS OF COMMUNITY-WIDE INTEREST ARE NOW PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, INCLUDING THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET SPEECH, OTHER PUBLIC SPEECHES AT THE J^G’^LATIVE COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS ^nE^D^1GREE^PAPERS AND WHITE PAPERS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES «Lir?e C TY MATERIAL ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION xK V I C t o •
o.0N THE USE 0F CHINESE WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE, MRS. FOK GA'D ”ANr 'NTERNAL not|CES and documents affecting the benefit
0F CIVIL SERVANTS ARE ALSO PUBLISHED IN CHINESE. MOREOVER, MANY INTERNAL TRAINING COURSES ARE NOW CONDUCTED IN
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/4
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1978
4 -
SHORT COURSES ON CHINESE CULTURE * * * *
THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF SHORT COURSES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE.
THE COURSES, TO BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, WILL BE HELD FROM JANUARY TO MARCH, NEXT YEAR.
ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR TWO EVENINGS A WEEK FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M. AT EITHER QUEEN’S COLLEGE ON HONG KONG ISLAND OR GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON.
FEES FOR EACH COURSE WILL BE $42.50 PER MONTH.
MEANWHILE, CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A ONE-DAY COURSE TO HELP THEM IN THE SELECTION, DESIGN AND USE OF SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING MATERIALS.
ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE COURSE WILL BE HELD OVER THE NEW YEAR AND LUNAR NEW YEAR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
THE COURSE, WHICH IS FREE OF CHARGE, WILL CONSIST OF A TALK ON THE CHOICE OF SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING MATERIALS, A DEMONSTRATION OF TEACHING PROJECTS PRODUCED BY THE CENTRE, AND A WORKSHOP IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO DESIGN AND PRODUCE A TEACHING PROJECT.
AS PART OF THE COURSE, A SESSION WILL BE SPECIALLY ARRANGED AT A LATER DATE FOR THE DEMONSTRATION, EVALUATION AND MODIFICATION OF THE PROJECTS PRODUCED BY THE PARTICIPANTS.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1978
5
SCHOOL ACCESS ROAD CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT LFARNFR ON on*£R°e1B1TED FR0M ENTERING AND PRACTISING DRIVING
UNCTrnK?™ c?iDvcrA?'^G T0 QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL FROM ITS (DECEMBER*!3) SA STREET FR0M 10 A,M* 0N WEDNESDAY ^tho^ctc0PR,ATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE iKJ I UK I o To •
-----0------
WATER CUT * * *
uh । ^E^?{^RrSUPPLY T0 A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE CUT OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO FACILITATE WORK BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ROAD, FUNG WONG VILLAGE AND WONG
ARE THOSE IN SHA TIN PASS TAI SIN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW COMMUNITY ORGANISATION NEEDED TO MEET THE GROWTH OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN ....................................... 1
’PAY YOUR TAX ON TIME’ ADVICE ............................. 2
BUILDING SITE AT TSIM SHA TSUI SOLD FOR S149 MILLION .. 2
$92,894 MILLION IN TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR FIRST 10 MONTHS ................................................. 3
GOVERNMENT SIGNS CONDITIONS FOR $100 MILLION DOCKYARD PROJECT ON TSI NG Yl ...................................... 7
MR. FOU TS’ONG TO CONDUCT PIANO MASTER CLASS ............ 9
NEW CDO (EASTERN) TO MEET KA I FONG OFFICIALS .......... 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .............................. 10
WATER CUT
11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
1 -
NEW COMMUNITY ORGANISATION NEEDED TO MEET THE GROWTH OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN ******
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. GERRY HIGGINSON, TODAY (MONDAY) FORECAST THE GROWTH OF A NEW COMMUNITY ORGANISATION STRUCTURE TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
HE TOLD A NEW TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB MEETING THAT THE NEW ORGANISATION WOULD BE NEEDED TO COMPLEMENT EXISTING ORGANISATIONS WHICH WERE ALREADY DOING MUCH VALUABLE AND CONSTRUCTIVE WORK.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FIRST * IMPORTANT AND SUCCESSFUL* STEP IN THIS DIRECTION HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN WITH THE FORMATION OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
+THIS REGIONAL APPROACH HAS MUCH TO COMMEND, BUT IT WILL SHORTLY NEED TO BE COMPLEMENTED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WITH THE ASSISTANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT, ORGANISING ITSELF INTO REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS SO THAT A SOUND FRAME-WORK OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CAN BE BUILT TO BRING TOGETHER IN A DEVELOPING TOWN PEOPLE OF SIMILAR INTEREST,* MR. HIGGINSON SAID.
+THE SUCCESS OF THIS FORM OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RELIES ON THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE COMMUNITY LEADERS THEMSELVES --THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+l SEE, THEREFORE, THE NEED IN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO FOR THE FORMATION OF VARIOUS SHA TIN COMMUNITY AND LEISURE ORGANISATIONS AND, SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, THIS IS HOW WE SHALL PROCEED.*
HE CITED AS EXAMPLES DISTRICT-WIDE SPORTS AND ARTS ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTING THE VARIOUS INTERESTS OF SUCH ACTIVITIES AND BRINGING THEM UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF A CONTROLLING BODY CO-ORDINATING INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS.
BY DEVELOPING THIS TYPE OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATION FRAMEWORK, HE ADDED, THE VARIOUS REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS WOULD BE SUPPORTED BY ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTING SMALLER DISTRICTS OR PARTICULAR INTERESTS.
+THE AIM THEREFORE, MUST BE TO ASSURE THAT THERE IS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE COMING TO LIVE IN SHA TIN QUICK AND WELCOME MEMBERSHIP OF AN ORGANISATION, CLUB OR ASSOCIATION IN WHICH THEY HAVE A PARTICULAR INTEREST AND, BY SO DOING, ENABLING THEM TO MEET OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR INTERESTS.
+IN THIS WAY, THE INDIVIDUALS COMING INTO THE NEW TOWN CAN ACHIEVE THIS TRANSFORMATION FROM NEWCOMER TO BEING AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY.
+THE GOVERNMENT, FOR ITS PART, WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO ASSIST THIS DEVELOPMENT, BUT ITS SUCCESS HAS TO RELY ON THE DEDICATION, ENTHUSIASM AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS OF THE SHA TIN COMMUNITY.*
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/2.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
2
'PAY YOUR TAX ON TIME’ ADVICE * * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED SALARIES AND PROFITS TAXPAYERS WISHING TO PAY BY INSTALMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE FIRST PAYMENT IS MADE ON OR BEFORE THE DUE DATE SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES.
REFERRING TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S 1978-79 BUDGET SPEECH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT WITH EFFECT FROM THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, NOTICES FOR PAYMENT OF PROVISIONAL SALARIES AND PROFITS TAX WILL CARRY A WARNING THAT, IF THE FIRST INSTALMENT WAS NOT PAID BY THE DUE DATE, THE SECOND INSTALMENT WOULD AUTOMATICALLY BECOME DUE IMMEDIATELY.
♦THIS WILL BE STRICTLY APPLIED AND PLEAS OF OVERSIGHT WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED,+ THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, IF TAX WAS NOT PAID BY THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE MAY, UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, ORDER THAT A SUM OF UP TO FIVE PER CENT BE ADDED TO THE TOTAL TAX UNPAID AND THIS ADDITIONAL SURCHARGE WOULD ALSO BE IMMEDIATELY DUE FOR PAYMENT.
♦TAXPAYERS ARE INFORMED THAT THE SURCHARGE WILL BE ADDED IF TAX IS NOT PAID ON OR BEFORE THE DUE DATE, UNLESS EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES ARE SHOWN IN ANY CASE.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PAYMENTS MAY BE MADE AT THE THREE COLLECTION OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OR BY POST BY SENDING A CROSSED CHEQUE WITH THE DEMAND NOTE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, G.P.O. BOX 132, HONG KONG. ’
0 --------
BUILDING SITE AT TSIM SHA TSUI SOLD FOR $145 MILLION
* X * *
A BUILDING SITE AT THE CORNER OF HING CHEUNG ROAD AND MING KWONG ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON, WAS SOLD FOR $145 MILLION AT AN AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SALE PRICE IS EQUIVALENT TO $61,702.13 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE SITE, FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, WAS BOUGHT BY ROCOCO ESTATES LTD. AND MOON COURT LTD.
TWO OTHER LOTS, BOTH FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL USES, WERE ALSO SOLD.
ONE OF THEM, AT NO. 287-289 RECLAMATION STREET, KOWLOON, WAS BOUGHT BY KOON HO CO. LTD. FOR $4.1 MILLION.
THE OTHER, AT QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, WAS SOLD TO RUDYARD ESTATES LTD. FOR $49 MILLION.
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/3....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
- 3 -
392,894 MILLION IN TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR FIRST 10 MONTHS ********
HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS THIS YEAR WAS 392,894 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 23 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1977, ACCORDING TO EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 19 PER CENT TO 343,154 MILLION, DUE TO INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS ($32,582 MILLION, UP 15 PER CENT) AND RE-EXPORTS (310,572 MILLION, UP 32 PER CENT). IMPORTS ALSO ROSE BY 26 PER CENT TO $49,740 MILLION.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE:
JAN.-OCT.77 (HK$ MN)
JAN.-OCT.78 (HK$ MN)
INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN) CHANGE
U.S.A. 11,165 12,431 +1 .,266 +11
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,849 3,397 + 548 +19
UNITED KINGDOM 2,344 3,024 + 680 +29
JAPAN 1,138 1,436 + 298 +26
AUSTRAL 1A 1,048 1,206 + 158 +15
CANADA 965 1,019 + 54 + 6
SINGAPORE 730 868 + 138 +19
THE NETHERLANDS 591 710 ♦ 119 +20
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 461 549 + 88 +19
NIGERIA 351 497 + 146 +41
EXPORTS TO U.S.A. ROSE BY 11 PER CENT, MAINLY DUE TO INCREASED DELIVERIES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ($5,145 MILLION, +15 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($791 MILLION, +12 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($628 MILLION, +50 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECLINES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($1,021 MILLION, -3 PER CENT), RADIO RECEIVERS ($497 MILLION, -37 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE YARN AND FABRICS ($362 MILLION, -11 PER CENT).
INCREASED EXPORTS TO F.R. OF GERMANY WERE BOOSTED BY A RISE IN SHIPMENTS OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ($2,016 MILLION, +20 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS, SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT ($366 MILLION, +10 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($149 MILLION, +124 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS ($117 MILLION, +39 PER CENT).
/shipments.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
- 4
SHIPMENTS OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING (Si,547 MILLION, +33 PER CENT) FABRICS ($318 MILLION, +31 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (3201 MILLION, +99 PER CENT) TO THE UNITED KINGDOM ALSO ROSE.
DELIVERIES APPAREL AND CLOTHING TO JAPAN, AT $422 MILLION, INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT AND THOSE TO SINGAPORE, AT $105 MILLION, INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT. AS FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS, THE RISE IN SHIPMENTS TO JAPAN WAS 80 PER CENT, REACHING $93 MILLION WHILE THAT TO SINGAPORE WAS 34 PER CENTG, REACHING $63 MILLION.
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION IS PRESENTED BELOW:
JAN.-OCT.77 JAN.-OCT.78 INCREASE/ DECREASE PERCENTAGE
(HKS MN.) (HK$ MN.) (HKS MN.) CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND 11,227 CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 12,675 +1,448 +13
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS 4,721 AND DOLLS) 5,347 + 626 +13
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, 1,648 WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,518 + 870 +53
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING 2,288 APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,272 - 15 - 1
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES 2,174 AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,242 + 67
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS, 1,411 DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 1,704 + 292 +21
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN EXPORTS OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
($12,675 MILLION, +13 PER CENT), wATCHES AND CLOCKS ($2,093 MILLION, +61 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS ($1,695 MILLION, +10 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($888 MILLION, +19 PER CENT) AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS ($739 MILLION, +27 PER CENT). THESE INCREASES HAD MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECLINES IN EXPORTS OF RADIO RECEIVERS ($1,240 MILLION, -30 PER CENT), TEXTILE YARN ($290 MILLION, -18 PER CENT), TEXTILE MADE-UP ARTICLES ($257 MILLION, -8 PER CENT) AND PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENTS ($102 MILLION, -31 PER CENT).
/the changes.....
MONDAY, DECETffiSH 11, 1978
5 -
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE:
JAN.-OCT.77 JAN.-OCT.78 INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) CHANGE
JAPAN 9,215 11,362 +2,147 +23
CHINA 6,454 8,315 +1,860 +29
U.S.A. 5,020 6,090 +1,070 +21
TAIWAN 2,673 3,328 + 655 +25
SINGAPORE 2,418 2,618 + 200 + 8
UNITED KINGDOM 1,764 2,301 + 537 +30
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,178 1,631 + 453 +38
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 1,031 1,612 + 581 +56
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,354 1,408 + 54 + 4
AUSTRALIA 780 1,021 + 240 +31
DELIVERIES FROM JAPAN WERE 23 PER CENT HIGHER IN VALUE, WITH INCREASED ARRIVALS OF TEXTILE FABRICS ($1,524 MILLION, +21 PER CENT). WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($993 MILLION, +29 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($972 MILLION, +40 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS, SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT ($829 MILLION, +30 PER CENT) AND ROAD VEHICLES ($687 MILLION, +59 PER CENT).
IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE 29 PER CENT HIGHER, DUE MAINLY TO A RISE IN SHIPMENTS OF TEXTILE FABRICS ($891 MILLION, +91 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS ($604 MILLION, +60 PER CENT), AND APPAREL AND CLOTHING ($477 MILLION, +34 PER NENT). INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN IMPORTS OF FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS LIVE ANIMALS ($954 MILLION, +5 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($600 MILLION, +20 PER CENT), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS ($395 MILLION, +22 PER CENT), CEREALS ($331 MILLION, +16 PER CENT) AND AND MOLLUSCA ($313 MILLION, +12 PER CENT).
FISH, CRUSTACEANS
SHIPMENTS FROM U.S.A. ROSE BY 21 PER CENT, REFLECTING HIGHER DELIVERIES OF TEXTILE FIBRES ($712 MILLION, +30 PER CENT), PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($598 MILLION, +73 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($513 MILLION, +12 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($490 MILLION, +13 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($449 MILLION, +22 PER CENT), TOBACCO ($261 MILLION, +37 PER CENT) AS WELL AS LEATHER AND DRESSED FURSKINS ($148 MILLION, +26 PER CENT).
/the lahgs.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
- 6 -
THE LARGE AMOUNT OF DELIVERIES OF TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS AND MADE-UP ARTICLES (31,330 MILLION, +14 PER CENT) ACCOUNTED FOR THE 25 PER CENT GROWTH IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN, WHILE INCREASED ARRIVALS OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (3218 MILLION, +27 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($132 MILLION, +72 PER CENT) TOGETHER WITH PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES (376 MILLION, +27 PER CENT) ACCOUNTED FOR AN 8 PER CENT INCREASE IN ARRIVALS FROM SINGAPORE.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS:
JAN.-OCT. 77 (HK$ MN.) JAN.-OCT.78 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND DIAMONDS) 11,795 16,114 +4,319 +37
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 7,740 9,654 +1,914 +25
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES 5,010 AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 6,818 +1,808 +36
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 5,908 6,594 + 686 +12
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,967 3,720 + 753 +25
DELIVERIES OF NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 64 PER CENT, MAINLY DUE TO LARGER SHIPMENTS OF PEARLS, IN VALUE PRECIOUS
AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($3,330 MILLION, +73 PER CENT). INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN IMPORTS OF FABRICS ($4,294 MILLION, +34 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($3,020 MILLION, +24 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($2,394 MILLION, +37 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL ($1,617 MILLION, +45 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES ($1,131 MILLION, +44 PER CENT) AS WELL AS FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($1,627 MILLION, +22 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECLINE WAS RECORDED IN ARRIVALS OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT ($247 MILLION, -37 PER CENT) AND COFFEE, TEA, COCOA AND SPICES ($190 MILLION, -26 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED ON AN UPWARD TREND.
THERE WERE INCREASES IN DEMAND FROM JAPAN ($1,885 MILLION, +69 PER CENT), SINGAPORE ($1,114 MILLION, +30 PER CENT), INDONESIA ($1,354 MILLION, +26 PER CENT), U.S.A. ($999 MILLION, +42 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN ($961 MILLION, +38 PER CENT).
/the most.....
MONDAY, DECBffiEH 11, 1978
- 7 -
THE MOST DOMINANT RE-EXPORT ITEMS INCLUDED PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($1,442 MILLION, +52 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($720 MILLION, +21 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS ($631 MILLION, +58 PER CENT), CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS ($579 MILLION, +33 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($526 MILLION, +28 PER CENT), APPAREL AND CLOTHING ($376 MILLION, +49 PER CENT) AND ALSO ROAD VEHICLES ($227 MILLION, +63 PER CENT).
THE TRADE INDEX NUMBERS FOR SEPTEMBER, 1978 (1973-100) WERE RELEASED AS FOLLOWS:
VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 230 141 163
IMPORTS 228 144 158
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR SEPTEMBER WAS 98.
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GOVERNMENT SIGNS CONDITIONS FOR $100 MILLION DOCKYARD PROJECT ON TSI NG Yl ******
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED THE SITE ON THE WEST COAST OF CONSORTIUM PLANS TO BUILD
FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD. CONDITIONS OF GRANT FOR A 9.6-HECTARE TSI NG Yl ISLAND WHERE A LOCALLY-BASED A $100 MILLION SHIPYARD COMPLEX.
THE COMPANY, EUROASIA DOCKYARD ENTERPRISE AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED — A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN ISLAND NAVIGATION CORPORATION LTD. AND CHUNG WAH SHIPBUILDING AND ENGINEERING CO LTD. — PLANS TO START WORK ON THE PROJECT IMMEDIATELY.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GRANTED THE AREA — MOST OF IT SEA BED — ON A PRIVATE TREATY BASIS IN LINE WITH THE POLICY OF ENCOURAGING HWUSTR IAL%ASEH-TECHN°LOGY ,NDUSTRY T0 BROADEN HONG KONG’S
SIGNING ON BEHALF OF EUROASIA WERE MR. C.H. TUNG, CHAIRMAN OF EUROASIA AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ISLAND NAVIGATION, AND MR. PETER WONG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CHUNG WAH.
/MR. TODD......
MONDAY, DSCEMBER 11, 1978
8
MR. TODD SAID LATER THE COMPANY PLANNED TO BUILD A MAJOR DOCKYARD COMPLEX CAPABLE OF BUILDING MARINE VESSELS OF UP TO 15,003 TONS DEADWEIGHT.
♦MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FACILITIES FOR LARGER SEA-GOING VESSELS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMPANY’S 100,000 TONS DEADWEIGHT FLOATING DOCK, THE CHUNG SHAN, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN POSITIONED NEAR THE MAIN SITE,* MR. TODD SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEA WALLS AND EXTENSIVE RECLAMATION WOULD BE REQUIRED TO FORM THE SITE, AND THIS WOULD BE THE COMPANY’S FIRST PRIORITY.
ANCILLARY WORKS INCLUDED BUILDING AN ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM THE MAIN WEST COAST DISTRIBUTOR LINK SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION LATE NEXT YEAR.
+THE CONDITIONS OF GRANT STIPULATE THAT SITE FORMATION WORK MUST BE COMPLETED IN 84 MONTHS, AND THE COMPANY INFORMS US THAT IT EXPECTS TO FINISH THIS WELL WITHIN THAT PERIOD,* MR. TODD SAID.
+WHILE THE COMPANY HAS NOT YET DETAILED ITS FINAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS, IT EXPECTS TO SPEND ABOUT $100 MILLION TO ACCOMMODATE THE MANY INTER-RELATED FUNCTIONS REQUIRED WITHIN A SHIP BUILDING/ REPAIR ING COMPLEX.
+ONE OF THE MAJOR EXPENDITURES WILL BE ON A SHIPBUILDING BERTH, WHICH EUROASIA SEES AS ONE OF THE MAINSTAYS OF ITS OPERATION
+IT WILL BE DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF BOTH CONVENTIONAL VESSELS AND THE MORE SPECIALISED FORMS OF MARINE TRANSPORT REQUIRED BY THE OIL INDUSTRY.
+ALSO IN THE PLANS ARE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS AND OTHER INSTALLATIONS PROVIDING THE SOPHISTICATED INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED IN AN OPERATION OF THIS TYPE.*
MR. TODD SAID EUROASIA PLANNED TO EMPLOY ABOUT 2,000 PEOPLE ON THE COMPLETED PROJECT -- +AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT VIEWPOINT AND ONE THAT FORMED AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE GRANT.*
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS VERY PLEASED THAT AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS, THE GRANT CONDITIONS HAD BEEN FINALISED AND THE COMPANY WAS READY TO GO AHEAD AT FULL STEAM.
HE SAID THE SIGNING MEANT THAT THREE BIG COMPANIES WOULD NOW BE BUILDING DOCKYARDS ON THE WEST COAST OF TSI NG Yl.
HONGKONG UNITED DOCKYARD AND YIU LIAN MACHINERY REPAIRING WORK LTD. WERE ALREADY WELL ADVANCED WITH SITE FORMATION WORK, AND WHEN ALL THREE COMPLEXES WERE IN OPERATION, +HONG KONG WILL HAVE A GREATLY EXPANDED CAPACITY FOR PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY IN THE FACE OF STRONG COMPETITION FROM OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.*
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
3
MR. FOU TS’ONG TO CONDUCT PIANO MASTER CLASS
* * * *
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE HAS INVITED WORLD-FAMOUS PIANIST, MR. FOU TS’ONG TO CONDUCT A PIANO MASTER CLASS AT 5.3'3 P.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 15) IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY CHAPEL, BAPTIST COLLEGE, WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
MR. FOU TS’ONG RECENTLY ARRIVED FROM ENGLAND TO GIVE TWO
CHARITY CONCERTS.
HIS PROGRAMME ON FRIDAY INCLUDES:
* CONCERTO NO. 18 IN B FLAT MAJOR, K456 ................ MOZART
* BALLADE NO. 3 IN A FLAT MAJOR OP. 47 ................. CHOPIN
* ETUDE NO. 2 IN A MINOR OP. 10 NO. 2 .................. CHOPIN
THE MASTER CLASS IS AIMED AT BROADENING THE MUSICAL SCOPE OF TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND. FREE ADMISSION CARDS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, NINTH FLOOR, ARTS CENTRE, WANCHAI ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BAS IS.
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NEW CDO (EASTERN) TO MEET KAIFONG OFFICIALS ******
THE NEW CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MR. CHARLES GATELY, WILL PAY A COURTESY VISIT TO THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING.
THIS IS MR. GATELY’S FIRST OFFICIAL CALL TO THE ASSOCIATION AFTER HIS NEW APPOINTMENT AS CDO FOR EASTERN DISTRICT AND IS PART OF A SERIES OF SCHEDULED VISITS TO KAIFONG BODIES AND CIVIC ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (LIAISON), MR. WILLIAM CHAN.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT COVERS VICTORIA PARK, NORTH POINT, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT OF THE NEW CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MR. CHARLES GATELY, TO THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION AT 135, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, AT 6 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
10 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN HEREFORD AND JUNCTION ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 12.30 A.M. TO 5.15 A.M. ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (DECEMBER 14-15).
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE A BEAMING LAUNCHING OPERATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CORNWALL STREET INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION.
ALL NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG THIS SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND HEREFORD ROAD TO TRAVEL VIA HEREFORD ROAD, RENFREW ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD TO REJOIN WATERLOO ROAD.
ALL SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD TO TRAVEL VIA JUNCTION ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TO REJOIN WATERLOO ROAD.
ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE ROUTE IS VIA JUNCTION ROAD, RENFREW ROAD, HEREFORD ROAD, LA SALLE ROAD, LANCASHIRE ROAD TO REJOIN WATERLOO ROAD.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD BETWEEN HING WAH STREET AND TONKIN STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 5.30 A.M. FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS STARTING WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 13) TO FACILITATE THE DEMOLITION OF THE FOOTBRIDGE NEAR FAT TSEUNG STREET IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
DURING THESE PERIODS, BUS ROUTE NOS. 4, 37, 44A, 45, 102 AND 105 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HING WAH STREET, LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND TONKIN STREET TO REJOIN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD ON EASTBOUND JOURNEYS.
FOR WESTBOUND JOURNEYS, BUS ROUTE NOS. 6B, 12, 12B, 31B, 33, 35A, 36A, 37, 44A, 45, 102 AND 105 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TONKIN STREET, UN CHAU STREET AND HING WAH STREET TO REJOIN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
TEMPORARY BUS STOPS WILL BE SET UP ALONG THE DIVERTED ROUTES.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FINDLAY ROAD ON THE PROHIBITED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING TWO TONS FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 15).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
PEAK WILL BE IN UNLADEN WEIGHT
IN ALL THESE AREAS
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/11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1978
11
WATER CUT * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 14) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY KA LOK STREET, SHU I WO STREET, HIP WO STREET AND YUET WAH STREET, INCLUDING TSZ LOI LANE, PING SHING LANE AND BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 11 OF WO LOK ESTATE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE....................................
INTENSIFIED SAFETY AT WORK PUBLICITY PROGRAMME 2
TO START IMMEDIATELY ........................................
NEW LOOK FOR ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR........................ 3
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF .
COMMENDATION.................................................
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ...................................• • 4
MEETING OF LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD FOR NEW TERRITORIES .................................................. 5
QUARTERLY BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT SURVEY ...................................................
BLACK'S LINK TRAFFIC ......................................... 6
SHORT-TERM TENANCY TINDERS INVITED ........................... 6
HK-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL PASSES ............................... 7
NEW 24-HOUR RESTRICTION ZONE.................................. 8
WATER CUT
8
TUESDAY, DEChXBER 12, 1978
1
STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ******
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED PROVISIONALLY THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND COMPOSITION OF THE NEW STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, SUBJECT TO THE OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF SIDE.
- THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. MART IN ROWLANDS, pUT THE PROPOSALS FOR THE NEW STANDING COMMISSION TO THE THREE MAIN STAFF ASSOCIATIONS THIS EVENING. THE VARIOUS POLICE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WILL BE CONSULTED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. ALL OTHER HEADS OF DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO CONSULT THE GRADE ASSOCIATIONS WITH WHOM THEY HAVE DEALINGS.
IN GENERAL TERMS, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE COMMISSION'S PRIME TASK SHOULD BE TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON THE PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE CIVIL SERVICE GRADE AND SALARY STRUCTURE, AND ON WAYS OF CARRYING OUT REGULAR REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL GRADES. THE COMMISSION WOULD OVERSEE SUCH REVIEWS, AND, AFTER DISCUSSION BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT, ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON POINTS AT ISSUE.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE COMMISSION SHOULD ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON THE MAIN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, AND ON PROCEDURES TO ENABLE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS TO REPRESENT THEIR VIEWS TO MANAGEMENT, AND TO THE COMMISSION.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE COMMISSION SHOULD HAVE A CHAIRMAN AND ABOUT FOUR TO SIX MEMBERS, ALL PART-TIME. ALL WOULD BE NORMALLY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG. NONE WOULD BE CIVIL SERVANTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDl *WE ARE ANXIOUS. TO GET THE STANDING COMMISSION WORKING JUST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*. THE COMMISSION’S STAFF ARE NOW BEING ASSEMBLED AND THE TARGET DATE FOR THE COMMISSION TO START WORK IS FEBRUARY, BUT MUCH WILL DEPEND ON THE SPEED WITH WHICH CONSULTATIONS WITH STAFF ASSOCIATIONS CAN BE COMPLETED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANY NEW PAY CLAIMS MADE BY INDIVIDUAL GRADES, TOGETHER WITH EXISTING CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT ALREADY BEEN PROCESSED TO AN ADVANCED STAGE WOULD BE PUT TO THE COMMISSION IN DUE COURSE. +ONE OF THE MAIN AIMS OF ESTABLISHING THE COMMISSION IS TO SUBSTITUTE A SYSTEMATIC, REGULAR REVIEW FOR THE PRESENT AD HOC APPROACH. AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME, THE COMMISSION WILL ANNOUNCE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAFF WISHING TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE COMMISSION*. .............
THE SPOKESMAN DESCRIBED THS SETTING UP OF THE.COMMISSION AS A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF RELATIONS WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE. *FOR THE FIRST TIME A PERMANENT, UNOFFICIAL BODY WILL ENSURE THAT THE SALARY AND STRUCTURE OF INDIVIDUAL GRADES IS REVIEWED REGULARLY AND SYSTEMATICALLY,* HE SAID. ^MOREOVER, WHERE STAFF AND THE OFFICIAL SIDE CANNOT AGREE, THE COMMISSION WILL ADVISE ON PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT THE STAFF CAN REPRESENT THEIR VIEWS TO THE COMMISSION BEFORE IT FORMULATES ITS ADVICE.*
HE SAID IN DUE COURSE AN ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE MADE CONCERNING THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
2
INTENSIFIED SAFETY AT WORK PUBLICITY PROGRAMME TO START IMMEDIATELY ft ft ft ft ft
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT AN INTENSIFIED LONG TERM PUBLICITY PROGRAMME ON SAFETY AT WORK WILL START IMMEDIATELY.
MR. HENDERSON WHO WAS VISITING THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL PROJECT SAID THE PROGRAMME WOULD BE AIMED AT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY.
IT WOULD INVOLVE NEWSPAPERS, TELEVISION, POSTERS, LEAFLETS, AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES STREET AND PUPPET THEATRES.
POSTERS WILL BE SENT TO ALL REGISTERED FACTORIES AND THE THEATRES WILL HOLD LUNCH TIME AND EVENING SHOWS IN THE MAIN INDUSTRIAL AREAS TO DRIVE THE SAFETY MESSAGE HOME.
QUOTING LAST YEAR’S FIGURES OF 136 PEOPLE KILLED IN FACTORIES AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND NEARLY 37,000 INJURED SERIOUSLY ENOUGH TO BE AWAY FROM WORK FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS, ffi. HENDERSON SAID HE COULD NOT BE SATISFIED WITH THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG CONTRACTORS AND INDUSTRIALISTS AS A WHOLE
HE SAIDi +MORE PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN OUR FACTORIES AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES THAN ON THE ROADS OF HONG KONG.
+THIS PRICE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND LARGELY AVOIDABLE. QUITE APART FROM THE HUMAN SUFFERING INVOLVED IN DEATH AND INJURY, THERE IS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL COST IN THE COMMUNITY.
♦IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT HONG KONG’S ONLY RESOURCE IS ITS SKILLED WORKER FORCE AND IT MAKES NO ECONOMIC SENSE TO SQUANDER THAT PRECIOUS RESOURCE. IT IS A MARK OF INDUSTRIAL INEFFICIENCY.+
MR. HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORS WERE UNTIRING IN THEIR EFFORTS TO BRING HOME TO INDUSTRY ITS LEGAL AND MORAL OBLIGATIONS TO HALT THIS HEAVY TOLL BUT ADMITTED THAT THE ADVICE THEY COULD GIVE AND THE ENFORCEMENT ACTION THEY COULD TAKE WERE NECESSARILY SPREAD THINLY OVER 42,000 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND 1,500 CONSTRUCTION SITES.
AFTER TOURING THE NORTH AND SOUTH PORTALS OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, MR. HENDERSON PRAISED THE CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROJECT FOR USING A SAFER EXPLOSIVE - WATERGEL - INSTEAD OF DYNAMITE IN THEIR WORK.
APART FROM THE SIGNIFICANT WIDENING OF SAFETY MARGINS ACHIEVED BY USING THIS NEW EXPLOSIVE, HE SAID, IT WAS ALSO SAFER TO STORE, TRANSPORT AND TO MANUFACTURE.
MR. HENDERSON SAID THAT HE WAS PLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE MANUFACTURE OF CARTRIDGED WATERGEL WOULD START IN HONG KONG SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.
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/3
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
3
NEW LOOK FOR ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR
* * *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S 1979 CALENDAR IS NOW WSALE IN A BIGGER AND BETTER FORMAT WHICH COMBINES HIGHER QUALITY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF FASCINATING INFORMATION ON METEOROLOGICAL MATTERS.
EXTENSIVELY ILLUSTRATED IN FULL COLOUR, THE CALENDAR COSTS $16 AND IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE G.P.O. BUILDING, CENTRAL, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND LEADING BOOKSHOPS.
THE BILINGUAL CALENDAR WAS PRODUCED JOINTLY BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WHICH PROVIDED THE DATA, AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WHICH CREATED THE NEW DESIGN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TWO DEPARTMENTS SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) t ♦THERE ARE ALREADY MANY PEOPLE WHO MAKE A HABIT OF BUYING THE CALENDAR EVERY YEAR BECAUSE OF ITS INFORMATIVE CONTENT.
♦THE NEW EDITION IS EXPECTED TO PROVE EVEN MORE POPULAR IN VIEW OF THE MUCH-IMPROVED FORMAT.
♦BESIDES BEING A VERY USEFUL SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR THOSE WITH A PROFESSIONAL INTEREST IN METEOROLOGICAL MATTERS IT IS JUST AS INTERESTING TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ACQUIRE AN EXTRA BIT OF BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE.
♦IT FULFILS ALL THE NORMAL FUNCTIONS OF A CALENDAR AS WELL AS PROVIDING A LOT OF OTHER INFORMATION.+
THERE ARE SEPARATE PAGES FOR EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR CONTAINING ILLUSTRATIONS AND TECHNICAL MATERIAL COVERING TOPICS SUCH AS WEATHER OBSERVATION VIA SATELLITE, RAIN AND AIR POLLUTION MEASUREMENT, SEA BREEZES, TYPHOON WINDS, AND THE 24 SOLAR TERMS.
A HONG KONG ASTRONOMER, MR. JOSEPH H.C. LIU, HAS CONTRIBUTED TWO PHOTOGRAPHS, TAKEN THROUGH A TELESCOPE, OF THE MOON SHOWING SURFACE FEATURES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION
******
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. M.J. ALEXANDER, WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION TO 22 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND 33 GOVERNMENT OFFICERS ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 14) IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR BRAVERY AND PUBLIC SPIRIT IN RESCUING PEOPLE FROM THE SEA.
THE OFFICERS ARE FROM THE MARINE, FIRE SERVICES AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS, AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.
THEY HAVE BEEN COMMENDED FOR RESCUING PEOPLE WHO TRIED TO COMMIT SUICIDE OR WHO FELL INTO THE HARBOUR DURING THE PAST YEAR. AMONG THE OFFICERS, 25 *ERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR RESCUE WORK FOLLOWING A FIRE ON BOARD A FISHING JUNK IN ABERDEEN ON NOVEMBER 30 LAST YEAR.
WILL
IN ADDITION TO THE CERTIFICATES, EACH RECEIVE A S50 CASH AWARD.
THE 22 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE AT 10.30 A.M. IN THE EXAMINATION HALL OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, 10TH FLOOR, RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
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DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
*******
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE passe! o^laJ'k’wokS oh wtoIer '““laswem yF|EI!E"MMF5!'!,‘l97“UO?ATA5GU“l-L^J!' °F ™E MU'’I>E,,
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/5......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
5
MEETING OF LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD FOR NEW TERRITORIES ******
THE FIRST OPEN SESSION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO DEAL WITH FOUR APPLICATIONS FROM YUEN LONG.
THE BOARD SECRETARY, MR. WILLIAM WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE BOARD WOULD CONSIDER THREE APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWAL OF LICENCES AND THE OTHER FOR A NEW LICENCE.
THE BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR. HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 12 NOON.
INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
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QUARTERLY BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT SURVEY *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) APPEALED TO CONTRACTORS OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR CO-OPERATION IN A QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT SURVEY BEING CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
LETTERS AND SURVEY FORMS HAVE BEEN SENT TO CONTRACTORS SEEKING INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF MANUAL WORKERS AND STAFF EMPLOYED AS ON DECEMBER 14 THIS YEAR.
THE PREVIOUS SURVEY SHOWED 67,971 MANUAL WORKERS EMPLOYED AT VARIOUS WORK SITES IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS SEPTEMBER, WITH 33.163 INVOLVED IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID SURVEY OFFICERS, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WOULD VISIT THE SITES FROM DECEMBER 14-16 TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED SURVEY FORMS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS OR SITES WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO MR. CHAN TUNG-WAH, STATISTICIAN (INDUSTRY) AT 5-444674.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
6
BLACK’S LINK TRAFFIC * M * M * *
traffic FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF MORE QUICKLY AND SMOOTHLY SINCE THE WEEK.
HONG KONG ISLAND IS MOVING OPENING OF BLACK’S LINK LAST
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FEEDBACK FROM MOTORISTS INDICATED THE OPENING OF BLACK’S LINK HAS CUT DRIVING TIME FROM THE SOUTH SIDE TO CENTRAL BY ABOUT 15 MINUTES.
HE SAID WELL OVER 150 VEHICLES USE THE NARROW ROAD DURING THE TWO-HOUR ♦THROUGH*- PERIOD EACH MORNING.
♦THE BUSIEST PERIOD,* HE SAID, *IS BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 9 A.M., EVEN THOUGH IT IS OPEN AT 7.30 A.M. AND THEN CLOSES AGAIN AT 9.30 A.M.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, THE FIRST DAY BLACK’S LINK WAS OPENED TO TRAFFIC, 29 VEHICLES USED THE ROAD DURING THE FIRST HALF HOUR. THIS INCREASED TO 65 DURING THE SECOND HOUR AND THEN TAPERED OFF TO JUST EIGHT DURING THE LAST HALF HOUR.
BUT SINCE THEN, THE NUMBERS HAVE BEEN GRADUALLY RISING. BY FRIDAY LAST WEEK MOST OF THE VEHICLES — 137 IN ALL — USED THE ROAD BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 9 A.M. JUST UNDER 200 VEHICLES PASSED ALONG THE ROAD DURING THE TWO-HOUR PERIOD.
♦AND, SINCE THEN THE FIGURE HAS BEEN ABOUT THE SAME,* SAID THE P.W.D. SPOKESMAN.
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SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS INVITED
*****
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF RENT FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND IN YAN WING STREET, YAU TONG, KOWLOON.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2,300 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING VEHICLES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF 12 MONTHS, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON. THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE SAME OFFICES.
CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 29, 1978.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-26702899 (ENGLISH) OR 3-884111 EXTENSION 353 (CANTONESE).
/7.....
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
7
HK-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL PASSES
******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL PASSES FOR THE YEAR 1979.
THE PASSES ARE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF STAFF OF HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY AND HYDROFOIL COMPANIES aHO ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM DUTIES WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE TO THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IN WRITING. A FEE OF S1O WILL BE CHARGED FOR EACH PASS ISSUED.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, TEL. 5-450181 EXT. 297.
BOTH THE 1978 AND THE 1Q79 PASSES «ILL EE VALID DURING THE LAST WEEK OF 1<>78 AND THE FIRST WEEK OF 197^ TO FACILITATE THE CHANGE-OVER.
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‘I
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1978
- 8 -
NEL’ 24-HOUR RESTRICTION ZONE ft ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FRO! 13 A.M. ON FilDAY (DECEMBER 15) A NEW 24-HOUR RESTRICTION /ON ■’ WILL IE IMPOSED IN HUNG HOM TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
UNDER THE NEW RESTRICTION, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS AND LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
THE RESTRICTION ZONE INCLUDES THE-SECTION OF HONG TAI PATH BETWEEN CHEONG WAN ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AND THE SECTION AT THE NORTH-SIDE OF CHEONG WAN ROAD BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD AND HONG TAI PATH.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUT ft ft ft ft
FRESH WAiER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO 0FF F0R SIX H0URS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON SA1UR3AY (DECcM..ER 16) TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
AFFECTED PREMISES ARE IN THE AREA BOUNDED DY £9£?,»rDHITd‘‘LY VALLEY ROAD, KING LAM STREET, YEE KUK R0AD» YU CI!/lU STREET, INCLUDING WING HONG TAI NAM STREET, WING MING STREET AND WAI MAN VILLAGE.
CHING CHEUNG STREET, STREET,
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR SEES ABERDEEN DEVELOPMENT ....................... 1
GOLD COIN APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON SATURDAY ................ 2
FURTHER ISSUE OF 3OO HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES ................................................. 3
RECRUITMENT OF MINOR CIVIL SERVANTS CENTRALISED .......... 4
FOLLOW-UP TO ECONOMIC MISSION TO JAPAN ................... 4
NEW LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE OPENS ................ 5
RESULTS OF ROAD SAFETY DESIGN COMPETITION TO BE ANNOUNCED ................................................ 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ..................................... 7
CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTE TO BE EXTENDED .................... 8
LOCAL CHRISTMAS MAIL DEADLINE ............................ 8
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978 1
GOVERNOR SEES ABERDEEN DEVELOPMENT
* K * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS CURRENT SERIES OF VISITS TO URBAN DISTRICTS, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING VIEWED VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ABERDEEN.
FROM A VANTAGE POINT ON THE ROOF OF A HIGH-RISE BLOCK IN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, SIR MURRAY SAW WORK PROGRESSING ON THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE, THE ABERDEEN HARBOUR RECLAMATION PROGRAMME, THE YUE FAI YUEN OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE AP LEI CHAU WEST ESTATE.
SIR MURRAY WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THESE PROJECTS . BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (HONG KONG) MRS. MABLE HAYES, THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN), MISS ELLE SHUM AND ' REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE $37 MILLION RECLAMATION PROGRAMME WILL EVENTUALLY YIELD ABOUT 16 HECTARES OF LAND FOR A CIVIC CENTRE, A MAGISTRACY, A BUS TERMINUS, A CARGO HANDLING AREA, AND OTHER USES.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE YUE FAI YUEN IS NOW AT FULL SPEED AND WILL PROVIDE 1,100 HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS FOR ABOUT 7,500 PEOPLE BY EARLY 1980.
THE AP LEI CHAU WEST ESTATE IS BEING BUILT ON A 5.2-HECTARE SITE EAST OF THE POWER STATION. THE ESTATE WILL HAVE ABOUT 3,800 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS FOR 24,000 PEOPLE, A MARKET, A COMMUNITY HALL, PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND A YOUTH CENTRE.
PHASE I OF THE ESTATE WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR AND WORK ON PHASE II WILL START IN LATE 1979.
WORK ON THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE, WHICH WILL HAVE A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WITH PEDESTRIAN PAVEMENTS, IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY AND WILL BE COMPLETED NEXT JULY.
APART FROM THESE LARGE PROJECTS, THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORK IN THE AREA.
AFTER THE BRIEFING, SIR MURRAY WENT TO THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (SOUTHERN) IN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD TO MEET LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
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/2....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
2
GOLD COIN APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON SATURDAY
******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR THE YEAR OF THE GOAT GOLD COIN WILL CLOSE ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 16).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY), +ONLY APPLICATIONS POSTMARKED DECEMBER 16 OR BEFORE WILL BE ACCEPTED BY THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.*
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE GOLD COINS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL ERANCHES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND THE MERCANTILE BANK.
+IF THE ISSUE IS OVER-SUBSCRIBED, A BALLOT WILL BE ARRANGED. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE GOLD COINS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, AND THAT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY JANUARY 17, 1979, AND THOSE UNSUCCESSFUL BY JANUARY 24, 1979,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE YEAR OF THE GOAT GOLD COIN IS THE FOURTH IN SERIES OF 12 LUNAR NEW YEAR COINS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ISSUE. THE OBVERSE SIDE BEARS A PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN, WHILE THE REVERSE DEPICTS A RAM.
THIS ISSUE WILL BE LIMITED, AS WERE THE ISSUES FOR THE DRAGON, SNAKE AND HORSE COINS, SO THAT NO MORE THAN 30,000 COINS - 10,000 PROOF AND 20,000 UNCIRCULATED COINS - WILL BE MINTED.
THE PROOF COIN WHICH HAS A FROSTED RELIEF ON A MIRROR-FINISH BACKGROUND WILL BE SOLD AT $1,500. THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED COIN IS PRICED AT $1,000. THE FACE VALUE OF BOTH COINS IS $1,000.
EACH COIN WILL BE PACKAGED IN A PLASTIC SCREW-TOP CAPSULE AND SUPPLIED WITH A PRESENTATION CASE AND A DESCRIPTIVE BOOKLET.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
3
FURTHER ISSUE OF 300 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES ******
A FURTHER 300 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES ARE BEING OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC BY SEALED TENDERS. BUT ON THIS OCCASION THE TENDER DEPOSIT FOR EACH TAXI WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2,500 TO $25,000.
APART FROM THIS, THERE ARE NO OTHER CHANGES IN THE TENDER PROCEDURE. THE TENDER WILL BE IN THE FORM OF A PREMIUM IN RESPECT OF ONE OR MORE URBAN TAXIS.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) A TENDERER MAY SUBMIT ONE TENDER FORM FOR ONE OR MORE LICENCES BUT NOT EXCEEDING 300.
HE MAY ALSO SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE TENDER FORM, BUT IF A TENDER FOR MORE THAN ONE LICENCE IS SUBMITTED, ONLY ONE FIXED PREMIUM SHOULD BE OFFERED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +IF THE LESS THAN THE NUMBER REQUIRED BY LICENCES MAY BE ALLOCATED TO HIM
NUMBER OF AVAILABLE LICENCES IS A TENDERER THEN A SMALLER NUMBER OF AS APPROPRIATE.*
HE SAID A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE TENDERS IF THE UNIT PREMIA OFFERED ARE IDENTICAL.
TENDER FORMS PLUS FULL PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED IN PERSON ONLY FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK OR FROM THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE, NINTH FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING, DUNDAS STREET, FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 15).
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS IN DUPLICATE, TOGETHER WITH THE ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, MUST BE SUBMITTED IN SEALED ENVELOPES ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE ENTRANCE HALL ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES(MAIN WING). LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 29, 1978.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS WOULD BE ISSUED TAXI LICENCES AT THE RATE OF 100 PER MONTH STARTING FROM FEBRUARY WITH THE HIGHEST TENDERS RECEIVING PRIORITY.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
4
RECRUITMENT OF MINOR CIVIL SERVANTS CENTRALISED *******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT RECRUITMENT OF MINOR STAFF INTO THE CIVIL SERVICE IS NOW CENTRALISED - WITH ALL APPLICATIONS FOR JOBS UNDER MODEL ONE PAY SCALE TO BE PROCESSED BY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN CASE OF DISABLED APPLICANTS.
POSTS REMUNERATED UNDER THE MODEL ONE PAY SCALE (WITH MONTHLY SALARY BETWEEN $990 AND $1,490) INCLUDE DRIVER, LABOURER. AMAH, CARETAKER, GANGER, LIFT OPERATOR, WATCHMAN, COOK, ARTISAN AND ATTENDANT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID, ^APPLICANTS FOR THESE POSTS SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE NEAREST LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, OR THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CASE OF A DISABLED PERSON.+
♦APPLICANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH WHEN CALLING AT THESE OFF ICES,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A FULL LIST OF POSTS AVAILABLE CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
♦ALL SERVICES PROVIDED ARE FREE OF CHARGE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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FOLLOW-UP TO ECONOMIC MISSION TO JAPAN
* * * *
SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN LEFT FOR TOKYO TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON A FOLLOW-UP TO THE HIGH-LEVEL ECONOMIC MISSION HE LED TO JAPAN IN NOVEMBER.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS VISIT IS TO HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE FEDERATION OF ECONOMIC ORGANISATIONS, THE KEIDANREN, AND THE JAPAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ON THE FORMATION OF THE JAPAN-HONG KONG ECONOMIC COMMITTEE.
♦THE AIMS OF OUR MISSION WILL ONLY BE ACHIEVED IF THERE IS ACTIVE AND CONTINUING FOLLOW-UP,+ SIR YUET-KEUNG SAID.
♦THAT IS WHY I AM TAKING THIS EARLY OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE THE SUGGESTION MADE TO US BY FOREIGN MINISTER SONODA THAT A JOINT BODY SHOULD BE FORMED IN TOKYO AND HONG KONG TO FURTHER THESE AIMS+.
SIR YUET-KEUNG IS ACCOMPANIED BY MR. BILL DORWARD, COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, AND MR. PAULUS CHAN, INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION PROJECT OFFICER.
THEY WILL BE JOINED IN JAPAN BY MR. DAVID DE BORMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S TOKYO OFFICE.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
5
NEW LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE OPENS ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN ITS 13TH LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE IN ABERDEEN.
THE NEW OFFICE IS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE ESTATE’S WELFARE BLOCK.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION, MRS. SOO MOK SAU-HA SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY), +EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS IN NEARBY AREAS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROVIDED.+
♦BETWEEN JANUARY AND NOVEMBER THIS YEAR MORE THAN 14,650 JOB-SEEKERS WERE SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN EMPLOYMENT THROUGH THE SERVICE,* SHE SAID.
MRS. SOO POINTED OUT THAT THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE HAS NOW BECOME AN EFFICIENT ORGANISATION FOR HELPING BOTH JOB-SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS.
WITH ITS NEWLY INSTALLED FACSIMILE NETWORK WHICH LINKS ALL 13 OFFICES, EMPLOYERS PLACING ORDERS WITH THE SERVICE CAN EXPECT A WIDER CHOICE OF CANDIDATES.
THIS IS BECAUSE NOT ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES FROM THE OFFICE THEY CONTACTED, BUT ALSO CANDIDATES FROM OTHER BRANCH OFFICES WOULD EE SENT OVER FOR SELECTION INTERVIEW. THIS WILL ALSO GREATLY ENHANCE THE CHANCE OF ITS REGISTRANTS IN GETTING SUITABLE POSTS.
THE NEW OFFICE TELEPHONE NO. IS 5-520131-4.
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/6
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
RESULTS OF ROAD SAFETY DESIGN COMPETITION TO BE ANNOUNCED
*******
THIRTY-TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN A ROAD SAFETY PROJECT DESIGN COMPETITION TO STIMULATE AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY.
AN EXHIBITION OF THE ENTRIES WILL BE HELD IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC PODIUM FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT 10 A.M. WHEN COMPETITION WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE TRAFFIC BRANCH OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, AND IS SPONSORED BY THE SHELL COMPANY.
THE THEMES OF THE DESIGNS INCLUDE THE ROAD SAFETY CODE FOR DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS — HOW TO DEAL WITH ACCIDENTS- ROAD SIGN MODELS- RULES FOR LEARNER DRIVERS- TRAFFIC CONDITION IN ABERDEEN- AND TRAFFIC CONDITION (PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE) IN CHOI HUNG AND PING SHEK.
MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT- MR. GEORGE YUEN, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT- AND MR. K.H. LOMAS, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER (TRAFFIC) OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED IN THE FORM OF BOOK/STATIONERY COUPONS. THE FIRST PRIZE WILL BE COUPONS WORTH $1,000 PLUS A TROPHY- THE SECOND PRIZE, $800 PLUS A TROPHY AND THE THIRD PRIZE, $500 PLUS A TROPHY.
A NUMBER OF MERIT PRIZES OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS SUBJECT TO SOUVENIR PLAQUES WILL BE GIVEN TO
$100 EACH WILL BE AWARDED TO RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADJUDICATORS ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS.
THE EXHIBITION OF THE ENTRIES WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 6 P.M. ON DECEMBER 15 AND 16, AND BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 3 P.M. ON DECEMBER 17.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EXHIBITION AND PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE ROAD SAFETY PROJECT DESIGN v COMPETITION AT 10 A.M. IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC PODIUM, HUNG HOM, ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 15).
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN QUARRY BAY TOMORROW (THURSDAY) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE RECLAMATION SITE ADJACENT TO HOI TA I STREET.
EFFECTIVE FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFICi-
* THE SECTION OF FINN IE STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND HOI TAI STREET-
* THE SECTION OF HOI TAI STREET BETWEEN FINNIE STREET AND HOI WAN STREET- AND
* THE SECTION OF HOI WAN STREET BETWEEN HOI TAI STREET AND A POINT APPROXIMATELY 6.56 FEET EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HOI TAI STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ROADS WILL BE DECLARED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY DURING WHICH ALL VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS AND LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
ALSO, ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE HOLDING DUMPING LICENCES ISSUED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING ROADSi-
* THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF FINNIE STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND HOI TAI STREET-
* THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF HOI TAI STREET BETWEEN FINNIE STREET AND HOI WAN STREET- AND
* THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF HOI WAN STREET BETWEEN HOI TAI STREET AND TONG CHONG STREET.
MEANWHILE A WESTBOUND SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK RENEWAL WORKS.
THIS WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 15).
THE RESTRICTION, WHICH IS IMPOSED BETWEEN 13-26 CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1978
8
CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTE TO BE EXTENDED
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 16), THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY ROUTE 5B WILL BE EXTENDED FROM KENNEDY TOWN TO FELIX VILLAS IN MOUNT DAVIS ROAD.
THE EXTENDED SERVICE WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN FELIX VILLAS AND CAUSEWAY BAY AT A FREQUENCY OF TEN MINUTES.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING ROUTE 56 OPERATING BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN (SANDS STREET) AND FELIX VILLAS WILL BE CANCELLED ON THE SAME DAY.
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LOCAL CHRISTMAS MAIL DEADLINE *****
P0?T 0FFICE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT BEFORFMrMRi?TMA^D BE P0STED BEF0RE DECEMBER 21 TO ENSURE DELIVERY xrunt bnK Io IMAo•
3 P0ST 0FFICE SPOKESMAN SAID POSTINGS AFTER THAT DATE COULD NOT BE GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE DECEMBER 25.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ......................... 1
DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY HOLDING UP WELL .... 2
APPEAL FOR BETTER RESPONSE TO MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT SURVEY .................................. 4
PWD SITE VISIT...................................... 5
CORRECT CHRISTMAS CARD POSTAGE ..................... 6
AIRMAIL FOR IRAN ................................... 6
DESIGNING DAMS - A SCIENTIFIC PROCESS .............. 7
HK STUDENTS’ CENTRE IN LONDON RE-OPENED ............ 8
S.W.D.’S FOURTH COMMUNITY HALL FOR KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT............................................ 9
BUSY YEAR FOR C.A.S................................ 10
NEW CDO’S ON COURTESY CALLS ....................... 11
NO RIGHT TURN ..................................... 11
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
1
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE THE DAY OF THE CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL (WHICH FALLS ON DECEMBER 22) AND CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) HAS BEEN APPOINTED ALTERNATIVELY AS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND WORKERS MUST EE GIVEN EITHER ONE OF THESE TWO DAYS OFF.
MR. HENDERSON EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHEREVER THEY WORK.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLDIAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY.
IN THE CASE WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
FOR EASY REFERENCE BY BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR THE COMING YEAR ARE:
* JANUARY 1 (THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY)- JANUARY 28, 29 AND 30 (LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY, AND THE SECOND AND THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR RESPECTIVELY - IF JANUARY 28, WHICH FALLS ON A SUNDAY, HAPPENS TO BE AN EMPLOYEE’S REST DAY THEN JANUARY 31 OR ANOTHER DAY SHOULD ALSO BE GRANTED AS A HOL IDAY IN L IEU)-
* APRIL 5 (CHING MING FESTIVAL DAY)-
* MAY 30 (TUEN NG OR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL)-
* OCTOBER 6 (THE DAY FOLLOWING MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL)-
* OCTOBER 29 (CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL DAY)>AND
THURSDAY, DJCSIBER 14, 1978
- 2 -
* DECEMBER 22 OR ALTERNATIVELY DECEMBER 25 (CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL DAY OR ALTERNATIVELY CHRISTMAS DAY), PLUS A FLOATING HOLIDAY WHICH SHALL BE DESIGNATED BY THE EMPLOYER AND NOTIFIED TO EACH OF HIS EMPLOYEE AT THE END OF THE PRECEDING YEAR. IF THE EMPLOYER DOES NOT DESIGNATE THIS HOLIDAY, THEN IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY FALL ON THE FIRST WEEK DAY IN JULY OR THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST AT THE EMPLOYER’S OPTION.
COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREt FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096- TUEN MUN 12-818443 EXT. 82- AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
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DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY HOLDING UP WELL ******
DESPITE INCREASES IN PRICES AND INTEREST RATES THE DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY APPEARS FOR THE MOMENT TO BE HOLDING UP WELL, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MISS CHUNG, SPEAKING AT THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN LUNCHEON MEETING, SAID SHE THOUGHT THAT FLAT PRICES IN HONG KONG WERE GENERALLY STRONG ON THE UPTAKE AND HESITANT ON THE DOWNTURN.
SHE ATTRIBUTED FIVE REASONS TO THIS ♦PHENOMENON*s
* THE UNDERLYING STRONG DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY-
* THE ACTIVITIES OF SPECULATORS IN A BUOYANT MARKET SITUATION-
* THE PRACTICE OF DEVELOPERS TO PRE-SELL, DURING THE BOOM YEARS, ALL FLATS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN ONE CREST OF THE BOOM AND ANOTHER, THEREBY AVOIDING THE NECESSITY OF FINDING RELUCTANT BUYERS DURING THE LEAN YEARS-
THURSDAY, D3CE1.3SR 14, 1978
* THE PRACTICE OF MOST BANKS TO ALLOW MORTGAGE REPAYMENT PERIODS TO BE PROLONGED AT TIMES OF RISING INTEREST RATES- AND
* THE ABSENCE (+THANK GOODNESS+) OF SHORT SELLING OF FLATS BY SPECULATORS IN HONG KONG.
+THESE FACTORS SUGGEST,+ MISS CHUNG SAID, +THAT IF REAL INCOME IN HONG KONG IS NOT SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED PRICES AND RENTS FOR SMALL FLATS IN GOOD LOCATIONS ARE LIKELY TO LEVEL OFF, WHILE THE SUPPLY OF AND DEMAND FOR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION ARE NOT LIKELY TO EASE FOR SOME TIME.+
MISS CHUNG SAID THE 40,000 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS TO BE COMPLETED IN 1979 WOULD CERTAINLY BE WELCOMED BY THE THOUSANDS OF ELIGIBLE FAMILIES DISPLACED BY DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES, OR AFFECTED BY DISASTERS OR LIVING IN SQUATTER HUTS OR DILAPIDATED TENEMENTS.
THE GROWING ACCEPTABILITY OF ESTATES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE MORE MARKED IN 1979. +1 FORESEE THAT THE GROWING POOL OF LABOUR IN THE NEW TOWNS WILL ATTRACT MORE LARGE INDUSTRIAL FIRMS TO MOVE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES AND, IN TURN, THE SMALLER INDUSTRIAL FIRMS, WHICH SERVE THE LARGER ONES, WILL ALSO MOVE.*
MISS CHUNG SAID THE DESIGN OF HOUSING AUTHORITY FLATS WAS FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO PERMIT A DEGREE OF INTERCHANGE SHOULD IT BE DESIRABLE TO ALTER THE PROPORTION OF FLATS FOR RENT AND FOR SALE, ADDING:
♦PERSONALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN INCREASE IN THE PROPORTION F°R SALE F°R MANY REAS0NS« INCLUDING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND HOL I I ICAL»*
ON PRIVATE HOUSING, MISS CHUNG SAID THAT UNLESS PROJECTS NOW BEING PLANNED WERE DEFERRED THE SHORT TERM OUTLOOK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FOR 1979 WAS ONE OF HIGHER LABOUR AND MATERIAL COSTS AND OF HIGHER CONTRACT PRICES.
MISS CHUNG SAID THE PRACTICE OF SELLING PRIVATE FLATS WELL AHEAD OF THEIR COMPLETION DATES HAD BEEN AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE FINANCING OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG - BUT IT COULD LEAD TO A SITUATION WHEREBY A FLAT WAS BOUGHT AND SOLD FOR A QUICK PROFIT SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WAS ACTUALLY OCCUPIED.
SHE SAID 1978 SAW POSITIVE ACTION BY MANY DEVELOPERS TO DAMPEN SPECULATION, USING A BALLOTTING PROCEDURE TO ALLOCATE FLATS AND CHARGING A FEE FOR THE TRANSFER OF BOOKING RECEIPTS OR PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR FLATS.
ALSO, INTEREST ON MORTGAGES HAD JUMPED FROM AN AVERAGE OF 0.83 PER CENT PER MONTH AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR TO THE EXISTING AVERAGE OF 0.96 PER CENT PER MONTH.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
4
APPEAL FOR BETTER RESPONSE TO MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT SURVEY * * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED 22,500 REMINDERS TO MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH HAVE NOT YET FURNISHED THEIR EMPLOYMENT RETURNS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT EMPLOYMENT ENQUIRY CARDS WERE FIRST MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS ON DECEMBER 2.
MANAGEMENTS WERE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE CARDS WITH THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES AS ON DECEMBER 4, AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 11.
+THE FULL-SCALE MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT SURVEY NOW IN PROGRESS COVERS SOME 46,000 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS^ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL PROVIDE NOT ONLY BENCHMARK DATA FOR THE ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE AND TRENDS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BUT ALSO A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE DIRECTORY OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS FOR CONDUCTING SAMPLE SURVEYS IN THE SUBSEQUENT QUARTERS.
♦PROMPT REPORTING FROM MANAGEMENTS WILL AVOID FURTHER FOLLOWUPS AND FACILITATE THE EARLY RELEASE OF SURVEY RESULTS. ON RECEIPT CF REMINDERS, MANAGEMENTS SHOULD THEREFORE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE CARDS AT THEIR EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY,+ HE SAID.
SIMILAR ENQUIRIES AT THE SAME TIME ARE ALSO BEING MADE IN THE BANKING, INSURANCE. REAL ESTATE AND OTHER SELECTED TRADES AND SERVICES. ENQUIRIES IN THE IMPORT/EXPORT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANT AND HOTELS ARE DUE TO START SOON.
♦THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS IS APPEALING TO MANAGEMENTS FOR CO-OPERATION IN THESE EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS. HE HAS STRESSED THAT INFORMATION FURNISHED WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
5
PWD SITE VISIT * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. DAVID STEAD WILL INSPECT A NUMBER OF WORK SITES IN KOWLOON TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS P.W.D. PROJECTS.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY CHIEF ENGINEERS OF VARIOUS OFFICES CONCERNED.
AMONG THE SITES TO BE VISITED WILL BE THE WESTERN APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT TUNNEL AND THE TAI KOK TSUI SECTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, STAGE II.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT TO P.W.D. WORK SITES TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORT FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE OPEN CAR PARK OUTSIDE THE RECEPTION OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AT 9.10 A.M.
TWO NINE-SEATER VANS WILL LEAVE AT 9.1,5 A.M. SHARP.
OFFICERS OF THE P.W.D.’S PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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THURSDAY, DiEJMBSR 14, 1978
- 6
CORRECT CHRISTMAS CARD POSTAGE
*******
THE POST OFFICE TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE CORRECT POSTAGE RATE FOR AN UNSEALED LOCAL CHRISTMAS CARD WEIGHING TWO OUNCES OR LESS IS 20 CENTS.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN PUTTING ONLY 10-CENT STAMPS ON THE CARDS. THIS, HE SAID, COULD MEAN A DELAY IN DELIVERY AND THAT THE ADDRESSEE WOULD HAVE TO PAY A SURCHARGE.
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AIRMAIL FOR IRAN * * * *
. ____JHE P°ST OFFICE TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT AIRMAIL LETTER AND PARCEL POST SERVICES TO IRAN, SUSPENDED SINCE OCTOBER 18 WILL BE PARTLY RESUMED WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY)? '
♦ THIS MEANS THAT AIRMAIL LETTER-POST ITEMS FOR THIS rniiWTOv POST 0FMCEES/UD F°R P0ST,NG AS FR0M TOMORROW,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR
AT TH?Ep$??eE; PARCEL SERVICE TO IRAN CONTINUES TO BE SUSPENDED Ml I nt rn tOt 11 I | lnt.+
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14,
- 7
DESIGNING DAMS — A SCIENTIFIC PROCESS ft ***** *
THE SENIOR RESIDENT ENGINEER OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, ML A.P. FRASER SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE DESIGN OF DAMS HAD, IN RECENT YEARS, BECOME A FAR MORE SCIENTIFIC PROCESS AND USED HIGH ISLAND AS THE LATEST AND MOST MODERN EXAMPLE.
SPEAKING AT THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING, HE SAID THE EMPIRICAL APPROACH WAS VERY MUCH THE RULE IN DAM DESIGN UNTIL THE LAST FEW DECADES.
♦USUALLY THE EMPIRICAL RULES WERE CORRECT BUT THE BASIC BEHAVIOUR OF THE MATERIALS WAS NOT UNDERSTOOD AND THE FACTORS OF SAFETY OF THE DAMS COULD NOT BE CALCULATED,♦ HE SAID.
♦THIS COULD LEAD TO GROSSLY OVER-DESIGNED, UNECONOMIC DESIGNS OR EQUALLY POSSIBLY TO INTRINSICALLY UNSAFE STRUCTURES.♦
MR. FRASER POINTED OUT THAT RESEARCH IN SOIL AND ROCK MECHANICS HAD GIVEN THE DESIGNER MORE INSIGHT INTO THE PROPERTIES AND BEHAVIOUR OF EARTH AND ROCKFILL.
♦EQUIPMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF VARIOUS FILLS. THE USE OF COMPUTERS HAS REDUCED THE DRUDGERY OF THE SOLUTION OF STABILITY ANALYSES FOR DAMS,+ HE SAID.
♦MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF DAMS CAN BE CREATED, USING FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSES AND THE STRESS AND THE STRAIN AT ANY POINT IN A DAM CAN BE CALCULATED.
♦THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPOUNDING SEQUENCE CAN BE SIMULATED BY THESE MATHEMATICAL MODELS.+
HOWEVER, MR. FRASER SAID, THESE METHODS WERE MERELY SOPHISTICATED TOOLS AND THEIR VALUE WAS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE BASIC DATA FED INTO THEM.
REFERRING TO THE DAMS AT THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, HE SAID THEY EMPLOYED NEW TECHNIQUES IN THE USE OF THEIR ASPHALTIC CONCRETE CORES.
THE USE OF ASPHALTIC CONCRETE CORES, HE ADDED, WAS DETERMINED BY THE LACK OF SUITABLE IMPERMEABLE MATERIAL FOR A CONVENTIONAL CLAY CORE IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREA.
MR. FRASER ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DAMS AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
8
HK STUDENTS’ CENTRE IN LONDON RE-OPENED *****
A RECEPTION WAS HELD ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 12) EVENING TO MARK THE FORMAL RE-OPENING OF THE HONG KONG STUDENTS’ CENTRE IN LANCASTER GATE, LONDON, FOLLOWING A 400,000 POUNDS STERLING RENOVATION PROGRAMME.
HONG KONG’S LONDON COMMISSIONER, MR. DENIS BRAY, AND MRS. BRAY WELCOMED THE GUESTS, AMONG WHOM WERE TWO OF HIS PREDECESSORS, MR. A.J.M. WRIGHT AND MR. S.T. KIDD.
GUESTS INCLUDED HONG KONG STUDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHO WERE CLEARLY PLEASED WITH THE NEW FACILITIES OFFERED AT THE CENTRE — A FOCAL POINT FOR THEM.
RESIDENT STUDENTS SHOWED GUESTS AROUND THE BUILDING AND, JUDGING BY THEIR REACTIONS, A POPULAR FEATURE OF THE CENTRE IS ITS NEW SELF-CATERING KITCHEN WITH 12 COOKING UNITS, AND THE COMMUNAL DINING HALL.
WITH THE RENOVATIONS COMPLETED, THE CENTRE HAS INCREASED ITS ACCOMMODATION TO 45 ROOMS. IT CAN NOW ACCOMMODATE 90 STUDENTS IN FOUR, THREE AND TWO-BEDDED ROOMS.
THE CENTRE ALSO HAS A GAMES ROOM EQUIPPED WITH TABLE TENNIS, A MUSIC ROOM AND TWO TV/RECREATION ROOMS. THERE IS A REFURBISHED STUDY AREA AND A NEW GAS-FIRED CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM.
SMOKE DETECTION EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN FITTED, AND THE ENTIRE BUILDING REWIRED.
THE CENTRE NOW HAS A 17-FOOT ELECTRICALLY OPERATED FILM SCREEN, MOST OF THE COST OF WHICH CAME FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH RECREATION FUND.
THE RENOVATION PROGRAMME, WHICH BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INTERNAL FIRE ESCAPE.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
- 9 -
S.W.D.’S FOURTH COMMUNITY HALL FOR KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S FOURTH COMMUNITY HALL IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AS ANOTHER FOCAL POINT OF GROUP AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL IS THE SEVENTH OF A SERIES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG IN ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO MEET A GROWING DEMAND FOR SUCH FACILITIES.
TWO OTHER NEW COMMUNITY HALLS ALREADY OPERATING WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED SOMETIME NEXT YEAR. ONE IS AT SHEK YAM ESTATE, ALSO IN KWAI CHUNG, AND THE OTHER AT TAI HING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, A TSUEN WAN COMMUNITY LEADER, MR. CHAN PO-FONG WILL CUT THE RIBBON AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW TO MARK THE OPENING OF KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL.
STAFF AT THE COMMUNITY HALL ORGANISES REGULARLY VARIOUS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS INTEREST GROUPS AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMMES AS WELL AS YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSES TO HELP RESIDENTS BECOME MORE CIVIC-MINDED AND ENABLE THEM TO BUILD UP A MORE INTEGRATED COMMUNITY.
THE COMMUNITY HALL IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO LOCAL GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL, WHICH WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (DECEMBER 15) AT 4 P.M. AT SHING FONG STREET OPPOSITE KWAI FONG ESTATE, TSUEN WAN.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
- 10 -
BUSY YEAR FOR C.A.S.
******
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES HAD A VERY BUSY TIME IN FISCAL 1977 — THEIR MEMBERS WERE CALLED OUT 309 TIMES FOR VARIOUS CIVIC AND EMERGENCY DUTIES.
SEVEN OF THESE WERE FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE, 14 FOR CARE OF FIRE VICTIMS, 69 FOR FIGHTING HILL FIRES, SIX FOR ANTI-OIL POLLUTION OPERATION AND 72 FOR CROWD CONTROL.
CROWD CONTROL DUTIES INCLUDED THOSE PERFORMED AT THE COMMUNITY CHEST'S WALKS FOR MILLION, QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE PROCESSION AND PAGEANT, AND AT VARIOUS CHARITY, RECREATION AND FESTIVAL FUNCTIONS.
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES ALSO PERFORMED NUMEROUS STANDING OPERATIONAL DUTIES DURING THE YEAR. THESE INCLUDED COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PREVENTION AND RURAL AREA PATROL ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM OCTOBER 1, 1977 TO APRIL 30, 1978, AND MOUNTAIN RESCUE STANDBY DUTY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
COMMENTING ON THIS, A C.A.S. SPOKESMAN SAID, +THE CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN OUR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY HAS ENABLED US TO PERFORM OUR MANY EMERGENCY AND CIVIC DUTIES SUCCESSFULLY.
♦THE WIDE VARIETY OF DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE C.A.S. AND THE CONFIDENCE SHOWN IN THE SERVICE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC HELPS CONSIDERABLY TO MAINTAIN MEMBERS’ INTEREST AND THEIR MORALE,♦ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO FORECAST THAT IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THERE WILL BE EVEN WIDER DIVERSIFICATION OF DUTIES FOR THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1978
NEW CDO’S ON COURTESY CALLS * * * *
TWO NEWLY APPOINTED CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS OF WAN CHAI AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS WILL PAY COURTESY CALLS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN AN EFFORT TO MAINTAIN AND PROMOTE CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRICT CIVIC ORGANISATIONS AND THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.
THE TWO CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS ARE MR. PAUL LEUNG OF WAN CHAI AND MISS ELLE SHUM OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
MR. LEUNG WILL VISIT THE WAN CHAI KAIFONG ASSOCIATION, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (LIAISON). MR. POON PONG-HON AND THE POLICE DIVISIONAL SUPERINTENDENT (WAN CHAI), MR. J.B. GOULDSMITH.
MISS SHUM WILL CALL AT THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OF WAH HING HOUSE IN WAH FU ESTATE. SHE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (LIAISON), MR. CHAN WAI-LEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISITS BY THE TWO NEWLY APPOINTED CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS OF WAN CHAI AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS TOMORROW (FRIDAY). MR. LEUNG WILL ARRIVE AT THE WAN CHAI KAIFONG ASSOCIATION AT 2 O’BRIEN ROAD AT 7 P.M. WHILE MISS SHUM WILL CALL AT THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF WAH HING HOUSE IN WAH FU ESTATE AT 8.30 P.M.
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NO RIGHT TURN * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 7 P.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 16) TO 6 A.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 18) ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING TWO TONS IN UNLADEN WEIGHT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT FROM QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL INTO QUEEN VICTORIA STREET.
THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE WATERWORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA.
DURING THE PERIOD, CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTES 3, 6, 11, 12, 12A, 15, 25 AND 61 WILL BE DIVERTED TO PEDDER STREET, INSTEAD OF QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, BEFORE TURNING INTO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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4
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEO 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ERRANT TAXI DRIVERS LIABLE TO HEAVIER PENALTIES .............. 1
GOVERNOR OFFICIATES FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF HOLIDAY CAMP.................................................. 2
RECREATION FUND INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS .............. 3
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PENSION PAYMENT ..................... 4
MAJOR STUMBLING BLOCKS IN BATTLE AGAINST CANCER .............. 5
GOVERNMENT’S RECREATIONAL PROJECTS FOR TSUEN WAN ............. 6
STAGE 1 OF SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS .................... 7
SUBMARINE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT IN SANDY BAY ................... 8
PWD SITE VISIT................................................ 8
S.W.D. REGIONAL OFFICER TO OPEN BLIND PEOPLE’S CENTRE ........ 9
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF FLEMING ROAD ............................ 9
WATER CUT
10
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
1
ERRANT TAXI DRIVERS LIABLE TO HEAVIER PENALTIES
******
ERRANT TAXI DRIVERS WHO ’TAKE THE PUBLIC FOR A RIDE’ WILL FACE STIFFER PENALTIES UNDER PROPOSED LEGISLATION PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
NOT ONLY WILL THEY BE LIABLE TO HEAVIER FINES, BUT THEY MAY ALSO BE DISQUALIFIED FOR SERIOUS CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE REGULATIONS.
UNDER THE BILL, OFFENCES SUCH AS MISUSE OF THE ’AVAILABLE FOR HIRE’ FLAG; NOT DRIVING TO THE DESTINATION REQUESTED OR BY THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE, REFUSAL TO CARRY PASSENGERS, CHARGING FARES OTHER THAN ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE TO THE REGULATIONS, AND LOITERING WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $3,000 AND A SIX MONTHS’ PRISON SENTENCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, UP UNTIL NOW, AN OFFENDER UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (TAXIS, PUBLIC OMNIBUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND PUBLIC CARS) REGULATIONS HAS BEEN LIABLE TO A $500 FINE AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS FOR A FIRST CONVICTION AND TO A FINE OF $1,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.
+THE MAXIMUM FINE IS THUS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED AND THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND OFFENCES REMOVED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID DISQUALIFICATION CAN BE IMPOSED IN SERIOUS CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE REGULATIONS, IN ADDITION TO THE IMPOSITION OF A FINE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OFFENCES FOR WHICH A MAGISTRATE COULD DISQUALIFY A DRIVER IN FUTURE WERE:
* WILFULLY REFUSING OR NEGLECTING TO ACCEPT A HIRE FROM A HIRER WHETHER THE INTENTION OF THE HIRER IS INDICATED EXPRESSLY OR BY IMPLICATION-
* REFUSING OR NEGLECTING TO DRIVE THE TAXI FROM A TAXI STAND TO ANY PLACE INDICATED BY THE HIRER"*
* REFUSING OR NEGLECTING TO DRIVE THE TAXI TO ANY PLACE INDICATED BY A HIRER, HAVING RESPONDED TO A HAIL FROM THE HIRER- AND
* REFUSING OR NEGLECTING TO DRIVE THE TAXI TO ANY PLACE INDICATED BY A HIRER WHEN REQUESTED OTHERWISE THAN AT A TAXI STAND OR AFTER RESPONDING TO A HAIL.
THE BILL IS THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1978 WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 20).
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
GOVERNOR OFFICATES FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF HOLIDAY CAMP *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (FRIDAY) OFFICIATED AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF PO LEUNG KUK’S PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG —THE FIRST SUCH CENTRE UNDERTAKEN BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS +MOST HEARTENING* TO SEE THE KUK EXTENDING ITS SERVICES AGAIN AND THIS TIME INTO THE FIELD OF RECREATION.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO NOTED THAT IT WAS A FITTING PROJECT TO CROWN THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF THE KUK’S SERVICE TO HONG KONG.
SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WERE OVER 30 CAMPS AND YOUTH HOSTELS PROVIDING OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION FOR CAMPERS, THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE RUN BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WAS THE ONLY ONE PROVIDING A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR CAMPERS UNDER CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION IN A COUNTRY SETTING.
♦THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO PROVIDE TWO MORE SUCH CENTRES WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, ONE AT TSO KUNG TAM IN TSUEN WAN, THE OTHER ONE AT TSAK YUE WU NOT FAR FROM HERE IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHi
♦IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO BE HERE TODAY TO LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP. IT IS MOST HEARTENING TO SEE THE KUK EXTENDING ITS SERVICES YET AGAIN- THIS TIME INTO THE FIELD OF RECREATION BECAUSE THERE IS AN OUTDOOR RECREATION BOOM FOR WHICH HONG KONG IS RELATIVELY UNEQUIPPED.
♦MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE SPENDING THEIR INCREASED LEISURE IN THE COUNTRY-SIDE, AND WHENEVER POSSIBLE SPEND A FEW DAYS IN A COUNTRY SETTING. FOR ITS PART THE COUNTRY PARKS SERVICE IS MAKING RAPID STRIDES IN OPENING UP THE COUNTRYSIDE TO VISITORS.
♦BUT ALTHOUGH THERE ARE OVER 30 CAMPS AND YOUTH HOSTELS PROVIDING OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION FOR CAMPERS, THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE RUN BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE IS THE ONLY ONE WHICH PROVIDES A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR CAMPERS UNDER CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION, IN A COUNTRY SETTING.
♦THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO PROVIDE TWO MORE SUCH CENTRES WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, ONE AT TSO KUNG TAM IN TSUEN WAN, THE OTHER ONE AT TSAK YUE WU NOT FAR FROM HERE IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA. BUT THE DEMAND IS BOUND TO GROW FAST.
♦THE PO LEUNG KUK’S PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IS THE FIRST SUCH CENTRE UNDERTAKEN BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND IT DOES, AS THE CHAIRMAN SAID, MARK A SIGNIFICANT AND VERY TIMELY NEW DEPARTURE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE KUK, AND I HOPE THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
Ain the planning
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
3
♦IN THE PLANNING AND DESIGN OF THIS PROJECT, THE KUK HAS DRAWN ON THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE. I AM SURE THAT CLOSE CONTACT WITH THIS SERVICE AND ALSO WITH THE COUNTRY PARKS SERVICE WILL HELP TO GET THE PROJECT OFF TO THE ENJOYABLE AND SUCCESSFUL START WE ALL WISH IT.
♦I CONGRATULATE THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR ITS LONG AND DEDICATED RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND IN PARTICULAR YOU, MR. LAW, AND YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR YOUR IMAGINATION AND ENERGY IN BUILDING THIS CAMP. IT IS A FITTING PROJECT TO CROWN THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF THE KUK’S SERVICE TO HONG KONG.+
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RECREATION FUND INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS ******
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION FOR THE 1979-80 FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE FUND, SET UP IN 1970 WITH A $3 MILLION DONATION TO COMMEMORATE THE GOVERNORSHIP OF SIR DAIVD TRENCH, PROVIDES FACILITIES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES OTHER THAN THOSE IN THE SUMMER PROGRAMME WHICH HAVE ALREADY ATTRACTED CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND LOCAL COMMUNITY.
PROJECTS OF CONSTRUCTIVE AND LONG-TERM BENEFIT, TO DEVELOP THE INDIVIDUAL AND ENCOURAGE PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE BY YOUNG PEOPLE, ARE GIVEN PRIORITY.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, MORE THAN $3 MILLION IN GRANTS DERIVED FROM INTEREST EARNED IN THE INVESTMENT OF THE FUND, HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO FINANCE VARIOUS COMMUNITY PROJECTS.
DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, GRANTS TOTALLING $429,000 WERE MADE TO 113 AGENCIES FOR NEW PROJECTS AND PURCHASE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT.
THE FUND IS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE 1979-80 GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE VARIOUS OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, WING ON CENTRE, 11TH FLOOR, 111, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG BEFORE JANUARY 31, 1979.
ALLOCATION OF GRANTS IS EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN LATE JULY, 1979.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
- 4 . • -
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PENSION PAYMENT *****
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE TREASURY TO PAY LOCAL PENSIONERS ON DECEMBER 29 AND NEXT MONTH ON JANUARY 26, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO ENSURE THAT . PENSIONERS WILL BE PAID BEFORE NEW YEAR AND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
♦THERE ARE 14,000 PENSIONERS DRAWING PENSION IN HONG KONG AND OF THESE ABOUT 10,500 ARE PAID DIRECT INTO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS THROUGH THE AUTO PAY SYSTEM,+ HE SAID.
THE REST COLLECT PENSION AT THE VARIOUS TREASURY OFFICES IN CENTRAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, YAU MA TEI AND KOWLOON CITY OR THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IN SHA TIN, TAI PO, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED PENSIONERS WHO HAVE NOT USED THE AUTOPAY SYSTEM TO DO SO IN THEIR OWN BEST INTEREST.
♦IN SO DOING, IT WILL SAVE THEM TIME IN TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE NEAREST PAYMENT OFFICE TO GET THEIR PENS ION,♦ HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR PENSION PAYMENT THROUGH THE AUTO-PAY SYSTEM ARE OBTAINABLE EITHER IN PERSON OR BY WRITING TO THE TREASURY PENSIONS SECTION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE, WEST WING, SECOND FLOOR, ROOM 204.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
5
MAJOR STUMBLING BLOCKS IN BATTLE AGAINST CANCER *****
FEAR AND IGNORANCE ABOUT CANCER AMONG THE PUBLIC ARE THE MAJOR STUMBLING BLOCKS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THE DREADED DISEASE, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY, HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY PEOPLE PRESENTED THEMSELVES FOR CARE MONTHS OR YEARS AFTER EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE.
♦THEIR FEAR AND IGNORANCE ABOUT CANCER MAKE THEM RELUCTANT TO SEEK EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT,♦ HE SAID.
♦ IT IS OUR DUTY TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE AN ENLIGHTENED COMMUNITY WHO UNDERSTANDS THAT, WITH EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT, THE OUTLOOK HAS GREATLY IMPROVED AND THE FEAR AND PANIC FELT BY SUFFERERS IN THE PAST IS NOW IN LARGE PART GROUNDLESS,+ HE ADDED.
DR. THONG, WHO IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY, ADVISED THAT A LOT MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE IN PRIMARY PREVENTION AGAINST CANCER.
♦ A HIGH PROPORTION OF CANCERS ARE LINKED TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND AMONGST THEM, TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL ARE KNOWN CARCINOGENS, YET SMOKING AND DRINKING IN THE COMMUNITY ARE STILL ACCEPTED AS SOCIAL HABITS,+ HE POINTED OUT.
♦ WE MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT SUCH HABITS ARE NOT PASSED ON TO OUR CHILDREN AND THAT THEY ARE PROTECTED FROM THE CANCER EPIDEMIC WHICH IS AFFLICTING OUR GENERATION,♦ HE SAID.
DR. THONG CALLED ON THE MEDICAL PROFESSION TO LOOK +CLOSELY AND CRITICALLY+ AT ANY PROCEDURES AVAILABLE TO THEM FOR PRE-SYMPTOMATIC SCREENING OF AT-RISK POPULATIONS BEFORE EMBARKING ON VENTURES WHICH MIGHT BE EXTREMELY COSTLY AND HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON THE INCIDENCE OF THE TYPE OF CANCER FOR WHICH THEY WERE SCREENING.
♦THERE CERTAINLY SEEMS TO BE EVIDENCE THAT SCREENING OF WOMEN DURING THEIR REPRODUCTIVE YEARS FOR CARCINOMA OF THE CERVIX BY MEANS OF PAP SMEARS FACILITIES EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND STATISTICALLY IMPROVES THE SUCCESSFUL CURES OF THE DISEASE,+ HE SAID.
HE PRAISED THE SOCIETY FOR PROVIDING A CYTOLOGY SERVICE WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR SCREENING PROGRAMMES.
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/6
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
6
GOVERNMENT’S RECREATIONAL PROJECTS FOR TSUEN WAN
*****
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, MR. CHAN PO-FONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING A NUMBER OF PROJECTS THAT WOULD PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL, MR. CHAN SAID THE PROJECTS INCLUDED TWO INDOOR STADIUMS, ONE EACH FOR KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN, AND TWO PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, ONE EACH FOR TSUEN WAN NORTH AND LEI MUK SHUE.
HE SAID THESE PROJECTS WERE EXPECTED TO BE READY OVER THE NEXT THREE OR FOUR YEARS AND WOULD HELP MEET A GROWING DEMAND FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE FAST-DEVELOPING NEW TOWN.
+THEY WILL BE ADDITIONAL TO THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND WHICH WOULD BE READY FOR USE BY EARLY 1980,+ HE SAID.
MR. CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PLANNED TO OPEN UP TSO KUNG TAM AS A PARK AND THE TAI MO SHAN AREA AS A COUNTRY PARK.
PROJECTS COMPLETED IN RECENT YEARS FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS INCLUDE A PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN KWAI SHING, THE WO YEE HOP PLAYGROUND AND THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG FOOTBALL GROUND, HE ADDED.
MR. CHAN, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, SAID KWAI CHUNG WAS AN AREA IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH THE LAF "ST NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE TOTAL POPULATION BLING OVER 400,000.
HE PROPOSED THE SETTING UP OF TWO COMMUNITY HALLS, ONE EACH FOR SOUTH KWAI CHUNG AND NORTH KWAI CHUNG, TO PROVIDE MORE FOCAL POINTS OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS.
THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL IS THE FOURTH IN KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT — AND THE SEVENTH IN HONG KONG — PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
TWO OTHER NEW COMMUNITY HALLS ALREADY OPERATING WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED SOMETIME NEXT YEAR. ONE IS AT SHEK YAM ESTATE, ALSO IN KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT, AND THE OTHER AT TAI HING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN.
STAFF AT THE COMMUNITY HALL ORGANISES REGULAR CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS INTEREST GROUPS AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMMES AS WELL AS YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSES TO HELP RESIDENTS BECOME MORE COMMUNITY-MINDED AND ENABLE THEM TO BUILD UP A MORE INTEGRATED COMMUNITY.
THE COMMUNITY HALL IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO LOCAL GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
7
STAGE I OF SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS
* * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR STAGE I OF THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE CONTRACT WILL COVER THE SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING OF NINE OVERHEAD TRAVELLING CRANES TO HANDLE VARIOUS MACHINERY INSTALLED IN THE WORKS.
IT WAS THE SECOND OF 13 SUB-CONTRACTORS TO BE LET FOR THE STAGE I SHA TIN PROJECT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID STAGE I OF THE WORKS WOULD, ON COMPLETION IN 1980, SERVE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 230,000.
MEANWHILE, HE ADDED, THE SEWAGE FROM SHA TIN WAS BEING TREATED AT THE TEMPORARY AND INTERIM SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
PART OF THE PROJECT IS BEING FINANCED BY THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS FROM MANUFACTURERS IN MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND LUXEMBOURG.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY WATSON (HONG KONG) CHARTERED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THIS PROJECT, UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
WATSON (HONG KONG) ARE ALSO SUPERVISING THE CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED UNDER THIS SUB-CONTRACT.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR IS AOKI CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
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/8
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
8
SUBMARINE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT IN SANDY BAY
******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO BUILD A SUBMARINE OUTFALL IN SANDY BAY TO PROVIDE A PROPER SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
THE OUTFALL, TO BE BUILT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.47 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED IN SANDY BAY, WILL DISCHARGE TREATED SEWAGE INTO THE TIDAL STREAM OFF THE BAY FOR ADEQUATE DISPERSION AND DILUTION.
THE AREA INVOLVED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTIFICATION.
THE NOTICE (IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
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PWD SITE VISIT * * * *
WORK ON THE WESTERN APPROACHES TO AIRPORT TUNNEL IS MAKING HEADWAY.
THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF AN INTERCHANGE AT WUHU STREET/CHATHAM ROAD, AN ELEVATED ROADWAY ALONG CHATHAM ROAD AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD AND AN INTERCHANGE AT SAN SHAN ROAD.
IT FORMS PART OF THE $300 MILLION ROUTE 3 SCHEME, DESIGNED TO CUT TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND URBAN KOWLOON.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE WORK SITES VISITED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY WORKSADEPARTMENf D,RECT0R 0F ENG,N^ERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC
AM0NG 0THER projects INSPECTED TODAY WERE THE TAI KOK TSUI SECTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR STAGE II, PILOT BALING PLANT AT SAI TSO WAN AND MA YAU TONG CONTROLLED TIP.
STEAD» WH0 WAS ACCOMPANIED BY CHIEF ENGINEERS OF VARIOUS OFFICES CONCERNED, WAS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECTS.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
9
S.W.D.’S REGIONAL OFFICER TO OPEN BLIND PEOPLE’S CENTRE *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER FOR WEST KOWLOON, MR. LU YU-HUA, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A BLIND PEOPLE’S CENTRE IN SHAM SHU I PO ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 17).
THE LUTHERAN CENTRE FOR THE BLIND, AT UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE, IS PARTLY FINANCED BY THE LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND IS RUN BY THE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HONG KONG SYNOD.
THE CENTRE REPLACES THE OLD ONE IN WONG TAI SIN WHICH HAS BEEN THE PIONEER IN ORGANISING OVERSEAS TRIPS FOR THE BLIND.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CENTRE FOR ITS 200 MEMBERS INCLUDE A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND THE PRODUCTION OF A BI-MONTHLY BRAILLE MAGAZINE.
AT PRESENT, THE CENTRE IS PREPARING A SERIES OF +TALKING MAGAZINES* FOR LOAN TO THE BLIND EARLY NEXT YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LUTHERAN CENTRE FOR THE BLIND WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2 P.M. ON DECEMBER 17 AT KEI NGOK PRIMARY SCHOOL NEXT TO THE CENTRE IN BLOCK 16, UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE, SHAM SHU I PO.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF FLEMING ROAD
******
A.M. TO 6 P.M.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF FLEMING ROAD BETWEEN JAFFE ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 17) TO FACILITATE DEMOLITION
OF A NEARBY
BUILDING.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
/-IO........
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/
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1978
10
WATER CUT X * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN KOWLOON AND SHAU KEI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 18) . NIGHT FOR ITS STAFF TO CARRY OUT OPERATIONS.
IN KOWLOON, SALT WATER SUPPLY IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON CITY, WANG TAU HOM AND WONG TAI SIN WILL BE STOPPED FROM M0NDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO 2 P.M. ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 21) TO FACILITATE WORK ON DIVERTING SALT WATER MAINS.
IN SHAU KEI WAN, FRESH WATER SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO 6 A.M. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY (DECEMBER 19) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
Ii!L^EA T0 BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ALDRICH STREET TO SUN n SHAU KEI WAN R0AD’ T0 THE SEAFRONT INCLUDING
FU TAU WAT VILLAGE, TSIN SHUI MA TAU VILLAGE AND ALDRICH VILLAGE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPANSION FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SERVICE ... 1
MORE LAND FORMED IN SAI KUNG ........................ 2
COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS ON H.K. INDUSTRIES .................. 2
BOOKING REMINDER FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES ............................................. *
PUBLIC SHOW MORE INTEREST IN FIRE PREVENTION........... 5
CROSS MOUNTAIN RACE ...................................... 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ..................................... 7
WATER CUTS ............................................... 8
FIRING PRACTICE .......................................... 8
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
1
EXPANSION FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SERVICE ******
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO EXPAND ITS WORKSHOP DIVISION WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR, AMONG OTHER TASKS, MAINTAINING A FLEET OF 4,200 GOVERNMENT VEHICLES.
THE EXPANSION PLAN, NOW ON THE DRAWING BOARD, INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO MORE SERVICING STATIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON BAY AND THE EXTENSION OF THE BASE WORKSHOP IN SUNG WONG TOI ROAD TO COPE WITH INCREASING WORKLOAD.
THE ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER IN CHARGE OF WORKSHOPS IN THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE, MR. ROY COPPER SAID SITES HAVE BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE TWO NEW SERVICING STATIONS AND IT IS EXPECTED WORK ON THE KOWLOON BAY DEPOT WILL COMMENCE IN 1979 TO BE CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY THE SECOND STATION ON HONG KONG ISLAND. WORK ON SUNG WONG TOI ROAD DEPOT WILL COMMENCE IN FEBRUARY 1979.
IN ADDITION, A MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CONTROL ACCOUNTING (MICA) SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE DIVISION EARLY THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE USEFUL INFORMATION ON MAINTENANCE COSTS OF VARIOUS MODELS OF VEHICLES UNDER ITS CARE AS WELL AS THE ECONOMIC LIFE OF EACH INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE.
MR. COPPER SA IDi +WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING DATA FOR THE SYSTEM WHICH WE HOPE WILL BE COMPUTERISED IN THE FUTURE TO ASSIST US IN ANALYSING THE STATISTICS.*
AT PRESENT, THE DIVISION HAS TWO BASE WORKSHOPS, ONE IN CAROLINE HILL AND THE OTHER IN SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, KOWLOON CITY, AND FOUR SERVICING STATIONS IN KENNEDY TOWN, LAI CHI KOK, FAN LING AND LANTAU.
IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SERVICING AND REPAIRING THE WHOLE GOVERNMENT FLEET OF VEHICLES APART FROM FIRE ENGINES OF WHICH THE UPKEEP IS DONE BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THERE ARE 180 DIFFERENT MODELS OF VEHICLES UNDER ITS CARE RANGING FROM POLICE SARACEN ARMOURED CARS TO BICYCLES.
MR. COPPER SAIDi +THE VEHICLES ARE CALLED IN FOR SERVICING ON A MILEAGE BASIS THAT DIFFERS FROM ONE MODEL TO ANOTHER. ON AVERAGE WE SERVICE 80 VEHICLES A DAY, APART FROM THE ROUND-THE-CLOCK BREAKDOWN SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.*
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
2
MORE LAND FORMED IN SAI KUNG ******
MORE LAND WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE IN SAI KUNG FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS GRADUALLY TRANSFORMING NEARLY FOUR HECTARES OF A FORMERLY SHALLOW AND UNHYGENIC AREA INTO A VALUABLE SITE.
WHEN FULLY FORMED, THIS AREA WILL PROVIDE SITES FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE, A FIRE STATION. AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT DEPOTS.
THE WORK IN PROGRESS IS PART OF THE FIRST THREE PACKAGES OF A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN SAI KUNG (TUI MIN HOI) AREA ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF SAI KUNG HARBOUR TO THE TOWN.
THEY COMPRISE THE FORMATION OF ABOUT 9.5 HECTARES OF LAND, THE CONSTRUCTION OF 1.6 KILOMETRES OF A NEW TWO-LANE ROAD, AND A 260-METRE SEAWALL.
FILLING MATERIAL USED FOR RECLAMATION HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM TUI MIN HOI WHERE PLATFORMS HAVE BEEN FORMED FOR BUILDING HOUSING FOR FISHERMEN AFFECTED BY THE HIGH ISLAND SCHEME.
SPECIAL ATTENTION IS BEING PAID TO THE LAND-SCAPING ELEMENT TO REDUCE THE INITIAL IMPACT OF THE WORK. TURFING AND PLANTING WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER FORMATION OF THE LAND.
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COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS ON H.K. INDUSTRIES
*******
THE POST OFFICE WILL ISSUE THREE COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS ON THE THEME OF +HONG KONG INDUSTRIES*.
THE THREE STAMPS ARE IN 20 CENTS. 11.30 AND $2 DENOMINATIONS AND WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON JANUARY 9, 1979.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY THE DESIGN DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
SPECIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 AT 20 CENTS EACH.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING 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.
/for this..
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1b, 1978
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 $3.70 PER COVER WHICH INCLUDES THE COST OF THE THREE STAMPS AND A SERVICE FEE OF 20 CENTS.
THE COVERS MUST BE FULLY ADDRESSED BY THE APPLICANT, AND NOT LESS THAN 10 COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH EACH ORDER.
THE ORDER FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE ON DECEMBER 27.
COVERS ADDRESSED TO A LOCAL DESTINATION MAY BE COLLECTED ON JANUARY 10, 1979 FROM THE OFFICE WHERE THE ORDER WAS PLACED.
COVERS ADDRESSED OVERSEAS WILL BE SENT FORWARD BY SURFACE MAIL, UNLESS SUFFICIENT STAMPS ARE AFFIXED TO COVER AIRMAIL AND/ OR REGISTRATION CHARGES. THE LATEST ACCEPTANCE DATE FOR ADVANCE ORDERS OF SERVICED COVERS WILL BE 5 P.M. ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1979.
A SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1979 AT ALL POST OFFICES WHEREBY FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATE STAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM. NO TIME TYPE WILL APPEAR IN THE POSTMARK.
THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR THIS SERVICE AREt-
X ONLY ARTICLES BEARING AN INDICATION THAT THEY ARE +FIRST DAY COVERS+ WILL BE SO TREATED-
X THE ARTICLES MUST BE ADDRESSED TO A LOCAL ADDRESS"
* THE ARTICLES MUST NOT BEAR ANY OTHER CANCELLATION"
X NO REGISTERED ITEMS WILL BE PROCESSED BY THIS METHOD.
SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE ON JANUARY 9, 1979 FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE FIRST DAY COVERS CAREFULLY HAND-POSTMARKED BEFORE DESPATCH TO THE ADDRESS ON THE COVERS.
THE NEW STAMPS WILL BE ON DISPLAY ON THE FIRST FLOOR PUBLIC COUNTER OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, ON JANUARY 3, FROM 9.20 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M.
THERE WILL BE TWO MORE COMMEMORATIVE STAMP ISSUES IN 1979, ONE HONG KONG BUTTERFLIES AND THE OTHER ON MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
THE HONG KONG BUTTERFLIES ISSUE WILL COMPRISE FOUR STAMPS OF VALUES AT 20 CENTS, $1, $1.30 AND $2 AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISSUE WILL HAVE THREE STAMPS AT 20 CENTS, $1.30 AND $2.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
- 4 -
BOOKING REMINDER FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES
* * * * M *
THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THERE ARE ONLY FOUR DAYS TO GO TO MAKE POSTAL BOOKINGS FOR TICKETS TO THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES BEFORE THE SERVICE CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 20).
THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR, MR. BENJAMIN TANG SAID THE SERVICE WAS EXTREMELY WELL RECEIVED BY BOTH URBAN RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE LIVING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦MORE THAN 2,500 BOOKING FORMS WERE DISTRIBUTED SINCE THE SERVICE OPENED LAST FRIDAY,* MR. TANG SAID.
♦WHAT IS MOST ENCOURAGING IS THAT THE FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC ABOUT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY THE MAJOR PRESENTATIONS BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND THE PHOENIX OPERA TROUPE.♦
JUDGING FROM THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, MR. TANG SAID, THE FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WAS CONFIDENT MANY MORE APPLICATIONS WOULD POUR IN BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL OPENS ON JANUARY 1.
MR. TANG ALSO ADVISED PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ADVANCE BOOKING BUT HAVE NOT DONE SO SHOULD HURRY AND GET THEIR BOOKING FORMS, COMPLETE THEM AND SEND THEM TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHEQUES TO THE FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE NOW.
BOOKING FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEAD OFFICE AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
MR. TANG SA ID I +TICKETS TO ALL PERFORMANCES, EXCEPT FOR THE CANTONESE OPERAS, WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER 20.
♦BOOKING CAN BE MADE IN PERSON AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AT 10 CHUNG ON STREET, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.+
TICKETS TO THE CANTONESE OPERAS WILL BE ON SALE AT THE ASSOCIATION FROM DECEMBER 25, HE SAID.
BLOCK BOOKINGS BY ASSOCIATIONS AND SCHOOLS ARE WELCOME BUT INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS WILL BE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 10 TICKETS PER PERFORMANCE.
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/5
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
5
PUBLIC SHOW MORE INTEREST IN FIRE PREVENTION
******
INTEREST SHOWN BY THE PUBLIC IN FIRE PREVENTION IS INCREASING ANNUALLY.
DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, OVER 140 LECTURES. DEMONSTRATIONS AND TALKS ON FIRE SAFETY WERE CONDUCTED BY OFFICERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT COMPARED WITH 170 IN 1977 AND 59 IN .1976.
OF THESE, 32 WERE ORGANISED FOR HOSPITAL STAFF WITH EMPHASIS ON THE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS.
THE REST WERE GIVEN TO PERSONNEL IN SCHOOLS, FACTORIES, HOTELS, COMMERCIAL FIRMS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
♦MOST OF THE LECTURES WERE CONDUCTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MANAGEMENTS AND IT SHOWS MORE PEOPLE ARE TAKING INITIATIVE IN ACQUIRING THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF FIRE PREVENTION,♦ A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID.
APART FROM THESE LECTURES, SHORT FILMS, SLIDES AND OTHER FORM OF VISUAL AID ARE CONSTANTLY USED TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS AN INSIGHT INTO SPECIAL FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE DEPARTMENT TOOK PART IN FOUR DISTRICT EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
/6
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
6
CROSS MOUNTAIN RACE
******
MORE THAN 350 OFFICERS AND CIVILIAN STAFF OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN ITS ANNUAL CROSS MOUNTAIN RACE IN THE MEW TERRITORIES ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 18).
THE EIGHT-MILE RACE WILL START ON ROUTE I OPPOSITE THE ENTRANCE TO THE KADOORIE EXPERIMENTAL FARM VIA RAZORBACK MOUNTAIN AND CORPS IUDGE TO FINISH AT THE FANLING FIRE STATION.
THE COMPETITORS WILL SET OUT IN THREE GROUPS, WITH WOMEN AND THOSE OVER 40 LEAVING AT 10.30 A.M. AND THE REST AT 11 A.M. AND 11.15 A.M. RESPECTIVELY.
THE OVERALL WINNER WILL BE AWARDED THE LANE TROPHY DONATED BY HR. MAURICE LANE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES.
LAST YEAR THE RACE WAS WON BY FIREMEN WONG KIN-KEUNG AT A TIME OF 54 MINUTES AND 42 SECONDS.
MOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO •70VER THE ANNUAL FIRE SERVICES CROSS MOUNTAIN RACE WHICH WILL »TART AT ROUTE I OPPOSITE THE ENTRANCE TO THE KADOORIE EXPERIMENTAL IARM AT 10.30 A.M. ON MONDAY.
SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR. H.F. CHUI OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A SECTION OF OLD CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD ADJACENT TO CHOI WAN ESTATE WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 1 A.M. TO 5.30 A.M. FOR FIVE DAYS FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 18).
ONE LANE WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ALTERNATIVELY AND WILL BE CONTROLLED BY TRAFFIC SIGNALS.
THIS SECTION OF OLD CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FOR THREE PERIODS OF 10 MINUTES EACH TO FACILITATE THE DISMANTLING OF THE TEMPORARY FORMWORK AND SUPPORTS OF THE TWO FOOTBRIDGES THERE.
THE EXISTING BAN ON VEHICLES IMPOSED ON THE UNNAMED ROAD OFF ’SHUM WAN ROAD NEAR ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL WILL BE LIFTED STARTING FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY.
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROHIBITED FROM USING SHUN WAN ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
/8
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1978
WATER CUTS ft ft ft ft
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG AND CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 19).
PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY ARE BOUNDED BY SHING YIP STREET, 1-31 HING YIP STREET, 57-71 KING YIP STREET, 55 AND 64-80 HOI YUEN ROAD AND 436-438 KWUN TONG ROAD.
AFFECTED PREMISES IN CENTRAL WHICH WILL HAVE THEIR WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY INCLUDE 20-62 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL- 1-21 D AND 2-44 STANLEY STREET- 1-49 AND 2-76 WELLINGTON STREET- D’AGUILAR STREET, WO ON LANE, LAN KWAI FONG- 1-31 B AND 2-16 WYNDHAM STREET, ON HING TERRACE AND ON LAN STREET.
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FIRING PRACTICE ft ft ft ft
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM 8.30 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 20) AND THURSDAY (DECEMBER 21).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE FIRING PRACTICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMUNICATION - THE OPERATIVE WORD IN WORK OF CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS .............................. 1
APPLY EARLY FOR STUDY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ............ 2
TWO +SPECIAL+ INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR AUCTION ............ 3
APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION OPENS BRANCH OFFICE ............ 4
CLEAN-UP OPERATION IN SQUATTER AREA IN SHAM SHUI PO ... 5
BALLOT TICKETS FOR FAIR SITES ON SALE SOON ............. 6
BLIND PEOPLE’S CENTRE OPENED IN SHAM SHUI PO ........... 7
PAYMENT DATES ADVANCED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS .............................. 8
WATER CUT
8
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
1 -
COMMUNICATION -- THE OPERATIVE WORD IN WORK
OF CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS V
****** U
COMMUNICATION IS THE OPERATIVE WORD IN THE WOf^K OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER. IA
FOR THE WORK NOT ONLY ENTAILS TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENTS — FROM ENGLISH INTO CHINESE, OR THE REVERSE -- BUT ALSO KNOWLEDGE OF THE VARIOUS DIALECTS USED BY PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT PROVINCES.
AS MRS. PAK CHAN WAH-KING, SENIOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, DESCRIBES IT: +THE WORK OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER CALLS FOR A HIGH DEGREE OF KNOWLEDGE AND COMPREHENSION OF BOTH LANGUAGES.*
WITH THE GROWING USAGE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC, THE MORE THAN 240 CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS SECONDED TO 31 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE PLAYING A MORE CHALLENGING ROLE.
EXAMPLE:
MR. LEE YUEN-YAU, CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, HAS TO LEARN TO SPEAK HAKKA TO COMMUNICATE MORE EFFICIENTLY WITH VILLAGERS.
EXAMPLE:
MRS. JOSEPHINE WONG, CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, ALSO ACTS AS A COUNSELLOR IN TRYING TO COMFORT APPLICANTS FOR LEGAL AID WHO ARE EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED AND FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THEIR FRIENDS OR RELATIVES HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
MANY OTHER UNEXPECTED AND MORE CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ARISE WHEN THESE OFFICERS OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE.
♦EVEN WITH TRANSLATION ITSELF, A CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER HAS TO KEEP ABREAST OF KNOWLEDGE IN VARIOUS FIELDS SO THAT ONE LANGUAGE CAN BEST BE TRANSLATED INTO THE OTHER,* MRS. PAK POINTED OUT.
+IN ADDITION,* SHE SAID, +THE OFFICER HAS TO READ MANY CHINESE NEWSPAPERS IN ORDER TO HANDLE PROMPTLY AND EFFICIENTLY PRESS COMMENTS CONCERNING THE SERVICES OF INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS.*
MANY CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS ALSO WORK UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE TO MEET DEADLINES, MRS. PAK SAID.
+THIS HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE PREPARING THE CHINESE VERSION OF IMPORTANT POLICY STATEMENTS SUCH AS THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET SPEECH.
♦WE HAVE ONLY A VERY SHORT TIME, AND VERY OFTEN, WE ARE HELD UP BY NEW AND TECHNOLOGICAL TERMS WHICH WE HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS
BEFORE. AND WE HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL BECAUSE EVEN ONE VERY MINOR ERROR MAY AFFECT THE MEANING OF THE WHOLE STATEMENT.*
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
2 -
APPLY EARLY FOR STUDY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM K * KU UK
STUDENTS WISHING TO ENTER COLLEGES OF FURTHER EDUCATION AND POLYTECHNICS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE JUNE 30 EACH YEAR FOR ADMISSION IN SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER OF THE SAME YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICATION FOR THE COLLEGES AND POLYTECHNICS START IN EARLY JANUARY AND ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION BEFORE THE END OF JUNE.
HOWEVER, SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO SPECIFIC APPLICATION DEAD-LINES REQUIRED BY CERTAIN PROFESSIONAL COURSES IN POLYTECHNICS WHICH COULD BE AS EARLY AS MARCH, HE ADDED.
♦APPLICATIONS MADE AFTER THE SET DATE WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY IF THE APPLICANT CAN PRODUCE EVIDENCE THAT THE COLLEGE CONCERNED IS STILL WILLING TO CONSIDER HIS APPLICATION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, APPLICANTS ON +SANDWICH+ COURSES OFFERED BY POLYTECHNICS SHOULD ENSURE THEY HAVE THE PRACTICAL TRAINING PART OF THE COURSE ARRANGED BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG.
SANDWISH COURSES INVOLVE ATTENDING CLASSES AT THE POLYTECHNIC AND ALSO PRACTICAL TRAINING AT FACTORIES OR OTHER INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.
♦MOREOVER, STUDENTS SHOULD NOTE THAT INDUSTRIAL SPONSORSHIP IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ARRANGE AND WHEREVER POSSIBLE THEY ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR FULL-TIME COURSES RATHER THAN SANDWISH COURSES,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO INDEPENDENT PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN BRITAIN, EARLY APPLICATION IS ADVISABLE, PREFERRABLY ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE.
APPLICATIONS TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS SHOULD BE MADE BY PAREIITS OR GUARDIANS DIRECT TO THE SCHOOLS. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE STUDENT ADVISER IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON DO NOT UNDERTAKE TO PLACE BOYS AND GIRLS IN THESE BOARDING SCHOOLS IN BRITAIN.
♦HOWEVER, STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS MAY OBTAIN GENERAL INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON THESE SCHOOLS FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WITH REGARD TO APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO A BRITISH UNIVERSITY, APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE THROUGH THE UNIVERSITIES CENTRAL COUNCIL ON ADMISSION (U.C.C.A.) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
A.c.c.a
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
3
U.C.C.A. FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION FROM MID-AUGUST EACH YEAR. APPLICANTS SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS TO U.C.C.A. BEFORE OCTOBER 15 FOR THOSE INCLUDING OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE AMONG THE UNIVERSITY ENTRIES- OR DECEMBER 15 FOR THOSE NOT INCLUDING OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE.
TURNING TO EXPENSES, THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +STUDENTS PROCEDDING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM TO STUDY SHOULD HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO MEET ALL EXPENSES BECAUSE OVERSEAS STUDENTS THERE CANNOT OBTAIN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR STUDENTS TO WORK THEIR WAY THROUGH COLLEGE.+
THE COST OF LIVING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IS HIGH, AND ANNUAL EXPENSES OF A STUDENT ARE IN THE REGION OF 2,500 POUNDS STERLING. HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS OVER THE AGE OF 18 MAY ALSO APPLY FOR ACCOMMODATION IN THE HONG KONG STUDENTS CENTRE IN LONDON AND THIS SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
STUDENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR A PLACE IN THE CENTRE AND WHO WISH TO OBTAIN THE HELP AND ADVICE OF THE STUDENT ADVISER IN LONDON SHOULD COMPLETE ALL FORMALITIES WITH THE DEPARTMENT AT LEAST ONE ONTH BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE.
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TWO +SPECIAL+ INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR AUCTION ON TUESDAY ******
A PUBLIC AUCTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 19) TO SELL THE FIRST TWO +SPECIAL+ INDUSTRIAL SITES IN THE FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 11 A.M. AND WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON.
THE TWO SITES, MEASURING 2,966 SQUARE METRES AND 2,821 SQUARE PETRES, CARRY SPECIAL LEASE CONDITIONS DESIGNED TO HELP INDUSTRIES REQUIRING INCREASED FLOOR LOADING CAPACITY AND HIGHER CEILING CLEARANCES.
THE SALE CONDITIONS SPECIFY THE PROVISION OF A 300 LBS PER SQUARE FOOT LOADING AND A 25-FOOT HEIGHT PER THREE FLOORS OF THE BUILDINGS TO BE ERECTED, INCLUDING THE GROUND FLOOR.
THE CONDITIONS ALSO CARRY BUILDING COVENANTS OF $4,790,000 AND $4,550,000 RESPECTIVELY TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN 30 CALENDAR MONTHS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR AND A 9.5 PLOT RATIO ALLOWING FOR MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN DEVELOPMENT.
NOTE TO ED ITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FO TAN INDUSTRIAL SITE AUCTION ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 19). TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 2088) WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 10.15 A.M.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
- 4 -
APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION OPENS BRANCH OFFICE ******
NEW BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE NEW OFFICE, AT 31 SHING FONG STREET, FIFTH FLOOR, IS THE FOURTH OPENED BY THE DEPARTMENT. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREi 12-297908 AND 12-298252.
THE OTHER THREE OFFICES ARE IN NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG- 7 KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON- AND SALISBURY ROAD (OPPOSITE SHERATON HOTEL), TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THESE OFFICES IS TO ADMINISTER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE AND TO PROMOTE APPRENTICE TRAINING IN THE 31 DESIGNATED TRADES WHICH ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
SAID A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: +THE AIM OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE IS TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE BETWEEN 14 AND 18 YEARS OLD WORKING IN THESE TRADES RECEIVE ADEQUATE TRAINING SO THAT HONG KONG WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER.
♦THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION WOULD ALSO HELP SETTLE DISPUTES BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND THEIR REGISTERED APPRENTICES.*
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ALL CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP CF YOUNG PEOPLE IN DESIGNATED TRADES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION FOR REGISTRATION WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER EXECUTION. FAILURE TO DO SO MIGHT RENDER AN EMPLOYER LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
HOWEVER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR HAS THE POWER TO GRANT EXEMPTION IN CERTAIN CASES, IF, FOR EXAMPLE, HE IS SATISFIED THAT THE YOUNG PERSON HAS UNDERGONE SUFFICIENT TRAINING IN A PARTICULAR TRADE.
THE SPOKESMAN INVITED EMPLOYERS IN NON-DESIGNATED TRADES TO SEND CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP TO THE DIVISION FOR VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE CAN BE MADE AT THE OFFICES OF THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION MENTIONED ABOVE.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
- 5 -
CLEAN-UP OPERATION IN SQUATTER AREA IN SHAM SHU I PO * * * * * K
A SIX-DAY CLEAN-UP OPERATION WILL BE MOUNTED ON A SQUATTER AREA HOUSED MAINLY BY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN SHAM SHU I PO TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE OPERATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE YEUNG MUI HANG VILLAGE IN TAI WO PING.
THE SQUATTER AREA HAS SOME 700 STRUCTURES USED MAINLY FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES. AT PRESENT, INDUSTRIAL WASTES AND DOMESTIC REFUSE ARE DEPOSITED AT UNATTENDED CORNERS AND HILLSIDES OF THE VILLAGE, POSING FIRE AND HYGENIC HAZARDS.
THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION IS AIMED AT REMINDING VILLAGERS OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES IN MAINTAINING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
OVER 100 VOLUNTEERS AND LABOURERS FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE MOBILISED IN THE OPERATION.
AN OPENING CEREMONY MARKING THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE OFFICIATED BY DR. P.H. HASE, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (SHAM SHU I PO) AT 10.30 A.M. TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE OPERATION IS JOINTLY ORGANSIDED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (SHAM SHU I PO), URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE TAI WO PING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION AT 10.30 A.M. TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE HONG KONG QUARRY COMPANY IN YEUNG MUI HANG VILLAGE AT THE END OF NAM CHEONG STREET FLYOVER NORTH OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, SHAM SHU I PO.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
- 6 -
BALLOT TICKETS FOR FAIR SITES ON SALE SOON ******
BALLOT TICKETS FOR THE 1979 LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE SOLD BETWEEN WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 20) AND JANUARY 4, 1979 (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS).
THE FAIRS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHU I FROM JANUARY 21 TO 28, 1979, WILL PROVIDE 554 TEMPORARY STALL SITES FOR BOTH WET AND DRY GOODS — 254 OF WHICH ARE IN TSUEN WAN, 200 IN YUEN LONG AND 100 IN SHEUNG SHU I.
ALL SITES WILL BE ALLOCATED THROUGH OPEN BALLOT TO FLOWER GROWERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TO TRADERS SELLING PERMISSIBLE COMMODITIES.
BALLOT TICKETS, AT $5 EACH, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING CENTRES FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. :
* TSUEN WAN FAIR — TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICE AT CHARTERED BANK BUILDING, TAI HO ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
* YUEN LONG FAIR — YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICE AT ROOM 314, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING, MAIN ROAD, YUEN LONG.
* SHEUNG SHU I FAIR — TA I PO URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICE AT MEI TAK BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 1-17 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
APPLICANTS, WHO MUST BE AGED 18 OR ABOVE, SHOULD GO TO THE CENTRES IN PERSON, BRINGING WITH THEM THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND A PHOTOGRAPH.
THE OPEN BALLOT WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 10, 1979.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ISSUED A TEMPORARY HAWKER LICENCE AT $25 EACH.
DETAILED SITE PLANS OF THE FAIRS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICES AT TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND TAI PO, FROM WHERE A LIST OF SALEABLE COMMODITIES FOR FAIR STALLS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
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BLIND PEOPLE’S CENTRE OPENED IN SHAM SHU I PO *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER FOR WEST KOWLOON, MR. LU YU-HUA, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN AS VOLUNTEERS IN THEIR SPARE TIME TO HELP THE BLIND.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LUTHERAN CENTRE FOR THE BLIND IN PAK TIN ESTATE, MR. LU SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN HAD POINTED TO THE NEED FOR MORE WELFARE SERVICES FOR BLIND PEOPLE.
THE PROVISION OF SUCH SERVICES, HE SAID, CALLED FOR JOINT EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR, AS WELL AS VOLUNTEERS.
MR. LU SAID THE BLIND HAD MORE ABILITIES THAN DISABILITIES, AND THEY DID JUST AS WELL, AND SOMETIMES EVEN BETTER, THAN THE FULLY SIGHTED IN PROVING THEIR SKILLS.
♦ IT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE OF US TO HELP OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO DISCARD ANY PREJUDICE OR DISCRIMINATION THEY MIGHT HAVE TOWARDS BLIND PEOPLE,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID VISUALLY DISABLED PEOPLE SHOULD BE GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS TO THE FULL AND TO PROVE THEIR REAL USE IN THE COMMUNITY.
♦ I AM SURE THAT WHEN PEOPLE JOIN AS VOLUNTEERS AND GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BLIND, THEY WILL FIND THAT WHILE THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICE HELPS PLUG UP THEIR MINOR DISABILITY, THEY CAN AT THE SAME TIME SHARE MUCH OF THE BLIND’S WISDOM,+ HE SAID.
THE LUTHERAN CENTRE FOR THE BLIND, RUN BY THE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HONG KONG SYNOD, IS PARTLY FINANCED BY THE LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. IT REPLACES THE OLD ONE AT WONG TAI SIN.
THE CENTRE IS THE PIONEER IN ORGANISING OVERSEAS TRIPS FOR BLIND PEOPLE. OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS THE PRODUCTION OF A BI-MONTHLY BRAILLE MAGAZINE. AT PRESENT, IT IS PREPARING A SERIES OF +TALKING MAGAZINES+ WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO THE BLIND EARLY NEXT YEAR.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1978
- 8 -
PAYMENT DATES ADVANCED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS *******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE SPECIAL PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND WELFARE ALLOWANCES WHOSE PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE CORRESPONDING ADVANCE PAYMENT DATES FOR RECIPIENTS WITH COUPONS TO BE CASHED ON DECEMBER 24, 25 AND 26 WOULD NOW BE DECEMBER 20, 21 AND 22 RESPECTIVELY.
+THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THEIR OWN PAYMENT DATES SO THAT THEY CAN GET THEIR ALLOWANCES BEFORE THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS,* HE SAID.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, HE SAID, THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE POST OFFICES, TREASURY OFFICES AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES TO ENABLE RECIPIENTS TO CASH THEIR VOUCHERS EARLIER.
WATER CUT * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 20) TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 21) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NORTH POINT ROAD, SEAFRONT SHU KUK STREET AND NORTH SIDE OF KING’S ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1978
contents page NO.
SPECIAL SURVEY AIMS TO IMPROVE CRIME PREVENTION PLANNING .................................................. i
APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME GROWING MORE POPULAR WITH EMPLOYERS AND YOUNG PERSONS ......................................... 2
EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN SEPTEMBER ..................... 3
MARINE DEPARTMENT CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE ...................... 4
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS ....................................... 4
NO LEARNER DRIVERS ........................................ 5
WATER CUT.................................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1978
- 1 -
SPECIAL SURVEY AIMS TO IMPROVE CRIME PREVENTION PLANNING *****
ABOUT 65,000 PEOPLE AGED 12 AND OVER WILL BE INTERVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 8 AND 22 AS PART OF A SURVEY AIMED AT IMPROVING CRIME PREVENTION PLANNING.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WILL ENABLE THE AUTHORITIES TO ASSESS HOW CRIME AFFECTS THE AVERAGE PERSON.
THE SPECIAL STUDY, KNOWN AS THE CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEY, IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SURVEY TODAY (MONDAY), STATISTICIAN ML BERNARD WONG SAID MEMBERS OF ABOUT 20,000 OR ONE IN 60 HOUSEHOLDS CHOSEN AT RANDOM WOULD BE INTERVIEWED ABOUT CRIMINAL ACTS WHICH AFFECTED THEM DURING THE 1978 CALENDAR YEAR.
EACH HOUSEHOLD SELECTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE SURVEY WOULD RECEIVE, AT THE END OF THIS MONTH, A LETTER CALLING FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY, HE SAID.
AN ADULT, USUALLY THE HOUSEHOLD HEAD, WOULD BE DESIGNATED AS THE MAIN RESPONDENT AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS AND CRIMES THAT MIGHT HAVE AFFECTED THE HOUSEHOLD AS A UNIT.
INFORMATION ABOUT CRIMES AND THE PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANY VICTIM WOULD BE OBTAINED FROM INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS.
MR. WONG STRESSED THAT ALL INFORMATION GIVEN WOULD BE HELD IN STRICTEST CONFIDENCE AND THAT ALL ENUMERATORS INVOLVED IN THE SURVEY WOULD CARRY SPECIAL IDENTITY CARDS.
+THE SURVEY HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICS ON THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME AND TO GIVE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY A NEW INSIGHT INTO CRIME AND ITS VICTIMS,* HE SAID.
+FOR EXAMPLE, WE HOPE TO ESTABLISH WHETHER SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BECOME VICTIMS THAN OTHERS- WHETHER AND HOW VICTIMS OF ONE TYPE OF CRIME DIFFER FROM THOSE OF ANOTHER TYPE- AND WHETHER THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE SUFFERING MULTIPLE VICTIMISATIONS DIFFER FROM THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE A SINGLE VICTIMISATION.
+ IF WE KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BOTH OFFENDERS AND VICTIMS, THE NATURE OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CREATE A HIGH PROBABILITY OF CRIMINAL CONDUCT, CRIME PREVENTION bEASURES CAN BE MADE MORE EFFECTIVE.
+IN ADDITION TO DETERMINING THE PROPORTION OF CRIMES THAT COME TO THE ATTENTION OF POLICE, THE SURVEY WILL BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE REPORTING RATES FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF CRIME AND THE REASONS FOR NOT NOTIFYING THE POLICE,* MR. WONG SAID.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1978
-2-
APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME GROWING MORE POPULAR WITH EMPLOYERS AND YOUNG PERSONS K K K X K K K M
TRAINING FOR A CAREER IN INDUSTRY THROUGH PROPER APPRENTICE TRAINING HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 7,000 YOUTHS TO BECOME REGISTERED APPRENTICES IN VARIOUS FIELDS SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE IN JULY 1976.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS OF CERTAIN TRADES ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH THEIR APPRENTICES AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18 AND TO PROVIDE THEM WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING.
OVER 3,600 CONTRACTS HAVE SO FAR BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR. THE FIGURE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION, WHICH ADMINISTERS THE ORDINANCE, REGISTERED 2,174 CONTRACTS LAST YEAR COMPARED WITH 1,502 IN 1976.
MR. AU-YEUNG MAN-TAK, SENIOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICER, APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) A TOTAL OF 31 TRADES HAS SO FAR BEEN DESIGNATED SINCE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE.
-►ARISING FROM THE CURRENT CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY, FURTHER TRADES COMMON TO THE TWO INDUSTRIES MAY ALSO BE DESIGNATED IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR. AU-YEUNG NOTED THAT PROPER APPRENTICE TRAINING HAS GAINED ENCOURAGING ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORT FROM EMPLOYERS IN BOTH DESIGNATED AND NON-DESIGNATED TRADES.
+A TOTAL OF 440 APPRENTICES IN NON-DESIGNATED TRADES HAS REGISTERED THEIR CONTRACTS UNDER THE ORDINANCE SINCE JANUARY 1978,* HE SAID.
♦CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP IN NON-DESIGNATED TRADES OR IN DESIGNATED TRADES WHERE THE APPRENTICES ARE 19 YEARS OR OVER MAY BE REGISTERED VOLUNTARILY WITH THE DEPARTMENT IF BOTH EMPLOYERS AND THE APPRENTICES WISH TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE BENEFITS WHICH THE ORDINANCE OFFERS,* HE ADDED.
INSPECTORS OF APPRENTICES VISIT EMPLOYERS OF ALL REGISTERED APPRENTICES TO ASSIST THEM IN TRAINING AND ADVISING THEIR APPRENTICES.
INSPECTIONS ARE ALSO MADE TO ENSURE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGED IN DESIGNATED TRADES EITHER HAVE, OR WOULD, ENTER INTO VALID APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS.
MR. AU-YEUNG SAID THAT IN A CONTINUING EFFORT TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE, NEW OFFICES WILL BE SET UP IN KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG IN ADDITION TO THOSE IN WAN CHAI, SAN PO KONG AND TSIM SHA TSUI. THESE OFFICES CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES IN NEIGHBOURING INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
/employers.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 197»
3
EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE OR REQUIRE ASSISTANCE ARE WELCOMED TO ENQUIRE AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES OF THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONE:-
* WAN CHAI OFFICE : NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG. TEL. 5-280545
* SAN PO KONG OFFICE I PARIS THEATRE BUILDING, 7 KING FUK ST., SAN PO KONG.
TEL. 3-219285
* TSIM SHA TSUI OFFICE i SALISBURY ROAD, OPPOSITE SHERATON HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI.
TEL. 3-677463
* KWAI CHUNG OFFICE i 31 SHING FONG STREET, FIFTH FLOOR, KWAI CHUNG.
TEL. 12-297039 -----o--------
EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN SEPTEMBER
X X X X X
MORE THAN 269,000 PEOPLE WERE EMPLOYED IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, A RECENT EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT REVEALED.
THIS REPRESENTS A SLIGHT INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT COMPARED WITH JUNE 1978 AND AN INCREASE OF TWO PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1977.
EMPLOYMENT IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS TOTALLED 101,000, BEING ONE PER CENT AND TWO PER CENT MORE THAN THOSE FOR JUNE 1978 AND SEPTEMBER 1977 RESPECTIVELY.
THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED 17,690 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES IN SEPTEMBER 1978, A DECLINE OF TWO PER CENT COMPARED WITH JUNE 1978. WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1977, THE EMPLOYMENT HAS RISEN BY OVER THREE PER CENT.
DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN SEPTEMBER 1978 AND JUNE 1978 AND A COMPARISON BETWEEN THEM ARE:
PERSONS ENGAGED IN SEPTEMBER 1978 PERSONS ENGAGED IN JUNE 1978 CHANGE OF SEPT. 1978 OVER JUNE 1978
PERSONS PERCENT
WHOLESALE 40,390 39,890 + 500 ♦ 1.3
RETAIL 134,880 133,950 + 930 + 0.7
IMPORT/EXPORT RESTAURANTS, 93,870 92,860 + 1,020 + 1.1
CAFES AND BARS HOTELS AND 101,000 99,940 + 1,060 ♦ 1.1
BOARDING HOUSES 17,690 18,070 380 - 2.1
TOTAL 387,830 384,700 * 3,130 ♦ 0.8
NOTE: COMPONENTS MAY NOT ADD UP TO TOTAL DUE TO ROUNDING.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1978
- 4 -
MARINE DEPARTMENT CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE * * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ITS PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS IN WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, TSUEN WAN AND KWUN TONG WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE TWO GENERAL HOLIDAYS ON DECEMBER 25 (MONDAY) AND DECEMBER 26.
IN ADDITION, THE VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. ON DECEMBER 25 AND THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OFFICES, FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS.
-----0------
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
* * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (MONDAY) DECLARED NOS. 1, 2, 3 AND 4 CHEUNG KAN LANE IN WESTERN DISTRICT, COMPRISING TWO-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
A BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SPOKESMAN OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID IT HAD BEEN NOTED RECENTLY THAT THE EXTERNAL BRICKWORK WAS IN EXTREMELY POOR CONDITION AND THAT A DETAILED SURVEY REVEALED SERIOUS OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF THE WALLS HAD OCCURED.
♦THERE IS NOW A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING IT WAS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 5, 1979, WERE POSTED
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/5
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1978
5
NO LEARNER DRIVERS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 23), THE SHING MUN ROAD SECTION NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WO Yl HOP ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITION ZONE ON ALL SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW DURING HOLIDAYS.
LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE RESTRICTED FROM ENTERING AND PRACTISING DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS AREA THROUGH WO Yl HOP ROAD AND SHING MUN ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WO Yl HOP ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----0------
WATER CUT * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE LEAKAGE TESTS** H°URS FR0M M,DN,SHT TO 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY FOR
THE affectED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, NULLAH ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. TUNG CHOI STREET, PLAYING FIELD ROAD, SAI YEE STREET AND FLOWER MARKET ROAD, INCLUDING A SECTION OF FA YUEN STREET BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND PLAYING FIELD ROAD, YUEN NGA I STREET AND A SECTION OF SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET BETWEEN NULLAH ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. nullah
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN REPULSE BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 21) TO 6 A.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 22) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY 1-18 HEADLAND ROADSOUTH BAY ROAD- BEACH ROAD- 58, 70-84 AND 101 REPULSE BAY ROAD INCLUDING THE CALTEX PETROL STATION.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
16 QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING .................................. 1
’KEEP CHRISTMAS HAPPY AND SAFE FROM FIRE’ .................... 2
SPEECH CONTEST ON FIRE PREVENTION ............................ 3
CAS CADET CORPS TO CELEBRATE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY ................ 4
SHA TIN INDUSTRIAL SITE SOLD FOR $50.2 MILLION................ 5
D.S.W. TO INAUGURATE SPECIAL BUS SERVICE FOR OLD PEOPLE .. 6
SEVEN DAYS PAID ANNUAL LEAVE ................................. 7
EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS OPEN DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS . 8
POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ............ 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
1
16 QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING *******
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 16 QUESTIONS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK TO WHAT EXTENT THE RECENT INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY POLICE INTERPRETERS HAS CAUSED DELAY IN COURT PROCEEDINGS AND WHAT MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.
THE HON. ALEX WU IS TO ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY PLANS TO PROVIDE DECOMPRESSING FACILITIES FOR DIVERS IN DISTRESS IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF UNDERWATER DIVING ACTIVITIES.
ON TRANSPORT, THE HON. PETER C. WONG WILL ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT ADEQUATE BUS SERVICES ARE BEING PROVIDED FOR
COMMUTERS IN CENTRAL AND, IF NOT, WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN IS TO ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF THE INITIAL DIFFICULTIES BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN TRYING TO REACH PREMISES TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH FIRE OR OTHER CALAMITY AND, IF SO, IF IT WILL STATE WHAT ACTION IS BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES ARE NOT IMPEDED BY TRAFFIC CONGESTION CAUSED BY ON-STREET PARKING AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS.
THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WILL ALSO ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE WHAT ACTION IS BEING TAKEN BY THE POLICE TO EFFECT THE REMOVAL OF BROKEN AND ABANDONED VEHICLES AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS WHICH IMPEDE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON MANY PAVEMENTS AND ROADS.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONCERN MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR SHA TIN, COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, LABORATORY FACILITIES IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS AND THE RELAXATION OF SPEED LIMIT IN THE HARBOUR FOR MORE SPEEDY CROSS-HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES.
THREE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS TOMORROW. THEY ARE THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 4) BILL 1978, THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT)(NO. 4) BILL 1978.
SEVERAL COUNCILLORS WILL SPEAK ON THE MEASURES ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO CONSUMER RAISED BY THE HON. ALEX WU.
MATTER OF +WEIGHTS AND PROTECTION+ TO BE
THREE SESSIONAL PAPERS — THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, HONG KONG 1977-78- THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION 1977-78 AND THE ACCOUNTS OF THE LOTTERIES FUND 1978 — WILL BE TABLED.
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/2......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
2
'KEEP CHRISTMAS HAPPY AND SAFE FROM FIRE’
*****
’KEEP CHRISTMAS HAPPY AND SAFE FROM FIRE’ IS THE MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS THE FESTIVE SEASON DRAWS NEAR.
DURING CHRISTMAS EVERY STEP MUST BE TAKEN TO PREVENT THE SLIGHTEST RISK OF STARTING A FIRE, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, TREES, COLOURED LIGHTS AND GIFT WRAPPINGS OFTEN ADD TO THE FIRE HAZARDS IN THE HOME,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
+THE SITUATION IS AGGRAVATED BY THE LOW HUMIDITY WHICH DRIES OUT EVERYTHING THAT WILL BURN,* HE WARNED.
THE SPOKESMAN SUGGESTED THE FOLLOWING BASIC FIRE PREVENTION GUIDELINES TO TAKE AT HOMEi
* USE NON-COMBUST IBLE DECORATING MATERIALS WHERE POSSIBLE.
* PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES CAN BURN, SO KEEP THEM WELL AWAY FROM SOURCES OF HEAT.
* CHECK ALL TREE LIGHTING SETS, ELECTRIC CANDLES AND SIMILAR LIGHTING EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS EXTENSION CORDS FOR FRAYED WIRES, LOOSE CONNECTIONS AND BROKEN SOCKETS. NEVER USE LIGHTED WAX CANDLES ON OR NEAR ANY TREE.
* DISPOSE GIFT WRAPPINGS AND BOXES PROMPTLY AND SAFELY.
* DON’T SMOKE NEAR THE TREE, AMID DECORATIONS AND WRAPPINGS AND BE SURE THERE ARE PLENTY OF LARGE AND SAFE ASHTRAYS AT HAND.
X SUPERVISE SMALL CHILDREN PLAYING NEAR THE TREE AND KEEP MATCHES, LIGHTERS AND CANDLES OUT OF THEIR REACH.
* TURN OFF ALL TREE AND OTHER INDOOR HOLIDAY LIGHTING BEFORE GOING TO BED OR LEAVING THE HOUSE.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER ADVISED ALL RESTAURANTS, NIGHTCLUBS AND DEPARTMENT STORES TO DOUBLE FIRE PRECAUTIONS DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD WHEN LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED.
+IN SUCH PREMISES,* HE SAID, +CHRISTMAS CROWDS MAY EASILY LEAD TO PANIC IN CASE OF FIRE AND IT IS THEREFORE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO KEEP ALL EXIT ROUTES CLEARLY MARKED AND FREE OF OBSTRUCTION.*
FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS HAVE ALREADY STARTED THEIR ROUNDS OF INSPECTION TO ALL PUBLIC PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT TO ADVISE ON FIRE PREVENTION AND TO ENSURE THAT FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS ARE BEING PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
--------o ---------
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
3
SPEECH CONTEST ON FIRE PREVENTION
* M * *
AN INTER-AREA COMMITTEE CHINESE SPEECH CONTEST ON FIRE PREVENTION IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AT 8 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHING TAK STREET, WONG TAI SIN.
ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN), THE CONTEST ,8 AIMED AT AROUSING THE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION IN WINTER.
THE 12 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL EACH NOMINATE A REPRESENTATIVE TO SPEAK EITHER ON +HOW TO PUBLICISE AND CARRY OUT FIRE PREVENTION+ OR +IT IS THE DUTY OF THE CITIZENS TO HELP IN PREVENTING FIRE*.
ON THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL BE MR. LAM KAM-KWONG, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WONG TAI SIN), MR. TAM HON-CHEUNG OF THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, MR. YU WAH-CHI, POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER (AUXILIARY), MR. LAI CHARM-KAN, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER (WONG TAI SIN), MR. CHAN YIN-LUI, RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (WONG TAI SIN) AND MR. LAM CHUNG-LUNG, HEALTH INSPECTOR.
THERE WILL BE FOUR PRIZES AND WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A SHIELD.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE INTER-AREA COMMITTEE CHINESE SPEECH CONTEST ON FIRE PREVENTION WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHING TAK STREET, WONG TAI SIN, AT 8 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
/A
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
4
CAS CADET CORPS TO CELEBRATE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY M M « « I * « *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS WILL CELEBRATE ITS 1OTH ANNIVERSARY DURING ITS ANNUAL FOUR-DAY JOINT CAMP AT THE YMCA WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE FROM DECEMBER 27-30.
ABOUT 1,000 CADETS FROM 20 UNITS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG WILL TAKE PART.
A FULL PROGRAMME OF OUTDOOR AND WATER ACTIVITIES, GAMES AND COMPETITIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED TO FURTHER PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AND SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION.
AN OPEN DAY WILL ALSO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 28) FOR SENIOR CAS OFFICIALS AS WELL AS MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO VISIT THE CAMP SITE AND WATCH THE COMPETITIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPEN DAY OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS ANNUAL FOUR-DAY CAMP AT THE YMCA WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 28).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THIS EVENT, WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE CADET CORPS’ 10TH ANNIVERSARY, ARE REQUESTED TO REPORT TO MR. WONG SZE-KEUNG, TRAINING OFFICER, AT 9 A.M. AT CAS HEADQUARTERS, 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, HONG KONG, OR MR. TSANG KWOK-KEUNG, TRAINING OFFICER, AT 9.30 A.M. AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 204 ARGYLE STREET, ON DECEMBER 28.
/5
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
5
SHA TIN INDUSTRIAL SITE SOLD FOR $50.2 MILLION
*****
TWO ADJOINING INDUSTRIAL SITES AT FO TAN IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN WERE SOLD TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $50.2 MILLION AT A PUBLIC AUCTION.
ONE SITE OF 2,966 SQ. METRES FETCHED $25.6 MILLION AND THE SECOND SITE OF 2,821 SQ. METRES WAS KNOCKED DOWN FOR $24.6 MILLION.
BOTH WERE PURCHASED BY SHU I KAI CO. LTD. AFTER COMPETITIVE BIDDING AT THE AUCTION HELD IN THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE LARGER SITE REALISED $8,631 PER SQ. METRE AND THE SECOND SITE, $8,720 PER SQ. METRE, ONLY MARGINALLY LOWER THAN THE NEW TERRITORIES RECORD PRICE PAID FOR A SITE IN THE SAME AREA LAST (NOVEMBER) MONTH.
HOWEVER, THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON SAID THE PRICES PAID AT TODAY'S AUCTION WERE IN LINE WITH THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO THE SITES.
♦BOTH LOTS HAVE PROVISIONS FOR AT LEAST TWO FLOORS WITH HIGH CEILING CLEARANCES AND HEAVIER FLOOR LOADING CAPACITY,* MR. THOMPSON SAID.
♦THESE CONDITIONS WOULD ADD TO THE COST OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE BIDDERS WOULD HAVE TAKEN THIS INTO CONS(DERATION.+
MR. THOMPSON ADDED THAT THE CONDITIONS WOULD ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO SITES AS A WHOLE.
♦THE CONDITIONS WERE INCLUDED TO ALLOW A DIVERSITY OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE BUILDINGS, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS SILK WEAVING, WHICH NORMALLY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE IN REGULAR HIGH-RISE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
♦TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND GENERAL MARKET CONSIDERATIONS, THE PRICES REFLECTED A CONTINUING AND STABLE MARKET FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND IN THE NEW TOWN,+ HE SAID.
/6......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
6
D.S.W. TO INAUGURATE SPECIAL BUS SERVICE FOR OLD PEOPLE ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WILL INAUGURATE A TRANSPORT SERVICE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR OLD PEOPLE.
THE SERVICE, RUN BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED, IS EXPECTED TO SERVE 14,000 OLD PEOPLE EACH YEAR.
AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD OUTSIDE QUEEN’S PIER IN CENTRAL, W. LEE WILL RECEIVE, ON BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY , A BUS FROM THE HONG KONG COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING CO. LTD. AND LATER CUT THE RIBBON TO MARK THE INAUGURATION OF THE SERVICE.
THE 50-SEATER BUS, WITH SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR OLD PEOPLE’S COMFORT AND TO FACILITATE THEIR ACCESS, WAS DONATED BY THE EROADCASTING COMPANY.
AFTER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY, A GROUP OF 50 OLD PEOPLE WILL TRAVEL ON THE SPECIAL BUS FOR A TRIP TO OCEAN PARK.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME WILL PROVIDE A BAND AND SCOUTS TO ENTERTAIN AND HELP THE OLD PEOPLE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF A SPECIAL TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 11.30 A.M. OUTSIDE QUEEN’S PIER IN CENTRAL. THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
SEVEN DAYS PAID ANNUAL LEAVE ********
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE NOT YET GRANTED SEVEN DAYS PAID ANNUAL LEAVE TO STAFF ENTITLED TO IT THAT THEY SHOULD DO SO BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS.
♦ALL MANUAL WORKERS, AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH WHO HAVE COMPLETED A YEAR’S CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT WITH ONE EMPLOYER BY DECEMBER 31, 1977, ARE ENTITLED TO PAID ANNUAL LEAVE DURING 1978,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SEVEN DAYS ANNUAL LEAVE WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
♦HOWEVER,* HE SAID, +THE LAW HAS BEEN MADE FLEXIBLE SO THAT A COMBINATION OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE WITH STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OR REST DAYS TO FORM A TOTAL OF SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS IS ALLOWED.
♦ IN SUCH A CASE, THE BALANCE OF THE ANNUAL LEAVE CAN THEN BE GRANTED AS INDIVIDUAL PAID HOLIDAYS TO BE FIXED BY THE EMPLOYER IN CONSULTATION WITH THE EMPLOYEE.
♦ ON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, AN EMPLOYEE MUST BE GIVEN PRO RATA ANNUAL LEAVE PAY EXCEPT WHERE HIS RELEVANT PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT IS LESS THAN THREE MONTHS, OR IF HE IS DISMISSED FOR MISCONDUCT WITHOUT HAVING PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED 12 MONTHS OF CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT.
♦ APART FROM THESE CIRCUMSTANCES PAYMENT IN LIEU OF LEAVE IS PROHIBITED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO KEEP RECORDS OF ANNUAL LEAVE TAKEN BY HIS STAFF.
A LEAFLET EXPLAINING THE PROVISIONS OF REST DAYS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND PAID ANNUAL LEAVE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICES.
/8
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1978
8
EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS OPEN DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
KOKX*
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS FROM DECEMBER 24 TO 26 FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. DAILY.
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND THE SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND- THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC. THE YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN KOWLOON- AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN, THE YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND THE SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED DURING THOSE THREE DAYS.
- 0 -
POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
******
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25). ALL POST OFFICES WILL ALSO BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY.
HOWEVER, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WILL BE TWO MAIL DELIVERIES ON DECEMBER 24 (SUNDAY), ONE ON DECEMBER 26 (TUESDAY) AND ONE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1).
IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, 32 POST OFFICES INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FOR COUNTER BUSINESS FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON ON DECEMBER 26 AND JANUARY 1. ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAXI FARE TO GO UP........................................ 1
BILL TO GIVE ATTORNEY GENERAL POWER TO SEEK A REVIEW OF BAIL DECISION .................................. 3
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) BILL BECOMES LAW............................................... 4
LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS .......................... 6 •
ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ............... 7
SURVEYS ON IMPORTS-EXPORTS OF SERVICES AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIONS .................................. 12
ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL PASSED INTO LAW...................................................... 14
NEW AND IMPROVED COMMAND AND CONTROL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR FIRE SERVICES ................................ 15
BUS SERVICES IN CENTRAL AND WAH FU ...................... 16
♦NEW LOOK+ SPORTING FACILITIES IN N.T.................. 17
JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE UP TO WORLD STANDARD .............. 18
MEDICAL FACILITIES IN SHA TIN............A.^.3........... 19
24 CLINICIANS TO BE RECRUITED FOR QUEEN MART HOSPITAL................................................. 20
MEASURES TAKEN TO HELP MINIMISE DELAYS IN COURT
■' PROCEEDINGS ............................................ 21
PLANNING STANDARDS FOR N.T. COMMUNITY FACILITIES UNDER REVIEW ............................................ 22
/standards
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
STANDARDS OF SAFETY IN GOVT. AND AIDED SCHOOL LABORATORIES ADEQUATE ................................... 23
RESERVOIR MIGHT BE DEVELOPED FOR BOATING ................ 24
1,231 ABANDONED VEHICLES REMOVED FROM ROADS UP TO OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR ..................................... 25
FERRY SPEED LIMIT........................................ 25
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 .............. 26
BILLS PASSED ............................................ 26
REPORT OF THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE ........................................ 27
SAFETY IN WATER SPORTS .................................. 27
NO PLANS TO BUILD SWIMMING LAGOONS AND ARTIFICIAL BEACHES ................................................. 28
ANOTHER JOINT VENTURE BOOST FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY .... 28
GOVERNOR TO VISIT KCR WORKSHOP .......................... 29
♦WORKING OUTSIDE PERMISSIBLE HOURS* WARNING ............. 29
TOPPING OUT OF AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ....................... 30
D.S.W. INAUGURATES HK’S FIRST TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY.......................................... 31
ANTI-SMOKING TEACHING KIT COMPETITION WINNERS TO RECEIVE PRIZES ....................................... 32
S.W.D. REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS TO HOLD X’MAS PARTY ............................................. 33
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
1
TAXI FARE TO GO UP *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO INCREASE TAXI FARES AS PART OF A PACKAGE DEAL WHICH INCLUDES STIFFER PENALTIES FOR MALPRACTICES TO IMPROVE THE TAXI SERVICE.
THE INCREASES FOR URBAN TAXIS WILL BE $2.50 FOR THE FIRST MILE AND 50 CENTS FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT ONE FIFTH OF A MILE WITH WAITING TIME CHARGED AT 50 CENTS FOR EVERY 2-1/2 MINUTES.
NEW TERRITORIES TAXI FARES WILL BE INCREASED TO $1.50 FOR THE FIRST MILE AND 30 CENTS FOR EVERY SUBSEQUENT ONE FIFTH OF A MILE WITH WAITING TIME CHARGED AT 30 CENTS FOR EVERY 2-1/2 MINUTES.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES AT THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1978 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR. JONES SAID A MINOR ADJUSTMENT WOULD ALSO BE MADE SO THAT EVERY JOURNEY INVOLVING A TUNNEL TOLL OR VEHICULAR FEERY TRIP WOULD INCUR A SURCHARGE OF TWICE THE TOLL OR FERRY FEE TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF SPECIFIED CHARGES FOR THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND VEHICULAR FERRIES.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO INTRODUCE THE HIGHER FARES AND STIFFER PENALTIES FOR MALPRACTICES IN THE TAXI TRADE SIMULTANEOUSLY AS A PACKAGE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE BILL HAD PASSED INTO LAW.
MR. JONES SAID THE FARE INCREASES WERE NOT ONLY DESIGNED TO HAVE SOME DAMPENING EFFECT ON THE BURGEONING DEMAND FOR TAXIS, THEY ALSO RECOGNISED THE INCREASE IN THE OPERATING COSTS OF TAXIS FOR WHICH THE ONE AND ONLY FARE INCREASE SINCE THE WAR WAS IN 1974.
♦FURTHERMORE, BY EQUALISING CHARGES FOR THE FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT MILES, THEY ARE INTENDED TO DETER TAXI DRIVERS FROM CONGREGATING IN THE CONGESTED CENTRAL AREAS HOPING FOR A SHORT TRIP.
♦THE INCREASES ALSO AIM TO END THE PRESENT ANOMALOUS SITUATION WHEREBY, BECAUSE A SHARED TAXI IS ALMOST AS CHEAP AS TAKING A BUS OR TRAM AND CHEAPER IN MANY CA0EB THAN A MINIBUS, THE DEMAND FOR THIS FORM OF TRANSPORT IS KEPT ARTIFICALLY HIGH, OFTEN AT THE EXPENSE OF THOSE WHO WISH TO USE TAXIS IN A MORE NORMAL WAY.*
IN ADDITION, THE HIGHER FARES SHOULD ALSO, BY GIVING DRIVERS MORE LEGITIMATE INCOME, REDUCE THE INCENTIVE TO RESORT TO NEGOTIATING FARES OR REFUSING AN UNATTRACTIVE HIRE, HE SAID.
/l!R. J0N3S.........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
2
MR. JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO CONTINUE. ISSUING URBAN TAXI LICENCES AT THE RATE OF 100 A MONTH AND AN EXAMINATION HAS ALSO BEEN MADE OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF TENDERING FOR LICENCES WITH A VIEW TO SEEING WHETHER IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE INTRODUCED.
HE SAID THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEE FOR URBAN TAXIS AT $320 WAS LESS THAN HALF THE AVERAGE LICENCE FEE FOR A PRIVATE CAR. THIS CHARGE SEEMED TO BE VERY LOW AND IT MIGHT WELL, IN DUE COURSE, NEEDED TO BE RECONSIDERED.
ON THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL, HE SAID ITS PURPOSE WAS TO PROVIDE FOR STIFFER SANCTIONS AGAINST TAXI DRIVERS WHO ENGAGE IN MALPRACTICES.
THE BILL SEEKS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY TO A FINE OF $3,000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR SUCH OFFENCES BY TAXI DRIVERS AS TAMPERING WITH THE METRE, NOT DRIVING TO THE DESTINATION REQUIRED, NOT DRIVING BY THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE OR REFUSAL OF A HIRE.
A FURTHER PENALTY PROPOSED IN THE BILL IS TO EXTEND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A COURT OR MAGISTRATE CAN SUSPEND A DRIVER’S LICENCE TO INCLUDE THE MORE SERIOUS TAXI MALPRACTICES WHICH ARE BASICALLY, REFUSAL TO ACCEPT A HIRE, OR TO DRIVE THE TAXI TO THE PLACE INDICATED BY THE HIRER AND OVERCHARGING.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE BILL SEEKS TO CLARIFY THE OFFENCE OF REFUSING A HIRE, BY ALTERING THE REGULATIONS TO REFLECT THE ACTUAL SITUATION IN WHICH TAXIS ARE HAILED ON THE STREETS AND TO DEFINE A HIRER IN SUCH A WAY AS TO INCLUDE A PERSON SEEKING A HIRE.
THIS MEANS, IF A TAXI DRIVER RESPONDS TO A HAIL FROM AN INTENDING PASSENGER AND THEN REFUSES TO ACCEPT THE HIRE, HE WILL BE COMMITTING AN OFFENCE. ACTIONS SUCH AS DISPLAYING AN OUT OF SERVICE SIGN OR LOCKING THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE WILL NOT BE MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES BECAUSE, BY THE VERY ACT OF RESPONDING TO THE HAIL, THE TAXI DRIVER WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE ACCEPTED THE HIRE AND WILL BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO TAKE THE HIRER TO THE DESTINATION NAMED.
MR. JONES SAID THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE NEW SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES WOULD DEPEND HEAVILY ON THE PUBLIC WHO ARE WILLING TO MAKE COMPLAINTS AND TO GO THROUGH THE NECESSARY PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW THEM UP.
HE ALSO ASSURED THAT THE POLICE WOULD CONTINUE WITH THE STRENUOUS EFFORT THEY HAD RECENTLY BEEN MAKING TO COMBAT MALPRACTICES BY TAXI DRIVERS AND WOULD BE READY TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE TO PRESS THEIR COMPLAINTS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
3
BILL TO GIVE ATTORNEY GENERAL POWER TO SEEK A REVIEW OF BAIL DECISION *****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PROPOSALS GIVING HIM THE POWER TO SEEK A REVIEW OF A COURT DECISION TO GRANT BAIL WOULD BE A USEFUL IMPROVEMENT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE SECOND READING OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 4) BILL, WHICH CONTAINED SUCH PROPOSALS, MR. HOBLEY SAID THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE ABSCONDENCE OF DEFENDANTS CALLED FOR POSITIVE ACTION.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED LAW DID N^T IMPOSE ANY RESTRAINT ON THE DISCRETION WHICH MAGISTRATES AND JUDGES HAVE WITH RESPECT TO THE GRANT OF BAIL.
+WHAT IT WILL DO IS TO GIVE THE CROWN A RIGHT TO HAVE DECISIONS OF MAGISTRATES AND DISTRICT JUDGES GRANTING BAIL REVIEWED IN THE HIGH COURT AT THE INSTANCE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.*
HE SAID THE BILL WOULD PUT THE PROSECUTION IN THE SAME POSITION WHERE BAIL WAS GRANTED AS A DEFENDANT HAD ALWAYS BEEN WHERE BAIL WAS REFUSED.
+A DEFENDANT WHO IS REFUSED BAIL HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO APPLY TO THE HIGH COURT FOR A REVIEW AND IS ABLE TO APPLY TO ONE JUDGE AFTER ANOTHER IF HE IS UNSUCCESSFUL.*
BUT HE SAID THE DECISION OF THE HIGH COURT JUDGE ON A REVIEW UNDER THE PROPOSED LAW AT THE INSTANCE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WOULD BE FINAL, AND THERE WOULD BE NO APPEAL BY EITHER PARTY.
♦THE PROPOSED FINALITY OF THE DECISION ON A REVIEW HAS LED ME TO PROPOSE ALSO THAT A DEFENDANT’S RIGHT AT LARGE TO GO FROM JUDGE TO JUDGE SHOULD NOW BE ABROGATED.*
MR. HOBLEY SAID THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE ADMISSION OF ANY RELEVANT MATERIAL OR ARGUMENT WHICH EFFECTIVELY MEANT THAT THE REVIEW BY A HIGH COURT JUDGE WOULD BE A RE-HEARING OF THE BAIL ISSUE.
ANOTHER SECTION OF THE BILL ALLOWS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, WHERE A MAGISTRATE OR DISTRICT JUDGE HAS GRANTED BAIL, TO INTERVENE AND REQUIRE THE COURT TO ORDER THE DEFENDANT’S DETENTION IN CUSTODY PENDING THE MAKING OF AN APPLICATION TO REVIEW.
MR. HOBLEY SAIDt +1 JUSTIFY THIS PROPOSAL ON THE VERY SIMPLE GROUND THAT WITHOUT IT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE FRUSTRATED FROM THE OUTSET BECAUSE THE DEFENDANT ABSCONDS BEFORE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CAN ACT.*
A SECTION OF THE BILL REQUIRES THAT A DEFENDANT WHO IS SO KEPT IN CUSTODY MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE A HIGH COURT JUDGE WITHIN 48 HOURS.
/THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMEEH 20, 1978
4
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO ASSURED THAT HIS POWER TO REQUIRE A MAN TO BE DETAINED PENDING A REVIEW WOULD BE EXERCISED WITH GREAT CARE AND HE DID NOT EXPECT A FLOOD OF APPLICATIONS FROM HIM FOR REVIEW OF BAIL DECISIONS.
♦NEVERTHELESS, I THINK THAT THESE PROPOSALS WILL EFFECT A USEFUL IMPROVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND WILL ENABLE A FRESH MIND TO BE BROUGHT TO BEAR IN A DIFFICULT CASE,+ HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------o---------
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) BILL BECOMES LAW X X X X X X *
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG SUGGESTED THAT INSTEAD OF EXACTING A LEVY ON OWNERS AND DRIVERS OF VEHICLES, FUNDS FOR THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME COULD BE RAISED BY INCREASING THE COST OF AUTOMOTIVE FUEL.
♦TWENTY CENTS A GALLON WOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH,+ HE SAID. +AFTER ALL, THE MORE A VEHICLE IS ON THE ROAD, THE MORE LIKELY IT IS TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.+
HE SAID THIS METHOD IS THE MOST EQUITABLE, TIME AND MANPOWER SAVING AND COMMENDED IT TO THE GOVERNMENT, SHOULD EXPERIENCE SHOW THAT THE PROPOSED METHOD OF LEVY PROVES CUMBERSOME, EXPENSIVE AND TIME CONSUMING, AND THOUGHT TO BE UNFAIR.
HE HAD ASKED THAT THE WHOLE BURDEN BE BORNE BY GENERAL REVENUE AS A SOCIAL WELFARE MEASURE. HE NOW RELUCTANTLY ACCEPTED THE OFFICIAL VIEW THAT THE LARGER PART OF IT SHOULD BE BORNE BY CAR OWNERS AND DRIVERS BECAUSE IN PRACTICE, A PERSON NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT THROUGH THE FAULT OF THE DRIVER, WOULD MAKE A CLAIM, SIMPLY BECAUSE HE WILL NOT HAVE TO GO TO COURT.
IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, HE HAD PLEADED FOR DRASTIC REFORM OF THE LAWS AND HAD SAID THAT IT MIGHT BE RIGHT TO INTRODUCE A MOTOR INSURANCE BUREAU AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
HE WELCOMED NEWSPAPER REPORTS THAT DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND INSURERS APPEARED TO BE REACHING A CONCLUSION ON INTRODUCING SUCH A BUREAU.
THE HON. WONG LAM, ALSO SPEAKING ON THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) BILL, SUGGESTED THAT THE REQUIREMENT FOR A VICTIM TO SUFFER A LOSS OF AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS' INCOME OR LEARNING CAPACITY BEFORE HE IS ELIGIBLE SHOULD BE WAIVED OR OTHERWISE SHORTENED.
/+THB.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
5
+THE REQUIREMENT GREATLY REDUCES THE EXTENT OF THE ASSISTANCE TO BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE LITTLE SAVINGS, PARTICULARLY IF THE VICTIM IS THE BREADWINNER,* HE SAID.
MR. WONG ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE WAITING PERIOD FOR ACTUAL PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE AND IN NO CASE EXCEED ONE WEEK.
+AS ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME IS TO ENABLE A VICTIM OR HIS FAMILY TO RECEIVE EARLY RELIEF, GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENSURE THAT PAYMENT IS MADE PROMPTLY,* HE SAID.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE WIDER PUBLICITY TO THE SCHEME SO THAT MORE PEOPLE MAY BE AWARE OF IT.
THE HON. PETER C. WONG SUGGESTED AN AMENDMENT TO THE BILL WHICH WAS ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE DEFINITION OF A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT HAS BEEN AMENDED TO COVER AN ACCIDENT CAUSED DIRECTLY BY +THE PRESENCE*, AND NOT ONLY +THE USE*, OF A VEHICLE ON A ROAD.
MR. WONG EXPLAINED THAT IN ITS ORDINARY MEANING, THE WORD +USE+ WHEN APPLIED TO A VEHICLE, IMPORTS SOME POSITIVE, ACTIVE ELEMENT AND DOES NOT NORMALLY COVER A STATIONARY OR UNATTENDED VEHICLE. NOR WOULD IT COVER AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE CAREERING DOWN A SLOPE.
ALTHOUGH IN CERTAIN JUDICIAL DECISIONS, THE WORD HAS BEEN GIVEN A LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION, THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY GUARANTEE THAT JUDGES WILL INVARIABLY CONSTRUE THE WORD IN THE SAME SENSE IN EVERY CASE.
+SINCE THIS BILL SEEKS TO HELP THE ORDINARY MAN AND WOMAN, THE CASE FOR MAKING THE LAW AS PLAIN AS POSSIBLE IS FURTHER STRENGTHENED,* HE SAID.
IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THAT PAYMENTS UNDER THE_£CHEME SHOULD BE MADE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE AND HE WAS SURE THAVJHE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WOULD DO HIS BEST TO SEE THAT WAS THE CASE.
HE SAID THE SCHEME WOULD BE GIVEN FULL PUBLICITY IN THE MEDIA AND THAT EXPLANATORY PAMPHLETS AND OTHER MATERIAL WERE BEING PREPARED TO HELP INFORM THE PUBLIC OF ITS PROVISIONS.
MR. JONES ALSO INTRODUCED FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE. THE AMENDMENTS WERE ESSENTIALLY DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE POTENTIAL LOSS IN REVENUE AS A RESULT OF VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE HOLDERS RENEWING THEIR LICENCES BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE IN ORDER TO ESCAPE LEVY PAYMENT UNDER THE SCHEME.
THE BILL WAS LATER PASSED INTO LAW.
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/6
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
6
LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS
******
TWO IMPORTANT ITEMS OF LEGISLATION IN RELATION TO CONSUMER PROTECTION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR.
THEY ARE THE TRADE DESCRIPTION BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REPLACE THE MERCHANDISE MARKS ORDINANCE AND TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF CONTROL OVER FRAUDULENT AND MISLEADING DESCRIPTIONS OF GOODS OFFERED FOR SALE, AND A BILL TO REPLACE THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON DURING THE COUNCIL’S ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
HE ALSO MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL POLICY ON CONSUMER PROTECTION WAS THAT IT SHOULD INTERVENE TO PROTECT PEOPLE ONLY WHEN THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO CONSIDERING THE APPOINTMENT OF A CHIEF TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER WHOSE INITIAL DUTIES WOULD BE TO FINALISE THE BILL ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND TO BEGIN THE WORK OF BUILDING UP A BODY OF STAFF TO ENFORCE IT.
REPLYING TO POINTS RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE DEBATE, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SOUGHT THE SERVICE OF A CHIEF TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER FROM BRITAIN ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP AN AGENCY TO ENFORCE THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE.
HE SAID THE OFFICER HAD PREPARED A REPORT AND RECOMMENDED THE SETTING UP OF SUCH AN ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, AND A STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION CENTRE WHICH WOULD BE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR THE SAFE CUSTODY OF THE REFERENCE STANDARDS.
HE ALSO INSPECTED THE STANDARD WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND REPORTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THEY WERE STORED FELL BELOW THOSE NOWADAYS CONSIDERED NECESSARY, THEY WERE CAPABLE OF BEING RENOVATED FOR USE AS REFERENCE STANDARDS.
ON THE STANDARDS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THEY WERE IN USE BY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS OF SHORT MEASURES FROM THE PUBLIC.
♦BUT I ACCEPT WE SHALL NOT BE PROPERLY EFFECTIVE UNTIL WE HAVE THE NEW ORDINANCE, THE CHIEF TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER AND STANDARDS APPROPRIATE TO THE VERIFYING OF THE MORE SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS.
♦AS SOON AS WE GET OUR NEW CHIEF TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER AND THE NECESSARY POSTS, HE CAN START TRAINING HIS NEW STAFF. IF HIS INSPECTORS ARE READY BEFORE WE CAN GET THE NEW BILL THROUGH THIS COUNCIL, THEY CAN BE USED TO ENFORCE MORE POSITIVELY THE PRESENT ORDINANCE HOWEVER UNSATISFACTORY IT MAY BE,+ HE SAID.
/on the.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
7
ON THE USE OF METRIC SYSTEM, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY HAD BEEN THAT IT WOULD ADOPT THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS FOR ITS OWN USE, AND IN LEGISLATION WHEREVER THIS WAS APPROPRIATE.
BUT IT WOULD NOT NORMALLY PROHIBIT THE USE OF CHINESE UNITS OF MEASUREMENT OR OF THE IMPERIAL SYSTEM.
♦SO WHILE ALL NEW CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATION WILL USE THE METRIC SYSTEM, AND NON-METRIC UNITS WILL BE DEFINED BY REFERENCE TO METRIC UNITS, AND WHILE THE GOVERNMENT WILL ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO USE THE METRIC SYSTEM, UNDER THE PRESENT IT WILL NOT SET A TARGET TO ABOLISH THE CATTY, THE TAEL,THE FOOT OR THE INCH.+
-----o-------
ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES K * KK K
THE HON. ALEX WU HAS DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE LACK OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE AND THE GOVERNMENT’S DELAY IN REVISING THE EXISTING LEGISLATION.
♦WHAT WOULD THE REST OF THE WORLD THINK OF A MAJOR TRADING COMMUNITY WHICH EXERCISES ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OVER ITS OWN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES? IT IS HARDLY THE BASIS FOR A GOOD REPUTATION,+ HE SAID.
MR. WU INITIATED DEBATE ON THE SUBJECT AT THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY. THREE OTHER UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS, THE HON. S.L. CHEN, THE REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN AND THE HON. ALLEN LEE SPOKE IN HIS SUPPORT.
MR. WU NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS REALLY A SERIOUS MATTER FOR MOST PEOPLE, THE SUBJECT HAD SOMETIMES BEEN TREATED RATHER LIGHTLY IN THE COUNCIL!
♦THERE CERTAINLY ARE ELEMENTS OF FARCE IN A SITUATION WHERE A LAW HAS BEEN ENACTED FOR MORE THAN 93 YEARS, AMENDED 10 TIMES THIS CENTURY, BUT NOT ENFORCED WITHIN LIVING MEMORY.+
THE LAW IS SHORT AND HAS A SIMPLE PURPOSE, PROVIDING FOR STANDARDS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC, AND FOR EXAMINERS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WHO CAN ENTER BUSINESS PREMISES TO EXAMINE SCALES AND BALANCES.
THAT THIS SIMPLE, SENSIBLE LEGISLATION WAS ALLOWED TO
FALL INTO DISUSE WAS A POOR REFLECTION ON ALL OF US: ADMINISTRATORS, LEGISLATORS, TRADERS AND CONSUMERS, MR. WU SAID.
THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES THAT STANDARD WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IE KEPT IN THE TREASURY AND THAT COPIES BE KEPT BY THE COMMISSIONER F POLICE.
/THOSE.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
8
THOSE DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY ARE SOMETHING OF A MYSTERY. THOSE COPIES, THE COMMISSIONED IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN HANDED OVER INSTEAD +FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE* TO THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CUSTOMS SERVICE TO WHOM HOWEVER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CANNOT SEND THEIR MEASURING INSTRUMENTS FOR VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION.
MR. WU QUOTED THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES WHO, HE SAID, WAS ENTIRELY FRANK ABOUT THE REASON IN A WRITTEN ANSWER TO SIR S.Y. CHUNG 18 MONTHS AGOj +THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AT PRESENT WITH THE COMMISSIONER ARE IN A GENERALLY POOR CONDITION. CERTAINLY IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GUARANTEE THAT ANY OF THEM ARE OF THE STANDARD OF ACCURACY REQUIRED OF SECONDARY STANDARDS.*
+1 MUST NOT BE UNKIND TO THE SECRETARY,* MR. WU ADDED, +THE SECRETARY TOLD SIR S.Y.: ’WE INTEND THAT THIS UNSATISFACTORY STATE OF AFFAIRS SHOULD BE RECTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.......+
+BUT, LIKE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES -- EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE. HOW LONG IS A YARD.... HOW HEAVY IS A CATTY.... AND HOW SOON IS SOON?*
MR. WU POINTED OUT THAT IN APRIL, 1977 THE GOVERNMENT HAD SAID THAT THE ORDINANCE WAS +PRESENTLY BEING REVISED*. THAT, HE SAID, WAS NO RASH, HASTY PROMISE. THREE YEARS EARLIER IT HAD ASSURED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL THAT +VERY PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS HAVE LED US TO BELIEVE THAT A NEW WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE SHOULD BE ENACTED TO REPEAL AND REPLACE THE EXISTING ORDINANCE OF 1885*.
IN DECEMBER, 1975, ANOTHER YEAR LATER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TOLD MR. T.S. LO THAT NEW LEGISLATION HAD BEEN UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR SOME TIME. +THAT, SURELY, IS AN UNCHALLENGEABLE STATEMENT OF THE OBVIOUS ....,+ MR. WU SAID.
+BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A SAVING CLAUSE. IN THIS CASE IT WAS THE NEED TO BRING THE LEGISLATION UP TO DATE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ADEQUATE ENFORCEMENT.
+AND SO WE COME TO THE END OF 1978, AND HOW MUCH FURTHER FORWARD ARE WE?+
+HARDLY A STANDARD INCH -- IF ANYONE KNOWS WHAT THAT IS.*
WE HAD HAD AN EXPERT REPORT, HE SAID, BUT SOMEHOW THE WHOLE THING HAD GOT TIED UP WITH THE CHANGEOVER TO THE METRIC UNITS. SOME TIME SOON, AND THE SOONER THE BETTER, OUR WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO DATE, AND THAT MUST INCLUDE PROPER CONSIDERATION OF THE METRIC SYSTEM AND OTHER ASPECTS INVOLVING STANDARDS. WE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LATEST EXPERIENCE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
/+BUT IS.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
9
♦BUT IS ALL THAT A GOOD ENOUGH EXCUSE FOR GOING ON YEAR AFTER YEAR, ALLOWING EXISTING SIMPLE LEGISLATION TO FALL INTO DECAY AND CONTEMPT?
♦WHY ARE WE MAKING SUCH HEAVY WEATHER OVER THE ENFORCEMENT OF A PIECE OF FUNDAMENTAL CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATION WHICH IS AS IT WAS IN 1885?+ MR. WU ASKED.
+T0 SAY THAT WE NEED AN ARMY OF INSPECTORS TO ENFORCE SUCH LEGISLATION IS NO MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN SAYING THAT WE NEED A LARGE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC WARDENS TO ENFORCE PARKING LAWS OR HEALTH INSPECTORS TO ENSURE FOOD SAFETY.+
THE GOVERNMENT ARGUMENT SEEMS TO BE BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT EVERY TRADER IS A VILLAIN AND WILL HAVE TO BE WATCHED AND CHECKED DAILY, WHICH IS RATHER RIDICULOUS. ACCESS TO THE EXISTING LAW IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF THE CONSUMER. IT IS NOT SOME NEWFANGLED 197O’S CONSUMERISM, BUT OLD FASHIONED 188O’S COMMON SENSE. THE LEGISLATION IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO THE VAST MAJORITY OF HONEST TRADERS WHO WOULD WELCOME THE CHANCE TO OPERATE WITH VERIFIED CERTIFIED MEASURES, MR. WU SAID.
HE SAID THERE WAS OBVIOUSLY A NEED FOR PROPERLY TRAINED WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTORS WHEN THE NEW LAW WAS ENACTED. AND EVEN BEFORE. THE EXPERT REPORT HAD INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO GREAT PROBLEM IN TRAINING THEM IN HONG KONG. HOWEVER A GREAT DEAL OF THE WORK COULD BE DONE WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY BY SELFDISCIPLINE, BACKED BY SOME FORCEFUL PUBLIC INFORMATION AND CO-ORDINATION FROM THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
HE ACCEPTED THAT IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT OR IT MIGHT NOT
BE DESIRABLE OR USEFUL TO GIVE THE CONCUMER COUNCIL EXECUTIVE POWER. BUT THERE WAS AMPLE PROOF THAT THE COUNCIL HAD A POWERFUL, PERSUASIVE AND EDUCATIONAL REPUTATION ALREADY.
♦IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE ONLY PREPARED TO MAKE ITS EXISTING LEGISLATION WORK FOR THE TIME BEING, I BELIEVE WE COULD REVIVE A SIMPLE AND MUCH NEEDED FORM OF CONSUMER PROTECTION.
♦IF BETTER STILL, WE HAD NOT ONE COPY OF THE STANDARD WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, BUT SEVERAL — SAY ONE IN EACH CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICE — THEN I BELIEVE WE WOULD BE HONOURING OUR EXISTING OBLIGATIONS AND MEETING THE RIGHTFUL EXPECTATIONS OF CONSUMERS AND TRADERS ALIKE,+ HE SAID.
MR. S.L. CHEN, SPEAKING AFTER MR. WU, SAID SOME VERY BOLD DECISIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN IF WE WERE AT ALL SERIOUS ABOUT THE MATTER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
TO REVISE THE ORDINANCE WITHOUT A POSITIVE IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMME WOULD MERELY BE AN EXERCISE ON +PAPER TALK+.
♦WE MUCH SET OURSELVES A TARGET PROGRAMME TO ABOLISH THE ’CATTY’ AND THE ’TAEL’, THE ’FOOT’ AND THE ’INCH’ AND SO ON, AND TO REPLACE THEM WITH CORRESPONDING METRIC UNITS,♦ HE SAID.
/HE HOPED.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
10
HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT, AS A RESULT OF THE DISCUSSION, WILL FURTHER THINK ABOUT THE IDEA OF ESTABLISHING A STANDARDS BUREAU WHICH HE RAISED IN THE COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
+AS WE ARE NOW TALKING EARNESTLY ABOUT PREPARING OURSELVES TO VENTURE INTO THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY ERA, IT IS A LITTLER INCOMPREHENSIBLE THAT WE ARE NOT EVEN ABLE TO DO SOMETHING POSITIVE TO RESOLVE SUCH AN ELEMENTARY PROBLEM AS WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. WE HAVE ALL THE WISDOM, BUT WHAT WE SADLY LACK IS DETERMINATION,+ HE SAID.
FR. MCGOVERN SAID HIS COMPLAINT WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNNECESSARILY + DRAGGING ITS FEET+. +IN FACT I WOULD GO SO FAR AS TO SAY THAT IT HAS NOT GOT A LEG, OR A ROD POLE OR PERCH, TO STAND 0N,+ HE SAID.
THE STEPS IT SHOULD TAKE SEEMED TO HIM OBVIOUS. IT SHOULD FOLLOW ALREADY AGREED POLICY AND GO STRAIGHT INTO THE METRIC SYSTEM AS A PRIMARY OBJECTIVE. THE METRICATION UNIT AND THE METRICATION COMMITTEE CAN USE THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES AND MAKE USE OF THEIR EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL, AND CAN USE THE EXPERTISE AND GOOD NAME OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO DO THE PUBLIC EDUCATION SIDE OF THE WORK.
+IN THIS WAY GOVERNMENT WILL GET SOME TWO MILLION WEIGHTCONSCIOUS ADULTS TO ENFORCE THE LAW FREE OF CHARGE FOR THEIR OWN GOOD,+ HE SAID.
FR. MCGOVERN SAID HE FORESAW ONE SMALL OBSTACLE AND HAD ONE MILD REGRET.
+HE SUSPECTED THAT IN SPITE OF THEIR HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS WHICH CAN INSTANTLY ADJUST THE ODDS TO ENSURE THAT THE PUNTER NEVER GETS AN EVEN BREAK, THE JOCKEY CLUB WOULD CONTINUE TO MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF THEIR HORSES IN HANDS — +A DOUBLE ANACHRONISM SEEING THAT THEY ARE DEALING WITH FOUR-FOOTED AN I MALS.+
HIS MILD REGRET WAS THAT THERE MAY BE A CERTAIN LOSS TO THE CHEAPER WIT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. +FOR EXAMPLE, NO LONGER WILL A HEN-PECKED HUSBAND OR MALE CHAUVINIST PIG BE ABLE TO CONSOLE HIMSELF WITH REMARKS LIKE ’GIVE A WOMAN AN INCH AND SHE THINKS SHE’S A RULER’.
+PERHAPS NEW PHRASES WILL BE COINED BY SHARPER WITS THAN MINE,* HE CONTINUED. +PERHAPS SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF ’GIVE A WOMAN A CENTIMETRE AND SHE THINKS SHE’S A MILLIPEDE’ — BUT THAT PERHAPS MIGHT BE TOO VENOMOUS A REMARK TO USE AGAINST THE WEAKER SEX.+
FR. MCGOVERN POINTED OUT THAT MUCH HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE TOWARDS METRICATION. THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS ALREADY EXPORTING LARGE QUANTITIES OF GOODS IN METRIC MEASUREMENTS. +THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS BROKEN ITS CHAINS AND NOW MEASURES IN METRES. LAND SALES ARE ALSO DONE IN THE BIGGER MEASUREMENT OF SQUARE METRES, PERHAPS TO REFLECT THE BIGGER INFLATIONARY PRICES FOR WHICH LAND IS BEING SOLD.
/+WE ALSO.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
+WE ALSO HAVE OUR NOTES AND COINS — THOUGH THE LATTER ARE REPUTEDLY STILL SHORT, AND WE HAVE LONG SINCE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO OUR CENTIGRADE MEASUREMENT OF TEMPERATURE.
+S0 THE REMAINING OBSTACLES IN THE PATH OF A NEW OR AMENDED WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE ARE NOT SO GREAT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE UNDULY WEIGHED DOWN BY THEM.
+IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET ON WITH WHATEVER MEASURES REMAIN TO BE TAKEN. I EXHORT THEM TO DO SO, NOT IN GOVERNMENT STANDARD TIME, BUT RAPIDLY, AS RAPIDLY AS IT WOULD ISSUE A BILL FOR PAYMENT AS DISTINCT FROM A BILL FOR LEGISLATION.*
MR. ALLEN LEE, WHO ALSO SERVES ON THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, SAID BECAUSE OF CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS AND MANY OTHER COMMODITIES IN RECENT YEARS, THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN MADE VERY AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF BEING GIVEN SHORT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BY PROFITEERING RETAILERS.
QUITE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS MADE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS WERE OF THIS NATURE. +l AM SURE THAT AS A RESULT OF THE EVER-INCREASING INFLATION RATE, SUCH COMPLAINTS WILL INCREASE CORRESPONDINGLY IN THE YEARS TO COME,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT IN MANY COUNTRIES, STRICT CONTROLS ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WERE ACCEPTED AS FUNDAMENTAL IN CONSUMER PROTECTION AND LEGISLATION REQUIRING SUCH CONTROLS WAS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL.
THE EXISTING WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE IN HONG KONG, EVEN IF ENFORCED DILIGENTLY, WAS FAR FROM ADEQUATE.
REALISING THIS, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL URGED THE GOVERNMENT AS EARLY AS IN JUNE 1974 TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ORDINANCE AND GAVE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS, INCLUDING THE ONE THAT ACCURATE WEIGHING SCALES SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE IN ALL NEW TERRITORIES AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND URBAN COUNCIL MARKETS.
ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISED THE DESIRABILITY FOR A NEW ORDINANCE, ALMOST NO PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THESE FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
MR. LEE NOTED THAT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S OPINION THERE WAS NO ADVANTAGE IN INTRODUCING A NEW ORDINANCE BEFORE IT WAS IN A POSITION TO ENFORCE THE LAW. HOWEVER, HE SAID, WHEN THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ASKED FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION IN 1974, +IT ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN OFFICERS IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF ITS PROVISIONS AND ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE LACK OF PROPERLY TRAINED STAFF COULD LEAD TO PROLONGED DELAYS IN THE STRICT CONTROL OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.*
IN ANY CASE, HE ADDED, THE LACK OF PROPERLY TRAINED STAFF SHOULD NOT DELAY THE ENACTMENT OF THE NEW ORDINANCE, AS THE DATE OF ENFORCEMENT COULD BE LEFT UNTIL SUCH A TIME WHEN THERE WERE SUFFICIENT TRAINED PERSONNEL TO ENFORCE IT.
THE ADVANTAGE IN SO DOING WOULD BE THAT DURING THE INTERIM PERIOD, THE PUBLIC COULD HAVE AMPLE TIME TO BE EDUCATED FOR THE CHANGEOVER TO THE NEW LEGISLATION.
/+! AM......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
12
+| AM SURE THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, WHICH IS THE CONSUMER EDUCATION AUTHORITY IN HONG KONG, WILL BE WILLING TO CARRY OUT A CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE BOTH THE CONSUMER AND THE TRADER IN THIS RESPECT,* HE SAID.
THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO DEPEND A GREAT DEAL ON CONSUMER AWARENESS. IF THE PUBLIC WAS AWARE OF THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE NEW LAW, THEY WOULD BECOME A VERY LARGE TEAM OF ’INSPECTORS’ THEMSELVES AND KEEP A CHECK ON THOSE TRADERS WHO GAVE SHORT WEIGHTS AND SHORT MEASURES.
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SURVEYS ON IMPORTS-EXPORTS OF SERVICES AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIONS ******
TWO SEPARATE SURVEYS ON THIS YEAR’S IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF SERVICES AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT NEXT YEAR, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PRESENTING THE ORDERS FOR THE TWO SURVEYS, MR. JEAFFRESON TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE STATISTICS ADVISORY BOARD HAD ALREADY ENDORSED THE OVERALL PLANS FOR BOTH SURVEYS.
HE SAID THE SURVEY OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF SERVICES FOR 1978, WAS A NEW ONE.
IT WOULD COVER INDUSTRIES PROVIDING SERVICES IN THE AREAS OF SEA AND AIR TRANSPORTATION, INSURANCE, CINEMA AND TELEVISION FILM PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION AS WELL AS HOTEL MANAGEMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WAS TO GET DATA FOR DETERMINING THE VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF SERVICES IN RESPECT OF THESE PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES.
+OTHER INDUSTRIES ENGAGING IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF SERVICES WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE PRESENT SURVEY BECAUSE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED CAN BE GOT THROUGH OTHER CHANNELS,* HE SAID.
+FOR EXAMPLE,* HE ADDED, ^STATISTICS IN AGGREGATE FORM ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR WILL BECOME AVAILABLE FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF BANK ING.*
+THE SURVEY CAN BE SEEN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EXISTING PROGRAMME OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS AS AN INTERIM MEASURE TO OBTAIN USEFUL INFORMATION ON SPECIAL ASPECTS OF SELECTED SERVICE INDUSTRIES, PENDING THE LAUNCHING OF A FULL BENCHMARK SURVEY NOW SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN 1981.
/+TH3 DATA.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
13
+THE DATA COLLECTED WILL HELP US TO IMPROVE OUR ESTIMATES OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. IT WILL RESULT IN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE SERVICE INDUSTRIES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CURRENT ACCOUNT FLOWS IN THE BALANCE OF PAYMENTS,* HE SAID.
THE SURVEY WOULD COVER A SAMPLE OF SOME 2,000 ESTABLISHMENTS. COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE RETURNED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JUNE 30, 1979.
ON THE SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1978, MR. JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT IT WOULD CONTINUE THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION FROM INDUSTRIES ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING, MINING, QUARRYING AND THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF THESE INDUSTRIES WAS IN 1974 BASED ON INFORMATION RELATING TO 1973.
IT WAS A BENCHMARK SURVEY DESIGNED TO COLLECT INFORMATION PARTICULARLY ON THOSE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDUSTRIES THAT WERE UNLIKELY TO CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE SHORT TERM.
EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS HAD CONDUCTED ANNUAL BUT LESS COMPREHENSIVE SURVEYS SEEKING INFORMATION ON THE ELEMENTS THAT DID CHANGE QUICKLY TO PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRIES.
BUT EVERY FIVE YEARS HE MUST BRING THE BENCHMARK INFORMATION UP-TO-DATE. SO THE ORDER BEFORE TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS FOR ANOTHER BENCHMARK SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION.
MR. JEAFFRESON CONTINUED TO POINT OUT THE SURVEY WAS AIMED AT OBTAINING DATA FOR:
* ASSESSING STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRIES CONCERNED-
* COMPILING SUCH INDICATORS AS AN INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION-
* PROVIDING A CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION MADE TO THE COMMUNITY’S EARNINGS BY THESE INDUSTRIES-
M ASSESSING SECULAR CHANGES IN THEM AND USING THE RESULTS TOWARDS DETERMINING CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE- AND
* DEVELOPING PUBLIC POLICY TOWARDS THE INDUSTRIES AS NECESSARY.
HE SAID THE SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION 1978 WOULD COVER A SAMPLE OF SOME 15,000 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF 42,000.
COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE RETURNED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JUNE 30, 1979, HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
14
ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL PASSED INTO LAW ******
AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HAS RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL TO ENSURE THAT, IN CONFERRING POWER ON THE AUTHORITIES TO REQUIRE MOTOR VEHICLES TO BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND SAFELY USED ON THE ROAD, THERE WOULD BE ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE OF THIS POWER.
CONVENER OF THE GROUP, THE HON. S.L. CHEN POINTED OUT THAT THE POWER, SUCH AS AUTHORISING A POLICE OFFICER TO EXAMINE A MOTOR VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND TO ORDER ITS DETENTION FOR EXAMINATION, WAS SIGNIFICANT WHICH IF ABUSED COULD CAUSE CONSIDERABLE INCONVENIENCE OR EVEN HARDSHIP TO THE VEHICLE OWNERS.
THE GROUP MET SEVERAL TIMES WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THEM ON THE AMENDMENTS.
THE UNOFFICIALS WERE VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT A CLAUSE IN THE BILL WHICH PROVIDED FOR A 72-HOUR MAXIMUM PERIOD OF DETENTION FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE. THIS, THEY WERE TOLD, WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT SHORTAGE OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINERS.
AFTER LENGTHY DELIBERATION, THE GROUP AGREED TO SUPPORT THIS 72-HOUR PERIOD ON CONDITION THAT THE GOVERNMENT URGENTLY RE-EXAMINED THE ESTABLISHMENT, CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND RECRUITMENT OF THESE EXAMINERS, WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING A 24-HOUR MAXIMUM PERIOD OF DETENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IT WAS AGREED, MR. CHEN SAID, THAT THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE REVIEWED IN SIX MONTHS’ TIME.
THE 72-HOUR DETENTION PERIOD ALSO DREW COMMENTS FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WHO SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER VEHICLE OWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR EACH DAY THE VEHICLE WAS IMPOUNDED BEYOND THE PERIOD.
♦THE LIVELIHOOD OF SOME OF THESE VEHICLE OWNERS IS AT STAKE AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT CREATE HARDSHIP SIMPLY BECAUSE IT CANNOT ADHERE TO THE LAW,+ HE SAID.
HE FEARED THIS SECTION OF THE BILL WOULD BE ENFORCED MORE IN THE BREACH BECAUSE THE SHORTAGE OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINERS HAS BEEN ALMOST ENDEMIC FOR THE LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS.
HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WHICH ARE IMPOUNDED BEYOND THE 72-HOUR LIMIT.
IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES THANKED MR. CHEN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THE VERY CONSIDERABLE EFFORT THEY PUT INTO THEIR CONSIDERATION CF THE BILL.
/he also.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
15
HE ALSO ASSURED MR. CHEN AND MR. CHEONG-LEEN THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD KEEP A RECORD OF PERFORMANCE IN RESPECT OF THE 72-HOUR DETENTION PERIOD AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RE-EXAMINE THE ESTABLISHMENT, CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND RECRUITMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINERS WITH A VIEW TO SHORTENING THE PERIOD OF DETENTION.
THE BILL WAS LATER PASSED INTO LAW WITH AMENDMENTS.
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NEW AND IMPROVED COMMAND AND CONTROL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR FIRE SERVICES
X X X X X X
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A NEW AND IMPROVED COMMAND AND CONTROL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM WOULD BE INTRODUCED NEXT AUGUST BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF APPLIANCES AND TO SPEED UP THEIR CALL-OUT.
IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN IN RELATION TO THE INITIAL DIFFICULTIES BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN TRYING TO REACH PREMISES TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH FIRE OR OTHER CALAMITY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES DISCLOSED THAT AN EXTENSIVE BUILDING PROGRAMME WAS BEING CARRIED OUT, ESPECIALLY IN THE URBAN AREA AND AREAS OF HIGH RISK, TO ENSURE NEW FIRE STATIONS WOULD BE PROVIDED TO ACHIEVE THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED ATTENDANCE TIME OF SIX MINUTES FROM THE ALARM BEING RAISED.
+IN THE SHORT TERM AND ON THE STREETS, A COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM IS IN OPERATION IN WEST KOWLOON TO GIVE THE DUTY OFFICER IN THE FIRE SERVICES, CONTROL OVER TRAFFIC LIGHTS TO HELP SPEED UP THE ATTENDANCE TIME OF APPLIANCES,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WAS KEEPING THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT INFORMED OF ROAD WORKS WHICH MAY AFFECT ACCESS TO BUILDINGS, OR CAUSE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, AND ADVANCE PLANS WERE BEING MADE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.
MR. DAVIES SAID, +WHERE EMERGENCY VEHICLES ARE DELAYED AS A RESULT OF ILLEGAL PARKING OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION, THE FIRE SERVICES COMMANDER ON THE WAY TO, OR AT AN INCIDENT, SEEKS URGENT POLICE ASSISTANCE BY RADIO TO CLEAR THE ROUTE AND VEHICLES ON IT.*
+IT WOULD BE OF IMMENSE ASSISTANCE IF DRIVERS WOULD RESPOND QUICKLY TO SIRENS AND LIGHTS OF EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND GIVE WAY TO THEM,* MR. DAVIES STRESSED.
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT PLANS FOR NEW BUILDINGS WERE EXAMINED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE ADEQUATE ACCESS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
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6 _ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
BUS SERVICES IN CENTRAL AND WAR FU ****** ___________________________________.__________
TWO NEW BUS TERMINI WERE BEING BUILT IN THE MTR ADMIRALTY STATION TO BETTER MEET EXISTING NEEDS AND TO CATER FOR FUTURE DEMANDS OF COMMUTERS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. PETER C. WONG, MR. JONES SAID PLANS WERE ALSO IN HAND TO EXTEND THE CENTRAL BUS STATION EASTWARD TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DEPARTURE PLATFORMS AND, IN THE LONGER TERM, CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO PROVIDING A NEW TERMINUS ON THE SITE OF THE PRESENT CENTRAL MARKET.
ON EXISTING BUS SERVICES IN CENTRAL, MR. JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE ADEQUACY OF THE SERVICE AND THE PROBLEM WAS MAINLY DUE TO LACK OF SUITABLE TERMINAL AND KERBSIDE STOPPING FACILITIES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT 17 BUS ROUTES PROVIDING ABOUT 120 DEPARTURES AND CARRYING ABOUT 13,500 PASSENGERS IN A PEAK HOUR WERE OPERATED FROM THE CENTRAL BUS STATION. IN ADDITION, NINE SERVICES TERMINATING ON-STREET IN CENTRAL PROVIDED ABOUT 60 DEPARTURES CARRYING ABOUT 8,500 PASSENGERS IN A PEAK HOUR.
HE SAID THE ON-STREET TERMINATION OF BUS SERVICES COULD CAUSE CONSIDERABLE CONGESTION IN THE ROADS AFFECTED.
HOWEVER, HE SAID ONCE THE NEW BUS FACILITIES WERE PROVIDED IN CENTRAL, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE CONSIDERABLY TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE AND IN THE MEANTIME, ADDITIONAL ROUTES WERE BEING INTRODUCED WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
MR. JONES ALSO NOTED THAT THE OPENING OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR SECTION OF THE MTR IN MARCH 1980 WOULD REDUCE SOME OF THE PRESSURE ON BUS SERVICES IN CENTRAL AND THE INTERCHANGE FACILITIES AT ADMIRALTY STATION WOULD ALSO BRING CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. JONES SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CONSULTING WITH CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY FOR SOME TIME NOW ABOUT THE PROVISION OF NEW AND IMPROVED SERVICES TO WAH FU ESTATE TO COPE WITH THE BUILD-UP OF POPULATION.
HE SAID SOME IMPROVEMENTS HAD ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED, SUCH AS THE EXTENSION OF ROUTES 40, 48, 73 AND 74 TO THE NEW BUS TERMINUS IN THE ESTATE, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 170 TO THE ESTATE.
HE SAID EVEN WITH THESE MEASURES, THE LEVEL OF SERVICES WAS NOT SUFFICIENT AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WAS CONSIDERING FURTHER PLANS TO PROVIDE THREE NEW SERVICES AND TO IMPROVE THE FREQUENCIES ON EXISTING ROUTES.
MR. JONES ALSO POINTED OUT THAT CMB IN ADDITION TO ITS OUTSTANDING ORDERS FOR 127 NEW BUSES, MOSTLY LARGE CAPACITY DOUBLE-DECKERS, RECENTLY DECIDED TO PLACE ORDERS FOR A FURTHER 140 NEW BUSES.
♦WHEN THESE BUSES ARE DELIVERED THERE SHOULD BE A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT IN SERVICES OVERALL, INCLUDING SERVICES TO WAH FU,+ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
17
+NEW LOOK* SPORTING FACILITIES IN N.T. ******
THE GOVERNMENT AIMED TO PROVIDE, OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, AN OUTDOOR STADIUM FOR EVERY HALF A MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN THE DEVELOPED AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID GAMES HALLS AND RUNNING TRACKS WERE ALSO PLANNED
TO CATER FOR EVERY 300,000 PEOPLE TO +BRING A TOTALLY NEW LOOK
TO THE SPORTING FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO THE PEOPLE IN THE NEW
TERR I TORIES*.
MR. TODD WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY OF THE 19TH ANNUAL INTER-DISTRICT PRIMARY SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND.
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE PROGRAMME WAS TO BUILD THREE INDOOR STADIA AT TSUEN WAN, TWO AT SHA TIN, TWO AT TUEN MUN AND ONE EACH AT TAI PO AND FAN LING.
THERE WILL BE SIX OUTDOOR STADIA, TWO AT TSUEN WAN AND ONE EACH AT SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO AND FAN LING AS WELL AS AN INDOOR SPORTS STADIUM AT TSUEN WAN.
AT THE CENTRE OF THIS CO-ORDINATED EXPANSION, MR. TODD WENT ON, WAS THE SILVER JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AT SHA TIN - A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
♦THIS MAGNIFICENT PROJECT*, HE SAID, +WILL PROVIDE THE SPECIALISED TRAINING AND COACHING FOR ALL OF THOSE YOUNG ASPIRING SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN OF POTENTIAL INTERNATIONAL STANDARD WHO WILL ’GRADUATE’ FROM THE RANGE OF FACILITIES NOW UNDER PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION.
+WE CERTAINLY HOPE THAT ALL THE NEW FACILITIES WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS PROVIDING A STEADY STREAM OF SUCH SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN FOR SPECIALISED AND EXPERT TRAINING AT THE CENTRE.*
AT KWAI CHUNG, MR. TODD NOTED, A SPLENDID NEW SPORTS STADIUM WAS OPENED ONLY TWO WEEKS AGO AND CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER INDOOR GAMES HALL WOULD BEGIN NEXT YEAR.
+AND I HOPE THAT A START WILL ALSO BE MADE ON CONVERTING THE YEUNG UK ROAD FACILITY INTO A FULLY-EQUIPPED OUTDOOR STADIUM.*
MR. TODD PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN THE PAST 19 YEARS IN ORGANISING NUMEROUS SPORTS MEETINGS FOR ASPIRING YOUNG ATHLETES FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+THEY CAN LOOK BACK WITH A SENSE OF PRIDE AND ACHIEVEMENT IN BRINGING SO MUCH STIMULATION AND SPIRIT OF GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE,* HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
18
JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE UP TO WORLD STANDARD *****
THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AT SHA TIN WOULD PROBABLY BE AS MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED AS THE MOST ADVANCED CENTRES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD WHEN COMPLETED IN MAY 1982, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MEANWHILE, TRAINING AND COACHING IN THE SPORTS INITIALLY CHOSEN AND FOR WHICH FACILITIES WERE TO BE PROVIDED WOULD BEGIN AS SOON AS THE NEWLY-APPOINTED CHIEF COACH JOINED THE CENTRE NEXT MONTH, HE SAID.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT TRAINING PROGRAMMES WOULD SOON BE UNDERWAY IN TEMPORARY VENUES WITH THE MANY OFFERS OF HELP ALREADY GIVEN BY THE LOCAL SPORTS COMMUNITY.
MR. LI MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN HE TABLED THE FIRST REPORT OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WHICH COVERED THE NINE MONTHS FROM JULY 1977 TO MARCH 1978.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE HON. SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES WAS APPOINTED THE FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR. D.M.W. GRIFFITHS, WAS RECRUITED.
IN JULY MR. GRIFFITHS VISITED SOME OF THE MAJOR SPORTS CENTRES IN EUROPE AND ON RETURN DREW UP PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS FOR THE DESIGN OF THE CENTRE.
AN ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION FOR THE DESIGN IS BEING HELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. THIS WILL HOPEFULLY ATTRACT THE BEST LOCAL TALENTS IN HONG KONG.
FOUR SEPTEMBER
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS WERE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD IN TO MAKE UP THE FULL STRENGTH OF NINE.
+IT WILL BE OUR AIM TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE IN SPORTS IN HONG KONG, THEREBY STIMULATING INCREASED PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS AND RECREATION GENERALLY,* MR. LI SAID.
♦THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE DONE BEFORE THE CENTRE IS TRANSLATED FROM PLAN TO REALITY.*
MR. LI ALSO NOTED THAT OVER $12.5 MILLION WERE DONATED TO THE PROJECT BY THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL COMMITTEE. AN EQUAL AMOUNT WAS MATCHED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ON A DOLLAR-TO-DOLLAR BASIS.
/19 .....
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1970
19
MEDICAL FACILITIES IN SHA TIN *****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN STEPS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CONSULTATION SESSIONS IN THE EXISTING SHA TIN CLINIC AND AT THE SAME TIME EXTEND THE HOURS OF OPERATION UP TO MIDNIGHT DAILY FOR DEALING WITH EMERGENCY CASES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG.
MR. YEUNG HAD ASKED WHAT INTERIM MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR MEDICAL FACILITIES ARISING FROM THE RAPID INCREASE IN THE POPULATION OF SHA TIN BEFORE THE OPENING OF SHA TIN HOSPITAL IN 1982.
APART FROM THE SHORT-TERM MEASURES WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN, DR. THONG SAID A SECOND LARGE GENERAL CLINIC WILL BE BUILT AT THE SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF THE INCREASING POPULATION.
THIS PROJECT, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN INCLUDED IN CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1980, HE SAID.
DR. THONG SAID THESE MEASURES WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE POPULATION IN SHA TIN FOR MORE FACILITIES AT THE EXISTING CLINIC AND MORE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES IN THE AREA.
DURING THE MEETING, ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. ALEX WU ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANY PLANS TO PROVIDE DECOMPRESSION FACILITIES FOR DIVERS IN DISTRESS.
IN REPLY, DR. THONG SAID ARRANGEMENTS ALREADY EXISTED AT PRESENT BETWEEN THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE GOVERNMENT WHEREBY CASES OF DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS DUE TO DIVING ARE TREATED AT HMS TAMAR AND AFTERWARDS RETURNED TO GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS FOR SUBSEQUENT MANAGEMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE ONLY NINE CASES SO FAR THIS YEAR REQUIRING DECOMPRESSION TREATMENT.
♦UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE NEED FOR DECOMPRESSION FACILITIES IS LIMITED AND THE ABOVE ARRANGEMENTS ARE CONSIDERED ADEQUATE AND SATISFACTORY,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE SITUATION WAS BEING WATCHED CLOSELY AND KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW, HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
20
24 CLINICIANS TO BE RECRUITED FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL ******
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMM.ITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED THAT AN ADDITIONAL 24 CLINICIANS BE RECRUITED FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO RELIEVE THE SERVICE LOAD ON ITS UNIVERSITY DOCTORS, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES. THE HON. E.P. HO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE, MR. HO SAID THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE BEING EXAMINED AND IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONCLUSION REACHED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PREPARED TO APPROACH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WITH A’ VIEW TO THE VOTING OF AN ADDITIONAL GRANT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, RESERVED SOLELY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF AT ITS MEDICAL SCHOOL.
MR. HO POINTED OUT THAT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL WAS NOW RUN ON A DUAL CONTROL SYSTEM BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO MEET THE SERVICE AND TEACHING ROLES OF THE HOSPITAL.
♦BY AND LARGE THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE WORKED OVER THE YEARS, PARTLY BECAUSE THE UNIVERSITY CLINICIANS AND THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS HAVE BOTH GROWN UP WITH THE SYSTEM, AND PARTLY BECAUSE ALL CONCERNED ARE DETERMINED TO MAKE IT WORK EVEN AT SOME INCONVENIENCE TO THEMSELVES,+ MR. HO SAID.
HOWEVER, MR. HO SAID THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, WITH THE ADVICE OF AN EXPERT SUB-COMMITTEE, HAD RECOMMENDED THAT AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM IN CLINICAL MANNING SHOULD BE ADOPTED INSTEAD FOR THE NEW TEACHING HOSPITAL NOW BEING BUILT AT SHA TIN FOR THE SECOND MEDICAL SCHOOL.
♦THIS MEANS THAT THE CLINICAL STAFF OF THE SHA TIN HOSPITAL, COMPRISING PARTLY UNIVERSITY AND PARTLY GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL, SHOULD ALL SHARE SERVICE AND TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES BUT WITH A LESSER SERVICE LOAD FOR THE UNIVERSITY STAFF AND A SMALLER TEACHING ROLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT STAFF,+ MR. HO EXPLAINED.
MR. HO ADDED THAT HE HAD PROPOSED TO SET UP A WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW THE MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATION AND STAFFING REQUIREMENTS OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL. BEARING IN MIND ITS ROLE AS A TEACHING AS WELL AS SERVICE INSTITUTION.
♦I HOPE THAT THIS WORKING PARTY WILL BE ABLE TO COMMENCE ITS DELIBERATIONS EARLY IN JANUARY WITH A VIEW TO THE SUBMISSION OF SPECIFIC PROPOSALS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER,+ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 21 -
MEASURES TAKEN TO HELP MINIMISE DELAYS IN COURT PROCEEDINGS
******
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, TOLD THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN TO MINIMISE DELAYS IN COURT PROCEEDINGS CAUSED BY THE RECENT ACTION BY POLICE INTERPRETERS.
LEGISLATIVE HELP INDUSTRIAL
ON THE
+FIRST, THE SERVICE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS ^Ll$«-rc2e^oE?TABLiSHMENT ARE BE,NG CONCENTRATED ON THE TRANSLATION OF STATEMENTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR DISTRICT COURT AND SUPREME COURT CASES,* MR. HOBLEY SAID.
♦SECONDLY, THE POLICE FORCE IS USING OF RETIRED INTERPRETERS WHO ARE OF COURSE ADDED.
THE SERVICES FOR THIS WORK BEING REMUNERATED,+ HE
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN. MR. HOBLEY SAID THAT SO FAR AS INTERPRETATION WAS CONCERNED, BILINGUAL CHINESE POLICE OFFICERS ARE HELPING OUT. *IN SHORT, OTHERS ARE CONTRIBUTING IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER TO KEEPING THINGS MOVING AS NEAR TO NORMAL AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
♦ AND, OF COURSE, THE INTERPRETERS HAVE CONTINUED TO PERFORM MJCH OF THEIR USUAL WORK, AND NOT ALL OF THEM ARE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE REFUSAL TO PERFORM WORK,+ HE ADDED.
MR. HOBLEY POINTED OUT THAT THE CONDUCT OF THE POLICE INTERPRETERS HAD CAUSED AND WAS CAUSING DELAY IN RELATION TO SOME CRIMINAL CASES TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE DISTRICT COURT OR COMMITTED FOR TRIAL TO THE SUPREME COURT.
♦HOWEVER,♦ HE SAID, +THE EFFECT OF THEIR CONDUCT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, THOUGH NATURALLY WORRYING, IS NOT ALARMING.+
AS AN EXAMPLE, MR. HOBLEY SAID, THE DELAYS HAVE BEEN MITIGATED TO SOME EXTENT BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S OFFICERS WHO HAVE DEALT WITH SOME CASES ON FILES WHICH ARE LESS THAN SATISFACTORY BECAUSE OF THE ABSENCE OF TRANSLATIONS OF STATEMENTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS.
♦ I CANNOT ALLOW THIS TO GO 0N,+ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO CASES BEING TRIED BY MAGISTRATES, MR. HOBLEY SAID THERE WERE NO SIGNIFICANT DELAYS BECAUSE THE DEMAND FOR TRANSLATIONS, WHICH REPRESENTED ABOUT HALF OF THE INTERPRETERS’ WORK ON AVERAGE, WAS MUCH LESS.
♦TRANSLATIONS ARE NOT PREPARED WHERE THERE IS A PLEA OF GUILTY, AND THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY IF THERE IS A TRIAL,* MR. HOBLEY SAID.
♦BOTH THE LAY PROSECUTORS AND POLICE PROSECUTING OFFICERS WHO READ CHINESE ARE WORKING FROM PAPERS WRITTEN IN CHINESE, WITHOUT TRANSLATIONS,* HE ADDED.
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122 ....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
22
PLANNING STANDARDS FOR N.T. COMMUNITY FACILITIES UNDER REVIEW *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW LOOKING AT THE PLANNING STANDARDS FOR SEVERAL OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TYPES OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTRES AND INDOOR GAMES FACILITIES.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A MOVE WAS BEING MADE TO CHANGE THE PREVIOUS EQUATIONS OF SIZE OF POPULATION TO STANDARD OF PROVISION TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL AREAS.
+WE ARE ALSO TRYING TO SHOW MORE IMAGINATION IN THE USE OF GOVERNMENT SITES IN THE NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS, COMBINING FOR EXAMPLE LIBRARIES, SQUASH COURTS AND PERHAPS INDOOR GAMES AREAS WITH MARKET BUILDINGS IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG,+ HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG ABOUT PLANNING CRITERIA FOR THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE RURAL AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AS FOR CULTURAL FACILITIES, HE SAID, IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT THESE WOULD BE THE PRIME OBJECTS OF INTEREST AND AMBITION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS.
♦ THESE WILL CALL FOR A HIGH DEGREE OF INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION. GREATER FLEXIBILITY IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY,+ MR. AKERS-JONES ADDED.
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/23.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 23 -
STANDARDS OF SAFETY IN GOVT AND AIDED SCHOOL LABORATORIES ADEQUATE * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT STANDARDS OF SAFETY IN LABORATORIES IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS WERE ADEQUATE.
♦THE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED, THE TEACHING STAFF ARE FULLY QUALIFIED, ALL SCHOOLS ARE ISSUED WITH A BOOKLET ON SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL ON SAFETY IS MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUP ILS,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
♦IT IS TRUE THAT NEW SYLLABUSES CALL FOR MORE EMPHASIS ON PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTATION,* HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT.
HE SAID THAT IN STANDARD PLAN SCHOOLS THE PROVISION OF LABORATORIES WAS CONSIDERED SUFFICIENT TO COPE WITH THE DEMANDS OF THE NEW SYLLABUSES.
IN OLDER OR NON-STANDARD SCHOOL BUILDINGS SOME CONVERSION OF ACCOMMODATION TO GIVE EXTRA LABORATORY FACILITIES WAS OFTEN REQUIRED, HE POINTED OUT.
♦THESE CONVERSIONS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT AS QUICKLY AS IS PRACTICABLE. IN THESE SCHOOLS WHERE CONVERSION IS STILL TO BE DONE CARE IS TAKEN TO LIMIT ANY PRACTICAL WORK DONE IN ORDINARY CLASSROOMS TO THAT WHICH DOES NOT HAVE POTENTIAL HAZARDS,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION FROM MISS BENNETT, HE SAID A WORKING GROUP IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS ALREADY LOOKING INTO THE MATTER OF INCREASING THE NUMBER OF LABORATORY TECHNICIANS ON THE STAFF ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS WHERE THE NEW CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SYLLABUSES FOR INTEGRADED SCIENCE WERE BEING IMPLEMENTED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 24 -
RESERVOIR MIGHT BE DEVELOPED FOR BOATING ******
A LOCAL RESERVOIR MIGHT BE DEVELOPED FOR BOATING ON A TRIAL BASIS, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR. LI WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE PLOVER COVE, HIGH ISLAND AND OTHER SUITABLE RESERVOIRS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATING.
MR. LI SAID AN INTER-DEPARTMENT WORKING GROUP APPOINTED
TO LOOK INTO THE USE OF RESERVOIRS FOR WATER SPORTS HAD CONCLUDED THAT ONE OF THE RESERVOIRS — THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR, THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR AND THE JUBILEE RESERVOIR — SHOULD BE DEVELOPED FOR BOATING ON A TRIAL BASIS AFTER IT HAD CONSULTED THE NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS CONCERNED.
MR. LI SAID WHEN HE RECEIVED THE WORKING GROUP’S REPORT, LIKELY TO BE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, HE WOULD SEEK ADVICE FROM THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
♦IF THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE ENDORSED BY THE COUNCIL, WE SHALL SUBMIT AN APPROPRIATE ITEM FOR INCLUSION IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME,+ HE SAID.
THE WORKING GROUP APPOINTED IN AUGUST THIS YEAR HAD IDENTIFIED THE MENTIONED RESERVOIRS AS SUITABLE FOR SAILING, CANOEING AND ROWING IF THESE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WERE PROPERLY CONTROLLED TO SAFEGUARD THE HEALTH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, THE SAFETY OF USERS AND THE SECURITY OF WATERWORKS INSTALLATIONS, MR. LI SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 25 -
1,231 ABANDONED VEHICLES REMOVED FROM ROADS UP TO OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR
******
POLICE REMOVED 1,324 ABANDONED VEHICLES FROM ROADS IN 1977 AND 1,231 THIS YEAR UP TO OCTOBER 1, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR. DAVIES SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT.
IN DISCHARGING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTROLLING TRAFFIC ON PUBLIC THOROUGHFARES AND REMOVING OBSTRUCTIONS, HE SAID, +THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DECIDES ON THE OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES TO BE ACCORDED TO IT, AND HIS OFFICERS CONSIDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTICULAR OBSTRUCTION.*
MR. DAVIES SAID POLICE WOULD WRITE TO THE OWNER TO REMOVE HIS VEHICLE IF IT HAD BEEN LEFT ON ANY ROAD FOR A PERIOD EXCEEDING 72 HOURS AND APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN ABANDONED.
IF THE OWNER DID NOT COMPLY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TOWED AWAY TO THE POLICE POUND, HE EXPLAINED.
+ IN ADDITION, ANY PARKED OR BROKEN DOWN VEHICLE WHICH IS LIKELY TO OBSTRUCT THE TRAFFIC FLOW OR ENDANGER PEOPLE USING THE ROAD, MAY BE TOWED AWAY WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE,* MR. DAVIES ADDED.
+IN THE CASE OF OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS TO PAVEMENTS AND ROADS, PATROLLING POLICE OFFICERS MAY ORDER THEIR REMOVAL.
+IF OWNERS FAIL TO COMPLY THEN THEY ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION. THIS YEAR, UP TO DECEMBER 1, THERE HAVE BEEN 46,163 PROSECUTIONS FOR THIS OFFENCE. IF THE OWNER OF GOODS OR MATERIALS CAUSING THE OBSTRUCTION CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED, THE POLICE ARRANGE WITH URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO EFFECT REMOVAL,* MR. DAVIES SAID.
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FERRY SPEED LIMIT
X X * X X
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES. JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WOULD EXEMPT FERRY CONSIDERED IT SAFE TO DO SO.
THE HON. DAVID LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT SPEED LIMITS WHEN HE
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER RAXING THE SPEED LIMIT WITHIN THE HARBOUR, SO THAT MORE SPEEDY CROSS-HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES COULD BE PROVIDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
26
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979
*****
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 WAS INTRODUCED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO CLARIFY THE POWER IN THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF LIQUOR LICENCES.
+SUBSECTION 6(1)(N) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL MAY BY REGULATION PRESCRIBE OR PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUE OF LIQUOR LICENCES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT, FUNCTIONS AND PROCEDURES OF BOARDS APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE,* HE SAID.
♦REGULATION 23(1) OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (LIQUOR) REGULATIONS EMPOWERS THE LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD TO REVOKE OR SUSPEND ANY LIQUOR LICENCE ON PROOF TO ITS SATISFACTION THAT AN OFFENCE HAS BEEN COMMITTED AGAINST THE ORDINANCE.
+IT HAS RECENTLY BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THIS REGULATION MAY BE ULTRA VIRES THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD BE PRUDENT TO PUT THE QUESTION BEYOND DOUBT BY INCORPORATING EXPRESS ENABLING POWER IN THE ORDINANCE AND THEREAFTER RE-ENACTING REGULATION 23(1) OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (LIQUOR) REGULATIONS,* MR. JONES EXPLAINED.
THEREFORE, HE CONTINUED, CLAUSE 2(A) OF THE BILL AMENDED SUBSECTION 6(1)(N) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUE AND THE SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF LIQUOR LICENCES BY A BOARD APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE.
IN ADDITION TO THIS, HE SAID CLAUSE 2(B) OF THE BILL AMENDED SUBSECTION 6 (2) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE BY EXPRESSLY PROVIDING THAT ANY REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 6 MIGHT ALSO PROVIDE THAT A CONTRAVENTION OF ANY REGULATION SHOULD BE AN OFFENCE AND TO PRESCRIBE PENALTIES FOR SUCH OFFENCES.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILLS PASSED * * * *
THREE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1978, THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) BILL 1978 AND THE JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (ADJOURNMENT DURING GALE WARNINGS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
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/27....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
27
REPORT OF THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE
******
THE FINDINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY FORMED TO EXAMINE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT OF THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE WERE CONTAINED IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET SPEECH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM ON WHEN THE FINDINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY FORMED TO EXAMINE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT OF THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE WOULD BE PUBLISHED FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE FINDINGS WERE CONTAINED IN PARAGRAPHS 165 TO 179 OF THIS YEAR’S BUDGET SPEECH AND, FOR MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS, ANNEXES (15) AND (16) TO THE PRINTED VERSION OF THE SPEECH.
THESE GAVE DETAILS OF THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED, THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ACCEPTED AND THE REASONS f ©LTnf i nu
NON-ACCEPTANCE, AND THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE WORKING PARTY.
HE ADDED THAT THE WORKING PARTY HAS VIRTUALLY COMPLETED ITS CONSIDERATION OF THE OUTSTANDING RECOMMENDATIONS, AND HE WOULD REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS NEXT BUDGET SPEECH IN 79 DAYS TIME.
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SAFETY IN WATER SPORTS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN PROMOTING SAFETY IN WATER SPORTS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HO KAM-FAI AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LI SAID THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT LAUNCHED A GENERAL CAMPAIGN ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS EARLIER THIS YEAR, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON WATER SPORTS DURING THE SUMMER.
+THE CAMPAIGN CONSISTS OF SHORT TELEVISION INSERTS AND POSTERS EMPHASISING THE MOTTO ’PLAY SAFE’,* MR. LI SAID.
IN ADDITION, MR. LI SAID A PAMPHLET ENTITLED ^STEPPING OUT: A GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION IN HONG KONG+ CONTAINING SAFETY HINTS AND ADVICE ON MOST POPULAR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDING CANOEING HAS ALSO BEEN PUBLISHED AND ISSUED THROUGH SCHOOLS.
IT CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM CITY DISTRICT OFFICE COUNTERS, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OFFICES AND GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRES, HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
28
NO PLANS TO BUILD SWIMMING LAGOONS AND ARTIFICIAL BEACHES ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE HON. DAVID AKERS-. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THAT THERE ----------------------------- PROGRAMME OR ANY OTHER PROGRAMMES
JONES, ____ ...__
WERE NO PLANS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS
ARTIFICIAL BEACHES
TO CONSTRUCT SWIMMING LAGOONS AND
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE
HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WHO ASKED WHEN AND WHERE THE FIRST ARTIFICIAL BEACH AND SWIMMING LAGOON WOULD BE COMPLETED AND OPENED FOR PUBLIC USE.
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ANOTHER JOINT VENTURE BOOST FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY
*****
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WELCOMED THE SETTING UP OF A NEW COMPANY BY HONG KONG AND SAUDI ARABIAN INTERESTS WHICH WILL MANUFACTURE ELECTRIC FANS AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE LEASE FOR THE TAI PO SITE WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE FAN TAT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN WING TAT OF HONG KONG AND A SAUDI ARABIAN COMPANY A.S. HAKBANY AND BROTHERS — SAID TO BE THE WORLD’S LARGEST IMPORTERS OF ELECTRIC FANS.
THIS IS THE FIRST DIRECT INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY BY A SAUDI ARABIAN COMPANY AND REPRESENTS A DIVERSIFICATION OF SOURCE OF INVESTMENTS.
THE NEW FACTORY WILL MANUFACTURE ELECTRIC FANS AND, AT A LATER STAGE, SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS.
THE HK$15 MILLION JOINT VENTURE WILL INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO HONG KONG. IT WILL USE HIGHER TECHNOLOGY WHICH WILL SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY TO PRODUCE SOME OF THE MOST SOPHISTICATED ELECTRIC FANS IN THE INDUSTRY.
♦LIKE ALL NEW INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENTS, THIS INVESTMENT IS WELCOMED BY THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID. +THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT,* HE ADDED.
♦MORE THAN 80 NEW PLANTS HAVE BEEN OPENED THIS YEAR WITH OVERSEAS INTERESTS. IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF NEW TECHNIQUES AND NEW PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO HONG KONG COMPANIES BY THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.
THE SAUDI ARABIAN PARENT COMPANY HAS A LONG HISTORY OF TRADING WITH HONG KONG. IT BEGAN IMPORTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FROM FAN TAT ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO. IT IS ALSO THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT SUPPLIER OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 29 -
GOVERNOR TO VISIT KCR WORKSHOP ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WORKSHOP AT HO TUNG LAU, SHA TIN TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. DEREK JONES AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OF KCR, MR. D.M. HOWES.
SIR MURRAY WILL BE BRIEFED BY MR. HOWES ON THE OPERATION OF THE WORKSHOP AND INSPECT THE MAIN PARTS OF THE WORKS.
THE MAINTENANCE, OVERHAUL AND SERVICING OF KCR’S ROLLING STOCK, EQUIPMENT AND PLANT, ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND POWER SIGNALS ARE CARRIED OUT AT THE WORKSHOP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO THE KCR WORKSHOP AT HO TUNG LAU, SHA TIN TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 5005) WILL LEAVE THE CAR PARK OUTSIDE THE MAIN WING OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 3 P.M. SHARP.
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'WORKING OUTSIDE PERMISSIBLE HOURS’ WARNING
*****
FACTORY PROPRIETORS WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WARNED NOT TO EMPLOY WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORK ILLEGALLY OUTSIDE THEIR PERMISSIBLE WORKING HOURS OTHERWISE THEY MAY FACE PROSECUTION FOR CONTRAVENING THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS.
THE WARNING CAME FROM A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN WHEN HE REFERRED TO A COURT CASE AT THE NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) IN WHICH THE PROPRIETOR OF A GARMENT FACTORY IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WAS GIVEN A MAXIMUM FINE OF 55,000 FOR EMPLOYING 40 FEMALE WORKERS OUTSIDE THEIR PERMISSIBLE WORKING HOURS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FACTORY PROPRIETORS SHOULD REPORT THE OVERTIME PARTICULARS TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS BEFORE THEY EMPLOY ANY WOMAN OR YOUNG PERSON TO WORK OUTSIDE THE PERMISSIBLE WORKING HOURS.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 30 -
TOPPING OUT OF AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ******
MR. DAVID STEAD, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4 P.M.
THE 230-METRE LONG BRIDGE IS THE FIRST TO LINK HONG KONG ISLAND WITH AN OFFSHORE ISLAND.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE TOMORROW.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORT FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE OPEN CARPARK OUTSIDE THE RECEPTION OFPICE OF MURRAY BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 2.55 P.M.
TWO NINE-SEATER VANS WILL LEAVE AT 3 P.M. SHARP.
OFFICERS OF THE P.W.D.’S PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
31 -
D.S.W. INAUGURATES HK’S FIRST TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INAUGURATED HONG KONG’S FIRST SPECIAL TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY AT QUEEN’S PIER, MR. LEE CALLED FOR MORE TRANSPORT SERVICES OF THIS K IUD TO BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF OLD PEOPLE.
THE TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR SOCIETY FOR THE AGED, HAS BEEN EQUIPPED 50-SEATER BUS DONATED CASTING CO. LTD.
THE ELDERLY, RUN BY THE HONG KONG MADE POSSIBLE WITH A SPECIALLY BY THE HONG KONG COMMERCIAL BROAD-
MR. LEE SAID PROVISION OF THE SERVICE WAS IN LINE WITH A RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE GREEN PAPER ON ELDERLY SERVICES AS A MEANS TO HELP KEEP THE ELDERLY MOBILE AND ACTIVE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID OLD PEOPLE HAD MUCH TIME AT THEIR DISPOSAL AND THE SERVICE WOULD ENABLE THEM TO TAKE UP MORE LEISURE ACTIVITIES SO THAT THEY WOULD BE LESS LIKELY TO ISOLATE AND WITHDRAW THEMSELVES.
AT THIS MORNING’S CEREMONY, MR. LEE RECEIVED, ON BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY, THE BUS FROM MR. TSE CHI-MAN, CHINESE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF THE BROADCASTING COMPANY, AND LATER CUT THE RIBBON TO MARK THE INAUGURATION OF THE SERVICE.
THE BUS HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF OLD PEOPLE — EASY ACCESS, COMFORT AND SAFETY. IT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO OTHER OLD PEOPLE'S INSTITUTIONS FOR ORGANISING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE USED BY 14,000 OLD PEOPLE EACH YEAR.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A GROUP OF 50 OLD PEOPLE TRAVELLED ON THE SPECIAL BUS FOR A TRIP TO OCEAN PARK. THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME PROVIDED A BAND AND SCOUTS TO ENTERTAIN AND HELP THE OLD PEOPLE AT THE CEREMONY.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 32 -
ANTI-SMOKING TEACHING KIT COMPETITION WINNERS TO RECEIVE PRIZES ********
CASH PRIZES AND TROPHIES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNING SCHOOLS OF THE ANTI-SMOKING TEACHING KIT COMPETITION TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 10 A.M. BY MR. R.M. CAMERON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
MR. LEUNG TAT-SHING, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF COUNCIL, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
THE LEGISLATIVE
THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO EDUCATE THE YOUNG ON THE HAZARDS OF CIGARETTE SMOKING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE ANTI-SMOKING TEACHING KIT COMPETITION TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 10 A.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE. FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1978
- 33 -
S.W.D. REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS TO HOLD X’MAS PARTY * K O O
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TEAM, WHO SCORED FIRST IN THIS YEAR’S TALENT QUEST FOR THE HANDICAPPED, WILL REPEAT THEIR WINNING PERFORMANCE TO ENTERTAIN FELLOW TRAINEES.
THE TEAM, FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE, WILL STAGE THEIR DANCE AND MASQUERADE SHOW TOMORROW AT A JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY OF THE CENTRE AND ITS ADJACENT ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THEIR SHOW WILL BE AMONG A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES AT THE PARTY ORGANISED FOR 400 TRAINEES FROM BOTH CENTRES. OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW BY TELEVISION ARTISTES AND SINGING PERFORMANCES BY VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
THE JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2.30 P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE IN WONG CHUK HANG.
ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 22), ANOTHER INSTITUTION OF THE DEPARTMENT — THE KAI NANG TRAINING CENTRE — WILL ALSO HOLD A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR 160 MENTALLY RETARDED TRAINEES.
THE INMATES WILL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH PUPPET SHOWS, SINGING PERFORMANCE, LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AND PRESENTATION OF GIFTS AND PRIZES.
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, MR. IAN STRACHAN, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE PARTY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10.30 A.M. AT THE CENTRE IN KWUN TONG.
THE OCCASION IS PART OF THE CENTRE’S YEAR-ROUND EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMME IN ADDITION TO THE FORMAL SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE TRAINEES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY OF THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE AND ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 P.M. AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE IN WELFARE ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG, AS WELL AS THE CHRISTMAS PARTY OF THE KAI NANG TRAINING CENTRE TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 22) AT 10.30 A.M. AT THE CENTRE IN TSUI PING ROAD, KWUN TONG.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TAKES A ’RAIL BUS’ RIDE TO SEE KCR DEVELOPMENT .................................. i
S.N.T. ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF N.T. WALKS FOR MILLIONS .... 2
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1978 ....... 3
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN RECLAMATION WORK ................ 6
TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY FOR $32 MILLION AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ............................................ 7
SPECIAL TRAINS DURING X’MAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS . 8
INFORMATION BRANCH TO BE SET UP IN SECRETARIAT..... 9
HEUNG YEE KUK VISITS IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ....... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR SEPTEMBER ...... 10
CHRISTMAS DUTY FREE BRANDY ....................... 10
WATER CUT......................................... 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
GOVERNOR TAKES A 'RAIL BUS’ RIDE TO SEE KCR DEVELOPMENT *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY WENT FOR A 'RAIL BUS’ RIDE TO SEE THE PROGRESS ON VARIOUS PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY’S MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMMES.
THE NEW PROJECTS THAT THE GOVERNOR SAW DURING HIS TRIP FROM KOWLOON TO THE RACE COURSE STATION INCLUDED WORK ON DOUBLE TRACKING AND RESIGNALLING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN, RE-BALLASTING AND RELAYING OF TRACK WITH CONTINUOUSLY WELDED RAIL TO CATER FOR FAST TRAINS.
EN ROUTE HE VIEWED THE SITES FOR NEW STATIONS AT KOWLOON TONG AND TAI WAI AND STOPPED TO SEE PROGRESS ON CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW BEACON HILL TUNNEL.
HE ALSO VISITED THE NEWLY COMMISSIONED SHA TIN TEMPORARY STATION WHICH, BY THE END OF 1980, WILL BE REPLACED BY A MODERN STATION INCORPORATING PODIUM DEVELOPMENT WITH A CONCOURSE ABOVE TRACK LEVEL, RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND COMMERCIAL OFFICES.
SIR MURRAY ALSO WENT TO THE HO TUNG LAU WORKSHOPS DESCRIBED BY A KCR SPOKESMAN AS +THE BACK-BONE OF THE RAILWAY*.
THE WORKSHOPS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF ALL ROLLING STOCK TO ENSURE THAT STANDARDS OF COMFORT FOR PASSENGERS AND MAXIMUM AVAILABILITY AND RELIABILITY ARE MAINTAINED.
UNDER THEIR CARE ARE 12 LOCOMOTIVES, 99 COACHES AND 102 WAGONS WHICH LAST YEAR CONVEYED 14.5 MILLION PASSENGERS, 1.5 MILLION TONS OF FREIGHT AND 1.9 MILLION HEADS OF LIVESTOCK.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE WORKSHOPS TO COPE WITH THE NEW ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY SERVICE IN 1981, AND SAW A DEMONSTRATION ON HOW A DERAILED WAGON WAS PUT BACK ONTO THE TRACK BY A MAINTENANCE CREW USING POWERFUL HYDRAULIC RE-RAILING EQUIPMENT.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. DEREK JONES AND KCR GENERAL MANAGER, MR. BOBBIE HOWES.
DURING HIS THREE-HOUR VISIT, SIR MURRAY ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH MR. JONES AND MR. HOWES ON VARIOUS RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT PLANS, AND MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWO RAILWAY STAFF UNIONS.
IN THE COURSE OF HIS VISIT TO THE RAILWAY WORKSHOPS, SIR MURRAY ALSO MET AND SPOKE TO MANY OF THE VILLAGERS OF LOK LO HA WHO PRESENTED HIM WITH A PETITION. IN THE PETITION, THE VILLAGERS ASKED FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVING THE VILLAGE WHICH THEY FEEL HAS DETERIORATED DUE TO DEVELOPMENT IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUS TURNING CIRCLE IS EXPECTED TO START VERY SOON IN THE NEW YEAR. WHEN THIS IS FINISHED IT SHOULD ALLOW FOR EXTENSION OF THE NUMBER 88B BUS SERVICE TO WITHIN THE WALKING DISTANCE OF LOK LO HA VILLAGE.*
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
2
S.N.T. ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF N.T. WALKS FOR MILLIONS ******
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S WALKS FOR MILLIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — WHICH WILL BE SPLIT INTO FIVE DISTRICT WALKS •— WILL BE A REAL TEST OF STAMINA AND HILL-WALKING SKILLS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE DISTR ICT WALKS.
ALSO AT THE CONFERENCE WERE THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT WALKS CHAIRMAN, MR. MIKE ILLINGWORTH AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PAT SIN RANGE WALK ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SAID THE WALKS — IN TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, YUEN LONG-TUEN MUN, AND ON THE PAT SIN RANGE — WILL BE STAGED ON SEPARATE SUNDAYS EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND THE AGGREGATE DONATIONS FROM THE DISTRICTS INVOLVED WILL REPRESENT THE OVERALL N.T. EFFORT.
THE NEW VENTURE, MARKS ANOTHER ANNUAL CHARITY CAMPAIGN MOUNTED JOINTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND THE RURAL POPULATION.
THE PAT SIN RANGE WALK WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 4. IT STARTS NEAR HOK TAU WAI VILLAGE AND FINISHES AT THE BRIDE’S POOL CAR PARK, INVOLVING +QUITE A STIFF CLIMB+ UP TO THE RIDGE PATH WHICH REACHES AS HIGH AS 2,000 FEET.
♦THE DISTANCE IS ABOUT EIGHT MILES, AND MOST OF IT ALONG VERY RUGGED TRACKS OR NARROW PATHS,+ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
FOR THIS REASON, HE SAID, THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WILL BE LIMITED TO 500, MAINLY DRAWN FROM ORGANISATIONS WHICH MAY PROVIDE WALKERS WHO ARE PHYSICALLY FIT AND HAVE HAD PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OF HILL-WALKING.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAIDs +THIS IS A CHALLENGING WALK ESPECIALLY DESIGNED TO CATER FOR YOUTH WITH STRONG LIMBS.
+IT IS EXPECTED TO RAISE HALF A MILLION DOLLARS AND EACH PARTICIPANT WILL NEED TO SECURE A SPONSORSHIP OF $1,000 BEFORE COMMENCING THE WALK.
♦IN CASE OF THE PARTICIPANTS HAVING DIFFICULTIES IN RAISING THE REQUIRED SUM FROM HIS FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS, THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL TRY TO ASSIST IN RAISING NOT MORE THAN $500 FOR EACH OF THEM TO MAKE UP THE AMOUNT.+
OUTLINING THE PLANS FOR THE OTHER WALKS, MR. ILLINGWORTH SAID THAT DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE OLD ROUTE IN TSUEN WAN, A SERIES OF FIVE DISTRICT WALKS WOULD SUPERSEDE ONE MAJOR WALK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/♦BASICALLY,+ .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
3
♦BASICALLY,-*- HE SAID, +THE FIVE DISTRICT WALKS WILL BE HELD ON THREE SUNDAYS, ON JANUARY 7 AND 14 AND FEBRUARY 4 NEXT YEAR.+
TWO DISTRICT WALKS — ONE FOR GROUP PARTICIPATION AND THE OTHER YOUTHS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN — WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN ON JANUARY 7 AND 14 IN THE VICINITY OF THE SHING MUN RESERVOIR, EACH ACCOMMODATING A MAXIMUM OF 13,000 PEOPLE.
THE ROUTE TAKES IN 10 MILES, STARTS AND FINISHES AT THE LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE.
MR. ILLINGWORTH ALSO SAID ANOTHER DISTRICT WALK WITH THE SAME NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE PLACE IN TAI PO ON JANUARY 7
IT COVERS AN 11-MILE ROUTE STARTING AND ENDING AT FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL. +AS PART OF THE ROUTE IS QUITE ROUGH, TWO SHORTER PATHS ARE PLANNED TO CATER FOR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS,* HE ADDED.
THE FOURTH WALK WILL BE STAGED IN YUEN LONG-TUEN MUN ON JANUARY 14, HE SAID. THE ROUTE FROM SHEUNG TSUEN PLAYGROUND TO THE TAI LAM CHUNG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL IS 13 MILES LONG BUT CAN ONLY TAKE UP TO 5,000 WALKERS.
THE PAT SIN RANGE WALK ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, 14?. STEPHEN WONG ALSO TOLD THE CONFERENCE THAT THE DISTRICT WALK CONCEPT WAS AN ENTIRELY NEW ATTEMPT TO INVOLVE LOCAL PEOPLE OF INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS TO ENHANCE THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.
+THE AIM OF THE FIVE DISTRICT WALKS IS TO RAISE A TOTAL OF $1.2 MILLION,+ HE SAID.
♦WITH THE FULL AND GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND RURAL LEADERS, WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO EXCEED OUR PRIMARY TARGET.+
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PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1978
* * * X X X
___ PROVISIONAL FIGURES, RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (THURSDAY), SHOWED THAT HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL
m^C^MD SE TRADE DURING NOVEMBER, 1978, TOTALLED $10,600
MILL I ON. '
ulll ,IHE T0TAL COMPRISED DOMESTIC EXPORTS VALUED AT $3,797 MILLION, IMPORTS $6,420 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $1,383 MILLION.
TO? 42-°PEP CENT ™
D0MESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER ROSE BY 31.5 PER
CL NT.
* fJMoX1 JS IM Stth,^!Ue?bs: ^sMvoVe ffi-EXPMTS "rENRECO™Jo.,NI> ’515 M'LLI°N W 55’3 PER CENT IN
/the short
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
4
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES - NOVEMBER 1978 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1978 - SHOWED INCREASES OF $815 MILLION OR 14.5 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS, $145 MILLION OR 11.7 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, AND A DECREASE OF $9 MILLION OR 0.2 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM DECEMBER, 1977, TO NOVEMBER, 1978, COMPARED WITH THOSE FOR THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 15.8 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 27.6 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 33.8 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER, 1978i
MERCHANDISE! DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $3,797 MILLION
IMPORTS : $6,420 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : $1,383 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE : $1,240 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS SEPT.-NOV. 1978 SEPT.-NOV. 1977 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 11,339 8,939 + 2,400 ♦ 26.8
IMPORTS 17,529 12,347 + 5,182 + 42.0
RE-EXPORTS 3,822 2,589 + 1,233 + 47.6
TRADE BALANCE - 2,368 819 - 1,549
SAME MONTH NOVEMBER NOVEMBER INCREASE OR
LAST YEAR 1978 1977 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,797 3,055 + 742 + 24.3
(% OF TOTAL (73.3%) (77.9%)
EXPORTS)
IMPORTS 6,420 4,325 + 2,095 ♦ 48.4
RE-EXPORTS 1,383 868 + 515 + 59.3
(% OF TOTAL (26.7%) (22.1%)
EXPORTS)
TRADE BALANCE - 1,240 402 - 838
/LAST MONTH
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
5
NOVEMBER OCTOBER INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1978 1978 DECREASE
1 MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,797 3,806 9-0.2
(% OF TOTAL (73.3%) (75.4%)
EXPORTS)
IMPORTS 6,420 5,605 + 815 ♦ 14.5
RE-EXPORTS 1,383 1,238 + 145 ♦ 11.7
(% OF TOTAL (26.7%) (24.6%)
EXPORTS)
TRADE BALANCE - 1,240 561 - 679
CALENDAR YEAR JAN.-NOV. JAN.-NOV. INCREASE OR
TO-DATE 1978 1977 DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 36,379 31,427 + 4,952 + 15.8
(% OF TOTAL (75.3%) (78.0%)
EXPORTS)
IMPORTS 56,159 43,785 +12,375 + 28.3
RE-EXPORTS 11,956 8,855 + 3,101 + 35.0
(% OF TOTAL (24.7%) (22.0%)
EXPORTS)
TRADE BALANCE - 7,824 - 3,503 - 4,322
DEC. 1977 DEC. 1976
TO TO INCREASE OR
LAST 12 MONTHS NOV. 1978 NOV. 1977 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 39,956 34,519 + 5,437 + 15.8
IMPORTS 61,076 47,851 ♦ 13,225 + 27.6
RE-EXPORTS 12,930 9,666 + 3,264 ♦ 33.8
TRADE BALANCE - 8,190 - 3,666 - 4,524
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/6
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
6
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN RECLAMATION WORK ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY BEGIN LARGE-SCALE RECLAMATION AND LAND FORMATION WORK IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO PROVIDE 43 HECTARES OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND OPEN SPACE.
THE WORK, TENDER FOR WHICH WILL BE INVITED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 760 METRES OF SEAWALL AND RIVERWALL AND THE PLACING OF ABOUT 1.6 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILLING MATERIAL WHICH WILL BE TAKEN FROM NEARBY BORROW AREAS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK RANGE AND FROM THE SEA BED NEAR CHEK LAP KOK ISLAND.
IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 145 METRES OF TWIN-BOX CULVERT AND 650 METRES OF ACCESS ROADS TO SERVE THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
MR. STAN BARDEN, PROJECT MANAGER (TUEN MUN), SAID RECLAMATION WORK WOULD PROBABLY BEGIN IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
+THE RECLAMATION NOW IN PROGRESS NEAR PAK KOK IN THE WESTERN PART OF CASTLE PEAK BAY WILL BE EXTENDED FURTHER NORTH INTO THE SEA TO PROVIDE 7.5 HECTARES OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY ACCOMMODATE 60,000 PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
♦NINE HECTARES OF LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO THE HOUSING ESTATE WILL ALSO BE RECLAIMED.+
THIS RECLAMATION TOGETHER WITH THE BREAKWATER TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE CENTRE OF CASTLE PEAK BAY WOULD FORM THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN PART OF THE NEW TYPHOON SHELTER WHICH, WHEN FULLY COMPLETED, WOULD PROVIDE 55 HECTARES OF TYPHOON ANCHORAGE, MR. BARDEN SAID.
OTHER SITES TO BE FORMED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ARE THE AREA SOUTH OF TAI HING WEAVING FACTORY AND THE REMAINING PUBLIC RECLAMATION OPPOSITE KAU HUI.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
1
TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY FOR $32 MILLION AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE
******
THE $32 MILLION AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE HAS MOVED ONE STEP CLOSER TO COMPLETION FOLLOWING ITS TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY TODAY (THURSDAY).
A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART IN THE PROJECT ATTENDED THE BRIEF CEREMONY PERFORMED BY MR. DAVID STEAD, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
THE ENTIRE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 230-METRE-LONG BRIDGE, THE NORTHERN ROAD CONNECTIONS IN ABERDEEN AND THE SOUTHERN APPROACH ROADS ON AP LEI CHAU.
MR. STEAD SAID THE SUPER-STRUCTURE OF THE BRIDGE AND ITS NORTHERN ROAD CONNECTIONS IN ABERDEEN WAS VIRTUALLY COMPLETED.
HE ALSO ADDED THAT WORK ON THE SOUTHERN APPROACH ROADS ON AP LEI CHAU WAS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS.
THE WHOLE PROJECT, COSTING $60 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED AND OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN THE SECOND HALF OF NEXT YEAR.
MR. STEAD POINTED OUT: +THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO DEVELOP THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
+THE BRIDGE AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1980, WILL PROVIDE A FAST AND DIRECT ROAD LINK FROM AP LEI CHAU TO THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
THE BRIDGE, WHICH IS OF THE BALANCED CANTILEVER TYPE, WILL CARRY TWO TRAFFIC LANES, WITH A CAPACITY OF ABOUT 1,500 VEHICLES PER HOUR IN EACH DIRECTION.
IT WILL ALSO CARRY A WATER MAIN AND OTHER ESSENTIAL UTILITIES TO SERVE THE EXPECTED POPULATION GROWTH ON THE ISLAND, WHERE A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE CAPABLE OF HOUSING 19,000 PEOPLE IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
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/8
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
8 -
SPECIAL TRAINS
I.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON PASSENGER TRAINS DURING (SUNDAY) TO DECEMBER 26
DURING X’MAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ft * * * * *
RAILWAY WILL OPERATE SEVERAL ADDITIONAL THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS FROM DECEMBER 24 AND ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1).
DURING THESE FOUR DAYS, THERE WILL BE SIX ADDITIONAL NORTHBOUND TRAINS LEAVING KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 9.56 A.M., 10.50 A.M., 12.35 A.M., 1.35 P.M., 3.39 P.M. AND 6.33 P.M. THE FIRST THREE TRAINS WILL NOT STOP FOR PASSENGERS AT MONG KOK STATION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE SIX ADDITIONAL SOUTHBOUND TRAINS — TWO LEAVING LO WU STATION AT 11.34 A.M. AND 12.58 P.M. AND FOUR LEAVING FAN LING STATION AT 2.14 P.M., 2.42 P.M., 4.52 P.M. AND 7.34 P.M.
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT OWING TO THE EXTENSION OF THREE NORTHBOUND TRAINS FROM TAI PO MARKET STATION TO FAN LING OR LO WU STATIONS, SCHEDULED TRAINS LEAVING TAI PO MARKET STATION FOR KOWLOON AT 10.55 A.M., 11.47 A.M. AND 1.29 P.M. WOULD NOT RUN ON THE FOUR DAYS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DURING THE FOUR DAYS, NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND TRAINS BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 1 P.M. AND KOWLOON-BOUND TRAINS BETWEEN 3 P.M. AND 7 P.M. WOULD PROBABLY BE FULL, THEREFORE TICKETS FOR TRAINS TO KOWLOON WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT MONG KOK STATION.
+FURTHER SPECIAL TRAINS WILL BE RUN LATE IN THE EVENINGS IF NECESSARY,* HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS GOING TO CHINA DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, ORDINARY CLASS PERIOD RETURN TICKETS FROM KOWLOON TO LO WU STATIONS WOULD BE SOLD AT KOWLOON STATION FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO JANUARY 2.
ORDINARY CLASS PERIOD RETURN TICKETS, AT $3.80 EACH, 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 JANUARY 2, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON ARRIVAL AT LO WU, HE ADDED, PASSENGERS HOLDING RETURN TICKETS ARE REQUESTED TO SHOW THE TICKETS TO THE TICKET COLLECTORS AT THE EXIT GATES AND THEN KEEP THEM FOR USE ON THE RETURN JOURNEY AFTER WHICH THEY WILL BE COLLECTED AT KOWLOON OR MONG KOK STATIONS.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, SEAT RESERVATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR NORTHBOUND SCHEDULED TRAINS LEAVING KOWLOON BETWEEN 5 A.M. AND 2.10 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND ON SATURDAY.
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/9
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
9
INFORMATION BRANCH TO BE SET UP IN SECRETARIAT ******
A NEW POLICY BRANCH RESPONSIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT’S INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS WORK IS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE NEW BRANCH WILL TAKE OVER THE INFORMATION RESPONSIBILITIES AT PRESENT HELD BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, ffi. F.K. LI. THE NEW SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION WILL HAVE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, AS WELL AS PUBLIC RELATIONS OVERSEAS.
HEADING THE NEW BRANCH WILL BE MR. DAVID FORD, FORMER DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, WHO HAS BEEN ON SECONDMENT TO H.M. GOVERNMENT’S NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.
MR. FORD IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP HIS NEW POST ON JANUARY 8.
-----0------
HEUNG YEE KUK VISITS IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ******
MORE THAN 20 HEUNG YEE KUK MEMBERS TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY WERE SHOWN THE COMPUTER-CONTROLLED SYSTEM FOR RECORDING STATISTICS AND DETAILS OF TRAVELLERS.
THE PARTY, LED BY THEIR CHAIRMAN MR. WONG YUEN-CHEUNG AND ACCOMPANIED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS, FIRST VISITED THE TRAFFIC INDEX SECTION WHERE THEY WERE GIVEN A DEMONSTRATION OF THE COMPUTER-CONTROLLED SYSTEM.
THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE BRITISH PASSPORT SECTION WHERE PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING APPLICANTS FOR BRITISH PASSPORTS WERE EXPLAINED.
THEY ALSO VISITED THE TRAINING SECTION TO MEET NEWLY RECRUITED ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS.
THE PARTY WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER, MR. MALCOLM CHADDERTON AND LATER WELCOMED BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. R.G.B. BRIDGE.
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/10......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1978
10 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR SEPTEMBER
******
H2NG K0NG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER SHOW A SURPLUS OF $115.3 MILLION, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF •148.6 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR. THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $118.3 MILLION FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS ™T?hI SA^NpES*m0YE“sTC?EAP“ED WITH ‘ DEFIC,T 0F »371-1 M,LLI0N
T0TAL EXPENDITURE, AT $886.7 MILLION, WAS $223.2 MILLION MORE THAN IN SEPTEMBER, 1977.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS, AT $1,002 MILLION, WERE $487.1 MILLION MORE THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
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CHRISTMAS DUTY FREE BRANDY ******
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT TRAVELLERS ARRIVING FROM MACAU ON DECEMBER 26 (TUESDAY) AND DECEMBER 27 MAY EACH BRING INTO HONG KONG FREE OF DUTY ONE BOTTLE OF PORTUGUESE BRANDY OF NOT MORE THAN ONE LITRE, INSTEAD OF THE ONE-QUART BOTTLE OF GRAPE WINE NORMALLY ALLOWED.
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WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL STOP FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 23) TO 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY TO FACILITATE THE CONNECTION OF A WATER MAINS AT NELSON STREET NEAR THE BACK LANE OF SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET.
PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD TO SAI YEE STREET- ARGYLE STREET TO SOY STREET INCLUDING SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET- TUNG CHOI STREET AND FA YUEN STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1978
contents PAGE NO.
NOVEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDICES DROPPED TWO POINTS .... 1
N.T. CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ................. 2
AMENDMENTS TO KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ............. 4
TEAM WORK ESSENTIAL IN ACHIEVING PROGRESS IN EDUCATION 5
GOVERNMENT STADIUM LIGHTING TO BE IMPROVED ............... 6
WITHDRAWAL OF RECORDED TELEPHONE COMPLAINT SERVICE .... 6
FAN TSANG CHAU LIGHT BEACON .............................. 7
LAUNDRY AT PIK UK PRISON ................................. 7
CHILDREN’S FUN-FAIR IN SHAU KEI WAN....................... 8
FIRING PRACTICE .......................................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1978 '
1
NOVEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDICES DROPPED TWO POINTS
* * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES (A) AND (B) FOR LAST (NOVEMBER) MONTH WERE BOTH 127, EACH BEING TWO POINTS LOWER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECLINED BY FOUR POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B).
AS A RESULT OF FAVOURABLE WEATHER AND INCREASED SUPPLIES, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH-WATER FISH AND FRESH VEGETABLES FELL. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE COST OF MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ROSE AS SOME RESTAURANTS AND EATING-PLACES RAISED THEIR PRICES.
MOVEMENTS IN RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGN IFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WENT UP BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P. I.(A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN C.P.I.(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER FARES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ADVANCED BY THREE POINTS AND THAT FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS, BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P. I.(A) AND C.P. I. (B) FOLLOWING HIGHER PRICES FOR SOME OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS AND CLOTHING MATERIALS, AND FOR GENUINE JEWELLERY, TOYS AND HOBBIES.
RISES OF ONE POINT EACH WERE RECORDED IN THE INDICES FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO AND FOR SERVICES IN C.P.I.(A) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR IMPORTED TOBACCO AND CIGARS AND HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AND DOMESTIC HELP.
THE INDICES FOR HOUSING AND DURABLE GOODS ALSO INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN C.P.I.(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR HOUSE MAINTENANCE AND HIGHER PRICES FOR TELEVISION SETS AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE SECTION INDICES FOR NOVEMBER 1978, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1977, ARE GIVEN BELOW • —
SECTION C. NOV.78 P. I.(A) OCT.78 NOV.77 C. NOV.78 P. 1. (B) OCT.78 NOV.77
FOODSTUFFS 124 128 113 124 128 114
HOUS ING 132 132 126 132 131 126
FUEL AND LIGHT 134 134 136 133 133 135
/ALCOHOLIC.....
FRIDAY, MESMBSH 22, 1978
2
ALCOHOL IC DR INKS AND TOBACCO 147 146 137 142 142 133
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 107 104 103 106 103 102
DURABLE GOODS 118 118 110 116 115 107
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 137 136 125 134 133 122
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 128 124 116 130 128 121
SERVICES 139 138 133 140 140 133
ALL ITEMS 127 129 118 127 129 119
THE C.P.I.(A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN S4OO-|1,499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I.(B), BETWEEN SI,5OO-$2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973/74.
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N.T. CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL STRUCTURES * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO STEP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON UNLEASED
UP ITS CAMPAIGN NEXT YEAR TO CLEAR LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DRIVE WILL BE COUPLED WITH A CONTINUING PUBLICITY PROGRAMME TO ASSIST PEOPLE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERATION OF STRUCTURES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) A GREAT NUMBER OF TEMPORARY STRUCTURES ERECTED WITHOUT GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY STILL EXISTED IN VARIOUS N.T. DISTRICTS.
+THIS SITUATION CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO WORSEN BECAUSE THE STRUCTURES HAVE CAUSED OBSTRUCTIONS AND A SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO CONTAIN,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ALSO POSE A CONSIDERABLE HINDRANCE TO DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE GROWTH AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE A TWO-PRONGED ATTACK ON THE PROBLEM -- A +BLITZ+ BACKED UP BY ROUTINE SQUATTER CONTROL PATROLS AND THROUGH PUBLICITY AND ADVICE.
+BOTH METHODS HAVE PRODUCED ENCOURAGING RESULTS AND THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE RURAL AREAS IS ON THE DECLINE,* HE SAID.
FRIDAY, DECEUEEK\22, 1978
THE SPOKESMAN CITED AS TYPICAL EXAMPLES THE IMPROVEMENTS IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG DISTRICTS — CONSIDERED THE MOST WORST AFFECTED IN THE ENTIRE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAIDt + IN THE LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 1,583 SQUATTER STRUCTURES IN YUEN LONG WERE DEMOLISHED BY DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF AND ANOTHER 1,623 PULLED DOWN VOLUNTARILY, OR THE BREACHES RECTIFIED.
♦THE LATTER INDICATES THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE HAVE COME TO REALISE THAT ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF CROWN LAND IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE.*
IN TAI PO, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, THE ACTION BY THE DISTRICT’S SQUATTER CONTROL SECTION HAS ALSO YIELDED GOOD RESULTS.
IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, SOME 280 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE CLEARED — WITH ALMOST ONE-THIRD OF THEM DEMOLISHED BY THEIR OWNERS AFTER WARNINGS BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, HE ADDED.
♦DESPITE THE IMPROVED SITUATION, WE WILL EVEN TAKE ON A MORE VIGOROUS APPROACH TO REMOVE THE ILLEGAL OCCUPATIONS.♦
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT SUCH BREACHES OF THE LAW WILL RESULT IN VERY HEAVY PENALTY. THE CROWN LANDS ORDINANCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A $10,000 FINE AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.
RECENTLY, TWO MEN WERE FINED $1,000 AND $600 RESPECTIVELY IN FAN LING MAGISTRACY FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH COURT NOTICES TO CLEAR AREAS AS SMALL AS 24 AND NINE SQUARE METRES OF LAND THEY WERE ILLEGALLY USING FOR STORAGE AND DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
♦I EARNESTLY HOPE ALL ILLEGAL OCCUPIERS OF CROWN LAND WILL HEED OUR ADVICE AND DEMOLISH THEIR STRUCTURES VOLUNTARILY,+ HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1978
4
AMENDMENTS TO KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ******
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS APPROVED A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND ITS NOTES.
OF THE AMENDMENTS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), 37 INVOLVE THE RE-ZONING OF SPECIFIC AREAS AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ZONING BOUNDARIES, WHILE THERE ARE AMENDMENTS TO THE NOTES RELATING TO FOUR DIFFERENT TYPES OF ZONING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THE AMENDMENTS WERE NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE RECENT MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS IN KWAI CHUNG, INCLUDING BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING SCHEMES, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN AND THE RELOCATION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY DEPOT FROM KWAI CHUNG TO TSUEN WAN.
THE BOUNDARY OF THE PLANNING AREA HAS ALSO BEEN ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE AREAS OF THE SHING MUN AND KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARKS.
THE DRAFT PLAN COVERS A TOTAL OF 870.11 HECTARES. OF THESE, 21.85 HECTARES ARE ZONED FOR COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, 192.64 HECTARES FOR RESIDENTIAL USE (GROUP A), 36.42 HECTARES FOR RESIDENTIAL USE (GROUP B), 0.81 HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, 75.68 HECTARES FOR VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT, 135.57 HECTARES FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES, 24.28 HECTARES FOR PARK STRIP, 100.37 HECTARES FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USES, 78.92 HECTARES FOR OTHER SPECIFIED PURPOSES, 42.90 HECTARES FOR UNDETERMINED USES AND 282.48 HECTARES FOR GREEN BELT.
A TOTAL OF 67.18 HECTARES ARE SET ASIDE FOR DISTRICT OPEN SPACE.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS UNTIL JANUARY 11, 1979, AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE- THE DISTRICT OFFICE (TSUEN WAN), HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN AND THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT $5 A COPY (UNCOLOURED) AND $25 A COPY (COLOURED).
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE AMENDMENTS MAY BE MADE IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 11, 1979, TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING.
/5 ....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1978
5
TEAM WORK ESSENTIAL IN ACHIEVING PROGRESS IN EDUCATION ******
PROFESSIONAL TEAM WORK, FULL CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION OF EFFORT AMONG TEACHERS, HEADS OF SCHOOLS, SCHOOL INSPECTORS AND PLANNERS ARE NEEDED TO ACHIEVE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, MR. ROBERT CAMERON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OBERLIN COLLEGE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY WHICH ALSO MARKS THE COLLEGE’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, MR. CAMERON SAID THERE MUST BE MAXIMUM COMMUNICATION AMONG THE GROUPS CONCERNED.
LACK OF COMMUNICATION AMONG THE GROUPS WOULD RESULT IN INEFFICIENCY, WASTE OF EFFORT, UNNECESSARY FALSE STARTS AND UNCERTAINTY, HE SAID.
♦IN OTHER WORDS, WE MUST BE SURE TO INVOLVE THE PRACTITIONERS IN OUR PLANNING TO ENSURE THAT WHAT IS EVENTUALLY PRODUCED MEETS THE ACTUAL NEEDS ON THE GROUND AND CAN BE IMPLEMENTED,♦ MR. CAMERON SAID.
LISTING SOME OF THE CHANGES IN EDUCATION IMPLEMENTED RECENTLY, HE MENTIONED THE REVISION OF THE SYLLABUS FOR FORMS I TO III, AND THE EFFORT TO BROADEN COURSES THROUGHOUT THE FIVE YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION TO OFFER PUPILS A WIDER CHOICE.
♦AND TO ADD YET ANOTHER DIMENSION OF CHANGE WE ARE ENCOURAGING OUR SCHOOLS TO EXPERIMENT IN THEIR TIME-TABLING NOT ONLY TO OFFER A WIDER RANGE OF SUBJECT OPTIONS BUT ALSO TO CATER FOR THE GREATER DIVERSITY OF ABILITY AND INTERESTS AMONG THEIR PUPILS,♦ MR. CAMERON SAID.
HE ALSO CAUTIONED THAT IN ADVANCING IN EDUCATION, ONE MUST NOT TRY TO DO TOO MUCH ALL AT ONCE BUT SHOULD MOVE FORWARD WITH REASONABLE CAUTION, TAKING CARE NOT TO LOSE OR SLIP BACK FROM THE POSITION WHICH HAD BEEN REACHED.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1978
6
GOVT STADIUM LIGHTING TO BE IMPROVED
******
THE LIGHTING SCHEME OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STADIUM IS TO BE IMPROVED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING FOR COLOUR TELEVISION COVERAGE OF EVENTS IN THE STADIUM.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE WORK WAS FORMALLY SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANCIAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT CAROLINE HILL.
MR. GRAHAM OSBORNE, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHNICAL ENGINEER, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE P.W.D. AND MR. PATRICK AUYEUNG FOR HUTCHISON BOAG ENGINEERING LTD.
MR. OSBORNE SAID THE WORK, TO BE CARRIED OUT FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL, WOULD TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THE EXISTING LIGHTING SCHEME WAS INSTALLED MANY YEARS AGO AND IT WAS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO ALLOW EVENTS TO BE PROPERLY TELEVISED IN COLOUR.
THE NEW LIGHTING SCHEME WOULD OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM.
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WITHDRAWAL OF RECORDED TELEPHONE COMPLAINT SERVICE ******
THE 24-HOUR RECORDED TELEPHONE COMPLAINT SERVICE, INTRODUCED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TELEPHONE SERVICES (ACTS) IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, WILL BE DISCONTINUED FROM JANUARY 1.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE SERVICE WAS PROVIDED TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
IN ITS 19TH PERIODICAL REPORT, PUBLISHED LAST MARCH, THE ACTS SAID THE COMPLAINTS SERVICE WAS BEING USED LESS FREQUENTLY AND IT WAS CONSIDERED THEREFORE THAT THE SERVICE WAS NOT ESSENTIAL. IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1978, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ONLY 23 CALLS HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE AUTOMATIC ANSWERING MACHINE AND THIS WAS WHY IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO WITHDRAW THE SERVICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLIC COULD CONTINUE TO MAKE COMPLAINTS OR SUGGESTIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ACTS BY CALLING 5-95671 DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1978
FAN TSANG CHAU LIGHT BEACON ******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO BUILD A LIGHT BEACON AT FAN TSANG CHAU TO IMPROVE NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY IN THE AREA.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE BEACON, A LANDING IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE LIMITS OF AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,090 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED TO FACILITATE ROUTINE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LIGHT.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTIFICATION.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING- OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAI KUNG, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, 1ST FLOOR, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
P.W.D. TO BUILD SECOND DEPARTMENT LAUNDRY AT PIK UK PRISON
* * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD A SECOND DEPARTMENTAL LAUNDRY AT PIK UK PRISON IN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK WERE INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE P.W.D. TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR. S.C. KWAN, P.W.D.’S CHIEF ARCHITECT, SAID THE WORK WOULD INCLUDE A FIVE-STOREY REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT.
CONSTRUCTION WOULD BEGIN IN APRIL NEXT YEAR AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
EARLIER THIS WEEK THE P.W.D. AWARDED A 16.42 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING FOR EQUIPMENT.
THE LAUNDRY, WHEN COMMISSIONED IN TWO YEARS, WILL PROVIDE A MINIMUM THROUGHPUT OF 454,000 KG DRY WEIGHT A MONTH.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1978
8
CHILDREN’S FUN-FAIR IN SHAU KEI WAN
*****
THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MR. CHARLES GATELY WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CHRISTMAS FUN-FAIR FOR 3,000 CHILDREN LIVING IN SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN) AND THE SALVATION ARMY (SHAU KEI WAN CENTRE), THE FAIR IS AIMED AT PROVIDING YOUNGSTERS LIVING IN THE TWO DISTRICTS WITH FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
THERE WILL BE 25 GAME-STALLS, A LION DANCE, DANCING AND SINGING BY WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CHRISTMAS FUN-FAIR FOR 3,000 CHILDREN TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE FACTORY STREET PLAYGROUND, SHAU KEI WAN, AT 1.30 P.M.
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FIRING PRACTICE * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CASTLE PEAK NEXT MONTH (JANUARY).
(FRIDAY) THAT FIRING RANGE FOR EIGHT DAYS
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE when the red flags are flying during THE TIME OF FIR ING nt ACT l£E •
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE AS FOLLOW:
DAY HOUR
JANUARY 3 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. — 3 P.M
JANUARY 9 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M
JANUARY 10 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M,
JANUARY 23 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M,
JANUARY 24 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M.
JANUARY 25 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. — 9 P.M.
JANUARY 26 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M.
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19 7 9
MERRY CHRISTMAS
HAPPY NEW YEAR
If If»
THE
DIRECTOR
EDITORS AND
ALL THE STAFF
OF
W V If
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
SERVICES EXTEND TO ALL READERS OF THE DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN-THE WARMEST GREETINGS OF THE SEASON AND EVERY GOOD WISH FOR THE COMING YEAR
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LODGE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES EARLY .......................... 1
NOTICEABLE DROP IN INCIDENCE AND DEATH RATE OF TUBERCULOSIS .................................................. 2
SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR INCINERATORS ............................. 3
BUSY CHRISTMAS FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL ORGANISERS ......... 4
CYC MEMBERS GA IN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY........ 5
SPEED LIMIT ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD ................................ 5
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1978
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LODGE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES EARLY * * * *
TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS CAN MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THEMSELVES IF THEY LODGE THEIR CERTIFICATES, WITH THEIR DEMAND NOTES, SOME THREE OR FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE DUE DATE OF THEIR TAX PAYMENT.
AN INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TAXPAYERS SENDING IN THEIR TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES AT ANY TIME UP TO ONE MONTH BEFORE THE DUE DATE WOULD NOT SUFFER LOSS OF INTEREST.
THEY SHOULD SEND IN THEIR CERTIFICATES AND DEMAND NOTES WITH CASH OR CHEQUE FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FACE VALUE OF THE CERTIFICATES AND THE FIRST INSTALMENT OF TAX DUE. INTEREST EARNED ON THE CERTIFICATES WILL BE REFUNDED BY A CHEQUE.
+IN SO DOING, TAXPAYERS NEED NOT BOTHER THEMSELVES WITH CALCULATING INTEREST EARNED ON THE CERTIFICATES AND MAY LEAVE THE WORK TO THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦BY SENDING IN THEIR TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES, WITH THEIR DEMAND NOTES, SOME THREE OR FOUR WEEKS AHEAD OF THE DUE DATE, THEY WILL ALLOW THE COLLECTION OFFICE TIME TO MAKE ALL NECCESSARY CALCULATIONS.* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THOSE CERTIFICATES LODGED MORE THAN A MONTH BEFORE THE DUE DATE COULD ONLY EARN INTEREST UP TO THE DATE OF SURRENDER.
THE DEPARTMENT’S TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES SECTION IS FACING A VERY BUSY PERIOD AS MORE PEOPLE ARE PURCHASING TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES AND MANY SALARIES TAX DEMAND NOTES BEGIN TO FALL DUE IN EARLY JANUARY, 1979.
IN THE PAST EIGHT MONTHS, ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 44,141 TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WERE PURCHASED, COMPARED WITH 35,992 IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. CERTIFICATES MAY BE BOUGHT BY TAXPAYERS FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH THEIR BANKERS.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1978
2
NOTICEABLE DROP IN INCIDENCE AND DEATH RATE OF TB ******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT RESULTS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS WITH A NOTICEABLE DROP IN THE NUMBER OF DEATHS AND INCIDENCE OF THE FORMER NUMBER ONE KILLER DISEASE IN HONG KONG.
IN THE PAST DECADE, THE INCIDENCE OF THE DISEASE DROPPED FROM 398 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1967 TO 168.4 PER 100,000 LAST YEAR.
THERE WAS ALSO A CORRESPONDING FALL IN THE NUMBER OF DEATHS. THE DEATH RATE AT 11.8 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1977, WAS AN ALL-TIME LOW AND ONE FOURTH OF THE RATE A DECADE AGO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY)t +ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENCE AND DEATH RATES HAVE DECLINED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE BATTLE AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS IS NOT YET OVER, AND ANY RELAXATION COULD CAUSE A RESURGENCE OF THE DISEASE.+
TO KEEP UP ITS EFFORTS IN CHECKING THIS DISEASE, THE
CHEST SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHED A YEAR-ROUND TB CASE-FINDING CAMPAIGN IN MARCH THIS YEAR, URGING PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS OF PERSISTENT COUGH FOR MORE THAN FOUR WEEKS TO GO TO A GOVERNMENT CHEST CLINIC FOR A CHECK-UP.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG, AS IN OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, NOW HAS FEWER PEOPLE DYING OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES, INCLUDING TUBERCULOSIS.
FAST SUBSTITUTING TUBERCULOSIS AS THE NUMBER ONE KILLER DISEASE IN HONG KONG AS IN OTHER DEVELOPED TERRITORIES IS CANCER. THE LOCAL MORTALITY RATE IS GRADUALLY RISING FROM 88.1 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1967 TO 107.3 PER 100,000 IN 1972 AND TO 125.2 LAST YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CANCER ARE FOUND IN THE LUNG, LIVER, STOMACH AND NASOPHARYNX.
CAMPAIGNS TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THE DISEASE ARE HELD FROM TIME TO TIME.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THEIR HEALTH AND TO SEE A DOCTOR ON NOTICING ANY ABNORMALTIES OR DISCOMFORT.
♦WITH OUR MODERN MEDICINE AND ADVANCE IN TECHNOLOGY, CANCER, IF DETECTED AT AN EARLY STAGE, COULD BE EFFECTIVELY CURED,♦ HE ADDED.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1978
3 -
SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR INCINERATORS *****
SPECIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATION PLANT TO AVOID ACCIDENTS IN THE RECEPTION AREA.
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED AN ALARM SYSTEM AT ALL REFUSE BUNKERS CF THE +A+ AND +B* PLANTS.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE SYSTEM GIVES A VISUAL SIGNAL. A HORN ALSO WARNS REFUSE VEHICLE DRIVERS NOT TO UNLOAD IN ANY BUNKER WHERE THE CRANE GRAB IS WORKING.
+THE ALARM,* HE EXPLAINED, +IS OPERATED BY THE CRANE OPERATOR.*
THE PWD SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IN AN EFFORT TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AT THE INCLINED ASH CONVEYOR IN PLANT +A+ AN ’EMERGENCY TRIP WIRE’ SYSTEM HAS BEEN INSTALLED.
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT BOTH THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PLANT AND THE PLANT AT LAI CHI KOK CONTINUED TO BURN OFF THOUSANDS OF TONS OF REFUSE.
FOR EXAMPLE, BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR BURNT NO LESS THAN 57,699 TONS OF REFUSE — AN AVERAGE OF 634 TONS A DAY.
THE *A+ PLANT AT LAI CHI KOK BURNT OFF 41,936 TONS AND THE *B* PLANT WAS NOT FAR BEHIND WITH 40,832 TONS.
BOTH THE KENNEDY TOWN AND LAI CHI KOK PLANTS ARE OPERATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PWD.
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/4 ...
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1978
- 4 -
BUSY CHRISTMAS FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL ORGANISERS *******
THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS WILL SEE A TEAM OF SKILLED WORKERS BUSILY HAMMERING, PLASTERING AND PAINTING TO PUT THE FINAL TOUCHES TO THE RENOVATIONS OF THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALL WHICH WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL VENUE FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES.
CONTRACTORS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR EARLY ONE MONTH TO CONVERT THE HALL INTO A SPACIOUS AUDITORIUM TO ACCOMMODATE 1,OQO-STRONG AUDIENCE.
ON TOP OF THE RENOVATION WORK, ADDITIONAL LIGHTING, AUDIO AND STAGE EQUIPMENT USED FOR THEATRICAL PLAYS, CONCERTS AND MUSICAL SHOWS ARE BEING INSTALLED TO MAKE THE VENUE MORE SUITABLE FOR THE PERFORMERS.
THE MODIFICATION IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ONE OF THE THREE KEY SPONSORS OF THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL — THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
THE TWO OTHER SPONSORS ARE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND THE DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.
MR. BENJAMIN TANG, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE ON THE FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE COST OF THE MODIFICATION WOULD COME FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S $80,000 CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE OVERALL FESTIVAL BUDGET OF $300,000, TWO-THIRDS OF WHICH WERE ALLOCATED FROM THE ADVISORY BOARD.
♦DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD,* HE SAID, +EIGHT OF THE 25 PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED IN THE CONVERTED HALL, AND I AM SURE THE PERFORMERS AND THE AUDIENCE WILL BE SATISFIED WITH OUR MODIFICATION.*
♦THE PRESENTATIONS INCLUDE THE MAJOR PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, THE HONG KONG FOLK DANCE TROUPE, THE TSUEN WAN YOUTH DRAMA GROUP AND THE NORTHCOTE PLAYERS.
♦THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CONCERT WILL BE ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL’S GRAND OPENING TO BE HELD AT THE SCHOOL ON JANUARY !,♦ MR. TANG SAID.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL CUT THE RIBBON TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE PILOT PROGRAMME TO BRING ART AND CULTURE TO THE NEW TOWN.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1978
5
CYC MEMBERS GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY ******
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS HAVE GAINED A BETTER AND BROADER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOCIETY AS A RESULT OF THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE CYC ACTIVITIES.
ALTOGETHER ABOUT 1,000 MEMBERS ATTENDED 13 TALKS ON ROAD SAFETY HELD EARLY THIS MONTH. THEY WERE BRIEFED BY SPEAKERS FROM THE ROAD SAFETY OFFICE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE ON ROAD SAFETY CODES, IMPORTANT ROAD SIGNS, TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AND THE ROLE THEY PLAY IN PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY.
THE USEFULNESS OF THESE TALKS WAS DEMONSTRATED BY THE VERY HIGH STANDARD OF THEIR EXHIBITS AT THE ROAD SAFETY PROJECT DESIGN EXHIBITION HELD LAST WEEK.
FIRE PREVENTION IS ANOTHER SUBJECT IN WHICH THE CYC MEMBERS HAVE AN ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT. VISITS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR CLUB MEMBERS FROM 30 SCHOOLS TO FIRE STATIONS NEAR THEIR SCHOOLS. THE PROGRAMME IS TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHALLENGING WORK OF THE FIRE BRIGADE, AND FAMILIARISE THEM WITH COMMON FIRE HAZARDS AND FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES.
IT IS HOPED THAT THESE CYC MEMBERS WILL IN TURN SPREAD THE MESSAGE TO THEIR FAMILIES, SCHOOLS AND THENCE THE COMMUNITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SECRETARIAT IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE VISITS AND TALKS WERE OF TREMENDOUS VALUE TO THE STUDENTS.
♦WE BELIEVE THE KEY TO LIBERAL EDUCATION LIES IN CLOSE TIES BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL. BESIDES PROVIDING A HEALTHY PASTIME, THESE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES EXPAND THE SCOPE OF LEARNING FOR THE STUDENTS BEYOND THE LIMITS OF FORMATIVE SCHOOLING AND ENRICH THEIR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ACTUAL STATE OF AFFAIRS OF SOCIETY.+
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SPEED LIMIT ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT lt)DAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON DECEMBER 27, A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 M.P.H. WILL BE IMPOSED ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD FROM A POINT 580 METRES SOUTH OF KWAI FOO ROAD AND KWAI CHUNG ROAD JUNCTION TO A POINT 80 METRES SOUTH OF THE FLYOVER IN CONTAINER PORT ROAD.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STRUCTURES ACROSS KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE SPEED LIMIT RESTRICTIONS.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO
CHINESE LANGUAGE ENFORCEMENT UNIT FORMED ..................... 1
PORT OF HONG KONG LESS POLLUTED .............................. 2
83 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH
3
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1978
- 1 -
CHINESE LANGUAGE ENFORCEMENT UNIT FORMED *****
THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY HAS SET UP AN ENFORCEMENT UNIT TO SPEED UP IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE POLICY.
THE NEW UNIT, HEADED BY A CHIEF CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER AND ASSISTED BY SEVERAL SENIOR OFFICERS, WILL SUPERVISE ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS POLICY AND HELP IMPROVE DEPARTMENTAL TRANSLATION SERVICES.
♦THE MAIN ROLE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY,* EXPLAINED HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, fRS. KATHERINE FOK, +IS TO ENSURE ALL DOCUMENTS AND NOTICES ISSUED TO THE PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE A CHINESE VERSION WHEN NECESSARY.*
SHE SAID CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WERE DEPLOYED IN 31 DEPARTMENTS PROVIDING A BILINGUAL SERVICE BOTH INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY. THEY ALSO UNDERTOOK INTERPRETATION WORK.
MRS. FOK NOTED WITH SATISFACTION THAT CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS ON THE USE OF CHINESE AS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE WAS MADE DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS. +THE SHARP INCREASE IN CHINESE COMMUNICATION IS MOST ENCOURAGING,* SHE ADDED.
STRESSING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE WIDEST POSSIBLE USE OF CHINESE IN OFFICIAL BUSINESS, SHE SAID THIS SERVICE HAD BEEN FURTHER SUPPLEMENTED BY THE PROVISION OF SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION.
♦SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION IS NOW AVAILABLE IN ALL IMPORTANT MEETINGS AND FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS, PRESS CONFERENCES AND SO ON,* SHE SAID.
THE SECONDMENT OF CLOS TO THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME, INTRODUCED LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER), ALSO PROVIDES A HELPFUL SERVICE TO NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE WHO NEED LEGAL ADVICE, fRS. FOK POINTED OUT.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1978
2
PORT OF HONG KONG LESS POLLUTED * * * *
THE PORT OF HONG KONG IS NOW LESS POLLUTED — THANKS TO THE INCREASED VIGILANCE OF THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF HEAVY FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS TO MAKE SHIPPING AGENTS AWARE OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM.
THIS ENCOURAGING TREND IS REFLECTED BY A DROP IN THE NUMBER CF PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF OIL POLLUTION AND SMOKE EMISSION BY VESSELS.
MR. REGINALD KENT, THE MARINE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE PROSECUTION UNIT OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT SO FAR THIS YEAR ONLY ONE SHIPPING AGENT HAD BEEN PROSECUTED FOR POLLUTING THE HARBOUR WITH OIL SPILLAGE COMPARED WITH SEVEN CASES IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
IN THE SOLE CASE, THE SHIPPING AGENT WAS FINED $15,000 FOR ALLOWING ITS VESSEL TO POLLUTE THE HARBOUR WITH OIL SLUDGE.
A TOTAL OF $81,000 IN FINES FOR OIL POLLUTION OFFENCES WAS IMPOSED IN THE SEVEN CASES LAST YEAR. OF THESE THE DEFENDANTS CF TWO CASES WERE GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 EACH.
ONE OF LAST YEAR’S CASES IN WHICH THE HEAVIEST FINE WAS IMPOSED CONCERNED A SERIOUS OIL POLLUTION INCIDENT IN RECENT YEARS. IT OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 11 LAST YEAR WHEN A LARGE AMOUNT CF OIL SLUDGE WAS DISCHARGED FROM A VESSEL, CAUSING AN AREA OF ABOUT 17 MILLION SQ. FEET IN THE SEA BEING POLLUTED.
THE PROBLEM OF SMOKE EMISSION BY VESSELS, ANOTHER MAJOR CAUSE OF HARBOUR POLLUTION, HAS ALSO IMPROVED.
ONLY ONE PROSECUTION AGAINST SMOKE EMISSION HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT SO FAR THIS YEAR AS AGAINST THREE IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
♦BOTH OIL SPILLAGE AND EMISSION OF BLACK SMOKE ARE TOO OFTEN CAUSED BY HUMAN FACTORS SUCH AS NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS ON THE PART OF THE CREW ON BOARD. THEY CAN ALL BE AVOIDED THROUGH TIGHTER PRECAUTIONS,+ MR. KENT SAID.
HE ALSO CAUTIONED THAT SHIPPING AGENTS AND OWNERS OF VESSELS BEING CAUGHT FOR OIL SPILLAGE MAY BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $20,000 FINE AND/OR SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT AND $5,000 FOR EXCESSIVE EMISSION OF SMOKE.
THE PENALTY MAY BECOME HEAVIER IN FUTURE AS LEGISLATION IS BEING PROPOSED TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR OIL POLLUTION IN HONG KONG WATERS FROM $20,000 TO $200,000, MR. KENT SAID.
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/3....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1978
- 3
83 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH *****
A TOTAL OF 83 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER) BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 55 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THESE, 32 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 38 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR A NUMBER OF HOLIDAY FLATS AT DISCOVERY BAY, LANTAU ISLAND, A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE IN TSUEN WAN, A MULTl-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, A TEMPLE AT TAI AU MUN AND ABOU.T 30 APARTMENT/ COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $322 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $370 MILLION LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED LAST MONTH AMOUNTED TO 243,231 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 165,742 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 77,489 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 55 NEW PROJECTS, INCLUDING A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE EXTENSION AT CHAI WAN, A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT SAU MAU PING, A COLD STORAGE BUILDING IN SHA TIN, AND AN ELECTRIC SUB-STATION IN TAI LAM CHUNG.
A TOTAL OF 53 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, A PIER AND CONTROL ROOM AT TAI KOK TSUI. AN EXTENSION TO HEALTH CENTRE AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND A NUMBER OF FACTORY BUILDINGS.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ASSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 131 BUILDINGS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PLANS TO INCREASE NUMBER OF LAY PROSECUTORS ................ 1
NEW COMPENSATION RATES FOR LAND RESUMED OUTSIDE NT DEVELOPMENT AREAS .......................................... 2
DISCO DANCING----TO KEEP FIT................................ 3
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN MU I WO .................... 4
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1978
PLANS TO INCREASE NUMBER OF LAY PROSECUTORS
*****
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT PLANS TO RECRUIT MORE LAY PROSECUTORS — PENDING FINANCE COMMITTEES APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE PRESENT COMPLEMENT OF SIX TO 22.
THE LAY PROSECUTOR SCHEME STARTED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR WITH SIX +LAYMEN+ PROSECUTING AT THE WESTERN AND CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACIES, A LEGAL DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY (MONDAY).
♦THE ADDITIONAL PROSECUTORS WILL MEAN THAT WE CAN NOW ALSO COVER THE MAGISTRACIES AT SAN PO KONG AND NORTH KOWLOON, BRINGING TO FOUR THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MAGISTRACIES WHICH WILL HAVE LAY PROSECUTORS HANDLING STRAIGHT-FORWARD CASES,+ HE SAID.
THE PILOT SCHEME, HE SAID, HAS PROVED SUCCESSFUL WITH EACH OF THE SIX LAY PROSECUTORS HANDLING ABOUT 70 CASES A MONTH. VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS HAVE MADE FAVOURABLE COMMENTS DURING ITS ONE-YEAR EXPERIMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SCHEME WAS INITIALLY AIMED AT RELEASING VITAL POLICE MANPOWER FROM COURT DUTY TO ASSIST IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
♦THE MAIN AIM, HOWEVER, IS TO HAVE ALL PROSECUTIONS AT THE MAGISTRACIES EVENTUALLY UNDER ONE ROOF — THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT. IT IS THE RIGHT MOMENT FOR US TO HAVE THIS SERVICE EXTENDED TO OTHER MAGISTRACIES,+ HE SAID.
ALL NEW RECRUITS WILL RECEIVE SIX MONTHS COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING AT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT BEFORE DEPLOYMENT. THE TRAINING PROGRAMME INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS IN COURT PROCEDURES, LAW OF EVIDENCE, CRIMINAL LAW AND COURT ATTACHMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE THE POLICY OF ASSIGNING CROWN COUNSELS TO PROSECUTE IN MAGISTRACIES IN SERIOUS AND MORE COMPLICATED CASES.
TO COPE WITH THE PROPOSED EXPANSION, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CONSIDERING CREATING A POST OF SENIOR LAY PROSECUTOR WHO WILL ACT AS CO-ORDINATOR AND OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF ALL PROSECUTIONS AT THE MAGISTRACIES.
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/2
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1978
2 -
NEW COMPENSATION RATES FOR LAND RESUMED OUTSIDE NT DEVELOPMENT AREAS ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES FOR LAND RESUMED OUTSIDE THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE NEW RATES WOULD BE EFFECTIVE RETROSPECTIVELY TO NOVEMBER 1, 1978.
+UNDER THE NEW RATES, OWNERS OF LAND OUTSIDE THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT AREAS WILL BE COMPENSATED IN PROPORTIONS RANGING FROM 20 TO 70 PER CENT OF THE CASH EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE CURRENTLY PAYABLE IN THE LAYOUT AREAS,* HE SAID.
♦LAND OUTSIDE THE LAYOUTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO ZONES WHICH TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE POTENTIAL USE OF THE LAND ON THE BASIS OF ITS LOCATION AND PROXIMITY TO LAYOUT AREAS.*
MR. AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT COMPENSATION RATE FOR PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESUMED IN THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT AREAS WAS 139 PER SQUARE FOOT, A FIGURE THAT IS REVIEWED TWICE A YEAR.
HE SAID THE NEW SYSTEM HAD BEEN DRAWN UP IN LINE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN LAND ACQUISITION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HEADED BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN.
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3
> ^»»wrnininn 12 fu
DISCO DANCING -- TO KEEP FIT
*******
KEEPING FIT IS NO MORE A TORTUROUS, MUSCLE-STRAINING DISCIPLINE.
GONE IS THE WHISTLE BLOWN BY THE PHYSICAL FITNESS INSTRUCTOR WHO, AT LEAST TO THE SWEATING, STRUGGLING STUDENT, SOUNDED LIKE A REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR BARKING ON THE PARADE SQUARE.
THE TIRED YOUNG FACTORY WORKER OR THE PORTLY, RETIRED WHITE COLLAR WORKER TODAY CAN ACTUALLY BREEZE THROUGH THE KEEP FIT PACES.
FOR DISCO DANCING HAS ARRIVED ON THE KEEP FIT SCENE.
IT IS THIS SWINGING MUSIC, AND NOT THE WHISTLE, THAT THE STUDENT FOLLOWS.
DISCO DANCING IS MORE THAN A MERE FORM OF POPULAR DANCING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE — IT IS ALSO A MEANS OF ACHIEVING PHYSICAL FITNESS.
AND DISCO DANCING IS THE THEME OF A SERIES OF KEEP FIT CLASSES CURRENTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SECOND SERIES OF +FITNESS THROUGH DISCO DANCING* CLASSES STARTED ON DECEMBER 12 AND WILL LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR. ALTOGETHER FOUR CLASSES OF EIGHT SESSIONS EACH WILL BE HELD DURING THE TWO-MONTH PERIOD.
MRS. ELEANOR LEE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE SAID THE FIRST SERIES OF CLASSES, WHICH BEGAN IN OCTOBER AND ENDED RECENTLY, PROVED SUCCESSFUL JUDGING FROM THE LARGE NUMBER OF ENTHUSIASTS ATTRACTED TO THE CLASSES — MORE THAN 140 PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE INCLUDING STUDENTS, OFFICE CLERKS, FACTORY WORKERS, TEACHERS, NURSES AS WELL AS HOUSEWIVES JOINED THE CLASSES.
+WE ARE ALSO MUCH IMPRESSED BY THE ENTHUSIASM AND INTEREST SHOWN DURING THE TRAINING. THEY REALLY LOVE TO DO IT AND WANT TO DO IT,* SAID THE INSTRUCTRESS OF THE CLASSES, MISS ANA MARIA CRISTINA.
+WE AIM TO INTRODUCE THIS NEW FORM OF POPULAR DANCING TO MORE YOUNG PEOPLE AND AT THE SAME TIME TEACH THEM HOW TO ATTAIN PHYSICAL FITNESS THROUGH IT,* SHE ADDED.
EACH CLASS STARTS WITH SOME WARM-UP BODY MOVEMENTS AND MUSIC, FOLLOWED BY ISOLATION MOVEMENTS OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY. FROM SHOULDERS AND ARMS TO HIPS AND LEGS.
THE LATTER PART OF THE CLASS CONSISTS OF LEARNING BASIC DANCE FORMS IN COMBINATION WITH THE DISCO MUSIC. MODERN DANCE STEPS ARE ALSO TAUGHT.
THE CLASSES ARE HELD IN THE HUNG HOM CAR PARK SPORTS CENTRE FROM 10 A.M. TO NOON ON TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS AND FROM 4 P.M. TO 6 P.M. ON WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. EACH CLASS WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO 40 STUDENTS BECAUSE OF LIMITED SPACE.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AT 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, 11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, HONG KONG.
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t.
* HI
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1978
- 4 -
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN MUI WO
ft ft K K ft
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATION AT THE OFFICE OF THE MUI WO RURAL COMMITTEE FOR THREE DAYS FROM JANUARY 2, 1979.
REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARDS BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS, AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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I
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FOREST GUARDS TO ISSUE SUMMONSES ....................... 1
IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL MASS MEDIA WELL UNDERSTOOD ......... 2
TOWARDS MORE GAINFUL LEISURE PURSUITS .................. 3
NEW YEAR’S DAY IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY................... 4
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL TICKETS SELLING FAST ........... 5
SCHEME TO PROVIDE MORE NAVIGATIONAL AIDS ............... 6
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE SUSPENDED TO CLEAR HOLIDAYS 7
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO GIVE CONCERT......................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
1
FOREST GUARDS TO ISSUE SUMMONSES
* * * *
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOREST GUARDS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO ADOPT A +GET TOUGH* ATTITUDE TO PEOPLE FOUND BREAKING THE COUNTRY CODE.
IN AN EFFORT TO PRESERVE THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM WANTON DESTRUCTION THE FOREST GUARDS WILL BE METING OUT ON-THE-SPOT SUMMONSES TO OFFENDERS INSTEAD OF LETTING THEM OFF WITH A SIMPLE CAUTION OR WARNING.
AND IN MORE SERIOUS CASES, SUCH AS LIGHTING FIRES IN PROHIBITED AREAS, VANDALISM AND DESTROYING VEGETATION, OFFENDERS WILL BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE.
THE +GET TOUGH* PLAN WAS REVEALED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR. SING-LAI CHEONG IN RELATION TO A COURT CASE EARLIER THIS MONTH IN WHICH TWO TEENAGERS WERE EACH FINED 8250 FOR LIGHTING A FIRE OUTSIDE AN APPROVED BARBECUE SITE AT KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARK.
FOREST GUARDS NOTICED THAT BARBECUE ING HAD BEEN TAKING PLACE IN A PROHIBITED AREA AND CONTINUAL VIGILANCE OF THE SITE EVENTUALLY LED TO THE ARREST OF THE COUPLE. THE COUPLE WERE TAKEN TO CHEUNG SHA WAN POLICE STATION AND CHARGED WITH CONTRAVENING 7(1)(C) OF THE COUNTRY PARKS AND SPECIAL AREAS REGULATIONS. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY THEY APPEARED IN NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY AND WERE FINED FOR THE OFFENCE.
IN NOVEMBER, ANOTHER COUPLE WERE FINED $300 EACH FOR EXCAVATING SOIL NEAR A STREAM IN KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARK.
MR. CHEONG SAID THAT DURING 1978 THERE HAD BEEN AMPLE PUBLICITY ON THE COUNTRY CODE WITH TELEVISION COMMERCIALS, POSTERS AND PRESS RELEASES. VISITORS TO THE COUNTRY PARKS WERE CAUTIONED BY FOREST GUARDS OF THE REGULATIONS AND THE PENALITIES IMPOSED FOR BREACH OF THE REGULATIONS.
DURING THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1978, 31 PEOPLE WERE CONVICTED AND FINED A TOTAL OF 83,425 FOR LIGHTING FIRES IN PROHIBITED AREAS- AND 37 PEOPLE wERE FINED A TOTAL OF $3,340 FOR ILLEGAL CUTTING AND BEING IN POSSESSION OF PROTECTED PLANTS. THE OFFENCES WERE DETECTED IN THE SAI KUNG, TAI TAM, PLOVER COVE AND TAI LAM COUNTRY PARKS AND THE PAT HEUNG PLANTATION.
+THE REGULATIONS STIPULATE THAT ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF LIGHTING FIRES IN PROHIBITED AREAS COULD BE FINED UP TO 85,000 PLUS IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.
+WE NOW INTEND MAKING FULL USE OF THESE REGULATIONS,* SAID MR. CHEONG.
THE FOREST GUARDS AND POLICE WILL ALSO BE CRACKING DOWN ON VANDALS IN COUNTRY PARKS.
/LAST .....
.,\W-
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
- 2
LAST MONTH AT LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK, VANDALS BROKE TWO FIRE-BEATER STANDS, BURNT EIGHT FIRE BEATERS, BROKE THREE BARBECUE PITS AND GRILLS, BROKE AND BURNT 19 BENCHES, THREW AWAY THREE LARGE LITTER BINS, AND CHOPPED DOWN SEVEN LARGE TREES INCLUDING CAMPHOR, BAUHINIA, ACACIA AND CASSIA.
+THE COUNTRYSIDE IS FOR EVERYONE’S ENJOYMENT AND WE APPEAL TO ALL USERS TO GIVE US THEIR FULL CO-OPERATION IN PRESERVING THIS NATURAL BEAUTY WHICH IS SO RARE TO FIND IN SUCH A HEAVILY POPULATED AREA,+ SAID MR. CHEONG.
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IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL MASS MEDIA WELL UNDERSTOOD * * * *
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MASS MEDIA IN HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY THE CHINESE MEDIA, IS WELL UNDERSTOOD BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE KEPT INFORMED OF NEWS AND VIEWS IN THE CHINESE PRESS BY A DAILY TWO-PAGE TABLOID NEWSPAPER PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THE TABLOID TITLED +GIST+ WHICH STANDS FOR GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TRANSLATION, IS THE GIST, IN ENGLISH. OF THE NEWS AND EDITORIAL COMMENTS IN 23 MAJOR CHINESE PAPERS AS WELL AS THE CHINESE SERVICES IN BOTH RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
COPIES OF +GIST+ ARE CIRCULATED TO ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ALSO PRODUCES A WEEKLY REVIEW OF CHINESE NEWS MEDIA COMMENT CALLED +OPINION+ FOR CIRCULATION WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT.
IN ADDITION, A DAILY SUMMARY OF CHINESE PRESS COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS IS WIDELY CIRCULATED WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND IT IS COMMON PRACTICE IN ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO TRANSLATE ITEMS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST.
ON PUBLIC OPINION EXPRESSED IN THE FORM OF +LETTERS TO EDITOR* COLUMNS, ALL 23 MAJOR CHINESE NEWSPAPERS ARE EXAMINED DAILY BY OFFICERS IN THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE ATTENTION OF THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS IS DRAWN TO THESE LETTERS. THIS PROCEDURE IS ALSO ADOPTED IN RESPECT OF THE ENGLISH PRESS.
OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE ANSWERED ABOUT 2,000 LETTERS CONSIDERED TO MERIT A REPLY WITH A 85 PER CENT ANSWER-RATE IN THE CHINESE PRESS AND 83 PER CENT IN THE ENGLISH PAPERS.
MOST OF THE REMAINING LETTERS ARE RELATED TO COMPLAINTS THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN DEALT WITH OR HAD BEEN ANSWERED BY PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
3
TOWARDS MORE GAINFUL LEISURE PURSUITS
* * * *
AT THE AGE OF 25, MR. TSANG LIN-SHING IS WELL UP THE LADDER OF SUCCESS IN THE PRINTING AND DESIGN PROFESSION.
MR. TSANG’S TALE OF SUCCESS WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT, AND MORE OF A DOWNHILL ONE, HAD HE NOT BEEN ENCOURAGED TO MAKE FULL USE OF HIS LEISURE ON MORE GAINFUL PURSUITS.
EVEN TODAY AH TSANG, AS HIS FRIENDS STILL CALL HIM, DOES NOT MIND RECALLING HIS EARLY DAYS WHEN DEPRIVED OF PARENTAL CARE, HE USED TO PLAY TRUANT AND MIX WITH STREET-BOYS.
+IT WAS MY TEACHER WHO HAD HELPED ME START A NEW LIFE, I OWE MY SUCCESS TO HIM,* MR. TSANG RECALLED.
HIS TEACHER WHO WORKED IN AN ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRE IN SAI YING PUN, OBSERVED AH TSANG’S PROBLEM AND THE DANGER LYING AHEAD OF HIM. HE TOOK HIM TO THE CENTRE IN AN EFFORT TO REFORM HIM. HE DID.
AFTER VISITING THE CENTRE SEVERAL TIMES, AH TSANG BECAME INCREASINGLY INTERESTED IN THE VARIETY OF FREE EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES THERE. HE WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE PRINTING AND DESIGN CLASS.
HE THEN WORKED AS AN APPRENTICE IN A PRINTING FACTORY AND LATER AS A TECHNICIAN IN AN ADVERTISING FIRM BEFORE HE STARTED HIS OWN PRINTING BUSINESS TWO YEARS AGO.
SINCE BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN, MR. TSANG HAS NEVER MISSED A SINGLE EVENING IN THE CENTRE — IT HAS BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF HIS LIFE.
RECENTLY, HE TOOK JAPANESE AND ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES IN THE CENTRE WHICH, HE SAID, HELPED HIM A GREAT DEAL IN HIS DAILY WORK.
THE SAI YING PUN CENTRE WAS THE FIRST ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRE RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. IT WAS SET UP IN 1955.
LIKE MR. TSANG, THERE IS A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE STARTED NEW LIVES AFTER JOINING THE DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES, ACCORDING TO MR. CHAN CHUEN-AH, AN OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE LATEST CENTRE IN SHA TIN LAST MONTH, THERE ARE NOW 16 ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES IN HONG KONG WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 47,000 PEOPLE.
+THEY ARE OPENED NOT ONLY TO PROVIDE HEALTHY PASTIMES THAT ADULTS NEED BUT ALSO TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUAL POTENTIALITY, RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP AND A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK ON LIFE,* MR. CHAN SAID.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
4
NEW YEAR’S DAY IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY ft ft ft ft ft
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT JANUARY 1 IS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
MR. HENDERSON EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHEREVER THEY MAY WORK.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY. THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. IN THE CASE WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE : KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096- TUEN MUN 12-818443- EXT. 82 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
5
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL TICKETS SELLING FAST *****
TSUEN WAN’S FIRST ARTS FESTIVAL IS ALREADY WELL ON THE WAY TO BEING A SELL-OUT.
THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR, MR. BENJAMIN TANG SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) TWO OF THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS - PERFORMANCES BY THE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND THE HK CHILDREN’S CHOIR - WERE SOLD OUT WITHIN HOURS OF THE BOOKINGS OPENING.
AND TICKETS FOR MOST OF THE OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL WERE ALREADY 70 PER CENT BOOKED, HE SAID.
THE FESTIVAL, TO BE STAGED AT VARIOUS VENUES IN THE NEW TOWN BETWEEN JANUARY 1 AND 14, IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
♦THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE IS ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED BY THE TREMENDOUS RESPONSE,+ MR. TANG SAID, +WE ARE NOT REALLY SURE WHAT TO EXPECT BECAUSE THIS IS THE FIRST DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL EVER HELD IN HONG KONG BUT THE PUBLIC INTEREST HAS GONE FAR BEYOND OUR MOST OPTIMISTIC EXPECTATION.*
♦IT ALSO ILLUSTRATES THE GREAT INTEREST LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE IN A VERY WIDE VARIETY OF EVENTS THAT ARE BEING STAGED DURING THE TWO WEEKS.+
MR. TANG SAID THE BOOKING SERVICE WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
+BUT IN VIEW OF THE RESPONSE SO FAR, WE EXPECT THE TICKETS TO BE SOLD OUT BEFORE THE FESTIVAL GRAND OPENING ON NEW YEAR’S DAY + HE SAID.
+1 WOULD URGE ALL THOSE INTERESTED IN ACQUIRING THE TICKETS TO GET THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
6
SCHEME TO PROVIDE MORE NAVIGATIONAL AIDS * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A $1 MILLION SCHEME TO IMPROVE NAVIGATION AIDS TO CRAFT USING THE NORTHEASTERN PART CF HONG KONG WATERS.
THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO PINPOINT NAVIGATIONAL HAZARDS AND TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO FISHERMEN, PLEASURE CRAFT AND SAND BARGE OPERATORS WHO FREQUENTLY USE THIS STRETCH OF WATER.
IT INVOLVES THE INSTALLATION OF SEVEN ADDITIONAL LIGHT BEACONS IN THE SAI KUNG AND MIRS BAY AREA.
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF LIGHTS, MR. JAMES DEAKIN OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S NAVIGATIONAL AIDS SECTION, SAID THE BEACONS, WHICH HAVE RANGES FROM TWO TO FIVE MILES, WOULD BE INSTALLED AT CHEUNG PAI TAU, WONG MA CHAU, FU TAU PUN CHAU, WAVE ROCK, MA CHAI PAI, FAN TSANG CHAU AND FAT TAU MUN.
MR. DEAKIN SAID THESE EXTRA AIDS WERE NEEDED BECAUSE OF THE SPECIAL GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THE AREA. THE SUBMERGED ROCKS AND SHALLOW SEABED COULD POSE A HAZARD TO NAVIGATION, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT AND IN TIMES OF LOW VISIBILITY.
♦ THE SCHEME WHEN COMPLETED IN EARLY 1980 WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE SITUATION,* HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE SUPER-STRUCTURE FOR A LARGE LIGHT BEACON ON THE NINEPIN ISLANDS IS NEAR COMPLETION.
THE INSTALLATION OF THE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT WILL START SOON AND THE LIGHT IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL NEXT MONTH. THE BEACON WILL HAVE A RANGE OF 11 MILES AND WILL PROVIDE BETTER NAVIGATIONAL GUIDANCE TO BOTH LOCAL CRAFT AND OCEAN-GOING VESSELS.
AT PRESENT, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS OPERATING MORE THAN 250 NAVIGATIONAL AIDS WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS WHICH IS NEARLY DOUBLE THE 142 AIDS THE DEPARTMENT OPERATED IN 1971.
THESE COMPRISE, IN ADDITION TO MANNED LIGHTHOUSES, MAINLY BATTERY-OPERATED LIGHT BUOYS, LIGHT BEACONS, RADIO CONTROLLED FOG SIGNAL, RADIO BEACONS AND RADAR TRANSPONDER.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1978
7
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE SUSPENDED TO CLEAR HOLIDAYS *****
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE LAW SOCIETY AT THE EASTERN AND MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICES EVERY THURSDAY EVENING WILL BE SUSPENDED ON DECEMBER 28 THIS YEAR AND FEBRUARY 1, 1979 TO CLEAR THE CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
ON THESE TWO DAYS THE TWO CITY DISTRICT OFFICES WILL ONLY OPERATE UP TO 5.30 P.M.
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YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO GIVE CONCERT * * * *
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL GIVE A CONCERT ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 28) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE CONCERT, STARTING AT 8 P.M., WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR. DAVID GWILT AND MISS JOANNA LEE WILL BE THE PIANO-SOLOIST.
PROGRAMME FOR THE CONCERT WILL INCLUDE PRINCE IGOR OVERTURE - BORODIR- PIANO CONCERTO NO. 18 IN BB K456 - MOZART-+SUNRISE+ FROM HONG KONG PANORAMA - CHEN CHIEN-HUA- AND SYMPHONY NO. 8 IN G - DVORAK.
THE CONCERT IS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE. FREE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE’S HEAD OFFICE ON THE NINTH FLOOR, ARTS CENTRE, WAN CHAI, AND ITS DISTRICT OFFICES AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG), THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (SHAMSHUIPO) AND 10-12 CHUNG ON STREET, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO SWITZERLAND ...................... 1
NEW YEAR’S DAY TIME SIGNAL CORRECTION ................. 2
LOTH ANNIVERSARY FOR YAU MA TEI C.D.0.................. 2
FINAL REGISTER OF URBAN COUNCIL ELECTORS .............. 3
DMA TO VISIT CHILDREN’S TRAINING CENTRE ............... 4
PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE TO REMAIN OPEN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY ............................................ 5
FUN FAIR FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ..................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1978
1
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO SWITZERLAND ft ft * * * *
THE POST OFFICE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL HAVE 11 INTERNATIONAL LINKS WHEN THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED SERVICE TO SWITZERLAND COMES INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 2, 1979, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE DOOR TO DOOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE FOR SENDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS AND GOODS OVERSEAS.
PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHTS OUT OF HONG KONG ARE USED AND PACKAGES ARE SPECIALLY DELIVERED TO THE OVERSEAS ADDRESSES. THIS SERVICE IS PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TO AUSTRALIA, BELGIUM, BRAZIL, FRANCE, GREAT BRITAIN, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND THE U.S.A.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SERVICE TO SWITZERLAND WOULD BE AVAILABLE ON A CONTRACT BASIS AND +ON-DEMAND+. IN ADDITION TO BUSINESS PAPERS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE CAN ALSO BE SENT BY THIS SERVICE.
+SPEEDPOST ITEMS POSTED BEFORE THE LATEST TIME OF POSTING ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY WILL BE DELIVERED IN SWITZERLAND THE FOLLOWING DAY. ON OTHER DAYS THEY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER POSTING,* HE SAID, ADDING*
♦FOR CONTRACT SERVICES, SENDERS SIGN A CONTRACT FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, WITH A MINIMUM OF ONE REGULAR PREDETERMINED POSTING PER MONTH.
♦TIME OF COLLECTION AND DELIVERY OF PACKAGES ARE SPECIFIED AND AGREED WITH THE CUSTOMER. THE COST WILL BE A BASIC CHARGE OF 180 FOR THE FIRST POUND PLUS $15 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL POUND, OR PART OF A POUND.
♦THIS WILL INCLUDE PICK TIME AGREED BY THE CUSTOMER,
UP AT THE CUSTOMER’S PREMISES AT A AND DELIVERY DIRECT TO THE ADDRESSEE.*
HE SAID +ON-DEMAND+ SERVICE WAS PROVIDED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF CASUAL USERS OF SPEEDPOST OR TO SUPPLEMENT A CUSTOMER’S CONTRACT SERVICE.
♦ON-DEMAND* ITEMS MAY BE HANDED IN AT SPECIALLY DESIGNATED COUNTERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI AND KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE WITHOUT THE NEED TO MAKE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE POST OFFICE.
FOR +ON-DEMAND* ITEMS, THE CHARGE IS $90 FOR THE FIRST POUND AND $15 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL POUND.
CUSTOMERS WISHING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE POST OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE ON TEL. NO. 5-2671105.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1978
2
NEW YEAR’S DAY TIME SIGNAL CORRECTION
******
THE USUAL 6-PIP TIME SIGNALS FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL NOT BE BROADCAST AT 8 A.M. ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1) BUT WILL RESUME AT 8.15 A.M., A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS IS TO ENABLE A CORRECTION TO BE APPLIED WHICH WILL RESULT IN A DELAY OF ONE SECOND TO THE RESUMED TIME SIGNALS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE CORRECTION AROSE FROM THE FACT THAT THE TIME SCALE NOW IN USE, KNOWN AS THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME (UTC), WAS BASED ON THE ATOMIC TIME SCALE WHICH PROVIDED A MORE PRECISE AND UNIFORM SECOND THAN THAT DERIVED BY ASTRONOMICAL MEANS.
♦IT HAS BEEN INTERNATIONALLY AGREED THAT A CORRECTION OF ONE SECOND SHOULD BE APPLIED FROM TIME TO TIME SO THAT THE UTC WILL NOT DIFFER FROM THE ASTRONOMICAL TIME BY MORE THAN NINE-TENTHS OF A SECOND,♦ HE SAID.
THE LAST CORRECTION OF ONE SECOND WAS MADE ON JANUARY 1, 1978.
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1OTH ANNIVERSARY FOR YAU MA TEI C.D.O. ******
oe/.eal1?! C1IY D1 STH I CT OFFICE (YAU MA TEI) WILL HOST A COCKTAIL RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OFFICE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
150 PE0PLE COMPRISING CIVIC LEADERS, KAIFONG CHAIRMEN, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, REPRESENTATIVES OF AREA COMMITTEES O.ANSMAN ASSOCIATIONS AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ’ THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND.
ESTABLISHED ON NOVEMBER 11, 1968, THE OFFICE IS THE THIRD TO BE SET UP IN THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SCHEME. IT NOW PROVIDES A GREAT VARIETY OF SERVICES TO THE 170,000 RESIDENTS LIVING IN I ME AREA*
ne SHARR’ CITY DISTRICT OFFICER AND HIS STAFF WILL
BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE THE GUESTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE T0 CELEBRATE THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (YAU MA TEI) AT 2 P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT ITS PREMISES AT 260-264 TEMPLE STREET, YAU MA TEL '
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1978
- 3 -
FINAL REGISTER OF URBAN COUNCIL ELECTORS
******
THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FROM DECEMBER 30 (SATURDAY) AT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE, AT 4 SUNNING ROAD, SEVENTH FLOOR, HONG KONG, DURING OFFICE HOURS.
COPIES OF THE COMPLETE REGISTER, COMPRISING TWO VOLUME AT $184 AND $92 RESPECTIVELY, MAY ALSO BE PURCHASED ON PERSONAL APPLICATION AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THE REGISTER CONTAINS THE NAMES OF ELECTORS REGISTERED TO VOTE AT THE HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES POLLING STATIONS.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1978
- 4 -
DMA TO VISIT CHILDREN’S TRAINING CENTRE * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL VISIT PO LEUNG KUK’S KWAI SHING CHILDREN’S TRAINING CENTRE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING.
ESTABLISHED ON MARCH 2, 1978, IT IS A RESIDENTIAL-REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR THE SEVERE GRADE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
THE CENTRE IS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCKS 13 AND 1A OF KWAI SHING (EAST) ESTATE AND ITS FACILITIES INCLUDE FIVE LIVING QUARTERS, 10 CLASS-ACTIVITY ROOMS, ONE MEDICAL-SICK ROOM, THREE OFFICE-STAFF ROOMS, ONE KITCHEN AND ONE LAUNDRY ROOM.
THE CENTRE IS STAFFED BY 53 PROFESSIONAL AND 25 SUPPORTING STAFF. IT NOW PROVIDES LONG-TERM PROTECTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES TO 50 FEMALE RESIDENTS AND 30 DAY TRAINEES OF BOTH SEXES AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 16.
AT PRESENT, THE CENTRE IS PARTLY SUPPORTED BY THE LOTTERIES FUND AND THE KUK SUBSIDISES $20 PER MONTH TOWARDS EACH CHILD’S LIVING COST. A NOMINAL FEE OF $130 IS CHARGED FOR EVERY RESIDENT AND $50 FOR EVERY DAY TRAINEE PER MONTH.
MR. WALDEN WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MR. MARVYN LAW, KUK CHAIRMAN, M?. VINCENT WOO, VICE-CHAIRMAN AND SIX DIRECTORS AND MR. STEPHEN HO, CHIEF LIAISON OFFICER OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT CF MR. JOHN WALDEN, DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, TO PO LEUNG KUK’S KWAI SHING CHILDREN’S TRAINING CENTRE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 11 A.M.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL BE LEAVING THE PO LEUNG KUK CAMPUS IN LEIGHTON ROAD AT 10 A.M. SHARP.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1978
- 5 -
PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE TO REMAIN OPEN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ITS PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS IN WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, TSUEN WAN AND KWUN TONG AND THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL REMAIN OPEN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1).
IN ADDITION, THE VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. ON THAT DAY AND THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OFFICES, FROM 7.30 A.M. ON JANUARY 1 TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY (JANUARY 2).
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FUN FAIR FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
******
ABOUT 300 CHILDREN FROM VARIOUS HANDICAPPED CHILDREN’S CENTRES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE TREATED TO A CHRISTMAS FUN FAIR TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THERE WILL BE NINE GAME-STALLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED GAMESTALLS AND A PONY-RIDE. ABOUT 30 VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP THEM.
MR. RICKY FUNG, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND THE SHEUNG WAN (WESTERN) AREA COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO ED I TORSj
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CHRISTMAS FUN FAIR FOR 300 CHILDREN FROM HANDICAPPED CHILDREN’S CENTRES, ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN^ AND THE SHEUNG WAN (WESTERN) AREA COMMITTEE, TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2 P.M. IN THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK, HOSPITAL ROAD, SAI YING PUN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FOUR MPS TO VISIT HK ...................................... 1
SEPTEMBER 1978 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY ........................ 2
CAS MOVING INTO NEW TOWNS ................................. 3
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD +N0W SOLIDLY ESTABLISHED+ .............................................. *
TENDERS INVITED ON INTERNATIONAL BASIS .................... 5
DECLARATION OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ........................ 6
PLAN TO BUILD THREE-STOREY HOUSES IN TUEN MUN ............. 6
QUARANTINE MEASURES ....................................... 7
LICENCE REQUIRED FOR RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS .............. 7
SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE MONTHLY STATISTICS ............ 8
NO LEARNER DRIVERS ........................................ 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
1
FOUR MPS TO VISIT HK
*****
FOUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WILL BE IN HONG KONG FOR A TWO-WEEK VISIT DURING THE NEW YEAR.
THEY ARE MR. ALFRED MORRIS (LABOUR), PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE DISABLED- MR. JACK ASHLEY (LABOUR), PARLIAMENTARY PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES- MR. NIGEL LAWSON (CONSERVATIVE)- AND MR. PETER MORRISON (CONSERVATIVE).
MR. ASHLEY WILL ARRIVE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE. THE OTHER THREE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WILL ARRIVE ON THE FOLLOWING DAY — NEW YEAR’S DAY.
DURING THEIR VISIT THEY WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
THEIR PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES VISITS TO HOUSING ESTATES, SOCIAL SERVICES AND CENTRES, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND CITY DISTRICT OFF ICES.
THE TWO CONSERVATIVE MPS, MR. LAWSON AND MR. MORRISON WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON JANUARY 11 WHILE MR. MORRIS AND MR. ASHLEY WILL LEAVE ON JANUARY 13.
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
MR. JACK ASHLEY (LABOUR) PARLIAMENTARY PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG BY BA 3 ON DECEMBER 31 AT 4.20 P.M.
MR. ALFRED MORRIS (LABOUR), PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND HIS WIFE, WILL ARRIVE ON JANUARY 1 BY BA 37 AT 7.40 P.M.
MR. PETER MORRISON AND MR. NIGEL LAWSON, CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, WILL ARRIVE ALSO ON JANUARY 1 BY BA 20 AT 2.35 P.M.
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/2
2
SEPTEMBER 1978 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY *****
A SAMPLE LABOUR FORCE SURVEY CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED 55,600 UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AT THAT TIME.
THIS NUMBER REPRESENTED 2.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE.
THESE FIGURES CAN BE COMPARED WITH THOSE OF 80,000 OR 4.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1977 AND 60,000 OR 3 PER CENT IN MARCH 1978.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR. C.C. GREENFIELD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAD DECREASED OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
ALTHOUGH THE REDUCTION IN THE RATE WAS ONLY 0.3 PER CENT (OR IN ABSOLUTE TERMS, A REDUCTION OF 4,400 IN THE NUMBER WHO WERE UNEMPLOYED), THE ACTUAL DECLINE IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WOULD BE MORE IF CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS, USUALLY SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER IN SEPTEMBER THAN IN MARCH, WAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS ESTIMATED IN THE MARCH 1978 SURVEY WAS 7,100 COMPARED WITH 13,100 IN THE SEPTEMBER 1978 SURVEY (AN INCREASE OF 6,000'PEOPLE).
+IF THE SEPTEMBER 1978 RATE IS ADJUSTED FOR THIS SEASONAL EFFECT TO PUT IT ON THE SAME BASIS AS THE MARCH 1978 RATE, IT BECOMES 2.4 PER CENT. THE CORRECTED DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS FIGURE AND THAT FOR MARCH 1978 IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT,+ MR. GREENFIELD SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER EXPLAINED THAT, FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 14 - 64 AND NOT IN EMPLOYMENT OR WHO HAD WORKED FOR LESS THAN 15 HOURS IN THE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE THE SURVEY DATE BUT WERE LOOKING FOR WORK, WERE CLASSIFIED AS UNEMPLOYED.
„ HE ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE VARIOUS DEFINITIONS OF UNEMPLOYMENT USED BY DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.
IN HONG KONG +UNEMPLOYED+ INCLUDED PEOPLES
* WHO HAD JUST LEFT SCHOOL AND WHO REALLY HAD NOT HAD MUCH CHANCE TO FIND A JOB-
* WHO HAD JUST, BUT ONLY JUST, TAKEN UP WORK-
* WHO HAD TEMPORARILY BEEN LAID OFF WORK (WORKING LESS THAN 15 HOURS IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS)-
* WHO WERE AVAILABLE FOR WORK, BUT WERE NOT ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR WORK BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS NONE TO BE HAD OR BECAUSE THEY WERE TEMPORARILY SICK.
MR. GREENFIELD SAID A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE SURVEY WAS NOW AVAILABLE AND COPIES COULD BE OBTAINED ON REQUEST FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HE ADDED THAT SIMILAR INFORMATION ON UNEMPLOYMENT IS SOUGHT AT REGULAR SIX-MONTHLY INTERVALS. THE NEXT LABOUR FORCE SURVEY WOULD BE HELD IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
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/3....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
3 -
CAS MOVING INTO NEW TOWNS ******
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES ARE PLANNING TO EXPAND THEIR SERVICES TO NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS TO KEEP PACE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THESE AREAS.
THE EXPANSION PLAN INCLUDES THE FORMATION OF A CAS UNIT IN EACH OF THE NEW TOWNS AND A SMALL RESCUE UNIT ON LANTAU ISLAND.
A WARDEN UNIT HAS RECENTLY BEEN ESTABLISHED IN TUEN MUN.
ANOTHER NEW WARDEN UNIT AT SHA TIN AT THE CAS LEK YUEN HEADQUARTERS WILL COME INTO OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR TO STRENGTHEN THE ESTABLISHMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER (ACTING) OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, W. CHAN CHUN-YING, POINTED OUT THAT UNITS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SET UP IN TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN, AND NEW UNITS WILL BE FORMED IN OTHER NT NEW TOWNS WHEN THE GOVERNMENT GIVES THE GREENLIGHT.
LANTAU, WHICH IS BECOMING MORE POPULAR FOR HIKING AND MOUNTAIN CLIMBING AT WEEKENDS, WILL BE SERVICED BY A NEW RESCUE UNIT IN FUTURE.
TO TIE IN WITH THIS EXPANSION, THE COMMAND STRUCTURE OF THE PRESENT COMBINED KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION WILL HAVE TO BE REORGANISED TO MAKE THE NEW TERRITORIES A SEPARATE REGION INDEPENDENT FROM THE KOWLOON COMMAND.
MR. CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE CAS ESTABLISHMENT, WHICH NOW STANDS AT 2,800 HAS 11.5 PERCENT OF ITS STRENGTH BASED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+MEMBERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LIKE THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN URBAN AREAS ARE PROVIDING USEFUL SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC IN CROWD CONTROL, FOREST FIRE PREVENTION, RESCUE WORK AND OTHER OPERATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO THE RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN AT TUEN MUN IN SEPTEMBER, DURING WHICH SOME 120 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 50 VACANCIES IN THE NEWLY FORMED CAS UNIT THERE.
NEW RECRUITS FOR NEW TERRITORIES UNITS LIKE THEIR URBAN COUNTERPARTS RECEIVE APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS INITIAL TRAINING DURING THEIR LEISURE TIME BEFORE ATTENDING A RECRUIT PASSING OUT PARADE.
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/4
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
4
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD +NOW SOLIDLY ESTABLISHED+ *******
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HAD QUICKLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS THE FOCAL POINT FOR GOVERNMENT-COMMUNITY INTERACTION IN THE DISTRICT, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
POINTING OUT THAT THE BOARD WAS +NOW SOLIDLY ESTABLISHED* AFTER ITS INAUGURATION A YEAR AGO, HE SAID IT HAD GENERATED +MUCH USEFUL WORK* DURING NINE FULL SESSION AND 36 SUB-COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
MR. HAYES, BOARD CHAIRMAN, WAS SPEAKING AT A YEAR-END DINNER PARTY HOSTED BY UNOFFICIAL BOARD MEMBERS. HE NOMINATED THE FORTHCOMING TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL - TO BE STAGED IN THE DISTRICT FROM JANUARY 1-14 — AS THE BOARD’S MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT.
THE ORGANISATION OF THE FESTIVAL, HE SAID, SHOWED HOW FAR TALENTED PEOPLE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, WITH THE LEADERSHIP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF THE BOARD, COULD GO IN PROVIDING RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES FOR THEIR FELLOW RESIDENTS.
MR. HAYES SAID THE BOARD HAD GIVEN HIM MUCH ASSISTANCE IN HIS JOB AS TOWN MANAGER, PARTICULARLY WITH THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE "LARGE-SCALE CLEARANCE PROGRAMME IN TSUEN WAN.
♦BUT I AM CONSCIOUS THAT THIS SUPPORT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN FORTHCOMING IF BOARD MEMBERS HAD NOT BEEN SATISFIED THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS DOING ITS BEST TO BE FLEXIBLE AND WAS ACTIVE IN OBTAINING CHANGES IN POLICY AND INCREASED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WHERE THIS ACTION WAS CLEARLY REQUIRED.*
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/5
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
5
TENDERS INVITED ON INTERNATIONAL BASIS *****
MANUFACTURERS IN MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND LUXEMBOURG ARE BEING INVITED TO TENDER FOR THE LATEST WORK ON THE SHA TIN PERMANENT TREATMENT WORKS.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE TENDER NOTICE WILL APPEAR IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TENDERS WERE BEING INVITED FOR THE THIRD OF 13 NOMINATED SUB-CONTRACTS TO THE MAIN CIVIL CONTRACT FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SEWAGE WORKS.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1980 THE FIRST STAGE WILL SERVE A POPULATION OF AROUND 230,000 IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
IN THE MEANTIME THE SEWAGE FROM SHA TIN IS BEING TREATED AT THE TEMPORARY AND INTERIM SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT PART OF THE PROJECT WAS BEING FINANCED BY THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND TENDERS WERE BEING INVITED ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS.
THEY WERE FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TWO BULK FUEL STORAGE TANKS, TOGETHER WITH ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT. THE TANKS, EACH WITH A CAPACITY OF 29Q CUBIC METRES, WILL STORE FUEL OIL FOR THE DIESEL GENERATORS.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY WATSON (HONG KONG) CHARTERED CONSULTING ENGINEERS. THEY ARE THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE PROJECT UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF PWD’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
WATSON (HONG KONG) ARE ALSO SUPERVISING THE CONSTRUCTION WORK, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED UNDER THIS SUB-CONTRACT. THE CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR IS AOKI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
6
DECLARATION OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS * * * * *
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE REMINDED TO LODGE TRADE DECLARATIONS AND PAY AD VALOREM CHARGES ON ALL IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, OTHER THAN THOSE GOODS EXEMPTED UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS, WITHIN 14 DAYS OF IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION.
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WARNED IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS THAT PROSECUTIONS WOULD BE INITIATED AGAINST THOSE WHO, WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, FAIL TO LODGE THE NECESSARY TRADE DECLARATIONS.
TRADE DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED OUTSIDE THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD
WOULD BE LIABLE, WITHOUT ANY FURTHER NOTICE, TO PENALTY CHARGES WHICH MAY RISE, AFTER TWO MONTHS, TO A MAXIMUM OF $100 PER DECLARATION WHERE TOTAL VALUE OF ARTICLES SPECIFIED DID NOT EXCEED $20,000, AND TO A MAXIMUM OF $200 PER DECLARATION WH£RE THE TOTAL VALUE OF ARTICLES SPECIFIED EXCEEDED $20,000, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ADDED.
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PLAN TO BUILD THREE-STOREY HOUSES IN TUEN MUN ******
MORE THAN 80 THREE-STOREY HOUSES ARE TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN AS PART OF THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN AREA.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) IT WAS PLANNED TO COMPLETE 18 HOUSES BY JANUARY 1980, AND ANOTHER 64 BY SEPTEMBER THAT YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW HOUSES WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF THE TUEN MUN REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.
+SOME EXISTING HOUSES WILL HAVE TO BE RESITED TO MAKE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT IN ONE AREA OF THE NEW TOWN,+ HE SAID.
TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOUSES WILL BE INVITED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF THE 82 HOUSES IN TWO PHASES WITH WORK STARTING NEXT MARCH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE HOUSES WOULD BE THREE STOREYS HIGH AND EACH FLOOR WOULD BE SELF-CONTAINED. THEY WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE BEING BUILT ON TSING Yl ISLAND, AND THOSE ALREADY COMPLETED IN SHAM TSENG STAGE TWO.
SITE FORMATION BY ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, HE SAID, IS DUE TO BE FINISHED BY THE END OF FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
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/7....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
7
QUARANTINE MEASURES * * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT QUARANTINE AND HEALTH MEASURES HAVE BEEN IMPOSED AGAINST ARRIVALS FROM SRI LANKA AND NAURU ON ACCOUNT OF CHOLERA.
AT THE SAME TIME, SANITARY MEASURES IMPOSED AGAINST ARRIVALS FROM IRAQ BECAUSE OF THE SAME DISEASE HAVE BEEN WITHDRAWN, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
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LICENCE REQUIRED FOR RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS * * * * *
THE POST OFFICE TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED THOSE BUYING. OR RECEIVING AS GIFTS, RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS SUCH AS PLANES BOATS AND CARS, THAT THEY NEED TO BE LICENSED.
THE LICENCE, AT $10 PER ANNUM, CAN BE OBTAINED BY APPLICATION TO THE POST OFFICE’S LICENSING AND INSPECTION SECTION, ROOM 424, GPO HEADQUARTERS, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG •
„ftll. £ SPOKESMAN SAID TODA.Y (THURSDAY) NO OPERATOR TESTS WERE ANDUiNSPECnONHE EQUIPMENT ITSELF MUST BE PRESENTED FOR TEST
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/8
Y7JS3DAY, DEC3L3ER 2E, 197S
SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE MONTHLY STATISTICS ******
A TOTAL OF 83,815 SEAMEN WAS REGISTERED UP TO THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, MONTHLY STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE SEAMEN’S RECRUTING OFFICE SHOWED.
OF THESE, 50,752 WERE INCLUDED IN PART ONE OF THE REGISTER. THESE SEAMEN HAD EITHER BEEN TO SEA DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS OR HAD HAD PRE-SEA TRAINING OR ACCEPTABLE SHORE EXPERIENCE TO QUALIFY FOR SERVICE AT SEA.
ANOTHER 1,517 SEAMEN INCLUDED IN PART THREE OF THE REGISTER WERE NEW ENTRANTS TO THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY. THEY NEITHER HAD PRE-SEA TRAINING NOR ACCEPTABLE SHORE EXPERIENCE.
THE REMAINING 31,5*6 SEAMEN, UNDER PART FOUR OF THE REGISTER, WERE THOSE TRANSFERRED FROM PART ONE TO PART FOUR ON REQUEST FOR THEIR NAMES TO BE LISTED WITH LICENSED CREW DEPARTMENTS IN SHIPPING COMPANIES.
DURING LAST (NOVEMBER) MONTH, 120 SEAMEN, INCLUDING 47 OFFICERS, REGISTERED WITH THE OFFICE WHILE 2,467 SEAMEN WERE ENGAGED FOR SERVICE IN FOREIGN-GOING SHIPS.
- - 0
NO LEARNER DRIVERS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING AND PRACTISING DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO LEUNG SHEK CHEE COLLEGE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HIU KWONG STREET IN SAU MAU PING.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
BILL EXEMPTING CLUBS, TRADE AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, CLANS, FAMILIES OR T’ONGS FROM PROPERTY TAX GAZETTED ................................... 1
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST.................................... 1
AMENDMENTS TO THE HK IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST, REVISED EDITION, JANUARY 1978 ..................... 2
INTEREST RATE REMINDER .................................. 2
WANCHAI RECREATION COMPLEX COMPLETED .................... 3
WONG CHUK HANG RESIDENTS’ DAY............................ 4
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN SOUTH LANTAU ............ 4
LANES IN TSUEN WAN TO BE CLOSED.......................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1978
1 -
BILL EXEMPTING CLUBS, TRADE AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, CLANS, FAMILIES OR T’ONGS
FROM PROPERTY TAX GAZETTED
* X X X X X
A BILL PROPOSING TO EXEMPT FROM PROPERTY TAX LAND AND BUILDINGS OWNED AND OCCUPIED BY CLUBS, TRADE AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, CLANS, FAMILIES OR T’ONGS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION WOULD APPLY TO:
X A CLUB OR SIMILAR INSTITUTION DEEMED BY SECTION 24(1) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE NOT TO CARRY ON A BUSINESS-
X A TRADE, PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NOT DEEMED BY SECTION 24(2) OF THE ORDINANCE TO CARRY ON A BUSINESS-AND
X A CLAN, FAMILY OR T’ONG WHOSE PROPERTY IS CERTIFIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES OR THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS TO BE THE PROPERTY OF THE CLAN, FAMILY OR T’ONG.
HE STATED THAT EXEMPTION WOULD APPLY PROVIDED THAT IN ALL CASES THE PREMISES WERE NOT EXPLOITED COMMERCIALLY. HE SAID IF THE PROPERTY WAS LET AND RENT RECEIVED, TAX BECAME CHARGEABLE BY REFERENCE TO THE AREA LET AND THE PERIOD OF THE LETTING.
+IF THE BILL BECOMES LAW, APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR,+ HE SAID.
EXEMPTION WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXEMPTIONS, WHICH HAD BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE WERE LIKELY TO COST 52 MILLION PER ANNUM.
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NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST
X X X X X X
COPIES OF A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO TODAY’S (FRIDAY) DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN CONTAINING A LIST OF HONG KONG RECIPIENTS ON NEW YEAR HONOURS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE PRESS BOXES, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THIS EVENING. THE ARMED SERVICES LISTS ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN THE PRESS BOXES.
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION. THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 7 A.M. TOMORROW ONWARDS OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS OR FOR INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THEIR CAREERS OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
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/2
2
AMENDMENTS TO THE HK IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST, REVISED EDITION, JANUARY 1978 *****
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS THAT A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE CLASSIFICATION OF COUNTRIES/TERRITORIES CONTAINED IN THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST, REVISED EDITION, JANUARY 1978.
THESE AMENDMENTS WERE PUBLISHED IN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT NO. 4 OF THE GAZETTE ISSUED TODAY (FRIDAY) AND WILL COME INTO FORCE WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1979.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT SHEETS MAY BE OBTAINED ON REQUEST, FREE OF CHARGE, FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
♦ IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE URGED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING TRADE DECLARATION FORMS ARE AWARE OF THESE AMENDMENTS TO PREVENT DELAYS AND INCONVENIENCE TO THEMSELVES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
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INTEREST TAX REMINDER * * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED INTEREST PAYERS AND RECIPIENTS, PARTICULARLY BORROWERS AND MORTGAGORS, TO COMPLY WITH THE INTEREST TAX LAW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID INTEREST TAX IS A WITHHOLDING TAX. +CURRENTLY, 15 PER CENT OF THE INTEREST CHARGEABLE WITH INTEREST TAX MUST BE DEDUCTED BY THE PAYER AT THE TIME HE PAYS OR CREDITS THE INTEREST TO THE RECIPIENTS,* HE EXPLAINED.
IN OTHER WORDS, THE RECIPIENTS SHOULD RECEIVE AT THAT TIME 85 PER CENT OF THE INTEREST, HE SAID.
THE INTEREST PAYER, HAVING WITHHELD 15 PER CENT TAX FROM THE RECIPIENT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD THEN REMIT THE TAX TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WITHIN 30 DAYS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE TO THE RECIPIENT, THROUGH THE PAYER, A RECEIPT FOR THE TAX AND A DEDUCTION CERTIFICATE.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATE ARRANGEMENTS CAN ALSO BE MADE WITH THE LICENSED BANKS AND CERTAIN SPECIFIED CORPORATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED -THAT PAYERS MUST NOT AWAIT THE ISSUE OF AN INTEREST TAX RETURN OR WAIT FOR A NOTICE OF DEMAND FOR THE TAX FROM THE DEPARTMENT.
THE REMITTANCE, HE SAID, SHOULD HAVE A COVERING NOTE GIVING PARTICULARS OF THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE RECIPIENT, THE GROSS AMOUNT OF INTEREST, THE NET INTEREST PAID, PERIOD OF ACCRUAL OF THE INTEREST, AND THE DATE OF THE PAYMENT OR CREDIT OF THE NET INTEREST.
+THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT,* HE ADDED, +TAKES A SERIOUS VIEW OF AN OFFENCE AND THE PENALTY, ON CONVICTION, IS A FINE OF $2,000.+
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1978
3
WANCHAI RECREATION COMPLEX COMPLETED
******
HONG KONG’S LATEST SPORTING COMPLEX, ON THE WANCHAI RECLAMATION, HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND IS NOW READY FOR ITS FIRST ATHLETIC EVENT.
THE KEYS TO THE GROUND TODAY (FRIDAY) WERE HANDED OVER BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO THE URBAN COUNCIL, FOR WHOM THE COMPLEX WAS BUILT.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMPLEX, WITH THE ADDED ATTRACTION OF A PLEASANT HARBOUR VIEW, COVERS 25 ACRES AND HAS BEEN EQUIPPED TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
IT INCLUDES A TURFED SOCCER PITCH, AN ALL-WEATHER ATHLETIC TRACK, COVERED SEATING FOR 3,500 SPECTATORS, CHANGING ROOMS, A RESTAURANT AND AN ULTRA-MODERN SCOREBOARD.
WORK BEGAN IN JULY 1976, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE COMPLEX, NOW IN THE PLANNING STAGE, WILL COMPRISE AN INDOOR SWIMMING POOL AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL FOR SUCH SPORTS AS BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, TENNIS, TABLE TENNIS, FENCING AND BOXING.
THERE ARE ALSO FACILITIES FOR A SMALL STAGE FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND SIX SQUASH COURTS, CATERING FOR A SPORT WHICH IS GROWING RAPIDLY IN POPULARITY.
THE SECOND STAGE OF THE SPORTING COMPLEX WILL BE BUILT BEHIND THE NEW STADIUM.
HANDING OVER THE KEYS TODAY ON BEHALF OF THE PWD WAS THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MISS HELEN MA. RECEIVING THEM FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS THE USD STAFF OFFICER (PLANNING) HONG KONG, MR. MOHAMMED F. ADAL.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1978
- 4 -
WONG CHUK HANG RESIDENTS’ DAY * * * * *
A RESIDENTS’ DAY FOR 1,000 RESIDENTS FROM WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (SOUTHERN), THE WONG CHUK HANG RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE WONG CHUK HANG/ BAYS AREA COMMITTEE, THE FUNCTION IS AIMED AT PROMOTING MORE PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ORIENTATED CAMPAIGNS AND PROJECTS.
PROGRAMMES INCLUDE A FUN FAIR FEATURING NINE GAME-STALLS, EXHIBITION STALLS ON POLICE AND THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND A VARIETY SHOW HOSTED BY TELEVISION STARS.
MISS ELLE SHUM, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE WONG CHUK HANG RESIDENTS’ DAY AT 2 P.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE RECREATION GROUND IN FRONT OF BLOCK 6, WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE.
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REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN SOUTH LANTAU ******
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATION IN THE OFFICE OF THE SOUTH LANTAU RURAL COMMITTEE FOR TWO DAYS FROM JANUARY 8.
REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1978
LANES IN TSUEN WAN TO BE CLOSED
*****
A NUMBER OF LANES, FOOTPATHS AND PASSAGES IN TWO AREAS NORTH-EAST OF THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK AND TAI HO ROADS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED PERMANENTLY IN FEBRUARY TO MAKE WAY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY DEPOT, ACCORDING TO A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE ADJACENT TO SHEUNG HOI PA AND HAM TIN. THE CLOSURES WILL COME INTO FORCE ON FEBRUARY 1 IN SHEUNG HOI PA AND ON FEBRUARY 15 IN HAM TIN.
WORK ON THE DEPOT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER,
1982
PLANS SHOWING THE TWO AFFECTED AREAS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FU WAH CENTRE, 310 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN- THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, QUEEN’S ROAD, HONG KONG- OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON ANY DAY EXCEPT SATURDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE GAZETTE NOTICE STIPULATED THAT ANY PERSON SEEKING COMPENSATION UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE MUST SUBMIT A WRITTEN CLAIM TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
CLAIMS MUST BE LODGED WITHIN A YEAR OF THE CLOSURE OF A LANE, FOOTPATH OR PASSAGE, OR UPON THE COMPLETION OF THE SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION ALLEGED TO HAVE CAUSED PECUNIARY LOSS OR DAMAGE.
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PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Friday, December 29, 1978
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEMS:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF NEWSPAPERS, The following announcement
NEWS AGENCIES, BROADCASTING regarding the New Year Honours List STATIONS:______________________ is being made simultaneously in
London at 2359 hours G.M.T. on Friday, December 29.
Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Saturday), December 30, but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.
The news may be broadcast from 7.00 a.m. onwards over the local radio and television stations on Saturday.- ■ •
On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews or for information relative to their careers or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced.
/NEW YEAR......
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Friday, December 29, 1978
2
NEJ YEAR HONOURS LIST 1979
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
The Honourable Jack Cater, C.B.E., J.P.
Mr. Cater has had. a long and distinguished career in the public service. Including a period in the Military Administration at the end of World War II, he has served the Hong Kong Government for nearly 33 years. He was appointed a Cadet Officer in 1948, and progressed through the . .... administrative service to become Director of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1964* He attended the Imperial Defence College in 1966 and served thereafter as Defence Secretary, P.A. to H.E. the Governor, and Deputy Colonial Secretary (Special Duties). He was seconded to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council as Executive Director from March 1968 to September 1970- On returning to the Government he was appointed Director of Commerce and Industry, and in October 1972 Secretary for Information.
He retired from Government service in 1973, but was appointed Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption later the same year. As the first Commissioner he was directly responsible for the delicate and difficult task of establis:iing the Commission and its success owes much to his drive and leadership. He was appointed Chief Secretary in October 1978.
C.M.G. (Companion of the Order of St. Michael & St. George)
The Honourable Derek John Claremont Jones, J.P.
Mr. Jones joined the U.K. Civil Service in 1950. He subsequently served in the Colonial Office from 1955 to 1966, as Councillor (H.K. Affairs) in the U.K. Mission, Geneva, 1967 to 1971 and as Deputy Director of Commerce and Industry from 1969- He transferred to the Hong Kong Government in 1971 as Deputy Economic Secretary, and was appointed Secretary for Economic Services in November 1973*
He was appointed Secretary for the Environment in 1976 and as such is responsible for guiding and leading the work of the Secretariat Branch with a particularly diverse and complex schedule of responsibilities.
Friday, December 29, 1978
- 3 -
C.B.E. (Commander Order of the British-Empire)
Mr. Michael Morley-John, R.D. - - - - .•
Mr. Morley-John has recently retired after 27 years’ distinguished public service. He joined the Legal Department of the Hong Kong Government as a Legal Officer in 1951 •
He subsequently held substantive appointments as Crown Counsel, Magistrate, Senior Crown Counsel and Principal Crown Counsel.
He was appointed District Court Judge in 1967, Puisne Judge in 1973 and a Judge of the High Court in 1976 and held this office with distinction. “ .
C.B.E. (Commander Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable Li Fook-wo, O.B.E., J.P.
Mr. Li, as Director and Chief Manager of the Bank of East Asia, is a prominent member of the banking community. He is also Director of a number of other companies.
He has been a member of the Legislative Council since 1973 and of Executive Council since 1978; he is--Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and a member of the Banking Advisory Committee among others.
He has devoted a great deal of his time to community service and voluntary work, mainly in the banking and educational field and for the Community Chest, of 'which he is Vice-Patron and a past member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He is closely involved in the running of Chung Chi College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
C.B.E. (Commander Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Lo Kwee-seong, O.B.E., J.P.
Mr. Lo is an industralist closely associated with the development of Hong Kong and an expert on small-scale industries.
He has been a member of the Urban Council (1962-1966), the Legislative Council (1970-1972) and many.Government advisory boards and Committees.
He was appointed a member of the Consumer Council when it was established in 1974, and Chairman in 1975* During his period of chairmanship, the Council1s achievements have received wide recognition both in Hong Kong and overseas.
/O.B.E. .....
Friday, December 29, 197$
- 4 -
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
The Rev, the Honourable- Joyce Mary Bennett, J.P.
Miss Bennett is a missionary and principal of a Iqxge girls school. She has been a member of the Legislative Council since September 1976 and is prominent in‘community and voluntary service, as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Juvenile Courts Advisory Panel, various committees of the Diocese of Hong Kong and Macao, and a number of education and medical bodies.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable Chen Shou-lum, J.P.
Mr. Chen is General Manager of the Hong Kong Electric Company. He has been a member of the Legislative Council since 197$, and- is also a member of the Hong Kong Polytechnic Board of Governors, the Hong Kong Training Council and its Executive Council, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and several other bodies.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Hari Naroomal Harilela, J.P*
Mr. Harilela is a leading member of the Indian community. He is a prominent businessman, responsible for directing the affairs of a range of hotels, real estate, and general merchandising companies in Hong Kong and abroad.
He has taken an active part in community affairs, in particular organisations connected with sport, local district affairs in Kowloon, and disabled children.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Ho Tim, J.P*
Mr. Ho Tim is a banker. Over the last 20 years he has taken an active interest in a number of charitable organisations, and since 1957 has been a Committee Member of the Wah Kiu Yat Pao Fund for Relief of Under-Privileged Children. He is a permanent director of the South China Athletic Association and a trustee of the United College of the Chinese University. He has established the Ho Tin Charitable Foundation and has contributed substantially to other worthy causes.
/O.B.E. ....
Friday, December 29, 197$
- 5 -
O.B.E. (Officer Older of the British Empire)
Dr. Bobbie M delaine Florence- Kcte.vall, M.B.E., J.P.
Miss Kotewall joined St. Paul’s Co-Educational College over 30 years ago and has been its Principal for 26 years. She has a keen interest in educational affairs and the high reputation of the College is due largely to her devoted leadership.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable Garth Cecil Thornton, Q.C.
Mr. Thornton joined the Crown Service as a Crown Counsel in East Africa in 1958. He moved to Hong Kong in 19&5, was appointed Senior Crown Counsel the same year, Principal Crown Counsel in 197$ s^d Solicitor General in 1973.
Mr. Thornton has had a distinguished career as a lawyer in the public service and as Solicitor General is the second most senior officer in the Legal Department.
I.S.O. (imperial Service Order)
Hr. Richard Officer Llackic-
Mr. Mackie joined the Prisons Department in 19^1 as an Assistant Chief Officer. Trained and experienced in psychiatric nursing, he was recruited to set up a psychiatric observation unit within the department. Mr. Mackie was involved in the planning of the Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre and with his special expertise helped oversee its construction before taking over as the Superientendent• He presently holds the post of Senior Superientendent of Prisons.
I.S.O. (imperial Service Order)
Dr. albert John Nutten, J.F.
Following a successful academic career, Dr. Nutten joined the Hong Kong Government as a Chemist in 195&. Ke is an eminent chemist and his work has always been of the highest professional standard.
/ He has.....
Friday, December 29, 1978
6
He has published a number of research papers and reviews and two standard textbooks on inorganic chemistry. He has made a substantial contribution to advisory committees and boards, such as the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Dangerous Goods Standing Committee.
For the last eight years he has headed the Government Laboratory as Government Chemist.
I.S.O, (imperial Service Order!
Mr. tfong U-lam
Mr. Wong has served with the Kowloon-Canton Railway both as an-Engineer and Deputy General Manager during his 23 years’ service. By his consistent effort over the years he has made a significant contribution to the improvement of the railway and to its enhanced efficiency.
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Au-Yeung Shiu-nan
Mr. Au-Yeung was appointed clerk in H.M. Naval Dockyard in 1945-He transferred to the Hong Kong Government service in 1959, when he joined the Attorney General’s Chambers. He acted as Executive Officer (Drafting) from 1959 to 19&4 and was appointed Law Clerk (Drafting) in 1964 when the post was retitled.
Since he joined the Attorney General’s Chambers, Mr. Au-Yeung has given outstanding service within a specialist and difficult field.
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British 4npire)
Miss Ann Pauline Hester Cantrell
Miss Cantrell is a member of the U.K. Diplomatic Service. She served in Vienna, Dusseldorf, Havana and Salisbury, Rhodesia. She has been on attachment to Headquarters, British Forces since August 1977*
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Hr. Chen Tsung-han
Mr. Chen was appointed as a Section Officer in the Resettlement Department in 1953, and progressed to become Senior Resettlement Officer in 1973. He was regraded to Senior Housing Manager on the formation of the new Housing Department in 1973-
/Mr. Chen.....
Friday, December 29, 1978
- 7 -
Mr. Chen has served in the various sections of the former Resettlement Department, and during the past four years has contributed much to the smooth amalgamation of the resettlement and housing grades.
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Cheng En ku an
Mr. Cheng has been active in community affairs for many years. He was a dedicated and hardworking Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk during its recent centenary year.
Mr. Cheng also serves on many other community organisations, such as the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Fund Committee, Grantham Scholarship Fund Committee, Brewin Trust Fund Committee, Hong Kong Juvenile Care Centre, Yuen Yuen Hok Yuen Home for the Aged and various district committees in support of recreation and youth activities.
M.B.E, (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Bung Yue-keung
Mr. Fung Yue-keung has over 29 years of Government service, starting off as a temporary clerk and progressing through the Interpreter/ Translator classes to become "Senior Chinese Language Officer in 1973*
He was head of a translation section in the Home Affairs Department for many years before he became the head of a specialist translation section dealing with environmental matters, public works, transport,housing and mass transit in 1973-
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Clifford George Watts Kerswill
From the ’Arethusa’ training ship, Mr. Kerswill joined the Royal Navy and reached the rank of Petty Officer before he was 21. Following war service he joined the Chinese Maritime Customs in 1947 as a Launch Officer. In 1953 he joined the Commerce and Industry Department as a Revenue Inspector and reached the rank of Superintendent in 1973- Mr. Kerswill retired in September 1978.
/M.B.E......
Friday, December 29, 1978
- 8 -M.E.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mrs. June Patricia Pickford
Mrs. Pickford joined the service as a Woman Confidential Assistant in 1956. She resigned in 1958 and was re-appointed as Secretary/Stenographer in 19&1• She has been working as Secretary to the Financial Secretary continuously since 1962 and was appointed to her present rank pf Personal Assistant in August 1971 •
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mrs. Kitty Siu Hon-sum
Mrs. Siu has been Chairman of the Fund Raising Campaign Committee of the Community Chest. She is also founder and Chairman of the Hong Kong Society for the Aged, Chairman of the Chung Shak Hei Home for the Aged in Cheung Chau, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club, Chairman of the Kowloon Women’s Welfare Club and Vice-Chairman of Po Leung Kuk.
She has been an active organiser and strong supporter of many welfare organisations, such as Caritas, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, Cheshire Home, Maryknoll Medical and Jelafare Association for many years.
M.B.E.(H) (Member Order of the British Empire)(Honorary)
Sister Annie Margareth Skau Berntsen
Sister Annie Skau 'was bom in Norway, and after training as a nurse went to China in 1938 as a Lutheran missionary nurse in Shensi province. She returned to Norway in 1951 and came to Hong Kong in 1953 to work in a church clinic at Rennie’s Mill, a camp for refugees from China.
She was the driving spirit in the establishment of the Haven of Hope T.B. Sanatorium near Rennie’s Mill, which has developed over the years into a hospital for 300 patients. With financial support from the Norwegian Refugee Council she was also responsible for the development of the Fridtj of Nansen Rehabilitation Institute and the Sunnyside Home for Children. She recently retired to Norway.
M.B.E. (II) (Member Order of the British Empire) (Honorary)
Mr. David Chen
This officer has served the Crown since 1945 when he was employed as Joint No. 1 Chinese Assistant by the Information Department of the
/British.
Friday, December 29, 1978
- 9 -
British Consulate General in Canton. In 1951 he joined the Hong Kong Government as Translator and was later promoted to Information Officer. He is now a Principal Infomation Officer.
M.B.B.(U) (Hcnber Order of the British gqpire)(Honorary)
Mr. Cheung Yee
Mr. Cheung is an outstanding sculptor and print-make*. His works are to be found in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Museum of Modem Art of Mexico, the National History Museum of Taipei and elsewhere.
His style has led to the evolution of a new school of modem sculpture in Hong Kong. He is also a teacher in sculpture and print-making, and for many years he has taught in the two Universities in Hong Kong. Through his one-man shows .and group shows held in many overseas countries, he has spread the image of Hong Kong sculpture abroad.
H.B.B.(H) (i.Ienbcr Order of the British Bnpire)(Honorary)
Mr. Chu Sheung-kwan
Mr. Chu joined the Maintenance Branch of the Architectural Office in November 1959* 10 years Mr. Chu was in charge of maintenance of
Government buildings in the Central District, Hong Kong Island, which includes buildings such as Government House, the City Hall and the Supreme Court.
Mr. Chu retired from the service in September 1977 hut has been re-employed from 1st June 1978 for 12 months specifically to supervise the refurbishment and modernisation of Government House.
M.B.B.(H) (Member Order of the British £jpirc)(Honorary)
Mr. Paul Lim How-pinr., J.P.
Mr. Liu has devoted much of his tine to public service. He has been an employers1 representative on the Labour Advisory Board for 10 years, served as a member of the Committee on Apprenticeship of the Industrial Training Advisory Committee from 1968 to 1972 and subsequently on the same Committee of the Hong Kong Training Council from 1974 to 1976-
He was a founder and member of the Ja5rcees. He is an active member of the Roman Catholic employers1 group, Christian Association for Executives, which promotes social consciousness among employers. He is an adviser to the Bishop Bianchi College of Careers and member of the Hong Kong Management Association, the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, and
/the General.....
Friday, December 29, 197$
10
the General Committee and Standing Committee of the Chinese Manufacturers1 Association of Hong Kong.
M.B.E.(H) (member Order of the British Empire)(Honorary)
Mr. Lu Hsiang-ting
Mr. Lu joined Government in 1951 as a Labourer in the Police Radio Workshop. In 1953 he was appointed as a Police Constable, was thereafter promoted through the ranks to Station Sergeant and transferred to civilian status as an Assistant Police Research Officer in 1964* Since 1957 he has served continuously in Special Branch.
M.B.E.(M) (Member Order cf the British Empire)(Military)
Major Noshir Phercz Pavri, E.D.
Major Pavri joined the Hong Kong Regiment in 1952. He was promoted Sergeant in 1963, commissioned in 1964 and promoted' to his present rank in 1973- He was appointed Second-in-Command in 197$*
In civilian life Major Pavri is a businessman with many other commitments, including membership of the Hong Kong War Memorial Fund.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Cheng Yuk-lam
After three years service as a Prison Warder, Mr. Cheng joined the Preventive Service in 1961 as an Assistant Revenue Officer. He earned accelerated promotion through the supervisory ranks to reach the highest rank in the Revenue Officer Class in 1971 • He has been twice commended for initiative and devotion bo.duty. .His post of Principal " Revenue Officer Class I was regraded in 1977 to that of Chief Customs Officer. He is now employed at the Customs and Excise Service Training School.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Air. Kwok Kwong-tin
Mr. Kwok was appointed a Temporary Clerk in 194$ and eventually promoted to Senior Clerical Officer in 1970. He is an expert on hawker licensing, a field in which he has worked for the past 22 years.
Friday, December 2^, 107$
- 11 -
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Lai Cheung
Mr. Lai Cheung has served the Government for over JO years, 20 of which have been on the staff of Government House as a chauffeur. He has been the Senior Private Chauffeur to His Excellency the Governor since July 1975•
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. MUI Sie-nmn
Mr. Mui worked for the British Army Aid Group in China for 2/? years during World War II. He joined the Treasury as a clerk in June 19^+6 and is the longest serving clerk in the department. Ke was promoted to General Clerical Service Class I in 1966.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Shiu Kwok-kwan
Mr. Shiu joined the Registrar General’s Department in 19^3 as a Temporary Clerk. In 19^9 he was employed on permanent and pensionable terms and in 1966 he was promoted to Senior Clerical Officer.
During his service with the department Mr. Shiu has worked in the Land Office on registration duties.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Siu Fook-chuen
Mr. Siu joined the Hong Kong Government in 1951 as a Squatter Control coolie in the former Resettlement Department. He was promoted to Ganger in 1952, Foreman Class III in 1961 and Foreman Class II in 1972. He has worked in both the Estate Management Branch and Squatter Control Division of the present Housing Department.
Mr. Siu has been a member of the Housing Department Staff Association for 10 years and is now the Vice-Chairman. He was formerly a member of the Auxiliary Medical Service from 1962-1966•
Friday, December 29, 1978
' •- . - 12 -
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr, Siu Yu-hong
Mr. Siu Yu-hong joined the Government iw 1950 "as a Labourer. He was appointed Temporar y Storekeeper in 1957, and subsequently promoted to Supplies Supervisor III in 1963, Supplies Supervisor II in 19&7 and Supplies Supervisor I in 1976.
In his present post as 0 i/c Transportation, he controls a large fleet of vehicles and some 100 staff. His main function is to organise the delivery and collection of stores and furniture to and from government departments and quarters, a function he carries out with efficiency and courtesy.
He was a member of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (Volunteers) from March 1957 to May 1969 and was awarded the Efficiency Medal in April 1969*
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Wong Kei
Mr. Wong joined the Civil Service in 19^0 as a Detective District Watchman under the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. In 1969 he was regraded a Liaison Assistant Class II and became finally a Clerical Officer Class II in 1976.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr, Yeung Man-hon
Mr. Yeung joined the Government as a G.C.S. Ill in 1949.
He was promoted to G.C.S. II in 1953 and to G.C.S. I in 1964. He . . was regraded as Clerical Officer I in 1971.
Mr. Yeung’s career has been spent in the Water Supplies Department, principally in the Registry and general administration where his long experience and enthusiasm, have made him an asset to the Department• t
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr, Peter Chan Yick-sheunti
Mr. Chan joined the Government service in 1956 as a Court Interpreter and transferred to the Police Force in April 1957 as a probationary Sub-inspector. He was promoted Assistant Superintendent
/in 1969 ........
Friday, December 29, 1978
- 13 -
in 1969 and Senior Superintendent of Police in 1977• He has served with distinction in a number of formations and has twice been commended by His Excellency the Governor.
In recent years he has commanded the Special Crimes Bureau and the Homicide Bureau of C.I.D. Headquarters.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police- Medal)
Mr. Chu Chi-leung
Mr. Chu joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1952.
He was promoted to Corporal in 19&1, to Sergeant in 1966 and to Station Sergeant in 1972. He has served in the Uniform Branch and nearly all the Land Divisions. He takes a keen interest in the welfare of his subordinates and, in addition to being the Divisional Representative on the Junior Consultative Council, is a member of the Division Welfare Committee and the Hong Kong Police Sports Association.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. John Francis Greene
Mr. Greene joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1952 and was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 1977- He has undertaken a wide variety of duties during his service with the Force, but he has been involved mainly with traffic duties and motor transport.
He has been active in the field of Police sport and welfare, and a member of the Police Rugby team for several years. He has been a Committee member of the Hong Kong Police Sports . Association for many years and acted as Chairman of the Association in 1977.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. John, Godfrey Guy
Mr. Guy joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a probationary Sub-Inspector in 195$1 and was promoted to Chief Inspector in 197^•
During the last nine years Mr. Guy hsa nerved un the Traffic Branch, in which he has demonstrated professional ability of the highest order. He was responsible for organising the Colony Traffic arrangements for the visits of Her Majesty the Queen in 1975 and H.R.H. Princess Ajpxandra iu 1977 and for the Hong Kong Silver Jubilee Procession in 1977.
/C.P.M.........
Friday, December 29, 1978
- 14 -
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Ho King-kong
Mr. Ho joined the Royal Hong Kong Police as a Constable in 19^+6 • He was promoted to Corporal in 195^+, Sergeant in 1957 and Staff Sergeant Class II in 1968, a rank which was regraded in 1971 as Station Sergeant. The majority of his service has been spent in the Uniform Branch in the three Land Districts and training establishments, and throughout he has displayed professional ability, initiative and devotion to duty of the highest order.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. John Gillean Mansell
Mr. Mansell joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 195^ as an Inspector. He is now a Senior Superintendent.
He has served mainly in the Uniform Branch, and in particular Traffic, where ’ ~ has held appointments in Traffic Headquarters and commanded both Traffic Hong Kong Island and Traffic Kowloon.
His high standard of efficiency has been acknowledged by the grant of two-favourable entries in his Record of Service, the award of the Commissioner’s Commendation and, in 1972, by the award of the Colonial Police Long Service Medal. At present, Mr. Mansell is in . command of the Personnel Branch of Police Headquarters.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mrs. Ng Chan Chui-fong
Mrs. Ng joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 195^-She was promoted to Corporal in 1960 and Sergeant in 1968. She has served in both the Uniform Branch and the Criminal Investigation Department and, in recognition of her devotion to duty, has over the years received five monetary awards and a Commanding Officers’ Commendation for initiative and devotion to duty.
During the past six years at the Police Training School she has been responsible for the general welfare, turnout, conduct and discipline of women recruit constables, and as such has been largely responsible for the very high standard of the Women Police Recruit cadre.
/C.P.M.........
Friday, December 29, 197$
15
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Ng Chuen-chunr
Mr. Ng joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Constable in 1955* He was promoted to Corporal in i960, Sergeant in 1968 and Station Sergeant in 1972. All his service has been in the Uniform Branch where he has performed both operational and administrative roles.
Throughout his entire service Mr. Ng has constantly displayed professional ability, initiative and devotion to duty of the highest order, which is reflected in five Commanding Officer’s Commendations awarded to him over the years. During the last year he has served in an Inspectorate Officer’s post as a Platoon Commander in the Emergency Unit.
C.P.M, (Colonial Police Medal)
Mrs. Catherine Roper
Mrs. Roper joined the Force in 1965 as a Woman Inspector and was promoted to Woman Chief Inspector in 1972. She has served in the
Uniform Branch of Hong Kong Island District, in the Criminal Investigation Department/Police Headquarters and as an instructor at the Police Training School. Between March 1974 and July 1976 she served as the Police Community Relations Officer, Tsuen Wan, where she was especially active in youth work. The Junior Police Call organisation in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung, under her general supervision, now has a combined membership in the order of 25,000. She now works in the Complaints Against Police Office, Police Headquarters.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Yeung Po-kwan
Mr. Yeung joined the RoyaJ, Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force as a •onstable in 1963. He was promoted to Corporal (Aux.) in early 1966, to Sergeant (Aux.) in June of the same year, to Inspector (Aux.) in 1967 and to Senior Inspector (Aux.) in 1972. Mr. Yeung was promoted to Chief Inspector (Aux.) in 1974 and Superintendent (Aux.) in 1975•
In 1967 he became Stafif Officer in the operational control room of Hong Kong Island District, a post involving long and arduous hours of work and great concentration.
In recent years he has beejf Divisional Inspector, Special Duty Company, Hong Kong Island District and Divisional Superintendent, Eastern Division and has raised the morale and effectiveness of both of these units.
/Mr. Yeung .....
— ■ Friday, December" 29, 1978
- 16 - ..... ~
•Mr. Yeung is the Auxiliary Representative on the Police Education and Welfare Trust Committee.
Despite his other responsibilities as the Principal of a College, he has set an excellent example to all officers of the Auxiliary Force and to the community at large.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Fong Chung-boon
Senior Ambulance Officer Fong has served with the Hong Kong Fire Service for 26 years. Before joining the Fire Service he served as an Ambulance Dresser with the Medical and Health Department, and for five years in the Royal Navy as a Leading Sick Berth Attendant.
His resourcefulness and devotion to duty at countless serious fires and calamities has been instrumental in the saving of many lives and easing of suffering of countless casualties, often under appalling conditions including typhoons and floods.
•s ■
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Pang Tak-sum
Senior Ambulance Officer Pang, has served with the Hong Kong Fire Service for 27 years following a short period with the Medical and Health Department, Hong Kong.
His conduct throughout has been exemplary and his skill, determination and loyalty at serious fires and calamities have been-instrumental in the saving of many lives and easing of suffering of countless numbers of injured people under appalling conditions, • including typhoons and floods.
His desire to help others extends outside of the Fire Service to St. John Ambulance Association where his valuable skills are used in training others.
/Badge of Honour ......
r
Friday, December 29, 1978
- 17 -
Badge of Honour
Mr. Chan Koon-shing
Headmaster since 1966; active in youth, cultural and recreational organisations in Tsuen Wan.
Mr. Chan Kwok-kit
Active in community work; member of the Mong Kok Kaifong Welfare AflRociation since 1961 and of the Mong Kok City District Committee since 1972.
Mr. Chan Kwong-chuen
Chairman of Ma Wan Rural Committee since 1970 and ex-officio Executive Councillor of the Heung Yee Kuk.
Mr. Chan Ping-kwun
Devoted kaifong movement advocate vzith membership in Stanley since 1949* Respected as a village elder.
Mr. Cheung Kam-hung
Keenly interested in community welfare, founder member of N.T.
Rotary Club and village representative of San Hui for non-indigenous villagers.
Mr. Cheung Kok-sau
A Tsuen Wan Kaifong Welfare Association member since 1967 and
Chairman since 1972. A keen supporter of youth activities.
Mr. Lee Hok-ming
A member of the Sai Kung Rural Committee since its establishment.
A leader and much respected figure in Sai Kung.
Mr. Leung Sik-wah
Interest in community service, particularly in sports; member of the City District Committee (Central and Western) since 197*+.
/Mrs. Li Cheng Kit-hoi
Friday, December 29, 197$
- 18 -
Mxsi Li Cheng Kit-hoi
An active leader in community service and women’s welfare clubs for 17 years.
Mr* Tsoi Yuk--./a
Chairman of first Mutual Aid Committee set up . in Tsuen Wan in 1973 who advised other M.A.C.s in the district.
Mr. 7/ai Siu-chow
Chairman of the Lai Chi Kck Kaifong Welfare Association for 23 years.
Mr. Wong Kwai-luk
A dedicated and public spirited local leader and Chairman of the Kwun Tong Town Centre Area Committee since 197$•
Mr. Wong ^oh-senr
Active in community work, particularly in founding the Hei Tin Sports Association and the Kv?un Tong Sports Association.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NUMBER OF ARRIVING-DEPARTING PASSENGERS TOPPED 5 MILLION MARK AT HK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.............................. 1
MORE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS PLANNED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ........ 2
SIGNING OF VISITOR’S BOOK ON NEW YEAR’S DAY AT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE ........................................................ 3
SNT TO OPEN TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL........................... 3
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL COLOUR BROCHURE ...................... 4
NEW YEAR FUN FAIR AT PING SHEK ESTATE ........................ 5
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CARNIVAL ............................... 5
FIRING PRACTICE .............................................. 6
WATER CUT..................................................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1978
1
NUMBER OF ARRIVING-DEPARTING PASSENGERS TOPPED 5 MILLION MARK AT HK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN FISCAL 1977 * * * *
THE NUMBER OF ARRIVING AND DEPARTING PASSENGERS AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TOPPED THE FIVE MILLION MARK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FISCAL 1977.
DURING THE YEAR, 5,043,416 PASSENGERS PASSED THROUGH THE AIRPORT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 10.65 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE INCREASE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID, +THIS ORDER OF GROWTH IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AND, BY 1980 OVER SIX MILLION PASSENGERS WILL USE THE AIRPORT.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT MORE THAN 4,500 PASSENGERS PER HOUR WERE HANDLED DURING PEAK PERIODS AND THE STANDARD BUSY RATE OF 3,974 SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 11.3 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
+THE PHASED OPENING OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING EXTENSION DURING THE YEAR RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE TERMINAL BUILDING PROCESSING CAPABILITY, RELIEVING THE PREVIOUSLY STRAINED CONDITIONS,+ HE SAID.
THE GROWTH IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC WAS COUPLED BY STEADY PROGRESS IN AIRCRAFT, CARGO AND MAIL TRAFFIC.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR YEARS, CIVIL INTERNATIONAL AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE. A TOTAL OF 50,431 MOVEMENTS, AN INCREASE OF 0.56 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, WAS RECORDED.
THE CARGO THROUGHPUT TOTALLED 193,147 TONNES, REGISTERING AN INCREASE OF 11.2 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR WHILE CIVIL AIR MAIL CARRIED INTO AND OUT OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 15.7 PER CENT TO REACH 6,411 TONNES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT HEALTHY GROWTH OF THE AIR CARGO INDUSTRY WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AS INDICATIONS SHOWED INCREASING DEMAND FOR QUICK DELIVERY OF MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS.
VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN TERMINAL, APRON AND NAVIGATION FACILITIES WERE MADE AT THE AIRPORT DURING THE YEAR. WORKS CARRIED OUT INCLUDED EXTENSION TO THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING, THE INTRODUCTION OF A +RESTRICTED+ BUFFER HALL AND THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW ROUTE SURVEILLANCE RADAR ON MOUNT PARKER.
-----o------
/2......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1978
2
MORE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS PLANNED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ******
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT BY 1986 SOME 180 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE RUNNING CLASSES IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, 230 IN ART AND DESIGN AND 190 IN HOME ECONOMICS, ACCORDING TO MR. DANIEL WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL).
HE WAS SPEAKING TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE ANNUAL BALL OF THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ UNION AND THE HONG KONG VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION.
SPEAKING ON +TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN THE NEXT DECADE,+ MR. WATERS SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT BY 1986 SOME 140 GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS AS WELL AS SOME 80 PRIVATE SCHOOLS WOULD BE RUNNING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS.
+WE CAN ALSO EXPECT SOME NEW TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO SCHOOLS,+ HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS WORKING TOWARDS THE GOAL OF ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVING AT LEAST ONE TECHNICAL SUBJECT IN THEIR CURRICULA, MR. WATERS SAID THIS MEANT SOME ACCOMMODATION WOULD HAVE TO BE CONVERTED INTO PRACTICAL ROOMS.
+FOR THE SCHOOLS WHICH LACK SUITABLE FACILITIES CENTRAL WORKSHOPS WILL BE ESTABLISHED.
+TWO SUCH CENTRES ARE PLANNED TO BE IN OPERATION BY 1980 AS A PILOT SCHEME,+ HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, MR. WATERS SAID ADDITIONAL FLOORS AND ANNEXES WOULD BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING PREMISES TO PROVIDE MORE ACCOMMODATION.
+GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDS TO PROCEED WITH A SIXTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE REQUIRED IN TUEN MUN BY 1984,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO TECHNICAL TEACHER TRAINING, MR. WATERS SAID: +THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL INTRODUCE A THREE-YEAR FULL-TIME COURSE FOR STUDENT TEACHERS, TRAINING TO TEACH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER 1980.+
A NEW BUILDING FOR THE COLLEGE WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1982 AT A SITE IN KOWLOON TONG ADJACENT TO THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
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/3
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1978
3
SIGNING OF VISITOR’S BOOK ON NEW YEAR’S DAY AT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE *****
PEOPLE WISHING TO SIGN THE VISITOR’S BOOK AT THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY ARE ADVISED TO DO SO AT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE INSTEAD OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE WHICH IS AT PRESENT UNDER RENOVATION.
POLICE WILL BE POSTED IN THE VICINITY OF FLAGSTAFF HOUSE TO ASSIST VISITORS.
- - o -
SNT TO OPEN TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL *****
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN HONG KONG’S FIRST DISTRICT-WIDE ARTS FESTIVAL IN TSUEN WAN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (MONDAY).
THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 7 P.M. AT THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL WHERE A COCKTAIL RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AFTER THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING’S PROGRAMME WILL BE A CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND A CANTONESE OPERA BY THE FAMOUS PHOENIX OPERA TROUPE.
JO NTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE 25 PRESENTATIONS OF DRAMA, OPERA, MUSIC AND DANCERS AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF OTHER EVENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL ON NEW YEAR’S DAY AT 7 P M. AT THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TS IM SHA TSUI, AT 6 P.M.
_ - 0
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1978
<+
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL COLOUR BROCHURE ******
THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HAS PRODUCED A 80-PAGE FULL COLOUR BROCHURE TO PROMOTE THE FIRST DISTRICT-WIDE ARTS FESTIVAL EVER STAGED IN HONG KONG.
THE BROCHURE DETAILS THE VARIOUS PERFORMANCES AND PRESENTATIONS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO INTEREST THE PUBLIC IN THEM, THEIR BACKGROUNDS, AND TO INTRODUCE THE PERFORMING GROUPS.
THE FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE 25 PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS BROADLY DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATAGORIES ---- DRAMA AND OPERA,
MUSIC, DANCES AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE BROCHURE IS MAINLY NARRATIVE BUT HAS PICTURES AND ILLUSTRATIONS ON ALMOST EVERY PAGE.
AS WELL AS ARTICLES ON VARIOUS EVENTS, IT GIVES AN OUTLINE OF THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF ART AND CULTURE IN HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.
IT WAS THE WORK OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’S EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR, MR. HO TUNG-CHING, A WELL-KNOWN LOCAL FIGURE AND A KEEN SUPPORTER OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
THE BROCHURE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED MAINLY FOR DISTRIBUTION AT THE GRAND OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL ON NEW YEAR’S DAY, BUT A LIMITED QUANTITY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT S3 A COPY FROM ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AT 10 CHUNG ON STREET, TSUEN WAN, FROM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY): +THIS EXCELLENT PIECE OF WORK REFLECTS THE TALENT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHOSE DRIVE AND GOODWILL HAVE ENABLED ITS COMPLETION IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH.
♦MR. HO AND MEMBERS OF HIS STAFF SHOULD BE CONGRATUATED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENT.
♦THEIR UNTIRING EFFORTS HAVE INDEED GONE A LONG WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING THE CULTURAL LIFE OF THE INCREASING POPULATION OF MODERN TSUEN WAN.+
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/5......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1978
5
NEW YEAR FUN FAIR AT PING SHEK ESTATE *****
A NEW YEAR CARNIVAL FOR 3,000 PING SHEK ESTATE CHILDREN WILL BE HELD AT 2 P.M. TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE SQUARE IN THE ESTATE.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG). NGAU TAU KOK NORTH AREA COMMITTEE, PING SHEK YOUTH CENTRE AND SPONSORED BY THE NGAU TAU KOK POLICE STATION AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT — PING SHEK ESTATE OFFICE, IT IS AIMED AT PROVIDING FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT TO THE RESIDENTS DURING THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES A LION DANCE, MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATIONS AND DANCING AND SINGING. THERE WILL ALSO BE 16 GAME-STALLS AND PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY TO WINNERS OF GAMES.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND CHILDREN IN THE AREA ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
MR. HO MAN-KAM, ASSISTANT CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (KWUN TONG), MR. YEUNG WAI-TSANG, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS AND MR. R.T. SULLIVAN, SUB-DIVISIONAL INSPECTOR/ NGAU TAU KOK WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE NEW YEAR FUN FAIR AT PING SHEK ESTATE FOR 3,000 CHILDREN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2 P.M. IN THE SQUARE IN PING SHEK ESTATE.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CARNIVAL *****
THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND THE KENNEDY TOWN/MT. DAVIS AREA COMMITTEE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WILL JOINTLY HOLD A CARNIVAL TO TIE IN WITH THE ON-GOING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THERE WILL BE AN EXHIBITION WITH EMPHASIS ON FAMILY LIFE DUR
, GAME-STALLS AND A VARIETY SHOW ING THE CARNIVAL.
OFFICIATING THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE MR. RICKY FUNG. CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CO-ORGANISERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CARNIVAL AT 1 P.M. TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE FORTRESS STREET PLAYGROUND, KENNEDY TOWN.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1978 6 -
FIRING PRACTICE * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 FROM 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING PRACTICE.
IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE DURING THE TIME OF FIRING
- 0 ----------
WATER CUT * * *
-mx-r w^^WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) ™AI ,WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL ON JANUARY 3^ SEVEN H°URS FR°M 11 P’M‘ °N JANUARY 2 T0 6 A.M.
YHE AFFECTED AREA WILL BE BOUNDED BY SMITHFIELD TO GADOGAN STREET AND FORBES STREET TO THE NEW PRAYA.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
contents page NO.
REVIEW OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES 1978 ................... 1
C.A.S. OVERSEAS TRAINING PROGRAMME ........................... 4
MOTORCYCLISTS WARNED NOT TO USE CROSS-COUNTRY TYRES ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS .............................................. 5
FIRE SERVICES ON RECRUITING DRIVE ............................ 6
THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL CONNECTION ....................... 7
WATER CUT..................................................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
T
REVIEW OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES 1978 *****
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC AGAINST COUNTERFEIT AND SUB-STANDARD MEDICINE, THE SETTING UP OF A CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT TO PLAN AND COORDINATE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AND THE OPENING OF THE FIRST DENTAL THERAPIST TRAINING SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTED A YEAR OF RAPID EXPANSION FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
ONE OF THE IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE PAST YEAR THAT MAY HAVE WIDE-RANGING EFFECTS ON THE COMMUNITY WAS THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS ON JULY 1, AIMED AT CONTROLLING THE SALE AND MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.
A FORENSIC PHARMACY SECTION WAS SET UP WITHIN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SEE THAT THE REGULATIONS ARE PROPERLY ENFORCED.
THIS SECTION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICING SOME 2,500 SHOPS SELLING ORDINARY MEDICINES AND ANOTHER 2,200 SHOPS REGISTERED AS LISTED SELLERS OF PART II POISONS.
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT DURING THE YEAR WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT TO PLAN AND COORDINATE ALL HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES BOTH WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER PROFESSIONAL BODIES OR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE UNIT HAS MADE GREAT EFFORTS IN PROMOTING HEALTH CARE THROUGH SUCH CAMPAIGNS AS DOWN WITH HYPERTENSION, EYE CARE, JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEAF AND CHILD CARE.
THE PAST YEAR ALSO SAW THE OPENING OF HONG KONG’S FIRST DENTAL THERAPIST TRAINING SCHOOL AT THE NEW MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE IN MORRISON HILL.
THE TRAINING COURSE IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE DENTAL HYGIENE AND PROPER DENTAL CARE TO THE COMMUNITY.
UNDER THE TRAINING SCHEME, 33 DENTAL THERAPISTS ARE UNDERGOING A THREE-YEAR TRAINING COURSE AND FIVE DENTAL HYGIENISTS WILL TAKE PART IN A ONE-YEAR TRAINING COURSE.
AFTER TRAINING, THE GRADUATES WILL BE ASSIGNED TO A SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED IN 1980, WHICH WILL PROVIDE SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH REGULAR DENTAL EXAMINATIONS AND SIMPLE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT, INCLUDING ORTHONDONTIC TREATMENT.
A COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN APRIL TO PROVIDE REGULAR CHECK-UPS TO CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO THE AGE OF FIVE.
THE SCHEME IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL CONGENITAL OR ACQUIRED ANOMALIES OF A CHILD ARE DISCOVERED, AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS TAKEN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. UNDER THE SCHEME, CHILDREN FOUND TO HAVE CONGENITAL DEFORMITIES ARE REFERRED TO VARIOUS SPECIALISTS FOR ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT. THE RESPONSE SO FAR HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
2
THE REGIONALISATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, INTRODUCED IN APRIL 1977, HAS LARGELY ACHIEVED ITS MAIN OBJECTIVE OF PUTTING INTO MAXIMUM USE OF AVAILABLE FACILITIES IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
PRESSURE ON THE TWO MAJOR REGIONAL HOSPITALS — QUEEN MARY AND QUEEN ELIZABETH — HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLY RELIEVED AND THE BED OCCUPANCY RATE OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAS BEEN INCREASED TO THE SATISFACTORY LEVEL OF OVER 80 PER CENT.
DEMAND FOR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT AT GOVERNMENT CLINICS CONTINUED TO INCREASE AND, TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND, THE DEPARTMENT OPENED FOUR MORE EVENING CLINICS IN OCTOBER, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 14.
SIX GOVERNMENT CLINICS ALSO OPERATE SESSIONS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. OUT-PATIENT ATTENDANCES AT GOVERNMENT CLINICS TOTALLED MORE THAN 10.2 MILLION IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON AN 11-STOREY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING AT KWONG WAH HOSPITAL STARTED TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF CLINICAL SERVICES WHICH WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE FACILITIES OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITAL AND ENABLE IT TO PLAY THE FULL ROLE OF A REGIONAL HOSPITAL SERVING THE WEST KOWLOON REGION.
DURING THE YEAR, THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE EXTENSION WAS COMPLETED, PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 600 BEDS.
A FURTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL CARE FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG RESIDENTS WAS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EXTENSION TO YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WHICH STARTED IN MID-1978.
A TOTAL OF 50 ADDITIONAL BEDS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FIRST STAGE OF THE EXPANSION PROJECT. ADDITIONAL BEDS, SUPPORTING FACILITIES AND STAFF QUARTERS ARE ALSO PLANNED IN THE SUBSEQUENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT.
IN THE EAST NEW TERRITORIES, CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW FANLING HOSPITAL EXTENSION STARTED IN SEPTEMBER, 1978. THE AIM OF THE EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT IS TO BRING THE EXISTING HOSPITAL UP TO A DISTRICT HOSPITAL CAPABILITY.
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, A NUMBER OF MAJOR PROJECTS OUTLINED IN THE 10-YEAR MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED. THE 1,300-BED PSYCHIATRIC WING OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1980.
SITE FORMATION WORK FOR THE 1,400-BED HOSPITAL IN SHA TIN AND THE 1,300-BED HOSPITAL IN TUEN MUN HAS BEGUN. THESE PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1982 AND 1984 RESPECTIVELY.
MORE THAN 10 CLINICS, POLYCLINICS AND HEALTH CENTRES WILL BE COMPLETED AND BROUGHT INTO USE BY 1983.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS, THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS IN HONG KONG WILL BE INCREASED FROM 19,770 TO 25,000 BY THE EARLY 1980S WITH THE BED/POPULATION REACHING 5.2 PER 1,000 POPULATION.
/the second .....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
- 3 -
THE SECOND MEDICAL SCHOOL IN HONG KONG IS TO BE ESTABLISHED AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. THE FIRST PRE-CLINICAL INTAKE WILL BE IN 1981 AND THE SCHOOL WILL EVENTUALLY PRODUCE 100 DOCTORS A YEAR. THE NEW HOSPITAL AT SHA TIN WILL SERVE AS THE TEACHING HOSPITAL.
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WHICH HAS HAD A MEDICAL SCHOOL SINCE THE UNIVERSITY’S FOUNDATION IN 1911, IT IS PLANNED TO ESTABLISH A DENTAL SCHOOL IN 1980. TO PROVIDE TEACHING FACILITIES, A NEW DENTAL TEACHING CLINIC WILL BE BUILT AND SOME EXISTING FACILITIES AT THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL WILL BE CONVERTED AND UPGRADED TO PROVIDE 220 DENTAL TEACHING BEDS.
PLANNING WORK HAS ALSO STARTED ON THE NEW HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION CENTRE WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE READY BY 1981. THE CENTRE WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL THE BLOOD REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG.
AN EVALUATION REPORT ON THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE IN HONG KONG WAS COMPLETED AND 22 NURSES GRADUATED FROM THE FIRST GOVERNMENT-RUN COMMUNITY NURSING COURSE.
TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S SICK AND DISABLED, IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE FURTHER EXPANDED. PSYCHIATRIC COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
ON THE HEALTH SIDE, THE GENERAL STATE OF HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE GOOD.
THERE WERE TWO CHOLERA CASES REPORTED IN 1978, ONE IN KOWLOON AND THE OTHER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. ALL APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WERE TAKEN TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE.
THE INCIDENCE AND THE NUMBER OF DEATHS FROM TUBERCULOSIS CONTINUED TO DECLINE. ABOUT 98 PER CENT OF NEW-BORN BABIES ARE VACCINATED WITH B.C.G. — PROBABLY THE HIGHEST RATE IN THE WORLD. A CASE-FINDING CAMPAIGN WAS UNDERTAKEN IN APRIL WITH GOOD RESPONSE. THERE ARE PLANS TO LAUNCH ANOTHER MAJOR CAMPAIGN LATER THIS YEAR.
MEASLES WAS AT ONE TIME VERY PREVALENT AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE BUT, SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF ANTI-MEASLES VACCINE IN 1967, THE INCIDENCE HAS BEEN REDUCED DRASTICALLY AND THE PATTERN OF INFECTION IS NO LONGER BIENNIAL. ONE SMALL OUTBREAK IN THE CHILDREN OF THE ARMED FORCES WAS NOTED IN JUNE AND JULY.
NO CASE OF POLIOMYELITIS OR DIPHTHERIA WAS REPORTED DURING THE YEAR.
IN SEPTEMBER, RUBELLA VACCINATION WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE IMMUNISATION WAS DIRECTED AT GIRLS 11-14 YEARS AND WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE TO PREVENT THE OCCURANCE OF BABIES BORN WITH CONGENITAL RUBELLA DEFECTS.
0
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
- 4 -
C.A.S. OVERSEAS TRAINING PROGRAMME * * * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES HAVE MADE THEIR OVERSEAS TRAINING PROGRAMME AS REGULARLY AS POSSIBLE TO KEEP THEIR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY ON PAR WITH ADVANCED COUNTRIES.
UNDER THIS TRAINING PROGRAMME, PLANS HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP TO SEND TWO CAS MEMBERS TO AUSTRALIA NEXT YEAR FOR INTENSIVE TRAINING ON MODERN TECHNIQUES IN DISASTER DUTIES.
THE TWO OFFICERS WILL LEARN THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN HANDLING EMERGENCIES SUCH AS DISASTER, FLOODING, CYCLONE AND HILL FIRE.
CAS MEMBERS AND THEIR PERMANENT TRAINING STAFF ARE ALSO SENT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR TRAINING AND THE LAST GROUP RETURNED LAST AUGUST AFTER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING COURSES ON MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE, AND CANOEING.
THE OVERSEAS TRAINING PROGRAMME WAS INTRODUCED 15 YEARS AGO AND THE FIRST CAS OFFICER SENT ABROAD WAS MR. CHAN CHUN-YING WHO IS NOW THE PRINCIPAL TRAINING OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
THE OVERSEAS TRAINING WAS FIRST RESTRICTED TO STUDY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. IN 1968, THE PROGRAMME WAS EXTENDED TO COVER AUSTRALIA WHERE OFFICERS HAVE SINCE BEEN SENT FOR CIVIL DEFENCE AND DISASTER TRAINING.
MR. CHAN SAID OFFICERS ON RETURN FROM THEIR OVERSEAS TRAINING WILL IMPART WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNT TO OTHER CAS MEMBERS THROUGH SEMINARS, TRAINING SESSIONS AND BRIEFINGS.
+THROUGH THIS, OUR SERVICES ARE KEPT ABREAST WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA,+ MR. CHAN SAID.
/5
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
- 5 -
MOTORCYCLISTS WARNED NOT TO USE CROSS-COUNTRY TYRES ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
*****
MOTORCYCLISTS NEED KNOBBLY TYRES TO WIN CROSS-COUNTRY RACES — BUT THESE COMPETI TON-TYPE WHEELS ARE DEFINITELY NOT FOR USE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS.
+THESE TYRES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN USED ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS,* A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) WHILE WARNING MOTOR-CYCLISTS TO SWITCH TO REGULAR TYRES WHEN THEY ARE USING THEIR MACHINES.
COMPETITION-TYPE TYRES, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, WOULD NOT ONLY ENDANGER THE MOTOR-CYCLIST BUT ALSO OTHER ROAD USERS.
♦ IT IS ALSO AN OFFENCE TO USE CROSS-COUNTRY TYRES ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS,* HE ADDED.
THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE STATES THAT ON FIRST CONVICTION, THE OFFENDER IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $500 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS.
IN A RECENT CASE A MOTORCYCLIST CONVICTED OF DANGEROUS DRIVING CAUSING DEATH WAS USING A MOTORCYCLE FITTED WITH CROSSCOUNTRY TYRES AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦CROSS-COUNTRY TYRES ARE SO DESIGNED THAT THEY HAVE A VERY GOOD GRIP ON SOFT GROUND AS THEY ARE MADE TO DIG INTO THE DIRT. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY HAVE A POOR ROAD-HOLDING PERFORMANCE ON NORMAL ROAD SURFACE.
♦THERE CAN BE AN ADVERSE EFFECT IF THE MOTORCYCLIST DRIVING ON NORMAL ROAD BRAKES SUDDENLY AS THERE IS SIMPLY INSUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE TYRES AND THE ACTUAL ROAD SURFACE,+ HE EXPLAINED.
MOREOVER, HE CONTINUED, THESE TYRES ARE CLEARLY AND INDIVIDUALLY MARKED AS UNSUITABLE FOR ROAD USE.
♦THE DEPARTMENT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE GROWING NUMBER OF MOTORCYCLISTS WHO ARE FITTING CROSS-COUNTRY TYRES TO THEIR MOTOR CYCLES AND USING THEM ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS.
♦THE DEPARTMENT REGISTERED 17,000 MOTORCYCLES AT THE END
OF OCTOBER THIS YEAR. THE CONTINUING MISUSE OF THIS TYPE OF TYRES WOULD BE A GREAT HAZARD TO ROAD SAFETY,+ THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
6
FIRE SERVICES ON RECRUITING DRIVE
* * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A FOUR-DAY RECRUITMENT EXERCISE STARTING ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 2) TO FILL VACANCIES IN THE RANK OF FIREMAN.
ABOUT 160 PHYSICALLY FIT YOUNG MEN WILL BE RECRUITED AND TRAINED FOR GENERAL FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE DUTIES.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 30, HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE AND NORMAL EYESIGHT, BE ABLE TO SPEAK FLUENT CANTONESE AND READ AND WRITE CHINESE.
THEY SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD CF FIVE YEARS OR MORE AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
THE POST CARRIES A SALARY RANGING FROM $1,315 TO $1,925. AN INCREMENT WILL BE AWARDED AFTER SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS, THREE MOBILE RECRUITING CENTRES WILL BE SET UP.
THE CENTRES WILL OPERATE FROM TUESDAY TO FRIDAY (JANUARY 2-5) BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 7 P.M. DAILY AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS!
TUESDAY — HARBOUR ROAD (NEAR WANCHAI FERRY PIER) HOMANTIN ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 8) KWAI HING ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 5)
WEDNESDAY — WAH FU ESTATE (NEAR WAH LOK HOUSE) LAM TIN ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 6) TAI WOR HAU ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 7)
THURSDAY -- CHAI WAN ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 6)
SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 10)
LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 13)
FRIDAY — WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 5) PAK TIN ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 5) YUEN LONG ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 1)
APPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO ERING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS WHEN CALLING AT THESE CENTRES.
- C -
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
7
THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL CONNECTION X * * *
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TSUEN WAN LIBRARY WILL ARRANGE A SERIES OF EXTENSION ACTIVITIES TO TIE IN WITH THE FIRST TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL RUN FOR TWO WEEKS, STARTING FROM TOMORROW (JANUARY 1) TO JANUARY 15.
THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES — A BOOK EXHIBITION AND A NUMBER OF +APPRECIATION+ SERIES.
THE EXHIBITION. WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN ADULT LIBRARY BETWEEN JANUARY 2 AND 14, WILL DISPLAY BOOKS ON ARTS, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTING, MUSIC, OPERA AND DRAMA.
A SERIES OF TALKS ON CHINESE MUSIC, CHINESE OPERA, WESTERN MUSIC AND CANTONESE DRAMA WILL ALSO BE HELD WITHIN THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
THE CHIEF LIBRARIAN OF THE USD’S LIBRARIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. R. O’HARA, SAID THE AIM OF THESE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES IS TO PROVIDE THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WITH KNOWLEDGE ON THE FORM OF ART WHICH THEY HAVE SELECTED TO ENJOY EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER THE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE.
+TO ENRICH THE COLLECTION OF BOOKS FOR EXHIBITION, PART OF THEM ARE FROM THE STOCKS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE ADDED.
APART FROM THOSE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL, ALL LIBRARIES IN THE NT, INCLUDING THE SHEUNG SHU I LIBRARY, THE SHA TIN LIBRARY, THE TAI PO LIBRARY, THE TUEN MUN LIBRARY AND THE TSUEN WAN LIBRARY, HAVE ALSO PREPARED A NEW PROGRAMME OF EXTENSION ACTIVITIES TO DRAW MORE YOUNG PEOPLE INTO THE LIBRARIES AND SO INCREASE LIBRARY USAGE.
IN ADDITION TO REGULAR FILM SHOWS, TALKS AND INTEREST GROUP ACTIVITIES, THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES IN THE NT LIBRARIES IN JANUARY WILL INCLUDE A PIANO RECITAL BY AMY WONG, A CHINESE INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT, A FLUTE RECITAL BY LAU CHEUNG-KONG, A GLOVE PUPPET SHOW, A JOINT VOCAL RECITAL BY STUDENTS OF LEE BING, A VOCAL CONCERT BY FRANCESCA CHAN, A FOLK SONG AND FOLK DANCE SHOW, AND A SINGING AND MAGIC SHOW.
+ADMISSION TO ALL THESE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES IS FREE. FOR DETAILED INFORMATION, PLEASE RING UP THE USD LIBRARIES HEAD OFFICE AT 12-420951,+ MR. O’HARA SAID.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1978
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WATER CUT * * * *
IN THE PEAK WILL BE ON JANUARY 3 TO 6 A.M.
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES INTERRUPTED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. i£| JANUARY 4 FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE ROAD HOUSE NOS. 25,
AFFECTED WILL BE BOUNDED BY MOUNT AUSTIN 26A-26E AND LUGARD ROAD.
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