港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1979 - APR

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SWD REGIONALISES ITS WELFARE SERVICES .............. 1

RESPONDING TO CHANGING NEEDS IN NEW TERRITORIES .... 3

CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE CROWN LESSEES IN THE N.T........ 4

KIDNEY MACHINE FOR FIREMAN ......................... 5

214 STUDY ROOMS TO OPEN TOMORROW.................... 6

HEALTH EXHIBITION TO BE EXTENDED ................... 7

DISPLAY OF TEACHING PROJECTS ON CHINESE SPEECH TECHNIQUES ......................................... 8

SPEED LIMIT......................................... 8

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

- 1 -

SWD REGIONAL ISES ITS WELFARE SERVICES ******

THE OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE ON A NEW LOOK TOMORROW (MONDAY) AS THE DEPARTMENT REGIONAL ISES ITS WELFARE SERVICES TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

AS FROM TOMORROW, THE DEPARTMENT’S DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS IN THE VARIOUS FIELDS OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICE WILL BE DECENTRALISED.

WITH REGIONALISATION COMING INTO EFFECT, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE SPLIT INTO A DEPARTMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, FOUR REGIONAL OFFICES AND 11 DISTRICT OFFICES.

THE FOUR REGIONAL OFFICES COVER HONG KONG ISLAND, EAST KOWLOON, WEST KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. EACH IS HEADED BY A REGIONAL OFFICER ACTING AS THE DEPARTMENT’S OVERALL ADMINISTRATOR IN HIS REGION.

THE DEPARTMENTAL HEADQUARTERS WILL RETAIN THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPING NEW SERVICES, FOR ADMINISTERING SUBVENTIONS AND FOR TRAINING.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) EXPLAINED THAT THE ORGANISATIONAL OVERHAUL WAS AIMED AT INCREASING ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND COORDINATING WELFARE SERVICES BETTER AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT EACH OF THE 11 DISTRICT OFFICES WOULD VIRTUALLY BE A +MINI-SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT*, RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE SERVICES CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE DISTRICT — FAMILY SERVICES, REHABILITATION, SOCIAL SECURITY, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND FOR YOUTH,. AND PROBATION AND CORRECTION WORK — AS WELL AS FOR LIAISON WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CARRYING OUT SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.

♦THROUGH BETTER CONCENTRATION AND COORDINATION OF SERVICES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, THE DEPARTMENT HOPES TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE SERVICE TO PEOPLE IN NEED,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE ACCOMMODATION FOR SOME OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES WAS STILL TEMPORARY AT THE MOMENT, BUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEM TO MOVE INTO PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION IN SUITABLE LOCATIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE PRESENT ADDRESSES OF THE 11 DISTRICT OFFICES i-

HONG KONG ISLAND REGION

CENTRAL/WESTERN/ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE -

WESTERN MAGISTRACY BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR, 2 POKFULAM

SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

EASTERN/WANCHAI DISTRICT OFFICE -

CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, SEVENTH FLOOR, 20 ELECTRIC ROAD.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE -

ABERDEEN HARBOUR MANSION, 52-64 ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, GROUND FLOOR.

EAST KOWLOON REGION

KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE -

KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE BUILDING, 17 TSUI PING ROAD.

WONG TAI SIN/SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE -

SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

WEST KOWLOON REGION

KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE -

FOOK TAO MANSION, 8-12 SUNG WONG TOI ROAD.

SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE -

299-301 LA| CHI KOK ROAD, SECOND FLOOR.

YAU MA TEI/MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE -

KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, EIGHTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD.

NEW TERRITORIES REGION

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE -

KWAI KING BUILDING, 31 KWONG FAI CIRCUIT, FIRST FLOOR, KWAI CHUNG.

SHA TIN/TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE -

LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN.

YUEN LONG/TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE -

YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

RESPONDING TO IN NEW

CHANGING NEEDS TERRITORIES MMX

THE RENAMING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ANNOUNCED EARLIER THIS YEAR, BECAME EFFECTIVE TODAY (SUNDAY).

MR. H.S. GREWAL, WHO HEADED THE REGIONAL OFFICE AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR (NEW TERRITORIES) PRIOR TO THE RENAMING, ASSUMES THE TITLE OF DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES.

♦THE REORGANISATION WILL HELP THE DEPARTMENT TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES ARISING FROM THE RAPID AND EXTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT THAT IS TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES,+ MR. GREWAL SAID.

AS TO WHY THE NEW DEPARTMENT WOULD REMAIN WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE USD UNDER THE OVERALL CONTROL OF THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. GREWAL POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE TWO OVERRIDING REASONS.

HE SAID: +THE FIRST REASON IS THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN UNIFORMITY OF SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND THIS AIM CANNOT BE ACHIEVED IF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS WERE TO BE SEPARATED ALTOGETHER.

♦THE SECOND REASON IS THAT THE EFFECTIVE USE OF STAFF RESOURCES AND THE RELATED QUESTION OF STAFF MORALE AND STAFF RELATIONS DICTATE THAT THE DEPARTMENT REMAIN A UNIFIED WHOLE.+

HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT, ON REORGANISATION, THE NEW DEPARTMENT WILL COMPRISE FOUR MAIN DIVISIONS, INCLUDING: THE ADMINISTRATION DIVISION, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION, THE ENVIROMENTAL HYGIENE DIVISION AND THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION PLUS A MEDICAL ADVISORY SECTION.

♦AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ORGANISATION, THERE IS THE INTENTION TO ESTABLISH TWO REGIONAL OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — THE REGIONAL OFFICE (NORTH) AND THE REGIONAL OFFICE (SOUTH) -- WHICH WILL ASSUME OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES ON A REGIONAL BASIS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CULTURAL SERVICES AND CERTAIN OTHER SERVICES WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE ADMINISTERED CENTRALLY,+ HE SAID.

THE NORTH REGION WILL COVER TAI PO, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WHEREAS THE SOUTH REGION WILL COVER TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND THE ISLANDS. ••

♦ASSUMING THAT ALL THE POSTS ASKED FOR ARE APPROVED, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION, THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION AND THE TWO REGIONAL OFFICES WILL EACH BE HEADED BY AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,+ MR. GREWAL ADDED.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE CROWN LESSEES IN THE N.T. *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS LAUNCHING A MINI-CAMPAIGN THIS MONTH (APRIL) TO MAKE CROWN LESSEES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MORE AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITIES TO PAY CROWN RENTS WHEN THEY BECOME DUE.

THE DRIVE — IN THE FORM OF PUBLICITY, PROMOTION AND ADVICE — HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND WILL BE STAGED SIMULTANEOUSLY IN THE SEVEN DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM WEDNESDAY.

IT AIMS TO EDUCATE MORE THAN 68,000 CROWN LESSEES IN RURAL AREAS OF THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AS +LAND OWNERS* TO PAY RENTS DUE ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR AND TO REPAY ANY OUTSTANDING RENTS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.

IT WILL ALSO GIVE THEM A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN MAKING SUCH PAYMENTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) UNDER THE LAW, ALL CROWN LESSEES ARE LIABLE TO PAY CROWN RENT WHICH NORMALLY FALLS DUE IN JULY EVERY YEAR. RENTS UNDER $5 CAN BE PAID ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS.

♦THE ANNUAL CROWN RENT ROLL FOR LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS NOW ABOUT $850,000 AND THE RENTS VARY FROM A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO SUMS AS SMALL AS $5,+ HE SAID.

+WE ARE CONCERNED THAT DESPITE THE SMALL SIZE OF INDIVIDUAL AMOUNTS, QUITE A SUBSTANTIAL SUM HAS REMAINED UNPAID OVER THE YEARS.*

IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1976-77 ALONE, HE SAID, ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE ROLL OF $850,000 WAS NOT COLLECTED.

THE OUTSTANDING FIGURE INCLUDED NOT ONLY ARREARS OF CROWN RENTS DUE, BUT ALSO ARREARS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS AS WELL.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH EXISTING MEASURES UNDERTAKEN BY DISTRICT OFFICES IN CONTACTING CROWN LESSEES WERE GENERALLY EFFECTIVE, THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IS UNDERMINED BY THE FACT THAT SOME OF THE LESSEES ARE ILLITERATE AND THAT SOME CF THE REGISTERED ADDRESSES ARE INCOMPLETE AND OUT OF DATE.

IMPROVED MEASURES WERE BEING ADOPTED IN AN ATTEMPT TO •♦CLOSE THE PAYMENTS GAP.*

THESE MEASURES INCLUDE CONSTANT UP-DATING OF THE ADDRESSES OF CROWN LESSEES, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING NOTICE, DELIVERY SERVICE, PARTICULARLY IN REMOTE AREAS, AND A GREATER PUBLICITY EFFORT.

/to aid......

SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

TO AID THE PUBLICITY DRIVE, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS PREPARED A SIMPLE BI-LINGUAL LEAFLET SETTING OUT THE PROCEDURES FOR THE PAYMENT OF CROWN RENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

COUPLED WITH THE LEAFLET IS AN ATTRACTIVE POSTER WHICH GIVES THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES TO WHICH PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE AND ENQUIRIES DIRECTED.

DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, COPIES OF THE LEAFLET AND THE POSTER WILL BE ISSUED TO THE HEUNG YEE KUK, RURAL COMMITTEES AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES ORGANISATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THEIR ►EMBERS.

COPIES CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRIES CENTRES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE ADMINISTRATION’S CIVILIAN INFORMATION TEAM WILL ALSO MAKE VILLAGE-TO-VILLAGE BROADCASTS DURING THEIR ROUNDS OF VISITS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+WE HOPE, BY PUBLICITY AND ADVICE, TO MAKE LESSEES REALISE THAT NON-PAYMENT IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE AND MAY LEAD TO THE CROWN RE-ENTERING THEIR PROPERTIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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KIDNEY MACHINE FOR FIREMAN * * *

THE FIRE SERVICES HAS COME TO THE AID OF A STRICKEN COLLEAGUE BY PURCHASING A DIALYSIS MACHINE NEEDED TO SAVE HIS LIFE.

THE SPECIAL KIDNEY MACHINE WAS AIRFREIGHTED FROM THE UNITED STATES LAST WEEK AND HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE RENAL UNIT OF PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL FOR FIREMAN CHUI WOON-MING, 42, WHO HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM A MALFUNCTIONING KIDNEY SINCE 1974.

FIREMAN CHUI WAS ADMITTED SEVERAL TIMES TO PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL LAST DECEMBER WHEN HIS CONDITION DETERIORATED TO A POINT WHERE HE REQUIRED REGULAR DIALYSIS.

+HOWEVER, IN MID-JANUARY HE WAS FOUND TO BE A HEPATITIS B ANTIGEN CARRIER AND COULD NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR FURTHER DIALYSIS IN THE RENAL UNIT AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL OR OTHER HOSPITAL UNITS,* A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE COST OF THE MACHINE — $28,000 — HAS COME FROM THE FIRE SERVICES WELFARE FUND WHEN MR. CHUI’S DOCTORS ADVISED THAT HE HAD TO HAVE CONTINUOUS FREQUENT TREATMENT. THIS MEANT HAVING A MACHINE AT HOME WHERE HE COULD DIALYSE HIMSELF WITH THE HELP OF HIS WIFE.

/a vascular .....

A VASCULAR ACCESS OPERATION WAS PERFORMED ON MR. CHUI ON FEBRUARY 12 TO ENABLE HIM TO RECEIVE DIALYSIS AT HOME. HE HAS SINCE BEEN PLACED IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A SIX-WEEK OBSERVATION PERIOD BEFORE HE CAN RECEIVE HOME DIALYSIS.

+MR. CHUI WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THE MACHINE AS LONG AS THE NEED EXISTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

MEANWHILE, MR. CHUI’S WIFE IS SPENDING FOUR WEEKS WITH THE RENAL UNIT AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL TO OBSERVE AND LEARN HOW TO OPERATE THE MACHINE SO THAT SHE CAN TREAT HER HUSBAND AT THEIR HUNG HOM HOME.

FIREMAN CHUI JOINED THE SERVICES IN 1965 AND HAS THREE CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND TEN.

+MY HUSBAND AND I WILL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO THE FIRE SERVICES FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE,* SAID MRS. CHUI.

+THE PURCHASE OF THE MACHINE HAS GIVEN A NEW RAY OF HOPE TO MY FAMILY AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW MY HUSBAND’S COLLEAGUES HAVE BEEN SO GENEROUS, SYMPATHETIC AND PATIENT WITH US IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS,* SHE ADDED.

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214 STUDY ROOMS TO OPEN TOMORROW

* * * *

SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE USE OF 214 STUDY ROOMS FINANCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB STARTING FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).

MORE THAN 9,000 STUDY ROOM PLACES WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT HONG KONG BETWEEN TOMORROW AND JUNE 29, EXCLUDING SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY AND DO THEIR HOMEWORK.

THE 106 STUDY ROOMS RUN BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ARE EXCLUSIVELY FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS. THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RUNS 108 STUDY ROOMS FROM

7 P.M. TO 9 P.M. MAINLY FOR PRIMARY PUPILS, BUT SECONDARY STUDENTS MAY ALSO USE THEM IF THEY WISH.

SUPERVISORS WILL BE POSTED AT THE STUDY ROOMS TO SEE THAT ALL ATTENDANTS ARE PROVIDED WITH A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO STUDY AND DO THEIR HOMEWORK.

THREE COORDINATORS WILL ALSO BE APPOINTED AMONG EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF TO OVERSEE THE GENERAL RUNNING OF THESE ROOMS.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

- 7 -

HEALTH EXHIBITION TO BE EXTENDED

* * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO EXTEND ITS ROTATIONAL +HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY EXHIBITION* TO INCLUDE AS MANY DISTRICTS AS POSSIBLE IN VIEW OF THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC.

THE EXHIBITION, HELD RECENTLY AT FOUR SEPARATE CENTRES — THE OCEAN TERMINAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG — HAVE SO FAR ATTRACTED MORE THAN 100,000 VISITORS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DISPLAY WILL AGAIN BE PUT UP ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY — THIS TIME IN THE DENSELY POPULATED AREA OF KWUN TONG.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. DAILY. IT WILL THEN MOVE ON TO THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE ON APRIL 10 AND 11.

APART FROM ILLUSTRATED DRAWINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS, MODELS AND SLIDE SHOWS, FREE COPIES OF +HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY MANUAL* WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE EXHIBITION.

A FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKING SERVICE WILL ALSO BE OFFERED TO VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON WHAT IS NORMAL HEALTH IN OLD AGE AND THE PROCESS OF AGEING, AND HOW TO OBTAIN OPTIMAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH.

ANOTHER OBJECTIVE IS TO IMPART KNOWLEDGE TO THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE VARIOUS FACTORS LEADING TO ILL HEALTH IN THE ELDERLY AND TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE AVAILABILITY AND USE OF EXISTING HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, HE ADDED.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979

- 8

DISPLAY OF TEACHING PROJECTS ON CHINESE SPEECH TECHNIQUES *****

A JOINT DISPLAY OF TEACHING PROJECTS ON SPEECH TECHNIQUES IN CHINESE AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL WILL BE HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON, ON APRIL 18 AND 19.

THESE PROJECTS ARE THE SELECTED WORK OF TEACHERS WHO TOOK PART IN THE DEPARTMENT’S SHORT COURSES ON +HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PUPILS’ SPEECH TECHNIQUES IN CHINESE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS* HELD IN MAY, JULY AND SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.

+THE DISPLAY IS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE AND IT IS HOPED THAT THEY WILL MAKE FULL USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY.

+THE DISPLAY AIMS AT EMPHASISING THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEECH TRAINING IN LANGUAGE TEACHING AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL AND ALL PROJECTS ON DISPLAY TRY TO SIMULATE THE DIVERSIFIED ASPECTS OF DAILY COMMUNICATION BEING PRACTISED IN REAL LIFE, SO AS TO BRING OUT THE PRACTICALITY OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE DISPLAY WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

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SPEED LIMIT

* * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MILES PER HOUR WILL BE IMPOSED ON A SECTION OF TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY.

THE SECTION OF TING KOK ROAD AFFECTED STARTS FROM A POINT ABOUT 1 KM. EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KWONG FUK ROAD (NEAR TAI PING CARPET FACTORY) TO A POINT ABOUT 4.4 KM. EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION (AT THE WESTERN END OF PLUMMERS VILLAGE).

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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WATER SUPPLY TO STOPPED FOR 12 HOURS DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

WATER CUT * * *

A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL EE FROM 8 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 8 A.M. THE FOLLOWING

PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY 439-524, 524A AND 524B NATHAN ROAD- 40-42 WATERLOO ROAD INCLUDING THE AMBULANCE DEPOT-2-8 AND 11 WING SING LANE- METHODIST COLLEGE- 80 AND 81 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET- 1-11 AND 2 CLIFF ROAD AND 50 GASCOIGNE ROAD.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR DUE BACK FROM CHINA ON WEDNESDAY .............. 1

FEBRUARY MONEY SUPPLY .................................. 1

NEW TRAIN TIMETABLES ................................... 3

CLOSURE ORDER HEARING ADJOURNED ........................ 4

AWARD OF FRANCHISE TO NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY ........... 4

SEMINAR ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORM III LEAVERS .......... 5

TEMPORARY REGISTRATION OFFICE ON LAMMA ISLAND .......... 5

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MAN MING LANE AND ARTHUR STREET 6

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

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1979

GOVERNOR DUE BACK FROM CHINA ON WEDNESDAY ******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY MORNING AFTER AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO CHINA.

SIR MURRAY WILL TRAVEL ON THE INAUGURAL EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM CANTON, SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE AT 11.26 A.M.

HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY MACLEHOSE, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, LADY KAN, DR. DAVID WILSON, POLITICAL ADVISER, AND MRS. WILSON.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THE MEDIA TO .COVER SIR MURRAY’S ARRIVAL ON THE INAUGURAL EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM CANTON ON WEDNESDAY.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE NEAR THE ENQUIRY COUNTER OF KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY’S KOWLOON STATION, HUNG HOM, AT 11 A.M. SHARP ON WEDNESDAY. G. I.S. STAFF WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.

THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR, SOME TIME ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6).

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FEBRUARY MONEY SUPPLY

* * * *

THE MONEY SUPPLY ON BOTH DEFINITIONS (Ml AND M2) FELL IN FEBRUARY ACCORDING TO THE MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) TOGETHER WITH THE FIGURES FOR BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

AND A DEFINITE SLOWING DOWN IN THE LONGER-TERM RATE OF GROWTH OF THE MONEY SUPPLY IS NOW APPARENT.

FOUR MORE LICENSED BANKS BEGAN OPERATING IN FEBRUARY WHILE TWO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CAME OFF THE REGISTER.

Ml (NOTES AND COIN IN CIRCULATION AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS) FELL BY $1,412 MILLION (SIX PER CENT) IN FEBRUARY TO $22,099 MILLION, WHICH WAS 22.4 PER CENT ABOVE FEBRUARY 1978.

M2 (Ml PLUS TIME AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS) FELL BY $115 MILLION (0.2 PER CENT) TO $75,982 MILLION, WHICH WAS 24.6 PER CENT ABOVE FEBRUARY 1978.

AS USUAL THERE WAS A SHARP REDUCTION IN THE CURRENCY CIRCULATION FROM THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PEAK AT THE END OF JANUARY.

THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF M2, AT 24.6 PER CENT, WAS LESS THAN IN JANUARY (WHICH WAS DISTORTED BY THE DIFFERENT TIMING OF LUNAR NEW YEAR IN 1978 AND 1979).

/ON A....

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1979

ON A THREE-MONTH MOVING AVERAGE, TO SMOOTH OUT MONTHLY FLUCTUATIONS, M2 IN THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1978 TO FEBRUARY 1979 WAS 25.4 PER CENT ABOVE THE SAME MONTHS OF 1977-78: THIS COMPARISON SHOWS A STEADY DECLINE FROM THE HIGHEST GROWTH RATE OF 28.7 PER CENT RECORDED IN AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1978.

THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF Ml IN FEBRUARY, AT 22.4 PER CENT, WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE 22.5 PER CENT RECORDED IN JANUARY (WHICH WAS AGAIN DISTORTED BY THE TIMING OF LUNAR NEW YEAR).

IN THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1978 TO FEBRUARY 1979 Ml WAS 22.7 PER CENT ABOVE THE SAME MONTHS OF 1977-78, WHICH IS RATHER HIGHER THAN THE 22.2 PER CENT SHOWN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, THOUGH IT IS STILL SOME WAY BELOW THE PEAK OF 27.3 PER CENT RECORDED IN JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1978.

BANKING STATISTICS

BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN FEBRUARY, WITH THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING RISING DURING THE MONTH BY $1,473 MILLION (2.7 PER CENT) TO $56,550 MILLION, WHICH WAS 46.9 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL AT THE END OF FEBRUARY 1978.

ON AN ANNUAL BASIS THE RATE OF INCREASE HAS BEEN ACCELERATING EVERY MONTH SINCE JUNE 1978.

LOOKING AT THE THREE-MONTH MOVING AVERAGE, LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG IN DECEMBER 1978 TO FEBRUARY 1979 WERE 45.1 PER CENT ABOVE THE SAME MONTHS OF 1977-78: ON THIS COMPARISON THE GROWTH RATE OF LOANS AND ADVANCES HAS BEEN ACCELERATING EVERY MONTH SINCE OCTOBER 1977.

THE NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF THE LICENSED BANKS FELL BY $712 MILLION TO $14,702 MILLION, THE LOWEST LEVEL FOR TWO YEARS. LOANS ABROAD ROSE BY $896 MILLION TO $17,364 MILLION.

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO OF THE BANKING SECTOR WAS ALMOST UNCHANGED AT 45.6 PER CENT (45.4 PER CENT IN JANUARY).

THE RATIO OF LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG TO DEPOSITS ROSE FROM 81 PER CENT TO 81.7 PER CENT.

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY STATISTICS

DEPOSIT LIABILITIES OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY $633 MILLION (5.3 PER CENT) TO $12,574 MILLION AT THE END OF FEBRUARY.

THEIR LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG FELL BY $254 MILLION (2.5 PER CENT) TO $9,859 MILLION, WHILE THEIR LOANS ABROAD FELL BY $250 MILLION (1.1 PER CENT) TO 521,696 MILLION.

THEIR NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS ROSE BY $840 MILLION (13 PER CENT) TO $7,289 MILLION.

THE NET CLAIMS OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ON LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY $229 MILLION TO $1,659 MILLION.

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/3 ....

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1979

NEW TRAIN TIMETABLES * * * *

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT IN VIEW OF THROUGH PASSENGER TRAINS RE-OPERATING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND CANTON FROM WEDNESDAY, THE TIMETABLES OF THE REGULAR TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE AMENDED.

THIS WEEK’S REVISED TIMETABLES AREi

ON WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (APRIL 4, 6 AND 7) TRAINS LEAVING FROM KOWLOON STATION WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED AT 5.34 A.M., 6.21 A.M., 7.18 A.M., 7.48 A.M., 8.18 A.M., 9.03 A.M., 10.04 A.M., 10.32 A.M., 11.05 A.M.. 12.08 P.M., 1 P.M. (EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM KOWLOON TO CANTON), 1.08 P.M., 2 P.M., 3.09 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.30 P.M., 6 P.M., 6.30 P.M., 7 P.M., 7.51 P.M., 9.12 P.M., 10.30 P.M. (EXCEPT SATURDAYS) AND 11.00 P.M. (ONLY SATURDAYS).

TRAINS DEPARTING FROM LO WU STATION WILL BE AT 5.47 A.M., 6.14 A.M., 6.44 A.M., 7.12 A.M., 7.52 A.M., 9.05 A.M., 9.54 A.M., 10.58 A.M., 11.54 A.M., 12.32 P.M., 1.29 P.M., 2.49 P.M., 3.25 P.M., 4.29 P.M., 5.26 P.M., 6.23 P.M., 7.15 P.M., 7.46 P.M., 8.12 P.M. AND 9.04 P.M.

ON THURSDAY AND SUNDAY (APRIL 5 AND 8) TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 6.25 A.M., 7.26 A.M., 8.28 A.M., 9.12 A.M., 10.20 A.M., 11.10 A.M., 12.11 P.M., 1 P.M. (EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN TO CANTON), 1.27 P.M., 2.10 P.M., 3.21 P.M., 4.12 P.M., 5.23 P.M., 6.07 P.M., 7.21 P.M., 8.37 P.M., 9.42 P.M. AND 11 P.M.

THE DEPARTURE TIMES FROM LO WU STATION WILL BE REVISED TO 6.14 A.M., 7.06 A.M., 8.07 A.M., 8.50 A.M., 9.49 A.M., 10.51 A.M., 11.59 A.M., 12.35 P.M., 1.30 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.40 P.M., 5.05 P.M., 6.15 P.M., 6.51 P.M., 8.12 P.M. AND 9.28 P.M.

REGULAR NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND TRAINS WILL NOT STOP FOR PASSENGERS AT MONG KOK STATION BEFORE 2 P.M. THIS THURSDAY AND SUNDAY.

THE REVISED TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS.

AS FROM NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 9) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, THERE WILL BE REVISED TIMETABLES FOR WEEKDAYS, AND SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS SERVICE.

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1979

CLOSURE ORDER HEARING ADJOURNED * * *

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE HEARING FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER APPLICATION OF NO. 66-72 LEI MUK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, WAS ADJOURNED SINE DIE THIS MORNING IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT.

HE SAID THAT A REQUEST FOR AN ADJOURNMENT HAD BEEN MADE AS THE OWNERS HAD MADE PROPOSALS FOR MAKING THE BUILDING SAFE AND THESE PROPOSALS WERE NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED.

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

AWARD OF FRANCHISE TO NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS AWARDED THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY AN EIGHT-YEAR EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO OPERATE ITS PRESENT BUS SERVICES IN SOUTH LANTAU.

THE NEW FRANCHISE, WHICH RUNS FROM APRIL 1, 1979 TO MARCH 31, 1987, REPLACES THE FIVE-YEAR NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE WHICH EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 1979.

AT PRESENT, THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY OPERATES FIVE ROUTES ALONG SOUTH LANTAU ROAD, SERVING MUI WO, PUI 0, CHEUNG SHA AND TAI 0 AND ACROSS THE ISLAND TO TUNG CHUNG AND NGONG PING.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE NEW LONG-TERM FRANCHISE WILL GIVE THE COMPANY OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST AND EXPAND TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES ON LANTAU.

HE SAID THAT SINCE 1973, WHEN THE COMPANY BEGAN OPERATING, THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY IMPROVEMENT IN THE OPERATION OF BUS SERVICES ON THE ISLAND AND THAT THE COMPANY IS ALSO CONTINUING TO EXPAND THE PROVISION OF BACK-UP MAINTENANCE FACILITIES FOR THESE SERVICES.

THE NUMBER OF BUSES WILL ALSO BE INCREASED.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE NATURE OF BUS OPERATIONS ON LANTAU PRESENTED SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES WHICH WERE PARTLY GEOGRAPHICAL, RELATED TO THE DIFFICULT TERRAIN AND NARROW WINDING ROADS, BUT WHICH WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES FOR RECREATIONAL TRAFFIC DURING FINE WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WAS VERY MUCH HIGHER THAN FOR WEEK-DAY SERVICES.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THE COMPANY WOULD BE INTRODUCING DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES SHORTLY TO SERVE THE MAIN ROUTE ALONG SOUTH LANTAU ROAD TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY. AT THE SAME TIME, ONE-MAN BUS OPERATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY.

------o------- \

I ) ....

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1979

SEMINAR ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORM III LEAVERS * * * * *

MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS AT THE 13TH ANNUAL SEMINAR OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS ON WEDNESDAY.

THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR IS +FORM III LEAVER.*

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED ARE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE CADET SCHOOL, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE, AND ANXIETIES OF THE FORM I I I LEAVER AND WHAT THE MASTERS CAN DO.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 150 PRINCIPALS AND CAREERS TEACHERS WILL ATTEND THIS SEMINAR.

NOTE TO ED I TORSj

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 13TH ANNUAL SEMINAR OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AT 9 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY.

THE VENUE IS THE HANG SENG BANK AUDITORIUM, HANG SENG BANK BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, HONG KONG.

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TEMPORARY REGISTRATION OFFICE ON LAMMA ISLAND *****

A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL SET UP A TEMPORARY OFFICE IN THE NORTH LAMMA ISLAND COMMITTEE PREMISES NEXT WEEK FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.

THE OFFICE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON APRIL 10 AND 11.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE TODAY (MONDAY) URGED RESIDENTS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS. THOSE ALREADY HOLDING A JUVENILE I.D. CARD SHOULD REGISTER FOR ADULT CARDS AT THE AGE OF 18.

CHANGES OF PARTICULARS, SUCH AS EMPLOYMENT, ADDRESS AND MARITAL STATUS, SHOULD ALSO BE REPORTED TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1979

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MAN MING LANE AND ARTHUR STREET *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT MAN MING LANE IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, WILL BE CLOSED AT ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH ARTHUR STREET, AND ARTHUR STREET WILL BE CLOSED AT ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH MAN MING LANE FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS IN THE AREAS.

THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE CLOSURESi-

(A) ARTHUR STREET

* THE SECTION BETWEEN HI LUNG LANE AND MAN MING LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY FOR TRAFFIC GAINING ACCESS TO THE AREA ONLY-

* THE SECTION BETWEEN HI LUNG LANE AND WING SING LANE WILL REMAIN ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

(B) PORTLAND STREET

* THERE WILL BE NO THROUGH ROAD FROM PORTLAND STREET TO ARTHUR STREET-

* SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM PORTLAND STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO SHANGHAI STREET VIA MAN MING LANE-

* TRAFFIC WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT FROM TEMPLE STREET INTO MAN MING LANE-

* YUNNAN LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND-

* TRAFFIC WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT FROM SHANGHAI STREET INTO MAN MING LANE-

* THE SECTION OF MAN MING LANE BETWEEN PORTLAND STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN *

TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

$22.8 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED .................. 1

APRIL 30 DEADLINE FOR RATES PAYMENT ............ 1

AUCTION OF +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS .................... 2

SPECIAL CHING MING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ......... 2

PRESS FACILITIES FOR THE ACAN MASS RALLY ........ 4

TSI NG Yl VOLUNTEERS TO GIVE UP HOLIDAY FOR GOOD CAUSE .... 5

TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ................................. 5

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1979

$22.8 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED *****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED A $22.8 MILLION CONTRACT TO DRAGAGES ET TRAVEAUX PUBLICS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BREAKWATER ARM AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT.

IT WAS SIGNED BY MR. HOWARD CHAMBERLAIN, CHIEF ENGINEER CF PWD’S PORT WORKS DIVISION, AND MR. R. BENNETT, MANAGER OF THE COMPANY.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN SAID WORK ON THE BREAKWATER ARM, BORDERING THE WESTERN END OF THE NEW RECLAMATION AT WESTERN DISTRICT, WOULD START LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

ON COMPLETION, HE ADDED, ABOUT 570 METRES OF SEAWALL FRONTAGE WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR CARGO HANDLING ACTIVITIES.

MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF WESTERN RECLAMATION IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN SAID THAT WESTERN RECLAMATION STAGE 1 WOULD, ON COMPLETION, PROVIDE 10 HECTARES OF LAND FOR A CARGO-HANDLING AREA, THE WIDENING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF PART OF THE POK FU LAM - CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST LINK ROAD AND THE REPROVISIONING OF THE KENNEDY TOWN WHOLESALE MARKET.

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APRIL 30 DEADLINE FOR RATES PAYMENT * * * *

RATEPAYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT RATES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1979 MUST BE SETTLED BY 4 P.M. ON APRIL 30.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT WOULD BE IMPOSED ON LATE PAYMENTS. A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MIGHT BE ADDED TO THE AMOUNT, INCLUDING THE INITIAL FIVE PER CENT, IF LATE PAYMENTS WERE STILL NOT PAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.

HE SAID RATEPAYERS SHOULD HAVE, BY NOW, RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SHOULD APPLY FOR A COPY AT THE RATES SECTION CF THE TREASURY, ROOM 203, HANG CHONG BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 5 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

+NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES SHOULD BE PAID BY THE DUE DATE.+ HE ADDED.

TO AVOID QUEUING, RATEPAYERS ARE ADVISED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER BY POST, OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PREMISES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.

HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THERE WILL BE NO REFUND IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED, OR INTENDED TO BE USED, WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).

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TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1979

AUCTION OF +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION 25 +SPECIAL+ CAR NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (APRIL 7) IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL AT 10 A.M.

THE NUMBERS AREt 100, 238, HK 510, HK 878, AA 38, AA 363, AA 8888, AC 30, AK 11, AL 1188, AV 999, BJ 33, BP 595, BV 323, BX 5668, BX 8149, BX 9902, BY 89, BY 138, BY 222, BY 283, BY 603, BY 729, BY 823, BY 888.

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS ARE REQUESTED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSING OF THE AUCTION.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE CAR NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO TO THE LOTTERIES FUND.

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SPECIAL CHING MING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) SPECIAL CHING MING FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON THURSDAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON.

ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE FOLLOWING ROAD CLOSURES AND DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M.:-

* PEEL RISE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC"

* CONSORT RISE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM VICTORIA ROAD TO BISNEY ROAD"

* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND

FROM LIN SHING ROAD TO SHEK 0 ROAD-

* LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM WAN TSUI ROAD TO CAPE COLLINSON ROAD-

* WAN TSUI ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE FROM EAST TO WEST-

* WAH HA STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM LIN SHING ROAD TO CHAI WAN ROAD, AND

* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD MAY HAVE TO EE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.

ON THE SAME DAY, THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED!

/• C’-fB WILL

TUESDAY, APRIL J, 1979

5 -

* CMB WILL OPERATE SPECIAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CENTRAL BUS STATION AND THE CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY (ROUTE NO.57) AND BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN CEMETERY (ROUTE NO. 89) FROM 7 A.M. TO 6 P.M. EVERY SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES"

* THE BUS STOPS OUTSIDE BLOCK 27 WAN TSUI ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL CEMETERY ROUTE NO.89. THE EASTBOUND BUS STOP IN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD OUTSIDE THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE CENTRE WILL BE RESITED EASTWARDS NEAR CHURCH LANE BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 2 P.M., AND

M CMB ROUTE NOS. 80, 82, 83, 84 AND CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE NO.106 WHICH NORMALLY TRAVEL IN AN ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION ON WAN TSUI ROAD TO CHAI WAN WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO RUN ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD. ROUTE NOS. 82 AND 84 WHICH NORMALLY TRAVEL SOUTHBOUND IN WAH HA STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL ALONG WAN TSUI ROAD.

CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO CEMETERIES THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND AND MOTORISTS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO AVOID THESE AREAS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

IN KOWLOON, THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M.*

M WING MING STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC"

M THE GOODS VEHICLES PARKING SPACES IN KING LAM STREET, WING HON STREET AND YU CHAU STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED, AND

# THE BUS STOPS IN FRONT OF NOS. 542-544 CASTLE PEAK ROAD FOR KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTES WILL BE TEMPORARILY RESITED IN FRONT OF NOS. 520-522 CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

THE CAR PARKS IN CHING CHEUNG ROAD NEAR THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 8 A.M. TODAY (TUESDAY) TO 7 P.M. ON THURSDAY.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GOING TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEE KUK STREET AND KING LAM STREET. AS PARKING SPACES THERE ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED, THEY ARE URGED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.

THOSE GOING TO THE HAMMER HILL URN CEMETERY ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, THE PO KING VILLAGE INTERCHANGE AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR AT THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD-HAMMER HILL ROAD JUNCTION.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AND TRAFFIC POLICEMEN WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

------0 ------ /4...................................

TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1979

PRESS FACILITIES FOR THE ACAN MASS RALLY ******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ (ACAN) MASS RALLY TO EE HELD AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM ON FRIDAY STARTING AT 3 P.M.

SIR MURRAY WILL ADDRESS ABOUT 30,000 SCHOOL STUDENTS EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE TWO-HOUR RALLY, WHICH MARKS THE BEGINNING OF YET ANOTHER YEAR’S (1979-80) INCREASED EFFORT IN ANTI-NARCOTICS PUBLICITY AND PREVENTIVE EDUCATION ACTIVITIES.

SIR MURRAY WILL BE MET BY THE CHAIRMAN OF ACAN, SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, WHO WILL INTRODUCE THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE (WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE RALLY ORGANISING COMMITTEE), MR. KARL STUMPF, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. PETER E.l. LEE AND THE RALLY CO-ORDINATOR, MR. DAVID TSANG.

THE RALLY ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL MAKE AVAILABLE THREE MEDIA POSITIONS FOR REPORTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TV NEWS CAMERAMEN (HAND HELD CAMERAS ONLY) AT THE STADIUM.

* PRESS POSITION A WILL BE LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE VIP STAND. REPORTERS AND CAMERAMEN IN THIS POSITION WILL BE ABLE TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL AND CEREMONIES ON THE DAIS.

* PRESS POSITION B WILL BE LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE ARENA IN FRONT OF SECTION 23 OF THE STADIUM. REPORTERS AND CAMERAMEN IN THIS POSITION WILL BE ABLE TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA TO COVER THE MANY PERFORMANCES OF THE RALLY, INCLUDING +TELE-MATCH+ GAMES, BAND PERFORMANCES AND A MOCK-BATTLE DISPLAY.

* PRESS POSITION C WILL BE LOCATED AT THE BACK OF THE VIP STAND. REPORTERS AND CAMERAMEN IN THIS POSITION WILL HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF ALL ACTIVITIES IN THE STADIUM.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE ACAN MASS RALLY SHOULD MEET INFORMATION OFFICERS FROM G.I.S. AND NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT OUTSIDE THE WEST GATE OF THE STADIUM (NEXT TO SECTION 33) NOT LATER THAN 2.45 P.M. ON FRIDAY.

SPECIAL PRESS PASSES TO ENTER THE STADIUM WILL BE REQUIRED. APPLICATION FORMS FOR SPECIAL PRESS PASSES TOGETHER WITH MAPS SHOWING THE PRESS POSITIONS WILL BE BOXED TODAY (TUESDAY) AND ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE DUTY OFFICER, GIS NEWS ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, SIXTH FLOOR, CENTRAL.

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE G.I.S. NEWS ROOM NOT LATER THAN NOON TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY). SPECIAL PRESS PASSES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM ’HE DUTY OFFICER, G.I.S. NEWS ROOM FROM 4 P.M. THE SAME DAY.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1979

TSI NG Yl VOLUNTEERS TO GIVE UP HOLIDAY FOR GOOD CAUSE ******

DESPITE THE WET WEATHER, A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS WILL BE SPREADING THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE TO CHING MING FESTIVAL GRAVE SWEEPERS ON THURSDAY ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND.

THE VOLUNTEERS, FROM THE TSI NG Yl PUBLIC SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, WILL GIVE UP THEIR HOLIDAY TO PUT UP FIRE PREVENTION POSTERS AND ADVISE GRAVE SWEEPERS ON FIRE RISKS.

♦ THE WAY IN WHICH THESE ISLANDERS GIVE UP THEIR HOLIDAY REFLECTS THE GROWING AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF FIRE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

♦ IT IS ALSO GRATIFYING TO SEE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COMING FORWARD TO HELP SPREAD THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE,+ HE SAID.

♦ WHAT THESE VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING IS HIGHLY COMMENDABLE,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE FIRE WATCH TEAM, COMPRISING THREE GROUPS, WILL BE ON DUTY FROM 8.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M. ON THE ISLAND.

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TWO-WAY TRAFFIC * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE UNNAMED ROAD ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH-WESTERN FRONTAGE OF THE PETROL FILLING STATION ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR THE SIX MILESTONE WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHWEST-BOUND TO TWO-WAY FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TAI WO TSUEN INTERCHANGE WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1980.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1979

r CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR RETURNS BY INAUGURAL THROUGH TRAIN .................... 1

S3.6 MILLION PUMPHOUSE CONTRACT SIGNED ......................... 2

CAREERS EDUCATION IMPORTANT IN PREPARING PUPILS FOR ADULT LIFE ........................................................... 2

NEW MARINE POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT PROVES HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN FIGHTING OIL SLICK .............................. 4

REVISED TRAIN SCHEDULES ........................................ 5

WATER CUT....................................................... 6

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1979

GOVERNOR RETURNS BY INAUGURAL THROUGH TRAIN *****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING RETURNED ON THE INAUGURAL EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM GUANGZHOU (CANTON), AND LATER TOLD A LARGE GATHERING THAT + IT WAS A VERY SMOOTH RIDE.+

THERE WERE LAUGHTER WHEN SIR MURRAY ADDED +AND I AM NOT GOING TO SAY WHICH SIDE OF SHUM CHUN WAS SMOOTHER.+

THE EXPRESS TRAIN PULLED INTO THE NO. 6 PLATFORM OF THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 11.26 A.M., CUTTING THROUGH MULTI-COLOURED RIBBONS ACROSS THE TRACK, AND TO LIGHT MUSIC BY THE POLICE BAND.

SIR MURRAY THEN STEPPED DOWN FROM THE TRAIN ONTO THE PLATFORM, ACCOMPANIED BY LADY MACLEHOSE, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, LADY KAN, DR. DAVID WILSON, POLITICAL ADVISER, MRS. WILSON AND SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS.

ON HAND TO MEET SIR MURRAY WERE SIR JACK CATER, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, BRIGADIER D.T. CRABTREE, DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, THE HON. SIR SIDNEY GORDON, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG, W. OSCAR E. MICHELENA, CONSUL-GENERAL OF VENEZUELA WHO IS DOYEN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

SIR MURRAY, IN A SHORT SPEECH TOLD THE GATHERING THAT +WE HAVE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THE LAST 10 DAYS (IN CHINA), AND HAVE MET GREAT KINDNESS AND UNDERSTANDING! NEVERTHELESS IT IS NICE TO BE HOME HERE IN HONG KONG AGA IN.*

♦ I SHOULD LIKE TO MAKE CLEAR THAT THE THROUGH TRAIN IS NOT AN END IN ITSELF BUT A BEGINNING, AND A VERY HAPPY BEGINNING, CF AN IMPROVED RAILWAY SERVICE BETWEEN GUANGZHOU AND HONG KONG,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.

♦ IT HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT FOR 20 YEARS, BUT IT HAS BEEN AGREED NOW. AND THIS IS SYMBOLIC OF THE GOOD RELATIONS, THE GOODWILL, THE PRACTICAL SENSE OF INTER-DEPENDENCE THAT NOW EXISTS AND THAT WE HAVE MET EVERYWHERE DURING THE LAST 10 DAYS,+ HE ADDED.

SIR MURRAY EXTENDED A CORDIAL WELCOME TO MR. WANG HUAN, THE CHAIRMAN OF ECONOMIC COMMISSION OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND THE LEADER OF THE PARTY FROM GUANGDONG, AND MR. YANG CHI-HUA, THE DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGZHOU RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION.

IN CONCLUSION, SIR MURRAY CONGRATULATED MR. YANG AND

D.M. HOWES, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY GENERAL MANAGER, ON THEIR JOINT ACHIEVEMENT AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVED RELATIONS BETWEEN GUANGZHOU AND HONG KONG.

AFTER THE SHORT SPEECH, SIR MURRAY ATTENDED A RECEPTION AT THE STATION TOGETHER WITH THE WELCOMING PARTY, THE CHINESE VISITORS AND INVITED GUESTS.

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AT, APRIL 4, 1979

$3.6 MILLION PUMPHOUSE CONTRACT SIGNED *****

WORK WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK ON TWO UNDERGROUND SALT-WATER PUMPHOUSES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

A CONTRACT FOR THIS PROJECT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED AT THE OFFICE OF THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR. HOWARD CHAMBERLAIN, PWD’S CHIEF ENGINEER, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MR. CHUNG TAT-MAN, FOR TAPMAN AND CO., THE CONTRACTOR.

THE $3.6 MILLION CONTRACT ALSO INVOLVES THE LAYING OF RELATED PIPES BEHIND THE EXISTING SEAWALL AT THE WATERFRONT AREA SOUTH CF THE SALISBURY ROAD EXTENSION. IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN SAID THE PUMPHOUSES WOULD PROVIDE COOLING WATER FOR AIR-CONDITIONING FOR BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN THE AREA.

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CAREERS EDUCATION IMPORTANT IN PREPARING PUPILS FOR ADULT LIFE

******

CAREERS EDUCATION SHOULD AIM NOT ONLY AT THE VERY IMPORTANT BUSINESS OF PREPARING PUPILS TO EARN A LIVING BUT ALSO AIM AT PREPARING THEM TO LIVE AS FULL A LIFE AS THEIR CAPABILITIES ALLOW, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID.

MR. TOPLEY WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAREERS MASTERS ANNUAL SEMINAR IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE HANG SENG BANK ATTENDED BY ABOUT 150 PRINCIPALS AND CAREERS TEACHERS.

THE SEMINAR’S THEME WAS +THE FORM III LEAVER.*

HEADS OF SCHOOLS, MR. TOPLEY SAID, SHOULD REALISE THAT CAREERS EDUCATION WAS AN ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF THE SCHOOL AND THAT THEY SHOULD SEEK EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND TIME IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT FIELD.

TEACHERS TOO SHOULD BE CONSCIOUS OF THIS VERY IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION AND BEING EXPERTS THEY ARE THE BEST PEOPLE TO EXPLAIN TO THEIR PUPILS THE CAREER POTENTIAL THAT EXISTS IN THEIR SUBJECT.

♦ THEY SHOULD FEEL THAT THE TEACHING OF THEIR SUBJECTS DOES NOT HAVE ITS NATURAL END OR DEATH FOR A PUPIL AFTER HE HAS TAKEN HIS LAST EXAMINATIONS IN THE SUBJECT.

♦ THE CAREERS TEACHER HAS, OF COURSE, A DEFINITE AND SPECIFIC ROLE IN CAREERS EDUCATION BUT FOR HIM TO FUNCTION SUCCESSFULLY HE NEEDS THE UNGRUDGING ASSISTANCE OF OTHER MEMBERS OF STAFF.

♦ IN A WORD, CAREERS EDUCATION —LIKE SOCIAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH EDUCATION — SHOULD BE A TOTAL SCHOOL EFFORT,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.

/awng the

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 197^

AMONG THE SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WAS MR. DAN WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) WHO SPOKE ON TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR FORM III LEAVERS.

WHEN THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL IN MARCH, 1980. MR. WATERS SAID, ABOUT 12,700 PLACES WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN ALL THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ON FIRST YEAR COURSES AT POST FORM I I I LEVEL.

♦BY 1984, WHEN THE SIXTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IS PLANNED TO OPEN AT TUEN MUN, THIS NUMBER WILL HAVE INCREASED TO 15,000,♦ HE ADDED.

THE MAIN AREAS OF STUDY FOR FORM III LEAVERS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL, MARINE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, CLOTHING, TEXTILES, PRINTING, HOTEL-KEEPING, TOURISM AND COMMERCE.

♦WITH THE OPENING OF THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, THERE WILL ALSO~BE COURSES IN AERO-NAUTICAL ENGINEERING, DESIGN, HOROLOGY AND OPTICS,♦ MR. WATERS SAID.

FORM III LEAVERS CAN EITHER TAKE UP FULL-TIME STUDY AT THE INSTITUTES, OR THEY CAN ATTEND SANDWICH COURSES, BLOCK RELEASE COURSES, PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES, EVENING COURSES OR SHORT COURSES.

MR. WATERS SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS ON PART-TIME DAY RELEASE COURSES WHERE A STUDENT COULD RELATE WHAT HE WAS LEARNING IN AN INSTITUTE TO THAT WHICH HE WAS LEARNING ON-THE-JOB IN INDUSTRY.

ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE OPEN TO FORM III LEAVERS WAS TO ATTEND RETRIEVAL COURSES IN THE EVENINGS AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHERE THEY COULD ATTAIN FORM V LEVEL IN CERTAIN SUBJECTS AND THEN ENTER A TECHNICIAN COURSE IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.

MR. WATERS NOTED THAT IN 1977-78, ABOUT 13 PER CENT OF THE STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WERE FEMALE, AND THAT THIS FIGURE HAS RISEN TO ABOUT 20 PER CENT IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR.

HE ENCOURAGED MORE GIRLS TO ENTER ALL COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, AND CALLED ON CAREERS MASTERS AND MISTRESSES TO PERSUADE FEMALE STUDENTS TO ENROL IN THESE COURSES.

THERE ARE PLANS TO INTEGRATE FORM III LEAVERS WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE CAPABLE OF PURSUING A REGULAR COURSE INTO A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SO THAT THIS WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD THEM TO CRAFTSMEN OR TECHNICIAN STATUS, MR. WATERS SAID.

♦THE LEE WAI LEE INSTITUTE, FOR EXAMPLE, IS BEING BUILT WITH THE ENROLMENT OF SUCH DISABLED STUDENTS IN MIND.+ HE SAID.

SKILLED OR SEMI-SKILLED TRAINING IN SPECIAL TRAINING CENTRES IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR THOSE DISABLED FORM III LEAVERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO JOIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

♦A NEW SECTION DEALING WITH TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE HANDICAPPED HAS RECENTLY BEEN SET UP WITHIN THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,+ MR. WATERS SAID.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1979

NEW MARINE POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT PROVES HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN FIGHTING OIL SLICK *****

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S NEW POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DURING THE RAIN SQUALL ON MONDAY MORNING THEY WERE FACED WITH QUITE A +SLICKY PROBLEM* WHEN 150 TONS OF HEAVY OIL SLUDGE ESCAPED FROM A SINKING BARGE — THE CHEUNG SHENG NO.l.

♦ IT COULD HAVE POLLUTED 500,□□□ SQUARE FEET OF SEA BETWEEN GREEN ISLAND AND KAU Yl CHAU,+ HE POINTED OUT.

HOWEVER, ALL THIS WAS PREVENTED.

ON HEARING THAT THE OIL BARGE WAS SINKING POLLUTION CONTROL STAFF SPED TO THE SCENE AND MANAGED TO CHEMICALLY DISPERSE MOST OF THE OIL.

OPERATION CLEAN-UP HAD TO BE HALTED AT NIGHTFALL.

OVERNIGHT, DUE TO STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS AND TIDE, THE REMAINING SLICK DRIFTED INTO LUK CHAU WAN (ST. GEORGE’S BAY) AND POLLUTED THE SHORELINE.

BECAUSE THE BAY WAS SHALLOW, DEEP DRAUGHTED CRAFT COULD NOT BE USED.

♦ SO, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE IT WAS COMMISSIONED LATE LAST YEAR, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S PURPOSE-BUILT, SHALLOW-DRAUGHT, INSHORE POLLUTION CONTROL VESSEL WAS DEPLOYED.

♦ USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN OIL SKIMMER WHICH IS PART OF ITS EQUIPMENT, THIS HIGH-SPEED CRAFT MECHANICALLY RECOVERED 220 GALLONS OF HEAVY OIL, THEREBY SUCCESSFULLY AND RAPIDLY PREVENTING FURTHER HEAVY POLLUTION OF THE SHORELINE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OPERATION IS CONTINUING AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ANOTHER FEW DAYS TO COMPLETE AND THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT +THERE IS NOW NO FURTHER MAJOR THREAT TO THE ENVIRONMENT.♦

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1979

REVISED TRAIN SCHEDULES *****

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IN VIEW OF THROUGH PASSENGER TRAINS RE-OPERATING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND CANTON, THE TIMETABLES OF THE REGULAR TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE AMENDED WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 9).

THE REVISED TIMETABLES AREt

ON WEEKDAYS, TRAINS LEAVING FROM KOWLpON STATION WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED AT 5.34 A.M., 6.21 A.M., 7.18 A.M., 7.47 A.M., 8.18 A.M., 9.03 A.M., 10.04 A.M., 10.24 A.M., 11.08 A.M., 12.05 P.M., 1.14 P.M., 2 P.M., 3.07 P.M., 4 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.30 P.M., 6 P.M, 6.28 P.M., 6.55 P.M., 7.51 P.M., 9.12 P.M., 10.30 P.M., (EXCEPT SATURDAYS) AND 11 P.M. (SATURDAYS ONLY).

TRAINS WILL LEAVE LO WU STATION AT 5.47 A.M., 6.14 A.M., 6.44 A.M., 7.12 A.M., 7.52 A.M., 9.05 A.M., 9.48 A.M., 10.31 A.M. (EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM CANTON TO KOWLOON), 10.57 A.M., 11.52 A.M., 12.32 P.M., 1.29 P.M., 2.45 P.M., 3.31 P.M., 4.31 P.M., 5.26 P.M., 6.23 P.M., 7.15 P.M., 7.46 P.M., 8.12 P.M., AND 9.04 P.M.

ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 6.25 A.M., 7.26 A.M., 8.28 A.M., 9.26 A.M., 9.48 A.M., 10.11 A.M., 10.47 A.M., 11.12 A.M., 12.05 P.M., 12.34 P.M., 1.13 P.M., 2 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.19 P.M., 4.13 P.M., 4.40 P.M., 5.23 P.M., 6.07 P.M., 7.24 P.M., 8.35 P.M., 9.42 P.M. AND 11 P.M.

THE DEPARTURE TIMES FROM LO WU STATION WILL BE REVISED AT 6.14 A.M., 7.06 A.M., 8.13 A.M., 8.52 A.M., 9.50 A.M., 10.31 A.M. (EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM CANTON TO KOWLOON), 11.05 A.M., 11.59 A.M., 12.35 P.M., 1.29 P.M., 2.58 P.M., 3.44 P.M., 5.05 P.M., 6.16 P.M., 6.51 P.M., 8.12 P.M., AND 9.28 P.M.

FOR THE EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN RUNNING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND CANTON, THERE WILL BE ONE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAILY AT KOWLOON STATION AT 11.26 A.M. AND 1 P.M. RESPECTIVELY.

THE REVISED TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1979

WATER CUT * * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON FRIDAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE AREA IN THE MID-LEVELS BOUNDED BY MACDONNELL ROAD, BOWEN ROAD, 15-19 GARDEN ROAD, 44 KENNEDY ROAD AND ALBANY ROAD QUARTERS WILL BE WITHOUT WATER SUPPLY FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M.

MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN CONDUIT ROAD WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 A.M. ON FRIDAY TO 5 P.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.

IN KOWLOON, THE PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, PEKING ROAD, CANTON ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FROM 1 A.M. TO 6 A.M. ON FRIDAY.

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED ON FRIDAY FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 A.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 9), FOR REPAIRING THE PUMPING MAIN AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CHUNG HAU STREET, FAT KWONG STREET, SHEUNG LOK STREET, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEUNG HONG STREET, SHEK KU STREET, GULLANE ROAD, ARGYLE STREET AND EAST OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY INCLUDING HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD, THE WHOLE OF 01 MAN ESTATE, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE AND HO MAN TIN ESTATE.

THERE WILL BE NO WATER ON SATURDAY TO PREMISES BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, PEKING ROAD, CANTON ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD, INCLUDING HANKOW ROAD, MIDDLE ROAD, ASHLEY ROAD, THE STAR FERRY PIER AND NEW WORLD HOTEL, FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REVISED SYSTEM OF ISSUING OCCUPATION PERMITS UNDER CLOSE STUDY............................................... 1

ADULT EDUCATION WORKERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ............... 2

AIRPORT BAGGAGE CHECK — A JOB DEMANDING IMAGINATION, OBSERVATION .............................................. 3

VTS STUDENTS WILL NOT LOSE SCHOOL IDENTITY ............... 5

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CASHING SOCIAL SECURITY COUPONS BEFORE EASTER HOLIDAYS .......................................... 5

MAXICAB ROUTES 10 AND 11 REVISED ......................... 6

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS .............................. 7

PROHIBITED ZONES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES .................. 7

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN MU I WO ON LANTAU ISLAND .......... 8

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

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

REVISED SYSTEM OF ISSUING OCCUPATION PERMITS UNDER CLOSE STUDY ******

A REVISED SYSTEM OF ISSUING OCCUPATION PERMITS FOR NEW BUILDINGS IS UNDER CLOSE STUDY BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.

PROPOSALS FOR THE NEW SYSTEM HAVE BEEN FORMULATED AND AGREED IN PRINCIPLE.

♦THE PWD AND OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES ARE NOW WORKING OUT THE DETAILS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW PROPOSALS,* A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE STUDY BEGAN IN JANUARY LAST YEAR AND INVOLVED THE PWD AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S CORRUPTION PREVENTION DEPARTMENT.

A PWD SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED AT THAT TIME THAT IT WAS HOPED THE EXAMINATION WOULD FIND WAYS OF IMPROVING THE PROCESS OF ISSUING OCCUPATION PERMITS, AND ALSO DETERMINE WHETHER THE EXISTING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO CORRUPTION.

♦THE STUDY IS NOW NEARING COMPLETION AND PROPOSALS FOR A NEW SYSTEM HAVE BEEN FORMULATED AND AGREED IN PRINCIPLE,* HE SAID.

AS PART OF THE STUDY, QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT TO ALL AUTHORISED PERSONS SEEKING INFORMATION. THE RESPONSE WAS POSITIVE AND HELPFUL.

STATISTICAL INFORMATION WAS ALSO EXTRACTED FROM MORE THAN 500 CASE FILES IN THE PWD’S BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE VARIOUS TYPES OF INFORMATION HELPED CONSIDERABLY IN IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AREAS IN THE EXISTING SYSTEM FROM BOTH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT’S POINT OF VIEW.

THE NEW SYSTEM BASICALLY IS CENTRED ON THE AUTHORISED PERSON, THE CO-ORDINATOR OF A BUILDING PROJECT.

ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, AUTHORISED PERSONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED WOULD BE MORE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS, AND THEIR ACTIONS, AND THERE WOULD BE LESS LIKELIHOOD OF COMPLAINTS OF DELAY.

HE SAID: +KEY ELEMENTS OF CORRUPTION PREVENTION WILL BE BUILT INTO THE SYSTEM. AFTER A COMPLETED BUILDING HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY THE B.O.O., THE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE FOR A FIXED PERIOD OF TIME BETWEEN APPLICATION FOR AN OCCUPATION PERMIT AND ITS ISSUE.

♦THIS FACTOR HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN DISCUSSION WITH AUTHORISED PERSONS AS BEING INVALUABLE TO DEVELOPERS IN THEIR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS.*

THE PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WIT'-OUT THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE PWD, THE I.C.A.C. AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE STUDY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979

- 2 -

ADULT EDUCATION WORKERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS

******

MORE THAN 1,800 PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED AT AN ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON ADULT EDUCATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

THE THEME OF THE 24TH ANNUAL ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE IS *THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WHITE PAPER PROPOSALS ON ADULT EDUCATION,* AND THE EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

DESIGNED SPECIALLY FOR TEACHING STAFF AND FIELD WORKERS OF VARIOUS COURSES RUN BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, THE SEMINAR PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO KEEP UP WITH MODERN DEVELOPMENTS, TO UPDATE SPECIALISED SKILLS, TO EXCHANGE VIEWS, DISCUSS PROBLEMS AND SHARE EXPERIENCES IN. THE FIELD OF ADULT EDUCATION.

THE OPENING CEREMONY AND PLENARY SESSION WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL, AND ABOUT 1,200 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.

MR. E.P. HO, SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, WILL DELIVER THE OPENING ADDRESS, AND MR. A.J. REEVE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER EDUCATION), WILL TAKE THE CHAIR AND GIVE THE WELCOMING SPEECH.

DURING THE CEREMONY, MR. REEVE WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION AND SOUVENIRS TO PART-TIME STAFF OF THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION WITH OVER 10 OR 20 YEARS’ SERVICE.

A PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE MAIN THEME WILL BE HELD AFTER THE CEREMONY, AND IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR. TANG CHUN-SING, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (ADULT EDUCATION).

PANELISTS WILL INCLUDE DR. DANIEL TSE, PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE AND DR. HO KAM-FAI, SENIOR LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

, IN THE AFTERNOON A NUMBER OF COURSE SEMINARS WILL BE CONDUCTED AT VARIOUS CENTRES, AND WILL INCLUDE SUCH TOPICS AS TRADITIONAL CHINESE EDUCATION FOR LEISURE, THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS’ COURSES IN ADULT EDUCATION, THE FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO LANGUAGE TEACHING AND THE USE OF TEACHING MATERIALS IN PRACTICAL CLASSES.

ON SUNDAY ABOUT 600 PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED AT THE COURSE SEMINAR OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES TO BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.

MR. DARWIN CHEN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES (CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION) WILL GIVE A PLENARY LECTURE ON ■•CULTURAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.+

/a panel .....

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979 ■

A PANEL DISCUSSION WILL FOLLOW ON +THE EXTENSION OF CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES.*

THE PANEL DISCUSSION WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR. CHAN CHUEN-AH, ADULT EDUCATION OFFICER. PANELISTS WILL INCLUDE MRS. CHAN WONG YAU-CHUK, MR. LAI SHIK-HANG, MR. WU YIN-LUNG AND MR. HO WAH-HUEN, ORGANISERS OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES.

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED IN THE AFTERNOON

FOR THE PARTICIPANTS WHO INCLUDE MEMBERS, FIELD WORKERS AND VOLUNTARY HELPERS OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES.

THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NOW OPERATES 10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF COURSES IN 145 CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, AND HAS MORE THAN 50,000 STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES.

NOTE TO EDITORS;

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 24TH ANNUAL ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON SATURDAY AT 10 A.M. IN THE CONCERT HALL OF CITY HALL.

0 - -

AIRPORT BAGGAGE CHECK — A JOB DEMANDING IMAGINATION, OBSERVATION

BAGGAGE INSPECTION AT THE AIRPORT CUSTOMS COUNTERS -- A JOB THAT APPEARS TO BE SIMPLE AND TEDIOUS — DEMANDS GREAT IMAGINATION AND CAREFUL OBSERVATION.

ACCORDING TO SUPERINTENDENT H.L. KWONG, WHO HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE SINCE 1975: *IT IS HERE AT THE AIRPORT THAT THE MOST SOPHISTICATED DEVICES EMPLOYED FOR SMUGGLING NARCOTICS HAVE BEEN SEIZED.*

+BESIDES USING THE OLD METHOD OF TAPING DRUGS TO THE BODY OR HIDING THEM IN SUITCASES WITH FALSE BOTTOMS, DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAVE CONCEALED THEM INSIDE HOLLOW PUMPKINS, FRUIT TINS, SHOES AND BETWEEN THE CORRUGATED WALLS OF CARDBOARD BOXES.*

MR. KWONG SAID THAT AN INGENIOUS METHOD WAS DISCOVERED LAST YEAR WHEN TWO DAMP TOWELS IMPREGNATED WITH HEROIN WERE FOUND IN THE LUGGAGE OF TWO THAI COUPLES TRAVELLING ON THE SAME FLIGHT FROM BANGKOK.

+IN FACT, OUR WORK IS A CONTINUING BATTLE OF WITS AGAINST SMUGGLERS,* MR. KWONG SAID.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979

WITH THE VAST MOVEMENTS OF PASSENGERS TO AND FROM HONG KONG THROUGH THE AIRPORT -- THE CURRENT DAILY AVERAGE IS OVER 14,500 — IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEARCH EVERY PASSENGER THOROUGHLY.

+A CUSTOMS OFFICER THEREFORE MUST KEEP HIMSELF FULLY ALERT TO EVERY SMALL AND UNUSUAL POINT THAT PASSES UNDER HIS NOSE.

+ IN THE CASE OF THE HOLLOW PUMPKIN, THE INSPECTING OFFICER BECAME SUSPICIOUS WHEN HE PICKED IT UP -- THE PUMPKIN UNEXPECTEDLY WEIGHED VERY LITTLE.+

MR. KWONG EXPLAINED THAT, FOLLOWING CAREFUL INSPECTION, A LAYER OF WAX WAS FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PUMPKIN AND UNDERNEATH WERE CUTS AND SCRATCHES.

THE IMPREGNATED TOWEL TRICK WAS DISCOVERED WHEN A CUSTOMS OFFICER RUBBED ONE OF THE TOWELS AND SAW WHITE POWDER FALL OFF.

MR. KWONG SAID THE BEHAVIOUR OF A PASSENGER WAS ALWAYS AN IMPORTANT CLUE. IN SOME CASES, A CASUAL APPROACH TO THE DRUG COURIER WOULD MAKE HIM NERVOUS AND BETRAY HIM.

IF A PASSENGER WAS SUSPECTED OF CONCEALING DRUGS ON HIS BODY, HE WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO A PRIVATE ROOM AT THE CUSTOMS HALL FOR A BODY SEARCH.

THE TWO BODY-SEARCH TEAMS, CONSISTING OF TWO MALE AND TWO FEMALE OFFICERS, CONDUCTS ABOUT 1,500 SEARCHES A MONTH.

+IN ORDER TO CONFUSE ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, DRUG EXPORTED FROM SUSPECT PORTS TO HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS HAD BEEN ROUTED VIA OTHER PLACES NOT PREVIOUSLY KNOWN TO BE SOURCE COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.

TWO RETURNING RESIDENTS WERE ARRESTED AT THE AIRPORT ON THEIR RETURN FROM BANGKOK VIA TAIWAN AND SEOUL LAST MAY WITH DRUGS IN THEIR LUGGAGE.

ON ILLICIT EXPORT OF DRUGS FROM HONG KONG, MR. KWONG SAID THE QUANTITY OF OPIATE DRUGS LEAVING HONG KONG HAD REMAINED MINIMAL IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

+EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION, COUPLED WITH A DRAMATIC RISE IN THE PRICES OF DRUGS, HAVE DISCOURAGED OVERSEAS TRAFFICKERS FROM SEEKING SUPPLIES IN HONG KONG.*

+ IT IS NOW GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY OTHER COUNTRIES THAT HONG KONG IS NO LONGER A MAJOR DRUG EXPORTING COUNTRY,* HE SAID.

DURING 1978, THE AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE MADE 49 DRUG SEIZURES AND ARRESTED 44 PEOPLE.

THE 124 KILOGRAMS OF DRUGS SEIZED INCLUDED PREPARED OPIUM (58.87 KG), RAW OPIUM (16.6 KG), HEROIN (28.5 KG) MORPHINE (19.26 KG), CANNABIS (0.11 KG) AND METHYL AMPHETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (1 KG). THE RETAIL VALUE OF THE DRUGS AMOUNTED TO ABOUT S14 MILLION.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979

VTS STUDENTS WILL NOT LOSE SCHOOL IDENTITY ******

STUDENTS OF THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL WILL NOT LOSE THEIR SCHOOL IDENTITY WHEN THEY MOVE TO NEARBY NEW PREMISES AT MORRISON HILL IN SEPTEMBER.

AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WELL-KNOWN LOCAL PHILANTHROPIST, SIR SHIU-KIN TANG, WHO DONATED $4 MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING HAS GENEROUSLY AGREED TO THE SCHOOL BEING NAMED TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

+THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO AGREED TO HAVING THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL PLAQUE REMOVED FROM THE EXISTING SCHOOL AND ERECTED NEXT TO THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW BUILDING,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FURTHER, STUDENTS WILL CONTINUE TO RETAIN THEIR SCHOOL BADGE AND UNIFORM.

STUDENTS OF THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL HAD APPROACHED THE DEPARTMENT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS EXPRESSING CONCERN OVER THE CHANGE OF THEIR SCHOOL NAME WHEN THEY MOVE TO THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.

AS A RESULT THE DEPARTMENT APPROACHED SIR SHIU-KIN WHO GAVE EVERY SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION TO THEIR REQUEST AND GENEROUSLY AGREED TO THE NEW NAME WHICH THE VTS STUDENT ASSOCIATION HAS ACCEPTED.

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ARRANGEMENTS FOR CASHING SOCIAL SECURITY COUPONS BEFORE EASTER HOLIDAYS

* * * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE ADVANCED PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DUE TO CASH THEIR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND WELFARE ALLOWANCES COUPONS DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, THOSE WHO WERE DUE TO CASH THEIR COUPONS ON APRIL 13, 14, 15 AND 16 COULD DO SO EARLIER — ON APRIL 9, 10, 11 AND 12 RESPECTIVELY.

♦THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THEIR OWN PAYMENT DATES SO THAT THEY CAN GET THEIR CASH GRANTS BEFORE THE EASTER HOLIDAYS,* HE SAID.

ARRANGEMENTS, HE SAID, HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE POST OFFICES, TREASURY OFFICES AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979

MAXICAB ROUTES 10 AND 11 REVISED ******

MAXICAB ROUTES 10 AND 11 WILL BE REVISED FROM SUNDAY (APRIL 8).

ROUTE NUMBER 10 WILL OPERATE FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO SCENIC VILLAS AND SANDY BAY BY WAY OF JAFFE ROAD, CANNON STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET, LOCKHART ROAD, FLEMING ROAD, WAN CHAI FERRY ROAD, ARSENAL STREET, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, GARDEN ROAD, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, ICE HOUSE STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, D’AGUILAR STREET, WELLINGTON STREET, LYNDHURST TERRACE, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, ARBUTHNOT ROAD, CAINE ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD, BISNEY ROAD, VICTORIA ROAD, SCENIC VILLAS DRIVE, VICTORIA ROAD AND SANDY BAY ROAD.

THE ROUTE FROM SANDY BAY TO CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE VIA VICTORIA ROAD, CONSORT RISE, BISNEY ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, CAINE ROAD, OLD BAILEY STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, WYNDHAM STREET, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, GARDEN ROAD, QUEENSWAY, ARSENAL STREET, LOCKHART ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET AND JAFFE ROAD.

SEVEN MAXICABS WILL SERVICE THIS ROUTE FROM 6.30 A.M. TO 7.15 P.M. ON PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 12 MINUTES AND OFF-PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 15 MINUTES.

ROUTE NUMBER 11 WILL OPERATE FROM ABERDEEN TO CAUSEWAY BAY (CANNON STREET), VIA TUNG SING ROAD, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, VICTORIA ROAD, BISNEY ROAD, CONSORT RISE, BISNEY ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, CAINE ROAD, OLD BAILEY STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, WYNDHAM STREET, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, GARDEN ROAD, QUEENSWAY, ARSENAL STREET, LOCKHART ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET, JAFFE ROAD AND CANNON STREET.

THE ROUTE FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO ABERDEEN WILL BE VIA GLOUCESTER ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET, LOCKHART ROAD, ARSENAL STREET, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, GARDEN ROAD, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, ICE HOUSE STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, D’AGUILAR STREET, WELLINGTON STREET, LYNDHURST TERRACE, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, ARBUTHNOT ROAD, CAINE ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD, BISNEY ROAD, VICTORIA ROAD, SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND TSUNG MAN STREET.

SEVEN MAXICABS WILL SERVICE THIS ROUTE FROM 6.40 A.M. TO 11.10 P.M. ON A 15-MINUTE BASIC FREQUENCY.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 9), THE SECTION OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD BETWEEN CONTAINER TERMINAL FLYOVER AND LAI KING FLYOVER AND THE SECTION OF KWAI FUK ROAD BETWEEN LAI KING FLYOVER AND TEXACO ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED ZONES TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY.

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THESE ZONES.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - 0 -

PROHIBITED ZONES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING STREETS AND ROADS FROM NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AT 10 A.M.:

* OLD BAILEY STREET,

* ARBUTHNOT ROAD,

* LOWER ALBERT ROAD,

* THE SECTION OF UPPER ALBERT ROAD BETWEEN GARDEN ROAD AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD,

* THE SECTION OF WESTBOUND LANE ON UPPER ALBERT ROAD BETWEEN ALBANY ROAD AND ARBUTHNOT ROAD, AND

* THE SECTION OF JAFFE ROAD EAST OF PERCIVAL STREET.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED ZONES.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND ******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL EE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF THE NEW ROAD TO THE NORTH OF THE TEMPORARY CAR PARK LEADING TO THE TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS OPPOSITE THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK IN MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND, FROM NEXT THURSDAY (APRIL 12) AT 8 A.M. UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE ENGINEERING WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MUI WO DEVELOPMENT.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED ZONE.

- - 0 - -

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE STOPPED FCR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON SATURDAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, PEKING ROAD, CANTON ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD, INCLUDING HANKOW ROAD, MIDDLE ROAD, ASHLEY ROAD, STAR FERRY PIER AND NEW WORLD HOTEL.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRI T'AY, APRIL 1 070

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

BILLS TO ENABLE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO VARY LI OU In|TY

RATIOS FOR MONETARY POLICY PURPOSES ..................... 1

HK DOLLAR BALANCES BILL ................................. 9

CONTRACT FOR DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL SIGNE1'............ ?

DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES BANNED FROM POSTAL SERVICE ......... A

LADY MACLEHOSE TO SEE CLASSES IN SESSION ................ A

VIOLET PEEL METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE EXTENT'S OPERATING HOURS ......................................... *

SWD OFFICER TO RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL AWARf'...............

SNT PRAISES NT LIFE GUARDS ...............................6

TWO HIGHWAY PROJECTS RE-GAZETTED ........................ *

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1979

BILLS TO ENABLE FINANCIAL SECRETARY

TO VARY LIQUIDITY RATIOS FOR MONETARY POLICY PURPOSES ******

A BILL DESIGNED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY. FOR MONETARY POLICY PURPOSES, VARY THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS WHICH BANKS IN HONG KONG MUST OBSERVE IN RESPECT OF THE DEPOSITS THEY HOLD FROM THE NON-BANK PUBLIC IS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE --------------------------- ---- SECOND BILL GIVING HIM IDENTICAL

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOGETHER WITH A POWERS IN RESPECT OF THE LIQUIDITY COMPANIES.

RATIOS APPLIED TO DEPOSIT-TAKING

THE TWO BILLS ARE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE THE SECOND READINGS OF BOTH BILLS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE BASIC LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR HONG KONG BANKS WAS SET AT 25 PER CENT BY THE BANKING ORDINANCE OF 1964.

IN 1975 THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS (UNDER THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1975) GIVEN THE POWER TO RAISE THE RATIO, BUT AT THAT TIME THERE WAS NO INTENTION OF DOING SO IN PURSUIT OF MONETARY POLICYi THE 1975 AMENDMENT WAS PUT FORWARD IN THE CONTEXT OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF INDIVIDUAL BANKS.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL IS DESIGNED TO GIVE TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AN IDENTICAL POWER TO ALTER, FOR MONETARY POLICY PURPOSES, THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS APPLIED TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

HOWEVER, THE MINIMUM RATIOS HAVE NOT YET BEEN SET FOR THESE COMPANIES, BECAUSE SECTION 24(A) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE, DEALING WITH LIQUIDITY RATIOS, HAS NOT YET COME INTO FORCE. THAT WILL HAPPEN LATER THIS YEAR, WHEN THE MINIMUM RATIOS WILL BE SPECIFIED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

AS SOON AS THOSE RATIOS ARE FIRST SPECIFIED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL (UNDER THE BILL PUBLISHED TODAY) BE ABLE TO ALTER THEM FOR MONETARY POLICY PURPOSES.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH ON FEBRUARY 2S THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID (PARAGRAPH 260) THAT AN INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS MIGHT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE PURPOSES OF MONETARY POLICY.

+THESE BILLS ARE THEREFORE DESIGNED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT, IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARISE, THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS COULD BE RAISED IN PURSUIT OF MONETARY POL ICY,+ HE SAID.

♦THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE NOT YET ARISEN, AND IT IS HOPED THEY WILL NOT ARISE. CERTAINLY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DOES NOT INTEND TO MAKE USE OF THESE POWERS AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE. THEY ARE POWERS TO BE KEPT IN RESERVE,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

0--------

/2......

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1979

HK DOLLAR BALANCES BILL

* * *

A BILL TO LIMIT THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT’S HONG KONG DOLLAR BALANCES CAN FORM A BASE FOR THE CREATION OF CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IMPLEMENTS A PROPOSAL PUT FORWARD BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL PROVIDES THAT BALANCES HELD BY THE EXCHANGE FUND WITH A BANK IN HONG KONG PAYABLE ON DEMAND, AT CALL OR AT SHORT NOTICE (IN EFFECT, ALL BALANCES OTHER THAN TIME DEPOSITS) SHALL BE TREATED AS IF THEY WERE BALANCES FROM ANOTHER BANK.

HE ADDED THAT THE EFFECT, UNDER THE LIQUIDITY PROVISIONS OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE, IS TO REQUIRE THE BANKS WITH WHOM THE BALANCES ARE HELD TO MATCH THEM AS TO 100 PER CENT WITH SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS, WHICH DO NOT INCLUDE LOANS AND ADVANCES TO THE PUBLIC.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE LAW AS IT NOW STANDS, EXCHANGE FUND BALANCES PAYABLE ON DEMAND, AT CALL AND AT SHORT NOTICE HAVE TO BE MATCHED BY THE BANKS ONLY AS TO A MINIMUM OF 25 PER CENT WITH SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS- UP TO 75 PER CENT MAY BE LENT OUT TO THE NON-BANK PUBLIC.

THE STATUS OF EXCHANGE FUND BALANCES PLACED ON TIME DEPOSIT WITH BANKS IN HONG KONG WILL NOT BE CHANGED BY THIS BILL: THOSE BALANCES WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM 25 PER CENT LIQUID ASSETS REQUIREMENT.

BASED ON THE PRESENT MATURITY PATTERN OF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, THIS BILL IS NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE AN IMMEDIATE MARKED IMPACT ON THE BANKS HOLDING THOSE DEPOSITS.

BUT IT WILL ALWAYS BE OPEN TO THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE IMPACT OF THIS AMENDMENT BY CONVERTING PART OF THE FUND’S TIME DEPOSITS (WITH A 25 PER CENT MINIMUM LIQUID ASSETS REQUIREMENT) TO CALL OR SHORT NOTICE DEPOSITS (AND SO SUBJECT TO THE 100 PER CENT LIQUID ASSETS REQUIREMENT).

THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL IS IN NO WAY AN ATTACK ON THE LENDING BEHAVIOUR OF THE BANKS HOLDING THE EXCHANGE FUND DEPOSITS.

RATHER, IT STEMS FROM A REALISATION THAT, UNDER A FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE REGIME, THERE ARE LIKELY TO BE PERIODS WHEN THE GOVERNMENT’S HONG KONG DOLLAR BALANCES (AND, MORE ESPECIALLY, ADDITIONS TO THOSE BALANCES) CANNOT EASILY BE REMOVED FROM THE HONG KONG BANKING SYSTEM BY CONVERTING THEM INTO FOREIGN CURRENCIES.

THE-GOVERNMENT HAS, THEREFORE, AN OBLIGATION TO LIMIT THE CONTRIBUTION THAT THESE BALANCES CAN MAKE TO THE GROWTH OF LOANS AND ADVANCES BY THE BANKING SYSTEM AS A WHOLE.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1979

CONTRACT FOR DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL SIGNED ******

THE NEW HONG KONG DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL TOOK A MAJOR STEP FORWARD TODAY (FRIDAY) WITH THE SIGNING OF A $97 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAIN BUILDING.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN MR. TAM CHE-CHEUNG, ACTING CHIEF ARCHITECT OF PWD’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, AND MR. GEORGE TSO, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PAUL Y CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.

MR. TAM SAID THE $140 MILLION PROJECT IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN TWO STAGES.

♦THE $22 MILLION CONTRACT FOR FOUNDATION WORK, FORMING THE FIRST STAGE, IS NOW NEARING COMPLETION,+ HE SAID.

♦WORK ON THE SECOND STAGE, MADE UP OF THE PRESENT CONTRACT AND A FEW SUB-CONTRACTS, WILL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF STAGE ONE.+

THE DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL IS TO BE BUILT ON A VERY TIGHT AND STEEPLY SLOPING SITE AT THE CORNER OF EASTERN STREET AND HOSPITAL ROAD NEXT TO TSAN YUK HOSPITAL IN SAI YING PUN.

IT WILL BE 11 STOREYS HIGH WITH A FLOOR AREA OF MORE THAN 33,380 SQUARE METRES.

MR. TAM SAID THAT IN VIEW OF THE TOPOGRAPHY, THREE OF THE 11 STOREYS WOULD BE BELOW THE MAIN GROUND FLOOR LEVEL IN HOSPITAL ROAD.

THE BUILDING WILL BE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED AND THERE WILL BE 241 DENTAL CHAIRS WITH ASSOCIATED WORK PLACES FOR DENTAL CLINICIANS OR STUDENTS WITH DENTAL SURGERY ASSISTANTS IN THE PUBLIC NON-TEACHING CLINIC AND FIVE CLINICAL DENTAL DEPARTMENTS.

THERE ARE ALSO VARIOUS SUPPORTING DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS DENTAL MATERIALS, RADIOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHY.

IN ADDITION TO THE CLINICAL AND TEACHING LABORATORIES, THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO LECTURE THEATRES, A LIBRARY, FACILITIES FOR RESEARCH, POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION, AND A CANTEEN AND COMMON ROOMS FOR USE BY STAFF AND STUDENTS.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.

ON COMPLETION, MR. TAM SAID, THE HOSPITAL, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, WOULD PROVIDE DENTAL TEACHING FACILITIES FOR AN ANNUAL INTAKE OF 80 STUDENTS BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1979

DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES BANNED FROM POSTAL SERVICE *****

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT ALL DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES WILL BE PROHIBITED IN THE POSTAL SERVICE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FOLLOWING ITS ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION’S LIST OF HAZARD DEFINITIONS.

UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, CERTAIN SUBSTANCES AT PRESENT ACCEPTED UNDER THE SPECIAL PACKING CONDITIONS WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED IN THE POST, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE PROHIBITED ITEMS INCLUDE AEROSOLS- BUTANE GAS LIGHTERS AND REFILLS- RAW CELLULOID AND ARTICLES MADE OF CELLULOID- FLAMMABLE, OXIDISING AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES- PAINTS- VARNISH, ENAMEL AND KINDRED SUBSTANCES WITH A FLASHPOINT BELOW 37.8 DEGREES CELSIUS- INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES AND FLAMMABLE FILMS.

HOWEVER, ORDINARY FILMS ON SALE IN SHOPS FOR USE IN CAMERAS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC ARE STILL ACCEPTABLE.

+THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DECIDING WHETHER A PARTICULAR SUBSTANCE IS DANGEROUS RESTS WITH THE SENDER WHO MUST SATISFY HIMSELF ON THIS IMPORTANT POINT BEFORE DECIDING TO USE THE POST,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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

LADY MACLEHOSE TO SEE CLASSES IN SESSION

*****

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL SPEND TWO HOURS ON MONDAY (APRIL 9) MORNING TOURING THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON.

ON ARRIVAL SHE WILL BE MET BY MR. DAN WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) WHO WILL INTRODUCE HER TO MR. HAKING WONG, MR. R. BRAY, PRINCIPAL OF HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, AND MR. C.L. KO, THE VICE-PRINCIPAL.

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL THEN TOUR THE INSTITUTE TO SEE SOME OF THE CLASSES IN SESSION.

THE DEPARTMENTS SHE WILL BE VISITING ARE MARINE AND FABRICATION, CONSTRUCTION, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER LADY MACLEHOSE’S VISIT TO THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT 702 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON. LADY MACLEHOSE IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT THE INSTITUTE AT 11.30 A.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 9).

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1979

- 5 -

VIOLET PEEL METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE EXTENDS OPERATING HOURS ******

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE VIOLET PEEL METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI WILL EXTEND ITS OPERATING HOURS TO MEET THE INCREASING NEED OF DRUG ADDICTS SEEKING TREATMENT IN THE AREA.

FROM MONDAY, APRIL 9, THE CENTRE WILL BE OPEN DAILY, INCLUDING SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 10 P.M. WITHOUT ANY BREAKS.

AT PRESENT, THE VIOLET PEEL CENTRE OPENS FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M., FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M. AND FROM 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M. FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND FROM 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M. ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

THE OPENING HOURS FOR THE OTHER 16 METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRES AND FOUR MAINTENANCE CENTRES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

ABOUT 25,000 ADDICTS HAVE NOW REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S METHADONE DETOXIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE TREATMENT PROGRAMMES. AN AVERAGE OF 5,500 PEOPLE ARE ATTENDING DAILY AT THE CENTRES.

SWD OFFICER TO RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL AWARD

* * * *

MISS LUCY CHING, THE FIRST BLIND WOMAN IN ASIA TO BE SELECTED WINNER OF THE 1979 TAKEO IWAHASHI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE FIELD OF WELFARE FOR THE BLIND, WILL BE PRESENTED THE AWARD ON MONDAY.

MISS CHING, A SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WILL RECEIVE THE AWARD FROM THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF JAPAN, MR. EIJIRO NODA.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL ADDRESS THE CEREMONY, FOLLOWING A SPEECH OF WELCOME BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, MR. FRED YOUNG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1979 TAKEO IWAHASHI AWARD TO MISS LUCY CHING, THE FIRST BLIND WOMAN IN ASIA TO BE SELECTED, ON MONDAY AT 11.30 A.M. AT THE SHERATON HOTEL, FOURTH FLOOR, MING ROOM, TSIM SHA TSUI. THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF JAPAN, MR. EIJIRO NODA, WILL PRESENT THE AWARD.

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

/6.....

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1979

SNT PRAISES NT LIFE GUARDS * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB’S NEW TERRITORIES ERANCH WERE PRAISED THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING FOR THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY BY PROTECTING SWIMMERS AT NEW TERRITORIES BEACHES.

THE TRIBUTE CAME FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, W. DAVID AKERS-JONES WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE INAUGURATION AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES BRANCH OF THE CLUB.

ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY IN CANTONESE, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO THE BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS EVERY SUMMER AND, TO PROTECT THEM, THE BRANCH WAS HELPING TO TRAIN MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE VOLUNTARY LIFE GUARDS.

♦AND THIS DESERVES PRAISE,+ HE SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID, THE CLUB ALSO ORGANISED A SPECIAL LIFE-SAVING COURSE TO GIVE LIFE-SAVING TECHNIQUE IN OCEAN WAVES — SO ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE GUARDS ON THE ISLANDS.

♦I AM PLEASED TO KNOW THAT 27 PEOPLE HAVE FINISHED THE COURSE AND OBTAINED CERTIFICATES.*

MR. AKERS-JONES NOTED THAT 11 PEOPLE WERE SAVED FROM DROWNING BY LIFE GUARDS OF THE CLUB AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

♦YOUR BRANCH GAVE AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE LAST YEAR. I AM SURE THAT THIS YEAR, UNDER THE GUIDANCE YOUR CHAIRMAN MR. CHAN KANG-FOUT, YOUR BRANCH WILL ACHIEVE EVEN MORE SUCCESSFUL RESULTS,♦ HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

TWO HIGHWAY PROJECTS RE-GAZETTED ******

TWO HIGHWAY PROJECTS — THE ELEVATED ROAD ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD AND THE GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER -- HAVE BEEN RE-GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE RE-GAZETTING OF THE TWO PROJECTS RESULTED FROM LEGAL ADVICE ON THE DEFINITION OF +UNDERTAKING+ IN SECTION 2 OF THE STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE.

♦AN ELEVATED ROAD IS A NEW STREET AND NOT AN ALTERATION OF AN EXISTING STREET, EXCEPT WHEN IT AFFECTS THE EXISTING STREET AT GROUND LEVEL,♦ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

♦IN SUCH CASES IT IS THEREFORE NOT NECESSARY TO GAZETTE THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE ELEVATED ROAD UNDER THE STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE,♦ HE SAID.

ACCORDINGLY THE ORIGINAL GAZETTE NOTIFICATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED ELEVATED ROAD ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD AND FOR THE GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER ARE CANCELLED AND RE-GAZETTED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

- - o -

PR 33

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUPPLEMENT

Friday, April 6, 1979

Opening statement by H.E. The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, at a press conference on his visit to China

Firstly it was a goodwill visit; there used to be, as it were, a screen between the Hong Kong official establishment and Chinese officials in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Peking. As relations improved the screen has gradually dissolved. It has now gone and this our visit demonstrated. We already have close liaison with Chinese officials in Hong Kong, but our second objective was, in addition, to establish direct contact with leaders in Guangdong and Peking. Thirdly and importantly we wished through these contacts to gain an impression of the part the Chinese leaders saw Hong Kong playing in the modernisation programmes, and the way these programmes could affect Hong Kong.

It was not a negotiating visit or a visit to draft agreements.

So there eould be no question of our coming back with a portfolio of '* • • • J 4 * • -

agreements in our pockets.

/The principal .....

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

The principal significance of the visit was simply that the invitation was issued and that the visit took place. It marked a more normal and franker relationship, and recognition that this would be to our mutual benefit.

You know the places we visited. In Guangzhou, Peking and Guangzhou again we had long discussions with the relevant leaders. The part of the tour to Xian and Lanzhou was purely touristic, though quite fascinating. ..............................................** *•»♦*- .

You naturally want to know what we discussed. In China visitors are expected to observe a good deal of discretion about what they divulge of confidential discussions with national leaders. I know some • * visitors make capital out of breaking this custom. But since I hope that this is not the last time a Governor will visit Guangzhou or Peking or be received by national leaders with the frankness we were, I wish to be particularly careful to observe customary discretion. I am sure you will understand this. Nevertheless there is a lot I can say.

First the general way in which they regard Hong Kong. You know the long-standing Chinese position on Hong Kong, that it is part of China and a problem that will be solved when the time is ripe. But the point that was repeatedly stressed to us at all levels was the importance which the Chinese leaders attach to the value of Hong Kong, to the contribution that it could make to the modernisation programmes, to the importance of maintan ning investment and confidence in Hong Kong., and. of increased

/Hong Kong •••••

Hong Kong investment in China. Indeed Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping formally requested me to ”as< investors in Hong Kong to put their hearts at ease”; he also asked for encouragement of investment in Guangzhou Province and the rest of China. You will have seen from press reports that in dinner speeches Li Qiang stressed the same points about the value of broader prospects in economic cooperation between Hong Kong and the rest of China, and of Hong Kong investment in China. At al 1 levels they constantly reiterated the same theme; namely the importance to them of the role which Hong Kong is playing and will play as a result of the high level of its industrial, commercial and financial development. This was a frank statement of China’s needs. But one can also read into it a most encouraging message.

Now for some of the detail. First of all tourism. They see considerable scope for cooperation in our respective tourist industries. They appear to respect our own industry and believe they can learn from it in the rapid expansion of theirs. They would welcome cooperation in the financing, construction, management and staff training of some of their new hotels; and also in the planning of China tours beginning and ending in Hong Kong. The construction of hotels apparently involves both the Central Travel and Tourist authority in Peking and local planning authorities. Reconciling th^ respective ideas takes time, and they asked me to ask our syndicates engaged in negotiating hotel contracts to be patient.

/A word about ......

A word about communications. Hong Kong is the best deepwater port available to Guangdong, and also the. terminus of the South China railway system. It also is a centre of world-wide sea and air transport. Obviously these aspects are important to China. The through-train is important in itself and also as a beginning of an improved train service in general. They clearly wished to proceed fairly-soon to through-fr.eight services and this is already being examined.

We saw developments of the old and new ports at Whampoa. They are impressive, but depth makes the ports impossible for larger ships ■ - - ■' - • •

of over 20,000 tons and particularly the new generation of container ships and tankers. They are considering how to overcome this, one ’ — Ma

possibility being more extensive trans-shipment into barges in Hong Kong or other facilities here. They are considering a deep water port at Nantou, but I gathered it was a long-term plan rather than an immediate possibility.

They envisage the further development of air services from Hong Kong to major cities in China in support of tourism and freight.

As you know Shenzhen has been made into a special municipality stretching from the Pearl River Estuary to Mirs Bay. It covers an area larger than Hong Kong. A good deal has been written about this in the local press, I will repeat what we were told. The general plan is to develop it for agriculture, light industry and tourism and to enlist Hong Kong participation.

/The first .....

The first priority of development is intensive forms of agriculture such as the production of dairy products, pigs, poultry, fish and fruit for the Hong Kong market. I gathered that one of the objects was to reduce the demands of long hauls on the Chinese communications system.

They also envisage later an area of light industry between Shekou and Shenzhen. This will include ship breaking, the manufacture of steel wire and paint, and vehicle assembly. They are also planning to develop Shenzhen itself and the Meisha beaches for tourism.

They said that the developments are at present on a small scale, but they hope they will grow with Hong Kong participation. Arrangements for the freer movement of trucks across the bridge at Man Kam To may be necessary as things develop.

Generally speaking Hong Kong participation in industry anywhere is very welcome indeed. But the Guangdong Planning Commission clearly think that the area most likely to attract Hong Kong investors in Guangdong will be Shenzhen.

Incidentally they welcomed the new electricity supply from China Light and Power.

I said that all these ideas were welcome in principle and were being and no doubt would be followed up by the private sector on a basis

/of commercial .....

- 6 • -

of commercial judgement. If anything involved official problems they could be discussed but I did not foresee any real difficulties. I mentioned the need to ensure that the requirements of Certificates of Origin were met if joint production for eventual export from Hong Kong was involved.

I do see scope for development of joint production. But all this of course is a matter for the commercial judgement of the private sector.

I should say that I continually stressed the point that there will be no advantage to China in displacing Hong Kong products in third markets. The value of the increase in Chinese exports to third markets would simply be offset by the decrease in prosperity and purchasing power in Hong Kong and therefore of Chinese exports to it. We could both profit only by considering our mutual benefit.

In response to Chinese exhortations for greater economic cooperation and the greater deployment of Hong Kong’s industrial, commercial and financial capability for the mutual benefit both of China’s modernisation programmes and Hong Kong, I stressed the unique capacity which Hong Kong and her businessmen possessed and the very great contribution they could make given commercially attractive contracts, security for investment and reasonably quick decisions.

We were briefed in detail by the Guangdong Water Engineers on their latest thinking on how to solve our need for increased water supplies after 1982. They have done a lot of work on this and their aJ te'Thative new schemes which would serve both their need for irrigation

/and ours......

7 and ours for water are imaginative and impressive. They hope to be ready to put proposals to our own engineers in September. I found this very encouraging.

I have spoken about some of the ideas put to me in China and my response, but there was in particular one Hong Kong matter in which I wanted to make sure Hong Kong’s problems were understood. This was immigration. We are all very worried at the high figures of both legal and illegal immigration from China in spite of repeated representations. Naturally I stressed this issue at all levels in both Guangzhou and Peking. Their replies were entirely sympathetic to Hong Kong’s predicament. They said the measures to reduce the number of legals had not been as effective as intended so more would be done. But it would take time. They strongly disapproved of the illegals, and would step up counter measures. They urged us to send back both illegals and over-staying legals. I pointed out the impossibility of sending back over-stayers in present circumstances. They frankly said that the disparity of the standard of living in Hong Kong and neighbouring provinces attracted people. I of course stressed that in coming in such numbers they endangered the standard of life of our own people and our economy. In the long term they thought that greater industrialisation in neighbouring through modernisation and, they hoped, increased Hong Kong investment, would help to stabilise things. They may well be right in this, but I emphasised that it was the short term problem that had to be tackled now. They frankly admitted the difficulty of reconciling their wish to meet Hong Kong’s problem with the promulgated policy of freer movement in China. I have no doubt that they have a real problem, particularly having regard to the vast area and number of administrative units involved. The small number of permits issued to those stating that they are coming here for permanent residence is

/no problem.

no problem. Nor are visa holders or the many delegations that are very welcome here or those genuinely in transit to other places. The problem relates to people who come here nominally just to visit relatives but who then stay on. They did not dissent from my insistence that means must be found to make such visits genuine. These can best be achieved through mutual cooperation, and I believe it essential that our officials get down to discussing the mechanics as soon as possible.

With regard to illegals we have strengthened our protective screen in terms of wire, men and boats and will do so further to whatever extent is practical and productive. I believe that they will take their own steps.

A word in conclusion. Our party was treated well, many would say exceptionally well. We were given an excellent briefing in Guangzhou, received in Peking by Deng Xiaoping, Liao Chengzhi, Huang Hua, as well as of course by our host Li Qiang and other senior officials. Moreover the way we were entertained and the travel arrangements made were of a very high order and great pains were taken for our comfort and interest, and on our final and very friendly evening in Guangzhou the Chairman of the Provincial Revolutionary Committee, the newly appointed Chairman of the Guangzhou Committee, several Vice Chairmen and many senior officials were present. All this was not a tribute to us, but I think should be taken as a tribute to Hong Kong and to relations over Hong Kong and to the importance attached to the special role Hong Kong plays in Chinese and Anglo/Chinese economic affairs and to the wish of the Chinese leaders that in our mutual interest there should be the best possible cooperation over it. We heartily reciprocated these sentiments .and can draw confidence from them.

0 —

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN 1930 ............ 1

AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES 3619,700 .......... 2

TEACHERS TO SEE SPECIALISTS DEMONSTRATE CHINESE MUSIC ................................................. 3

POLICE COMMISSIONER TO MEET THE MEDIA ................. 4

YAU MA TEI PARK EXTENSION ............................. 4

MAX I CAB ROUTE 12 TO BE REVISED ...................... 5

NEW ADDRESS FOR TSUEN WAN I.R.D. SUB-OFFICE ........... 5

NO U-TURN ............................................. 5

FIRING PRACTICE ...................................... 6

WATER CUT.............................................. 6

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1979

MORE ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN I960

* * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS TO UNDERTAKE ADULT EDUCATION COURSES BY GRANTING SUITABLE SUBSIDIES TO NON-PROFIT MAKING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. E.P. HO SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR. HO, SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 24TH ANNUAL ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT THE CITY HALL, SAID THIS WOULD BE EFFECTIVE FROM I960.

THE MAIN PROPOSALS FOR ADULT EDUCATION — THE SUBVENTION OF ALL ADULT EDUCATION SERVICES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE EXPANSION OF THE CURRICULA FOR GOVERNMENT ADULT EDUCATION — ARE CONTAINED IN CHAPTER SEVEN OF THE GOVERNMENT’S WHITE PAPER ON EDUCATION.

♦SUBVENTIONS ARE TO BE MADE ON A PROJECT BASIS,* HE SAID.

♦AGENCIES WILL BE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR COURSES AND ACTIVITIES WHICH MUST MEET A DEMONSTRABLE DEMAND FROM LOW-INCOME GROUPS AND WHICH WILL BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. SUCH PROPOSALS WOULD BE GRANTED SUBVENTIONS TOWARDS THE COST OF STAFFING AND ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT.*

MR. HO PRAISED VOLUNTARY BODIES FOR THEIR HAVING CONTRIBUTED A GREAT DEAL TO ADULT EDUCATION IN THE PAST.

♦NOW WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS NEW POLICY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL BE ABLE TO DO MORE WITH THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT,♦ MR. HO SAID.

♦ALONGSIDE THE EXTRA MURAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE POLYTECHNIC, THE POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT VOLUNTARY BODIES WILL BE ABLE MORE EASILY TO COMPLEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT ADULT EDUCATION SERVICES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ADULT COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT, MR. HO POINTED OUT, INTENDS TO STRENGTHEN ADULT EDUCATION SERVICES NOT JUST IN QUANTITY BUT MUCH MORE IN QUALITY.

♦INITIALLY, PROVISION FOR LABORATORY FACILITIES, SPECIAL ROOMS AND LAB-TECHNICIANS WILL BE MADE IN SEPTEMBER 1979.

♦THIS IS A BIG STEP TOWARDS HAVING A MORE COMPLETE EVENING SECONDARY EDUCATION TO COPE WITH THE REGULAR SCHOOL CURRICULA. TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO PREPARED TO APPOINT SUITABLE PERSONNEL TO STRENGTHEN THE ADMINISTRATION AS WELL AS TO GIVE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.*

MR. HO ADDED THAT OTHER PROPOSALS INCLUDED THE APPOINTMENT OF LIAISON OFFICERS OR CO-ORDINATORS AND THE PROVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.

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

/2......

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1979

AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES $619,700 ******

TWENTY-TWO SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR $619,700 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND.

THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 100 FETCHING THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $120,000.

ANOTHER NUMBER, BY 888, WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $67,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,500 FOR BP 595.

THE SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES i

* 100 — $120,000 AV 999 —— $35,000

238 —- 60,000 AA 363 — 38,000

BJ 33 — 45,000 * BP 595 — 1,500

AA 38 — 35,000 BY 89 —— 5,000

AA 8888 — 62,000 * BY 888 67,000

AC 30 —• 20,000 BY 222 •— 31,000

AK 11 — 18,000 HK 510 —• 5,000

AL 1188 — 6,600 BY 138 — 6,000

BY 283 — 3,500 BY 603 1,600

BY 729 ••• 2,000 BY 823 4,000

BV 323 — 14,000 HK 878 — 40,000

THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 43RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO MORE THAN $9.5 MILLION.

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/5 ...

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1979

TEACHERS TO SEE SPECIALISTS DEMONSTRATE CHINESE MUSIC ******

MUSIC TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL RECEIVE ADVICE FROM, AND SEE DEMONSTRATIONS BY, CHINESE MUSIC SPECIALISTS IN A SEMINAR NEXT WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (APRIL 11 AND 12).

THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE OPENED BY MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR (SCHOOLS).

PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND TALKS AND SEE DEMONSTRATION LESSONS PRESENTED BY AN ADVISORY TEAM OF CHINESE MUSIC SPECIALISTS.

THE TEAM WAS APPOINTED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE’S MUSIC COMMITTEE TO ENCOURAGE THE STUDY OF CHINESE MUSIC IN SCHOOLS.

THE TEAM COMPRISES PROF. LOUIS CHEN, HEAD OF THE CHINESE MUSIC ARCHIVES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY- MR. LO KAR-CHI WHO HAS GIVEN MANY CHINESE MUSIC PERFORMANCES- MR. TONG KIN-WOON, A WELL-KNOWN ’GU-CHING’ PLAYER AND CANTONESE OPERA SCHOLAR* M?. LEUNG PUI-KAM, OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FACULTY AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY WHO IS A SPECIALIST IN CHINESE OPERA- MR. KWAN PING-MAN WHO TEACHES MUSIC AT NG WAH COLLEGE AND WHO WILL DEMONSTRATE SOME OF THE WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS AND MRS. LEUNG SHIU LAI-HUNG WHO TEACHES AT NOTRE DAME COLLEGE AND WHO IS THE SECRETARY TO THE ADVISORY PANEL.

IN ADDITION, MR. TSE CHI-LIN, VOCAL TUTOR FOR THE EXTRAMURAL DEPARTMENT AT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE WILL GIVE A DEMONSTRATION TALK ON THE FOLK SONG OF SOUTHERN CHINA, AND MR. SUNG LAP-KUNG WILL LEAD A DEMONSTRATION LESSON WITH STUDENTS FROM TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS WONG FUT NAM SECONDARY SCHOOL.

THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY AT THE END OF THE SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND DISCUSS THE TEACHING OF CHINESE MUSIC IN THEIR SCHOOLS AND TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE TEACHERS GUIDE WHICH HAS BEEN SPECIALLY PRODUCED FOR THIS SEMINAR.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE LECTURE THEATRE, GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.

--------o -

A...

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1979

NOTE TO EDITORS:

POLICE COMMISSIONER TO MEET THE MEDIA ******

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR. ROY HENRY WILL ATTEND A +MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AT 3 P.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

THIS IS PART OF A SERIES ARRANGED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TO ENABLE NEWSMEN TO MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND QUESTION THEM ABOUT THEIR WORK.

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

RADIO AND TELEVISION CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.

- - 0 - -

YAU MA TEI PARK EXTENSION

*****

THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK IN YAU MA TEI WILL HAVE AN EXTENSION THIS AUTUMN.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT HAVE BEEN INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

WORK ON THE EXTENSION, FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

ON COMPLETION, THE 3,900-SQUARE METRE EXTENSION, AT THE CORNER OF JORDAN ROAD AND CANTON ROAD ADJACENT TO THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK, WILL CONSIST OF A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND A REST GARDEN WITH A PAVILION.

THE PWD HAS ALSO INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE NEAR THE YUEN LONG POLICE STATION.

THE PROJECT, WHEN COMPLETED AT THE END OF JULY, WILL MAINLY CONSIST OF A SITTING AREA OF OVER 1,340 SQUARE METRES PROVIDED WITH FLOWER BEDS, BENCHES WITH WOODEN ARBOURS AND FOOTPATHS.

- - o - -

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1979

MAX I CAB ROUTE 12 TO BE REVISED *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT MAXICAB ROUTE 12 OPERATING A CIRCULAR SERVICE FROM KWUN LUNG LAU TO SAI YING PUN WILL BE REVISED FROM MONDAY.

THE REVISED ROUTE WILL BE VIA LUNG WAH STREET, SMITHFIELD ROAD, BELCHER’S STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, HILL ROAD, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, WESTERN STREET, FIRST STREET, EASTERN STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, BELCHER’S STREET, SMITHFIELD ROAD AND LUNG WAH STREET.

FOUR MAXICABS WILL SERVE THE ROUTE FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 P.M. WITH PEAK FREQUENCIES OF SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES AND OFF-PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 15 MINUTES.

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

NEW ADDRESS FOR TSUEN WAN I.R.D. SUB-OFFICE * * *

THE TSUEN WAN SUB-OFFICE OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE FROM ON YUE BUILDING, 132 TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET, GROUND FLOOR, TO FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES, ON MONDAY.

THERE WILL BO NO CHANGE IN THE TELEPHONE NUMBER 12-409210 FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES.

THE SUB-OFFICE COLLECTS ALL TAXES ASSESSED UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, INCLUDING SALARIES TAX AND PROFITS TAX, BUT NOT PROPERTY TAX.

IT ALSO COLLECTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX AND ISSUES TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.

THE SUB-OFFICE ALSO SERVES AS A BUSINESS REGISTRATION AND STAMP DUTY SUB-OFFICE AND AS A BASE FOR TAX INSPECTORS.

IT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 8.45 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M. AND FROM 1.30 P.M. TO 4 P.M. FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.

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

NO U-TURN * * *

tmf TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT

METRES EAST OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. --------------------------0 ------- /6 ...

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1979

FIRING PRACTICE ft ft ft ft

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FOUR DAYS NEXT WEEK.

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.

THE PRACTISING TIMES AREi

DATE TIME

APRIL 9 (MONDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

APRIL 10 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

APRIL 11 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

APRIL 12 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

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

WATER CUT ft ft ft

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

CHURCH

ROAD

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, CHURCH STREET AND THE SEAFRONT INCLUDING FACTORY STREET, TAI TAK STREET, MONG LUNG STREET, KAM WA STREET, PO MAN STREET, SHAU KEI WAN STREET EAST AND WONG WA STREET.

- - o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ADDITIONAL TRAINS FOR EASTER HOLIDAYS .................. 1

S.W.D. WARNS OF PROBATION OFFICER IMPOSTERS ............ 2

POLICE COMMISSIONER TO MEET THE MEDIA .................. 3

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS PASSING-OUT PARADE ................ 3

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1979

ADDITIONAL TRAINS FOR EASTER HOLIDAYS * X * *

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE ADDITIONAL PASSENGER TRAINS DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM APRIL 13-16 AND ON APRIL 22.

A KCR SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID MORE SPECIAL TRAINS MAY BE RUN IN THE LATE EVENINGS DEPENDING ON DEMAND.

THE ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL NOT STOP AT MONG KOK STATION TO PICK UP PASSENGERS BEFORE 1 P.M. TICKETS TO KOWLOON WILL ALSO NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THIS STATION ON THESE FIVE DAYS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRAINS FROM KOWLOON TO THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL PROBABLY BE FULL BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 1 P.M. AND FOR TRAINS BACK TO KOWLOON, FROM 3 P.M. TO 7 P.M.

HE SAID THAT OWING TO THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE ADDITIONAL PASSENGER TRAINS, THE SCHEDULED TRAINS LEAVING TAI PO MARKET FOR KOWLOON AT 11.04 A.M.. 11.46 A.M. AND 1.44 P.M. WILL NOT RUN ON THE DATES MENTIONED IN THE REVISED TIME-TABLE TO COME INTO EFFECT ON MONDAY.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE SCHEDULES FOR THE ADDITIONAL TRAINSt

NT-BOUND TRAINS

KOWLOON DEP. 8.49 A.M. 1.39 P.M. 10.47 A.M. 3.41 P.M. 11.39 A.M.

MONG KOK DEP. 8.54 A.M. 1.47 P.M. 10.52 A.M. 3.49 P.M. 11.44 A.M.

SHA TIN DEP. 9.06 A.M. 1.59 P.M. 11.12 A.M. 4.01 P.M. 11.56 A.M.

UNIVERSITY DEP. 9.18 A.M. 2.07 P.M. 11.21 A.M. 4.09 P.M. 12.05 P.M.

TAI PO KAU DEP. 9.28 A.M. 2.16 P.M. 11.34 A.M. 4.20 P.M. 12.14 P.M.

TAI PO MARKET DEP. 9.42 A.M. 2.23 P.M. 11.39 A.M. 4.31 P.M. 12.26 P.M.

FANL1 NG ARR. DEP. 12.35 P.M. 10.03 A.M. 2.32 P.M. 11.49 A.M. 4.40 P '.M.

SHEUNG SHUI DEP. 10.08 A.M. 11.53 A.M.

LO WU ARR. 10.13 A.M. 11.58 A.M.

/KOWLOON-BOUND .....

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1979

KOWLOON-BOUND TRAINS

LO WU DEP. 11.34 A.M. 1.55 P.M.

SHEUNG SHU I DEP. 11.41 A.M. 2.02 P.M.

FANLING DEP. 11.52 A.M. 2.42 P.M. 1.11 P.M. 2.12 P.M. 4.55 P.M.

TAI PO MARKET DEP. 12.05 P.M. 2.56 P.M. 1.22 P.M. 2.23 P.M. 5.10 P.M.

TAI PO KAU DEP. 12.13 P.M. 3.01 P.M. 1.33 P.M. 2.29 P.M. 5.20 P.M.

UNIVERSITY DEP. 12.22 P.M. 3.10 P.M. 1.44 P.M. 2.41 P.M. 5.29 P.M.

SHA TIN DEP. 12.31 P.M. 3.19 P.M. 1.53 P.M. 2.54 P.M. 5.39 P.M.

MONG KOK DEP. 12.45 P.M. 3.33 P.M. 2.10 P.M. 3.08 P.M. 5.53 P.M.

KOWLOON ARR. 12.50 P.M. 3.38 P.M. 2.15 P.M. 3.13 P.M. 5.58 P.M.

THESE SCHEDULES, NOTICE.

HOWEVER, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT

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

S.W.D. WARNS OF PROBATION OFFICER IMPOSTERS *****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) WARNED PEOPLE CONCERNED TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST BOGUS PROBATION OFFICERS APPROACHING THEM FOR INTERVIEWS IN CONNECTION WITH SOCIAL ENQUIRY CASES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IN THE PAST MONTHS, THERE HAD BEEN COMPLAINTS IN WHICH PEOPLE WERE APPROACHED FOR MONEY BY SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE A PROBATION OFFICER FROM THE DEPARTMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL PROBATION OFFICERS CARRY WITH THEM A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A WARRANT WHICH BEAR THE NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HOLDER.

♦PEOPLE WHO ARE APPROACHED BY A PROBATION OFFICER SHOULD FIRST BE SATISFIED WITH HIS IDENTITY BY INSISTING ON SEEING HIS IDENTITY DOCUMENTS.

♦IF THE PERSON CANNOT PROVE HIS IDENTITY BY WAY OF DOCUMENTS, THEY SHOULD MAKE A REPORT TO THE POLICE.+ HE SAID.

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

/3 ....

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1979

NOTE TO EDITORSi

POLICE COMMISSIONER TO MEET THE MEDIA ft ft ft ft ft

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR. ROY HENRY WILL ATTEND A ♦MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AT 3 P.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

THIS IS PART OF A SERIES ARRANGED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TO ENABLE NEWSMEN TO MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND QUESTION THEM ABOUT THEIR WORK.

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

RADIO AND TELEVISION CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.

o - -

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS PASSING-OUT PARADE ft ft ft ft ft

A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 88 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND NINE IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS WILL BE HELD AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, ON TUESDAY AT 9.30 A.M.

AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. ANDREW SO WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND GIVE A SPEECH AT THE PARADE.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 88 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND NINE IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS TO BE HELD AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, ON TUESDAY AT 9.30 A.M.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MAJOR PRIVATE HOUSING COMPLEX FOR 13,000 PEOPLE OVER KCR DEPOT AT SHA TIN ................................ 1

YUEN LONG TOWN MALL — AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP ......................... 3

HOLIDAYS POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ............................. 4

EIGHT GOVT CLINICS OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS............ 4

SWD OFFICER RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD ................. 5

LADY MACLEHOSE TOURS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ................. 6

MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON SALE ........................... 7

GUITAR WORKSHOP BY DOUGLAS ROGERS ........................ 7

PRE-WAR BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ...................... 8

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

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

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

MAJOR PRIVATE HOUSING COMPLEX FOR 13,000 PEOPLE OVER KCR DEPOT AT SHA TIN * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD TO AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT TO DEVELOP A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX FOR 13,000 PEOPLE OVER THE PROPOSED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY DEPOT OVERLOOKING THE RACE COURSE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

THE SITE IS TO BE SOLD IN AN UNUSUAL PACKAGE DEAL IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD A 2.7-HECTARE PODIUM FINANCED THROUGH INSTALMENT PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY WHICH WINS THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLACED A MINIMUM PRICE OF $168 MILLION ON THE COST OF DEVELOPING THE PODIUM — INCLUDING THE BUILDING OF 825 METRES OF ACCESS ROADS -- AND INTENDS TO PUT THE WHOLE PROJECT OUT TO TENDER ON MAY 4.

PLANS FOR THE SITE INCLUDE SEVEN RESIDENTIAL TOWER BLOCKS, EACH OF THEM RISING ABOUT 30 STOREYS, AND ANOTHER 16-STOREY BUILDING WHICH CAN BE DEVELOPED EITHER AS A HOTEL OR A COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX.

WHEN COMPLETED TO CAREFUL GOVERNMENT SPECIFICATIONS, THE WHOLE PROJECT WILL BE SELF-CONTAINED WITH LANDSCAPING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES SUCH AS A KINDERGARTEN AND A VARIETY OF OTHER AMENITIES IN A LOCATION OFFICIALLY DESCRIBED TODAY (MONDAY) AS +ONE OF THE BEST ON OFFER IN SHA TIN+.

THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS +SETTING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARDS FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT.+

+THE DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN THOUGHT OUT VERY CAREFULLY, INCLUDING A STUDY BY OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS, AND ONCE IT IS UNDERWAY, WE WOULD EXPECT TO WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH THE COMPANY TO ENSURE THE DESIGN CONCEPTS CONTAINED IN THE CONSULTANTS’ STUDY ARE ADHERED T0,+ HE SAID.

EXPLAINING THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO BUILD THE PODIUM ITSELF WHILE CHARGING THE COST TO THE DEVELOPER, MR. THOMPSON SAID THIS METHOD HAD BEEN CHOSEN TO ENABLE DEVELOPMENT TO PROCEED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY IN TANDEM WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KCR DEPOT COMPLEX.

♦THE PROJECT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY COSTED AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL LET THE CONTRACTS ITSELF AND SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PODIUM AND ASSOCIATED WORKS, USING THE INSTALMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER.

/+IN THIS ".'AY, .......................

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

♦ IN THIS WAY, THE DEVELOPER WILL BE RELIEVED OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE SITE FORMATION AND FOUNDATIONS AND INSTEAD WILL BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON HIS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PLANNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT ITSELF.

♦ HAVING DONE ALL THE INITIAL PLANNING AND BEING READY TO MOVE STRAIGHT AWAY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROBABLY SAVED AT LEAST A YEAR IN THE COMPLETION TIME,+ MR. THOMPSON SAID.

AS IT WAS, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT’S TIMETABLE WAS TO HAND OVER AT LEAST THE FIRST HALF OF THE PODIUM TO THE DEVELOPER IN ABOUT 30 MONTHS’ TIME AND THE REST ABOUT SIX MONTHS LATER.

♦ THIS MEANS THE WHOLE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED SOME TIME IN 1984,+ HE ADDED.

UNDER THE INSTALMENT PLAN CONTAINED IN THE SALE CONDITIONS, THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT OF $27 MILLION WITH FIVE SUCCESSIVE HALF-YEARLY INSTALMENTS OF $38 MILLION, $46 MILLION, $34 MILLION, $16 MILLION AND $7 MILLION TO COMPLETE THE SITE FORMATION CHARGES.

♦ ON PAYMENT OF THE FINAL INSTALMENT TO REACH THE $168 MILLION, THE DEVELOPER WILL BE GIVEN THE OPTION OF PAYING THE BALANCE OF THE SUCCESSFULLY TENDERED PREMIUM OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD AT 10 PER CENT INTEREST,* MR. THOMPSON SAID.

♦ THE SITE IS A VERY WELCOME ADDITION TO THE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT SECTOR OF SHA TIN AS A NEW TOWN AND WE WOULD EXPECT HONG KONG’S TOP DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES TO BE VERY INTERESTED IN SUCH A PRESTIGE PROJECT.+

♦ THE SITE IS RIGHT OPPOSITE THE RACE COURSE AND WILL COMMAND SWEEPING VIEWS UP AND DOWN SHA TIN VALLEY.

♦ IT IS AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR THIS TYPE OF GOOD QUALITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WILL ADD TO THE PRESTIGE AND VARIETY OF PRIVATE HOUSING PLANNED FOR 40 PER CENT OF THE TOWN’S ULTIMATE POPULATION OF HALF A MILLION RESIDENTS.

♦ IT WILL BE CONNECTED BY ROAD TO THE MAIN COMMUNICATION ARTERIES OF SHA TIN AND TO THE PROPOSED RAILWAY STATION AT FO TAN. THE WHOLE DEVELOPMENT TIMETABLE HAS BEEN DRAWN UP TO RUN PARALLEL WITH THE ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME WHICH WILL TRANSFORM THE KCR INTO A RAPID SURFACE TRANSIT SYSTEM LINKING KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERR ITORIES,+ HE SAID.

-------0---------- /3

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

YUEN LONG TOWN HALL - AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF COMMUNITY-GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING DESCRIBED THE 1O-YEAR-OLD YUEN LONG TOWN HALL - THE FIRST COMMUNITY-BUILT HALL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - AS ♦AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN A LIVELY AND CIVIC-MINDED COMMUNITY AND A RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT.*

OVER THE PAST DECADE, HE SAID, THE PEOPLE OF YUEN LONG HAD DONE MUCH TOWARDS THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, OF WHICH THE COMPLETION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN HALL IS ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE EXAMPLES.

♦THIS SHOWS THAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE A PERSISTENT ENTHUSIASM IN PUBLIC WELL-BEING AND SHOWS THAT YUEN LONG IS A DISTRICT WITH A HIGH SPIRIT OF PROGRESS,+ HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF MEMBERS OF THE FIFTH TERM OF OFFICE OF THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR. AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING TO SPEND $726 MILLION OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS IN MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS TO TRANSFORM THE TOWN INTO A NEW TOWN OF THE 80’S.

THE DEVELOPMENTS WHICH WILL BE CARRIED OUT AROUND THE EXISTING TOWN WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF NEW AMENITIES FOR A PROJECTED POPULATION OF JUST UNDER 100,000 PEOPLE.

♦UNDER THE NEW TOWN PLAN, GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD A COMPREHENSIVE AND WELL-EQUIPPED CULTURAL CENTRE WHICH, IT IS HOPED, WILL BE COMPLETED IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME,+ HE SAID.

♦SUCH A DEVELOPMENT IS AIMED AT SATISFYING THE NEEDS OF THE INCREASING POPULATION AND THEIR DEMAND FOR CULTURAL FACILITIES.+

MR. AKERS-JONES NOTED THAT THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE TOWN HALL HAD BEEN STRENGTHENED WITH THE FORMATION OF A -JfcNAGEMENT COMMITTEE IN 1975.

SINCE THEN, HE SAID, TREMENDOUS PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE UNDER THE ABLE LEADERSHIP OF THE HONOURABLE CHARLES YEUNG.

THANKING MR. YEUNG AND MEMBERS OF THE VARIOUS TERMS OF OFFICE FOR THEIR GOOD WORK IN DEVELOPING THE TOWN HALL, M*. AKERS-JONES SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MR. CHIU SHU-FAN, THE NEW CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF THE NEW TERM WOULD INHERIT THE SPIRIT OF +REPAYING THE COMMUNITY FOR WHAT ONE HAS TAKEN FROM IT* AND RENDER EVEN BETTER SERVICES TO THE TOWN HALL AND THE PEOPLE OF YUEN LONG.

' ------o-------

/A.....

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

HOLIDAYS POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS * * * *

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM FRIDAY TO MONDAY, APRIL 16 AND THE GENERAL HOLIDAY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 21.

THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY AND ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON GOOD FRIDAY.

THERE WILL BE ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL ON SATURDAY, EASTER MONDAY (APRIL 16) AND SATURDAY (APRIL 21) WHICH IS THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, AND 32 POST OFFICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, WILL ALSO BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 A.M. TO

NOON.

ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.

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

EIGHT GOVT CLINICS OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS ******

EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M. DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM APRIL 13 TO 16.

THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC IN WAN CHAI, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINICS IN SHAU KEI WAN, KWUN TONG AND YAU MA TEI, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG, THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN, THE YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND THE SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC.

ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.

-----o - -

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

SWD OFFICER RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD *****

A SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) BECAME THE FIRST BLIND WOMAN IN ASIA TO RECEIVE AN INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE FIELD OF WELFARE FOR THE BLIND.

AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE SHERATON HOTEL, A JOYFUL MISS LUCY CHING RECEIVED THE 1979 TAKEO IWAHASHI AWARD FROM THE JAPANESE CONSUL GENERAL, MR. EIJIRO NODA.

FOUR YEARS AGO, MISS CHING SCORED ANOTHER DISTINCTION IN BEING THE FIRST BLIND WOMAN IN HONG KONG TO RECEIVE THE MEMBER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MBE) AWARD.

THE TAKEO IWAHASHI AWARD IS GIVEN EACH YEAR BY THE COMMITTEE ON ASIAN AFFAIRS OF THE WORLD COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF THE BLIND TO AN OUTSTANDING WORKER, SIGHTED OR BLIND, IN SERVICES FOR THE VISUALLY DISABLED.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID MISS CHING HAD FOR LONG BEEN ACTIVE IN THE FIELD OF WELFARE FOR THE BLIND BOTH IN AND OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT.

MR. LEE SAID THAT DESPITE HER DISABILITY WHICH UNFORTUNATELY BEFELL HER AT THE AGE OF SIX MONTHS, SHE HAD PRESENTED HERSELF AS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF HOW A BLIND PERSON COULD LEAD AS FULL AND USEFUL A LIFE AS A SIGHTED PERSON.

SHE FINISHED HER SECONDARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND SPENT ANOTHER THREE YEARS STUDYING THE TEACHING OF THE BLIND IN THE UNITED STATES ON A SCHOLARSHIP. SHE RETURNED TO HONG KONG AND JOINED THE DEPARTMENT WORKING IN A TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND 20 YEARS AGO.

MR. LEE DESCRIBED HER AS A +CHEERFUL AND FRIENDLY COLLEAGUE,♦ CAPABLE AND DEDICATED TO HER WORK. SHE IS NOW THE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION LIAISON OFFICER FOR THE DISTRICTS OF CENTRAL, WESTERN AND THE ISLANDS.

IN HER OWN TIME, HE SAID, MISS CHING IS ALSO ACTIVE IN PROMOTING SERVICES FOR THE VISUALLY DISABLED BY DOING VOLUNTARY WORK.

♦HER COURAGE AND DETERMINATION IN OVERCOMING HER DISABILITY, AS WELL AS HER ACHIEVEMENTS, MUST SERVE AS AN INSPIRATION TO OTHER BLIND PEOPLE AND TO THOSE WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH THE WELFARE OF THE BL I ND,+ HE SAID.

-------o —

J 4

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979 - • ■ f

LADY MACLEHOSE TOURS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

*****

LADY MACLEHOSE THIS (MONDAY) MORNING TOURED THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON AND TALKED TO TEACHERS AND STUDENTS DURING THEIR PRACTICAL SESSIONS.

LADY MACLEHOSE WAS MET BY MR. DAN WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL).

SHE LATER TOURED THE PREMISES WITH MR. HAKING WONG, MISS PAULINE pHAN, MR. ROBERT BRAY, PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE AND MR. C.L. KO, THE VICE-PRINCIPAL. ’ *

THE PARTY WENT FIRST TO THE FOUNDRY OF THE MARINE AND FABRICATION DEPARTMENT AND SAW STUDENTS PRACTISING MOULDING.

THEY THEN VISITED THE TROWEL TRADE PRACTICAL AREA OF THE CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT WHERE STUDENTS WERE WORKING AT BRICK-LAYING AND PLASTERING.

STUDENTS OF THE HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES DEPARTMENT WHO WERE ON DUTY AT THE HOTEL RECEPTION TRAINING DESK ANSWERED A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS FROM LADY MACLEHOSE. AT THIS DEPARTMENT SHE ALSO SAW STUDENTS MAKING UP HOTEL BEDS AND CLEANING UP A HOTEL ROOM.

AT THE TRAINING KITCHEN LADY MACLEHOSE LOOKED ON WHILE STUDENTS PREPARED LUNCH WHICH WAS TO BE SERVED AT THE TRAINING RESTAURANT OPEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

LADY MACLEHOSE STAYED ON FOR LUNCH AT THE TRAINING RESTAURANT BEFORE LEAVING.

THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HAS A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF 3,469 STUDENTS ATTENDING FULL-TIME, PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE, OR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES. OF THESE 98 ARE GIRLS.

THE INSTITUTE RUNS MORE THAN 90 COURSES IN F I’VE DEPARTMENTS — MARINE AND FABRICATION, CONSTRUCTION, MECHANICAL ENG INKER ING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES.

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

/7_ .....

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON SALE

*****

THE REPORT ON THE FOURTH MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING INDUSTRY HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, HONG KONG.

THE PUBLICATION CONTAINS DETAILED STATISTICAL INFORMATJ/JN ON THE EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY AND A FORECAST, OF THE TRAINING NEEDS FOR THE PERIOD 1979 TO 1982 FOR EACH PRINCIPAL JOB. ■

1.4; •_ ■

IT ALSO CONTAINS RECOMMENDATIONS ON MEASURES NECESSARY TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY IN THE LIGHT OF THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN MAY LAST YEAR.

THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE PUBLICATION, AT $9 A COPY, IS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.

GUITAR WORKSHOP BY DOUGLAS ROGERS

******

THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE WILL BE PRESENTING A GUITAR WORKSHOP BY THE BRILLIANT YOUNG GUITARIST DOUGLAS ROGERS ON THURSDAY FROM 5 P.M. - 7 P.M. AT THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE (HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE).

DOUGLAS ROGERS IS ON A RETURN VISIT TO HONG KONG AFTER A SELL-OUT CONCERT IN 1977. APART FROM BEING A SUPERB ARTIST ON THE GUITAR, DOUGLAS ROGERS ALSO DEVOTES A GREAT DEAL OF HIS TIME TO TEACHING.

THE WORKSHOP WILL PRESENT DOUGLAS ROGERS AS A TEACHER WITH THE INDIVIDUALS AFTER HIS HIGHLY STIMULATING LECTURE AND MARVELLOUS RECITAL AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.

PERFORMING IN THE WORKSHCP WILL BE LOCAL GUITARISTS, INCLUDING WINNERS FROM THE 1979 HONG KONG SCHOOL’S MUSIC FESTIVAL. THERE WILL EE NO ADMISSION CHARGE.

o -

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1979

PRE-WAR BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ******

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (MONDAY) DECLARED NO. 13 UN CHAU STREET, KOWLOON, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.

IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING IS CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICKWORK SUPPORTING REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOF AND HAS A FRAMED KITCHEN BLOCK.

THE BUILDING WAS FIRST INSPECTED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR DURING A PLANNED SURVEY OF THE AREA, AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS ARE SEVERELY SPALLED WITH CORRODED REINFORCEMENT EXPOSED IN PLACES.

FURTHERMORE, AREAS OF BADLY ERODED BRICKWORK ARE VISIBLE EXTERNALLY AND THE TREADS OF THE TIMBER STAIRCASE ARE DANGEROUSLY »/ORN.

+THE CONDITION OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE BUILDING HAS BEEN MONITORED FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS AND IT HAS CLEARLY WORSENED. THERE IS NOW A DANGER OF COLLAPSE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ACCORDINGLY, NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON MAY 7, 1979 WAS POSTED TODAY.

- - 0 -

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY A KUNG NGAM ROAD. 2-17 SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST AND A KUNG NGAM DISTRICT.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE FUNDS FOR NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS 1

TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RATE ........................... 2

SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDER ................................ 2

SMALL PERCENTAGE OF PRIMARY ONE POPULATION HAVE HEARING PROBLEMS ................................................. 3

INTEGRATION — ULTIMATE GOAL OF REHABILITATION ........... 4

SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR DEVELOPERS ON SHA TIN KCR DEPOT COMPLEX .................................................. 6

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OPERATOR FINED FOR OVER CHARGING .... 7

FOUR OFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TOMORROW .......................................... 8

ONLY 38 HOURS OF SUNSHINE IN MARCH........................ 8

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT NEEDS MORE STAFF ................ 10

EASTER TRAVELLERS ADVISED TO CHECK IN EARLY AT AIRPORT 11

TEMPORARY MUI WO TRAFFIC AND BUS ARRANGEMENTS ........... 11

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

MORE FUNDS FOR NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS *******

THE GOVERNMENT HAS INCREASED THE FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE SEVEN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TO $4.5 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE 20 PER CENT INCREASE ON LAST YEAR’S FIGURE OF $3.7 MILLION REFLECTS THE GOVERNMENT’S CONFIDENCE IN THE WORK OF THE BOARDS WHICH LAST YEAR ORGANISED LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE, ACCORDING TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES.

HE SAID THIS YEAR’S FUNDS HAD BEEN DIVIDED AMONG THE SEVEN DISTRICTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR PLANS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

TSUEN WAN, WHICH HAS THE BIGGEST SHARE, RECEIVES $1.75 MILLION, FOLLOWED BY YUEN LONG WITH $750,000, TAI PO WITH $550,000, TUEN MUN AND ISLANDS WITH $400,000 EACH, SAI KUNG WITH $350,000 AND SHA TIN WITH $300,000.

♦THE FUNDS PROVIDED TO THE BOARDS HAVE GIVEN A TREMENDOUS BOOST TO THE NUMBER AND SCOPE OF DISTRICT ACTIVITIES, MOST OF WHICH HAVE BEEN ORGANISED THROUGH LOCAL BODIES WHICH HAS WIDENED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND HELPED TO LINK TO BOARDS WITH LOCAL GROUPS,+ W. AKERS-JONES SAID.

♦THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE ATTRACTED LARGE CROWDS AND INNOVATIONS SUCH AS THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL AND THE TUEN MUN AND SAI KUNG FESTIVALS HAVE BEEN WELL RECEIVED.*

HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE BOARDS HAD BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, THE GOVERNOR HAD RE-APPOINTED 90 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND SIX NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD'S FOR A FURTHER YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1979.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE BOARDS, HE SAID, HAD ENABLED THE PEOPLE OF EACH DISTRICT TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND BETTERMENT OF THEIR OWN DISTRICT.

♦THEY ARE INFORMED OF DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMMES AND SUGGESTIONS AND ADVICE ARE IN TURN GIVEN FULL CONSIDERATION BY DEPARTMENTS,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.

♦DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE BOARDS, IN THEIR ADVISORY ROLE, HAD SHOWN INTEREST IN AND GIVEN ADVICE ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT PROGRAMMES AND THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES IN DISTRICTS HAS BEEN THEIR MAIN CONCERN.

♦THE BOARDS HAVE MADE A GOOD START AND IT IS HOPED THAT MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS WILL CONTINUE THEIR GOOD WORK THIS YEAR WITH GREATER EMPHASIS ON DISTRICT MANAGEMENT AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENT SO AS TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES INTO A REAL FOCUS OF REPRESENTATION AND LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY, + HE ADDED.

/the district .....

UuMA/ni, ATXU.ll IV, 1717

THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE SEVEN DISTRICTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IN NOVEMBER 1977 TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE PROVISION AND USE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICTS, AND TO UNDERTAKE THE PROMOTION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROJECTS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.

THE CHAIRMEN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES FORM THE NUCLEUS OF THE BOARDS WHILE OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE DRAWN FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES COMMUNITY, INCLUDING DOCTORS, LAWYERS, HEADMASTERS, VOLUNTARY WORKERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF CULTURAL, SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL GROUPS AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES PROMINENT IN NEW TERRITORIES COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

OFFICIAL MEMBERS INCLUDE EITHER THE TOWN MANAGERS OR DISTRICT OFFICERS AS CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARDS, THE PROJECT MANAGER, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER AND THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER.

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TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RATE * M * *

INTEREST PAYABLE BY LICENSED BANKS, CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITIES AND BY THE GOVERNMENT AT RATES OF UP TO 6-1/4 PER CENT PER ANNUM WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX FROM TODAY (TUESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED.

HE SAID THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 1/2 PER CENT IN THE EXEMPTION LIMIT AND FOLLOWS THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION LAST (APRIL 7) SATURDAY THAT THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WOULD BE SIMILARLY RAISED TO 6-1/4 PER CENT ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY.

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SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDER * * *

THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS

J^PTJJENT IS inVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF ANNUAL RENTAL FOR A TENANCY 0f a PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT NING FOO STREET,

v ri I iV A pi q

PURPosTEHs,Si:ctuD“iURveS';cJETT 430 SQUARE METRES- ,s F0R ST0RAGE

F0R THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE

YEAR, AND THEREAFTER MONTHLY.

IEtDaL,F,?RMS’ TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED

J.HL£ROa!L4NDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING,

W K0WL00N “"ERNMENT ORR'CES,

THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE TWO OFFICES.

1979 CL°S,NG DATE F0R ACCEpTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 27,

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

SMALL PERCENTAGE OF PRIMARY ONE POPULATION HAVE HEARING PROBLEMS *****

SIX TO SEVEN PER CENT OF THE PRIMARY ONE SCHOOL POPULATION HAVE HEARING IMPAIRMENT OF VARYING DEGREES, ACCORDING TO MRS. EVA KWAN, SENIOR INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

MRS. KWAN SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST WHERE SHE GAVE A TALK ON ♦HELPING THE HEARING IMPAIRED CHILD — A UNITED EFFORT.♦

SPEAKING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S AUDIOMETRIC SCREENING PROGRAMMES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH STARTED IN 1968 AND WHERE OVER 140,000 PRIMARY ONE PUPILS HAD BEEN SCREENED SINCE, MRS. KWAN SAID:

+BY 1981-82 WE AIM TO PROVIDE 100 PER CENT AUDIOMETRIC SCREENING FOR ALL PRIMARY ONE PUPILS, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO NUMBER 90,000 EACH YEAR.

♦FAILURES FROM THE SCREENING TESTS ARE GIVEN A DETAILED AUDIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AT THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. FOLLOW-UP TESTS ARE ALSO GIVEN, INCLUDING REFERRALS TO THE GOVERNMENT EAR, NOSE AND THROAT UNIT.

♦FOR HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN FROM SIX MONTHS TO 20 YEARS, FREE REMEDIAL SERVICES ARE ALSO PROVIDED.

♦THESE INCLUDE THE ISSUE OF AND GUIDANCE ON THE USE OF HEARING AIDS, SPEECH AND AUDITORY TRAINING, PARENT GUIDANCE AND EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT, AS WELL AS PERIPATETIC TEACHING SERVICE.

♦HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN, MAINLY OF PRE-SCHOOL AGE, ALSO RECEIVE REGULAR TRAINING IN COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND SPEECH AND AUDITORY TRAINING SESSIONS, EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR IN SMALL GROUPS, AT THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRES,+ MRS. KWAN SAID.

SOME HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN, AGED SIX TO 14, ARE PLACED IN SPECIAL CLASSES FOR PARTIALLY HEARING CHILDREN IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS. THERE ARE 24 OF THESE SPECIAL CLASSES IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND FOUR IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS. EACH CLASS ACCOMMODATES 10 PUPILS AND IS TAUGHT BY SPECIALLY TRAINED TEACHERS.

♦THE CURRICULUM OF THE ORDINARY PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IS CLOSELY FOLLOWED SO AS TO ENCOURAGE THESE CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE EDUCATIONALLY AND SOCIALLY IN A HEARING ENVIRONMENT.

♦THE SUCCESS OF THESE CLASSES AND THE INTEGRATION OF HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN, HOWEVER, DEPENDS MUCH ON THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THESE CHILDREN BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC, HENCE THE CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION OF EFFORT AND SERVICES BETWEEN THE HEARING AND THE HEARING IMPAIRED IN AND OUT OF SCHOOLS,+ SHE SAID.

/the ::ohe........

TUESDAY, APRIL 10» 1979

THE MORE SEVERELY IMPAIRED ARE PLACED IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF OF WHICH THERE ARE FOUR IN HONG KONG, ACCOMMODATING 750 CHILDREN RANGING FROM FOUR TO 20 YEARS OF AGE WITH CLASSES FOR PREPARATORY, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY.

THEY ARE THE HONG KONG SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, MONGKOK LUTHERAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND CANOSSA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF.

MRS. KWAN EMPHASISED THAT TO ADEQUATELY PREPARE A DEAF CHILD FOR FULL PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY, EVERY MEANS OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND MADE USE OF IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A COMBINED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION.

♦A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED TO LOOK INTO COMMUNICATION METHODS USED, HAVING REGARD TO THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF DEAF CHILDREN AND THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE CANTONESE DIALECT, AND TO DEVELOP A COMBINED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION FOR THE DEAF IN HONG KONG.

♦THIS IS A LONG-TERM PROJECT WHICH INVOLVES TIME, MANPOWER AND OTHER RESOURCES, AND ABOVE ALL, A UNITED EFFORT AMONG ALL WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH THE HEARING IMPAIRED,+ MRS. KWAN SAID.

IN CONCLUSION, SHE URGEDs +LET US COMMEMORATE ’THE YEAR OF THE CHILD’ BY RENDERING OUR PERSONAL EFFORTS AND UNITED EFFORT IN HELPING THE HEARING IMPAIRED CHILD.+

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

INTEGRATION — ULTIMATE GOAL OF REHABILITATION * * * *

LADY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF REHABILITATION IS THE INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION, SHE SAID THE WORD ♦DISABLED+ WAS OFTEN TAKEN TO MEAN ♦IMPOSSIBLE,+ BUT AT THE mEanC+poss1ble™ ™E HELP AND SUPP0RT 0F THE able-bod<ed, IT WILL

LADY MACLEHOSE, WHO IS THE ASSOCIATION’S PATRON, NOTED THAT THE OBJECT OF THE CENTRE IS TO INTEGRATE THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY AND WAS DELIGHTED TO OPEN THE NEW PREMISES.

SHE PRAISED THE FACILITIES OF THE CENTRE, WHICH, SHE SAID, ♦ARE EQUAL TO ANY MAJOR PHAB PROJECT AND IN THE FAR EAST MUST BE CONSIDERED OUTSTAND I NG.♦

♦WHERE ELSE CAN THE DISABLED HAVE A RIDE FOLLOWED BY A SWIM OR OTHER SPORT IN ONE CENTRE,♦ SHE ASKED.

/♦ALL THESE .....

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

♦ALL THESE FACILITIES,* LADY MACLEHOSE CONTINUED, +HAVE BEEN PLANNED WITH THE AIM OF ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE ABLE-BODIED AS WELL AS THE DISABLED.

♦THROUGH JOINT PARTICIPATION — THE DISABLED WILL THINK LESS ABOUT THEIR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS, GAIN CONFIDENCE AND ENJOY A MUCH FULLER LIFE- THE ABLE-BODIED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNISE THAT CERTAIN ABILITIES IN A DISABLED PERSON OFTEN OUTWEIGH THE DISABILITY.+

SHE ALSO COMMENDED THE DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS FOR PRODUCING +A VERY ATTRACTIVE AND REMARKABLE CENTRE+.

LADY MACLEHOSE THANKED MR. LI KWAN-HUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, AND THE PHAB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK AND ENDORSED MR. LI’S THANKS TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTRE AND TOWARDS THE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES DURING ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION.

AFTER UNVEILING THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE OF THE CENTRE, LADY MACLEHOSE, ACCOMPANIED BY MR. LI AND OTHER GUESTS, TOURED THE CENTRE AND WATCHED VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE DISABLED RIDING HORSES, PLAYING BASKETBALL, SWIMMING AND CANOEING WITH THE ABLE-BODIED, SINGING AND PLAYING ARCHERY.

THE LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE AT 75 POKFULAM RESERVOIR ROAD, WAS BUILT ON LAND GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. IT IS SET IN RURAL SURROUNDINGS, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 100,000 SQUARE FEET AND IS CUSTOM-BUILT FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND THE ABLE-BODIED TO PURSUE JOINT ACTIVITIES.

IT IS COMPLETE WITH A SWIMMING POOL, DORMITORIES, RIDING FACILITIES, A CLUB HOUSE AND MANY OTHER FACILITIES.

FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CENTRE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO EASTER MONDAY (APRIL 16) FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. DAILY.

VISITORS TO THE CENTRE MAY TAKE BUSES NO. 4, 7, 70, 71, OR 40.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR DEVELOPERS ON SHA TIN KCR DEPOT COMPLEX

SEVERAL LARGE DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR A PRIVATE HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX OVER THE PROPOSED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY DEPOT AT SHA TIN.

REPRESENTATIVES OF SEVERAL COMPANIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OFFICIALS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE SEEKING FURTHER DETAILS OF THE SCHEME - AND HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND A SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR DEVELOPERS ON THURSDAY MORNING AT 10.30 A.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.

THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE BRIEFING HAD BEEN ARRANGED TO ENABLE COMPANIES INTERESTED IN THE PROJECT TO GO OVER THE PLANS AND SALE CONDITIONS BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR TENDERS ON THE PROJECT ON MAY 4.

♦BECAUSE IT WILL BE A RELATIVELY SHORT TENDER PERIOD, THIS BRIEFING WILL ENABLE DEVELOPERS TO DISCUSS THE OVERALL CONCEPT WITH THE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVOLVED AND ACQUAINT THEMSELVES WITH THE BASIC DETAILS OF THE SALE CONDITIONS,+ MR. THOMPSON SAID.

THE PLANS CALL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION BY GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS OF A 2.7 HECTARE PODIUM FINANCED BY THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WHO WILL THEN BUILD A HOUSING COMPLEX OF SEVEN TOWER BLOCKS OF FLATS AND ANOTHER 16-STOREY BUILDING FOR COMMERCIAL OR HOTEL PURPOSES.

MR. THOMPSON POINTED OUT THAT THE SALE CONDITIONS WOULD RUN TO MORE THAN 50 PAGES AND URGED DEVELOPERS INTERESTED IN OBTAINING COPIES TO WRITE TO THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, ENCLOSING A CROSSED CHEQUE FOR $100 PAYABLE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OPERATOR FINED FOR OVER CHARGING ft ft ft ft ft ft

AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY LICENSEE WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) FINED $500 AT WESTERN MAGISTRACY FOR CHARGING A JOB-SEEKER IN EXCESS OF THE MAXIMUM FEE PRESCRIBED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

THE LICENSEE WAS FOUND GUILTY OF CHARGING THE JOB-SEEKER $5 REGISTRATION FEE FOR EMPLOYMENT REGISTRATION IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.

THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MRS. SOO MOK SAU-HA, TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR JOB-SEEKERS, OF THE MAXIMUM FEE CHARGEABLE BY EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES.

♦FOR JOB-SEEKERS THE PRESCRIBED REGISTRATION FEE IS $3, AND THE AMOUNT OF MAXIMUM COMMISSION IS TEN PER CENT OF THE FIRST MONTH’S SALARY RECEIVED AFTER PLACEMENT IN EMPLOYMENT.

♦REGISTRATION FEE CHARGEABLE IS $10 FOR EACH CLASS OF VACANCY REGISTERED, AND $5 FOR RE-REGISTRATION.

♦THERE IS, HOWEVER, NO CEILING ON THE AMOUNT OF COMMISSION WHICH COULD BE MUTUALLY AGREED ON BETWEEN THE AGENCY AND THE EMPLOYER,+ MRS. SOO SAID.

MRS. SOO STRESSED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS VERY MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT ANY MALPRACTICE OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES.

SHE APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO FEEL SO AGGRIEVED TO REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT.

♦ALL COMPLAINTS WILL BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND ANY LICENSEE FOUND TO HAVE OVERCHARGED EITHER JOB-SEEKERS OR EMPLOYERS WILL BE PROSECUTED WITHOUT WARN ING,+ MRS. SOO ADDED.

REPORT ON MALPRACTICES OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES SHOULD BE MADE IN PERSON OR IN WRITING TO THE DEPARTMENT AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

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

/8....

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

FOUR OFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TOMORROW ***** ft

NINE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES AT THE RESUMED DEBATE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON THURSDAY.

TOMORROW’S SPEAKERS ARE THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO- SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES- DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MACDONALD AND DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KEN TOPLEY.

AT THE SAME TIME, NINE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED ----- EXCHANGE

FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979, BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, AUXILIARY FORCES PAY AND ALLOWANCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979.

FOUR BILLS --- INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1979,

LEGAL OFFICERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 --- WILL GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

THE TWO-DAY DEBATE WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY WHEN FIVE MORE OFFICIALS WILL SPEAK ---- THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER-

FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE- SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES- SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICES, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS AND SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON.

RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL BROADCAST THE DEBATE LIVE ON RADIO 4 TOMORROW AND ON THURSDAY.

- 0 - -

ONLY 38 HOURS OF SUNSHINE IN MARCH ft ft ft * ft ft

MARCH 1979 WAS GENERALLY CLOUDY, WET AND HUMID WITH ONLY SIX DAYS WITHOUT RAIN AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL WAS 71.9 MM OR 22.6 MM ABOVE NORMAL.

SOME SUNSHINE WAS RECORDED ON 14 DAYS BUT THE TOTAL SUNSHINE DURATION OF 38 HOURS WAS THE EIGHTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR MARCH.

ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SEVERAL VERY WARM AFTERNOON'S WITH TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING 25 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE MONTH’S MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 19.3 DEGREES WAS ONLY 0.9 DEGREE HIGHER THAN NORMAL.

/the first

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE CLOUDY AND COOL WITH RAIN AT TIMES. THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH, 12.6 DEGREES, WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 1.

ON THE FOLLOWING MORNING THERE WERE STRONG EASTERLY WINDS OFF SHORE AND THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FROM 6.20 A.M. UNTIL 2.50 P.M. THE NEXT THREE DAYS WERE MAINLY FINE APART FROM A FEW PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN DURING THE EVENING OF MARCH 4.

CLOUDY CONDITIONS RETURNED ON MARCH 6 AND PERIODS OF RAIN WERE EXPERIENCED UNTIL MARCH 8. TEMPERATURES STARTED TO RISE GRADUALLY FROM MARCH 4 ONWARDS AS A SOUTHEASTERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT WARM AND MOIST AIR FROM THE PACIFIC.

MIST AND FOG DEVELOPED ON MARCH 7 AND PERSISTED UNTIL THE EVENING OF MARCH 13. DURING THIS PERIOD VISIBILITY WAS AT TIMES REDUCED TO 700 METRES AT WAGLAN ISLAND, 1,000 METRES AT CHEUNG CHAU AND 2,800 METRES AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RESPECTIVELY.

AIR TRAFFIC WAS AFFECTED AND 14 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM THE AIRPORT ON MARCH 13.

A COLD FRONT SLOWLY APPROACHED HONG KONG FROM THE NORTH ON MARCH 12 AND THE WEATHER BECAME UNSETTLED WITH MORE RAIN. THERE WERE STRONG EASTERLY WINDS EARLY NEXT MORNING AND THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FROM 8.30 A.M. TO 3.40 P.M.

NORTHERLY WINDS BEHIND THE COLD FRONT REACHED HONG KONG ON MARCH 14 AND CONDITIONS BECAME SLIGHTLY COOLER DURING THE FOLLOWING 14 DAYS. THE WEATHER DID NOT IMPROVE AFTER THE FRONTAL PASSAGE.

RAIN PERSISTED UNTIL MARCH 28 WITH SOME THUNDERSTORMS ON MARCH 22 AND 26. VISIBILITY WAS POOR MOST OF THE TIME.

WIDESPREAD FOG OCCURRED EARLY ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 29 WHEN VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED TO 100 METRES AT WAGLAN ISLAND, 200 METRES AT CHEUNG CHAU, 300 METRES AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND 800 METRES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RESPECTIVELY.

ANOTHER SHORT PERIOD OF STRONG EASTERLY WINDS WAS EXPERIENCED OVERNIGHT ON MARCH 21 AND THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FROM 3 A.M. TO 9.45 A.M. ON MARCH 22.

THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON MARCH 29 AND THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE VERY WARM. ON THE AFTERNOON OF MARCH 31 TEMPERATURES ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 27.8 DEGREES WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST RECORDED IN THE MONTH.

DURING THE MONTH 16 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.

TYPHOON BESS DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC ON MARCH 19 AND DISSIPATED ON MARCH 25. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MARCH 20, 22, 23, 24 AND 26.

THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS ISSUED ON MARCH 4 AND 11.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

- 10

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT NEEDS MORE STAFF

*****

AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ADDITIONAL STAFF WOULD HAVE TO BE SOUGHT TO MEET THE HEAVY DEMANDS PLACED ON THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.

ADDRESSING A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 18 RECRUITS, MR. SO NOTED THAT AT NO TIME IN ITS 18-YEAR HISTORY DID THE DEPARTMENT HAVE TO COPE WITH SUCH DIFFICULT PROBLEMS AS THOSE NOW CONFRONTING IT.

APART FROM DEALING WITH INCREASING NUMBERS OF TRAVELLERS BOTH TO AND FROM HONG KONG, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO HAD TO DEAL WITH REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM AS WELL AS WITH LARGE INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING TO HONG KONG FROM CHINA.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEPARTMENT’S LAW ENFORCEMENT FUNCTION HAD BECOME MORE IMPORTANT AND GREAT EFFORTS HAD TO BE MADE TO COMBAT FORGERY AND FRAUD IN THE IMMIGRATION FIELD.

+IT IS VERY GRATIFYING TO SEE HOW SUCCESSFULLY YOUR SERVICE HAS, SO FAR, COPED WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS,* SAID MR. SO.

♦UNFORTUNATELY,+ HE ADDED, +THE OVERWHELMING DEMANDS MADE ON THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAVE MEANT THAT THE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC HAS NOT BEEN AS PROMPT AND CONVENIENT AS THE DEPARTMENT WOULD WISH.

♦IT IS INEVITABLE IN THE LONG RUN THAT ADDITIONAL STAFF HAVE TO BE SOUGHT AND IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE RECRUITMENT OF THE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WILL BE ACCELERATED,+ MR. SO SAID.

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

/11

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979

EASTER TRAVELLERS ADVISED TO CHECK IN EARLY AT AIRPORT ******

PEOPLE GOING ABROAD FOR THEIR EASTER HOLIDAYS ARE ADVISED TO CHECK IN EARLY AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO AVOID DELAY AND INCONVENIENCE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID ABOUT 20,000 TO 22,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO LEAVE OR ARRIVE IN HONG KONG DAILY DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD FROM GOOD FRIDAY TO EASTER MONDAY (APRIL 16).

♦IT WOULD BE OF GREAT HELP TO THE AIRPORT AND AIRLINES’ STAFF IF PASSENGERS WOULD CHECK IN EARLY AND PROCEED TO IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY CONTROLS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE SO AS TO AVOID CONGESTION,♦ HE STRESSED.

HE WARNED, HOWEVER, THAT SOME DELAYS WOULD BE UNAVOIDABLE BECAUSE EASTER IS ALWAYS A TIME WHEN THOUSANDS OF HOLIDAYMAKERS SWELL THE NORMAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID FREQUENT BROADCAST WOULD BE MADE AT THE AIRPORT TO REMIND PASSENGERS TO CHECK IN EARLY.

ADDITIONAL STAFF, HE ADDED, WILL ALSO BE POSTED TO HELP MAINTAIN ORDER AND IMPROVE PASSENGER MOVEMENT.

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

TEMPORARY MUI WO TRAFFIC AND BUS ARRANGEMENTS

*****

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND NEW BUS ROUTING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND, FROM 8 A.M. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 12, TO FACILITATE ENGINEERING WORKS.

DUE TO ROCK REMOVAL ON THE STEEP SLOPES BELOW MUI WO POLICE STATION NEAR THE END OF SOUTH LANTAU ROAD, THE AREA BELOW THE SLOPES — THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE ROUNDABOUT TO THE WEST OF THE TEMPORARY CAR PARK — WILL BE CORDONED OFF.

A NEW ROUTING ARRANGEMENT FOR BUSES WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED IN WHICH FRANCHISED BUSES ENTERING THE TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS WILL USE THE NEW ROAD TO THE NORTH OF THE TEMPORARY CAR PARK.

ALL OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS SECTION OF THE NEW ROAD.

AS THE NEW BUS TERMINUS WILL NOT BE OPEN UNTIL THE NEW FERRY PIER BEGINS OPERATION, HALF OF THE TERMINUS WILL BE USED BY THE BUS COMPANY AS A QUEUING ARW, AND THE OTHER HALF BY THE FERRY COMPANY FOR SPEEDY PASSENGER EXIT OR AS AN ASSEMBLY POINT FOR STUDENT GROUPS AND TOURISTS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

RE-INTRODUCTION OF 1973-74 FUEL-SAVING MEASURES BEING STUDIED ...................................................... 1

TIMELY MOVE TO ADAPT TO FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE REGIME ........ 2

TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TO BE PRESENTED NEXT MONTH ............. 5

SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE END OF MONTH ................................................. 8

NO MORE IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR UNTRAINED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ............................................. 10

AMENDMENTS TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE PROPOSED ......... 12

INCREASE IN MAXIMUM PENALTIES PROPOSED FOR CONTRAVENTIONS OF BUILDING ORDINANCE ....................................... 13

BILL TO EXTEND PROTECTION OF EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO MORE NON-MANUAL WORKERS .......................................... 14

BILL TO GIVE PROTECTION OF ANONYMITY TO VICTIMS OF INDECENT ASSAULT CASES ...................................... 15

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF LAST FINANCIAL YEAR............................................... 16

TRIBUTE TO AUXILIARY SERVICES ............................... 16

PWD TECHNICAL AUDIT SYSTEM IN OPERATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS . 17

FOUR BILLS PASSED .......................................... 18

MAJOR CONTRACT FOR TUEN MUN SIGNED .......................... 19

ROOF STRUCTURE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS ................... 20

RESULTS OF LATEST TENDER FOR 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES ........ 20

MASCULINE NAMES FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES ....................... 21

THREE CONTAINERS OF MAIL LOST OVERBOARD...................... 22

GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE A RESTRICTED ZONE ........... 22

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

RE-INTRODUCTION MEASURES * *

OF 1973-74 FUEL-SAVING BEING STUDIED * * * *

AS PART OF ITS CAMPAIGN TO SAVE FUEL, THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF RE-INTRODUCING SOME OF THE MEASURES ADOPTED DURING THE 1973-74 ENERGY CRISIS.

♦WE HAD AT THAT TIME A BAN ON DISPLAY -- ADVERTISING, LIGHTS, NEON LIGHTS AND THAT SORT OF THING WITHIN CERTAIN STIPULATED HOURS,+ SAID MR. A.L. PURVES, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY WHEN HE APPEARED ON RTHK’S VIEWPOINT TELEVISION PROGRAMME THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

WITH HIM ON THE PROGRAMME WERE MR. S.J. OSMOND, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD'. AND A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S OIL POLICY COMMITTEE AND MR. ALAN ARMITAGE, A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CONSUMERS.

MR. PURVES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO THINKING OF REQUIRING THERMOSTATS IN THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS TO BE SET AT 26 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH, HE SAID, WOULD NOT BE AN UNCOMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE.

THE ELECTRICITY GENERATING STATIONS, HE NOTED, WILL BE CUTTING BACK THEIR SPINNING RESERVES BY A LITTLE AND, THROUGH THESE MEASURES AND ALSO PERHAPS DAYLIGHT SAVING, A CUT BACK OF FIVE PER CENT WOULD BE ACHIEVED WHICH IS WHAT THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY IS ASKING OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO.

MR. PURVES ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S OIL POLICY COMMITTEE, OF WHICH HE AND MR. OSMOND ARE MEMBERS, ARE MEETING DAILY TO REVIEW THE OIL SITUATION.

♦WE’VE STARTED A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE INTENTION OF WHICH IS TO ASK PEOPLE TO SAVE ELECTRICITY VOLUNTARILY AND THROUGH THAT TO SAVE FUEL OIL BECAUSE FUEL OIL IS THE ONE OIL WHICH WE THINK WE COULD DO WITH CUTTING BACK ON CONSUMPTION,♦ MR. PURVES SAID.

EARLIER, MR. OSMOND SAID THE OIL SITUATION IN HONG KONG WAS TIGHT BUT NOT SERIOUS.

♦FOR MOST PRODUCTS, I THINK IT IS QUITE MANAGEABLE AT PRESENT. BUT SHORTAGES ARE BEGINNING TO APPEAR --MAINLY IN THE AREAS OF FUEL OIL FOR SHIPS AND ELECTS IC ITY AND PARTIALLY FOR INDUSTRY,+ HE SAID.

THERE WAS ALSO A SHORTAGE OF NAPTHA AND SOME SHORTAGES IN PETROCHEMICAL PRODUCTS.

IN SPITE OF THIS, MR. OSMOND SAID HE DID NOT 'ruINK THAT HONG KONG WOULD BE IN A POSITION WHERE PEOPLE WOULD BE TOLD: ♦SORRY, THE PUMPS ARE EM°TY AND THERE IS NOTHING wE CAN DO ABOUT IT.*

/+32T RIGHT......

♦BUT RIGHT NOW, WE ARE HAVING GREAT DIFFICULTY IN MEETING DEMANDS FROM NEW USERS — NEW COMMERCIAL USERS,+ MR. OSMOND STRESSED.

AT THIS POINT, MR. PURVES EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD INSISTED ALL ALONG +AND WILL CONTINUE TO INSIST THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY MUST BE GIVEN THE OIL IT NEEDS IN ORDER TO KEEP EXPORTS GOING BECAUSE EXPORTS ARE OUR LIFE-BLOOD.+

HE SAID THE OIL COMPANIES WERE WELL AWARE OF THIS. ♦THEY WERE AWARE OF IT IN 1973-74. THEY ARE AWARE OF IT NOW AND WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT THIS POLICY IS FIRMLY MAINTAINED,* HE ADDED.

MR. ARMITAGE ADVOCATED DAYLIGHT SAVING WHICH HE FELT WOULD BE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO SAVING FUEL OIL IN HONG KONG.

BUT MR. PURVES POINTED OUT THAT THE LATEST FIGURES AVAILABLE SHOWED THAT DAYLIGHT SAVING WOULD BE ABOUT ONE PER CENT.

DAYLIGHT SAVING WAS AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE SAVE FUEL CAMPAIGN, MR. PURVES SAID, +BUT NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.+

♦THERE ARE OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER WITH RESPECT TO DAYLIGHT SAVING — IT HAS TO BE ONE OF SEVERAL ITEMS WHICH CALLS FOR CONSIDERATION AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE DOING AT THE MOMENT. WE ARE CONSIDERING SEVERAL PARTS OF WHAT IS QUITE A BIG EQUATION,+ MR. PURVES SAID.

♦OVERALL, AT THE MOMENT THERE IS NO PANIC, THERE IS NO NEED TO GET TOO EXCITED,+ HE SAID.

EVERYTHING, MR. PURVES SAID, IS UNDER CONTROL AND GOING QUITE WELL.

♦BUT WE’RE NOT BEING COMPLACENT,+ HE ADDED.

- 0 - -

TIMELY MOVE TO ADAPT TO FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE REGIME

X X X X X X

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THREE AMENDMENT BILLS RELATING TO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR BALANCES AND BANKS’ MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS.

THEY ARE THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.

THE FIRST BILL SEEKS TO LIMIT THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT’S HONG KONG DOLLAR BALANCES CAN FORM A BASE FOR THE CREATION OF CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY.

/it will,

■VEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

IT WILL, EXPLAINED MR. HADDON-CAVE, REQUIRE BANKS HOLDING BALANCES FROM THE EXCHANGE FUND ON DEMAND, AT CALL AND AT SHORT NOTICE TO HOLD SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS EQUIVALENT TO 100 PER CENT OF THOSE BALANCES.

AT PRESENT, LIQUID ASSETS HAVE TO BE HELD AGAINST THESE BALANCES TO A MINIMUM OF ONLY 25 PER CENTi UP TO 75 PER CENT IS, THEREFORE, AVAILABLE TO BE LENT TO THE NON-BANK PUBLIC, OR TO BE INVESTED WITH NO LIQUIDITY RESTRAINT.

♦IN OTHER WORDS, THIS BILL WILL IMPOSE A CERTAIN ADDITIONAL CONSTRAINT ON THE BANKS CONCERNED,♦ HE NOTED.

AGAINST TIME DEPOSITS IN THE NAME OF THE EXCHANGE FUND THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENT WILL REMAIN AT ITS PRESENT LEVEL OF 25 PER CENT.

MR. HADDON-CAVE THEN REFERRED TO REMARKS BY THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG THAT THE BILL WOULD NOT ACHIEVE ITS PURPOSE.

HE SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE MR. YEUNG WAS RIGHT FOR TWO REASONS.

♦FIRST, AND MOST IMPORTANT, I HAVE A HIGH REGARD FOR THE BANKS WITH WHOM THE EXCHANGE FUND HOLDS ITS BALANCES. THEY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS MEASURE IS, AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL BEHAVE IN ANY WAY WHICH MIGHT FRUSTRATE ITS PURPOSE.

♦SECONDLY, THERE IS NO APPARENT NEED FOR THE BANKING SYSTEM AS A WHOLE TO TAKE STEPS TO CIRCUMVENT THE NEW REQUIREMENT IN THE WAY SUGGESTED BY MR. YEUNG,+ HE ADDED.

MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO DID NOT AGREE WITH ANOTHER COMMENT BY MR. YEUNG THAT FOREIGN BANKS IN HONG KONG WOULD ENTER INTO +WINDOW-DRESS ING+ TRANSACTIONS WITH THEIR HEAD OFFICES OVERSEAS.

♦IN RELATION TO COMPANY BALANCE SHEETS THE PHRASE ’WINDOW-DRESSING* MEANS TO ME OPERATIONS WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE A COMPANY’S POSITION SEEM MUCH BETTER THAN IT REALLY IS. SO ALL THE OPERATIONS AND DEVICES USED FOR THAT PURPOSE ARE COMPLETELY ARTIFICIAL, AND VERY WELL HIDDEN.

♦BUT IN THE HONG KONG BANKING SYSTEM, THE HOLDING OF LIQUIDITY IN THE FORM OF A DEPOSIT WITH A BANK OVERSEAS IS A NORMAL AND QUITE LEGITIMATE PROCEDURE.

♦THE AMOUNT OF SUCH LIQUIDITY, AND IN PARTICULAR THE AMOUNT OF ANY DEPOSITS AT THE HEAD OFFICE OVERSEAS OF A FOREIGN BANK IN HONG KONG, IS REPORTED EACH MONTH TO THE COMMISSIONER OF BANK ING,♦ SAID MR. HADDON-CAVE.

IN CONCLUSION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE BILL ♦IS, I BELIEVE, ANOTHER TIMELY MOVE TO ADAPT OURSELVES+ TO THE FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE REGIME.

/ths banking .....

WEDNESDAY, APHIL 11, 1979

THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY, FOR MONETARY POLICY PURPOSES, VARY THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS WHICH BANKS IN HONG KONG MUST OBSERVE IN RESPECT OF THE DEPOSITS THEY HOLD FROM THE NON-BANK PUBLIC.

THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS CURRENTLY SET BY SECTIONS 18(2) AND 18(3) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE, WHICH HAVE BEEN UNCHANGED SINCE 1964, ARE 25 PER CENT IN RESPECT OF +LIQUID ASSETS,* THREE-FIFTHS OF WHICH (15 PER CENT) MUST BE KEPT IN WHAT ARE TERMED +SUPER LIQUID ASSETS.*

MR. HADDON-CAVE BELIEVED THAT AN INCREASE IN THE RATIOS COULD BE, IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES, A HELPFUL MEASURE TO DEPLOY.

+IN THE MEANTIME, LET ME ASSURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT WE ARE CONTINUING TO EXAMINE OTHER MEASURES TO INFLUENCE THE GROWTH OF THE MONEY SUPPLY AND BANK CREDIT.

*BUT WE WOULD BE AT FAULT IF WE HAD NO CONTINGENCY teASURE IMMEDIATELY TO HAND. THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL IS TO PROVIDE US WITH SUCH A MEASURE, NO MORE AND NO LESS,* HE SAID.

CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL ADDS A NEW SECTION (SECTION 18A) TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, TO PERMIT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO RAISE OR REDUCE THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS WHICH ALL BANKS HAVE TO MAINTAIN UNDER SECTIONS 18(2) AND 18(3) OF THE ORDINANCE.

+IF EVER I WERE TO MAKE USE OF THIS POWER, I WOULD GIVE THE BANKING COMMUNITY A REASONABLE PERIOD OF NOTICE, SO THAT THEY COULD TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO ADJUST THEIR ASSET STRUCTURE,* SAID MR. HADDON-CAVE.

THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL COMPLEMENTS THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL AND IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO VARY, FOR THE PURPOSES OF MONETARY POLICY, THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS TO BE OBSERVED BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID CLAUSE 1 OF THE BILL STATES THAT IT SHALL COME INTO OPERATION ON THE SAME DAY AS SECTION 9 OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1978. THIS IS BECAUSE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS HAVE NOT YET BEEN SET FOR THESE COMPANIES.

SECTION 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE, GOVERNING LIQUIDITY RATIOS, WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT AS SOON AS SECTION 9 IS BROUGHT INTO OPERATION, WHICH HE HOPED WILL BE NO LATER THAN THIS SUMMER, HE SHALL SPECIFY THE MINIMUM RATIOS WHICH ARE TO BE OBSERVED Bv DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

DEBATE ON THE THREE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 5 -

TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TO BE PRESENTED NEXT MONTH ******

THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. THE HON. D.J.C. JONES, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WOULD PRESENT A WHITE PAPER ON INTERNAL TRANSPORT TO THE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH.

HE SAID THIS WHILE REFERRING TO CERTAIN POINTS MADE BY THE HON. J.H. BREMRIDGE ABOUT TRANSPORT.

ON MR. BREMRIDGE’S PROPOSAL THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO A NEW CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE HARBOUR, MR. JONES SAID:

♦THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW, AS PART OF ITS ON-GOING LONG-TERM PLANNING ON TRANSPORT, CONSIDERING A STUDY ON ALL POSSIBILITIES OF FURTHER FIXED HARBOUR CROSSINGS, INCLUDING ADDITIONS TO THE EXISTING TUNNEL.

♦I KNOW THAT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY IS ALSO CONDUCTING ITS OWN INVESTIGATIONS AND ANY PROPOSALS IT PUTS FORWARD WILL BE CONSIDERED SYMPATHETICALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT.♦

ON BUS SERVICES, MR. JONES SAID THE FRANCHISES OF BOTH THE KOWLOON AND CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANIES WILL BE UP FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ROLL-OVER THIS AUTUMN.

♦THIS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE COMPANIES’ PERFORMANCES AND THE NEED FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES WILL BE CONSIDERED THEN.+ HE ADDED.

ON ANOTHER POINT BY MR. BREMRIDGE, MR. JONES SAID NEGOTIATIONS ARE STARTING ON NEW FERRY FRANCHISES AND A NEW FERRIES ORDINANCE AND ONE OF THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED WILL BE THE RENTS TO BE CHARGED FOR GOVERNMENT OWNED FERRY PIERS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY ARE ALREADY SHARING IN THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF SOME PIERS, AND OTHER PROJECTS ARE BEING CONSIDERED.

EARLIER, MR. JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW DOING FAR MORE IN LAND PRODUCTION AND SALES THAN EVER BEFORE.

AND DURING THE COMING MONTHS THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER AMENDMENT OF TERMS RELATING TO PREMIUM FOR ALL TYPES OF LAND, INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL LAND, WILL BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER WITH THE QUESTION OF WHETHER INTEREST RATES ON INSTALMENT PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MORE CLOSELY RELATED TO MARKET RATES, HE SAID.

IT HAD NEVER BEEN GOVERNMENT POLICY TO MANIPULATE LAND SALES SO AS TO MAXIMISE REVENUE, BUT TO ENSURE THAT IT IS USED IN THE MOST PRODUCTIVE WAY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY, M?. JONES STRESSED.

/+DJ THE......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 6 -

♦ IN THE SALE OF LAND MARKET FORCES HAVE BEEN USED AS AN ALLOCATIVE PROCESS WHICH IS NORMALLY SUPERIOR TO ANY ALTERNATIVE,* HE SAID.

RAPID EXPANSION IN THE DEMAND FOR LAND AND PROPERTY ACCOMPANIED BY CONSIDERABLE SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY HAD LED TO SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN LAND PRICES.

+IN THE MARKET SITUATION WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING RECENTLY, WHERE DEVELOPERS CAN PRE-SELL ACCOMMODATION AND THIS CAN THEN EE RESOLD AGAIN, PERHAPS SEVERAL TIMES, BEFORE THE BUILDING IS COMPLETED, THE AUCTION SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A STRONG SPECULATIVE ELEMENT BEING INTRODUCED INTO THE LAND MARKET.

♦ I WOULD EMPHASISE, HOWEVER, THAT WHAT IS UNUSUAL IN THIS SITUATION IS NOT THE SUPPLY OF LAND BUT THE MASSIVE INCREASE IN DEMAND FUELLED BY THE BOOM AND THE EASY AVAILABILITY OF CREDIT.

♦ LAST SUMMER THE DOWN-PAYMENT FOR VALUABLE SITES WAS EFFECTIVELY INCREASED FROM ABOUT 15 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT OF THE PREMIUM PAYABLE.

♦ THE GOVERNMENT WILL, DURING THE COMING MONTHS, BE CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER AMENDMENT OF TERMS RELATING TO PREMIUM FOR ALL TYPES OF LAND, INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL LAND.

♦WE WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERING WHETHER INTEREST RATES ON INSTALMENT PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MORE CLOSELY RELATED TO MARKET RATES,♦ SAID MR. JONES.

ALTHOUGH THE SUPPLY OF LAND FOR UTILITIES, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC HOUSING MAY WELL APPEAR LARGE, MR. JONES CONTINUED, THE SUPPLY TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS ALSO VERY CONSIDERABLE AND WAS CONTINUING TO RISE.

♦HOWEVER, I INTEND TO REVIEW RESERVATIONS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR ACTIVITIES TO SEE IF ANY OF THESE CAN BE RELEASED FOR SALE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.+

THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL NEED FOR LAND FOR GOVERNMENT FACILITIES INCLUDING PUBLIC UTILITIES, EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES, RECREATION AND AMENITY, PUBLIC HOUSING, ROADS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS.

♦THIS MEANS THAT, INEVITABLY, A HIGH PROPORTION OF LAND MUST EE USED FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS, SOME OF WHICH, SUCH AS COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL TO SUPPORT PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT,+ MR. JONES SAID.

♦EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST HAD SHOWN THAT TO A LARGE EXTENT PUBLIC HOUSING COMPLEMENTS AND BACKS UP INDUSTRY BY HELPING TO OBTAIN AN ADEQUATE LABOUR FORCE IN NEW AREAS,* HE ADDED.

THE PROPORTION O’7 ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE LAND °RODUCED WHICH CAN BE DISPOSED OF TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS NO* VERY SUBSTANTIAL INDEED COMPARED WITH PAST PERFORMANCE.

.V3DNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 7 -

+ IN 1978 THE GOVERNMENT SOLD A TOTAL OF 23.2 HECTARES OF LAND, WHICH IS ABOUT DOUBLE THE AMOUNT SOLD IN THE TWO PREVIOUS YEARS,* SAID MR. JONES.

+THE 1979 SALES PROGRAMME WILL DISPOSE OF ABOUT 54 HECTARES, MUCH MORE THAN TWICE THE 1978 FIGURE.

+THESE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE LAND FOR, FOR INSTANCE, THE TWO NEW POWER STATIONS AT TAP SHEK KOK AND LAMMA ISLAND, NOR DOES IT INCLUDE THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.*

THE POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WHICH COULD BE PRODUCED FROM THIS LAND WAS ABOUT 1.3 MILLION SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR SPACE OR ABOUT 17.5 PER CENT OF THE EXISTING STOCK OF INDUSTRIAL FLOOR SPACE.

+1 WOULD THEREFORE RISK THE PREDICTION THAT THE LEVEL OF SUPPLY, WHICH IS CAPABLE OF BEING NOT ONLY MAINTAINED BUT CONSIDERABLY INCREASED OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SHOULD GO A LONG WAY TO MEET DEMANDS AND HELP TO BRING ABOUT A MORE RATIONAL MARKET THAN WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS,* SAID W. JONES.

THE GOVERNMENT NOW HAD A MASTER PLAN FOR LAND PRODUCTION AND A STRATEGIC LAND PLANNING UNIT WAS BEING SET UP IN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH.

ALTHOUGH LAND PRODUCTION IN OTHER AREAS WAS FAR FROM BEING NEGLIGIBLE, THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT LAND PROGRAMME CAME FROM THE NEW TOWNS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.

+1 DO NOT THINK IT IS PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD WHAT A VAST EFFORT THESE PROGRAMMES ENTAIL,* SAID MR. JONES.

♦PROGRAMMED LAND DEVELOPMENT IN THE SIX NEW TOWNS AND OTHER TOWNSHIPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE PERIOD 1978-79 TO 1988-89 AMOUNTS TO SOME 2,000 HECTARES, THAT IS ABOUT 5,000 ACRES, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF ABOUT $7,300 MILLION.*

THE GEARING UP OF LAND PRODUCTION FROM THESE AREAS HAD NOT BEEN EASY INVOLVING RESUMPTIONS AND CLEARANCES NOT PREVIOUSLY TACKLED IN SIMILAR PERIODS, AS WELL AS VAST RECLAMATIONS.

IN THE EARLY STAGES OF EACH NEW DEVELOPMENT AREA MUCH OF THE EFFORT AND LAND PRODUCED HAD TO BE PUT INTO THE PROVISION OF ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND SUPPORTING FACILITIES SO THAT SQUATTERS COULD BE CLEARED BEFORE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT COULD PROCEED.

+THE RESULTS ARE NOW BEING CLEARLY SEEN IN THE LAND PRODUCTION PROGRAMME WHICH PRODUCES FAIRLY IMPRESSIVE FIGURES OF TOTAL PRODUCTION,* MR. JONES SAID.

MR. JONES SAID THAT HE DID NOT THINK THE SCOPE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES TO SUPPLEMENT GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES WAS PARTICULARLY LARGE.

/♦THIS IS......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

+THIS IS PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE RELATIVELY FEW OPPORTUNITIES REMAINING FOR OBVIOUS SIMPLE LAND PRODUCTION SCHEMES OUTSIDE THE MAIN DEVELOPMENT AREAS.

♦BUT IT IS ALSO BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT STRAIN ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND, INDEED, THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES WHICH BOTH GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE UNDERTAKING ALREADY.*

FINALLY, MR. JONES SAID THAT DURING 1979 HE HOPED TO PRESENT FIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BILLS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

+WE WILL ALSO BE EXPANDING THE STAFF OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT,* HE SAID.

MR. JONES PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHO HAD ASSISTED IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

♦WITH THEIR ASSISTANCE WE HOPE IN THE YEARS TO COME TO MAKE HONG KONG A CLEANER, LESS NOISY AND BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.*

- - 0 - -

SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE END OF MONTH

X * * X X

SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER IS EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL, MR. HO SAID THE PROPOSALS ON RETIREMENT BENEFIT CONTAINED IN THE 1977 GREEN PAPER HAD STIMULATED A LIVELY DEBATE. APART FROM THE CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME, ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF ACHIEVING ITS AIMS OF PROVIDING COVER AGAINST THE RISKS OF EXTENDED PERIODS CF SICKNESS OR INJURY, DEATH AND RETIREMENT WERE ALSO DISCUSSED.

+THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE DESIRABILITY OF PROVIDING SOME FORM OF COVER FOR THESE RISKS, BUT HAS NOT YET REACHED A CONCLUSION ON THE BEST WAY OF DOING SO,* MR. HO SAID.

HE SAID ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH INTRODUCING ANY FORM OF CONTRIBUTORY SYSTEM WOULD EE THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS COMPATIBLE WITH THE EXISTING SCHEMES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE.

♦ANOTHER RELEVANT FACTOR IS THE APPARENT LACK OF PUBLIC INTEREST IN INSURANCE* HE SAID.

/33 SAD

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 9 -

HE SAID A JOINT SURVEY BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN DECEMBER 1977 AND JANUARY 1978 HAD SHOWN THAT OUT OF 2,089 EMPLOYEES ONLY 4.2 PER CENT HAD LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES, 1.5 PER CENT BOUGHT MEDICAL INSURANCE AND ONE PER CENT SICKNESS INSURANCE.

♦SO IT MUST BE A MATTER FOR CONJECTURE AS TO THE DEGREE OF ACTUAL SUPPORT ANY CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME WOULD RECEIVE, THOUGH IT WOULD APPEAR THAT SUCH SUPPORT WOULD BE DEPENDENT ON THE BENEFITS LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE AND ON THE INFORMATION ABOUT IT GETTING THROUGH TO THE WORKER,+ MR. HO POINTED OUT.

♦NEVERTHELESS, I HOPE THAT IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE SOME ANNOUNCEMENT OF GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS LATER THIS YEAR,+ HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO THE PRESSURE ON HOSPITAL BEDS, MR. HO SAID THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT THIS MONTH WILL BE RUNNING A COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE IN ADDITION TO THAT OPERATED BY THE SIX VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AT PRESENT.

THREE TRAINING COURSES WILL BE RUN EACH YEAR AND IT IS ENVISAGED THAT 350 MORE NURSES WILL BE TAKING THEIR PLACES IN THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. ALREADY THERE ARE 33 COMMUNITY NURSES IN POST.

FURTHER RELIEF OF THE PRESSURE ON HOSPITAL BEDS WILL ALSO RESULT FROM THE PROVISION OF CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, MANY OF WHOM AT PRESENT HAVE TO STAY IN HOSPITAL BECAUSE THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE CARE AVAILABLE.

PROPOSALS ARE INCLUDED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER TO PROVIDE FOR 1,400 ADDITIONAL PLACES IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES BY 1982-83, AND AN EVENTUAL TARGET OF FOUR PLACES FOR EVERY 1,000 POPULATION OVER 60 YEARS OLD.

MR. HO ALSO SPOKE ABOUT:

* PROPOSALS FOR COMPLETE AIR-CONDITIONING OF HOSPITALS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND IN FUTURE ONES.

* A NEW SYSTEM OF SUBVENTION TO VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES BEING DISCUSSED, AND

* THE DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLED MANPOWER, A REPORT ON IT BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY AUTUMN.

- - 0 -

/10

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

NO MORE IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR UNTRAINED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ******

IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR UNTRAINED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL NO LONGER BE HELD, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE REASON, HE ADDED, WAS THAT THE WHOLE OF THE TEACHING FORCE IN PUBLIC-SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS WAS NOW FULLY QUALIFIED AND THERE WAS NO LONGER SUCH A NEED.

+IN THE LIGHT OF THE WHITE PAPER PLANS FOR SYSTEMATIC RETRAINING PROGRAMMES AS WELL AS THE LENGTHENING OF FULL-TIME AND IN-SERVICE (SECONDARY) COURSES ---- AND THESE ARE HIGHLY

DESIRABLE MEASURES TO BRING ABOUT REAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE QUALITY OF THE TEACHING FORCE ---- THE DEPARTMENT’S FOREMOST

COMMITMENT IN TEACHER TRAINING IS TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR,* THE DIRECTOR SAID.

MR. TOPLEY WAS REPLYING TO THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT WHO HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT NOTWITHSTANDING FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION, SOME 74,000 CHILDREN WERE STUDYING IN 178 PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH EMPLOYED 1,828 UNTRAINED TEACHERS.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THE FACT THAT SO MANY CHILDREN ATTENDED THESE SCHOOLS WAS A REFLECTION OF PARENTAL PREFERENCE.

♦THERE ARE IN FACT MORE THAN ENOUGH PLACES IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO CATER FOR THESE CHILDREN IF THEIR PARENTS WANT THEM TO LEAVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE UNTRAINED TEACHERS IN PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS SO LONG AS THESE SCHOOLS EXISTED SINCE MOST WERE NOT IN A POSITION TO PAY THE SALARIES DEMANDED BY TRAINED TEACHERS.

♦THIS MAY BE REGARDED AS UNSATISFACTORY BUT THE RESOLUTION OF THIS SITUATION IS IN THE HANDS OF THE SCHOOLS AND THE PARENTS WHO SUPPORT THEM.

♦I SHOULD ADD, HOWEVER, THAT SHOULD FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT A REVIVAL OF THE IN-SERVICE (PRIMARY) COURSES FOR ANY REASON, THEN THEY WILL ONCE AGAIN BE MADE AVAILABLE IN ACCORDANCE TO NEED,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.

MISS BENNETT HAD ALSO EARLIER QUERIED ABOUT THE CAPACITY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED WORKLOAD AS A RESULT OF BRINGING THE CAPUT GRANT SCHOOLS ONTO FULL AID.

/iS. TO? LEY

•A3DNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

MR. TOPLEY REPLIED THAT THERE MIGHT BE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INSPECTORATE POSTS BUT A FIRM DECISION WOULD BE TAKEN ONLY AFTER A RE-EXAMINATION OF THE STAFF REQUIREMENTS OF ALL THE SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT KEEPING IN MIND THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS NO UNNECESSARY EXPANSION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.

TURNING TO THE EDUCATION OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING CHILDREN, ffi. TOPLEY SAID:

♦ I KNOW OF THE PROBLEM FACED BY THIS SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY --- BUT I DO NOT ACCEPT THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL

SUBSIDY SHOULD BE FURTHER REVIEWED.

♦THE GOVERNMENT IS, HOWEVER, AWARE OF THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PARENTS OF THE HIGHER FEE LEVELS WHICH ARISE FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PARITY OF SUBSIDY POLICY.

♦THE PRESENT INTENTION SUBJECT TO THE AGREEMENT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE IS TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE CURRENT FEE REMISSION SCHEME FOR THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS TO BE PAID FROM PUBLIC FUNDS AS HERETOFORE FOR THOSE PUPILS ALREADY WITHIN THE SYSTEM AND FOR THOSE NEW PUPILS FOR WHOM NO OTHER SUITABLE EDUCATION IS AVAILABLE.

♦PARENTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE HIGHER LEVEL OF FEES MAY CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR REMISSION SO THAT ALL CASES OF REAL HARDSHIP SHOULD BE MET.*

OF CHINESE CHILDREN WHO RETURNED TO HONG KONG AFTER STARTING PRIMARY EDUCATION OVERSEAS, MR. TOPLEY SAID THERE WAS PROBABLY A NEED TO PROVIDE MORE SCHOOLS FOR SUCH CHILDREN WHOSE CHINESE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO SURVIVE COMFORTABLY IN THE ANGLO-CHINESE SYSTEM AND ALTERNATIVES WERE NOW BEING STUDIED.

♦NEVERTHELESS AT PRESENT IN ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS FRENCH OR ANOTHER FOREIGN LANGUAGE IS PROVIDED FOR THOSE PUPILS WHO CANNOT COPE WITH CHINESE. A QUICK SURVEY SHOWS THAT THERE ARE 411 AND 396 SUCH CHILDREN, MAINLY CHINESE, STUDYING IN 21 AIDED SECONDARY AND 15 AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS,♦ THE DIRECTOR SAID.

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, MR. TOPLEY REFERRED TO THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED WHITE PAPER ON EDUCATION AND SAID THERE WOULD BE SUBSIDISED PLACES IN SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, ADULT EDUCATION CENTRES AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR VIRTUALLY EVERY YOUNG PERSON IN THE 15-16 AGE GROUP BY THE MID-198O’S.

♦THE NUMBER OF ON MANPOWER SURVEYS AT PRESENT, A SIXTH BE SITUATED IN TUEN

TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO BE PROVIDED IS BASED CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL. TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IS PLANNED WHICH WILL MUN. THIS WILL I HOPE BE COMP_ETED IN 1984.

♦THERE IS ALREADY ONE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN THE NEw TERRITORIES NAMELY AT KWAI CHUNG. I’ I. A. 30 IVE. Y EASY

FOR RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS TO COMMUTE THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TO THE LEE »AI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON TONG WHICH SHOULD BE FULLY COMPLETED IN MARCH 1980,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.

/12

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

AMENDMENTS TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE PROPOSED *****

AS THE LAW STANDS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY NOT SEEK A REVIEW OF SENTENCE WHERE A DEFENDANT IS PUT ON PROBATION WITHOUT THE RECORDING OF A CONVICTION, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

♦THIS IS AN ANOMALOUS EXCEPTION FROM THE CASES IN WHICH A REVIEW OF SENTENCE MAY NOW BE SOUGHT,+ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID AT THE SECOND READING OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979.

BUT TWO CLAUSES IN THE BILL WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES AND THEIR EFFECT + IS THAT ’SENTENCE’ IN THE CONTEXT OF REVIEWS CF SENTENCE WILL IN FUTURE INCLUDE ANY ORDER WHATSOEVER MADE BY A COURT IN DEALING WITH AN OFFENDER.*

A NEW SUB-SECTION, HE SAID, WILL SET OUT THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED IN FUTURE.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO PROPOSED TO EXTEND FROM 14 TO 21 DAYS THE PERIOD AFTER A SENTENCE IS PASSED WITHIN WHICH HE MUST APPLY FOR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE, BECAUSE TWO WEEKS IS +AN UNREASONABLY SHORT TIME LIMIT.*

ANOTHER AMENDMENT TO THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE INTRODUCES A NEW SUB-SECTION SO AS TO SPECIFY CASES IN WHICH THE COURT OF APPEAL MAY HEAR AN APPLICATION FOR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABSENCE OF THE RESPONDENT.

♦THESE ARE WHERE THE RESPONDENT HAS BEEN SERVED WITH NOTICE OF THE PROCEEDINGS BUT DOES NOT APPEAR AND WHERE HE HAS NOT BEEN SERVED WITH SUCH NOTICE BECAUSE HE CANNOT BE FOUND OR IS OUTSIDE HONG KONG,+ MR. HOBLEY EXPLAINED.

MR. HOBLEY ALSO PROPOSED THAT AN APPEAL AGAINST CONVICTION SHOULD BAR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE ONLY WHILE THE APPEAL IS STILL PENDING.

THIS WILL ENABLE THE COURT OF APPEAL TO HEAR AN APPLICATION FOR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE IN FUTURE ONCE AN APPEAL AGAINST CONVICTION IS WITHDRAWN OR DISPOSED OF BY DISMISSAL.

MR. HOBLEY ALSO EXPLAINED THAT IN FUTURE, IF A CONVICTED MAN APPEALS AGAINST SENTENCE AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SEEKS A REVIEW OF THE SENTENCE, THE TWO APPLICATIONS WILL BE HEARD TOGETHER.

THE INTRODUCTION OF ANOTHER CLAUSE WILL ENABLE A SINGLE JJDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEAL TO REMAND A CONVICTED HAN IN CUSTODY PENDING THE HEARING FOR AN APPLICATION FOR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE.

MR. HOBLEY SAID THAT ANOTHER MAIN CHANGE PROPOSED BY THE BILL WAS A PROVISION ENABLING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL T 4EFEP. TO THE COURT OF APPEAL A POINT OF LAW WHICH ARISES DURING -~£ TRIAL, BEFORE THE HIGH COURT OR THE DISTRICT COURT, CF A MAN WHO IS ACQUITTED.

/H3 SAID .....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 13 -

HE SAID IT WAS NOT PROPOSED THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE PROCEEDINGS ON SUCH A REFERENCE SHOULD AFFECT THE ACQUITTAL BUT THAT +FROM TIME TO TIME AN INCORRECT RULING ON A POINT OF LAW IN A CASE WHERE THE DEFENDANT IS ACQUITTED MAY ACQUIRE AN AUTHORITY WHICH IT DOES NOT DESERVE, AND MAY BE FOLLOWED IN FURTHER CASES, SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY AT PRESENT IN WHICH IT CAN EE TESTED.*

THE FINAL PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE IS THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROVISION FOR THE MAKING OF CRIMINAL BANKRUPTCY ORDERS.

THE PROPOSAL IS BASED ON A SIMILAR LAW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT CRIMINALS WHO COMMIT LARGE-SCALE CRIMES, ESPECIALLY FRAUD, SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE FRUITS OF THEIR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE IS PROPOSED — NAMELY $150,000 -- BEFORE A COURT MAY MAKE A CRIMINAL BANKRUPTCY ORDER.

LATER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INTRODUCED THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND IT WAS READ THE SECOND TIME.

DEBATE ON THE TWO BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.

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

INCREASE IN MAXIMUM PENALTIES PROPOSED FOR CONTRAVENTIONS OF BUILDINGS ORDINANCE * * * * *

THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, AIMED AT INCREASING THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OR REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE, WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, SAID THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IN RESPECT OF SIX OF THE MOST SERIOUS OFFENCES WERE INCREASED TO A FINE OF 8250,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS.

THESE OFFENCES, HE ADDED, COVERED SITUATIONS WHERE SUBSTANTIAL BUILDING WORKS WERE DELIBERATELY CARRIED OCT IN DEFIANCE OF THE LAW AND WHICH COULD RESULT |‘ DANGER TO LIFE OR PROPERTY.

+A SUBSTANTIAL FINE OF 5100,300 AND TWO yEAPS* !MPRISONMENT WITH A CONTINUING DAILY FINE OF 85,0'30 MAV BE IMPOSED WHE°E BULBING WORKS ARE COMMENCED * I’HOUT NOTICE TO AND C0‘ ' TN~ FROy TriE BUILDING AUTHORITY OR wHERE A BUILDING IS OCCUPIED d>.uT PERM.T,* MR. MCDONALD SAID.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 14 -

♦A FURTHER GROUP OF OFFENCES WHICH WOULD STEM FROM FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS MADE BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY UNDER VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, WITH POSSIBLE ILL EFFECTS ON THE SAFETY, HEALTH OR ENVIRONMENT OF OTHER PEOPLE, COULD RESULT IN A FINE OF S59,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT WITH A DAILY FINE OF 35,000 IN RESPECT OF CONTINUING FAILURE, WITH A SIMILAR MAXIMUM FINE AND CUSTODIAL SENTENCE FOR INTERFERENCE WITH SHORING OR OBSTRUCTING ENTRY BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH SHORING WORKS.+

UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, TWO OTHER GROUPS OF LESSER OFFENCES ALSO HAVE THEIR PENALTIES INCREASED TO 810,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT AND 85,000 AND SIX MONTHS RESPECTIVELY.

THE BILL ALSO MAKES IT AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON, AND NOT ONLY FOR AN AUTHORISED PERSON, A REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OR A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR AS AT PRESENT, TO PERMIT OR CARRY OUT BUILDING WORKS WHICH RESULT OR COULD RESULT IN AN INJURY TO ANY PERSON OR DAMAGE TO ANY PROPERTY.

THE DEBATE WAS ADJOURNED.

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

BILL TO EXTEND PROTECTION OF EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO MORE NON-MANUAL WORKERS ******

AN AMENDMENT BILL PROPOSING TO EXTEND THE PROTECTION OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO MORE NON-MANUAL WORKERS BY RAISING THE QUALIFYING WAGE CEILING FROM THE PRESENT $2,000 TO $3,500 WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL, 1979, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON. RECALLED THAT WHEN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN SEPTEMBER 1968, IT APPLIED TO ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND THOSE EMPLOYED IN NON-MANUAL WORK WHOSE WAGES DID NOT EXCEED 81,500 A MONTH.

THE WAGE CEILING WAS LATER RAISED IN MARCH 1974 TO $2,000 BECAUSE BOTH WAGES AND THE COST OF LIVING HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.

+FOR THE SAME REASONS A REVISION OF THE WAGE CEILING CONSIDERABLY OVERDUE,* HE SAID.

IS NOW

COMPARING THE SEPTEMBER 1973 NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FIGURE. WHICH THE CHANGES IN 1974 WERE BASED, AND THE SEPTEMBER 1378 FIGURE, MR. HENDERSON SAID THE NOMINAL INDUSTRIAL WAGE INDEX RISEN FROM 99 TO 156, AN INCREASE OF JUST UNDER 60 PER CENT THE WAGE INDEX, INCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS, ROSF SLIGH’^Y MORE

HAD

AND

SEPARATE WAGE INDEX REFLECTING CHANGES IN NON-INDUSTRIAL WAGES.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 13 -

+IT WOULD, HOWEVER, BE REASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT WITH THE STRONG SURGE IN WAGES OVER THE LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS, THE FACT THAT WAGES HAVE REFLECTED VERY MUCH MORE THAN THE COST OF LIVING INCREASES OVER THE PERIOD, THAT AN INCREASE IN THE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL WORKERS WOULD NEED TO BE ABOUT 60 PER CENT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT BROADLY THE CATEGORY OF NON-MANUAL WORKERS PROTECTED BY THE ORDINANCE IN 1974 WERE COVERED BY IT AGAIN IN 1979,+ HE SAID.

MR. HENDERSON WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE HAD HOPED TO BRING RATHER WIDER PROPOSALS TO THE COUNCIL INCLUDING POSSIBLY THE REMOVAL OF THE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL WORKERS FOR MOST OF, IF NOT ALL, PARTS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

HOWEVER, AFTER CONSULTING EXTENSIVELY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ON A NUMBER OF ALTERNATIVE POSSIBILITIES IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE AFTER CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS BY THE BOARD TO REACH AGREEMENT ON THE MATTER.

+1 WOULD THEREFORE REGARD THE PRESENT PROPOSAL AS SOMETHING OF AN INTERIM ARRANGEMENT TO PREVENT FURTHER EROSION OF THE POSITION OF LOWER PAID NON-MANUAL WORKERS. ABOUT A 60 PER CENT INCREASE ON THE PRESENT FIGURE WOULD SUGGEST A CEILING OF THE ORDER OF 33,200 PER MONTH,+ HE SAID.

+HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT WE ARE ONLY DEALING WITH SEPTEMBER 1978 FIGURES AND THAT IT WILL PERHAPS BE A YEAR TO 18 MONTHS BEFORE I CAN BRING MORE DEFINITIVE CHANGES FORWARD, I AM SUGGESTING THE FIGURE OF $3,500 PER MONTH TO HOLD THE POSITION FOR THE TIME NEEDED FOR FURTHER REVIEW AND CONSULTATION,* HE ADDED.

BILL TO GIVE PROTECTION OF ANONYMITY TO VICTIMS OF INDECENT ASSAULT CASES *****

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEV, INTRODUCED THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL PROPOSES TO GIVE COMPLAINANTS OF INDECENT ASSAULT OASES THE SAME PROTECTION OF ANONYMITY AND RESTRICTION FROM S£?Llimls‘L!0"*“0cIsET'OUS SEXUAL HIST0RV AS AFFoeDED To

FROM SeHBERSLOF tJeDCoJmXJ|TYPET F0R““'Ii SEC‘USE °F "^SeNTAT.OMS

Ar uTnr STEP NOW PROPOSED WAS NOT TAKEN IN 1978 (WHEN AMENDMENTS WERE MADE TO THE CRIMES ORDINANCE) Simply because we -ollowed ™ECORRESPONDING ENGLISH PROVISIONS WHICH A^E LIMITED ’0 RAPE OFFENCES,* MR. HOBLEY SA D.

*1 NOW CONSIDER THAT THERE DISTINGUISHING IN THIS RESPECT OFFENCE OF INDECENT ASSAULT.*

IS NO SOUND REASON FOP BETWEEN PAPE AND THE LESSER

SEXUAL

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- - 0 -

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF LAST FINANCIAL YEAR ******

THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR (JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30) AMOUNTS TO >391 MILLION, SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE IN TODAY’S (WEDNESDAY) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

MOVING THE SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID OF THE SUM, PUBLIC WORKS NON-RECURRENT ACCOUNTED FOR ALMOST 8368 MILLION AND WAS REQUIRED MAINLY AS A RESULT OF MORE RAPID PROGRESS ON A NUMBER OF EXISTING PROJECTS AND THE UPGRADING OF 15 PROJECTS TO CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.

THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION COVERED BY THE SCHEDULE WILL NOT, HE SAID, RESULT IN A NET INCREASE OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR, AS OFFSETTING SAVINGS HAVE BEEN FOUND UNDER OTHER SUBHEADS OF EXPENDITURE, OR BY THE FREEZING OF FUNDS UNDER HEAD 52 MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES SUBHEAD 100 ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS.

THE MOTION WAS APPROVED.

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

TRIBUTE TO AUXILIARY SERVICES *****

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE AUXILIARY SERVICES WHEN HE INTRODUCED THE AUXILIARY FORCES PAY AND ALLOWANCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE BILL SEEKS TO FACILITATE ADMINISTRATIVELY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FUTURE ADJUSTMENTS IN PAY AND ALLOWANCES IN THE AUXILIARY FORCES.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR. DAVIES SAID: ♦ALTHOUGH WE HAVE ONE HONORARY COLONEL, A COMMISSIONER AND A UNIT CONTROLLER IN OUR MIDST WE DEVOTE VERY LITTLE TIME TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.+

MR. DAVIES SAID THESE SERVICES ARE STAFFED ALMOS" ENTIRELY BY VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY. THEY COMPRISE ABOUT 13,000 OFFICERS, WOMEN AND MEN WHO GIVE PAR" OF THE < LEISURE TO PERFORM SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.

POINTING OUT THAT THEIR DUTIES ARE MULTIFARIOUS, MR. DAVIES SAID: +THEY EXTEND FROM MOUNTAIN RESCUE TO STAFFING REFUGEE CAMPS- FROM ASSISTING IN METHADONE MAINTENANCE CLINICS TO PATROLLING ON THE BORDER AND IN THE STREETS- TO CARRYING VIPS AND PIGS.

SEDXESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 17 -

♦IT SO HAPPENS THAT THIS YEAR IS THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAISING OF THE REGIMENT. THE AUXILIARY POLICE HAVE BEEN ON THE BEAT FOR MANY YEARS. THIS YEAR HAS ALSO SEEN THE PRESENTATION OF A STANDARD TO THE AUXILIARY AIR FORCE BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES FOR ITS DISTINGUISHED RECORD, WHILST THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE IS 29 YEARS OLD AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICE IS IN ITS 27TH YEAR OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

♦THESE FORCES HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE CAPACITY OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO RESPOND IN TIMES OF WAR AND PEACE, TO DISASTER AND TO THE RELIEF OF SUFFER ING.+

HE STRESSED THAT IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE WAS GIVING °UBLIC RECOGNITION TO THEM.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

PWD TECHNICAL AUDIT SYSTEM IN OPERATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS ******

A TECHNICAL AUDIT SYSTEM HAS BEEN IN OPERATION IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR CF PUBLIC WORKS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS REPLYING TO POINTS RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE LAST MONTH.

REFERRING TO THE TECHNICAL AUDIT SYSTEM, MR. MCDONALD SAIDt ♦ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED AND ESTABLISHED AS A UNIT IN PWD HEADQUARTERS IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED, WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, BY A MANAGEMENT SERVICES UNIT LOCATED IN HEADQUARTERS AND BY CONTRACT ADVISERS OPERATING IN INDIVIDUAL OFFICES IN ADVISORY AND TECHNICAL AUDIT ROLES.♦

HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH THESE OFFICERS COULD NOT BY THEIR FUNCTIONS OVERCOME THE PROBLEM OF ANTICIPATING COST ESCALATION, THEY COULD AND DID CONTRIBUTE MATERIALLY IN IMPROVING THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE DEPARTMENT.

ON ANOTHER POINT RAISED BY THE HON. S.L. CHEN ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT ESTIMATES, MR. MCDONALD AGREED THAT IN MANY CASES THE FINAL COSTS WERE SUBSTANTIALLY IN EXCESS OF THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE UNOFFICIAL WAS WELL AWARE THAT IN PREPARING PROJECT ESTIMATES NO ALLOWANCE FOR COST ESCALATION *AS MADE.

HE FURTHER EMPHASISED TH A’ THE RISES IN COSTS O* LABOUR AND MATERIALS WERE NC’ THE ONLY pajtqrs CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED PROJECT COSTS.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 18 -

♦DURING PERIODS OF INTENSE ACTIVITY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SUCH AS WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING, CONTRACTORS CAN AFFORD TO BE SELECTIVE IN THE CONTRACTS THEY TAKE ON AND IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR THEM TO REFLECT IN TENDER PRICES THEIR LIMITED INTEREST IN WORKS WHICH THEY CONSIDER ARE TECHNICALLY COMPLEX, ARE AWKWARDLY LOCATED, HAVE VERY TIGHT OR VERY LONG CONTRACT PERIODS OR REQUIRE VERY LARGE CR SPECIALISED LABOUR FORCES,* HE SAID.

♦CONTRACTORS ALSO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT MUCH OF THE LABOUR ATTRACTED TO THE INDUSTRY BY HIGHER WAGES IS RELATIVELY UNSKILLED AND LESS EFFICIENT AND THEY MUST THEREFORE ALLOW FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF LARGER NUMBERS OF WORKERS, INCURRING EVEN GREATER COSTS, MERELY TO MAINTAIN THEIR FORMER STANDARDS OF OUTPUT.+

MR. MCDONALD ALSO REFERRED TO A PROPOSAL BY THE HON. ALEX WU, A SUPPORTER OF REDUCTIONS IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, THAT ANY PERIOD OF POSTPONEMENT IN THE LETTING OF PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS BE USED TO BUILD UP A RESERVE OF PROJECTS WHICH CAN BE READY TO PUT OUT TO TENDER WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT.

HE ASSURED MR. WU THAT THE VARIOUS PWD OFFICES WOULD CONTINUE TO PROCESS PROJECTS WITHIN THE AGREED PRIORITIES AND DEVELOP THEM THROUGH TO THE TENDER STAGE.

BUT HE WARNED THAT DURING ANY PERIOD OF DEFERMENT CIRCUMSTANCES COULD, IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES, CHANGE TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT CLIENT DEPARTMENTS MIGHT HAVE TO REVISE THEIR REQUIREMENTS THEREBY RENDERING MUCH OF THE PREPARED DRAWING AND DOCUMENT WORKS ABORTIVE WITH CONSEQUENT FURTHER DELAYS IN CONTRACT COMMENCEMENT DATES.

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

FOUR BILLS PASSED * * * * *

FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 197R LEGAL OFFICERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, MAGISTr ~ES~ AMENDMENT)’ BILL 1979 AND THE PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION ^AMENDMENT? BILL 1979.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

MAJOR CONTRACT FOR TUEN MUN SIGNED

*****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED A $102 MILLION CONTRACT TO LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY. LIMITED FOR A MAJOR RECLAMATION AND LAND FORMATION PROJECT IN THE SOUTH WESTERN PART OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE CONTRACT IS THE BIGGEST ONE LET FOR TUEN MUN SO FAR UNDER THE NEW TOWN’S MASSIVE $3,500 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

IT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR. STAN BARDEN, PROJECT MANAGER (TUEN MUN), AND MR. H. CHARITON OF THE COMPANY.

UNDER THE CONTRACT, 43 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND OPEN SPACE.

THE PROJECT REQUIRES THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 27 HECTARES OF LAND NEAR PAK KOK IN THE WESTERN PART OF CASTLE PEAK BAY, THE FORMATION OF 16 HECTARES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE TOWN AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE.

IN ADDITION, A 400-METRE-LONG BREAKWATER HAS TO BE BUILT IN THE CENTRE OF CASTLE PEAK BAY TO PROTECT THE NEW TYPHOON SHELTER.

THIS BREAKWATER TOGETHER WITH THE RECLAMATION WILL FORM PART OF THE NEW TYPHOON SHELTER WHICH WOULD PROVIDE ON COMPLETION 55 HECTARES OF TYPHOON ANCHORAGE.

MR. BARDEN SAID! +THE ENGINEERING WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE NEW TOWN STAGE HA DEVELOPMENT, INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 760 METRES OF SEAWALL AND RIVERWALL AND THE PLACING OF ABOUT 1.6 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILLING MATERIAL IN THE RECLAMATION.

♦FILL MATERIAL WILL COME FROM NEARBY BORROW AREAS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE CASTLE PEAK RANGE AND'FROM THE SEABED NEAR CHEK LAP KOK.+

HE ADDED THAT PLATFORMS WOULD BE FORMED IN THE BORROW AREAS AND SOME OF THEM WOULD BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEEL TOWERS FOR THE TRANSMISSION LINE TO THE NEW POWER STATION AT TAP SHEK KOK.

IN ADDITION, ABOUT 145 METRES OF TWIN BOX CULVERT AND 653 METRES OF ACCESS ROADS WOULD HAVE TO EE BUILT TO SERVE THE INDUSTRIAL AREA.

MR. BARDEN POINTED OUTi +THE MAIN RECLAMATION W’LL PROVIDE 7.6 HECTARES OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY ACCOMMODATE 60,000 PEOPLE.

♦A FURTHER NINE HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED -OR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO THE HOUSING ESTA?;.*

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MOK’- AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

20 -

ROOF STRUCTURE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS

******

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECLARED A STRUCTURE ON THE ROOP OF NOS. 27-29 SHING ON STREET, HONG KONG, LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS DUE TO LACK OF ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE.

+THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE WHICH HAS BEEN ERECTED ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING NOT ONLY LACKS ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESCAPE FOR THE OCCUPANTS, BUT ALSO ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM THE MAIN BUILDING FOR ITS OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OCCURRING,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DISTRIC’ COURT AT 9.30 A.M.

APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN THE ON MAY 3 WAS POSTED TODAY.

-------0

RESULTS OF LATEST TENDER FOR * -X *

300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED PROCESSING THE LATEST TENDERS FOR 300 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES.

A TOTAL OF 627 INDIVIDUAL TENDERS WAS RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON MARCH 23. THE HIGHEST TENDER WAS 3253,000 AND THE LOWEST WAS S5,328.

DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S (THURSDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE AVERAGE PREMIUM IN THE LATEST TENDER EXERCISE WAS >238,572 COMPARED WITH THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $258,538 IN THE PREVIOUS TENDER IN DECEMBER, 1978.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID LETTERS WOULD BE GOING 0UT 0’ FRIDAY APRIL 20, TO SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THAT THE FIRST OF ’HE 330 TAXIS WOULD BE INSPECTED ON MAY 29. ALL 300 TAXIS SHOULD BE^ON THC ROAD BY THE END OF AUGUST.

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/21 ......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

- 21

MASCULINE NAMES FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES ******

BEGINNING THIS YEAR, TROPICAL CYCLONES IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC WILL BE GIVEN MALE AND FEMALE NAMES ALTERNATELY BY THE U.S. JOINT TYPHOON WARNING CENTRE AT GUAM. PREVIOUSLY ONLY GIRLS’ NAMES WERE USED.

MR. GORDON BELL, DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ’HIS CHANGE BY GUAM IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE WOMEN’S LIBERATION MOVEMENT IN THE U.S.A.

SINCE 1952 HONG KONG HAS BEEN FOLLOWING GUAM’S SYSTEM FOR NAMING TROPICAL CYCLONES, AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAS DECIDED TO ADOPT THE NEW SYSTEM WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

’’CECIL” «ILL BE THE FIRST MASCULINE NAME TO BE GIVEN TO A 1979 TROPICAL CYCLONE IN THIS REGION.

OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE ALREADY STARTED USING ALTERNATE MALE AND FEMALE NAMES FOR NAMING TROPICAL CYCLONES. AUSTRALIA, FOR EXAMPLE, BEGAN DOING SO IN 1975 AND THE U.S.A. IN 1978 FOR HURRICANES IN THE EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.

THE NEW SYSTEM FOR NAMING TROPICAL CYCLONES IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC WILL CONSIST OF FOUR ALPHABETICAL LISTS. DETAILS ARE :

LIST 1« ANDY, BESS, CECIL, DOT, ELLIS, FAYE, GORDON, HOPE, IRVING, JUDY, KEN, LOLA, MAC, NANCY, OWEN, PAMELA, ROGER, SARAH, TIP, VERA AND WAYNE.

LIST 2i ABBY, BEN, CARMEN, DOM, ELLEN, FORREST, GEORGIA, HERBERT, IDA, JOE, KIM, LEX, MARGE, NORRIS, ORCHID, PERCY, RUTH, SPERRY, THELMA, VERNON AND WYNNE.

LIST 3: ALEX, BETTY, CARY, DINAH, ED, FREDA, GERALD, HOLLY, IKE, JUNE, KELLY, LYNN, MAURY, NINA, OGDEN, PHYLLIS, ROY, SUSAN, THAD, VANESSA AND WARREN.

LIST 4: AGNES, BILL, CLARA, DOYLE, ELSIE, FABIAN, GAY, HAZEN, IRMA, JEFF, KIT, LEE, MAMIE, NELSON, ODESSA, ?AT, RUBY, SKIP, TESS, VAL AND W INONA.

0 --------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1979

THREE CONTAINERS OF MAIL LOST OVERBOARD *****

THREE CONTAINERS OF MAIL ON BOARD THE SS AMERICAN LEGION WHICH SAILED FOR OAKLAND, U.S.A. ON MARCH 25 HAVE BEEN LOST OVERBOARD BECAUSE OF HEAVY SEAS AND WEATHER WHICH THE SHIP ENCOUNTERED DURING THE VOYAGE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE CONTAINERS HELD MAIL FOR THE U.S.A. POSTED BETWEEN

MARCH 15-21- FOR GUYANA POSTED BETWEEN MARCH 13-21- FOR MEXICO AND NICARAGUA POSTED BETWEEN MARCH 15-21- FOR PERU, CHILE AND HAWAII POSTED BETWEEN MARCH 17-21- AND FOR JAMAICA POSTED BETWEEN MARCH 18-21.

- - 0 - -

GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE A RESTRICTED ZONE

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. NEXT WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18) GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE WITHIN WHICH ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTED ZONE.

IfkISbI |eis| |f ife|

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR THIS YEAR ............................ 1

NEED FOR CURBS EMPHASISED TO REDUCE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES ON HK ECONOMY ..................................... 4

GOVT STUDYING WAYS TO SAVE FUEL ............................. 7

ONLY REAL SOLUTION TO REFUGEE PROBLEM IS CONTROLLED OUTFLOW FROM VIETNAM ....................................... 10

MTR NOT +IGNORED+ IN BUDGETTING ............................ 11

TAX PAID BY +SANDWICHED SOCIETY+ VERY LOW ---- FS........... 13

LEGCO TAKEN INTO THE ADMINISTRATION’S TRUST ................ 16

WORKING PARTY REVIEWING SUBVENTION POLICY .................. 18

NO MAJOR SAVINGS IN HIV ING-OFF TRADING DEPARTMENTS ........ 19

PLAN TO SET UP CIVIL SERVICE STAFF MANAGEMENT AND LIAISON SERVICE ............................................ 20

PROPOSALS TO ENFORCE NINE YEARS FREE, COMPULSORY EDUCATION................................................... 21

FS PRAISES FINANCE BRANCH OFFICER IN VALEDICTORY SPEECH ..................................................... 22

AIRPORT TUNNEL CONTRACT .................................... 23

TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL ................................................... 24

CHARGES AT GOVT OUTPATIENT CLINICS TO INCREASE FROM JUNE 1 ..................................................... 24

METHADONE CENTRES TO REMAIN OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS ................................................... 25

ALL MAIL SERVICE TO IRISH REPUBLIC SUBJECT TO DELAY ........ 26

ADVICE FOR TEACHERS IN PHYSICS ............................. 26

RECEPTION FOR OUR T-T PLAYERS IN EDINBURGH ................. 27

MOBILE REGISTRATION TEAM TO VISIT LAMMA ISLAND ............. 27

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR THIS YEAR

* * * * *

FROM THE STATISTICS THAT HAVE BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS, THERE IS SOME EVIDENCE THAT THE ECONOMY HAS STARTED TO TAKE A SLIGHTLY MORE REASSURING COURSE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

BUT MR. HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE EVIDENCE IS +VERY SLIGHT.*

AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY REALLY ADVERSE CHANGES IN THE RATES AT WHICH ANY OF THE KEY VARIABLES AND AGGREGRATES WERE MOVING, COMPARED WITH THE FORECASTS IN THE BUDGET SPEECH.

ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1979 COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF LAST YEAR HAD PROBABLY OVERTAKEN THAT OF IMPORTSAND THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THAT OF RETAINED IMPORTS.

+BUT, AS REGARDS THE DOMESTIC SECTOR, THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND DOES NOT YET SEEM TO BE SLOWING DOWN: THE GROWTH RATE OF BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES ACTUALLY ACCELERATED DURING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, ALTHOUGH THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY HAS SHOWN CLEAR SIGNS OF ACCELERATING- AND FOR MR. LI FOOK-WO’S BENEFIT, I WOULD HAZARD A GUESS THAT THE ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF M2 IS NOW BEGINNING TO APPROACH THE FORECAST RATE OF G.D.P. IN MONEY TERMS.

+HOWEVER, IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO ASSESS DEFINITELY THE EFFECTS OF THE RECENT INCREASES IN INTEREST RATES,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

NOTING THAT THE TRADE DEFICIT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS A LITTLE BELOW THAT OF THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1978, NR. HADDON-CAVE SAIDi +AS THE RATE AT WHICH THE TRADE DEFICIT IS WIDENING HAS NOT YET BEGUN TO SLOW DOWN APPRECIABLY, IT IS HARDLY SURPRISING THAT THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS DECLINED RECENTLY.*

IN THE MONTH OF MARCH, HE SAID, THE TRADE-WEIGHTED EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR FELL BY 2.3 PER CENT AND UP TO YESTERDAY APRIL 11, IT DECLINED BY A FURTHER 2.2 PER CENT.

+BUT THE SPEED OF THIS DECLINE IS AN ABERRATION OF THE MARKET PLACE, WHAT WE ARE NOW SUFFERING FROM — AS SO MANY OTHER CURRENCIES HAVE SUFFERED IN THE PAST ■— IS THE SELF-FULFILLING EXPECTATION BY THE MARKET PLACE OF A DECLINE IN THE RATE, ACCENTUATED BY COMMERCIAL LENDING AND LAGGING.

+AT SOME STAGE -- AND SOONER RATHER THAN LATER •— THE MARKET WILL RECOGNISE THAT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS BECOME TOO CHEAP, AND WILL TURN AROUND.*

THUHSDAY, APKlfi T?, 1979

2 -

IN OTHER WORDS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE DOES NOT REGARD THE SPEED OF THE DECLINE IN RECENT WEEKS AS BEING JUSTIFIED BY THE UNDERLYING-STATE OF. OUR ECONOMY.

♦FURTHERMORE, GIVEN THE WAY STERLING AND THE U.S. DOLLAR, BOTH OF WHICH ARE HEAVILY WEIGHTED IN THE TRADE-WEIGHTED EXCHANGE RATE INDEX, HAVE BEEN APPRECIATING RATHER UNEXPECTEDLY (AGAINST MOST CURRENCIES), TOO MUCH EMPHASIS MUST NOT BE PLACED ON THE DECLINE IN THE INDEX IN ANY ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE DECLINE IN THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR ON OUR ECONOMY.+

MR. HADDON-CAVE EMPHASISED THAT WHAT WAS MORE IMPORTANT FOR SUCH AN ASSESSMENT IS THE RELATIVE MOVEMENTS OF THE IMPORT-WEIGHTED AND EXPORT-WEIGHTED EXCHANGE RATE INDEXES.

BETWEEN THE END OF FEBRUARY AND APRIL 11, THE IMPORT-WEIGHTED INDEX DEPRECIATED MORE SLOWLY AT -3.8 PER CENT THAN THE EXPORT-WEIGHTED INDEX AT -5.3 PER CENT.

+'IF THESE TRENDS CONTINUE THE RATES AT WHICH THE PRICES CF IMPORTS INCREASE WILL SLOW DOWN AND HONG KONG’S EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS WILL IMPROVE,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE STRESSED.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE RATES OF INCREASES ARE CONTINUING TO INCREASE WITH THE COST OF LABOUR AND MATERIALS USED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY INCREASING BY 19 PER CENT IN THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1979 COMPARED WITH 5.7 PER CENT DURING THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JULY 1978.

♦THIS IS AN AREA IN WHICH INTERNALLY GENERATED COST INCREASES ARE SIGNIFICANT AND IN WHICH ADJUSTMENTS TO THE GROWTH RATE OF DEMAND BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR CAN EXERT A STRONG INFLUENCE,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

ON THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG’S CLAIM THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING DOUBLE DIGIT INFLATION FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID SUCH A RATE OF INFLATION +WOULD BE QUITE INCONSISTENT WITH THE IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE OF OUR EXTERNALLY ORIENTED ECONOMY, A PERFORMANCE WHICH HAS CLEARLY ILLUSTRATED HOW COMPETITIVE WE HAVE BEEN.*

+ON HIS SPECIFIC POINT ABOUT THE HIGH COST CF LAND AND RENTS, RENTS ARE REFLECTED IN OUR CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES AND IN THE PRICES OF GOODS AND SERVICES PRODUCED IN THE ECONOMY AND HENCE IN THE G.D.P. DEFLATOR,* MR. HADDON-CAVE STRESSED.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE OBJECT OF *OUR BUDGETARY STRATEGY IS TO SPEED UP AND SMOOTH OUT THE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS, WHERE?' EXCESS DEMAND FOP, OVER THE SUPPLY OF, DOMESTIC RESOURCES IS EL MINATED AND INTERNALLY GENERATED INFLATIONAR' PRESSURES ARE REMOVED.*

♦I MUST STRESS AT i 3 POINT THAT OUR STRATEGY IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS. T IS SIMPLV DESIGNED K LESSEN THE UNACCEPTABLE CONSEQUENCE^ DELVING ENTIRELY UPON JT.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

+S0 IN SEEKING TO EXERCISE 'CONSTRAINT WITH RESTRAINT’, TO QUOTE FROM A NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL, I HAVE TAKEN CARE NOT TO DO TOO MUCH. HOWEVER, I CAN ASSURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT STANDS READY TO TAKE FURTHER MEASURES IF THESE PROVE NECESSARY,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE STRESSED.

ON OIL PRICE INCREASES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THEY WILL LEAD TO A SHARPER ACCELERATION IN THE RATES OF INCREASE IN THE PRICES OF OIL PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG, OF GOODS WITH A HIGH OIL CONTENT AND OF SERVICES RELYING HEAVILY ON OIL.

♦HOWEVER, THE PROPORTION OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTED FOR BY 'FUEL AND LIGHT’ IN OUR CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES IS ONLY ABOUT THREE PER CENT.

♦SO, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE OTHER SERVICES THAT RELY FAIRLY FEAVILY ON OIL, NOTABLY PUBLIC TRANSPORT (WHERE OIL COSTS PRESENTLY REPRESENT BETWEEN SIX AND 17 PER CENT OF TOTAL OPERATING COSTS), THE OVERALL IMPACT OF INCREASES IN OIL PRICES OF THE ORDER OF MAGNITUDE OF THOSE ANNOUNCED RECENTLY IS UNLIKELY TO BE ALL THAT SERIOUS,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.

HE ALSO SAID THE DIRECT IMPACT ON, FOR EXAMPLE, MANUFACTURING COSTS WILL ALSO NOT BE PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE THE COST OF FUEL AND ELECTRICITY AS A PROPORTION OF TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT WILL ONLY BE AROUND ONE PER CENT — ALTHOUGH SOME OF OUR MANUFACTURERS WILL BE AFFECTED MORE SERIOUSLY THAN THIS PERCENTAGE IMPLIES- AND OUR COMPETITORS WILL BE SIMILARLY AFFECTED.

MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE THE INDIRECT EFFECTS WHICH +ARE MORE WORRY I NG.+

FIRST, SHARPER INCREASES IN OIL PRICES AND SHORTAGE OF SUPPLY WILL INEVITABLY HAVE AN UNFAVOURABLE EFFECT ON THE GROWTH RATES OF THE ECONOMIES OF SOME OF OUR MAJOR MARKETS, IN THE SENSE THAT THEY MAKE THE ADOPTION OF REFLATIONARY POLICIES MORE UNLIKELY.

HENCE, THE GROWTH RATE OF DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S EXPORTS MAY BE SLOWER THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE THE CASE AND COMPETITION FOR BUSINESS WILL BE KEENER.

♦GIVEN THE PRESENT STATE OF ORDER BOOKS, THESE INDIRECT EFFECTS WILL TAKE TIME TO WORK THROUGH AND PROBABLY WILL HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON HONG KONG BEFORE THE END OF 1979- BUT PERHAPS A SHADOW HAS BEEN CAST OVER OUR PROSPECTS IN 1980.+

♦SECONDLY,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +AS MR. JAMES WU RIGHTLY POINTED OUT, THE PRICES OF SUCH OIL RELATED RAW MATERIALS AS PLASTICS WILL BE AFFECTED AND THE RESULTANT PRESSURE ON THE DOMESTIC COST-PRICE STRUCTURE MAY FURTHER AFFECT THE DEMAND FOR OUR EXPORTS.

♦BUT THE LIKELIHOOD IS THAT, IN THE SHORT-TERM AT LEAST, THE EFFECT OF INCREASE IN OIL PRICES ON THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT WILL BE OFFSET BY THE REDUCED CONSUMPTION THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES HAS SAID IS LIKELY TO BE NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF SHORTAGES IN SUPPLY,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

THURSDAY,

APRIL 12, 1979

IN SUMMING UP, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID: +l HAVE, IN EFFECT, NOW RE-EXAMINED MY BUDGETARY STRATEGY IN THE LIGHT OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS’ PROBING QUESTIONS AND THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THE COURSE OF THE ECONOMY.

♦MY CONCLUSION IS THAT THE STRATEGY IS STILL WHAT OUR SITUATION REQUIRES IF THE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS IS TO BE ASSISTED AND THE MORE UNPLEASANT CONSEQUENCES OF THE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS BEING DELAYED ARE TO BE AVOIDED. IT IS TOO EARLY TO EXPECT TO SEE SOLID EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF THIS CONCLUSION.+

MEANWHILE, HE SAID WE MUST NOT LOSE OUR NERVE AND TRY TO FURTHER SPEED UP THE PROCESS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE EVIDENCE EARLIER FOR, AS MR. WONG LAM SAID +HASTY ADJUSTMENTS BY THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT PRODUCE MORE OBVIOUS RESULTS BUT MIGHT LEAD TO VERY UNDESIRABLE CONSEQUENCES.+

♦RATHER, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT, WHILST WE SHOULD NOT DISCOUNT OUR PRESENT DIFFICULTIES, WE SHOULD ALSO COUNT OUR BLESSINGS, FOR OUR SITUATION IS AT LEAST ONE OF INFLATION WITH, INDEED PARTLY DUE TO, OVER EMPLOYMENT, RATHER THAN INFLATION WITH A SLUGGISH GROWTH RATE AND RISING UNEMPLOYMENT, WHICH IS THE MORE COMMON EXPERIENCE EVERYWHERE.+

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

NEED FOR CURBS EMPHASISED TO REDUCE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES ON HK ECONOMY ******

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (THURSDAY) AGAIN EMPHASISED THE NEED TO CURB THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND OF PRIVATE DOMESTIC DEMAND TO REDUCE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES ON THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG.

HE WARNED THAT IF INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WERE LEFT UNCHECKED FAR MORE DAMAGE WOULD BE DONE TO OUR ECONOMY AND TO OUR EXPORTS OF GOODS.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID NOT ONLY MUST GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE SLOWING DOWN OF THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND BUT ALSO THERE WAS A SPECIAL NEED NOW TO REDUCE THE PRESSURES SO EVIDENT IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR.

♦THE FACT IS THAT OURS IS NOW AN OVER-EMPLOYED ECONOMY WITH A WIDENING TRADE DEFICIT AND. IF WE ARE TO AVOID PAINFUL ADJUSTMENTS LATER ON, WE MUST TAKE ACTION NOW TO RESTORE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL EQU IL IBRIUM,♦ HE REMARKED.

COMMENTING ON VARIOUS PROPOSALS, SOME OF THEM +QUITE EXPENSIVE PUT FORWARD BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WOULD NOT WISH TO CLAIM THAT THE EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES PROVIDED FOR EXACTLY THE RIGHT GROWTH RATE OF EXPENDITURE, OR THAT THEY REPRESENTED A PERFECT RECONCILIATION OF COMPETING CLAIMS FOR RESOURCES WHICH COULD BE LEGITIMATELY MADE AVAILABLE.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

♦BUT AS 17 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS (OUT OF 19 WHO SPOKE IN THE DEBATE) HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR INTENTION TO SUPPORT THE MOTION, I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THEY AT LEAST HAVE TAKEN A GENERALLY FAVOURABLE VIEW OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES AS A WHOLE,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

+1 ALSO ASSUME THAT THEY SUPPORT A SLOWING DOWN OF THE GROWTH RATE OF EXPENDITURE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT, IN REAL TERMS FROM 25 PER CENT IN 1978-79 TO FIVE PER CENT IN 1979-80,+ HE ADDED.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID THAT IF PRICES TENDED TO INCREASE FASTER THAN FORECAST DURING THE YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO APPLY CASH LIMITS STRICTLY AND REDUCE THE GROWTH RATE OF EXPENDITURE, IN REAL TERMS, TO BELOW FIVE PER CENT.

HOWEVER, HIGHER THAN EXPECTED PRICES WOULD BE REFLECTED IN HIGHER REVENUE YIELDS AND +THUS AN ’AUTOMATIC’ SURPLUS, OVER AND ABOVE THE SURPLUS I HAVE ACTUALLY BUDGETTED FOR, SHOULD BE THE OUTCOME.+

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE ENACTMENT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL WOULD ENSURE THAT SUCH A SURPLUS WOULD HAVE A CONSTRAINING EFFECT ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMPONENT OF DOMESTIC DEMAND.

WHILE SYMPATHISING WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ CONCERN OF THE COST TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF BANK FINANCE AT CURRENT INTEREST RATES, MR. HADDON-CAVE STRESSED THAT THE INTEREST RATE MECHANISM WAS AN ESSENTIAL INSTRUMENT TO BRING THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL FINAL DEMAND INTO LINE WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY’S OUTPUT TO CHECK THE TENDENCY FOR THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT TO WIDEN AND SO TO REDUCE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES.

BUT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS NOT IN FAVOUR OF INTRODUCING ♦ADDITIONAL STATUTORY POWERS* FOR THE EXCHANGE FUND TO INFLUENCE DIRECTLY THE FIXING OF INTEREST RATES AS SUGGESTED BY THE HON. LI FOOK-WO.

THIS WOULD CREATE THE GOVERNMENT DEBT AND WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT.

THE DEBT COULD BE CREATED BY, FOR EXAMPLE, THE EXCHANGE FUND ACQUIRING ALL THE FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF THE BANKING SYSTEM, AND ACCEPTING THE EXCHANGE RISK. MR. HADDON-CAVE REMINDED THE COUNCIL THIS WOULD NECESSITATE THE INTRODUCTION OF A SYSTEM OF EXCHANGE CONTROL.

ON THE SUGGESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN THE RESOURCES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND SHOULD BE DIRECTLY INVESTED IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND WAS TO REGULATE THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

2HURSJA", APRIL 12, 1979

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO QUESTIONED WHETHER IT WOULD BE PROPER, OR GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC, FOR THE EXCHANGE FUND TO HOLD PRIVATE SECTOR ASSETS, WHICH COULD NOT BE EASILY REALISED, IF AN INSTITUTION SIMILAR TO THE HONG KONG BUILDING AND LOAN AGENCY LIMITED WERE TO BE SET UP TO PROVIDE LOANS TO INDUSTRY.

HE ADDED THAT THE IDEA OF AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BANK HAD BEEN MOOTED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS SINCE 1959 WHEN SIR ROBERT BLACK APPOINTED A COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE NEED FOR SUCH A BANK.

THE COMMITTEE ADVISED THAT NO SUCH NEED EXISTED AND +1 AM NOT AWARE THAT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY IS PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING ANY DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING FUNDS FOR COMMERCIALLY VIABLE PROJECTS,* HE SAID.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, HOWEVER, REVEALED THAT SOURCES OF FINANCE FOR INDUSTRY WERE BEING EXAMINED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION AND, IN PARTICULAR, EY A SUBSIDIARY WORKING GROUP ON FINANCIAL FACILITIES.

HE SAID HE WOULD PREFER TO WITHHOLD A DEFINITIVE REPLY FOR A FEW MONTHS.

MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO COMMENTED ON THE IDEA OF PREMIUM SAVINGS BOND SCHEME AND THE CONTROL OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

HE SAID HE WAS NOT CONVINCED THAT SUCH A SAVINGS BOND SCHEME WOULD ASSIST IN CURBING INFLATION. IT WOULD ENCOURAGE WITHDRAWALS FROM SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WITH BANKS WHICH CURRENTLY PAY SOME 1-3/4 PER CENT BELOw THE RATE WHICH MR. CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED SHOULD BE PAID UNDER THE PREMIUM SAVINGS BOND SCHEME.

THIS MIGHT WELL HAVE AN INFLATIONARY IMPACT BY FORCING BANKS TO WIDEN THE MARGINS BETWEEN THEIR BORROWING AND LENDING RATES.

IT COULD ALSO, IF IT WERE WIDELY SUPPORTED, HAVE A SERIOUS AND UNDESIRABLE IMPACT ON THE LIQUIDITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM.

TOUCHING ON THE NEED FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BE SUBJECT TO MINIMUM LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ASSURED THAT LATER THIS YEAR LEGISLATION WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO ENABLE HIM TO SET MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS TO BE OBSERVED BY EVERY REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.

HE ADDED THAT HE EXPECTED TO PUT FORWARD, AT THE SAME TIME, COMPLEMENTARY PROPOSALS TO REVISE THE LIGUIDITV PROVISIONS OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE, TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH AND EFFIC:£NT WORKING OF THE MONEY MARKETS.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1979

- 7 -

GOVT STUDYING WAYS TO SAVE FUEL ft * ft ft *

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. D.G. JEAFFRESON, CONFIRMED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING A NUMBER OF MEASURES TOWARDS ACHIEVING A FIVE PER CENT REDUCTION IN CONSUMPTION OF FUEL OIL BY MEANS OF REDUCED CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY.

THE MEASURES INCLUDED A BAN ON THE USE OF ELECTRIC LIGHT FOR ADVERTISING, DISPLAY OR FLOODLIGHTING EXCEPT BETWEEN 7 P.M. AND 11.30 P.M.- SAVINGS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S USE OF ELECTRICITYDAYLIGHT SAVING- REDUCED SPINNING RESERVE BY THE POWER COMPANIES-NO AIR CONDITIONING AT BELOW 26 DEGREES CELSIUS- AND A GENERAL EXHORTATION TO ALL TO SAVE ELECTRICITY, HE SAID.

MR. JEAFFRESON ADDED THAT SUCH MEASURES WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE ALREADY ADOPTED BY SINGAPORE AND JAPAN, AND GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THOSE INTRODUCED WILL BE LIFTED AS SOON AS THE SUPPLY SITUATION BEGINS TO IMPROVE.

EARLIER, MR. JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT IT NOW LOOKS FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT HONG KONG WILL HAVE TO AIM TO REDUCE ITS CONSUMPTION OF FUEL OIL BY AT LEAST FIVE PER CENT, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE FIGURE THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY HAS ADOPTED AS THE SAVING FOR ALL PRODUCTS.

♦BUT THIS MUST BE DONE AS PAINLESSLY AS POSSIBLE,* HE STRESSED ♦AND, TO PROTECT OUR EXPORTS AND OUR EMPLOYMENT, OUR PRIMARY OBJECT MUST BE THAT INDUSTRY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CURTAIL PRODUCTION THROUGH LACK OF ELECTRICITY OR OF FUEL OIL.

♦ANY SHORTFALL IN SUPPLY THAT WILL STILL REMAIN EVEN IF SUCH SAVINGS CAN BE ACHIEVED, WILL BE MET BY DRAWING DOWN, BUT NOT ELIMINATING, RESERVES IN HONG KONG.+

MR. JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT NOT ALL PRODUCTS ARE EQUALLY AFFECTED AS FAR AS HONG KONG IS CONCERNED.

♦ALTHOUGH WE ARE UNLIKELY TO EXPERIENCE A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN RESPECT OF MOST PRODUCTS, WE SHALL BE AFFECTED IN RESPECT OF FUEL OIL WHICH IS USED BOTH FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY AND DIRECTLY BY INDUSTRY,+ HE ADDED.

REPLACEMENT AIRPORT

MR. JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED A ♦STAGE BY STAGE APPROACH+ TO THE STUDY OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.

HE EXPLA INEDi +THIS MEANS THAT BEFORE WE EMBARK ON A NEW STAGE OF THE PLANNING OR THE PREPARATORY PROCESS, WE SHALL SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON WHETHER, IN THE LIGHT OF UP-DATED AIR TRAFFIC FORECASTS, WE SHOULD PROCEED TO THE NEXT STAGE, OR WAIT FOR A WHILE, OR ABANDON THE IDEA OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT LEAST FOR THE TIME BEING.

♦IN THIS DISCIPLINED WAY, WE SHOULD NOT DRIFT EITHER INTO HAVING A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT OR INTO NOT HAVING ONE, BUT COME TO CONCLUSIONS ON THE BEST POSSIBLE DATA AND ARGUMENTS AVAILABLE AT THE TIME.+

/he pointed...

THUrtSJ.-.':', APHID 12

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE STAGE THE GOVERNMENT IS AT PRESENT EMBARKED ON INVOLVES:

* A CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF FORMING LAND ON CHEK LAp KOK FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT-

* THE PREPARATION OF A LAYOUT PLAN TO SHOW THE CONFIGURATION OF THE RUNWAYS, THE AIRPORT APPROACH ZONES AND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE AIRPORT WITHIN WHICH THE REQUIRED AREAS FOR ALL THE NECESSARY AIRPORT FACILITIES AND FUNCTIONS CAN EE DETERMINED-

* THE COLLECTION OF METEOROLOGICAL DATA-

* A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF CLOSING KAI TAK- AND OF COURSE UPDATED TRAFFIC FORECASTS.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON. ALLEN LEE AT AN EARLIER BUDGET DEBATE, MR. JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION IS NEAR TO COMPLETING ITS STUDY OF THE ECONOMIC POLICIES OF A NUMBER OF ASIAN COUNTRIES.

THE COMMITTEE WAS APPOINTED +TO ADVISE WHETHER THE PROCESS OF DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, CAN BE FACILITATED BY THE MODIFICATION OF EXISTING POLICIES OR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW POLICIES.*

THE PRESENT POLICIES, MR. JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED, INCLUDE PROVIDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN WHICH INDUSTRY CAN DEVELOP (LAND, ROADS, AND A LOW TAX STRUCTURE FOR EXAMPLE), MAINTAINING ACCESS TO OVERSEAS MARKETS AND REMOVING BARRIERS, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, TO DEVELOPMENT (INADEQUATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR EXAMPLE).

OF MORE IMMEDIATE DIRECT ASSISTANCE, PERHAPS, ARE THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AND PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, HE NOTED.

IN CONCLUSION, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS ♦PONDERING*, AS MR. LEE HAD PUT IT, WHETHER IT +SHOULD CHANGE ITS CURRENT POLICY AND ASSIST INDUSTRY IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN GROWTH IN EXPORTS.*

INVISIBLES

MR. JEAFFRESON AGREED WITH THE HON. D.K. NEWBIGGING THAT THERE IS A NEED TO QUANTIFY +THE CONTRIBUTION OF LESS WELL-DOCUMENTED ELEMENTS OF OUR INVISIBLE TRADE*, AND THAT SUCH INFORMATION +MIGHT EVEN PUT THE WIDENING GAP IN OUR VISIBLE TRADE IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT.*

HE ASSURED MR. NEWBIGGING THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT IGNORING THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF THIS ASPECT OF THE ECONOMY, EVEN IN A STATISTICAL CONTEXT.

RjJC AJuIj ZuJ

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

HE RECALLED THAT THE FINANCIL SECRETARY, ON NOVEMBER 16, 1978, IN THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS, SAID THAT +SURVEYS OF .... INDUSTRIES (ENGAGED IN INVISIBLE TRADE) ARE NOW IN HAND.*

THEN ON DECEMBER 20, 1978, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (SURVEY OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF SERVICES FOR 1978) ORDER 1978 WAS TABLED IN THE COUNCIL.

THE SURVEY IS NOW IN PROGRESS, AND ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SENT OUT NEARLY 3,000 QUESTIONNAIRES, CONSISTING OF 10 DIFFERENT DESIGNS TO SUIT THE DIFFERING ACTIVITIES IN WHICH THE SERVICE INDUSTRIES ARE ENGAGED.

THE COMMISSIONER HOPES THAT, WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, RESULTS FROM THE SURVEY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS TOWARDS THE END CF THIS YEAR, SAID MR. JEAFFRESON.

HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE

REFERRING TO WHAT THE HON. S.L. CHEN HAD TERMED +SHOE-STRING BUDGET* FOR THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE SUBVENTION OF S7.7 MILLION PROPOSED FOR THE COUNCIL AND CENTRE IN 1979-80 REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF NEARLY Si.5 MILLION OVER THAT APPROVED FOR 1978-79.

AND THE AMOUNT IS WHAT THE COUNCIL AND CENTRE HAD INDICATED THEY WOULD REQUIRE WHEN THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARING ITS OWN FIVE-YEAR FORECAST OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE IN THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR.

+1 RECOGNISE THAT THE AMOUNT OF $7.7 MILLION FALLS SOMEWHAT SHORT OF THE SUM WHICH THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SUBSEQUENTLY SOUGHT TO MEET THE PROGRAMME WHICH IT FINALLY SET INSELF FOR 1979-80.

+BUT THE COUNCIL IS SUBVENTED ON A DISCRETIONARY BASIS, AND IN ARRIVING AT THE AMOUNT OF SUBVENTION, THE GOVERNMENT MUST HAVE REGARD NOT ONLY TO THE COUNCIL’S PROGRAMME IN RESPECT OF THOSE ACTIVITIES THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO ASSIST, BUT TO OVERALL BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS. THE LATTER DICTATE THAT THIS YEAR THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SHOULD SEEK TO GENERATE MORE OF ITS OWN REVENUE FROM ITS ACTIVITIES,* SAID MR. JEAFFRESON.

CONSUMER COUNCIL

MR. JEAFFRESON SAID SIMILAR BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS APPLY IN THE CASE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.

BUT WHILE IT IS TRUE TO SAY THAT, AS THE HON. ALLEN LEE POINTED OUT, 5770,000 HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE COUNCIL’S SUBVENTION FOR 1979-80 AS PAYMENT OF STAFF TERMINAL GRATUITIES, THE PICTURE FOR THE COUNCIL IS NOT QUITE AS BLACK AS MR. LEE HAD PAINTED.

IN ARRIVING AT THE COUNCIL’S SUBVENTION FOR OTHER RECURRENT ITEMS OF EXPENDITURES, ABOUT A 10 PER CENT INCREASE HAS BEEN ALLOWED FOR STAFF SALARIES OTHER THAN TERMINAL GRATUITIES, AND ABOUT A 21 PER CENT INCREASE HAS BEEN ALLOWED UNDER OTHER CHARGES TO CATER FOR AN EXPANSION OF THE COUNCIL’S ACTIVITIES, SAID l*R. JEAFFRESON.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

ONLY REAL SOLUTION TO REFUGEE PROBLEM

IS CONTROLLED OUTFLOW FROM VIETNAM

******

THE ONLY REAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF THOSE WHO WISH TO LEAVE VIETNAM IS A SCHEME WHICH WILL ENSURE A CONTROLLED OUTFLOW FROM THAT COUNTRY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THAT IF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR A PROGRAMME OF ORDERLY DEPARTURES FORMULATED DURING THE DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES’ RECENT VISIT TO HANOI CAN BE MADE TO WORK, AND THERE IS THE WILL TO WORK THEM IN VIETNAM AND RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES, WE SHOULD SEE MUCH NEEDED ORDER COMING INTO THE OUTFLOW OF PEOPLE.

♦THE OTHER SOLUTION,* HE ADDED, + IS TO GET THESE REFUGEES MOVED ON TO COUNTRIES WHERE THEY CAN SETTLE — AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.*

MR. DAVIES EMPHASISED THAT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WERE LANDED HERE ONLY TEMPORARILY, PENDING RESETTLEMENT BY UNHCR IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

HE NOTED THAT ON APRIL 11, THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG STOOD AT 17,650. OF THESE, 5,600 HAD BEEN HANDED OVER TO THE UNHCR, 9,400 WERE IN GOVERNMENT CAMPS AND WOULD BE HANDED OVER TO UNHCR AS SOON AS IT COULD PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION, AND 2,642 ON BOARD THE SKYLUCK.

RESETTLEMENT FIGURES SO FAR THIS YEAR AND ESTIMATES FOR THE FUTURE WERE NOT PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING HOWEVER. +WE ARE PRESSING UNHCR AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS TO INCREASE THE RATE OF RESETTLEMENT AND ARE SEEKING TO OBTAIN FURTHER OFFERS.*

MR. DAVIES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS VIGOROUSLY PURSUING ITS EFFORTS TO PREVENT THE ARRIVAL OF LARGE SHIPS LOADED WITH PEOPLE FROM VIETNAM.

THESE INCLUDED A SYSTEM OF IDENTIFYING AND DISCOURAGING BIG SHIPS WHICH MAY BE ABOUT TO ENGAGE IN THE TRADE, KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH OTHER ADMINISTRATIONS AND WHEN NECESSARY TAKING CONCERTED ACTION AGAINST SUCH SHIPS, SEA AND AIR RECONNAISSANCES TO PROVIDE AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM AND SOME DETERRENT, AND NEWLY AMENDED LEGISLATION.

MR. DAVIES REJECTED THE CONTENTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN PASSIVE AND WAVERING IN ITS ATTITUDE. +THE RECORD OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN COMING TO GRIPS WITH THIS INTRACTABLE PROBLEM IS BY NO MEANS NEGATIVE,* HE SAID.

IN FACT, ACTION TAKEN HAD DISCOURAGED OTHER SHIPS GETTING INTO THE BUSINESS OF CARRYING LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, AND AT LEAST ONE SHIP WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN DISCOURAGED FROM LOADING.

/MS. DAVI3S ....

RSDAY, APRIL 12, 1°79

MR. DAVIES SAID THERE WAS NG DOUBT TOO THAT THE ACTION IN HOLDING THE HUEY FONG AT OUR BOUNDARY SERIOUSLY BOTHERED THOSE ON THE SKYLUCK.

CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS HAD BEEN INSTITUTED AGAINST A NUMBER CF =E3PLE INVOLVED IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE HUEY FONG, AND ALSO IN A CASE WHERE =EOPLE FROM VIETNAM WERE ALLEGEDLY TRANSHIPPED FROM A ,-ARGE SHIP TO A SMALLER ONE FOR THE ACTUAL LANDING IN HONG KONG.

THE ARRIVAL OF SMALL BOATS IN HONG KONG POSED A DIFFERENT PROBLEM, MR. DAVIES S>ID. THESE DID NOT ATTEMPT TO EVADE IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND THERE WAS NO WAY IN WHICH ENTRY COULD EFFECTIVELY BE REFUSED.

DESPITE THE UNDOUBTED NEED TO LOOK AFTER OUR OWN PEOPLE, AND DESPITE THE ACTIONS OF OTHER ADMINISTRATIONS,* HE SAID, +l DO NOT BELIEVE IT WOULD BE RIGHT OR TO HONG KONG’S CREDIT TO SEND TO SEA A HEAVILY OVERLOADED SHIP — WHICH WOULD NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED TO SAIL WITH MORE THAN 12 PASSENGERS — THUS COMMITTING PEOPLE TO THE DEEP ON THE BASIS THAT THEY CAN TAKE THEIR CHANCE SOMEWHERE ELSE AND IN BREACH OF OUR CONVENTION OBLIGATIONS.*

ON IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA, MR. DAVIES ESTIMATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN POPULATION OVERALL FROM LEGAL AND ILLEGALS WHO ARE PERMITTED TO STAY OF 160,000 IN THE 15 MONTHS FROM

* JANUARY 1978.

+IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT WE ATTACH SO MUCH URGENCY TO RESTRICTING IMMIGRATION AND TO DO SO AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

+THESE STARK FIGURES EMPHASISE, TOO, OUR CONCERN THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD ASSIST IN THE RESETTLEMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AT A SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER RATE THAN THE CURRENT LEVEL OF OFFERS,* MR. DAVIES SAID.

- 0 - -

MTR NOT * IGNORED* IN BUDGETTING *****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) HE HAD NOT IGNORED THE DEMANDS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION WHEN EVALUATING THE VALIDITY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL BUDGETARY POLICIES.

HE SAID THIS WHILE REFERRING TO AN ARGUMENT BY THE HON. LYDIA DUNN AND THE HON. T.S. LO THAT HIS ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN THE COURSE OF THE ECONOMY IN RECENT YEARS WAS AT LEAST PARTLY INVALIDATED BY THE EXCLUSION OF EXPENDITURE ON THE MTR PROJECT FROM HIS DEFINITION OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR.

MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT HE HAD SPECIFICALLY REFERRED TO THE MTR PROJECT RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS BUDGET SPEECH AND ASKED HONOURABLE MEMBERS TO STUDY THE STATISTICS IN ANNEX (2) TO THE PRINTED VERSION OF THE SPEECH.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

+THESE SHOW THE GROWTH RATES OF EXPENDITURE IN REAL TERMS ON CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT, AND ON CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT PLUS THE MTR PROJECT TAKEN TOGETHER.

♦I DO NOT THINK IT CAN BE FAIRLY CONCLUDED FROM THESE STATISTICS THAT EXPENDITURE ON THE MTR PROJECT SINCE 1975-76 HAS BEEN SUCH THAT BUDGETARY POLICY HAS BEEN, OR IS BEING, FRUSTRATED,* HE SAID.

THE GROWTH RATE OF EXPENDITURE ON CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT AND THE MTR PROJECT TAKEN TOGETHER IN 1978-79 AT 25 PER CENT WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THE GROWTH RATE OF EXPENDITURE ON CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT ALONEi AND, IN 1979-80, THE RATE WILL BE ACTUALLY LOWER --SIX PER CENT WITH THE MTR PROJECT INCLUDED COMPARED WITH 7-1/2 PER CENT WITH THE MTR PROJECT EXCLUDED.

+IT IS TRUE THAT, IN THE THREE PREVIOUS YEARS, 1975-76 TO 1977-78, THE EFFECT OF INCLUDING EXPENDITURE ON THE MTR PROJECT IS TO INCREASE THE GROWTH RATE QUITE SUBSTANTIALLY BUT, IN THESE YEARS, THE ECONOMY WAS NOT OPERATING AS CLOSE TO FULL CAPACITY AS IT WAS IN 1978-79 AND IS FORECAST TO BE IN 1979-80.

♦CONSEQUENTLY, INFLATIONARY PRESSURES AS REFLECTED IN, FOR EXAMPLE, THE RATES OF INCREASE OF PRICES WERE MUCH LESS,+ HE EXPLAINED.

♦SO I THINK I CAN FAIRLY CLAIM THAT, MY DEFINITION OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR NOTWITHSTANDING, BUDGETARY POLICY HAS HAD REGARD TO THE LIKELY DEMANDS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, INCLUDING THE MTR PROJECT, ON THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE ECONOMY,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE STRESSED.

ON THE DEFINITION OF PUBLIC SECTOR, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID EARLIER HE CONFINED IT THIS YEAR, AS HERETOFORE, TO EXPENDITURE SHOWN IN THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT.

OBVIOUSLY, HE EXPLAINED, THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WILL BE DIFFERENT ACCORDING TO THE PARTICULAR DEFINITION OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE SELECTED.

♦FOR THE PURPOSE OF FORMULATING ANNUAL BUDGETARY POLICIES, WE NEED TO ADOPT A PRACTICAL DEFINITION OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE (AND TO APPLY THAT DEFINITION CONSISTENTLY OVER TIME). THUS I HAVE DEFINED THE PUBLIC SECTOR FOR THIS PURPOSE IN TERMS OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF FUNDS UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTROL,+ HE ADDED.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID BOTH MISS DUNN AND MR. LO, LIKE MANY OTHER COMMENTATORS, MIGHT HAVE OVER-EMPHASISED THE INFLUENCE OF THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE OF THE MTR ON THE COURSE OF THE ECONOMY IN RECENT YEARS.

IN 1978 FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THE MTR EMPLOYED UNDER 11 PER CENT OF THE NUMBER OF MANUAL WORKERS ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES AND LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT OF THE ECONOMY’S LABOUR FORCE.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

- 13 -

+IT CANNOT BE DENIED THAT, IF EXPENDITURE ON THE MTR PROJECT IS INCLUDED, THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR, SO DEFINED, IS LIFTED: BY 1-1/2 PERCENTAGE POINTS IN 1975-76, BY ABOUT TWO PERCENTAGE POINTS IN 1976-77, BY ABOUT 3-1/2 PERCENTAGE POINTS IN 1977-78 AND BY ABOUT 4-1/2 PERCENTAGE POINTS IN 1978-79 AND 1979-80.

+BUT, QUITE APART FROM THE FACT THAT THE RAPID GROWTH PHASE OF THE MTR PROJECT IS OVER AND SO THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT WILL TEND TO DECLINE OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, WHY DO MISS DUNN AND MR. LO PICK ON THE MTR PROJECT SIMPLY BECAUSE, AS IT HAPPENS, IT IS A PUBLICLY OWNED UNDERTAKING?* HE ASKED.

REFERRING TO ANOTHER REMARK BY MR. LO THAT +(ALL) NON-EXPORT ORIENTATED EXPENDITURE ... IS INFLATIONARY,* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID:

+BUT, ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE, IT SIMPLY CANNOT BE DENIED THAT INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT FACILITIES IS AS ESSENTIAL A FORM OF SUPPORT TO OUR EXPORT-ORIENTED ECONOMY AS IS INVESTMENT IN OFFICE BUILDINGS, IN POWER SUPPLIES, IN HARBOUR FACILITIES, OR IN GODOWNS.

+FURTHERMORE, IF THE MTR PROJECT HAD NOT BEEN DECIDED UPON OTHER FORMS OF INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT FACILITIES (E.G. ROADS) WOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY, ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ACCOUNT, INVOLVING A CALL UPON THE ECONOMY’S RESOURCES.*

TAX PAID BY +SANDWICHED SOCIETY* VERY LOW — FS K # # * *

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE TAX PAID BY THE +SANDWICHED SOCIETY* IS VERY LOW BY WORLD STANDARDS.

WINDING UP THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, W. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WAS PERPLEXED BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO’S CLAIM THAT THOSE BELONGING TO THE +SANDWICHED SOCIETY HAVE A VERY REAL RIGHT TO LOOK FORWARD TO A TIME WHEN THEIR TAXES AND THEIR SACRIFICES WILL HAVE EARNED THEM A LESS STRENUOUS AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE.*

♦I ASSUME THAT, IN DESCRIBING THE SANDWICHED SOCIETY, MR. LOBO HAS IN MIND THOSE TAXPAYERS WHO EARN FROM ABOUT $3,000 A MONTH TO ABOUT $7,000 A MONTH,* HE SAID.

♦THE QUESTION IS: DOES THE TAX SYSTEM OPERATE UNFAIRLY, IN SOME SENSE OR OTHER, IN RESPECT OF THESE TAXPAYERS?*

/MR- HADDQN*"CAVE

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

MR. HADDON-CAVE EMPHASISED THAT AS AN INDICATION OF THE AMOUNT OF TAX THEY PAY, THE AVERAGE TAX PAID IN RESPECT OF THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1976-77 BY TAXPAYERS AT THE LOWER END OF THIS RANGE WAS ABOUT $900 A YEAR, OR JUST BELOW 2-1/2 PER CENT OF THEIR ANNUAL INCOMES- AND THE AVERAGE TAX PAID BY TAXPAYERS AT THE UPPER END OF THE RANGE IS $7,500, OR ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THEIR ANNUAL INCOMES.

♦IT CANNOT BE DENIED THAT THESE PERCENTAGES ARE VERY LOW INDEED BY WORLD STANDARDS,+ HE STRESSED.

♦IN ADDITION, THE PROPOSED REDUCTION IN THE ’CLAW-BACK’ FACTOR FROM 15 PER CENT TO 10 PER CENT AND THE ABOLITION OF THE 30 PER CENT MARGINAL RATE, TAKEN TOGETHER, NOT ONLY WILL REDUCE THE EFFECTIVE RATE OF TAX FOR THE GENERALITY OF TAXPAYERS, BUT ALSO WILL LIFT THE POINT AT WHICH THE STANDARD RATE APPLIES, THEREBY STRETCHING AND EVENING OUT THE PROGRESSION OF EFFECTIVE RATES TO THE BENEFIT OF THE ’CLASS IN THE MIDDLE’,♦ MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT GIVEN THE PRESENT RATE OF SALARIES TAX OF 15 PER CENT, TO SINGLE OUT THE +SANDWICHED SOCIETY+ FOR PREFERENTIAL TAX TREATMENT WOULD UPSET THE INTERNAL RELATIVITY BETWEEN THIS CLASS OF TAXPAYERS AND OTHER CLASSES, THEREBY DISTORTING THE EVEN PROGRESSION OF EFFECTIVE RATES.

REGARDING THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN’S BELIEF THAT MANY MORE PEOPLE ARE CAPABLE AND WILLING TO PAY INCOME TAX, MR. HADDON-CAVE REPLIED* +ALL AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES, REGRETABLY, THAT THOSE WHO ARE ’CAPABLE’ MAY NOT BE ALL THAT WILL ING.+

FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, IN 1977-78 THERE WERE ABOUT

143,000 CASES WHERE THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE HAD TO IMPOSE PENALTIES FOR LATE PAYMENTS AND FOR SUCH NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW AS FAILURE TO FILE RETURNS AND FILING INCORRECT RETURNS.

♦IN ADDITION, THERE WERE SOME 1,807 SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS THROUGH THE COURTS FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES. I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE TOTAL YIELD FROM THESE PROSECUTIONS WAS ALMOST $25 MILLION, WHICH WAS ROUGHLY THE COST OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN THAT YEAR OR NEARER HOME, HALF OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

ABOLISHING DUTY ON LOCAL CHINESE SPIRITS

ON THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING’S SUGGESTION THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO ABOLISHING DUTY ON LOCALLY PRODUCED CHINESE SPIRITS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THERE WAS ALREADY A PREFERENTIAL RATE OF DUTY ON ALL NON-EUROPEAN TYPE SPIRITS.

♦THERE IS A FURTHER PREFERENTIAL RATE ON THOSE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN,^ MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED.

♦THUS THE RATE OF DUTY (AT $8.75 PER GALLON) ON CHINESE-TYPE SPIRITS OF HONG KONG ORIGIN IS ALREADY VERY LOW COMPARED WITH THAT ON IMPORTED EUROPEAN-TYPE SPIRITS OF SIMILAR STRENGTH (AT $95.50 A GALLON).+

/DI POINTDIG ....

THURSDAY, APHIL 12, 1979

IN POINTING OUT THAT UNDER THE G.A.T.T. THIS PREFERENCE MARGIN COULD NOT BE INCREASED, MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED, +1 DO NOT THINK, IN ANY CASE. THAT THE ABOLITION OF THE DUTY AT A COST TO THE REVENUE OF ill.5 MILLION WOULD BE JUSTIFIED.*

ON THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE’S SUGGESTION TO CONSIDER SOME FURTHER DEGREE OF SUMPTUARY TAXATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAIDt *HIS SUGGESTIONS IN THIS RESPECT CONCENTRATED ON NEW OR INCREASED RATES OF DUTY OR TAX ON A VARIETY OF LUXURY ITEMS RANGING FROM PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLS TO PERFUMES (THE ALCOHOL CONTENT OF WHICH IS ALREADY DUTIABLE, INCIDENTALLY).

♦WHILST, AS ALWAYS HE HAS GIVEN ME FOOD FOR THOUGHT, I AM SURE HE WOULD AGREE THAT WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL NOT TO STEER OURSELVES IN THE DIRECTION OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSLY PENALISING THE AFFLUENT WHEN, AS HE ADMITS, ’THE TOTAL RETURN MAY BE RELATIVELY LOW’ AND, I WOULD ADD, THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ARE BOUND TO BE RELATIVELY HIGH.*

MOTOR VEHICLE TAXATION

MR. BREMRIDGE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE TAXES ON USAGE, AND NOT POSSESSION OF VEHICLES BE CONSIDERED.

TO THIS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, +1 HAVE NOTED WHAT HE HAD TO SAY BUT WOULD REMIND HIM THAT MY PROPOSALS ON MOTOR VEHICLE TAXATION HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH FUTURE TRANSPORT POLICY- I PUT THEM FORWARD ON FISCAL GROUNDS ONLY.*

AS TO MR. LOBO’S FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND WHY PRIVATE BUSES OR COACHES HAVE BEEN SPARED, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID REGARDING FIRST REGISTRATION TAX, THERE ARE AT PRESENT 1,466 VEHICLES REGISTERED AS NON-ENFRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES GENERALLY AVAILABLE FOR HIRE AND 234 VEHICLES REGISTERED AS PRIVATE BUSES USED GENERALLY TO SERVE SCHOOLS, FACTORIES, TOURISTS AND SOME RESIDENTIAL PREMISES.

♦HOWEVER, FOR MY PART, I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND MR. LOBO’S QUESTIONi +ARE WE CREATING ANOTHER CLASS OF BUSINESS AND PRIVATE VEHICLES’?+

THESE BUSES, MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED, UNLIKE ENFRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECT TO FIRST REGISTRATION TAX, WERE FIRST BROUGHT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) ORDINANCE, TOGETHER WITH GOODS VEHICLES AND TAXIS, AT AN AD VALOREM RATE OR 15 PER CENT WHEN COMMONWEALTH PREFERENCE ON MOTOR VEHICLES WAS ABOLISHED IN 1975.

♦AS I IMPLIED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH, I SEE NO NEED AT THIS TIME TO PICK OUT NON-ENFRANCHISED BUSES FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT.+

/1SR. haddon-cavh....

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE LICENCE FEE FOR NON-ENFRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES IS CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF $10 FOR THE DRIVER AND $30 PER PASSENGER SEAT (THE SAME AS FOR ENFRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES) AND FOR PRIVATE BUSES IT IS CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF $10 FOR THE DRIVER AND $25 PER PASSENGER SEAT.

THE EFFECTIVE FEE IS, THEREFORE, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN $1,000 TO $1,200 PER VEHICLE.

♦BEARING IN MIND THAT BUSES ARE A DESIRABLE FORM OF TRANSPORT, AND, AS I DID NOT WISH TO BECOME TANGLED UP WITH THE TOUCHY SUBJECT OF PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES GENERALLY, I LEFT THE FEES AT THEIR PRESENT LEVELS FOR THE TIME BE ING,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

ROAD TOLLS

ON ROAD TOLLS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE HAD EVERY SYMPATHY WITH MR. BREMRIDGE’S FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND THE GOVERNMENT’S REFUSAL TO CONSIDER TOLLS FOR THE TUEN MUN FREEWAY.

HE EXPLAINED: + THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS TO IMPOSE TOLLS WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY TO MEET THE COST OF PROVIDING SUCH A FACILITY IF ITS ADEQUATE UTILISATION WOULD NOT THEREBY BE JEOPARDISED.

+BUT WE MUST BE PRACTICAL: TO COLLECT TOLLS ON THE USE OF TUNNELS IS EASY — AND PARTICULARLY JUSTIFIED WHERE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES ARE AVAILABLE -- BUT IT WOULD BE COMPLICATED AND EXPENSIVE TO CHARGE VEHICLES USING, FOR EXAMPLE, THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY GIVEN THE NUMBER OF ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS.+

- - 0 - -

LEGCO TAKEN INTO THE ADMINISTRATION’S TRUST *****

FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE BUDGET SPEECH EXPOSED THE GOVERNMENT’S UNDERLYING THINKING AND BY DOING SO DID TAKE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL INTO THE ADMINISTRATION’S TRUST.

♦HOWEVER, IF I WAS TOO ELLIPTICAL THIS YEAR, AND IF IT IS HONOURABLE MEMBERS’ WISH, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SPELL OUT OUR THINKING EVEN MORE CAREFULLY NEXT YEAR,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID WHEN WINDING UP THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HE SAID THIS IN REPLY TO CRITICISMS FROM UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. T.S. LO TWO WEEKS AGO WHEN HE CALLED ON THE ADMINISTRATION +T0 TRUST THIS COUNCIL AND INFORM bEMBERS FULLY AND WITHOUT RESERVATION+ HOW POLICIES ARE DETERMINED AND THEREBY TO EXPLAIN HOW CONFLICTING VIEWS HAVE BEEN RECONCILED.

/hxplainiiig

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

- 17 -

EXPLAINING THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS FOR BUDGETARY POLICY, f*R. HADDON-CAVE SAID THERE WAS THE REALITY OF ALL THE CROSSPRESSURES TO WHICH CIVIL SERVANTS ARE SUBJECT, AND THERE WAS THE VIRTUAL ABSENCE OF THAT MECHANISTIC INSTRUMENT OF DISCIPLINE — THE PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT — WHICH MADE THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR MUCH SIMPLER.

♦THUS OUR THINKING HAS TO BE SUBJECTED TO THE DISCIPLINE OF CERTAIN GUIDELINES. BUT THE APPLICATION OF THESE GUIDELINES HAS TO BE PRAGMATIC WHICH IS NOT THE SAME THING AS MR. LO’S ’LIP SERVICE’. SO THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, BEING AN ARGUMENTATIVE PROCESS, OFTEN LEADS TO RESULTS WHICH DO NOT CONFORM EXACTLY WITH OUR GUIDELINES,* MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT.

HE ADDED THAT THE RECORD DOCUMENTED IN HIS RECENT BUDGET SPEECH INDICATED THAT THE DEGREE OF NON-CONFORMITY HAD BEEN, USUALLY, ONLY MARGINAL.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO REPLIED TO CRITICISMS OF HIS BUDGETARY POLICY BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID MR. CHEUNG HAD IGNORED THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN PROGRAMME PLANS AND POLICY TARGETS, ON THE ONE HAND, AND ANNUAL RATES OF IMPLEMENTATION WHICH MUST HAVE REGARD TO PREVAILING FINANCIAL AND/OR ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES, ON THE OTHER.

MR. CHEUNG HAD REFUSED TO SUPPORT THE BUDGET BECAUSE OF ITS INCONSISTENCY WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC PROJECTS.

MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT +THE FACT IS, OURS IS AN OVER-EMPLOYED ECONOMY AND, IF WE ARE TO AVOID REALLY PAINFUL ADJUSTMENTS LATER ON TO RESTORE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL EQUILIBRIUM, WE MUST CHANGE DOWN INTO A LOWER GEAR, THAT IS TO SAY, SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL FINAL DEMAND.*

HE EMPHASISEDi +THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MUST BE ADJUSTED DOWNWARDS AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THIS END.*

+MR. CHEUNG REFERS TO ’SAVAGE CUTS’ AND MY ’ARID’ APPROACH IN ’KNIFING THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME’ WITH THE OBJECT, I PRESUME, OF DISCREDITING THE EMPHASIS OF BUDGETARY POLICY THIS YEAR. WERE ■DIE GOVERNMENT TO SIT BACK AND DISREGARD CHANGING ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES, DESPITE THE VIEWS OF HIS COLLEAGUES, THE PAINFUL ADJUSTMENTS TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY ENDURED WOULD GIVE HIM EVEN GREATER SCOPE FOR DISPLAYING HIS CONSIDERABLE POWERS OF DESTRUCTIVE RHETORIC,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

/18......

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

WORKING PARTY REVIEWING SUBVENTION POLICY

****** >

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A WORKING PARTY HAS, IN RECENT MONTHS, BEEN REVIEWING THE PROBLEMS OF GOVERNMENT’S SUBVENTION POLICY FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.

AND HE HOPED THAT THE PARTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD LEAD TO A STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE ^CURRENTLY SOMEWHAT HAPHAZARD AND, I SUSPECT, WASTEFUL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS.♦

MR. HADDON-CAVE WAS REPLYING TO A COMMENT MADE BY DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI ON GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.

HE SAID DR. HO HAD ABLY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEMS WHICH BESET THE GOVERNMENT IN TRYING TO RATIONALISE THE PROCEDURES BY WHICH DISCRETIONARY SUBVENTIONS WERE ALLOCATED TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WELFARE.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE APPLICATION OF UNIT RATE SUBVENTION TO DAY NURSERIES HAD BROUGHT TO LIGHT PROBLEMS WHICH MUST BE RESOLVED BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT COULD CONSIDER ITS EXTENSION, ON ANY SCALE, TO OTHER AREAS.

♦CLEARLY, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DEVISE A SINGLE TYPE OF FINANCING ARRANGEMENT WHICH WILL BE SATISFACTORY IN RESPECT OF ALL THE VERY WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES PRESENTLY PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES,* HE SAID.

MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO AGREED WITH DR. HO THAT A DEFINITION OF PRIORITY AREAS SHOULD GO HAND IN HAND WITH ANY REVISION OF GOVERNMENT’S SUBVENTION POLICY.

♦THIS WILL MEAN DEVISING FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE FLEXIBLE BOTH IN TERMS OF THE TYPE AND EXTENT OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY AND OF THE ROLE TO BE PLAYED BY FUNDS RAISED PRIVATELY BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OR ALLOCATED TO THEM BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST,* HE SAID.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

NO MAJOR SAVINGS IN HIVING-OFF TRADING DEPARTMENTS *****

THE HIVING-OFF OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT TRADING DEPARTMENTS WOULD NOT RESULT IN MAJOR SAVINGS AND A TIGHTER AND MORE COMPETENT CIVIL SERVICE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE WAS REPLYING TO A SUGGESTION FROM THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE IN THE BUDGET DEBATE THAT CERTAIN TRADING DEPARTMENTS SHOULD BE SOLD OFF TO COMMERCIAL INTERESTS OR CONVERTED INTO QUASl-GOVERNMENT CORPORATIONS.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THERE WOULD BE DISADVANTAGES, ESPECIALLY WHERE THERE MUST REMAIN A DEGREE OF FINANCING FROM GENERAL REVENUE.

♦THE GOVERNMENT EITHER WOULD NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY CONTROL, OR WOULD NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN THEIR MANAGERIAL DECISIONS TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT ANY ADVANTAGE IN HIVING THEM OFF WOULD BE DIMINISHED,* HE SAID.

♦AND I SEE NO POINT IN CREATING AUTONOMOUS CORPORATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT RETAINING POWER SUBSEQUENTLY TO CLAW BACK CONTROL OVER, SAY, THE USE OF ANY SURPLUS FUNDS GENERATED,♦ MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT.

♦YET WITHOUT THIS POWER, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LOSE A SOURCE OF REVENUE WHICH COULD OTHERWISE BE APPLIED TO OTHER SERVICES AS PRIORITIES DICTATE,* HE ADDED.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID THERE ARE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE LARGER GOVERNMENT-OWNED PUBLIC UTILITIES, SUCH AS THE WATERWORKS AND THE AIRPORT.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LYDIA DUNN ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH TO LONG-TERM PLANNING TO MEET DEMAND AND TO KEEP ITS SIX PUBLIC UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS UP TO DATE TECHNICALLY.

ON ANOTHER QUESTION FROM MISS DUNN ABOUT THE RETURNS ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS EMPLOYED, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT YET FINALLY DECIDED ON THE APPROPRIATE RATES OF RETURN FOR ALL THE UNDERTAKINGS INVOLVED.

♦FOR EXAMPLE,♦ HE SAID, +WE HAVE NOT YET DONE SO IN RESPECT OF WATER AND WHEN I INTRODUCED, RECENTLY, INCREASES IN WATER CHARGES, I MERELY SOUGHT TO BRING THE WATERWORKS ACCOUNTS INTO BALANCE.♦

WITH REGARD TO MISS DUNN’S OTHER QUESTION ABOUT MANAGEMENT OF THESE UNDERTAKINGS, MR. HADDON-CAVE ACCEPTED THAT THERE WAS ROOM OF IMPROVEMENT AND THAT HE WAS SURE THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WOULD AGREE WITH HIM.

HOWEVER, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID: +THE OPERATING ACCOUNTS NOW AVAILABLE TO US WILL ENABLE US TO DEVELOP RATIONAL PRICING AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND THEY CAN ALSO BE USED TO APPRAISE HOW EFFICIENTLY RESOURCES ARE BEING USED.*

/ 20

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

- 20 -

PLAN TO SET UP CIVIL SERVICE STAFF MANAGEMENT AND LIAISON SERVICE

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS, TODAY (THURSDAY) UNVEILED A PLAN TO SET UP A CIVIL SERVICE STAFF MANAGEMENT ADVISORY AND LIAISON SERVICE.

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. ROWLANDS SAID THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN IN APRIL NEXT YEAR WILL BE SUBJECT TO RECOMMENDATIONS BY CURRENT STUDIES AND THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HE SAID THE AIM OF THE SERVICE, WHICH WILL INITIALLY OPERATE ON A TRIAL BASIS FOR THREE YEARS, IS TO ADVISE DEPARTMENTS AND PROVIDE LIAISON LINKS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS BETWEEN THEM AND THE SECRETARIAT.

HE ENVISAGED THAT THE SERVICE MIGHT START WITH A NUCLEUS OF ABOUT SIX STAFF, RISING TO 25 IN THE SECOND YEAR AND HEADED BY ONE WHO HAS SERVED AS A DEPARTMENT CHIEF.

+1 DO NOT ENVISAGE THE SERVICE HAVING ANY PERMANENT STAFF OF ITS OWN, APART FROM CLERICAL SUPPORT, BUT RATHER BEING STAFFED BY OFFICERS SECONDED TO IT FROM DEPARTMENTS FOR TOURS OF THREE YEARS OR S0,+ MR. ROWLANDS EXPLAINED.

A KEY POINT IS, MR. ROWLANDS SAID, THAT THE SERVICE SHOULD BE ADVISORY TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENT.

♦IT IS A HEAD OF DEPARTMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MANAGE, AND I FORESEE CONFUSION AND CONFLICT IF THE STAFF MANAGEMENT SERVICE IS GIVEN EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY.

♦FOR SIMILAR REASONS, ALTHOUGH THE HEAD OF THE STAFF MANAGEMENT SERVICE MIGHT BE RESPONSIBLE TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE AND HIS STAFF OUGHT ALMOST CERTAINLY TO BE OUTSIDE THE HIERARCHY OF CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH,+ MR. ROWLANDS POINTED OUT.

MR. ROWLANDS SAID HE SEES THE STAFF MANAGEMENT SERVICE GIVING A POWERFUL IMPETUS TO SUCH SUBJECTS AS MANAGEMENT TRAINING, STAFF RELATIONS AND STAFF WELFARE, THOUGH CONTROL OF RESOURCES FOR THESE PURPOSES WOULD REMAIN WITH DEPARTMENTS.

AS A GENERAL RULE, HE ADDED, THE STAFF MANAGEMENT SERVICE WOULD WORK THROUGH OTHERS, THUS IT WOULD ASK THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIVISION TO ORGANISE SEMINARS FOR IT, OR THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION TO UNDERTAKE ANY MANAGEMENT STUDIES.

THE NEW SERVICE WOULD ALSO BE DRAWING ON THE WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE IN DEPARTMENTS.

A®. HOWLANDS ......

[This page is blank in the original document]

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1?7Q

22 -

FROM THIS SEPTEMBER, IT WILL COVER CHILDREN AGED 14 AND BELOW AND EXTENDED TO 15 IN SEPTEMBER, 1980.

UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY POWER OF SERVING ATTENDANCE ORDERS ON PARENTS COVER THE AGE GROUP OF SIX TO 12 ONLY.

♦WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF FREE AND COMPULSORY JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, IT IS NOW NECESSARY TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦HOWEVER, THE POWER OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO SERVE ATTENDANCE ORDERS WILL NOT APPLY TO A CHILD WHO HAS COMPLETED FORM/MIDDLE III BEFORE REACHING THE AGE OF 15 OR IS A REGISTERED APPRENTICE UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE OR IS REGULARLY ATTENDING OR IS AN INMATE OF AN INSTITUTION APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR,* A SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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

FS PRAISES FINANCE BRANCH OFFICER IN VALEDICTORY SPEECH *****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE AT TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION OF THE WORK OF A RETIRING OFFICER WHO HAS SERVED THE FINANCE BRANCH FOR 32 YEARS.

IN HIS VALEDICTORY SPEECH, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID MR. TANG HING-IP, NOW OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE COMMON ESTIMATES SECTION, HAS SERVED UNDER EACH OF THE FOUR FINANCIAL SECRETARIES WHO HELD OFFICE AFTER THE WAR SINCE HE JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AND WAS POSTED TO THE FINANCE BRANCH IN 1947.

FROM 1957-58, MR. TANG HAS BEEN DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE ANNUAL ESTIMATES.

♦ IT IS A RATHER NICE COINCIDENCE THAT, IN THESE 23 YEARS, TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE HAS ALSO INCREASED BY 23 TIMES,♦ f-R. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

♦ MR. TANG IS KNOWN TO MANY HONOURABLE MEMBERS AND I AM SURE THEY WOULD WISH TO JOIN ME IN WISHING HIM A HAPPY AND VERY WELL EARNED RETIREMENT,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

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

/23......

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

AIRPORT TUNNEL CONTRACT

*****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $47 MILLION CONTRACT TO MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION FOR THE PROVISION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES FOR THE AIRPORT TUNNEL AND ITS WESTERN APPROACHES.

THE CONTRACT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS AFTERNOON BY DR. Y.L. CHOI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF PWD’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, AND MR. G. FUKUDA, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE COMPANY.

DR. CHOI SAID THE CONTRACT WOULD INVOLVE THE INSTALLATION OF TUNNEL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION FANS.

♦ THE TUNNEL LIGHTING HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO CATER FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONDITION OUTSIDE THE TUNNEL WHILE THE VENTILATION FANS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PROVIDING 15,500 CUBIC METRES OF FRESH AIR PER MINUTE IN EACH OF THE TWO TUNNEL TUBES,* HE SAID.

+IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A STANDBY DIESEL GENERATOR WHICH WILL PROVIDE ELECTRICITY IN THE EVENT OF A POWER FAILURE.*

WORK WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE EAST KOWLOON WAY — AN ELEVATED ROADWAY ALONG CHATHAM ROAD AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD, THE WUHU INTERCHANGE AND THE SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE, WHICH TOGETHER FORM THE WESTERN APPROACHES TO THE AIRPORT TUNNEL — HAS PASSED THE HALF-WAY MARK.

WORK ON THE EASTERN APPROACHES, INCLUDING A 260-METRE DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY CONNECTING THE EAST PORTAL OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WITH AN ALREADY CONSTRUCTED SECTION OF ROAD ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, IS 30 PER CENT COMPLETE.

DR. CHOI SAID THE 200-METRE AIRPORT TUNNEL FORMED PART OF ROUTE 3 ~ A SIX-KILOMETRE HIGH CAPACITY ROUTE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND HUNG HOM.

THE $300 MILLION ROAD SCHEME WOULD, ON COMPLETION, SPEED UP TRAFFIC BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND URBAN KOWLOON.

THIS CONTRACT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA ON BEHALF OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF PWD.

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/24

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL

******

PREQUALIFIED GENERAL BUILDING AND SPECIALIST BUILDING SERVICES CONTRACTORS WILL BE INVITED TO SUBMIT TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL IN JUNE.

HONG KONG CONTRACTORS OR CONTRACTORS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING IN THESE CATEGORIES WISHING TO TENDER SHOULD FIRST APPLY FOR INCLUSION ON THE LIST OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS.

APPLICATIONS, ADDRESSED TO THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 12TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE NOON ON JUNE 1.

THE COMPILATION OF A LIST OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS IS ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FROM WHOM A LOAN IS BEING OBTAINED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO FINANCE THE PROJECT.

THE HOSPITAL WILL HAVE 1,400 BEDS AND ALL NECESSARY ANCILLARY SERVICES, INCLUDING TEACHING FACILITIES.

IT WILL SERVE 700,000 PEOPLE IN THE EASTERN AREA OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

- - 0 - -

CHARGES AT GOVT OUTPATIENT CLINICS TO INCREASE FROM JUNE 1

******

CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT OUTPATIENT CLINICS, WHICH HAVE REMAINED AT 11 PER VISIT FOR THE PAST 29 YEARS, WILL BE INCREASED TO $2 FROM JUNE 1.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE NOMINAL CHARGE OF 11 PER VISIT WAS INTRODUCED IN 1950 IN ORDER TO HELP MEET THE COST OF EXPANDING GOVERNMENT MEDICAL SERVICES.

AT THAT TIME THE COST OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 13 PER ATTENDANCE.

A RECENT COSTING EXERCISE UNDERTAKEN BY THE TREASURY HAS FOUND THAT, AT APRIL 1977 PRICES, THE COST OF A GENERAL OUTPATIENT ATTENDANCE RANGES FROM 124.95 AT TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL TO 145.07 AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.

THE CHARGE PER VISIT WILL BE INCREASED TO 13 IN 12 MONTHS’ TIME IN ORDER TO REDUCE FURTHER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COST OF SERVICE AND THE FEES CHARGED.

HOWEVER, THESE FEES WILL BE REDUCED OR WAIVED IN CASES OF REAL HARDSHIP AS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE PRACTICE AT ALL GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

AT THE SAME TIME CHARGES FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES AT BOTH GOVERNMENT AND COVERNMENT-SUBVENTED MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS ARE TO BE STANDARDISED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE IN KEEPING WITh THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.

THIS WILL MEAN, IN EFFECT, THAT OUTPATIENT CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS WILL BE BROUGHT UP AND THOSE AT GOVERNMENT SUBViNTED INSTITUTIONS WILL BE INVITED TO SCALE DOWN TO ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL.

AT PRESENT, OUTPATIENT CHARGES RANGE FROM $1 AT GOVERNMENT CLINICS TO $5 PER VISIT AT CERTAIN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.

FREE SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED AT GOVERNMENT CHILD HEALTH CENTRES. MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE CLINICS, TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST CLINICS, SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS, CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS AND THE FLOATING CLINICS INCLUDING THE FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE.

ALSO, THE PRESENT CHARGE OF $1 PER VISIT FOR INJECTIONS AND DRESSINGS AT A GENERAL CLINIC, ATTENDANCES AT FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS AND ATTENDANCES AT METHADONE CENTRES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REVISED CHARGES HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND ENDORSED BY THE MEDICAL ADVISORY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED A REVIEW OF THESE CHARGES TO BE REASONABLE IN VIEW OF THE RISING COSTS AND THE LAPSE OF TIME SINCE THE PRESENT CHARGE WAS FIXED, HE ADDED.

--------o -

METHADONE CENTRES TO REMAIN OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS

H * * * KM

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT ALL METHADONE TREATMENT CENTRES WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE FOUR-DAY EASTER HOLIDAYS.

THE VIOLET PEEL DETOXIFICATION CENTRE WILL BE OPEN FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 10 P.M. AND THE CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND CENTRE FROM 2 P.M. TO 8 P.M. DAILY.

ALL THE OTHER EVENING DETOXIFICATION CENTRES WILL BE OPERATING FROM 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M. WHILE THE HO MAN TIN DAY DETOXIFICATION CENTRE WILL BE OPEN ONLY IN THE MORNING FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

THE FOUR MAINTENANCE CENTRES WILL BE OPERATING AS USUAL FROM 7 A.M. TO 9.30 P.M.

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/26

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

ALL MAIL SERVICE TO IRISH REPUBLIC SUBJECT TO DELAY

* * * *

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL MAIL TO THE IRISH REPUBLIC IS SUBJECT TO DELAY DUE TO THE CONTINUANCE CF THE POSTAL STRIKE WHICH STARTED IN MARCH.

MAIL SERVICES TO AND FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE STILL AFFECTED BY INDUSTRIAL ACTION BUT DELAYS ARE NOT SIGNIFICANT.

THE BRITISH POST OFFICE ADVISED THAT THE SITUATION IS IMPROVING.

MEANWHILE, REGULAR AIR MAIL SERVICES TO IRAN HAVE NOW BEEN RESTORED.

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

ADVICE FOR TEACHERS IN PHYSICS ft ft ft ft

TWO SEMINARS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR PHYSICS TEACHERS THIS MONTH AND IN MAY BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

+ALL PHYSICS TEACHERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. BUT THOSE TEACHING THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE’S PHYSICS SYLLABUS FOR FORMS 4 AND 5 WILL FIND THE SEMINARS PARTICULARLY INTERESTING,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE FIRST SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 20 FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M. THE SUBJECT IS +THE TEACHING OF WAVES AND OPTICS.*

LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN BY MRS. W.N. MAK FROM THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION- AND DR. S.Y. MAK AND MR. Y.W. LEUNG. BOTH PRACTISING TEACHERS.

IT WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE. THE ADDRESS IS 250 NAM CHEONG STREET, KOWLOON.

A SECOND SEMINAR ON +THE TEACHING OF ELECTRONICS* WILL BE HELD ON MAY 5 BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 12.30 P.M. IN THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL, AT 2C OXFORD ROAD, KOWLOON.

THE LECTURERS, WHO ARE ALSO PRACTISING TEACHERS, ARE NR. T.L. CHANG, MR. Y.Y. DONG AND MR. T. CHAN.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1979

RECEPTION FOR OUR T-T PLAYERS IN EDINBURGH

******

HONG KONG’S NINE-MEMBER TEAM PARTICIPATING IN THE FIFTH COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE WELCOMED AT A RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE ACTING HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, MR. S.A. WEBB-JOHNSON IN EDINBURGH RECENTLY.

AMONG THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE RECEPTION WERE THE LORD PROVOST OF THE CITY OF EDINBURGH, THE RT. HON. KENNETH BORTHWICK, CIVIC DIGNITARIES, OFFICIALS AND PLAYERS FROM THE SCOTTISH TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION, AND LEADING MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE COMMUNITY IN SCOTLAND.

DURING THE RECEPTION, MR. DEREK TANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE EDINBURGH-HONG KONG CHINESE ASSOCIATION, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR 500 POUNDS STERLING TO THE ORGANISERS OF THE COMPETITION AS A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE CHAMPIONSHIP FUNDS FROM THE LOCAL CHINESE COMMUNITY.

REPORTING THE ARRIVAL OF THE HONG KONG TEAM, THE +SCOTSMAN+ NEWSPAPER YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) TIPPED THE ^FORMIDABLE* HONG KONG CONTINGENT TO BE FAVOURITES IN THE COMPETITION, WITH THE MAIN CHALLENGE COMING FROM ENGLAND AND AUSTRALIA.

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WHICH BEGINS TODAY (THURSDAY), IS BEING WATCHED WITH KEEN INTEREST IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AS MANY PLAYERS TAKING PART WILL BE GOING ON TO COMPETE IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN NORTH KOREA.

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

MOBILE REGISTRATION TEAM TO VISIT LAMMA ISLAND * * * *

A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M. FOR TWO DAYS FROM APRIL 18 ON THE SOUTH LAMMA ISLAND RURAL COMMITTEE PREMISES.

THIS IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER CHILDREN 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.

PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA SHOULD REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1979

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

POSTAL SERVICES VIRTUALLY BROUGHT TO DOOR-STEPS OF PEOPLE IN REMOTE AREAS ............................................. 1

NEW STAMPS TO FEATURE HK BUTTERFLIES ........................ 2

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1979

1 -

POSTAL SERVICES VIRTUALLY BROUGHT TO DOOR-STEPS OF PEOPLE IN REMOTE AREAS * * * * *

SINCE I960, THE POST OFFICE HAS BEEN BRINGING POSTAL SERVICES VIRTUALLY TO THE DOOR-STEPS OF PEOPLE LIVING IN THE MORE INACCESSIBLE AND REMOTE AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

AND THE TWO MOBILE POST OFFICES, EACH MANNED BY A POSTMASTER AND A DRIVER, ARE CLOCKING UP MORE MILES AS THEY CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEYS TO SOME 30 DESTINATIONS ON ALTERNATE DAYS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE PURPOSE OF THE MOBILE OFFICES IS TO SERVE RAPIDLY EXPANDING RURAL AREAS WHERE THE NEED TO SET UP A PERMANENT POST OFFICE IS NOT YET JUSTIFIED.

EARLY EVERY MORNING, ONE VAN SETS OUT FROM THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE WHILE THE OTHER STARTS OUT FROM THE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE.

THE KOWLOON VAN COVERS CALDECOTT ROAD, TAI WAI, YUE KOK, LAM TSUEN, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, CLEAR WATER BAY, WO HOP SHEK, KWAN TEI, TAI PO TSAI, SHEUNG YEUNG, HANG HAU, HO CHUNG AND PAK SHA WAN.

THE YUEN LONG VAN GOES TO PING SHAN, HUNG SHUI KIU, LAM TEI, CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, CASTLE PEAK BAY, SHAM TSENG, SHEUNG TSUEN, TSIU KENG, KWU TUNG, SAN WAI, HA TSUEN, LAU FAU SHAN AND NGAU TAM MEI IN THE NORTHWEST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE MOBILE POST OFFICE OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF COUNTER FACILITIES INCLUDING THE SALE OF STAMPS AND POSTAL STATIONERY, THE SALE AND ENCASHMENT OF PCSTAu ORDERS, ACCEPTANCE AND PAYMENT OF MONEY ORDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF REGISTERED ARTICLES AND PARCELS.

A POSTING BOX FOR ORDINARY POSTAL ITEMS IS ALSO PROVIDED GN EACH VAN.

THE MOBILE SERVICE ALSO HELPS TO PROMOTE BETTER RELATIONS BETWEEN THE POST OFFICE AND ITS CUSTOMERS, WITH THE POSTMASTERS ANSWERING ENQUIRIES AND DISTRIBUTING MANY GOVERNMENT FORMS AND LEAFLETS.

+THAT THE SERVICE HAS PERIOD IS AN INDICATION OF THE NEW’TERR(TORIES,* SAID

BEEN IN OPERATION FO.- SUCH A LONG ITS POPULARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF POSTMASTER MR. LUI *1 -fEW.

MOST OF THE CUSTOMERS, HE ADDED, ARE WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE EMIGRATED OVERSEAS.

ELDERLY PEOPLE

+THE SERVICE PROVIDES THE V.-.)’ LUK -C‘ REGULARLY.CORRESPOND WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND RELAT 14?. LUI STRESSED.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1979

2 -

NEW STAMPS TO FEATURE HK BUTTERFLIES *****

FOUR OF HONG KONG’S BUTTERFLIES WILL BE FEATURED IN A SPECIAL ISSUE OF POSTAGE STAMPS ON JUNE 20.

TWO OF THE FOUR ARE RARE SPECIES.

THEY ARE THE BLUE PANSY (PRECIS ORITHYA ORITHYA), THE COMMON BLUEBOTTLE (GRAPHIUM SARPEDON SARPEDON), THE PURPLE SAPPHIRE (HELIOPHORJS EPICLES PHOENICOPARYPHUS) AND THE DARK-VEINED TIGER (DANAUS GENUTIA GENUTIA).

THE SET OF FOUR STAMPS WILL HAVE DENOMINATIONS OF 20 CENTS (BLUE PANSY), $1 (COMMON BLUEBOTTLE), 31.30 (PURPLE SAPPHIRE) AND $2 (DARK-VEINED TIGER).

+ALTHOUGH INCREASING URBAN DEVELOPMENT POSES A THREAT TO THEIR EXISTENCE MANY SPECIES OF BUTTERFLIES CONTINUE TO THRIVE IN HONG KONG AND BRING COLOUR AND BRIGHTNESS TO OUR LIVES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) IN EXPLAINING WHY BUTTERFLIES WERE CHOSEN AS THE THEME.

MISS JANE THATCHER, A LOCAL FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR, DESIGNED THE SERIES AND THE FIRST DAY COVERS.

+ I HAD SPENT SOME TIME DOING RESEARCH ON LOCAL BUTTERFLIES AND FINALLY DECIDED ON TWO COMMON SPECIES AND TWO RARE ONES,* MISS THATCHER SAID.

+COLOURFUL BUTTERFLIES ARE NOT ALWAYS DESIRABLE IN THE EYES OF THE DESIGNER AS THEY MUST BEAR VERY CLEAR MARKINGS TO PRODUCE THE BEST GRAPHIC EFFECT,* SHE ADDED.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1979

PAGE NO.

CONTENTS ________

PWD BUILDING FOUR SPORTS GROUNDS AND STADIA .............. 1

RECREATION A'-D SPORT SCHEME FOR REMOTE VILLAGES ......... 1

FIRING PRACTICE .......................................... 3

FAKE WATER METERS ........................................ 3

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1979

PWD BUILDING FOUR SPORTS GROUNDS AND STADIA

* * * M

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS BUILDING FOUR SPORTS GROUNDS AND STADIA WHICH, ON COMPLETION, WILL PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED SPORTS FACILITIES TO THOUSANDS OF YOUNG SPORTSMEN IN HONG KONG.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF PWD SAID TODAY THAT ONE OF THE MOST UP-TO-DATE STADIA UNDER CONSTRUCTION WAS THE INVERTED-PYRAMID HUNG HOM INDOOR STADIUM.

WORK ON THE $93 MILLION COMPLEX, WHICH CAN SEAT ABOUT 12,500 PEOPLE, IS PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WAS 25 PER CENT COMPLETE.

THE STEEL ROOF, COMPLETED EARLIER AND LIFTED UP INTO THE AIR, WILL BE LOWERED ONTO THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WHEN THE LATTER IS COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE STADIUM WILL BE READY FOR USE BY THE MIDDLE OF 1981.

MEANWHILE, WORK IS RACING AHEAD ON THE $43 MILLION QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.

THE STADIUM, WHICH WILL HAVE FACILITIES FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY INDOOR SPORT, FROM TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON TO ATHELETICS AND GYMNASTICS, WILL BE THE FINEST OF ITS KIND IN ASIA.

IT COULD BE READY FOR OPENING BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.

IN ADDITION, THE EXTENSION TO THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE WHILE WORK ON THE KWAI CHUNG INDOOR GAMES HALL HAS JUST STARTED.

THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT SEVEN SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUNDS, INCLUDING THE ABERDEEN INDOOR GAMES HALL AND THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND, WERE COMPLETED LAST YEAR.

HE ADDED THAT THESE SPORTS GROUNDS TOGETHER WITH THE ONES NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION SHOULD CONSIDERABLY EASE THE GENERAL SHORTAGE OF PLAYGROUNDS IN HONG KONG.

MOST OF THESE PROJECTS ARE FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.

RECREATION AND SPORT SCHEME FOR REMOTE VILLAGES * * *

OVER THE PAST 15 MONTHS, OFFICERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HAVE BEEN, QUIETLY AND WITHOUT FANFARE, BRINGING HEALTHY SPORT AND RECREATIONAL PURSUITS TO THE YOUNG AND OLD LIVING IN THE MORE REMOTE VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/TliRC’GH THEIR ..

SATURDAY, APRIL 1L, 1979

2 -

THROUGH THEIR ASSISTANCE AND DEDICATION, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS EXCURSIONS, BALL GAMES, ARCHERY, SKATE-BOARDING AND GYMNASTICS ARE NOW HELD REGULARLY IN THE VILLAGES.

SINCE THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED IN DECEMBER 1977, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE ORGANISED NO LESS THAN 85 EVENTS WHICH BENEFITTED MORE THAN 13,000 VILLAGERS.

+THE PROGRAMME WAS DESIGNED TO CATER FOR ALL TASTES,* THE REGIONAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR. STANLEY LEE SAID.

FOR ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY, EXCURSIONS NOTABLY TO OCEAN PARK ARE ARRANGED WHILE A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTING ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED FOR THE YOUNGSTERS. COACHING LESSONS ARE ALSO HELD.

MR. LEE SAID THE SCHEME INVOLVES A LOT OF WORK ON THE PART OF THE SPORT OFFICERS.

+FOR INSTANCE, BEFORE WE CAN INTRODUCE THIS SERVICE TO ANY VILLAGE, MUCH PREPARATORY WORK, SUCH AS GETTING TO KNOW THE VILLAGERS, THEIR NEEDS, THE GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF THE COMMUNITY, MUST FIRST BE CARRIED OUT.

+AS A RESULT, MANY OF THE OFFICERS FREQUENTLY HAVE TO WORK SEVEN DAYS A WEEK,* MR. LEE SAID.

THE SCHEME HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY PARENTS AND SCHOOL HEADMASTERS, MANY OF WHOM HAVE MADE AVAILABLE THEIR SCHOOL GROUNDS FOR RECREATION.

THE HEADMASTER OF THE NIM WAN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN, MR. CHENG TANG-YAU DESCRIBED THE SCHEME AS BEING HIGHLY BENEFICIAL TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION.

*OUR CHILDREN HAVE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO THE CITY BECAUSE OF THE LONG JOURNEY AND TRANSPORT DIFFICULTIES. IT IS GRATIFYING TO SEE THEM ENGAGED IN HEALTHY SPORTS DURING WEEKENDS. MORE NOTEWORTHY PERHAPS, IS THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS SERVICE WE NOW HAVE LESS DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS,* MR. CHENG SAID.

A PARENT FROM THE VILLAGE OF HA PAK NAI ALSO IN TUEN MUN, MR. CHAN KWAI, HAD THIS TO SAY ABOUT THE SCHEME: +IF NOT FOR THE SPORT OFFICERS, MY CHILDREN WOULD ONLY HAVE ONE FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT — TELEVISION -- AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE CONTENT WITH WATCHING OTHER CHILDREN HAVING FUN. NOT ANY MORE. THEY CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE SPORT OFFICERS SO THAT THEY CAN IMPROVE ON THEIR SKATE-BOARDING.*

ENCOURAGED BY THE SUCCESS AND FAVOURABLE RESPONSE TO THE SCHEME, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE PLA’.S TO EXPAND THE PROGRAMME WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS.

+THIS WILL BE CARRIED 0U~ VERY SOON,* N.R. LEE SAID.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1979

- 3 -

FIRING PRACTICE * * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.

THE PRACTISING TIMES ARE s

TIME

(TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.

(WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.

(THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

DATE

APRIL 17

APRIL 13

APRIL 19

FAKE WATER METERS X * *

THE PROSECUTIONS UNIT OF THE WATER CONTINUING ITS +WAR+ AGAINST FAKE WATER

SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS METERS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE SAL™ND THAT THE NUMBER 0F CONSTRUCTION SITES USING FAKE METERS HAD BEEN STEADILY INCREASING.

ING THE PAST FOUR MONTHS THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED FOUR COMPLAINTS. AND SO FAR THIS YEAR ANOTHER 50 fiTrrx?E*< ISSUED‘ THE summonses referred to making

WAL™iomLTf^LUTlSNs“'DE SERVICES 4ND INTERfERI,iG

+BUT IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY WORK OUT CHEAPER + HE SAID A KOWLOON MAGISTRATE EARLIER IN THE YEAR FINED A COMPANY

F0R ^STALLING A FAKE METER AND MAKING ILLtfaAL CONNECTIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OF DELAYS IN GETTING APPROVAL THEY DID NOT BOTHER TO APPLY.

N THE PAST PEOPLE HAD COMPLAINED FOR METERED WATER SUPPLY. T.-EREFORE,

♦THIS IS UNFOUNDED BECAUSE ALL APDLICATIONS -‘~ MPTcor-SUPPLY FOR CONSTRUCT ON USES ARP TREATED AS HIGH °F ' TY + HE STRESSED. ’ ’ ’ ---------------------------------------’

-----0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE N0»

WATER — LARGE TRADE CONSUMERS ADVISED TO APPLY EARLY FOR CONCESSIONARY TARIFF .........................................

^20 MILLION SCHEME TO IMPROVE ROAD ...........................

LEARNING ABOUT NATURE IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT.................

TREASURE HUNT FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN .......................

WATER CUT ....................................................

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1979

WATER — LARGE TRADE CONSUMERS ADVISED TO APPLY EARLY FOR CONCESSIONARY TARIFF ******

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS WRITTEN TO LARGE TRADE CONSUMERS ASKING THEM TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE CONCESSIONARY TARIFF WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT WITH THE NEW WATER RATES ON APRIL 1.

AT THE SAME TIME THE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED THAT TRADE CONSUMERS WHO DID NOT RECEIVE A LETTER, BUT WHO FELT THEY SHOULD ALSO BE GRANTED THE CONCESSIONARY TARIFF, SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS AS WELL.

THE NEW BASIC RATE FOR TRADE SUPPLY IS $5.50 PER UNIT OF 1,000 GALLONS, AND THE CONCESSIONARY RATE IS $4 PER UNIT.

A WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE CONCESSIONARY RATE APPLIED ONLY TO CONSUMPTION IN EXCESS OF 6,000 UNITS PER FOUR-MONTH BILLING PERIOD, AND WAS SUBJECT TO APPLICANTS MEETING OTHER CRITERIA. THESE OTHER CRITERIA WERE LISTED IN THE ADVISORY LETTERS.

+THE CONCESSION IS AIMED AT GIVING TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN TRADES WHILE THEY INTRODUCE, IF THEY SO WISH, MEASURES TO ECONOMISE IN THE USE OF WATER,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

+THE CONCESSION WILL BE WITHDRAWN ON MARCH THIS IS THE DATE UP TO WHICH THE NEW RATE SCALE

31, 1982. APPLIES.*

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THE CONCESSION WOULD APPLY FROM THE START OF THE BILLING PERIOD FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF A VALID APPLICATION.

HE SAID i +IT IS IMPERATIVE, THEREFORE, THAT LARGE TRADE CONSUMERS APPLY TO THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DELAY COULD LEAD TO LATE APPROVAL AND SOME POSSIBLE LOSS TO THE CONSUMER IN RELATION TO THE CONCESSION.*

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANY TRADE CONSUMER WHO HAD NOT RECEIVED THE ADVISORY LETTER, OR ANY NEW TRADE CONSUMER WITH AN ANTICIPATED HIGH CONSUMPTION, SHOULD MAKE AN APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRY COUNTER ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

FURTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CONCESSIONARY TARIFF CAN BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING MR. POON KWAI-KUN ON TELEPHONE 5-7900225.

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

/2......

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1979

$20 MILLION SCHEME TO IMPROVE ROAD ******

THE $20 MILLION SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD FROM HO TUNG LAU TO TAI PO CAUSEWAY IS NEARING THE HALF-WAY MARK.

MR. LEE SHU-CHEE, SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT WORK ON THE FIRST OF TWO STAGES WOULD BE COMPLETED THIS SUMMER.

♦SINCE IMPROVEMENT WORK FIRST BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER 1976, A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF STAGE I, INVOLVING THE SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN THE HONG KONG CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND TAI PO CAUSEWAY, HAS BEEN COMPLETED,+ HE SAID.

♦TRAFFIC ON THIS STRETCH OF ROAD HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED FOLLOWING THE ELIMINATION OF SHARP BENDS AND THE PROVISION OF CLIMBING LANES AT STEEP GRADIENTS,* HE SAID.

THE ONLY WORK REMAINS TO BE DONE IN STAGE I IS NOW UNDER WAY AT THE BEND AT ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME.

THIS WORK, MR. LEE SAID, INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 300-METRE NEW ROAD BY CUTTING THROUGH A HILL AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS SUMMER.

MEANWHILE, WORK ON STAGE II IS ON THE DRAWING BOARD.

ON COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE PROJECT, THE SEVEN-KILOMETRE SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD STRETCHING FROM HO TUNG LAU TO TAI PO CAUSEWAY WILL BE 7.3 METRES WIDE WITH AN ADDITIONAL CLIMBING LANE AT STEEP GRADIENTS INSTEAD OF SIX METRES AS IN SOME SECTIONS AT PRESENT.

/3 .....

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1979

LEARNING ABOUT NATURE IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT ******

BIOLOGY AND GEORGRAPHY TEACHERS OF MATRICULATION CLASSES SOON WILL NO LONGER HAVE ANY PROBLEM OF FINDING SITES FOR THEIR PUPILS TO DO FIELD WORK.

♦THIS IS BECAUSE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ESTABLISHED A FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, FOR USE BY SIXTH FORM STUDENTS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

MR. YAM HOK-KAI, INSPECTOR (FIELD STUDIES), ADDED THAT THESE STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH INTEGRATED FIELD AND LABORATORY WORK WHEN THE NEW CENTRE, SITUATED AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, BECOMES FULLY FUNCTIONAL IN SEPTEMBER.

OVERLOOKING ALMOST THE ENTIRE SAI KUNG PENINSULA, THE TWO-STOREY COMPLEX WILL FEATURE A SPECIMEN EXHIBITION AREA, A REFERENCE LIBRARY, A LECTURE HALL, A PREPARATION ROOM AND A WELL-EQUIPPED LABORATORY. SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS WILL EE PROVIDED AT THE OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.

+THE ENTIRE ARRANGEMENT HAS BEEN GEARED TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT FACILITIES FOR THOSE WHO WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE COURSES,* MR. YAM STRESSED.

HE ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE DEPARTMENT IS TO PROVIDE EVERY FORM SIX STUDENT WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND A FEW DAYS IN THE CENTRE.

AT PRESENT, MR. YAM SAID, MANY SCHOOLS ARRANGE ONE-DAY FIELD TRIPS FOR THEIR STUDENTS.

*THIS IS QUITE INADEQUATE BECAUSE THEY ARE LIMITED BY TIME DUE TO THE LONG JOURNEYS AND IT IS ALSO QUITE IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO CONDUCT PROMPT FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATIONS IN THE LABORATORY. SPECIMENS COLLECTED BECOME DETERIORATED AS A RESULT,* MR. YAM POINTED OUT.

TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, A WORKING PARTY COMPRISING MEMBERS FROM SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, WAS SET UP IN 1976.

THAT SUMMER, A RESIDENTIAL FIELD STUDIES PILOT PROJECT WAS INTRODUCED.

♦MANY OF THE STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT WERE FULL OF PRAISES FOR THE COURSE.+ MR. YAM RECALLED.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1979

- 4 -

■i > • '

' AT THE SAME TIME QUESTIONARIES WERE ALSO SENT TO MORE THAN 100 PRINCIPALS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO SEEK THEIR VIEWS ON THE DESIRABILITY OF ESTABLISHING A PERMANENT FIELD STUDIES CENTRE. ABOUT 85 PER CENT FAVOURED THE IDEA.

THE CENTRE WAS COMPLETED LAST FEBRUARY WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDS.

THE LOCATION FOR THE CENTRE WAS, IN MR. YAM’S WORDS, ♦EXTREMELY IMPORTANT,* WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR THE PRESENT SITE WHICH IS SPLENDIDLY SITUATED DUE TO ITS CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A WIDE VARIETY OF HABITATS OF ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE.

MR. YAM SAID THE CENTRE WILL HAVE $165,000 WORTH OF EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING MONOCULAR AND STEREO MICROSCOPES, WATER QUALITY CHECKERS, AN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARATOR TO MEASURE TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT INTENSITY AT SPECIFIC SPOTS, AND MANY METEREOLOGICAL ITEMS.

THE TENTATIVE LENGTH OF EACH RESIDENTIAL COURSE — THE FIRST WILL START IN SEPTEMBER -- IS FOUR TO FIVE DAYS. FORTY STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN EACH COURSE.

+THE PROGRAMME WILL BE WELL BALANCED TO COMBINE FIELD AND LABORATORY WORK WITH RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,* MR.

YAM SAID.

+THE NEW CENTRE WILL ALSO SERVE AS AN INFORMATION CENTRE ON ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, BIOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY.

+PART OF OUR WORK HERE IS TO PREPARE TEACHING MATERIALS AND GUIDES FOR TEACHERS. OUR REFERENCE LIBRARY WILL CONTAIN JOURNALS ON BIOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND GEOGRAPHY WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ALIKE,* MR. YAM SAID.

TO ENSURE THAT THE CENTRE WILL OPERATE SMOOTHLY AND EFFICIENTLY, THE GOVERNMENT IS SENDING MR. YAM TO BRITAIN IN MID-JULY TO VISIT AND ATTEND COURSES OFFERED TO TEACHERS BY FIELD CENTRES OF THE FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1979

TREASURE HUNT FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

*****

THE WAN CHAI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE HONG KONG TANG KING PO COLLEGE AND ST. FRANCIS CANNOSSIAN COLLEGE WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A ^TREASURE HUNT* COMPETITION FOR ABOUT 50 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12 ALONG BOWEN ROAD TOMORROW (MONDAY).

THE PARTICIPANTS, MOSTLY WEAK IN SPEECH AND HEARING, WILL BE DIVIDED INTO 10 TEAMS EACH COMPRISING FIVE CHILDREN.

+TREASURES* WILL BE HIDDEN BEFORE HAND IN DIFFERENT SPOTS ALONG THE BOWEN ROAD AND THE PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUESTED TO FINE THEM OUT ACCORDING TO THE HINTS INDICATED ON A SKETCH MAP GIVEN TO THEM.

THE FJPST THREE TEAMS TO FINISH THEIR HUNT WILL BE GIVEN PRIZES WHILE THE REST WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

ABOUT 50 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WILL TAKE PART IN A +TREASURE HUNT* COMPETITION ALONG BOWEN ROAD IN WAN CHAI AT 2 P.M. TOMORROW (MONDAY). THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY WAN CHAI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, HONG KONG TANG KING PO COLLEGE AND ST. FRANCIS CANOSSIAN COLLEGE.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT THE WAN CHAI GAP PLAYGROUND.

0 - -

WATER CUT * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN POK FU LAM WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA STARTS FROM POKFULAM SERVICE RESERVOIR ROAD ALONG POKFULAM ROAD TO WAH FU ESTATE, INCLUDING VILLAGE TAI KOO LAU, WAH HING HOUSE, WAH SANG HOUSE, WAH CHEONG HOUSE AND WAH TAI HOUSE.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1979

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

131,000 IN SCHOOL MEDICAL SCHEME LAST YEAR ............... 1

MANPOWER SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY ................... 2

GOOD MANAGEMENT --- KEY TO EFFICIENT CIVIL

SERVICE .................................................. 3

SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE TO JOSS HOUSE BAY ................. 4

YU WAN ESTATE REGISTRATION .............................. 4

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

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

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1979

131,000 IN SCHOOL MEDICAL SCHEME LAST YEAR

******

THE GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDISED SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE POPULAR AS EVIDENCED BY THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PUPILS ENROLLED IN THE SCHEME LAST YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ENROLMENT INCREASED BY 20,000 LAST YEAR TO WELL OVER 131,000 WHILE THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS ALSO ROSE FROM 750 TO 770.

SOME 210 DOCTORS, ALL PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS, HAVE JOINED THE VOLUNTARY SCHEME, PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE PARTICIPATING PUPILS LARGELY IN THE SIX TO 12 AGE GROUP.

UNDER THE SCHEME, A PARTICIPATING PUPIL PAYS $5 A YEAR AND RECEIVES MEDICAL ATTENTION AND MEDICINE FROM THE DOCTOR CHOSEN BY HIS SCHOOL.

PUPILS MAY JOIN ANY DAY OF THE YEAR AND CAN VISIT THE DOCTOR ANY NUMBER OF TIMES DURING THE ENTITLEMENT PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ENROLMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MEDICAL SCHEME COVERS CHILDREN FROM PRIMARY ONE TO FORM 3, CONFORMING TO THE PRESENT NINE YEARS OF AIDED EDUCATION.

THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISES THE DOCTOR’S RENUMERATION BY PROVIDING $30 PER YEAR FOR EACH PUPIL ENROLLED AND THE PUPIL’S $5 FEE.

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO MEETS SCHEME.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST OF THE

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN MARKED INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING PUPILS, THE PRESENT ENROLMENT REPRESENTED ONLY 20 PER CENT OF ALL ELIGIBLE SCHOOL CHILDREN.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THERE WERE MANY AND VARIED REASONS FOR PUPILS NOT ENROL I NG, THE MAIN ONES BEING:

* THE GENERAL STATE OF HEALTH OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IS SOUND- AND

* THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES OPEN TO PARENTS-FOR INSTANCE, THEIR OWN FAMILY DOCTORS, THE READILY AVAILABLE GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT FACILITIES AND CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS OFFERING LOW-COST MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT.

0---------

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1979

MANPOWER SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY ******

A MANPOWER SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM MAY 1 TO 25 THIS YEAR.

THE SURVEY, THE FIFTH IN THE SERIES, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS WILL BE SENT TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ALL ESTABLISHMENTS TO BE SURVEYED. BASED ON THE SURVEY FINDINGS, THE TRAINING BOARD WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATION ON MANPOWER TRAINING FOR THE INDUSTRY.

DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, INTERVIEWING OFFICERS WILL VISIT EACH ESTABLISHMENT TO ASSIST IN THE COMPLETION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRES.

THE INFORMATION FOR EACH PRINCIPAL JOB OF THE INDUSTRY WHICH THE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF WORKERS PRESENTLY EMPLOYED- THE NUMBER PRESENTLY UNDER TRAINING-THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES AND A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL VACANCIES BY MAY 1980.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, MR. WARNER YEH, STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN STATISTICAL SUMMARIES ONLY WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1979

GOOD MANAGEMENT — KEY TO EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE *******

THE GOVERNMENT IS UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF THE CIVlL SERVICE BY PUTTING GREATER EMPHASIS ON MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION TRAINING FOR OFFICERS.

EACH YEAR, SOME 1,000 OFFICERS OF VARIOUS RANKS WHOSE WORK INVOLVES MANAGERIAL DUTIES ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN MODERN MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION FROM COURSES RUN BY THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIVISION.

EXPLAINING THE AIM OF THE TRAINING COURSES, THE CHIEF TRAINING OFFICER OF THE TRAINING DIVISION, MR. A.R.B. KITCHELL, SAID MANGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION TRAINING IS IMPORTANT AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT IS RAPIDLY EXPANDING TO MEET INCREASING DEMANDS FROM THE COMMUNITY.

+THESE COURSES ENABLE OFFICERS TO PARTICIPATE IN GROUP ACTIVITIES IN WHICH THEY CAN SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE BY DISCUSSING ACTUAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION CASES IN THEIR WORK,* HE SAID.

THE TRAINING DIVISION ALSO ORGANISES A WIDE RANGE OF COURSES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS OF ALL GRADES NOT ONLY ON MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION BUT ALSO LANGUAGES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO FURTHER THEIR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS EITHER LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS. IT ALSO GIVES ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS TO PLAN THEIR OWN TRAINING PROGRAMMES.

MR. KITCHELL ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER MAJOR AREA OF TRAINING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS IS THE +ENGLISH FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE* COURSES WHICH ARE BEING DESIGNED TO ENABLE OFFICERS TO COMMUNICATE BETTER.

+OTHER LANGUAGE COURSES — CANTONESE, MANDARIN, JAPANESE, THAI, CHIU CHOW AND HAKKA — ARE ALSO IN GREAT DEMAND. IN SOME CASES, OFFICERS WHO WISH TO BRUSH UP THEIR COMMAND OF A PARTICULAR DIALECT ARE GIVEN INDIVIDUAL TUITION,* HE SAID.

EACH YEAR, THE DIVISION OFFERS VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES TO ABOUT 7,000 OFFICERS. IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 3,000 ARE GIVEN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ATTEND COURSES IN THE LOCAL UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNIC AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS.

FURTHERMORE, SOME 400 OFFICERS FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS ARE SENT OVERSEAS TO RECEIVE ADVANCED TRAINING EACH YEAR.

THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIVISION PROVIDES BOTH FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES WHICH RANGE FROM A FEW DAYS TO ONE YEAR IN DURATION.

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

/4....

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1979

4 -

SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE TO JOSS HOUSE BAY

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WILL OPERATE A SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE TO JOSS HOUSE BAY FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.

THE FERRY SERVICE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN WAN CHAI FERRY PIER AND JOSS HOUSE BAY FROM 10.30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 5 P.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.

ORDINARY RETURN FARES HAVE BEEN SET AT $10 FOR ADULTS AND $6 FOR CHILDREN. DELUXE CLASS TICKETS WILL BE DOUBLE THE ORDINARY FARES.

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

YU WAN ESTATE REGISTRATION *****

A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS AT YU WAN ESTATE OFFICE, CHAI WAN, BETWEEN 9.30 A M AND 4.30 P.M. FOR THREE DAYS FROM APRIL 24.

„„ THIS ,S To ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER CHILDREN 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.

PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA ARE ADVISED TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR ADDRESS, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.

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

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE STOPPED FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 7 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS CONNECTION.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS FROM THE NO. 8 TO NO. 11 MILESTONE ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, ALL VILLAGES ALONG PO LAM ROAD AND HIRAM’S HIGHWAY, SAI KUNG TOWN, SILVER STRAND, HANG HAU TOWN. RENNIE’S MILL AND SHAW’S STUDIO.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

GOVT COMMITTED TO HELP THE DISABLED ...................... 1

EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY ............................... 2

SIR JACK TO OFFICIATE AT TIN HAU FESTIVAL IN YUEN LONG ..................................................... 7

TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS REMINDED OF DANGER OF OVERLOADED VESSELS .................................................. e

PUPILS’ ART AND CRAFT WORK ON SHOW...................... o

LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITION ............................... 9

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC.......................................... g

RESTRICTED ZONE EXTENDED ................................ 10

WATER CUT................................................ 10

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

GOVT COMMITTED TO HELP THE DISABLED » Ml

THE GOVERNMENT, HOPING TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR. HAS TAKEN THREE MAJOR STEPS TO HELP DISABLED PEOPLE FIND JOBS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. IAN STRACHAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

ADDRESSING THE KOWLOON EAST ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING AT THE PENINSULA HOTEL, MR. STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY.

REALISING THAT MUCH MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE WITHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THE FOLLOWING MAJOR STEPSi

* THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS INSTRUCTED DEPARTMENTS THAT WHEN INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES FOR NEW POSTS PREFERENCE IS TO BE GIVEN TO SUITABLY QUALIFIED DISABLED PEOPLE"

* THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS AGREED TO ADAPT GOVERNMENT PREMISES WHERE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ACCESS IS NOT AN OBSTACLE TO EMPLOYMENT, AND

* THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT LATER THIS YEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PLACE IN EMPLOYMENT PHYSICALLY DISABLED, BLIND OR DEAF PEOPLE SEEKING WORK. THIS WILL BE EXTENDED TO OTHER DISABLED GROUPS LATER.

IN PROCEEDING IN THIS MANNER, MR. STRACHAN SAID, GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO SHOW THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE THAT DISABLED PEOPLE DO NOT LOWER STANDARDS OF WORK AND THAT IF THE OPERATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GOVERNMENT IT FOLLOWED THAT IT COULD BE INTRODUCED MUCH MORE WIDELY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

♦ IT IS GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE TO MAKE DISABLED PEOPLE MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE IN THE JOB MARKET SO THAT THEY WILL BE TRAINED TO USE THEIR ABILITIES TO THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE,* MR. STRACHAN SAID.

♦ WE CAN EXPECT TO SEE MORE BLIND PEOPLE TRAINED AS COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS RATHER THAN SIMPLY BEING TELEPHONE OPERATORS, AND DEAF PEOPLE DOING INDUSTRIAL DESIGN CONSULTANCY RATHER THAN SIMPLY DOING ART WORK.*

DISABLED PEOPLE REQUIRED THE SAME HUMAN RIGHTS AS EVERYONE ELSE IN THE COMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF TRANSPORT, PHYSICAL ACCESS, HOUSING, RECREATION AND SPORT.

♦THIS MEANS OVERCOMING THE APATHY OR PREJUDICES OF TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND USERS, ARCHITECTS, DEVELOPERS AND INDEED DECISIONMAKERS WITHIN GOVERNMENT,♦ HE SAID.

/MR; STRACHAN .....

... TUsSggAY, APRIL 1?., 1979

2 -

MR. STRACHAN IDENTIFIED FIVE PREJUDICES WITHIN SOCIETY AND WITHIN GOVERNMENT WHICH HE SAID HINDERED THE REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED.

DISABILITIES WERE OFTEN CONSIDERED TO BE SO GREAT THAT ABILITIES WERE IGNORED. LOSS OF INTELLIGENCE WAS OFTEN EQUATED WITH DISABILITY WHICH WAS SOMETIMES REGARDED AS CONTAGIOUS OR DANGEROUS.

IT WAS FEARED THAT STANDARDS MAY BE LOWERED AS A RESULT OF INTEGRATING DISABLED PEOPLE INTO THE COMMUNITY. DISABLED PEOPLE WERE OFTEN THE LAST TO BE CONSIDERED FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING OR JOB PLACEMENT.

MR. STRACHAN SAID THAT GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY AND THIS GOAL HAD BEEN DECLARED IN A WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 1977.

♦THIS WHITE PAPER RECOGNISED THAT IF DISABLED PEOPLE WERE TO DEVELOP THEIR PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL CAPABILITIES TO THE MAXIMUM THEY MUST BE PROVIDED WITH COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION SERVICES. THIS IS GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT.♦

♦ON THE OTHER HAND,+ MR. STRACHAN ADDED, ♦SOCIETY HAS A COMMITMENT TO WELCOME THE DISABLED AMONG THEM.+

♦IT IS AN INTERESTING FACT THAT IN OUR COMMUNITY WE ARE WILLING TO GIVE LARGE SUMS OF CHARITY MONEY TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO LOCK AWAY THE MENTALLY ILL AND OTHER GROUPS OF SEVERELY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND ADULTS JUST AS LONG AS THEY ARE KEPT OUT OF SIGHT.

♦BUT ARE WE WILLING TO GIVE THE SAME GENEROUS TREATMENT, MONEY AND MOST OF ALL COMPASSION IF SIMILAR PEOPLE WISH TO LIVE, WORK, STUDY AND PLAY AMONG US?+ HE ASKED.

EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY ******

THE TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE VALUE FOR JANUARY 1979 WAS $10,486 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1978.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 40 PER CENT TO $3,817 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 25 PER CENT TO $5,358 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 49 PER CENT TO $1,311 MILLION, ACCORDING TO MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

.SDA . APRIL 17. 1°79

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 13 MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE A! S FOLLOWS I-

JANUARY 79 JANUARY 78 INCREASE PERCENTAGE

(HK3 MN) (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) CHANGE

U.S.A. 1,237 996 + 241 ♦ 24

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF

GERMANY 470 287 ♦ 183 + 64

UNITED KINGDOM 448 214 ♦ 234 ♦ 109

JAPAN 186 111 + 75 + 68

AUSTRALIA 155 135 ♦ 20 ♦ 15

CANADA 112 84 + 28 + 33

SINGAPORE 100 82 + 18 + 21

NETHERLANDS 99 62 ♦ 37 + 59

SWEDEN 73 32 ♦ 41 +127

SWITZERLAND 70 62 + 8 ♦ 12

AN INCREASE OF 24 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO

U.S.A., DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED SHIPMENTS OF ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND

CLOTHING ACCESSORIES ($449 MILLION, + 26 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($107 MILLION, + 65 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($64 MILLION, + 54 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, SLIGHT DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN SALES OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS ($54 MILLION, - FOUR PER CENT), RADIO RECEIVERS ($38 MILLION, - EIGHT PER CENT) AND PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ($21 MILLION, - 18 PER CENT) TO THAT COUNTRY.

THE INCREASES IN EXPORT SALES TO THE F.R. OF GERMANY, U.K. AND JAPAN WERE ACCOUNTED FOR CHIEFLY BY SHIPMENTS OF CLOTHING WHICH INCREASED BY 81 PER CENT, 138 PER CENT AND 95 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS IS AS FOLLOWS:-

JANUARY 79 JANUARY 78 INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) CHANGE

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS)

1,459

964 ♦ 495 ♦ 51

631

444

+ 187

+ 42

7USSDAY, APRIL 17,

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS. OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 285 189 + 96 + 51

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 269 200 + 69 + 34

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS 249 205 ♦ 44 + 21

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 207 153 + 54 + 35

THE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES WAS STILL THE HIGHEST IN VALUE TERMS ($1,459 MILLION, ♦ 51 PER CENT).

ITEMS WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES INCLUDED TEXTILES ($269 MILLION, ♦ 34 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($233 MILLION, ♦ 54 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($225 MILLION, + 48 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($207 MILLION. + 35 PER CENT) AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS ($95 MILLION, + 60 PER CENT).

BUT DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS ($64 MILLION, - FIVE PER CENT), CRUDE ANIMALS AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS ($7 MILLION, - 42 PER CENT) AND PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS ($7 MILLION, - 42 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWSi-

JANUARY 79 (HK$ MN) JANUARY 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

JAPAN 1,008 814 + 194 + 24

CHINA 977 821 ♦ 156 ♦ 19

U.S.A. 636 471 + 165 ♦ 35

TAIWAN 424 280 ♦ 144 ♦ 51

SINGAPORE 320 251 + 69 + 27

U.K. 266 193 ♦ 73 + 38

z'F.H. O:-' GgRMAr.’Y

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

F.R. OF GERMANY 195 164 4- 31 ♦ 19

REP. OF KOREA (S. KOREA) 195 180 ♦ 15 ♦ 8

SWITZERLAND 172 118 ♦ 54 ♦ 45

PAKISTAN 132 51 ♦ 81 ♦157

IMPORTS FROM JAPAN ROSE BY 24 PER CENT, DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED ARRIVALS OF TEXTILES ($155 MILLION, ♦ 16 PER CENT), PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES OF OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($115 MILLION, ♦ 20 PER CENT) ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($108 MILLION, ♦ 77 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($90 MILLION, ♦ 36 PER CENT).

IMPORTS OF TEXTILES ($203 MILLION) FROM CHINA INCREASED BY 62 PER CENT. OTHER MAIN ITEMS FROM CHINA INCLUDED PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ($88 MILLION, + 61 PER CENT), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS ($63 MILLION. + 20 PER CENT), AND ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES ($38 MILLION, ♦ THREE PER CENT).

IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS SUCH AS LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD ($97 MILLION, - SIX PER CENT) AND VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($75 MILLION, - THREE PER CENT) REGISTERED SLIGHT DECLINES.

THE INCREASE IN IMPORTS FROM U.S.A. WAS ATTRIBUTED MAINLY TO THE SOARING DEMAND FOR TEXTILE FIBRES ($79 MILLION, ♦ 41 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($60 MILLION, ♦ 75 PER CENT), NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES ($50 MILLION, ♦ 60 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($50 MILLION, *10 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, ARRIVALS OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 14 PER CENT.

THERE WAS ALSO AN INCREASE IN SHIPMENTS OF TEXTILES ($187 MILLION, ♦ 66 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLICANCES ($34 MILLION, ♦ 30 PER CENT) FROM TAIWAN, AND PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ($181 MILLION, ♦ EIGHT PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($28 MILLION, ♦ 47 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECT IONSt-

THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN

JANUARY 79 (HK$ MN)

JANUARY 78 INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) CHANGE

MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND DIAMONDS)

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT

1,671 1,234 ♦ 437

1,118 796 * 322

♦ 35

♦ 40

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS

CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 736 693 ♦ 43 + 6

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS AND ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 652 505 + 147 ♦ 29

CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 397 301 + 96 ♦ 32

BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS OF TEXTILES

($860 MILLION, ♦ 49 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($345 MILLION, ♦ 46 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($218 MILLION, ♦ 31 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($196 MILLION, ♦ 59 PER CENT), AND IRON AND STEEL ($155 MILLION, + 26 PER CENT).

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN ARRIVALS OF CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS ($98 MILLION, - EIGHT PER CENT), AND TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES ($33 MILLION, - 19 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 49 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1979 AND THIS WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INCREASED SHIPMENTS OF GOODS TO JAPAN ($205 MILLION, ♦ 49 PER CENT), TAIWAN ($128 MILLION, + 60 PER CENT), U.S.A. ($109 MILLION, + 34 PER CENT), REPUBLIC OF KOREA ($58 MILLION, ♦ 55 PER CENT) AND THE PHILIPPINES ($56 MILLION, ♦ 90 PER

ACTIVE DEMAND WAS RECORDED FOR PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMIPRECIOUS STONES ($149 MILLION, + 20 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS ($105 MILLION, + 168 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($80 MILLION, +43 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($70 MILLION, + 79 PER CENT).

THE TRADE INDEX NUMBERS FOR DECEMBER 1978 AND THE YEAR 1978 (IN BRACKETS) WERE AS FOLLOWSs-

1973 - 100

VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX

DOMESTIC

EXPORTS 265 (209) 145 (139) 183 (150)

IMPORTS 282 (217) 149 (143) 139 (152)

THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR DECEMBER 1978 WAS 97 (97).

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

SIR JACK TO OFFICIATE AT TIN HAU FESTIVAL IN YUEN LONG * * * * *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL OFFICIATE AT THIS YEAR’S YUEN LONG TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY.

THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG SHAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, IS TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF TIN HAU, PATRON GODDESS OF SEAFARERS.

MORE THAN 30,000 PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER HONG KONG ARE EXPECTED TO SHARE THE FUN AND GAIETY AT THE PROCESSION WHICH WILL FEATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES BY SOME 30 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING LION AND UNICORN DANCES, CHIU CHAU GONGS AND DRUMS, FLOATS, COLOUR BANNERS, ACROBATIC DISPLAY AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE FOLK DANCES AND MUSIC.

THE TWO-HOUR PARADE WILL START AT NOON, PROCEEDING FROM THE YUEN LONG EASTERN BUS TERMINUS TO YUEN LONG STADIUM WHERE THE MAIN CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE 4,000 INVITED GUESTS, COMPRISING SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, LOCAL DIGNITARIES AND CIVIC AND RURAL COMMITTEE LEADERS.

AFTER LEAVING THE STADIUM, THE PROCESSION WILL MAKE ITS WAY TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHUE HAU WHERE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES WILL BE STAGED.

BEING A POPULAR PATRON SAINT OF THE BOAT PEOPLE, THE BIRTHDAY OF TIN HAU HAS BECOME ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST COLOURFUL CHINESE FESTIVALS.

AS POPULARITY GROWS, THE FESTIVAL IS NOW PRACTICALLY CELEBRATED BY PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

EVERY YEAR, THE MAIN CELEBRATIONS ARE IN YUEN LONG WITH A MAMMOTH PARADE AND IN JOSS HOUSE BAY WHERE THOUSANDS OF PILGRIMS PAY HOMAGE TO TIN HAU.

SIMILAR EVENTS, THOUGH ON A SMALLER SCALE, ARE ALSO HELD AT THE MANY TIN HAU TEMPLES BUILT IN FISHING PORTS AROUND HONG KONG WATERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT YUEN LONG STADIUM AT NOON ON THURSDAY.

* SPECIAL BADGES FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G.I.S. PRESS ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

* PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2088, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 10.30 A.M. SHARP FOR YUEN LONG.

_ _ n _

/8 ....

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS REMINDED OF DANGER OF OVERLOADED VESSELS *******

WORSHIPPERS GOING TO JOSS HOUSE BAY FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL ON THURSDAY WERE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) OF THE DANGER OF OVERLOADING VESSELS AND STARTING FIRES.

MORE THAN 100,000 WORSHIPPERS ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE IN THE BAY AT THE EASTERN APPROACH TO HONG KONG HARBOUR TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE PATRON GODDESS OF SEAFARERS.

AS THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE TEMPLE !S BY SEA, THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR. COLIN BOSHER, URGED WORSHIPPERS TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SAFETY WHEN BOARDING AND GETTING OFF FERRIES AND BOATS.

HE WARNED OF THE DANGER OF OVERLOADING OF THE VESSELS AND STRESSED THAT OPERATORS OF SUCH VESSELS ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.

AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS MARINE POLICE AND MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES WILL PATROL THE AREA.

A POLICE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED WORSHIPPERS THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS OR DISCHARGE FIREWORKS AND ADVISED THEM TO BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS.

VISITORS ARE ALSO URGED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO ALL SMOKERS AND WORSHIPPERS TQ MAKE SURE THAT CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES ARE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE DISPOSING THEM, AND THAT CANDLES. JOSS STICKS AND BURNING PAPERS ARE TOTALLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE LEAVING THE AREA.

SALE OF HYDROGEN BALLOONS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED, HE ADDED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALSO ASKED FOR THE CO-OPERATION OF VISITORS TO THE TEMPLE TO KEEP THE PLACE CLEAN BY PLACING ALL LITTER IN LITTERBINS.

HE SAID A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF LARGE LITTER CONTAINERS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC USE.

THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT REFUSE DISCARDED INDISCRIMINATELY ON THE GROUND WOULD NOT ONLY CREATE A MESS AND A NUISANCE BUT MIGHT ALSO LEAD TO SUMMONSES AGAINST THE OFFENDERS.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

PUPILS’ ART AND CRAFT WORK ON SHOW

*****

A SELECTION OF ART AND CRAFT WORK BY STUDENTS OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE ON DISPLAY AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE FROM TODAY (TUESDAY) UNTIL APRIL 27.

♦THE EXHIBITION PRESENTS A CROSS SECTION OF THE WORK BY THE PUPILS IN THEIR ART AND CRAFT LESSONS, AND IT IS HOPED THE DISPLAY WILL STIMULATE CREATIVE IDEAS FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

ABOUT 1,000 ENTRIES FROM 52 GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE ON SHOW. THESE INCLUDE GRAPHIC AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGNS, MODELS, PAINTINGS, WOODCRAFT AND NEEDLECRAFT.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO THE EXHIBITION AT THE EXHIBITION ROOM OF THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. DAILY EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITION * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FROM ID A.M. ON THURSDAY, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING AND PRACTISING IN THE SECTION OF TAT CHEE AVENUE NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH BEGONIA ROAD.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY, THE YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT AT SAN HUI. TUEN MUN, WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.

ENTRY TO THE YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT WILL BE VIA ITS SOUTH JJNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK TOAD (CASTLE PEAK BAY) AND EXIT WILL BE FROM ITS NORTH JUNCTION WITH THE SAME SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND OPERATING AT THE SAME TIME.

N YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT WILL BE

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- 0

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1979

RESTRICTED ZONE EXTENDED ft ft ft ft

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES (FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M.) AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES (FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT) ON KING ROAD WESTBOUND STARTING ABOUT 25 METROS EAST OF THE EASTERN ARM OF SHIPYARD LANE WILL BE EXTENDED FURTHER EASTWARD TO START ABOUT 55 METRES.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

WATER CUT ft ft ft

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY JARDINE’S BAZAAR, JARDINE’S CRESCENT, YUN P’NG ROAD, 2-62 YEE WO STREET, 534-542 HENNESSY ROAD, KAI CHIU ROAD, PAK SHA ROAD, LAN FONG ROAD AND 3-21 PENNINGTON STREET.

WATER SUPPLY IN YUEN LONG WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FOR

SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD AND THE NULLAH, ON NING ROAD AND MA MIU ROAD INCLUDING KIK YEUNG TSUEN, FUNG CHI HEUNG, WING NING TSUEN AND HANG TAU.

_ _ o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR SAYS HONG KONG HAS BROKEN LOCALLY-BASED INTERNATIONAL DRUG SYNDICATES ................................ 1

$15 MILLION ROAD PROJECT CONTRACT SIGNED ..................... 3

COMPANIES REGISTERED NOW EXCEED 60,000 ....................... 4

H.M. QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ........................... 5

TEACHERS OF CHINESE TOLD TO MAKE FULL USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE ..................................... 6

COURSE FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS ......................... 7

LADY MACLEHOSE LEAVING FOR NEPAL ............................. 8

PROHIBITED ZONE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ....................... 9

TWO-LANE TRAFFIC ............................................. 9

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

GOVERNOR SAYS HONG KONG HAS BROKEN LOCALLY-BASED INTERNATIONAL DRUG SYNDICATES

M M M M *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HONG KONG IN THE PAST 10 YEARS HAS NOT ONLY BROKEN LOCALLY-BASED INTERNATIONAL DRUG SYNDICATES BUT HAS ALSO ENORMOUSLY IMPROVED ITS METHODS OF TREATING AND REHABILITATING ADDICTS.

ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ (ACAN) MASS RALLY AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM, SIR MURRAY SAIDi *WE HAVE ALSO GREATLY DEVELOPED PREVENTIVE METHODS DESIGNED TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT THE RISKS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TO DETER EXPERIMENTATION WITH THEM.

♦SO TODAY PEOPLE COME TO HONG KONG FROM MANY COUNTRIES TO LEARN FROM OUR ANTI-NARCOTICS METHODS.♦

SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS VERY APPROPRIATE THAT THE RALLY TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR’S (1979-80) ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGNS, SHOULD HAVE THE THEME ♦HONG KONG’S YOUTH AGAINST DRUGS* AS 1979 IS THE ♦INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD.♦

♦ THE ATTENTION WE PAY TO THE WELL-BEING AND HAPPINESS OF TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE,♦ HE SAID.

♦ WE MUST THEREFORE SEE THAT THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO USE THEIR NATURAL TALENTS.

♦ HERE IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID, ♦WE HAVE HAD IN OUR MIDST FOR MANY YEARS A MAJOR SOCIAL PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE, WHICH CAN UNDERMINE THE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS NOT ONLY OF THOSE AFFLICTED BUT OF THEIR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN.

♦ WE RECOGNISED OUR PROBLEM MANY YEARS AGO, AND HAVE DEVOTED GREAT EFFORT AND RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH IT, AND WITH CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS.+

HOWEVER, HE SAID, +WE HAVE STILL AN ESTIMATED 40,000 TO 50,000 ADD ICTS.♦

♦WE HAVE NO ILLUSIONS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WE FACE IN CURING THOSE ALREADY ADDICTED, OR ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE ADDICT FACES IN OVERCOMING HIS PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ADDICTION.

♦OUR OBJECT IS TO PROVIDE HIM WITH THE MEANS TO DEAL WITH HIS PROBLEMS AND TO LIVE A REASONABLE AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY WHILST HE IS DOING SO.

♦WE ARE NOW DEVOTING MAJOR EFFORTS TO PREVENTION AND EDUCATION, TO ELIMINATE NEW RECRUITS TO THE ILLICIT USE OF DRUGS.

♦FOR THIS, WE NEED THE PARTICIPATION AND THE ACTIVE SYMPATHY CF THE PUBLIC. THIS, I AM SURE, WE CAN COUNT 0N,+ HE SAID.

MANY MORE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS ARE NOW HELPING TO SPREAD THE DRUG-PREVENTION MESSAGE TO YOUTH, TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO ADDICTS AND FORMER ADDICTS IN THEIR REHABILITATION, AND TO REPORT SUSPECTED ILLICIT DRUG ACTIVITIES.

/ths perjop .....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

♦THE PERIOD OF APATHY, INDIFFERENCE AND CYNICISM IS A THING CF THE PAST. THE PUBLIC HAS GRADUALLY BECOME CONVINCED OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION AND ABILITY TO FIGHT AND OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.

♦THEY REALISE THAT LIKE LITTER AND CORRUPTION AND CRIME, AND MANY OTHER EVILS, DRUG ADDICTION IN OUR MIDST NEED NOT AND MUST NOT BE ACCEPTED PROVIDED EVERYONE HELPS.*

HE SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE SUCCESSES OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. AND THE GREAT REDUCTION IN CORRUPTION HAD PLAYED A MAJOR PART IN HONG KONG’S RECENT SUCCESS AGAINST DRUGS.

♦BUT THE GROWING COMMUNITY EFFORT, THE EXPANSION OF TREATMENT FACILITIES, THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PREVENTIVE EFFORTS, AS WELL AS PROGRESS IN OTHER AREAS OF SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT SUCH AS HOUSING, EDUCATION, AND THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES HAVE ALL HELPED ENORMOUSLY.

+OUR CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ADDICTS CONFIRMS THAT ONLY THREE AND A HALF PER CENT OF OUR ADDICTS ARE BELOW THE AGE OF 20.

+IN ADDITION, THE RECORDS OF BOTH THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS SHOW THAT AMONG THE TOTAL ADMISSIONS TO THEIR TREATMENT CENTRES, THOSE AGED UNDER 21 AND UNDER 19 DECLINED FROM 25 PER CENT TO 3.8 PER CENT AND 12-1/2 PER CENT TO 2.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS,* HE SAID.

SIR MURRAY ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH REMARKABLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN THE PAST DECADE DUE TO THE DEVOTED EFFORTS OF ALL ENGAGED IN ANT I-NARCOTICS WORKS, +WE CANNOT BE SATISFIED UNTIL THIS GRAVE THREAT TO THE SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG HAS BEEN COMPLETELY ELIMINATED.*

♦I THEREFORE APPEAL TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND TO ALL YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO ASSIST US IN PREVENTING DRUG ADDICTION AMONGST OUR NEW GENERATION.*

SIR MURRAY EXPRESSED THE GOVERNMENT’S THANKS TO SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, WHO AS CHAIRMAN OF ACAN HAS LED HONG KONG’S FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS, AND TO ALL THOSE, BOTH IN AND OUT OF UNIFORM, OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL, WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CURRENT SUCCESS.

SIR MURRAY WAS MET AT THE STADIUM BY SIR ALBERT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, THE CHAIRMAN OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE RALLY ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR. KARL STUMPF, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. PETER E.l. LEE.

THE TWO-HOUR ACAN MASS RALLY WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 30,000 SCHOOL STUDENTS.

ITS COLOURFUL AND FAST-MOVING PROGRAMME INCLUDED +TELE-MATCH* GAMES PARTICIPATED BY 30 TEAMS COMPRISING 600 PEOPLE FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, BAND PERFORMANCES, A MOCK-BATTLE DISPLAY, LION AND RIBBON DANCES, KARATE AND TAEKWANDO DEMONSTRATIONS, A MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY AND A FREE-FALL PARACHUTE JUMPING DISPLAY.

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/3....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

3 -

’ *15 MILLION ROAD PROJECT CONTRACT SIGNED *****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN WORK SHORTLY ON A MAJOR DISTRIBUTOR ROAD IN TUEN MUN.

THE WORK FORMS PART OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

A *15 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE ROAD PROJECT WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY MR. K.K. TANG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF PWD’S TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AND MR. R.E. BRIGHT OF GAMMON (HK) LTD.

MR. TANG SAID THE ROAD WOULD RUN FROM PUI TO ROAD TO ON TING AND YAU 01 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

+IT AIMS TO SERVE THE FUTURE TOWN PARK, THE TOWN CENTRE AND THE CULTURAL COMPLEX NORTH OF THE HOUSING ESTATES AND THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, THE AMBULANCE DEPOT, THE FIRE STATION, THE POLICE STATION AND THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS TO THE SOUTH,* HE ADDED.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES THE LAYING OF 1,200 METRES OF STORM DRAINS OF VARIOUS SIZES, WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

----o------

♦ A

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

COMPANIES REGISTERED NOW EXCEED 60,000

******

THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG HAS SURPASSED THE 60,000-MARK, THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, MR. P. JACOBS SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

COMMENTING ON THE CONTINUING INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INCORPORATED COMPANIES, MR. JACOBS SAID: +THE INCORPORATION OF COMPANIES IN HONG KONG BEGAN IN 1865.

♦IT TOOK FROM THEN UNTIL 1966, THAT IS TO SAY, JUST MORE THAN 100 YEARS FOR THE FIRST 10,000 COMPANIES TO BE INCORPORATED.♦

THE NEXT 10,000 COMPANIES APPEARED ON THE REGISTER IN THE FIVE YEARS FROM JULY 1966 TO JUNE 1971, MR. JACOBS ADDED.

HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE NEXT 10,000 COMPANIES WERE INCORPORATED IN THE TWO YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS FROM JULY 1971 TO OCTOBER 1973.

INCORPORATIONS CONTINUED WITH 10,000 COMPANIES INCORPORATED FROM NOVEMBER 1973 TO MARCH 1976 AND 10,000 BETWEEN APRIL 1976 AND JANUARY 1978.

IN THE ONE YEAR AND THREE MONTHS SINCE THEN THE NUMBER OF LOCAL COMPANIES INCORPORATED HAS RISEN BY ANOTHER 10,000 TO A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 60,000.

IN ADDITION, THERE ARE NOW 1,160 FOREIGN COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER PART XI OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE. HOWEVER, THESE RECORDS DO NOT INCLUDE FOREIGN COMPANIES OPERATING IN HONG KONG THROUGH LOCAL AGENTS. ONLY THOSE WHICH HAVE ESTABLISHED A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE COMPANIES REGISTRY.

THESE COMPANIES ARE FROM AS MANY AS 51 COUNTRIES. THE UNITED STATES LEADS WITH 297 COMPANIES AND IS FOLLOWED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM WITH 153, AND JAPAN WITH 131.

THE FIRST FOREIGN COMPANY ON THE REGISTER IS THE AMERICAN EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL BANKING CORPORATION (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY, INCORPORATED) WHICH OBTAINED ITS POST-WAR REGISTRY IN 1946.

SINCE THEN 2,014 FOREIGN COMPANIES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED, BUT OVER THE YEARS 854 CEASED TO HAVE A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG AND WERE DE-REGISTERED.

♦EVERY COMPANY ON THE REGISTER HAS TO FILE A VARIETY OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO ITS AFFAIRS, AND PEOPLE DEALING WITH COMPANIES OFTEN CALL AT THE COMPANIES REGISTRY TO INSPECT THE FILES,+ MR. JACOBS SAID.

♦IT WILL BE APPRECIATED, THEREFORE, THAT THE COMPANIES REGISTRY IS NOW MUCH BUSIER THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN AT ANY TIME IN ITS HISTORY.+ HE ADDED.

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/5.... >

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

- 5 -

H.M. QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

******

SPORT AND MUSICAL EVENTS WILL HIGHLIGHT THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ON BfTURDAY.

THE CELEBRATIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO START WITH A ♦SPORTS-FOR-ALL* PROGRAMME WHICH WILL BE HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY FROM 9.30 A.M. TO NOON AT 10 DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE PROGRAMME WILL TAKE PLACE IN VICTORIA PARK, MORSE PARK, FA HUI PLAYGROUND AND VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.

IT WILL FEATURE, AMONG OTHER ITEMS, LION DANCES, MARTIAL ART DEMONSTRATIONS, MARCHING BANDS, GYMNASTIC DISPLAYS, TELEMATCHES AND GAMES, SPORTS COMPETITIONS AND SWIMMING GALAS.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL BE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE MORSE PARK PROGRAMME.

THE MORSE PARK AND VICTORIA PARK EVENTS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY CONCERTS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE PIPES AND DRUMS AND THE GURKHAS.

THREE MORE PUBLIC CONCERTS WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE ARMY AT 4 P.M. AT EDINBURGH PLACE, SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND IN WANCHAI AND AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN.

THE CELEBRATIONS WILL BE ROUNDED OFF IN THE EVENING BY A SPECIAL ORCHESTRAL CONCERT ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL AT 8 P.M.

THE CONCERT — TO BE PRESENTED BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA UNDER GUEST CONDUCTOR CHEN LIANG-SHEN — WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE THE WORK BY A BRITISH COMPOSER, BENJAMIN BRITTEN.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

TEACHERS OF CHINESE TOLD TO MAKE FULL USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE

* * * *

TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE WERE URGED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL STANDARD OF CHINESE AMONG PUPILS.

MR. R.M. CAMERON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) SAID THE CENTRE HAD BEEN SET UP WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THE METHODS OF TEACHING CHINESE LANGUAGE IN BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MAINLY THROUGH REFRESHER COURSES FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS.

MR. CAMERON WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE TWO-DAY JOINT DISPLAY OF TEACHING PROJECTS ON SPEECH TECHNIQUES IN CHINESE AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL AT THE CENTRE AT NO. 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.

THE WORKS ON DISPLAY ARE SELECTED FROM THOSE SUBMITTED BY TEACHERS WHO TOOK PART IN THE CENTRE’S SHORT COURSES ON +HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PUPILS’ SPEECH TECHNIQUES IN CHINESE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS* HELD IN MAY, JULY AND SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.

♦AS FAR AS DISPLAYS OF TEACHERS’ WORKS ARE CONCERNED, THIS JOINT DISPLAY IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, WHICH WE HOPE WILL GROW INTO A LONG SERIES IF THIS PROVES TO BE A SUCCESS,+ MR. CAMERON SAID.

HE REMINDED TEACHERS THAT THE CENTRE WAS MEANT FOR THEM TO EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS, EXPERIENCE AND IDEAS WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THE METHODS OF TEACHING CHINESE IN SCHOOLS.

♦DISPLAYS OF TEACHERS’ WORKS WILL THEREFORE SERVE AS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DEMONSTRATING TEACHERS’ NEW IDEAS,+ HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

COURSE FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS

*****

A COURSE ON ^SELECTION, DESIGN AND USE OF SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING MATERIALS IN CHINESE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS* WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 14 AND 17.

THE COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL CONSIST OFt

* A TALK ON SELECTION, DESIGN AND USE OF SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING MATERIALS"

* A DEMONSTRATION OF TEACHING PROJECTS PRODUCED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE"

* A WORKSHOP IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO DESIGN AND PRODUCE A TEACHING PROJECT AND

* A SESSION FOR DEMONSTRATION, EVALUATION AND MODIFICATION OF TEACHING PROJECTS PRODUCED BY PART IC I PANTS.

THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE FOR THE COURSE AND INTERESTED TEACHERS SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THEIR HEADS OF SCHOOLS. THE CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS IS MAY 1.

+THOSE WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE SAME COURSE BEFORE NEED NOT APPLY,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

COMPLETION OF THE COURSE WILL NOT LEAD TO ANY QUALIFICATION, BUT A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE ISSUED TO PARTICIPANTS WHO FULFIL THE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON. TEL. 3-028476.

-----o - -

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

8 -

LADY MACLEHOSE LEAVING FOR NEPAL

* * * * *

LADY MACLEHOSE AND A PARTY OF 11 FROM THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL OF HONG KONG ARE LEAVING FOR NEPAL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING ON A 21-DAY VISIT.

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MRS. ANNE MARDEN AND l*RS. PEGGY CRAIG.

HER PARTY ALSO INCLUDES MAJOR DAVID AGAR WHO IS NOW IN NEPAL.

THE OUTWARD BOUND PARTY, LED BY THE SCHOOL’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. JACK TUCKER, CONSISTS OF NINE EX-TRAINEES OF THE SCHOOL.

ALTHOUGH THE TWO GROUPS WILL BE TRAVELLING TOGETHER, THEIR PURPOSES ARE DIFFERENT.

LADY MACLEHOSE’S PARTY WILL BE TREKKING IN THE REGION OF RARA LAKE, RELATIVELY UNKNOWN — BUT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL — REGION OF WESTERN NEPAL.

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL ALSO STUDY THE BIRDS, FAUNA AND FLORA OF THE REGION.

THE OUTWARD BOUND GROUP WILL BE TREKKING IN THE ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY WHICH IS WEST OF POKHARA.

LADY MACLEHOSE IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN ON MAY 10.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

LADY MACLEHOSE AND A PARTY OF 11 FROM THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL OF HONG KONG ARE LEAVING FOR NEPAL ON A 21-DAY VISIT BY FLIGHT CX 701 AT 8.36 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING HER DEPARTURE. TV AND PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REQUESTED TO MEET SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR. H.L. KO, OF CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IN THE KAI TAK AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT 7.45 A.M. SHARP TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BRING WITH THEM THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR PASSPORTS.

o--------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1979

- 9 -

PROHIBITED ZONE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE WESTERN ACCESS ROAD TO CHI FU FA YUEN FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED ZONE.

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

TWO-LANE TRAFFIC * * * *

THE EXISTING FOUR-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AT WONG rwiiK mur ^AR THE TWO TOOTBALL PITCHES WILL BE REDUCED TO TWO^aSe TWO"WAY TRAFFIC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WONG CHUK HANr /!!™S.SCMEME from 10 A-M- 0N 'MV A"D°J?LLHl5S?‘fN^

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS

- - o -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE ..................... 1

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN CENTRAL ........................ 2

TWO CROWN LAND LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED ....................... 3

CAUSEWAY BAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ......................... 4

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CAR PARK ............................. 4

PLEASURE CRAFT OWNERS ADVISED ON TYPHOON MEASURES ......... 5

30,000 WATCH TIN HAU CELEBRATIONS ......................... 6

OVER 300,000 TAX RETURNS IN THE MAIL SOON ................. 7

ROAD CLOSURE TO CONTINUE .................................. 7

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE *******

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE THREE SPECIAL TRAINS TO THE SHA TIN RACE-COURSE ON SATURDAY.

THESE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 12.04 P.M., 12.27 P.M. AND 12.47 P.M.

THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS ON THE RETURN JOURNEY TO TAKE PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE-COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION.

THE RUNNING TIME OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINS IS 20 MINUTES AND THEIR TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.

A KCR SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) ENCOURAGED THOSE GOING BY PRIVATE CARS TO MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK ABOVE THE KOWLOON STATION.

HE ALSO SAID 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 ADDED THAT THE TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAIN SERVICES HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY AMENDED. THE REVISED TIMETABLES BETWEEN 10.30 A.M. AND 11 P.M. ARE :

FROM KOWLOON STATION i

11.12 A.M., 12.11 P.M., 1 P.M. (EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN BETWEEN KOWLOON AND GUANGZHOU), 1.13 P.M., 2 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.19 P.M., 4.13 P.M., 4.40 P.M., 5.23 P.M., 6.28 P.M., 7.24 P.M., 8.35 P.M., 9.42 P.M. AND 11 P.M.

FROM LO WU i

11.05 A.M., 11.59 A.M., 12.35 P.M., 1.29 P.M., 2.58 P.M., 3.44 P.M., 4.42 P.M., 6.08 P.M., 6.52 P.M., 8.12 P.M. AND 9.28 P.M

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THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN CENTRAL * * M * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN THE JUNCTIONS OF PEDDER STREET AND ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY AND FROM 1 A.M. TO 4 A.M. ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY.

THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE BETWEEN GLOUCESTER TOWER AND ALEXANDRA HOUSE ACROSS DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.

DURING THE CLOSURES, THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED I

TRAM

TRAM SERVICES WEST OF WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY. THE LAST TRAMS WILL LEAVE FROM

THEIR RESPECTIVE TERMINI AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES I

WESTBOUND SERVICES i

SHAU KEI WAN TO WESTERN MARKET 10.53 P.M.

NORTH POINT TO WHITTY STREET 10.55 P.M.

NORTH POINT TO WESTERN MARKET 11.07 P.M.

HAPPY VALLEY TO KENNEDY TOWN 11.53 P.M.

HAPPY VALLEY TO WHITTY STREET 11.05 P.M.

HAPPY VALLEY TO WESTERN MARKET 11.17 P.M.

EASTBOUND SERVICES I

KENNEDY TOWN TO HAPPY VALLEY 11.27 P.M.

WHITTY STREET TO NORTH POINT 11.30 P.M.

WHITTY STREET TO HAPPY VALLEY 11.32 P.M.

WESTERN MARKET TO SHAU KEI WAN 11.35 P.M.

WESTERN MARKET TO NORTH POINT 11.43 P.M.

WESTERN MARKET TO HAPPY VALLEY 11.35 P.M.

/THE TRAM

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

THE TRAM SERVICE BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL CONTINUE TO RUN TO THE END OF NORMAL SERVICE AND BE AUGMENTED SO AS TO OPERATE EVERY FOUR MINUTES AFTER 11.05 P.M. FROM SHAU KEI WAN. A SPECIAL TRAM SERVICE WILL ALSO BE OPERATING AFTER 11.05 P.M. BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND WAN CHAI CHURCH (JOHNSTON ROAD) EVERY FIVE MINUTES.

NORMAL TRAM SERVICE WILL RESUME ON SUNDAY MORNING.

BUS

BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY AND BETWEEN 1 A.M.

AND 4 A.M. ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, CMB ROUTES 5B, 10 AND CMB/KMB ROUTES 101, 104, 105, 111, 113 AND 121 TRAVELLING ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL TO TURN RIGHT ONTO PEDDER STREET, TO TURN LEFT ONTO DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND THEN TO PROCEED TO ORIGINAL ROUTINGS.

CMB ROUTES 5, 5B, 10, CMB/KMB ROUTES 101, 104, 105, UI, 113 AND 121 TRAVELLING ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND WILI BE RE-ROUTED TO TURN LEFT ONTO PEDDER STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE , QUEENSWAY AND TMEN TO PROCEED TO ORIGINAL ROUTINGS.

BUS COMPANY INSPECTORS AND ADVANCE NOTICE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ADVISE PASSENGERS.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE CLOSURE.

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TWO CROWN LAND LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED *****

TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON MAY 17 AT 2.30 P.M.

ONE SITE, MEASURING 1,430 SQUARE METRES AT FUNG YIP STREET. CHAI WAN, HONG KONG, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.

THE OTHER SITE AT NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, COVERING AN AREA OF 85.4 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND 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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/4....

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

CAUSEWAY BAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.

THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CAUSEWAY BAY AREi

* THE SECTION OF GREAT GEORGE STREET BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND PATERSON STREET AND THE SECTION OF NORTHBOUND PATERSON STREET BETWEEN GREAT GEORGE STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES NORTH OF GREAT GEORGE STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED ZONES FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY.

* THE SECTION OF GREAT GEORGE STREET BETWEEN PATERSON STREET AND GLOUCESTER ROAD AND THE SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN CAUSEWAY ROAD AND THE GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED ZONES FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.

* CANNON STREET- THE SECTION OF LOCKHART ROAD BETWEEN CANNON STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD- EAST POINT ROAD- THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 545 HENNESSY ROAD AND YEE WO STREET- SUGAR STREET- CLEVELAND STREET AND KINGSTON STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED ZONES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.

* GREAT GEORGE STREET AND THE SECTION OF PATERSON STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KINGSTON STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS PROHIBITED ZONES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.

MEANWHILE, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN LAI TAK TSUEN ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD FROM 10 A.M. NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 23) UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE LIMITS OF THE RESTRICTED AND PROHIBITED ZONES.

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

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CAR PARK

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE MURRAY BARRACKS CAR PARK WILL BE CLOSED FROM 4 P.M. ON SATURDAY TO 9 P.M. ON SUNDAY.

THIS IS TO MAKE THE SITE AVAILABLE FOR A FUN FAIR ORGANISED BY THE JOINT INTERACT COUNCIL DISTRICT 345.

_----o ------

/5....

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

PLEASURE CRAFT OWNERS ADVISED ON TYPHOON MEASURES ******

PLEASURE CRAFT OWNERS SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT THEIR BOATS FROM BREAKING FREE FROM MOORINGS DURING TYPHOONS.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN IN AN APPEAL TO OWNERS TO MAKE SURE THEIR BOATS ARE SECURE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE PASSAGE OF SEVERE TROPICAL STORMS EACH YEAR, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF PLEASURE CRAFT BREAK FREE AND DRIFT FROM THEIR MOORINGS. AS A RESULT, SOME ARE DAMAGED WHILE OTHERS ARE STRANDED, SINK OR ARE SWAMPED BY RAIN WATER.

+A FEW SIMPLE AND COMMONSENSE PRECAUTIONS CAN PREVENT MANY OF THESE ACCIDENTS,* HE STRESSED.

IN OUTLINING SOME BASIC PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO CHECK THE MOORING AND THE BOAT BEFORE AND AFTER A STORM.

♦IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, THEN MOOR THE BOAT FOR TYPHOON CONDITIONS WHENEVER IT IS LEFT UNATTENDED DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON,+ HE SAID.

ON MOORING ROPES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY SHOULD BE LONG ENOUGH TO ALLOW FOR HIGH TIDE AND A STORM SURGE TO PREVENT THE BOAT FROM LIFTING ITS MOORINGS FROM THE SEABED.

THE ROPES SHOULD BE OF GOOD QUALITY MANILA OR NYLON AS SOME TYPES OF SYNTHETIC ROPE DETERIORATE IN SUNLIGHT WITHOUT SHOWING ANY VISIBLE SIGNS.

A MOORING ROPE, HE SAID, SHOULD BE PROTECTED AGAINST CHAFING BY FITTING FLEXIBLE PLASTIC TUBING, LEATHER OR CANVAS.

HE ALSO ADVISED OWNERS TO USE TWO MOORING ROPES TO EACH MOORING BUOY, ONE FROM PORT AND THE OTHER FROM STARBOARD, OR BETTER STILL, AN ADEQUATE MOORING CHAIN SHACKLED TO THE BUOY MOORING CHAIN.

MOORING ROPES SHOULD BE SECURED TO AT LEAST TWO POINTS ON THE BOAT SO AS TO OBVIATE THE DANGER OF CLEATS AND BOLLARDS BEING TORN FROM THE DECK WHEN A HEAVY STRAIN IS PLACED ON THE MOORING.

ADEQUATE FENDERS SHOULD BE USED TO PREVENT CONTACT DAMAGE TO ADJACENT BOATS, +AND OLD CAR TYRES MAKE VERY GOOD FENDERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/+’,VHEN MOTOR.........

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

♦WHEN MOTOR BOATS AND RUNABOUTS ARE MOORED CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH ONE ANOTHER DURING WINDY CONDITIONS, THEY SHOULD BE DRAWN TOGETHER AND SECURED WITH FORE AND AFT SPRINGS AND BREASTLINES WITH ADEQUATE FENDER ING BETWEEN THEM,* HE ADDED.

BOATS SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY COVERED TO PREVENT BEING SWAMPED BY RAIN WATER AND TEMPORARY AWNINGS SHOULD BE REMOVED TO REDUCE WINDAGE.

♦PERMANENT WOODEN AWNINGS ARE OFTEN VULNERABLE BECAUSE THE WIND CAN GET UNDER THEM AND RIP THE WHOLE STRUCTURE OFF, INCLUDING PARTS OF THE CABIN SUPERSTRUCTURE. COVERS SHOULD BE SECURED BY h€ANS OF OVERALL ROPE LASHINGS, EITHER TO OR UNDER THE HULL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID OTHER MEASURES SHOULD ALSO BE TAKEN, SUCH AS TO SECURELY CLOSE AND BATTEN DOWN ALL OPENINGS, TO SEAL LEAKING HATCHES WITH WATER-PROOF TAPE AND TO LASH CABIN WINDOWS AND HATCH COVERS IF THE SECURING DEVICES ARE AT ALL SUSPECT.

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

30,000 WATCH TIN HAU CELEBRATIONS ft ft ft ft ft ft

MORE THAN 30,000 PEOPLE LINED BOTH SIDES OF YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD TODAY (THURSDAY) TO WATCH A ONE-AND-A-HALF-MILE GRAND PROCESSION TO CELEBRATE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WAS THE GUEST OF HONOUR AMONG 5,000 INVITED GUESTS, INCLUDING THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HUENG YEE KUK, MR. STEPHEN WONG, WHO PACKED THE YUEN LONG STADIUM TO ENJOY THE SPECTACULAR PAGEANT OF THE ANNUAL EVENT.

ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG SHAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $2 MILLION, MORE THAN 7,000 PEOPLE FROM 33 ORGANISATIONS AND +FA PAU* ASSOCIATIONS TOOK PART IN THE PROCESSION.

THE PARADE STARTED AT THE YUEN LONG EASTERN BUS TERMINUS AND PASSED THROUGH YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD BEFORE REACHING THE STADIUM WHERE THE MAIN CELEBRATIONS WERE HELD.

A WIDE VARIETY OF FLOATS AND PERFORMANCES WERE ON PARADE, INCLUDING THREE GOLDEN DRAGONS, A SILVER DRAGON, UNICORNS, SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN LIONS, CHIU CHOW GONGS AND DRUMS, LANTERN BEAUTY TROUPES, ACROBATIC DISPLAYS AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE FOLK DANCES AND MUSIC.

ONE OF THE GOLDEN DRAGONS MEASURED ABOUT 140 FEET LONG WITH 700 YOUNG MEN MANOEUVRING IT IN TURNS.

AFTER LEAVING THE STADIUM, THE PROCESSION HEADED FOR THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHUE HAU WHERE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES WERE CONDUCTED.

THE PROCESSION THEN CAME TO A FITTING FINALE. NO SOONER HAD IT ENDED THAN IT STARTED TO RAIN --- A TRADITIONAL SIGN OF

PROSPERITY ON TIN HAU’S BIRTHDAY.

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/7.....

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979

OVER 300,000 TAX RETURNS IN THE MAIL SOON ******

MORE THAN 300,000 TAX RETURNS ARE READY FOR POSTING TO TAX PAYERS BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.

ANOTHER 90,000 WILL BE IN THE MAIL LATER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WOULD BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF WAGE-EARNERS LIABLE TO PAY TAX TO MORE THAN 500,000.

HE ALSO SAID EMPLOYERS HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED FORMS REQUIRING INFORMATION ON THEIR EMPLOYEES NUMBERING MORE THAN 750,000.

THE SPOKESMAN URGED TAX PAYERS TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORMS WITHIN A MONTH.

NOTE TO ED I TORSx

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND PHOTOGRAPHERS TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS CF THE LARGE NUMBER OF MAILBAGS CONTAINING THE MORE THAN 300,000 TAX RETURNS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, ICE HOUSE STREET, TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 9.45 A.M.

o---------

ROAD CLOSURE TO CONTINUE

******

A SECTION

, OP the KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK

ROAD WILL REMAIN CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC UNTIL MAY 10 TO FACILITATE ROAD AND DRAINS CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN THE AREA

, THE SECTION IS FROM THE JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD K*200RIE BEACH T0 AB0UT !50 METRES SOUTHWARD WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC SINCE FEBRUARY 19 THIS YEAR.

DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, THE NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THIS SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ALTERNATIVELY AND TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE REGULATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNALS.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

NEW LEGISLATION PROPOSED TO DEAL WITH CRIMINAL ELEMENTS 1

HONG KONG DELEGATES TO ATTEND SEOUL CONFERENCE ............ 2

GOVERNOR AND SHA CONGRATULATE HK TABLE TENNIS TEAM .... 3

TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RAISED .......................... 3

CHILDREN’S TV PROGRAMMES OFTEN UNSTIMULATING, SAYS S.N.T...................................................... 4

W.H.O. OFFICIAL PRAISES HK’S DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES ................................. 5

TWO ROAD BRIDGES FOR YUEN LONG ............................ 6

SEAWALL TO BE BUILT AT CASTLE PEAK BAY..................... 7

REST GARDEN PROJECT ....................................... 7

JOINT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES STUDENTS’ WEEK OPENS TOMORROW .................................................. 8

NEW PLB MAX I CAB ROUTES .................................. 9

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................................. 10

ONE MAIL DELIVERY TOMORROW................................ 10

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, I979

NEW LEGISLATION PROPOSED TO DEAL WITH CRIMINAL ELEMENTS UNLAWFULLY LOITERING IN PUBLIC PLACES ******

THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PROPOSES THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEGISLATION TO DEAL WITH THUGS AND OTHER CRIMINAL ELEMENTS WHO UNLAWFULLY LOITER IN PUBLIC PLACES.

THE PROPOSED NEW LAW WILL REPLACE A LOITERING PROVISION WHICH HAS EXISTED FOR MANY YEARS IN THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE. THE REVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE BILL PROVIDE FOR A WIDER DEFINITION OF LOITERING AND AN INCREASED PENALTY FOR SUCH OFFENCES.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THIS AMENDMENT ONCE ENACTED WOULD ENABLE THE POLICE TO TAKE MORE EFFECTIVE ACTION AGAINST THOSE WHO LOITER IN A MANNER WHICH CAUSES APPREHENSION TO INNOCENT PEOPLE. +INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL POLICE OFFICERS TO ENSURE THAT THESE ADDITIONAL POWERS ARE NOT ABUSED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BILL COMES AT AN OPPORTUNE TIME- ONLY LAST WEEK THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR. ROY HENRY, IN HIS +MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION, LISTED POLICE ACTION AGAINST GANGS AMONG HIS TOP PRIORITIES.

THE PROPOSED LAW IS AIMED AT DEALING WITH SMALL INDEPENDENT GANGS WHO COME TOGETHER IN PUBLIC PLACES AND THE COMMON PARTS OF HOUSING ESTATES AND OTHER BUILDINGS. SUCH GANGS ADOPT OLD TRIAD NAMES AND RITUAL TO FRIGHTEN THE INNOCENT. THE PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION WILL GIVE THE POLICE WIDER POWERS TO ACT TO PREVENT CRIME WHERE THE EXISTING LAW IS NOT ENTIRELY ADEQUATE.

♦SOME OF THESE GANGS OPERATE IN THE STREET,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +OTHERS PERHAPS ON A SINGLE FLOOR OF AN ESTATE BUILDING. THEIR PRESENCE ALONE IS A SOURCE OF FEAR TO RESIDENTS IN THE AREA. THESE GANGS, WHO BEHAVE IN A MENACING, BULLYING, INSULTING OR OFFENSIVE WAY, CANNOT BE EFFECTIVELY DEALT WITH UNDER THE PRESENT LAW.+

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/2......

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

HONG KONG DELEGATES TO ATTEND SEOUL CONFERENCE * * *

A 75-STRONG DELEGATION FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL ATTEND THE SIXTH PAN PACIFIC CONFERENCE OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO APRIL 27.

THE CONFERENCE WITH THE THEME ON +REHABILITATIONi THE GATEWAY TO INDEPENDENCE,* WILL EXAMINE IN DEPTH THREE COMMON PROBLEM AREAS --- PREVENTION OF DISABILITY, IMPROVEMENT IN THE

DELIVERY OF SERVICES AND INTEGRATION OF DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY.

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY THE REV. JOHN COLLINS AND WILL INCLUDE DR. HARRY S.Y. FANG, AND THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR. T.G. GARNER.

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ REPRESENTED INCLUDE THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH.

EACH MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION HAS BEEN ASSIGNED A SPECIFIC TASK DURING THE CONFERENCE IN ORDER THAT A REPORT BACK SESSION CAN BE HELD IN HONG KONG IN JUNE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.

THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. IAN STRACHAN WILL DELIVER A PAPER ON +HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE IN INTEGRATING THE DISABLED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.*

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FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

GOVERNOR AND SHA CONGRATULATE HK TABLE TENNIS TEAM *****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AND THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. F.K. LI HAVE SENT TELEGRAMS CONGRATULATING THE HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS TEAM FOR WINNING BOTH THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TEAM AND SINGLES TITLES AT THE COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.

IN HIS MESSAGE, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +CONGRATULATIONS ON HONG KONG’S TEAM’S AND INDIVIDUAL’S SUCCESSES IN THE FIFTH COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP.+

MR. LI’S MESSAGE READi +C0N6RATULATI0NS TO THE HONG KONG CONTINGENT AT THE FIFTH COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS ON WINNING THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM MEDALS.+

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TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RAISED ******

INTEREST PAYABLE BY LICENSED BANKS, BY CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITIES AND BY THE GOVERNMENT AT RATES OF UP TO 7-3/4 PER CENT PER ANNUM WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX FROM TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED.

HE SAID THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 1-1/2 PER CENT IN THE EXEMPTION LIMIT AND FOLLOWS THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION ON WEDNESDAY THAT THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WOULD BE SIMILARLY RAISED TO 7-3/4 PER CENT ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY.

THE CEILING ON THE POWER OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO INCREASE THE RATE UP TO WHICH INTEREST IS EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX HAS BEEN RAISED FROM 7-1/2 PER CENT TO 7-3/4 PER CENT BY AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 28 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE MADE UNDER A PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER SIGNED THIS MORNING (FRIDAY) BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.

THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER AND THE NOTICE SIGNED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ARE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE TODAY.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

CHILDREN’S TV PROGRAMMES OFTEN UNSTIMULATING, SAYS S.N.T.

*****

WHILE TELEVISION PROVIDES MANY EXCELLENT PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN, IT OFTEN DOES LITTLE TO STIMULATE THEIR IMAGINATION, ACCORDING TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES.

HE SAID TELEVISION HAS BECOME AN ALL-IMPORTANT MEANS OF COMMUNICATION AND HOME ENTERTAINMENT AND THE FOCAL POINT OF ATTENTION FOR MANY A GROWING CHILD.

♦TELEVISION HAS ITS VALUE AND THERE ARE MANY EXCELLENT PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.

+BUT IT IS RECEPTIVE AND PASSIVE, IT REQUIRES LITTLE EFFORT AND OFTEN DOES LITTLE TO STIMULATE THE IMAGINATION OF CHILDREN.*

HE MADE THESE REMARKS TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN OFFICIALLY OPENING THE +LEARNING THROUGH PAY, CHILDREN’S BOOKS AND ACTIVITIES* EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND A NUMBER OF BOOK PUBLISHERS AND TOY MANUFACTURERS.

THE EXHIBITION AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL IS TO COMMEMORATE THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD.

+IT IS REFRESHING TO SEE AN EXHIBITION WHERE WE ARE INTRODUCED TO A WIDE RANGE OF CHILDREN’S READING MATERIALS AND REMINDED OF THE MANY FORMS OF PLAY THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD’S INITIATIVE AND IMAGINATION,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR EFFORT IN ORGANISING SUCH AN INTERESTING EXHIBITION, HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT IT WOULD PROVIDE MUCH ENTERTAINMENT FOR MANY CHILDREN.

THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IS ALSO AIMED AT PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO SHOW THEM HOW TO FOSTER GOOD READING AND LEARNING HABITS IN CHILDREN AND TO INTRODUCE THEM TO HEALTHY READING MATERIALS AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES.

MORE THAN 25,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION WHICH CLOSES ON SUNDAY AT 6 P.M.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

W.H.O. OFFICIAL PRAISES HK’S DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES ******

HONG KONG IS TO BE THE VENUE FOR A WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (W.H.O.) INTER-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT PERSONS IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE HEAD OF THE W.H.O. DRUG DEPENDENCE PROGRAMME, DR. AWN I ARIF, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

+1 HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING THE WHOLE RANGE OF HONG KONG’S TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES DURING MY VISIT THIS WEEK, AND HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT, AND THE DEDICATION OF THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM,+ DR. ARIF SAID.

HE HAS HAD TALKS WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES- THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. PETER E.l. LEE- THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, ffi. T.G. GARNER- THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NARCOTICS) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR. K.F. CHAN AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MRS. EVELYN DOE.

HE HAD ALSO VISITED GOVERNMENT’S TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTRES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA) AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.

DR. ARIF SAID HE AND MR. LEE FIRST DISCUSSED THE HOLDING OF A TRAINING COURSE IN HONG KONG DURING THE FIFTH SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON NARCOTICS DRUGS IN GENEVA IN 1978.

THE TRAINEES ATTENDING THE COURSE WILL BE MEDICAL DOCTORS FROM AFGHANISTAN, EGYPT, PAKISTAN, BURMA, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES AND INDONESIA IN THREE OF W.H.O.’S REGIONS (EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, SOUTHEAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC).

THE FOUR-WEEK TRAINING COURSE AIMS AT PROVIDING AN IN-DEPTH STUDY INTO THE LATEST ANTI-NARCOTICS TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION POLICIES AND METHODS.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE THE MEDICAL, BEHAVIOURAL AND SOCIAL TREATMENT OF DRUG DEPENDENCE, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY INTERVENTIONS, EDUCATION AND PREVENTION, LEGISLATION AND TRAINING SKILLS.

DR. ARIF COMPLETES HIS VISIT TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) WHEN HE LEAVES FOR A W.H.O. MEETING IN PENANG, MALAYSIA, ON THE EPIDEMOLOGY OF DRUG DEPENDENCE, BEFORE RETURNING TO W.H.O. HEADQUARTERS IN GENEVA.

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/6.....

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

TWO ROAD BRIDGES FOR YUEN LONG

*****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ROAD BRIDGES IN THE INDUSTR'AL AREA OF YUEN LONG.

THE WORK FORMS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

MR. T.S. NG, GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), OF PWD’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, SAID THE ROAD BRIDGES, MEASURING 70 METRES AND 15 METRES RESPECTIVELY, AIMED TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS INTO THE INDUSTRIAL AREA IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE TOWN.

THEY WOULD LINK THE INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ACCESS ROAD AND ON LOK ROAD.

THE WORK WOULD ALSO COVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 200-METRE-LONG PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE LINKING THE TOWN CENTRE AT TAI KIU ROAD WITH THE EXTENSIVE FOOTWAY AND CYCLE TRACK NETWORKS WITHIN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA.

WORK ON THIS PROJECT WILL BEGIN EARLY IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

IN JANUARY, WORK BEGAN ON ANOTHER CONTRACT WHICH CONSISTS OF THE FORMATION OF ABOUT 23 HECTARES OF LAND, CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, DRAINS AND SEWERS AND THE INSTALLATION OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICES IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA.

♦THIS AREA WILL BE USED FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, PROVIDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR UP TO 17,000 WORKERS,+ MR. NG SAID.

♦AREAS WILL BE RESERVED WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT FOR GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY USES, CAR AND LORRY PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND AMENITY PURPOSES.+

THE BRIDGEWORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, BINNIE AND PARTNERS (HONG KONG) ON BEHALF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

0 -------

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

SEAWALL TO BE BUILT AT CASTLE PEAK BAY ******

A SEAWALL WILL BE BUILT AT CASTLE PEAK BAY TO PROTECT THE FUTURE TUEN MUN TYPHOON ANCHORAGE THAT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY TYPHOON SHELTER OFF MOUSE ISLAND.

A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO CONSTRUCT THE SEAWALL WITHIN THE LIMITS OF AN AREA OF ABOUT 15.52 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.

THE INTENTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

THE NOTICE CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE TO SUBMIT IN WRITING OBJECTIONS OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

THE NOTICE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH THE PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, 1ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON THE 19TH FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING.

IT IS ALSO ON SHOW AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE TUEN MUN, TUEN MUN BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES.

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REST GARDEN PROJECT * * * *

TENDERS WERE INVITED IN TODAY'S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REST GARDEN IN TUNG ON STREET.

WORK ON THE 640-SQUARE METRE GARDEN COULD START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID.

APART FROM SITTING BENCHES AND ARBOURS THE GARDEN WILL ALSO INCLUDE A BASKETBALL COURT, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

JOINT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES STUDENTS’ WEEK OPENS TOMORROW ******

A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION TO GIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AN IDEA OF THE WORK OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION.

THE EXHIBITION IS THE FIRST EVENT IN THE +JOINT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES STUDENTS’ WEEK+ FROM TOMORROW TO APRIL 28.

DURING THE +WEEK+ ORGANISED BY THE JOINT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, FOUR INSTITUTES ---- HAKING WONG, KWAI

CHUNG, KWUN TONG AND MORRISON HILL ---- WILL BE HOLDING OPEN DAYS

FROM TUESDAY TO FRIDAY NEXT WEEK.

A FIFTH, THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND DUE TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE INSTITUTES ON THEIR RESPECTIVE OPEN DAYS, DETAILS OF WHICH ARE:

* THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT 702 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, CHEUNG SHA WAN, WILL BE OPENED ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) BETWEEN 1 P.M. AND 4 P.M.

* THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG WILL BE OPENED ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 25) FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON, AND FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M.

* THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT 25 HIU MING STREET, KWUN TONG, WILL BE OPENED FROM 10 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M. AND FROM 2 P.M. TO 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY (APRIL 26).

* THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT 6 01 KWAN ROAD, WILL BE OPENED ON FRIDAY (APRIL 27) FROM 1.30 P.M. TO 4 P.M.

A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE CARITAS CENTRE, CAINE ROAD, HONG KONG AT 8 P.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 28).

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION TO GIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AN IDEA OF THE WORK OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE OPENED AT THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION AT 10 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY MR. HAKING WONG, ffi. J.R. DEVEREUX, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) WILL GIVE AN OPENING SPEECH.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE OPEN DAYS TO BE HELD BY THE FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BETWEEN TUESDAY TO FRIDAY NEXT WEEK.

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/9 .....

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

NEvJ PLB MAXICAB ROUTES

*****

TEN PUBLIC LIGHT BUS +MAXICAB+ ROUTES WILL BEGIN OPERATION IN KOWLOON FROM MONDAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

FIVE OF THE ROUTES WILL START FROM HANKOW ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI. THEY ARE ROUTE NO. 4 TO KING’S PARK RISE AT 20-MINUTE FREQUENCIES- ROUTE NO. 5 TO TA I WAN SHAN SWIMMING POOL IN HUNG HOM AT 10-MINUTE FREQUENCIES- ROUTE NO. 8 TO HO MAN TIN AT ID-MINUTE FREQUENCIES- ROUTE NO. 9 TO MAN FUK ROAD IN WATERLOO HILL AT 10-MINUTE FREQUENCIES- AND ROUTE NO. 10 TO KADOORIE AVENUE (BRAGA CIRCUIT) AT 20-MINUTE FREQUENCIES.

FARES FOR THE ROUTES ARE $1 PER SINGLE JOURNEY, BUT THERE IS A SECTION FARE OF 50 CENTS AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION FOR ROUTE NO. 5.

TWO OTHER ROUTES WILL ORIGINATE FROM THE HUNG HOM FERRY PIER — ROUTE NO. 6 TO STAFFORD ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG AT 15-MINUTE FREQUENCIES, AND ROUTE NO. 7 TO YAU YAT CHUEN AT 15-MINUTE FREQUENCIES. BOTH WILL HAVE A FARE OF $1 WITH A SECTION FARE OF 33 CENTS AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.

THE REMAINING ROUTES AREi

* ROUTE NO. 20 FROM JORDAN VALLEY TO FUK WAH TSUEN AT FOUR-MINUTE FREQUENCIES. THE FARE IS 40 CENTS-

* ROUTE NO. 21 BETWEEN FUK WAH TSUEN AND SAN PO KONG AT 12-MINUTE FREQUENCIES WITH A FARE OF Si AND A SECTION FARE OF 40 CENTS BETWEEN JORDAN VALLEY AND FUK WAH TSUEN- AND

* ROUTE NO. 22 BETWEEN FUK WAH TSUEN AND KWUN TONG FERRY AT 10-MINUTE FREQUENCIES WITH A 50-CENT FARE AND A SECTION FARE OF 40 CENTS BETWEEN JORDAN VALLEY AND FUK WAH TSUEN ON OUTWARD JOURNEYS.

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/10

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1979

10 -

A . .

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED SEVERAL NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT AT 10 A.M. ON MONDAY.

THE ARRANGEMENTS AREi

* A +BUS ONLY LANE+ AT THE OUTERMOST TRAFFIC LANE IN THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD BENEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER"

* A CLEARWAY RESTRICTION FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ON THE WHOLE LENGTH OF WYLIE ROAD- WHERE THEY WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS-

* THE CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF STREETS IN KOWLOON, FROM HUNG HOM TO KWUN TONG, TO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, AND

* THE CLOSURE OF DYER AVENUE, TAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN DYER AVENUE AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO HUNG HOM ESTATE, FARM ROAD AND CHUNG MAN STREET TO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS AND TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITIONS.

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ONE MAIL DELIVERY TOMORROW

******

THERE WILL BE ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) WHICH IS A GENERAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF ICR MAJESTY THE QUEEN.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT 32 POST OFFICES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON.

ALL OTHER POSJ, OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED, HE ADDED.

- o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1979 .................... 1

MORE HOMES ON LAND FOR FISHERFOLK ........................... 5

INDUSTRIAL SITE IN YUEN LONG ................................ 7

PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT CLEAN BEACH CAMPAIGN ................ 8

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT FOR TUEN MUN ......................... 9

NEW APPROACH ROAD AND BUS TERMINUS PROPOSED ................ 10

GOVERNOR TO PRESENT DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD .............. 11

SPORTS-FOR-ALL DAY TO MARK QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ............... 11

FIRING PRACTICE ............................................ 12

WATER CUT .................................................. 12

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 1979

* XU* M

nv MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1979 INCREASED 0VER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1978, AMOUNTING TO

4>19,973 MILLION.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 30 PER CENT TO $6,286 MILLION, RE-EXPORTS BY 59 PER CENT TO $2,639 MILLION, AND IMPORT BY 35 PER CENT TO $11,048 MILLION, ACCORDING TO DETAILED MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1979.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS

MARKETS ARE AS FOLLOWSi-

JAN.-FEB. 79 (HK$ MN) JAN.-FEB. 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

U.S.A. 2,042 1,742 +300 +17

F.R. OF GERMANY 760 525 +235 +45

U.K. 709 381 +328 +86

JAPAN 320 190 +131 +69

AUSTRALIA 245 212 + 33 +16

CANADA 187 153 + 34 +22

SINGAPORE 171 139 + 32 +23

NETHERLANDS 163 109 + 54 +50

SWEDEN 114 71 + 43 +61

SWITZERLAND 105 100 + 5 + 5

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING ($733 MILLION, +9 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($163 MILLION, +48 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($108 MILLION, +42 PER CENT) TO THE U.S.A. CONTINUED ON AN UPWARD TREND. THUS, IN SPITE OF THE DECLINES IN RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS ($67 MILLION, -9 PER CENT), PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ($29 MILLION, -17 PER CENT) AND GRAMOPHONES, DICTATING MACHINES, TELEVISION IMAGE AND OTHER SOUND RECORDERS OF REPRODUCERS ($13 MILLION, -28 PER CENT), THERE WAS STILL AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 17 PER CENT IN SALES TO THIS MARKET.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO F.R. OF GERMANY ALSO MOVED UPWARDS, DUE MAINLY TO RISES IN DEMAND FOR CLOTHING ($450 MILLION, +52 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT ($82 MILLION, +22 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($52 MILLION, +119 PER CENT).

/PROMINENT GROWTH .....

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

PROMINENT GROWTH WAS REGISTERED IN DELIVERIES CF CLOTHING ($389 MILLION, +96 PER CENT), TEXTILES ($69 MILLION, +108 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS, SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT ($37 MILLION, +136 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($35 MILLION, +66 PER CENT) TO THE U.K.

THE INCREASE IN SHIPMENTS TO JAPAN WAS ATTRIBUTED CHIEFLY TO AN ACTIVE DEMAND FOR CLOTHING ($67 MILLION, +77 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($35 MILLION, +156 PER CENT).

INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED IN SALES OF CLOTHING TO CANADA ($77 MILLION, +20 PER CENT) AND NETHERLANDS ($69 MILLION, +46 PER CENT), AND OF TEXTILES TO AUSTRALIA ($58 MILLION, +41 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE ($48 MILLION, +34 PER CENT).

AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS IS PRESENTED AS FOLLOWSs-

JAN.-FEB. 79 JAN.-FEB. 78 INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN) (HKS MN) (HK$ MN) CHANGE

ARTICLES OF APPAREL

AND CLOTHING 2,306

ACCESSORIES

MISCELLANEOUS

MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS 987

AND DOLLS)

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, 513

WATCHES AND CLOCKS

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND 486

RELATED PRODUCTS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND 434

REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS 367 AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES)

1,808 +498 +28

744 +243 +33

372 +141 +38

352 +134 +38

347 + 87 +25

265 +102 +38

BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (5426 MILLION, +40 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS ($384 MILLION, +48 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($357 MILLION, +38 PER CENT), RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS ($211 MILLION, +12 PER CENT) AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS ($143 MILLION, +37 PER CENT).

/ON THE OTHER .....

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE RECORDED IN SALES OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS ($107 MILLION, -4 PER CENT), PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENT AND APPARATUS (310 MILLION, -45 PER CENT) AS WELL AS CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (310 MILLION, -47 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES AS FOLLOWS:-

IN IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED

JAN.-FEB. 79 (HK$ MN) JAN.-FEB. 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

JAPAN 2,422 1,766 +656 +37

CHINA 1,797 1,391 +406 +29

U.S.A. 1,310 946 +364 +38

TAIWAN 784 506 +278 +55

SINGAPORE 555 456 + 99 +22

U.K. 465 384 + 81 +21

F.R. OF GERMANY 399 275 +124 +45

REP. OF KOREA (S. KOREA) 369 287 + 82 +29

SWITZERLAND 366 248 +118 +48

AUSTRALIA 200 141 + 59 +42

IMPORTS FROM JAPAN ROSE BY 37 PER CENT, DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED ARRIVALS OF TEXTILES ($374 MILLION, +19 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($244 MILLION, +100 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT ($221 MILLION, +74 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (3207 MILLION, +35 PER CENT) AND ROAD VEHICLES ($156 MILLION, +19 PER CENT).

INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED IN DELIVERIES FROM CHINA, COMPRISING MOSTLY TEXTILES ($387 MILLION, +79 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND RELATED MATERIALS ($151 MILLION, +55 PER CENT) AND FOODSTUFFS INCLUDING MAINLY VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($119 MILLION, +4 PER CENT), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (394 MILLION, +17 PER CENT) AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS ($76 MILLION, +28 PER CENT).

THE INCREASE IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WAS ACCOUNTED FOR CHIEFLY BY THE GROWTH IN ARRIVALS OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMIPRECIOUS STONES ($136 MILLION, +110 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES ($130 MILLION, +4 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($117 MILLION, +36 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (Sill MILLION, +27 PER CENT).

/A MAJOR .....

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

A MAJOR PROPORTION OF THE INCREASE IN SHIPMENTS FROM TAIWAN CONSTITUTED OF TEXTILES (8341 MILLION, +60 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($66 MILLION, +47 PER CENT).

THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS:-

JAN.-FEB. 79 (HK3 MN) JAN.-FEB. 78 (HKS MN) INCREASE (HK3 MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND DIAMONDS) 3,639 2,477 +1 ,162 +47

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 2,365 1,547 + 818 +53

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS AND ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 1,451 1,034 + 417 +40

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 1,326 1,187 + 139 +12

CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 831 571 + 260 +46

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE FOUND IN IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS SUCH AS TEXTILES (81,694 MILLION, +51 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL (8364 MILLION, +54 PER CENT) AND ALSO IN IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS LIKE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (3720 MILLION, +59 PER CENT) AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (8259 MILLION, +43 PER CENT). IMPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS CONTINUED TO RISE, REACHING 8520 MILLION FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR.

RE-EXPORT SHOT UP BY 59 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1978, ATTRIBUTED MAINLY TO AN ACTIVE DEMAND FROM JAPAN (8447 MILLION, +64 PER CENT), TAIWAN (8238 MILLION, +67 PER CENT), U.S.A. (8236 MILLION, +62 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (8232 MILLION, +13 PER CENT). PROMINENT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES (8406 MILLION, +150 PER CENT), AND CLOTHING (599 MILLION, +103 PER CENT). OTHER PRODUCTS LIKE PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES (3326 MILLION. +41 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (3146 MILLION, +23 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (5135 MILLION, +77 PER CELT) ALSO REGISTERED SIGNIFICANT GRO TH.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

THE TRADE INDEX NUMBERS FOR JANUARY 1979 RELEASED AS FOLLOWS:- (1973-100) WERE QUANTUM INDEX

VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 235 147 160

IMPORTS 222 152 146

THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR JANUARY 1979 WAS 97.

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

MORE HOMES ON LAND FOR FISHERFOLK

*****

HONG KONG’S FISHING COMMUNITY HAS BEEN STEADILY MOVING FROM THEIR TRADITIONAL FLOATING HOMES TO SELF-CONTAINED BUNGALOW-TYPE BUILDINGS ASHORE.

WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES, NEARLY 9,000 FISHERMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES HAVE BEEN SETTLED ASHORE IN VILLAGE COMMUNITIES SINCE EARLY I960.

ACCORDING TO MR. CHU PAK-SUI, A SENIOR FISHERIES SUPERVISOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE VILLAGES WERE FORMED BY THE FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.

IT IS A SEMI-GOVERNMENTAL BODY CREATED TO IMPROVE THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE FISHING COMMUNITY. ITS FUNCTIONS ARE PRIMARILY TO ASSIST FISHERMEN TO OBTAIN CREDIT TO MODERNISE THEIR CRAFT, EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND HOUSING ON LAND.

AT PRESENT, 69 FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ARE REGISTERED WITH AFD --- 10 UNDER THE NAME OF +BETTER LIVING*

CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.

FISHERFOLK AFFILIATED TO THE BETTER LIVING SOCIETIES CAN APPLY TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONVENIENT SITES TO BUILD THEIR OWN HOUSES.

/apart from .....

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

APART FROM GRANTING LAND FOR BUILDING PROJECTS, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROVIDES THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES --- LAYING WATER PIPELINES, SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY, ACCESS ROADS, INCINERATORS AND STREET LIGHTING.

AFTER A VILLAGE HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CLOSELY SUPERVISE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF THE FISHERFOLK.

SPEAKING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF VILLAGES FOR FISHERMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, MR. CHU DESCRIBED IT AS A WELCOME BOON TO THE FISHING COMMUNITY IN REGARD OF THEIR LIVELIHOOD.

♦THESE VILLAGES ALSO MEAN SECURITY AND STABILITY FOR THE ELDERLY AS WELL AS PLACES FOR THE CHILDREN TO STUDY AND PLAY,+ NR. CHU ADDED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT NEARLY EVERY FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE HAS A SCHOOL.

IN ADDITION, A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF EITHER A RECREATION CENTRE OR PLAYGROUND FOR YOUNGSTERS AND ALSO AS A VENUE FOR CEREMONIES AND GATHERINGS.

ON THE LATEST PROJECT, MR. CHU SAID THAT BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, 14 MORE HOUSING UNITS WILL BE COMPLETED IN SHU I BIN TSUEN, HANG HAU.

THERE ARE AT PRESENT 10 +FISHERMEN VILLAGES+ AT AP CHAU, SAI KUNG, TSI NG Yl, MA WAN, TAP MUN, WONG Yl AU, SAM MUN TSAI, HA HANG, SAN PUI CHUNG HAU AND HANG HAU.

MR. CHU SAID LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT 50 PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED 80,000 FISHERFOLK HAVE MOVED ASHORE TO LIVE.

-------0 - -

SATURD APR IL 21, 1979

INDUSTRIAL SITE IN YUEN LONG * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS PROVIDING AN EIGHT-HECTARE INDUSTRIAL SITE WITHIN THE TONG YAN SAN TSUEN LAYOUT AREA- IN YUEN LONG FOR THc DEVELOPMENT OF TWO-STOREY FACTORIES.

THE SITE IS WITHIN A 67-HECTARE AREA WHICH WILL HAVE EVERY ESSENTIAL FACILITIES WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED.

HOWEVER, THE TIMING OF THE IMPLEMENTATION DEPENDS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS TO SERVICE THE AREA WITH ROADS AND DRAINAGE, ACCORDING TO THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. MICHAEL CARTLAND.

THE DEVELOPMENT AREA FRONTS THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD OPPOSITE THE LAU FU SHAN TURNOFF AND IS AT THE MOMENT DOMINATED BY CLUSTERS OF SMALL INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS IN TEMPORARY STRUCTURES WHICH HAVE SPRUNG UP IN RECENT YEARS.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT IS KEEN TO TRANSFORM THE AREA INTO A PROPERLY PLANNED LAYOUT AND HAS DRAWN UP A PLAN THAT INCLUDES TWO-STOREY HOUSING, COMMERCIAL AREAS, AND GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

BUT IT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROCEED, UNTIL A PROPER ROADS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM HAS BEEN INSTALLED AND AT THE MOMENT THIS ITEM IS IN CATEGORY B OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S PROJECT PRIORITIES.

ACCORDING TO MR. CARTLAND, THERE IS A STRONG DEMAND FOR BOTH HOUSING AND WORKSHOP SITES IN THE AREA. +ONCE FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE, WE WILL WANT TO MOVE AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN,* HE SAID.

THE LAND WOULD BE DEVELOPED THROUGH INSITU EXCHANGES, A SYSTEM THAT HAS WORKED WELL FOR MANY YEARS IN YUEN LONG.

+THE LANDOWNERS WOULD BE ABLE TO DEVELOP THEIR LAND THEMSELVES OR BY SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS INTERESTED IN DOING SO,* HE SAID.

MR. CARTLAND SAID THE DISTRICT ALREADY HAD A SMALLER-SCALE DEVELOPMENT ON SIMILAR LINES AT KIU TAU WAI ON PING HAU ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND LAU FAU SHAN.

NEARLY HALF OF A 13.5-HECTARE LAYOUT MARKED FOR LIGHT INDUSTRY HAD ALREADY BEEN DEVELOPED OR WAS BEING DEVELOPED, MR. CARTLAND SAID. +AT THE MOMENT WE HAVE ABOUT 10 TWO-STOREY FACTORIES ENGAGED IN SUCH TRADES AS PAPER MILLING, PRINTING, COTTON PROCESSING, METAL WORKS AND CHEMICALS* MR. CARTLAND SAID.

+MOST ARE OWNER OCCUPIED ALTHOUGH SOME OF THE PREMISES HAVE BEEN RENTED TO OTHER INDUSTRIAL OPERATORS.

+THESE TWO-STOREY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE VERY ATTRACTIVE TO SMALL INDUSTRIES AND THOSE NOT SUITABLE FOR HluH-RISE FACTORIES AND, OF COURSE, RENTS ARE LOwER THAN IN THE URBAN AREAS.*

-------o _ _ . -

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT CLEAN BEACH CAMPAIGN * * * * *

AS SWIMMING IS BY FAR THE MOST POPULAR FORM OF SUMMER RECREATION IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED MEMBERS LITTER THE BEACHES.

OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO

HIS CALL TO SUPPORT THE +CLEAN BEACH AND MORE PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO FLOCK TO

CAMPAIGN* CAME AS MORE THE SEASIDE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN JUNE AND AUGUST LAST YEAR. LITTER WARDENS ISSUED 1,300 SUMMONSES TO BEACHGOERS, INCLUDING 400 AT THE BEACHES IN TUEN MUN, 200 IN REPULSE BAY AND 160 IN DEEP WATER BAY.

ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, THE MOST COMMON LITTER FOUND ON BEACHES ARE PLASTIC BAGS, SOFT DRINK CANS, STRAWS AND CIGARETTE ENDS.

♦IT USUALLY TAKES OUR CLEANSING STAFF SEVERAL DAYS TO CLEAR THE RUBBISH AFTER WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.

♦WE HOPE ALL BEACHGOERS WILL EE CONSCIENTIOUS CLEAN BEACH SUPPORTERS THIS YEAR. ALL IT ENTAILS IS A FEW MORE STEPS TO DUMP REFUSE INTO LITTER BINS,+ HE ADDED.

HE SAID THE U.S.D. HAS PROVIDED SOME 1,000 PLASTIC LITTER BINS ON THE BEACHES. THEY ARE SCATTERED WITHIN SHORT DISTANCES AND WILL BE CLEANED ONCE THEY ARE FULL.

IN ORDER TO PREVENT SELFISH AND CARELESS PEOPLE FROM LITTERING AND PRESERVE THE CLEANLINESS OF BEACHES, LITTER WARDENS WILL EE REINFORCED ON BEACHES AT WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.

♦LITTER WARDENS’ MAIN JOB IS TO DETER PEOPLE FROM LITTERING. THEY CAN’T MAKE BEACHES CLEAN WITHOUT THE FULL CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF BEACHGOERS,+ STRESSED THE SPOKESMAN.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT FOR TUEN MUN

* * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD A SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS IN TUEN MUN TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS RESULTING FROM THE POPULATION GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT TAK I NG PLACE IN THE NEW TOWN.

AN $11 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT, THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PILLAR POINT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, WAS SIGNED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).

MR. WONG WAN-MING, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PWD’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MR. TAI SHUl TING FOR CHUI HING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD., THE CONTRACTOR.

MR. WONG SAID THAT CIVIL ENGINEERING WORK WOULD START NEXT WEEK AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

HE ADDED THAT THIS CONTRACT INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING STATION, SCREEN CHAMBERS, GRIT REMOVAL TANKS, SUPERSTRUCTURES TO HOUSE THE SCREENINGS PRESS, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE AND ROADWORK.

THE CONTRACT IS THE FIFTH AND FINAL ONE FOR THIS STAGE OF THE TREATMENT WORKS.

MR. WONG SAIDi + THE PLANT AIMS TO SERVE THE EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN AND WILL BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING SEWAGE FLOW FROM AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF 530,000.+

ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, SEWAGE FROM THE NEW TOWN WILL BE GIVEN PRELIMINARY TREATMENT THROUGH FINE SCREENS AND GRIT REMOVAL DEVICE BEFORE BEING DISCHARGED THROUGH A SUBMARINE PIPE INTO DEEP WATER FOR DILUTION AND SATISFACTORY DISPERSION.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DRAINAGE WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE ON BEHALF OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

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

/10

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

NEW APPROACH ROAD AND BUS TERMINUS PROPOSED ******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD AN APPROACH ROAD TO KAU WA KENG VALLEY AND A NEW BUS TERMINUS AT LAI CHI KOK.

THE KAU WA KENG VALLEY APPROACH ROAD WILL RUN FROM LAI WAN ROAD TO LAI KING HILL ROAD. IT WILL PROVIDE A 1D.3-METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY FOR THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC WITH 3.5-METRE WIDE FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES.

THIS ROAD, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL PROVIDE PROPER ACCESS TO EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE KAU WA KENG AREA AND WILL IMPROVE THE ACCESS TO THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROJECT, LAI WAN ROAD NORTH OF MEI LAI ROAD AND LAI KING HILL ROAD EAST OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WILL BE WIDENED AT THE SAME TIME.

AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE KAU WA KENG VALLEY APPROACH ROAD, THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN LAI WAN ROAD AND LAI KING HILL ROAD IN FRONT OF THE LAI CHI KOK AMUSEMENT PARK WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

THE NEW LAI CHI KOK BUS TERMINUS, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS WITH IMPROVED TERMINAL FACILITIES AND NEW SERVICES WILL BE INTRODUCED.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT GIVING NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING WAS MADE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).

ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC wORKS. IT SHOULD REACH HIS OFFICE NOT LATER THAN MAY 29, 1979.

_ _ 0------

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1979

GOVERNOR TO PRESENT DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL PRESENT THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARD TO 54 YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AT THE CITY HALL AT 6 P.M. ON MONDAY.

THE RECIPIENTS, INCLUDING STUDENTS, FACTORY WORKERS AND CLERKS, HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE AWARD BY GAINING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES.

DURING THE CEREMONY, MR. ALEX WU, CHAIRMAN OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD HONG KONG COMMITTEE AND ALSO AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, WILL GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS, AFTER WHICH SIR MURRAY WILL MAKE THE PRESENTATION.

NOTE TO ED ITORSt

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL PRESENT THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARD TO 54 YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL LOW BLOCK AT 6 P.M. ON MONDAY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION.

- - 0 -

SPORTS-FOR-ALL DAY TO MARK QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ******

THE SPORTS-FOR-ALL DAY HELD TO MARK THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IS SO POPULAR THAT IT HAS BECOME AN EVENT WHICH THE COMMUNITY LOOKS FORWARD TO EVERY APRIL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SIR JACK, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY SPORTS-FOR-ALL DAY IN MORSE PARK, KOWLOON, SAID THE EVENT ORIGINATED THREE YEARS AGO ON THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY.

+l AM PERSONALLY DELIGHTED TO SEE MORE AND MORE FACILITIES FOR RECREATION AND SPORT BEING PROVIDED IN HONG KONG AND WHAT IS AVAILABLE HERE IN MORSE PARK PROVIDES FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF SPORTING INTERESTS COVERING FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND SWIMMING AS WELL AS INDOOR SPORTS SUCH AS BADMINTON, TABLE TENNIS AND GYMNASTICS WHICH TAKE PLACE IN THE INDOOR GAMES HALL,+ HE ADDED.

MEANWHILE CELEBRATIONS WERE HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY AT 10

DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.THESE INCLUDED CONCERTS BY BANDS OF THE ARMY AND THE POLICE AND AN ORCHESTRAL CONCERT IN THE CITY HALL ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND ATTENDED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.

- - 0 -

SATU _4V, APR.L 21, 1979

FIRING PRACTICE * * > *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR FIVE DAYS NEXT WEEK.

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.

THE PRACTISING TIMES ARB:

DATE

TIME

APRIL 23 (MONDAY)

APRIL 24 (TUESDAY)

APRIL 25 (WEDNESDAY)

APRIL 26 (THURSDAY)

APRIL 27 (FRIDAY)

8 A.M. -

6 P.M.

10 P.M.

4 P.M.

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

WATER CUT * * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE NORTH POINT AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE NORTH SIDE OF KING’S ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO MANSION STREET, JAVA ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO KING’S ROAD, MARBLE ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO HEALTHY STREET WEST, AND TIN CHIU STREET.

_ . o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1979

* . i

। ■

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SURVEY ON SQUATTER INDUSTRIES ............................... 1

MORE THAN 3 MILLION PEOPLE ENTITLED TO LEGAL AID ............ 2

TWIN-ENGINED TITAN AIRCRAFT FOR RHKAAF ...................... 4

EXHIBITION ON WAYS TO TEACH CHINESE LANGUAGE AT PRIMARY

LEVEL ....................................................... 5

EXTENSION TO TUEN MUN WATER TREATMENT WORKS ................. 6

IMPROVEMENT WORK ON TING KOK ROAD............................ 6

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

SUNDAY, ,,PR IL 22, ' 979

SURVEY ON SQUATTER INDUSTRIES

* * * *

।

THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO CARRY OUT A SURVEY TO ESTABLISH THE TRUE EFFECTS OF ITS CLEARANCE PROGRAMME ON SQUATTER FACTORIES THAT CANNOT NORMALLY OPERATE IN MULTI-STOREY FLATTED FACTORIES.

THE SURVEY IS TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN JUNE OR JULY THIS YEAR AND THE RESULTS STUDIED BY GOVERNMENT TO SEE IF ANY SPECIAL MEASURES ARE NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE SITUATION.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT TODAY (SUNDAY) THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WOULD MEAN ABOUT 9,000 SQUATTER FACTORIES WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

MOST OF THESE FACTORIES, HE SAID, OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION IN EITHER GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE FLATTED FACTORIES.

+AMONG THE FACTORIES TO BE CLEARED, HOWEVER, WOULD BE A PROPORTION OF SO-CALLED INADMISSIBLE TRADES — THOSE TRADES WHICH, BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THEIR PRODUCTS OR PROCESSES, GOVERNMENT CANNOT ACCEPT IN ITS OWN FLATTED FACTORIES AND GENERALLY ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR OPERATION IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+THE AIM OF THE SURVEY WILL BE TO SEE HOW MANY OF THESE FACTORIES THERE ARE AND TO PINPOINT AS ACCURATELY AS POSSIBLE THE EFFECT OF CLEARANCE ON THEM, AND THE TERRITORY’S INDUSTRY GENERALLY.+

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT WAS TO IDENTIFY HOW MANY SQUATTER INDUSTRIES WHICH WERE AN ESSENTIAL LINK IN THE PRODUCTIVE CHAIN OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT INDUSTRIES COULD NOT BE REACCOMMODATED IN PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTOR MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.

THE SURVEY WOULD TRY TO ESTABLISH THE RELATIONSHIP OF SUCH OPERATIONS WITH THE MAJOR PRODUCERS IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY, HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE QUESTIONNAIRE DRAWN UP FOR THE SURVEY HAD BEEN KEPT SIMPLE, BUT THE INFORMATION OBTAINED WOULD PROVIDE THE BASIC DATA WHICH WOULD CONCENTRATE ON THESE +PROBLEM TRADES*.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS AS ANXIOUS AS INDUSTRY TO DISCOVER THE TRUE EXTENT OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND THAT THE REQUEST FOR THE SURVEY HAD ORIGINATED AT +A VERY HIGH LEVEL IN THE GOVERNMENT.*

/HE POINTED......

SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1979

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY OFFERED ENCOURAGEMENT TO INDUSTRIES WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS BY THE RECENT SALE OF TWO INDUSTRIAL SITES AT FO TAN IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN WHICH CARRIED CONDITIONS REQUIRING THE PROVISION OF HEAVY FLOOR LOADINGS AND HIGH CEILINGS IN THE COMPLETED FACTORY PREMISES.

+IT WAS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT THE SITES WERE BOUGHT BY AN INDUSTRIALIST FROM THE SILK-WEAVING TRADE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, •♦WHICH HAS BEEN ON OUR LIST OF POSSIBLE PROBLEM TRADES.*

HE ALSO NOTED THAT TRADES USING SPECIAL PROCESSES CLEARLY ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE ECONOMY, HIGH TECHNOLOGY CAPABLE OF BROADENING OUR INDUSTRIAL BASE OR OF EXCEPTIONAL EXPORT POTENTIAL COULD ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR LAND AT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT TAI PO OR, IN THE NOT-SO-DISTANT FUTURE, THE SECOND ESTATE BEING CONSTRUCTED AT YUEN LONG.

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MORE THAN 3 MILLION PEOPLE ENTITLED TO LEGAL AID * * * *

RECENTLY, A GRIEF-STRICKEN MOTHER OF TWO APPROACHED THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT FOR HELP AND UNFOLDED A TRAGIC STORY THAT COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.

ALTHOUGH SEPARATED FROM HER HUSBAND, SHE ALLOWED HIM ACCESS TO THE CHILDREN — ONE AGED FOUR AND THE OTHER TWO — SO AS NOT TO DENY THEM THE AFFECTIONS OF THEIR FATHER.

ONE DAY, HE COLLECTED THE CHILDREN AND TOOK THEM OUT FOR TEA. HE NEVER RETURNED.

THE FRANTIC 30-YEAR-0LD WOMAN LATER DISCOVERED THAT HE HAD TAKEN THE CHILDREN WITH HIM TO BRAZIL.

♦HAD SHE APPROACHED US IN TIME, WE COULD EASILY HAVE PREVENTED HIM FROM TAKING THE CHILDREN OUT OF HONG KONG THROUGH A COURT CRDER,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT SAID.

♦WE COULD ALSO HAVE OBTAINED A 'STOP ORDER’ TO PREVENT THE CHILDREN FROM BEING TAKEN OUT OF HONG KONG THROUGH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID.

HE ALSO SAID THAT DURING THE INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HUSBAND HAD MADE A FALSE DECLARATION WHICH IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.

HE EXPLA INEDt +A HUSBAND CAN ENTER THE NAMES OF HIS CHILDREN IN HIS PASSPORT WITHOUT THE PRIOR CONSENT OF HIS WIFE BUT THE WIFE CANNOT DO THE SAME WITHOUT FIRST GETTING PERMISSION FROM THE HUSBAND.+

♦NO EXTRADITABLE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED BY THE HUSBAND, AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIND A REMEDY THROUGH THE COURTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦ONE UNDERSTANDS ONLY TOO WELL THE WOMAN’S GRIEF ON THE LOSS CF HER CHILDREN. POSSIBLY FUTURE TRAGEDIES CAN BE AVOIDED IF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TAKE HEED OF THIS CASE.+

/THE brurJSMAN

SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1979

THE SPOKESMAN SAID HE HIGHLIGHTED THIS PARTICULAR WOMAN’S PLIGHT BECAUSE LIKE MANY OTHERS, SHE MAY HAVE THOUGHT SHE WAS NOT ENTITLED TO LEGAL AID BECAUSE OF HER MONTHLY MAINTENANCE.

+THIS IS INDEED A MISCONCEPTION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING: +THE FACT IS THAT MORE THAN THREE MILLION PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID.+

+IN OTHER WORDS, MANY OF THESE PEOPLE, INCLUDING SOME OF THE MORE WEALTHY WIVES, LOCAL AND EXPATRIATES OF ALL NATIONALITIES, CAN APPROACH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT FOR EITHER A FREE SERVICE OR FOR ONE COSTING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 INSTEAD OF PAYING HIGH FEES FOR PRIVATE SERVICES.

+MANY OF THEM,* HE ADDED, +ARE PERHAPS MISLED BY OUR MEANS TEST OF NOT HAVING MORE THAN $1,000 INCOME A MONTH AND $10,000 IN DISPOSABLE CAPITAL.*

♦WHAT THEY PROBABLY DO NOT REALISE IS THAT FOR NON-WORKING WIVES MAINTENANCE DOES NOT COME WITHIN THE MEANING OF INCOME UNDER THE LEGAL AID ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.

+THERE IS NO DEFINITION OF ’INCOME’ IN THE LEGAL AID ORDINANCE. ACCORDINGLY, WE GIVE INCOME ITS NORMAL NATURAL MEANING, NAMELY, PROCEEDS FROM A PROFESSION, TRADE OR BUSINESS.*

♦AND ON THE QUESTION OF DISPOSABLE CAPITAL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +WE DON’T COUNT THE OCCASIONAL DIAMOND RING OR PEARL NECKLACE BECAUSE THESE ARE ’PERSONAL EFFECTS’ WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE LEGAL AID SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION. WE ONLY COUNT JEWELLERY WHERE IT HAS BEEN PURCHASED AS AN INVESTMENT. IN ARRIVING AT DISPOSABLE CAPITAL, APPLICANTS GET VERY SUBSTANTIAL ALLOWANCES IN RESPECT OF DEPENDANTS. IF THEY OWN A FLAT, WE DEDUCT $40,000 AS AN ALLOWANCE.*

WHAT ABOUT WIVES, WHO IN ADDITION TO RECEIVING MAINTENANCE, WORK IN ORDER TO GET A BETTER LIVELIHOOD?

+IN SUCH CASES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +THE MAINTENANCE IS DISREGARDED BUT THEIR SALARIES ARE ASSESSED. DEDUCTIONS ARE MADE IN RESPECT OF RENT AND DEPENDANTS AND SO ON.*

♦IF A BROKEN MARRIAGE CANNOT BE RECONCILED, THERE IS NO REASON WHY A WOMAN SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD A DIVORCE THROUGH FREE OR CONTRIBUTORY LEGAL AID,* HE SAID.

+INDEED, FAR FROM INCITING WIVES TO DIVORCE THEIR HUSBANDS -IF THE WOMAN KNEW SHE HAS THIS INDEPENDENCE, IT MAY WELL PROLONG MARRIAGE INSTEAD OF DESTROYING IT,* HE ADDED.

ALTHOUGH MOST OF THOSE WHO SAME PRIVILEGES ARE EXTENDED TO

APPLY FOR DIVORCE ARE WOMEN, MEN.

THE

THOSE WHO SUFFER MOST WHEN CHILDREN AND +WE WANT TO ENSURE OF,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.

A MARRIAGE BREAKS DOWN ARE THE THAT THEY WILL 3E WELL TAKEN CARE

+S0 ANYONE WHO NEEDS HELP, BE IT A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL CASE, SHOULD NOT HESITATE TO APPROACH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT. AFTER ALL. IT DOESN’T COST A CENT TO MAKE AN APPLICATION.+

/THE LEGAL

SUNDAY, APHIL 22, 1979

+THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT IS PERFORMING A PUBLIC SERVICE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW SUFFICIENTLY WELL THEIR RIGHT TO LEGAL AID. LEGAL AID IS NOT A MATTER OF CHARITY — YOU DON’T HAVE TO BEG FOR IT. IT PROVIDES A FIRST-CLASS SERVICE. IT IS YOURS FOR THE ASKING, AS A STATUTORY RIGHT, IF YOU COME WITHIN SECTION 10 OF THE ORDINANCE.*

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TWIN-ENGINED TITAN AIRCRAFT FOR RHKAAF

* * * X

A NEW TWIN-ENGINED AIRCRAFT IS EXPECTED TO JOIN THE EXISTING FLEET OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE — HONG KONG’S OWN AIR CORPS — IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.

THE NEW AMERICAN-MADE TITAN WITH A CAPACITY FOR 12 PEOPLE WILL BE USED MAINLY FOR AERIAL SURVEILLANCE AND SURVEYS, ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE RHKAAF, WING COMMANDER R.G. PENLINGTON.

HE SAID THE NEW AIRCRAFT COST ABOUT $4 MILLION, INCLUDING EQUIPMENT AND SPARE PARTS.

HE SAID THE VERY HEAVY DEMAND FOR SURVEILLANCE FLIGHTS HAD RENDERED THE PURCHASE OF ANOTHER AIRCRAFT ESSENTIAL.

AT PRESENT, THE RHKAAF HAS A FLEET OF SEVEN AIRCRAFT — A TWIN-ENGINED BRITTEN-NORMAN ISLANDER, TWO SCOTTISH AVIATION BULL DOG TRAINERS, THREE ALOUETTE MARK III HELICOPTERS AND A BEECHCRAFT MUSKETEER LIGHT AIRCRAFT.

THE BEECHCRAFT MUSKETEER IS TO BE SOLD AFTER HAVING BEEN IN SERVICE FOR ABOUT EIGHT YEARS.

THE LIGHT AIRCRAFT IS, IN THE WING COMMANDER’S WORDS, +STILL IN GOOD CONDITION.*

TENDERS HAVE BEEN INVITED FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE BEECHCRAFT MUSKETEER.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE AT EITHER THE PROCUREMENT DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IN OIL STREET, NORTH POINT- THE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL) IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), OR THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (MONG KOK).

TENDERS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE MAIN GATE CF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT, BEFORE 9 A.M. ON MAY 18.

0 -------

SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1979

EXHIBITION ON WAYS TO TEACH CHINESE LANGUAGE AT PRIMARY LEVEL * * * * *

AN EXHIBITION TO ILLUSTRATE THE EFFECTIVE WAYS AND MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING THE NEW +SYLLABUS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS — CHINESE LANGUAGE* WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AT THE FARM ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, KOWLOON.

MRS. RUBY LAU, PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM PLANNING OFFICER (PRIMARY) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION ON +PRIMARY PUPILS’ WORK AND LEARNING MATERIALS OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE.*

THE EXHIBITION WILL HAVE ON DISPLAY PUPILS’ WORK ON COMPOSITION, DICTATION AS WELL AS LANGUAGE EXERCISES.

♦VISITORS MAY ALSO FIND USEFUL INFORMATION ON CONDUCTING SUPPLEMENTARY READING, SETTING EXAMINATION PAPERS, PRODUCING TEACHING-AIDS AND PREPARING TEACHING MATERIALS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND SIX PRIMARY SCHOOLS, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. ON FR I DAY.

THE SIX PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS ARE THE FARM ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL, YAN KOW PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL, KEI WAN PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL, TAI KOK TSUI CATHOLIC PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL, THE ENDEAVOURERS’ FUNG SHU I CHEUNG MEMORIAL PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL AND T.W.G.HS. LO YU CHIK PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL.

o --------

SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1979

EXTENSION TO TUEN MUN WATER TREATMENT WORKS

* * * K

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY BUILD AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING PUMPING STATION IN THE TUEN MUN WATER TREATMENT WORKS.

TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OF THE PWD.

THE NEW PUMPING STATION WILL FORM PART OF THE PROPOSED GENERAL EXTENSION OF TUEN MUN WATER TREATMENT WORKS.

IT AIMS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND FROM THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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IMPROVEMENT WORK ON TING KOK ROAD

* M- N

r. IMPROVEMENT WORK ON TING KOK ROAD IN TAI PO IS MAKING GOOD Ph OGRESS AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED THIS AUTUMN.

LEE SHU-CHU, SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE $16.4 MILLION PROJECT INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 3.5 KILOMETRE-LONG DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ALONG THE COAST WITH A CYCLE TRACK ON EACH SIDE.

THE FIRST STAGE, CONSISTING OF A SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY AND A CYCLE TRACK, WAS COMPLETED AND OPENED TO TRAFFIC EARLY THIS YEAR

SECOND STAGE, WHICH DUPLICATES THE FIRST STAGE, IS ABOUT 40 PER CENT COMPLETE. IT SHOULD BE READY IN SEPTEMBER.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FOR HOUSING ................................................ j

POST OFFICE GETS MORE THAN !□,□□□ +DEAD+ LETTERS A DAY ... 2

INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND RESUMED IN URBAN AREAS .............................................. 4

TECHNICAL INSTITUTE THREE QUARTERS COMPLETE ................ 4

SHELTERED WORKSHOPS --- JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE

DISABLED .................................................... 5

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT VISITS PWD PROJECTS .. 6

JURY LIST.................................................. 6

SPECIAL TRAINS TO RACE COURSE STATION ON WEDNESDAY .......... 7

PART OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO CLOSE ............................ 8

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ............................................. 8

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

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

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1979

WORLD’S HOUSING PREDICAMENT WORSE THAN EVER — SECRETARY FOR HOUSING ******

AFTER 50 YEARS OF INTENSIVE TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT THE HOUSING PREDICAMENT OF MANKIND AS A WHOLE IS WORSE TODAY THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. A.J. SCOTT, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

+THERE IS NO COUNTRY WHICH BY ITS OWN STANDARDS DOES NOT HAVE A HOUSING PROBLEM- AND VERY MANY COUNTRIES, BY MINIMAL STANDARDS, HAVE SEVERE HOUSING PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.

MR. SCOTT SAID THIS IN OPENING THE SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF ARCHITECTS.

+HOUSING FOR THE POOR OR THE LOWEST INCOME GROUPS, OR HOWEVER ONE DESCRIBES THEM, HAS IN THE LAST 50 YEARS GENERALLY WORSENED, IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT IN OUR LIFETIME HAS OCCURRED THE MOST RAPID PERIOD OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCE HUMANITY HAS KNOWN,* HE SAID.

+AT AN EVER INCREASING PACE, MANPOWER AND ITS PRODUCTIVITY HAVE MOVED FROM AGRICULTURAL SETTLEMENTS AND MARKET TOWNS INTO CITIES, TOWARDS THE FACTORIES AND MACHINES, AND THUS FORCING ON THE URBANISING PROCESS. SO THAT IN WESTERN SOCIETIES, FOR EXAMPLE, RATHER LESS THAN 10 PER CENT OF THE ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION IS INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURE, AND 90 PER CENT LIVE IN URBANISED SETTLEMENTS.*

TURNING TO THE HOUSING PROBLEM OF SOUTHEAST ASIA, MR. SCOTT SAID: +0N THE ONE HAND, THERE IS SINGAPORE WHERE THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTED STRONG LEGAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND SOCIAL POLICIES TO ALLOCATE A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE WEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS THEIR LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.

+THE RESULTS ARE GOOD IN TERMS OF HOUSING, BUT IT HAS LEFT THE PRIVATE SECTOR VIRTUALLY ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE ONLY AT THE UPPER END OF THE HOUSING STOCK.

+0N THE OTHER HAND, IN JAPAN, THE MAJOR ROLE IN PRODUCING HOUSING IS LEFT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, ALTHOUGH THERE IS ALSO A NUMBER OF LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEMES.

+THE THRUST OF THE JAPANESE SYSTEM IS TO ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF MORTGAGE FACILITIES THROUGH THE PRIVATE BANKING SYSTEM AND THROUGH VARIOUS SPONSORED AGENCIES.

+HOWEVER, PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE RELATIVE EASE OF GETTING MORTGAGES, THE COST OF HOUSING HAS GONE UP BECAUSE DEMAND HAS BEEN SO THOROUGHLY STIMULATED. SO LAND AND HOUSE PRICES HAVE RISEN BEYOND THE REACH OF THE LOWEST AND LOWER MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS.*

MR. SCOTT SAID THAT IN OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES LITTLE HAD BEEN DONE DIRECTLY BY GOVERNMENTS, AND INDIVIDUALS HAD BEEN LEFT TO +GET ON WITH IT THEMSELVES.*

/+HONG KONG .....

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1979

+HONG KONG COMES SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN THESE EXTREMES IN

THAT SO FAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROVIDED PUBLIC HOUSING AT RELATIVELY LOW RENTS FOR ABOUT 45 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION- HAS AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME WHICH BY MID-1980 WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION WITH RENTED OR ASS ISTED-PURCHASE FLATS- AND AT THE SAME TIME THERE IS SCOPE FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PRODUCE HOUSING,* HE SAID.

+IN THE CURRENT YEAR, THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR IN HONG KONG SHOULD PRODUCE ABOUT 30,000 AND 35,000 UNITS RESPECTIVELY.*

MR. SCOTT SAID SOUTHEAST ASIAN GOVERNMENTS FACE STAGGERING PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF GROWING URBANISATION.

IN THE 10 YEARS 1968-1977, THE POPULATION OF THE 25 MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK HAD LEAPT FROM 995 MILLION TO 1,220 MILLION PEOPLE OF WHOM 24 PER CENT LIVE IN URBAN AREAS.

THESE COUNTRIES ALL FACED A COLOSSAL DEMAND FOR ADEQUATE HOUSING AND WHERE HOUSEHOLDS COULD NOT MEET THE COST OF MINIMAL HOUSING THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE SHOULD PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SUBSIDY, HE SAID.

+WHAT THIS MEANS IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA REGION IS THAT FOR THE SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF HOUSEHOLDS, A HIGH DEGREE OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IS UNAVOIDABLY NECESSARY FOR ANY EFFECTIVE INROADS TO BE MADE ON THE PRESENT HOUSING SITUATION AND ON FUTURE PROBLEMS AS THEY DEVELOP,* HE SAID.

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POST OFFICE GETS MORE THAN 10,000 +DEAD+ LETTERS A DAY *****

AS COLD WATER TO A THIRSTY SOUL, SO IS GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY —THIS MOTTO CARRIES AN EXTRA SPECIAL MEANING FOR A GROUP OF OFFICERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE.

FOR THEIR JOB, UNUSUAL AS IT MAY SOUND, IS TO +RESURRECT DEAD LETTERS* -- MAIL WITH WRONG OR INCOMPLETE ADDRESSES.

+WITH MORE THAN 10,000 OF THESE LETTERS EVERY DAY, THE JOB, NEEDLESS TO SAY, IS VERY COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT,* A SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE LETTERS, HE POINTED OUT, ARE POSTED LOCALLY AND THE REST FROM ABROAD.

IN MOST CASES, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED, THERE IS NO RETURN ADDRESS +WHICH ADDS TO OUR PROBLEM.*

HE ATTRIBUTED IT TO SHEER CARELESSNESS AND POOR AND ILLEGIBLE WRITING ON THE PART OF THE SENDER.

BUT EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO SAVE AS MANY OF THESE LETTERS AS POSSIBLE.

/+IT IS AN ARDUOUS .....

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1979

+IT IS AN ARDUOUS TASK WITH EVERY MEMBER OF THE TEAM HAVING TO GO THROUGH TELEPHONE AND BUSINESS DIRECTORIES, STREET GUIDES, AND MAPS SEARCHING FOR CLUES AS TO THE ADDRESSEE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ONLY AS A LAST RESORT WILL MAIL BE OPENED AND THIS IS CARRIED OUT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A SENIOR POSTAL OFFICIAL.

DESPITE THESE EFFORTS, THE SPOKESMAN ADMITTED THAT THE SUCCESS RATE STOOD AT BETWEEN SEVEN AND EIGHT PER CENT FOR LOCALLY POSTED ITEMS AND 30 PER CENT FOR OVERSEAS MAIL.

EXPLAINING WHAT HAPPENS TO WRONGLY ADDRESSED LETTERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THEY ARE KEPT FOR TWO MONTHS IN THE HOPE THAT SOME OF THE RECIPIENTS MIGHT TURN UP TO CLAIM THEIR MAIL.

+THE LETTERS ARE DESTROYED IF THERE ARE NO CLAIMANTS AFTER THIS PERIOD,* HE SAID.

BUT LETTERS CONTAINING CASH, DRAFTS OR CHEQUES ARE TREATED DIFFERENTLY.

+WE ALSO DEAL WITH A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PRINTED MATTER — MAINLY BOOKS AND MAGAZINES. IF WE CANNOT TRACE THE RECIPIENT OR THE SENDER, WE NORMALLY DONATE THEM TO CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS, HOSPITALS AND PENAL INSTITUTIONS,* HE SAID.

PARCELS ARE MUCH EASIER TO HANDLE AS THE MAJORITY HAVE THE SENDERS’ ADDRESS.

BUT, IF THEY CANNOT BE DELIVERED OR RETURNED, THE ARTICLES ARE THEN AUCTIONED.

+S0, MAKE SURE YOU WRITE THE CORRECT ADDRESS AS WELL AS YOUR OWN RETURN ADDRESS. AFTER ALL, IT ONLY TAKES A FEW SECONDS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED.

HE SAID THAT TO ENSURE DELIVERY!

* PLEASE USE A FULL POSTAL ADDRESS -- THAT IS,

NAME OF ADDRESSEE FLAT AND FLOOR NUMBERS NAME OF BUILDING NUMBER AND NAME OF STREET NAME OF VILLAGE, TOWN OR DISTRICT (IN LARGE LETTERS) HONG KONG OR KOWLOON AS APPROPRIATE AND — IF ADDRESSED ABROAD — THE POSTAL DISTRICT NUMBER, IF ANY-NAME OF COUNTY, STATE OR PROVINCENAME OF COUNTRY.

M LEAVE A SPACE ALONG THE TOP OF THE ENEVLOPE FOR POSTAL FRANKING.

* PUT NAME AND ADDRESS OF SENDER ON THE BACK.

* STAMPS TO BE PLACED IN TOP RIGHT-HAND CORNER -- SIDE BY SIDE IF MORE THAN ONE.

X DO NOT USE AIR MAIL ENVELOPES FOR SURFACE POST.

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1979

INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND RESUMED IN URBAN AREAS ******

THE COMPENSATION RATE FOFLOLD SCHEDULED AGRICULTURAL LOTS RESUMED IN NEW KOWLOON OR ON HONG KONG ISLAND HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM §43 TO 858 PER SQUARE FOOT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY). THE NEW RATE IS EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1, 1979.

THE RATE OF §600 PER SQUARE FOOT FOR OLD SCHEDULED BUILDING LAND RESUMED IN NEW KOWLOON OR ON HONG KONG ISLAND REMAINS UNCHANGED.

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TECHNICAL INSTITUTE THREE QUARTERS COMPLETE

******

SUPERSTRUCTURE WORK ON, THE 812.5 MILLION KOWLOON TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IS ABOUT THREE QUARTERS COMPLETE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT WORK ON THE PROJECT WAS BEING CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES.

+WE ARE NOW DOING THE INTERNAL FINISHES SUCH AS PARTITIONS AND DOOR FRAMES FOR PHASE ONE AND WE ARE ABOUT TO START DOING PLASTERING WORK,+ HE SAID.

THE INSTITUTE, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF JUST OVER TWO HECTARES, IS SITUATED AT THE CORNER OF RENFREW ROAD AND HEREFORD ROAD OPPOSITE TO OSBORN BARRACKS.

THE SCHOOL BUILDING COMPRISES A FOUR-STOREY ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK AND A FIVE-STOREY TEACHING BLOCK WITH 55 CLASSROOMS, SPECIAL ROOMS AND WORKSHOPS PROVIDING COURSES FOR ENGINEERING, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, FOOTWEAR TECHNOLOGY AND PRACTICAL DESIGN.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WORK ON PHASE ONE WOULD BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER.

MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROJECT IS ABOUT 50 PER CENT COMPLETE.

THE ENTIRE INSTITUTE IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

MONDAY, APPIL 23, 1979

SHELTERED WORKSHOPS - JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED

*****

AN 18-YEAR-OLD MENTALLY RETARDED GIRL, WHO WAS FOR SOME TIME SEEN AS A BURDEN ON HER FAMILY, IS TODAY HAPPILY OCCUPIED AND LEADING A USEFUL WORKING LIFE.

AFTER UNCOVERING HER PLIGHT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOUND HER A PLACE IN ONE OF ITS SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WHICH PROVIDE SIMPLE INDUSTRIAL WORK FOR THE DISABLED.

WORKING THE NORMAL EIGHT-HOUR DAY DOING CRAFTWORK, THE GIRL, APART FROM EARNING A MODERATE WAGE, IS BEING HELPED TO REGAIN CONFIDENCE AND ACQUIRE WORKING HABITS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) SOME DISABLED PEOPLE, BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THEIR DISABILITIES, MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER OPEN EMPLOYMENT AND A SHELTERED WORKSHOP WAS AIMED AT ENABLING THEM TO LEAD A USEFUL WORKING LIFE.

AT PRESENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE DEPARTMENT IS RUNNING EIGHT SHELTERED WORKSHOPS OFFERING SIMPLE INDUSTRIAL WORK IN A SHELTERED ENVIRONMENT TO 7DO DISABLED PEOPLE WHO ARE EITHER BLIND, DEAF, EX-MENTAL PATIENTS, MENTALLY RETARDED OR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.

THE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO SET UP 13 MORE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS TO PROVIDE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR 1,600 DISABLED PEOPLE, HE SAID.

+THE PROVISION OF SHELTERED WORKSHOPS IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED AND TO HELP THEM INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.

SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, HE SAID, ARE ALSO RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WITH GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WERE PURPOSE-BUILT, WITH FEATURES AND FACILITIES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE DISABLED.

+FOR INSTANCE, THERE ARE HANDRAILS FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, RAMPS FOR THOSE ON WHEELCHAIRS, AND EXTRA PRECAUTIONARY FITTINGS TO ENSURE SAFETY FOR THE WORKERS,* HE SAID.

HE SAID SHELTERED WORKERS WERE ALSO PROVIDED WITH WELFARE BENEFITS WHICH INCLUDE FREE TRANSPORT, FREE LUNCH AND INCENTIVE PAYMENTS.

+THEY ARE PRIMARILY ENGAGED IN SIMPLE INDUSTRIAL WORK WHICH ARE EITHER PART-FINISHED, LABOUR-ADDED OR PACKAGING WITH THE MATERIALS SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURERS.

+THEIR WORK IS SCHEDULED, TAUGHT AND SUPERVISED BY TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND THE WORKSHOP SUPERVISOR,* HE SAID.

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MONDAY, APR IL 23, 1979

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT VISITS PWD PROJECTS *****

THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MR. DAVID STEAD, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED A NUMBER OF WORK SITES IN KOWLOON DURING HIS MONTHLY FAMILIARISATION TOUR OF PWD PROJECTS.

AMONG THE PROJECTS VISITED WAS THE HUNG HOM FERRY CONCOURSE WHICH AIMS AT PROVIDING BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT FACILITIES FOR THE PUBLIC. IT COMPRISES A BUS TERMINUS, A TAXI STAND AND A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS.

THE PROJECT IS NOW 70 PER CENT COMPLETED AND IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED IN AUGUST.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE NEW HUNG HOM FERRY PIER HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED EARLY NEXT MONTH.

OTHER PROJECTS VISITED INCLUDED THE FOUNDATION WORK FOR THE FUTURE ELEVATED ROAD CONNECTING THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD WITH KWUN TONG, THE LAI CHI KOK RECLAMATION AND THE MONG KOK RAILWAY STATION REMODELLING PHASE I AND II.

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

JURY LIST * * * *

THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR. SIMON HERBERT MAYO ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING ON MAY 7.

THE LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS DURING WHICH ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED.

SPECIFIC REASONS FOR THE REQUEST SHOULD BE GIVEN IN THE NOTICE, AND THE REGISTRAR MAY AT HIS DISCRETION ALTER THE LIST IF NECESSARY.

-------0

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1979

SPECIAL TRAINS TO RACE COURSE STATION ON WEDNESDAY ft ft r.

THE KOWLOON-DANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE THREE SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE STATION ON WEDNESDAY EVENING.

THE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 5.40 P.M., 6.15 P.M. AND 6.48 P.M.

THERE WILL EE FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY TO TAKE PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON

STATION

THE RUNNING TIME OF THE SPECIAL TRAINS IS 20 MINUTES AND THEIR TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S CFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.

IN ADDITION, KCR WILL RE-ROUTE TWO OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE COURSE STATION AT 9.01 P.M. AND 9.52' P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.

A KCR SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) ENCOURAGED THO^E GOING BY PRIVATE CARS TO MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK ABOVE THE KOWLOON STATION.

HE ALSO SAID THAT APART FROM SEVERAL BUS CONNECTING ROUTES AND FERRY SERVICES OPERATING BETWEEN WAN CHAI, NORTH POINT AND HUNG HOM PIER, THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL FERRIES OPERATED BY THE STAR FERRY COMPANY FROM HUNG HOM TO CONNECT WITH THE TRAINS. THESE FERRIES WILL LEAVE HUNG HOM AT 9.50 P.M., 10.30 P.M., 11.15 P.M. AND 11.50 P.M.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAIN SERVICES HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY AMENDED AND THE REVISED SCHEDULE BETWEEN 5 P.M. AND 11 P.M. IS:

FROM KOWLOON STATION:

5 P.M., 5.27 P.M., 6 P.M., 6.33 P.M., 7.23 P.M., 7.51 P.M., 9.11 P.M. AND 10.30 P.M.

FROM LO WU STATION:

5.26 P.M., 6.23 P.M., 7.15 P.M., 7.46 P.M., 8.12 P.M. AND 9.04 P.M.

- _ 0 - -

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1979

PART OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO CLOSE *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A LENGTH OF ABOUT 100 METRES OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY BETWEEN TAI CHUNG HAU AND TUI MIN HOI WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO FACILITATE INSTALLATION OF WATER MAINS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, THE ADJACENT SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THIS SECTION OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ALTERNATIVELY. TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE REGULATED BY SIGNALS OPERATING 24 HOURS DAILY.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

-----0-----

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC * * * *

ROAD AND SHA

STABILISATION

THE SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD BETWEEN YEUNG UK TSUI ROAD, CLOSED SINCE APRIL 7 BECAUSE OF SLOPE_______

WORKS, IS NOW TEMPORARILY OPENED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ONLY.

SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG THE TEXACO ROAD-SHA TSUI ROAD ROAD, KWU HANG ROAD, YEUNG UK SOUTHBOUND.

TEXACO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED AT JUNCTION TO TRAVEL VIA SHA TSUI ROAD TO REJOIN TEXACO ROAD

THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE UNTIL THE STABILISATION WORKS

EFFECTIVE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS ARE COMPLETED.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE BEEN SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

WATER CUT * * *

cA.-r T^^AIER SUPpLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9AM ON WEDNESDAY TO 11 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS CONNECTION ’ WORK AT WING LUNG STREET NEAR CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD. C0NNECTI0N

MONG KOK,“IS JEV,^HEUNG SHA "AN- TAI

- - o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BRIDGES PROPOSED TO LINK KOWLOON AND LANTAU ...............

SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER TO BE TABLED AT LEGCO TOMORROW 3

WORKSHOP ON SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME .......................... 4

FIRE OFFICERS VISIT 8 TAI KOK TSUI BUILDINGS ................ 5

SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS .................................. 6

TIPS ON HOME-MADE TEACHING AIDS FOR MATHS TEACHERS .......... 7

EDUCATOR EMPHASISES ON BALANCED EDUCATION ................... 8

C’WEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION DELEGATE LEAVES FOR BRITAIN...................................................... 9

CIVIL AID SERVICES PASSING OUT PARADE ....................... 9

TWO BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ........................... 10

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................... 10

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN .................. 10

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

BRIDGES PROPOSED TO LINK KOWLOON AND LANTAU * * * *

THE CONSULTANTS APPOINTED BY GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE A PROPOSED FIXED CROSSING FROM THE KOWLOON MAINLAND TO LANTAU ISLAND HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR REPORT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) IT WAS HOPED A DECISION ON THE REPORT WOULD BE REACHED IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS.

+IT IS A VERY DETAILED AND COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, AND GOVERNMENT WILL WANT TO EXAMINE IT VERY CLOSELY,+ HE SAID.

THE REPORT RECOMMENDS:

* A MAIN SPAN CONCRETE PRESTRESSED CANTILEVER BRIDGE ACROSS RAMBLER CHANNEL.

* A HIGHWAY ACROSS THE NORTH SIDE OF TSING Yl ISLAND.

* A 1,350-METRE MAIN SPAN SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER THE MAIN CROSSING FROM TSING Yl TO MA WAN.

* A HIGHWAY ON THE NORTH SIDE OF MA WAN WITH APPROACH VIADUCTS FOR THE KAP SHUI MUN CROSSING.

* A 480-METRE MAIN SPAN SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER KAP SHUI MUN.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CONSULTANTS SAID NUMEROUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS HAD BEEN EXAMINED AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS MADE.

♦THE RESULTS OF OUR INVESTIGATIONS HAVE ENABLED US TO RECOMMEND A SINGLE SCHEME AS BEING CLEARLY SUPERIOR TO ALL THE ALTERNATIVES,+ HE SAID.

+WHILE THE SCHEME IS PROFESSIONALLY CHALLENGING, ALL THE RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS FALL WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY.+

♦THE RESULTING STRUCTURES IN THEIR DRAMATIC SETTING WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY RANK ALONG SIDE OTHERS, SUCH AS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN WORLD-WIDE RENOWN,+ HE ADDED.

THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER THE MAIN CROSSING WOULD HAVE A CLEARANCE OF 62 METRES FOR SHIPPING. THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE ACROSS KAP SHUI MUN WOULD PROVIDE A 50-METRE CLEARANCE.

THE REPORT ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT WHILE THE CROSSING WOULD INITIALLY CATER FOR FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, THE KAP SHUI MUN AND MAIN CROSSING BRIDGE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED WITH SUFFICIENT CAPACITY IN CABLES, TOWERS AND ANCHORAGES TO ACCOMMODATE EIGHT LANES.

THE RAMBLER CHANNEL CROSSING WOULD BE BUILT TO CARRY FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC ONLY.

/THE REPORT .....

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

THE REPORT SUGGESTS THAT A FURTHER BRIDGE COULD BE BUILT AT YAU KOM TAU. THIS WOULD BE A 39O-METRE SPAN CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE, ALSO WITH FOUR LANES CAPACITY.

AS WITH THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER THE MAIN CROSSING THE YAU KOM TAU BRIDGE WOULD HAVE A CLEARANCE OF 62 METRES FOR SHIPPING.

THE REPORT ADDS THAT IF DESIGN WORK BEGAN PROMPTLY THE PROJECT COULD BE COMPLETED BY 1984.

THE MAIN CROSSING AND KAP SHU I MUN BRIDGES, AS SUGGESTED IN THE REPORT, ARE PARTICULARLY STRIKING IN THAT THEY PROVIDE FOR ALL-WEATHER LOWER DECKS.

THE SUSPENDED STRUCTURE WHICH CARRIES THE DOUBLE-DECK HIGHWAY, HAS A STREAMLINE AEROFOIL SHAPE TO REDUCE WIND DRAG, AND INCORPORATES SLOTTED EDGE STABILISERS AND A CENTRAL AIR VENT TO GIVE AERODYNAMIC STABILITY IN TYPHOON WINDS.

THE MAIN CROSSING BRIDGE WOULD ALSO BE ONE OF THE LONGEST OF ITS TYPE IN THE WORLD.

THE REPORT INCLUDES DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS ON LAND-SCAPING, TREE PLANTING AND OTHER MEASURES TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND THE PROJECT.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A STUDY OF CROSSINGS IN 1973 CONCLUDED THAT A NUMBER OF ALTERNATIVES WOULD BE TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE AND FINANCIALLY VIABLE.

TRAFFIC STUDIES WERE CARRIED OUT BY THE PWD AND IN JULY 1978 THE DEPARTMENT COMMISSIONED THE ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS GROUP OF HONG KONG -- COMPRISING MOTT, HAY AND ANDERSON FAR EAST, PER HALL CONSULTANTS LIMITED, L.G. MOUCHEL AND PARTNERS (ASIA) AND HARRIS AND SUTHERLAND FAR EAST -- TO EXAMINE A FIXED CROSSING TO LANTAU ISLAND.

+ THIS REPORT BY THE CONSULTANTS IS THE CULMINATION OF THOSE STUDIES TO DATE. CAREFUL CONSIDERATION MUST NOW BE GIVEN TO THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS,+ THE PWD SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OTHER ALTERNATIVES WOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION AS WELL.

THESE INVOLVED A SUBMERGED TUBE TUNNEL OR A BORED TUNNEL.

THE SUBMERGED TUNNEL WOULD EXTEND FROM TSI NG Yl TO MA WAN. THE BORED TUNNEL, ON THE OTHER HAND, WOULD RUN FROM TSI NG Yl THROUGH TO LANTAU ISLAND.

+COST WILL, OF COURSE, BE A FACTOR TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT, AS WELL AS ANY POTENTIAL NEED FOR INCREASING CAPACITY IN THE FUTURE TO EIGHT LANES OF TRAFFIC,* HE SAID.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER TO BE TABLED AT LEGCO TOMORROW ******

THE BLUEPRINT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 198O’S WILL BE PUBLISHED IN A WHITE PAPER AND TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE WHITE PAPER.

ALSO IN TOMORROW’S SESSION OF THE COUNCIL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL PRESENT A REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET FOR 1979-80. LATER, THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1979 WILL GO INTO COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE READ THE THIRD TIME.

DURING THE MEETING, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. WONG LAM WILL ASK A QUESTION ABOUT THE CONGESTION AT IMMIGRATION OFFICES, AND THE HON. ANDREW SO WILL ASK ABOUT THE NUMBER OF BOAT DWELLERS IN HONG KONG AND HOW MANY ARE ON THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S WAITING LIST FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.

THERE WILL ALSO BE SEVEN BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE COUNCIL, INCLUDING THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979 WHICH DEALS WITH THUGS AND OTHER CRIMINAL ELEMENTS WHO UNLAWFULLY LOITER IN PUBLIC PLACES.

AT COMMITTEE STAGE, 11 BILLS INCLUDING THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1979, WILL BE READ THE THIRD TIME.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

workshop on summer youth programme

* K M *

ABOUT 200 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL EE MEETING ON THURSDAY TO DISCUSS WAYS OF PROVIDING AN ENJOYABLE SUMMER FOR THE HONG KONG YOUTH.

THEY WILL BE HOLDING A +WORKSHOP ON THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME,+ UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR. JAMES SO, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.

THE HALF-DAY WORKSHOP, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR YOUTH RECREATION, AIMS TO REVIEW THE SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ORGANISERS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND TO EXPLORE POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS FOR FUTURE PROGRAMMES.

IT WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME RECENTLY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

MR. CHAN FU-SAI OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND MR. DANIEL CHAN OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK AT THE WORKSHOP.

FOLLOWING THE SPEECHES, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO EIGHT GROUPS FOR PANEL DISCUSSIONS. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPEN FORUM.

♦IT IS HOPED THE WORKSHOP WILL HELP ORGANISERS OF THE PROGRAMME TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS OF YOUTHS SO AS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH MORE SUITABLE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN FUTURE YEARS.+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

APART FROM PROVIDING BOTH STUDENTS AND YOUNG WORKERS WITH FUN AND GAMES, THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES DEMANDING AND CHALLENGING SCHEMES AIMED AT WIDENING THE PARTICIPANTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND DEVELOPING THEIR POTENTIAL, SELF CONFIDENCE, SKILLS AND INTERESTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A +WORKSHOP ON THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME+ FOR ABOUT 200 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE HELD IN THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM OF THE DUKE CF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING IN HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 9.30 A.M. ON THURSDAY. ’

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. THE HALF-DAY WORKSHOP IS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR YOUTH RECREATION.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

FIRE OFFICERS VISIT 8 TAI KOK TSUI BUILDINGS *****

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OFFICERS TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED EIGHT TAI KOK TSUI RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS CHOSEN AT RANDOM TO LOOK FOR POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.

DIVISIONAL OFFICER, MR. LAM LOK-BUN, WHO HEADED THE OPERATION SAID THE VISIT WAS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DANGER OF FIRE IN CROWDED MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.

DURING THE FOUR-HOUR OPERATION, SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS PAID TO THE MEANS OF ESCAPE, ERECTION OF METAL GATES, FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND ROOF-TOP EXITS.

AS A RESULT, 569 HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES WILL BE SERVED ON THE OCCUPANTS, MR. LAM SAID. MOST OF THE NOTICES RELATE TO SWING-TYPE METAL GATES CAUSING OBSTRUCTION TO THE COMMON CORRIDORS.

THE OCCUPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE GATES IN A STIPULATED PERIOD AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTICES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN SUMMONSES BEING ISSUED AGAINST THEM.

FIRE OFFICERS ALSO FOUND THE CONDITION OF FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION IN SOME BUILDINGS UNSATISFACTORY. OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS — ALL 15 STOREYS HIGH — WILL BE WARNED TO MAINTAIN THE INSTALLATIONS IN EFFICIENT WORKING ORDER.

A TOTAL OF 126 FACTORIES WERE DISCOVERED IN FOUR OF THE DOMESTIC BUILDINGS. THE BUREAU WILL MAKE FURTHER ENQUIRIES TO SEE WHETHER THESE FACTORIES HAVE COMPLIED WITH FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS.

ANOTHER VISIT WILL BE PAID TO OTHER BUILDINGS TO CHECK ON MORE FACTORIES, MR. LAM SAID.

SIX ILLEGAL ROOF-TOP STRUCTURES WERE ALSO FOUND AND DETAILS WOULD BE PASSED TO THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE FOR ACTION.

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/6.....

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS * * * * *

THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF ANNUAL RENTAL FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.

THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 6,150 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING VEHICLES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.

TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 11.

0--------

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

TIPS ON HOME-MADE TEACHING AIDS FOR MATHS TEACHERS ******

A SERIES OF COURSES AND WORKSHOPS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TEACHERS IN CONNECTION WITH HOME-MADE MATHEMATICS TEACHING AIDS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON FRIDAY.

FOR TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD ON THE MAKING AND USE OF SIMPLE TEACHING AIDS .SUCH AS BEAM BALANCES, ABACUS, THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAPES AND CLINOMETERS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE SESSIONS FOR PRACTICAL WORK AND DISCUSSIONS, ALL OF WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE, TANNER ROAD POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL, PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.

SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE ATTENDING A SERIES OF COURSES ON THE INTERESTING APPLICATIONS OF THE PINBOARD AND PEGBOARD, TOGETHER WITH SESSIONS FOR PRACTICAL WORK AND DISCUSSIONS.

THE COURSES WILL BE HELD AT THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE AT THE WONG TAI SIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, CHING TAK STREET, KOWLOON, BETWEEN FRIDAY AND MAY 22.

THESE COURSES AND WORKSHOPS ARE ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

SIMILAR COURSES FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS WERE HELD IN MARCH AND EARLY APRIL ON THE MAKING OF ACCESSORIES FOR THE MAGNETIC GRAPH BOARD IN RELATION TO THE VARIOUS TEACHING TOPICS IN JUNIOR FORM MATHEMATICS.

A FOLLOW-UP SURVEY CONDUCTED AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS INDICATED THAT THE COURSES WERE POPULAR. THERE WERE ALSO REQUESTS FOR MORE COURSES AND WORKSHOPS IN FUTURE.

+THE MODERN TEACHING TREND OPTS FOR THE USE OF HOME-MADE TEACHING AIDS, AND THE SERIES OF WORKSHOPS AND COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED WITH THIS POINT IN MIND,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MATHEMATICS SECTION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

+THESE ACTIVITIES RESULT IN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING AMONG PARTICIPANTS OF THE HOME-MADE TEACHING AIDS IN RELATION TO THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS.+

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

EDUCATOR EMPHASISES ON BALANCED EDUCATION

******

THE IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED EDUCATION WAS STRONGLY EMPHASISED BY MR. ARTHUR BROWN, SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN HE OPENED AN ART, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION AT ISLAND SCHOOL.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR. BROWN SAID THERE WAS A TIME WHEN IT WAS FELT THAT THE SO-CALLED NON-ACADEMIC SUBJECTS COULD BE RESERVED FOR LESS-ABLE STUDENTS AND THAT BRIGHT CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BOTHER WITH SUCH SUBJECTS BUT SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON MORE ACADEMIC MATTERS.

♦THINGS ARE NOW DIFFERENT AND WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CURRICULA IN THE FIELD OF ART AND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, THIS AREA HAS GREAT ATTRACTION FOR ABLE AS WELL AS LESS-ABLE STUDENTS.* HE SAID.

WHILE THESE SUBJECTS WERE STILL ENTIRELY PRACTICAL IN NATURE, MR. BROWN POINTED OUT, THEY WERE NO LONGER BASED ON REPETITIVE WORK BUT ENCOURAGED ORIGINAL THINKING AND EXERCISE IN PROBLEM SOLVING.

+1 AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT ISLAND SCHOOL HAS BEEN A PIONEER IN THIS FIELD AND NOW THESE SUBJECTS ARE BEING TAKEN UP IN MANY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG. YOUR SCHOOL IS TO BE CONGRATULATED ON BEING SO FAR SIGHTED AND ON THE EXCELLENT PROGRESS YOUR STUDENTS HAVE MADE,+ MR. BROWN SAID.

COMMENTING ON THE SCHOOL’S INTEREST IN MICRO-COMPUTERS, HE SAID: +AGAIN YOU ARE IN THE FOREFRONT OF PROGRESS IN MODERN EDUCATIONAL IDEAS AND IT IS HOPED THAT BEFORE LONG EVERY SCHOOL WILL BECOME INTERESTED IN THEM.*

THE MICRO-COMPUTER, APART FROM ITS USE IN SOLVING PROBLEMS IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE, CAN BE USED TO ILLUSTRATE COMPUTER PRINCIPLES AND GIVE STUDENTS AN INSIGHT INTO THE ROLE OF COMPUTERS IN THE MODERN WORLD.

0 -------

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

C’WEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION DELEGATE LEAVER FOR BRITAIN *****

MR. FRANCIS TIEN, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH, COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION, LEAVES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR A THREE-WEEK VISIT TO BRITAIN.

THE VISIT IS ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION.

MR. TIEN, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE, WILL JOIN REPRESENTATIVES OF 19 OTHER COMMONWEALTH BRANCHES OF THE ASSOCIATION AND LEGISLATURES WHO WILL ALSO BE TRAVELLING TO BRITAIN.

IN ADDITION TO RENEWING LINKS WITH THE BRITISH BRANCH OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE VISITORS WILL MEET MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AT WESTMINSTER AND THROUGH DISCUSSIONS AND INFORMAL CONTACTS GAIN A WIDER EXPERIENCE OF THE OUTLOOK OF OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.

DELEGATES WILL ALSO SEE SOMETHING OF MODERN BRITAIN WITH TRIPS SCHEDULED TO THE MIDLANDS, EDINBURGH AND THE ISLE OF MAN.

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

CIVIL AID SERVICES PASSING OUT PARADE

*****

A PASSING OUT PARADE OF 150 CIVIL AID SERVICES RECRUITS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS COMPOUND ON FRIDAY.

MR. HO TSE-KIN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF THE CAS, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE.

HE WILL ALSO PRESENT SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING RECRUITS AND CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO SEVEN MEMBERS.

THE CIVIL AID SERVICES BAND WILL PROVIDE MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY.

THE RECRUITS HAVE COMPLETED CAS BASIC COURSES IN FOOTDRILL, FIRST AID AND CIVIL DEFENCE, AND WILL BE POSTED TO VARIOUS UNITS FOR FURTHER OPERATIONAL TRAINING AND DUTIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PASSING OUT PARADE OF 150 RECRUITS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT E P.M. ON FRIDAY. M?. HO TSE-KIN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CAS, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND PRESENT CERTIFICATES AND CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.

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

/10....

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979

TWO BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS * * * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (TUESDAY) DECLARED NOS. 43 AND 45 MOSQUE JUNCTION, HONG KONG, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE FOUR-STOREY BUILDINGS WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND BEAMS SUPPORTED ON LOAD-BEARING WALLS.

RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE MASONRY WALLS IN THE BASEMENT ARE IN AN ADVANCED STATE OF DETERIORATION AND ARE BADLY DISPLACED. +AS THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ACCORDINGLY, NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON MAY 8 WERE POSTED TODAY.

_ _ 0 - -

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED

*****

THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON A 45-YEAR-OLD FOOD HAWKER, CHU WO-SHING ON MAY 5, 1978, FOR MURDER WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) COMMUTED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

CHU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF ANOTHER FOOD HAWKER, CHUNG PO-WING, 56, IN A LANE BEHIND THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND, KOWLOON, ON OCTOBER 7, 1977.

- - 0 - -

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN ' *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEUNG WAN FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK RENEWAL WORKS:

* ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WITH UNLADEN WEIGHT EXCEEDING TWO TONS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF CLEVERLY STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL- AND

* ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TRAVELLING EASTBOUND ALONG DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN MORRISON STREET AND CLEVERLY STREET.

DURING THE PERIOD, EASTBOUND BUS SERVICES ON ROUTES 1. 2. 3. Ill AND 121 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA HILLIER STREET INSTEAD OF CLEVERLY

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

CONTENT PAGE NO.

WHITE PAPER MAPS OUT EXPANSION PLANS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES .................................... 1

PUBLIC COMMENTS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WHITE PAPER ................................ 5

TRADE DEFICIT NARROWING -- FS ...................... 6

HK’S BASIC ECONOMIC ELEMENTS AS STRONG AS EVER ..... 7

MEASURES NOT SUFFICIENT TO RESTRAIN INFLATIONARY TREND 9

BILL SEEKS TO ENLARGE LOITERING LAW ................ 10

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME STARTS NEXT MONTH .............................................. 12

557 BOAT FAMILIES ON PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST ... 14

TAX CONCESSION BILL................................. 15

ESTABLISHING AGE OF YOUNG OFFENDERS ................ 16

HEAVIER FINES NO DETERRENT FOR BUILDING OFFENCES ... 17

RECORDS HELP IDENTIFY SCHOOL DROP-OUTS ............. 18

RESIDENCE CRITERION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING SUGGESTED ... 19

REASONS FOR CONGESTION IN IMMIGRATION OFFICES ...... 21

GRANTS COMMITTEE -- STRIKING A DIFFICULT BALANCE ... 23

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR LAW STUDENT ENROLMENT ... 24

BILL TO INCREASE VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAX .......... 25

PATENTS BILL AMENDED ............................... 26

EXEMPTION LIMIT OF ESTATE DUTY ON GIFTS ............ 26

/motor vehicle

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

MOTO?? VEHICLE LICENCE FEE INCREASE PROPOSED ............ 27

CS THANKS FINANCE COMMITTEE ............................ 27

11 BILLS PASSED ......................................... 27

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1979 ................ 28

U.S. - HK TEXTILE TALKS CONCLUDED ....................... 30

MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO BE INAUGURATED ........................... 31

CONCERTS BY THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND HK’S YOUTH MUSICIANS ......................................... 32

RESTRICTED ZONE ......................................... 33

WATER CUT ............................................... 33

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

WHITE PAPER MAPS OUT EXPANSION PLANS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES

* * * M *

A PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANSION IN SOCIAL SECURITY AND DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES, COSTING AN ESTIMATED $2,000 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL CAPITAL AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OVER THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS, IS OUTLINED IN A WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE COMPREHENSIVE WHITE PAPER, ENTITLED +SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 198O’S,+ SETS OUT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO IMPROVE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS, TO INTRODUCE AN ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS, AND TO EXPAND DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES, PARTICULARLY FOR THE ELDERLY AND YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE DISABILITY ALLOWANCE WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE PROFOUNDLY DEAF, AND A DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT WILL BE INTRODUCED WITHIN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.

SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE IMPROVED ON A WIDE FRONT AND WILL INCLUDE INSTITUTIONAL AND HEALTH CARE, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK WILL BE EXPANDED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO HELP PREVENT ANTI-SOCIAL AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR.

THE WHITE PAPER IS THE CULMINATION OF WIDE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE THREE GREEN PAPERS ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, AND IT COVERS OTHER WELFARE SERVICES AS WELL. IT EXCLUDES REHABILITATION SERVICES WHICH ARE COVERED BY A SEPARATE WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED IN 1977.

THE PLANS ENVISAGED IN THE PAPER REPRESENT REALISTIC GOALS BUT WILL BE REVIEWED AND ADJUSTED ANNUALLY AGAINST CHANGING NEEDS.

THE PRINCIPAL MEASURES AREi

SOCIAL SECURITY

A DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT WITHIN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE IMPROVED SUPPORT FOR THE PARTIALLY DISABLED AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THIS SUPPLEMENT WILL BE HALF THE BASIC PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATE FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND WILL BE ADDED TO THE SCALE OF ALLOWANCE FOR ANYONE WITH A 50 PER CENT OR MORE LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, OR WHO IS SUFFERING .FROM A MENTAL OR PHYSICAL CONDITION MEDICALLY CERTIFIED AS BEING BROADLY EQUIVALENT.

IN VIEW OF PUBLIC SUPPORT, THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXTEND NEXT YEAR THE NON-MEANS TESTED DISABILITY ALLOWANCE TO COVER THE PROFOUNDLY DEAF WHO ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ANOTHER +VULNERABLE GROUP* IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

/an assistance ....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 2

AN ASSISTANCE SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT.

DISCUSSIONS ARE ALSO IN HAND WITH THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION ON THE SETTING UP OF A MOTOR INSURER’S BUREAU, WHICH WOULD ENABLE A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM TO OBTAIN MORE ADEQUATE COMPENSATION IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE HE IS UNABLE TO DO SO AT PRESENT.

THESE IMPROVED SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS WILL BE ADDITIONAL TO THOSE GREEN PAPER PROPOSALS ALREADY IMPLEMENTED:

M THE INTRODUCTION FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS OF A LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT, AN OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT AND A SYSTEM OF DISREGARDED INCOME-

M THE EXTENSION OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS THE WELFARE ALLOWANCE) TO COVER PEOPLE UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE-

* THE LOWERING OF THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FROM 75 TO 70- AND

* THE SETTING UP OF AN INDEPENDENT SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD.

ON THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSAL FOR A VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTORY SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME, CONSIDERATION IS CONTINUING SEPARATELY IN ORDER NOT TO DELAY PUBLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS IN THE WHITE PAPER.

SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

ON INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE PRIORITY TO THE EXPANSION OF CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES PROVIDING PERSONAL AND NURSING CARE. AN EXTRA 1,400 PLACES ARE PLANNED FOR BY 1982-83, WHILE THE LONG-TERM TARGET IS TO PROVIDE FOUR PLACES FOR EVERY 1,000 POPULATION AGED 60 AND OVER.

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF THESE FACILITIES AND IS NOW EXAMINING THE BEST MEANS OF DOING SO.

THE PROVISION OF HOMES FOR THE AGED WILL ALSO BE EXPANDED AND 1,600 ADDITIONAL PLACES ARE PLANNED BY 1982-83, WITH A CARE AND ATTENTION SECTION HO BE INCLUDED IN NEW HOMES WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

ON HOUSING, AN ESTIMATED 177,000 OLD PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, AND A FURTHER 134,000 WILL BE REHOUSED UNDER THE EXISTING CRITERIA BY 1987-88.

IN ADDITION, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ACCEPTED A COMMITMENT OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS TO REHOUSE 10,000 ELDERLY IN ONE OR TWO-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR HOUSING UNDER THE EXISTING CRITERIA. OF THIS NUMBER, HALF WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN HOSTELS.

/the housing

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

THE HOUSING SOCIETY WILL ALSO ASSIST IN RE-HOUSING OLD PEOPLE, NOT ONLY THROUGH THEIR NORMAL HOUSING PROGRAMME BUT ALSO THROUGH THEIR SELF-CONTAINED FLAT SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY AT ITS CHO YIU CHUEN ESTATE AND IN FUTURE NEW ESTATES.

TO IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AS WELL AS OTHER CLIENT GROUPS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXPAND ITS GENERAL COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES, WITH A TARGET TRAINING FIGURE OF 350 ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY NURSES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SUPPLEMENTED BY MORE PLACES IN DAY HOSPITALS, GERIATRIC WARDS OR CLINICS, AND CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, AS WELL AS THROUGH BETTER HEALTH EDUCATION.

ON COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTRA 117 SOCIAL CENTRES BY 1982-83 WITH AN ULTIMATE TARGET OF ONE CENTRE FOR EVERY 20,000 OF THE POPULATION. SEVEN OF A MINIMUM OF 17 MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES REQUIRED ARE ALSO PLANNED FOR BY 1980-81.

PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

THE GOVERNMENT WILL FURTHER DEVELOP PERSONAL GUIDANCE AND HELP FOR VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE BY REACHING THEM AT HOME, AT SCHOOL AND IN SOCIETY AT LARGE, WITH AN OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF REDUCING AND PREVENTING ANTI-SOCIAL AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR.

THE MEASURES WILL BE TO EXPAND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK TO COVER ALL SCHOOLS, TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME BY 1982 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, AND TO EXTEND OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE NOT AT HOME OR AT SCHOOL.

TO INCREASE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH FACILITIES, 14 COMMUNITY CENTRES, 11 ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND 23 COMMUNITY HALLS ARE PLANNED TO BE BUILT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISION EACH YEAR OF 11 CHILDREN’S CENTRES AND 11 YOUTH CENTRES.

FAMILY WELFARE AND PROBATION AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

THE GOVERNMENT WILL PUBLISH A GREEN PAPER WHICH WILL INCORPORATE THE FINDINGS OF A WORKING PARTY ON THE CARE AND EDUCATION OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN.

THE PROBATION SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO BE STRENGTHENED TO MEET DEMANDS, WITH PLANS TO EXPAND THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS, AND TO INCREASE THE NUMBERS OF PROBATION HOSTEL PLACES AND PROBATION REPORTING CENTRES. IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, HOSTELS ARE PLANNED BOTH FOR REFORMATORY LICENSEES AND FOR DISCHARGED PRISONERS CONSIDERED NOT READY FOR REINTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

SUPPORTING SERVICES

TO HELP MEET A SHORTFALL IN TRAINED MANPOWER, THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC WILL EXPAND THEIR SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENTS TO CATER FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 TO 30 PER CENT OF STUDENTS.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO GIVE HIGH PRIORITY TO IN-SERVICE TRAINING, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE IDENTIFIED NEED FOR TRAINED STAFF WHO ARE NOT GRADUATES IN SOCIAL WORK.

FINANCING

IN VIEW OF THE SCALE OF DEVELOPMENTS ENVISAGED IN THE COMING DECADE, THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO PROPOSE SHORTLY FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AN IMPROVED SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION SYSTEM IN ORDER TO GIVE GREATER FINANCIAL SECURITY TO AGENCIES PROVIDING SERVICES IN HIGH PRIORITY AREAS.

AS SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED IN RECENT YEARS, IT IS CONSIDERED NOT UNREASONABLE FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVE SUCH BENEFITS TO BE ASKED TO MAKE SOME CONTRIBUTION TO THE COST OF SERVICES THEY ENJOY.

ON FEE CHARGING IN GENERAL, THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW IS THAT THE USER OF A SERVICE SHOULD PAY A REASONABLE FEE ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT INTENDED THAT THE FULL ECONOMIC COST SHOULD BE CHARGED, NOR SHOULD IT BE PITCHED SO HIGH AS TO DISCOURAGE POTENTIAL CLIENTS FROM USING THE SERVICE.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS ENVISAGED IN THE WHITE PAPER WILL INVOLVE HEAVY CAPITAL AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE. THE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FOR NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES, INCLUDING ALLOCATIONS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND, IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $100 MILLION FROM 1979-80 TO 1986-87, WHILE ADDITIONAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS ESTIMATED TO BE $1,953 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD, INCREASING FROM $163 MILLION IN 1979-80 TO $304 MILLION IN 1986-87.

TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM $422 MILLION IN 1979-80 TO $617 MILLION BY 1986-87, WHEN SOME 108,400 PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, 40,000 FROM THE DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, AND 203,500 FROM THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE.

-----o------ /5

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

PUBLIC COMMENTS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WHITE PAPER ******

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE WHITE PAPER +SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1980’3+ HAD TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE POINTS RAISED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE SUBJECT LAST YEAR.

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LEE SAID ACCOUNT HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN OF THE COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS ON THE THREE GREEN PAPERS FROM WHICH THE WHITE PAPER, TABLED AT THE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON, HAD DEVELOPED.

HE SAID FURTHER CONSULTATIONS HAD BEEN HELD WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR THROUGH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, AND THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD BEEN OBTAINED.

THE THREE GREEN PAPERS, ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, WERE PUBLISHED IN 1977 FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND COMMENT.

MR. LEE SAID THE WHITE PAPER ALSO INCLUDED STATEMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE AREAS COVERED BY THE 1973 WHITE PAPER +THE WAY AHEAD+, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF A SEPARATE WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED IN 1977.

HE SAID WHILE THE EXPANSION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE 1973 WHITE PAPER HAD BEEN DRAMATIC, ONE OF THE MAJOR CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WAS LIKELY TO BE THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY TAKING STEPS TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF TRAINED MANPOWER, FOR EXAMPLE, BY AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOLS OF SOCIAL WORK AT THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC, AND TO ENSURE THAT THE MANPOWER AVAILABLE IS USED IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY.

+1 BELIEVE, THEREFORE, THAT THE PROPOSALS MADE IN THIS WHITE PAPER ARE REALISTIC GOALS THAT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THIS AND OTHER POSSIBLE LIMITING FACTORS,* HE SAID.

THERE IS, MOREOVER, WELL-ESTABLISHED MACHINERY FOR REVIEWING AND ADJUSTING ALL SOCIAL WELFARE PLANNING TARGETS ANNUALLY IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING NEEDS AND IMPROVED PLANNtN'G INFORMATION, HE ADDED.

+TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION ALL THESE FACTORS, I BELIEVE THAT THE WHITE PAPER LAID ON THE TABLE TODAY PROVIDES A SOUND AND POSITIVE BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THE 198O’S,+ HE SAID.

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

/6.....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

TRADE DEFICIT NARROWING - FS

*****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HONG KONG’S TRADE DEFICIT IS NARROWING AND THAT INFLATIONARY PRESSURES ARE BEGINNING TO BE CONTAINED.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND BILL, ffi. HADDON-CAVE SAID TRADE STATISTICS FOR MARCH, WHICH WERE RELEASED TODAY, SHOWED THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN MONEY TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH THAT OF 1978, AT 38 PER CENT HAD OVERTAKEN THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL IMPORTS AT 30 PER CENT.

THE FIGURES ALSO SHOWED THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT 31 PER CENT HAD OVERTAKEN THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS AT 28 PER CENT.

+THESE FIGURES ARE EVEN BETTER THAN I ESTIMATED THEY WOULD BE TWO WEEKS AGO USING INCOMPLETE DATA FOR MARCH,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS IS THE REVERSE OF THE SITUATION HONG KONG EXPERIENCED IN 1978 COMPARED WITH 1977.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN ABSOLUTE TERMS, THE DEFICIT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AT $3,233 MILLION WAS ONLY 18.4 PER CENT OF TOTAL IMPORTS.

COMPARED WITH THE DEFICIT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF LAST YEAR CF $2,725 MILLION IT WAS AS MUCH AS 20.8 PER CENT OF TOTAL IMPORTS.

+THIS DECLINE IN THE RATIO OF THE TRADE DEFICIT TO TOTAL IMPORTS --- THE PROPORTION OF THE COST OF TOTAL IMPORTS NOT

COVERED BY EARNINGS FROM EXPORTS ---- IS ENCOURAGING AND REVERSES

THE TREND OF THE POST-RECESSION YEARS, + MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

+THERE IS NOW EVIDENCE THAT THE RATE AT WHICH THE TRADE DEFICIT IS WIDENING IS BEGINNING TO SLOW DOWN, BUT THIS TREND MUST BE REALLY WELL ESTABLISHED BEFORE WE CAN BE REALLY CONFIDENT THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL FINAL DEMAND AND THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY’S OUTPUT ARE MOVING BACK INTO BALANCE,* HE ADDED.

ON INFLATIONARY PRESSURES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THERE WAS FURTHER POSSIBLE EVIDENCE THAT THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM, SUITABLY AIDED, WAS BRINGING THE ECONOMY BACK INTO BALANCE AND THAT, THEREFORE, INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WERE BEGINNING TO BE CONTAINED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT RECENT WEEKLY STATISTICS PROVIDED BY BANKS SUGGESTED THAT THE ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF MONEY SUPPLY (NOTES AND COINS IN CIRCULATION AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS PLUS TIME DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS) WAS AROUND 20 PER CENT WHEREAS THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP IN MONEY TERMS IN 1979 WAS 16 PER CENT.

/+THIS BEPR3SENTS......

+THIS REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION FROM THE GROWTH RATE OF (MONEY SUPPLY) IN 1978 OF 26 PER CENT WHICH WAS WELL IN EXCESS OF THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP IN MONEY TERMS FOR THAT YEAR OF JUST OVER 16 PER CENT,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF LOANS AND ADVANCES CALCULATED FROM WEEKLY STATISTICS SEEMED TO EE AROUND 40 PER CENT, AN IMPROVEMENT ON THE GROWTH RATE IN 1978 OF OVER 43 PER CENT.

+HOWEVER,* HE SAID, +THE TREND AT LEAST SEEMS TO BE DOWNWARD AND THE EFFECT OF THE FIVE INCREASES IN LENDING RATES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR MUST BEGIN TO BITE HARDER SOON.+

MR. HADDON-CAVE EMPHASISED THAT AN OBJECTIVE LOOK AT HONG KONG’S CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION SUPPORTED THE MEASURES HE PROPOSED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH TO SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND AND SC TO CONTAIN THE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WHICH HAD BEEN BUILDING UP FOR SOME TIME.

HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE BANKS WITH WHOM THE EXCHANGE FUND’S BALANCES ARE PLACED WOULD COOPERATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE CREDIT CREATION POTENTIAL OF THESE BALANCES WAS LIMITED IN FUTURE IN THE WAY AND TO THE EXTENT INTENDED.

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

HK’S BASIC ECONOMIC *

ELEMENTS AS STRONG AS EVER * * * * *

THERE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY ARE AS STRONG AS EVER DESPITE A +TURBULENT AND WORRYING* TREND OF EVENT OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS.

THERE HAS ALSO BEEN SIGNS THAT GIVEN THE DETERMINATION, LEADERSHIP AND IMAGINATIVE REMEDIAL MEASURES, IT MIGHT NOT BE TOO DIFFICULT FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TO OVERCOME ITS PRESENT ADVERSITY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON. JAMES M.H. WU WHEN HE SUPPORTED WITH +RESERVATIONS+ THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REFERRING TO RECENT TRADE FIGURES FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY WHICH SHOWED INCREASES OVER THE SIMILAR PERIOD LAST YEAR, MR. WU NOTED THAT THE VALUE OF IMPORTS STOOD AT $11,048 MILLION AND THAT THE TRADE DEFICIT OF MORE THAN $2,000 MILLION WAS +MUCH TOO HIGH FOR OUR COMFORT.*

HE ATTRIBUTED THE FOLLOWING CAUSES TO THE TRADE DEFIClV, IN ADDITION TO EVENTS WHICH DEVELOPED DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS, TO HONG KONG’S DISADVANTAGE:

* GREATLY INCREASED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE PARTICULARLY IN PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.

* HUGE EXPENDITURE IN REAL-ESTATES DEVELOPMENT DUE TO REAL DEMAND AS WELL AS SPECULATION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 8 -

K INCREASED PROPENSITY TO SPEND ON EXPENSIVE IMPORTED FOOD AND GOODS BY THE POPULATION, DUE TO IMPROVED EARNINGS AND ASPIRATION FOR BETTER LIVING.

M BIG INCREASE IN TRAVEL DUE TO INCREASED AND LONGER HOLIDAYS BY PRACTICALLY EVERY SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY.

K THE PRESSURE ON THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WITH CHINA’S INCREASED PURCHASES FOR THE FOUR MODERNISATION PROGRAMMES WITH U.S. DOLLARS EXCHANGED WITH HONG KONG DOLLARS IT EARNED FROM EXPORTS TO HONG KONG.

THE INDICATED REMEDIAL MEASURES WOULD THEREFORE HAVE TO BE CUTTING DOWN ON SPENDING AND INCREASING EARNINGS THROUGH EXPORTS OF GOODS AND SERVICES, SAID MR. WU.

+IN THE PROCESS, PEOPLE WOULD EXPECT THOSE CONCERNED, AND IN PARTICULAR THE GOVERNMENT MACHINE, TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE WITH EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES,+ HE NOTED.

MR. WU THEN RECALLED A STATEMENT MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN WINDING UP THE BUDGET DEBATE, IN WHICH THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE WAS QUOTED AS SAYING + l MUST CONFESS THAT I AM NOT AWARE THAT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY IS PRESENTLY EXPER-IENCI NG ANY DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING FUNDS FOR COMMERCIALLY VIABLE PROJECTS.*

REFERRING TO THE INCREASE OF PRIME INTEREST RATES FROM 4.75 PER CENT TO 13 PER CENT, MR. WU SAID IF AN INDUSTRIAL PROJECT WAS CONSIDERED VIABLE AT 4.75 PER CENT INTEREST FOR INVESTMENT, IT COULD FALL FAR SHORT OF BEING SO AT TODAY’S RATE.

+ IN THE MEANTIME, INVESTMENT WOULD BE INHIBITED, EXPORT EARNING POWER DECREASED AND PRODUCTIVE JOBS LOST,+ HE ADDED.

+IN ADDITION, IF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AT THE PRESENT STATE OF OUR ECONOMY WOULD NOT DIFFERENTIATE FINANCIAL FACILITIES TO REAL ESTATE SPECULATION AND HIRE-PURCHASE LOANS FOR CARS ETC. WITH INVESTMENT IN EXPORT-EARNING INDUSTRIES, COULD HE STILL ENJOY OUR COMPLIMENTS FOR POSSESSING HIS USUAL GOOD SENSE OF PRIORITY?* HE ASKED.

MR. WU SAID IT WAS FOR THESE COMPELLING AND URGENT REASONS THAT HE ADVOCATED IN HIS SPEECH ON THE BUDGET DEBATE THAT PREFERENTIAL LOAN TREATMENT BE EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, AS WAS GENERALLY DONE BY HONG KONG’S COMPETITORS.

+1 ALSO SAID THAT THE INCREASE IN INTEREST RATES WAS HURTING INDUSTRY MORE AND I AM GLAD TO LEARN THAT AT LEAST ONE OF OUR LEADING BANKS IS LISTENING AND PLANNING FOR AN IMMEDIATE RELIEF.

+1 AM ALSO GLAD THAT MY CONFIDENCE ON THEIR JUDGMENT AND BUSINESS SENSE HAS NOT BEEN MISPLACED, WHEN I SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT LEAVE IT TO THEM, AT LEAST TEMPORARILY TO ADMINISTER THE ROLE OF AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BANK FOR OUR IMMEDIATE NEED,* HE ADDED.

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

/9.....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

MEASURES NOT SUFFICIENT TO RESTRAIN INFLATIONARY TREND

******

RESTRICTING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND LIMITING THE EXTENT OF CREDIT CREATION BASED ON EXCHANGE FUND BALANCES WILL NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO RESTRAIN CURRENT INFLATIONARY TRENDS.

THIS APPEARS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE FURTHER DECLINE IN THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE CONTINUING GROWTH RATE IN IMPORTS, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO SAID AT THE SECOND READING CF THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR. LI HAD DOUBTED WHETHER THE MEASURES PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH WOULD BE ADEQUATE WHEN HE SPOKE AT THE BUDGET DEBATE LAST (MARCH) MONTH.

+THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS NOW ADMITTED THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND DOES NOT SEEM TO BE SLOWING DOWN, AND THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES ACTUALLY ACCELERATED DURING THE MONTHS OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY THIS YEAR,* HE SAID.

MR. LI SAID THAT EVEN IF ALL THE BALANCES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF THE TREASURY, WERE TO BE CONVERTED TO CALL OR SHORT NOTICE DEPOSITS, THE MAXIMUM POTENTIAL EXTRA LIQUID ASSETS REQUIRED BY THE BILL WOULD ONLY BE A FURTHER 34,700 MILLION.

THAT WOULD BE ROUGHLY SEVEN PER CENT OF TOTAL DEPOSIT LIABILITIES AND WOULD RAISE THE LIQUID ASSETS WHICH MUST BE HELD BY THE BANKS TO ABOUT 32 PER CENT.

HOWEVER, AVERAGE LIQUID ASSETS OF THE BANKS IN FEBRUARY, AFTER DEDUCTING THEIR 100 PER CENT COVER ON INTER-BANK BORROWINGS, WERE NO LESS THAN $31,366 MILLION OR 45.6 PER CENT OF THEIR DEPOSIT LIABILITIES.

+IN OTHER WORDS, IF THOSE BALANCES WERE HELD BY THE GENERALITY CF LICENSED BANKS, THE ENACTMENT OF THIS BILL WOULD BE AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY,* MR. LI SAID.

SINCE THE BALANCES ARE HOWEVER DEPOSITED WITH ONLY A FEW BANKS, THE BILL’S POTENTIAL IMPACT WILL BE MUCH LARGER, BUT IT IS DOUBTFUL WHETHER IT WILL BE STRONG ENOUGH TO BE REALLY EFFECTIVE.

+SOMETHING MUCH MORE RADICAL WILL BE NECESSARY BEFORE THE GENERAL SITUATION SHOWS THE IMPROVEMENT SO ANXIOUSLY AWAITED BY EVERYONE IN THIS COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

HE CONCEDED THAT, COUPLED WITH THE RECENT INCREASE IN LENDING RATES, ENACTMENT OF THE BILL COULD PROVIDE THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT TO SLOW DOMESTIC DEMAND, AND THAT ANY SUCH NEASURES WOULD TAKE SCME TIME TO BECOME EFFECTIVE.

HE THOUGHT IT REASONABLE TO GIVE THE BILL A TRY AND SUPPORTED IT WITH RESERVATIONS.

/THE HON. CHARLES .....

1Y, APRIL 25, 1979

- 10 - •

THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL BUT REGRETTED THAT THE LOOPHC.E OPEN TO POTENTIAL BORROWERS THROUGH THE INTER-BANK MARKET, WHICH HE POINTED OUT DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, HAD NOT BEEN PLUGGED.

HE NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOT DISPUTED THE EXISTENCE OF THE LOOPHOLE BUT TRUSTED THE GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION OF THE BANKING COMMUNITY IN ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL.

IT WOULD BE A CASE OF GREAT MISCHIEF, HE SAID, IF THE EFFECTS OF THE BILL ARE CAPABLE OF BEING FRUSTRATED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THOSE MEMBERS OF THE BANKING COMMUNITY WHO HAVE HAD TO RELY ON THE INTER-BANK MARKET FOR HONG KONG DOLLAR FUNDS WITH WHICH TO +ON-LEND+ TO THEIR NON-BANK CUSTOMERS.

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

BILL SEEKS TO ENLARGE LOITERING LAW * * * *

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO ENLARGE THE LOITERING LAW TO HELP IN CRIME PREVENTION AND GENERALLY HELP THE POLICE FORCE TO MINIMISE THE PUBLIC MANIFESTATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THUGS OR BULLIES RECEIVED ITS SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN MOVING THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1979, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY SAID THE AIM MUST BE TO OBTAIN MASTERY OF THE GANGS, WHICH HE STRESSED + IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE PUBLIC CO-OPERATION WHICH IS NEEDED IF THE REAL ACTIVITIES OF THE GANGS ARE TO BE TACKLED SUCCESSFULLY.*

THE BILL, HE SAID, PROPOSED THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN THE LAW.

FIRST, THE CURRENT LOITERING OFFENCE IS LIMITED TO LOITERING BETWEEN SUNSET AND 6 A.M. AND REQUIRES THE DEFENDANT ONLY TO GIVE A SATISFACTORY ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF. THE PROPOSED PROVISION OMITS THE RESTRICTION AND, IN ADDITION TO REQUIRING THE DEFENDANT TO ACCOUNT FOR HIMSELF, SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES HIM TO ACCOUNT FOR HIS PRESENCE IN THE PLACE WHERE HE WAS LOITERING.

SECOND, THE PROPOSED PROVISION MAKES IT AN OFFENCE TO LOITER IN A WAY WHICH OBSTRUCTS THE USE OF PUBLIC PLACES AND THE COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS BY OTHERS.

THIRD, SUB-SECTION 1 (C) OF THE PROPOSED SECTION 160, WHICH IS OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE, IS AIMED AT THE MENACE WHICH GANGS PRESENT EVEN THOUGH THEIR BEHAVIOUR ON ANY PARTICULAR-' OCCASION MAY BE PASSIVE.

IT MAKES IT AN OFFENCE IF THE PRESENCE OF A PERSON WHO LOITERS IN A PUBLIC PLACE OR THE COMMON PARTS OF A BUILDING, EITHER ON HIS OWN OR WITH OTHERS, GIVES ANOTHER PERSON CAUSE TO BE CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY OR WELL-BEING.

/MR. HOBLEY ....

AY, APRIL 25, 1979

WEDN1

Sen1

MR. HOBLEY SAID A DIFFICULTY IN DEVISING A LAW IN THE CRIME PREVENTION FIELD IS TO MAKE IT SUFFICIENTLY +REAL+ TO INDUCE THE RIGHT RESPONSE FROM THE COURTS.

+AN OFFENCE WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT CRIME, AND TO STRIKE AT PEOPLE AT A STAGE WHEN THEIR MERE ASSOCIATION TOGETHER MAY PROVIDE A STIMULUS FOR CRIME, IS INEVITABLY SOMEWHAT IMPRECISE, MR. HOBLEY SAID.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CONCEPT OF LOITERING WAS ONE WHICH WAS WELL-KNOWN TO THE COURTS AND + IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE PROPOSED ENLARGEMENT OF THE OFFENCE OF LOITERING WILL BE UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED.+

MR. HOBLEY SAID THAT SINCE THE BILL WAS PUBLISHED A FEW DAYS AGO, QUITE A BIT HAD BEEN SAID AND WRITTEN ABOUT THE DANGER OF ABUSE.

+THERE IS ALWAYS SOME RISK OF ABUSE WITH AN OFFENCE OF THIS KIND, BUT AS t HAVE SAID LOITERING IS NOT A NEW LEGAL CONCEPT. THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW IS THAT THE PROPOSED ENLARGEMENT OF THE LOITERING OFFENCE IS NECESSARY.+

HE SAID THAT TO COMBAT ABUSE +WE MUST PLAINLY RELY ON

THE MAJOR STEPS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN THE PAST TWO YEARS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAPO (COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICE) AND THE VITAL MONITORING ROLE PERFORMED BY THE UMELCO GROUP.+

EARLIER, MR. HOBLEY SAID THE GANG ACTIVITY IN THE CRIMINAL FIELD HAD LONG BEEN A PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, AS IN NEARLY ALL LARGE CITIES EVERYWHERE.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THE PROBLEM WAS MORE SINISTER IN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE ASSOCIATION IN THE PUBLIC MIND OF GANGS WITH THE OLD-STYLE TRIAD SOCIETIES WHICH WERE A SOURCE OF GREAT TERROR.

MR. HOBLEY SAID THAT THE CURRENT PROBLEM + IS NOT THE OLD-STYLE TRIAD PROBLEM AS SUCH.* THE CURRENT PROBLEM, HE STRESSED, WAS ONE OF A LARGE NUMBER OF SEPARATE GANGS, VARYING IN SIZE BUT NOT USUALLY HAVING MORE THAN ABOUT 20 MEMBERS.

+NEVERTHELESS, THE GANGS TAKE THE NAME OF ONE OR OTHER OF THE FORMER TRIAD SOCIETIES AND THERE IS USUALLY, BUT NOT INVARIABLY A MINIMUM PROCESS OF TRIAD STYLE INITIATION WHEN A NEW MEMBER JOINS A GANG.

+IT IS THIS THAT PERPETUATES THE IMAGE OF THE FORMER TRIAD SOCIETIES, AND THUS THE FEAR WHICH TRIAD SOCIETIES ENGENDERED. THERE ARE HOWEVER NO LONGER ANY LARGE OR POWERFUL TRIAD SOCIETIES DOMINATED BY A SINISTER CENTRAL MANAGEMENT,* MR. HOBLEY SAID/

HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE CHANGED NATURE OF THE MODERN TRIAD GANG DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY POSE LESS OF A THREAT TO LAW AND ORDER. +THEY POSE A VERY REAL THREAT.*

HE EMPHASISED THAT PART OF THEIR STRENGTH +IS THEIR ASSOCIATION IN THE MINDS OF THE PUBLIC WITH THE TRIAD SOCIETIES CF THE PAST, BUT AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES THE EFFECT OF GROUPS OF GANG MEMBERS BEHAVING IN A MENACING OR BULLYING OR INSULTING OR OFFENSIVE WAY IS IN ITSELF CONSIDERABLE.*

/*IHZ PHYSICAL

WEDNESDAY, APBIL 25, 1979

- 12 -

+THE PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF A GANG IS A SOURCE OF FEAR. NUMBERS GIVE STRENGTH. IT IS NUMBERS THAT CAUSE FEAR,+ MR. HOBLEY SAID.

+SO, ALTHOUGH THE OLD-STYLE TRIAD SOCIETIES HAVE FOR SOME TIME NOW CEASED TO POSE ANY THREAT, THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY A GANG PROBLEM WHICH IS NO LESS SERIOUS,+ HE ADDED.

MR. HOBLEY SAID THE ORDINARY LAW WAS GENERALLY ADEQUATE TO ENABLE THE POLICE FORCE TC COPE WITH GANGS WHERE THEY ARE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN CRIME OR PROTECTION RACKETS.

BUT THEY HAVE FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO COPE ADEQUATELY WITH GROUPS OF THUGS OR BULLIES SKULKING AROUND IN THE STREET OR PUBLIC PARTS OF BUILDINGS, BEHAVING IN AN OFFENSIVE OR MENACING WAY WITHOUT ACTUAL AGGRESSION.

+THIS IS A VERY REAL DAY-TO-DAY PROBLEM FOR SOME SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND IT IS NO EXAGGERATION TO SAY THAT THE INABILITY OF THE POLICE FORCE TO ACT EFFECTIVELY HAS SOMETIMES CREATED AN APPEARANCE OF IMPOTENCE ON THE PART OF THE AUTHORITIES, WHICH CAN ONLY WORK TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE GANGS.+

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- - - - 0 -----

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME STARTS NEXT MONTH *****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS GEARED FOR IMPLEMENTING NEXT MONTH A +NO FAULT+ ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO PROVIDE QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR PEOPLE INJURED OR KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.

THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME, COSTING AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF $45 MILLION IN 1979-80, IS DESIGNED AS A WELFARE MEASURE TO TIDE A VICTIM OR HIS DEPENDANTS OVER THEIR FINANCIAL HARDSHIP RESULTING FROM REDUCED OR LOST EARNINGS.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG. THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, NR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AN ESTIMATED 8,000 INJURED PEOPLE MAY APPLY THIS YEAR.

MR. LEE SAID THE SCHEME PROVIDES FOR A SIMPLE PROCEDURE OF GIVING EARLY CASH ASSISTANCE TO ALL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS, OR THEIR DEPENDANTS IN CASES OF DEATH, REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.

HE SAID THE SCHEME IS NON-MEANS TESTED, TO BE FINANCED BY THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT AS ONE OF ITS SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES.

THE SCHEME, HE SAID, WILL APPLY TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH HAPPEN ON OR AFTER MAY 1 THIS YEAR AND WHICH HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE. IN ADDITION, APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT, AND THE INJURIES SUSTAINED HAVE CAUSED THE LOSS OF AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ EARNING CAPACITY.

/applications ..

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 13 -

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE IN A SPECIFIED FORM, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM NEXT MONTH AT THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTION OF EACH DISTRICT TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS, AND AT THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION (TAVA SECTION) OF THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE AT THE TAVA SECTION ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING AT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG (TEL. NOS. 5-222392 AND 5-223254), HE ADDED.

+NORMALLY, THE POLICE OFFICER INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT WILL EXPLAIN THE SCHEME TO THE VICTIM OR TO HIS NEXT OF KIN,+ HE SAID.

MR. LEE SAID THE APPLICANT, UNLESS PREVENTED BY SPECIAL ■ CIRCUMSTANCES OR IMMOBILITY, WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AT THE TAVA SECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSING ELIGIBILITY AND THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS.

PAYMENTS UNDER THE SCHEME WILL BE AT THE SAME LEVELS AS THOSE CONTAINED IN THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE OF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND WHICH IS REVIEWED AND ADJUSTED FROM TIME TO TIME, HE SAID.

THE CURRENT LEVELS OF A DEATH GRANT FOR THE LOSS OF THE SOLE WAGE EARNER IN A FAMILY RANGE FROM $9,500 TO $14,300, AND THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF AN INJURY GRANT AND A DISABILITY GRANT IS 83,600 AND 811,900 RESPECTIVELY, HE SAID.

FOR A WAGE EARNER, AN ADDITIONAL GRANT CAN BE MADE TO COVER THE LOSS OF EARNINGS UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $2,400, HE ADDED.

MR. LEE EXPLAINED THAT AS THE SCHEME IS INTENDED AS A WELFARE MEASURE, IT WILL NOT AFFECT THE APPLICANT’S RIGHT TO CLAIM AGAINST ANY PERSON IN THE USUAL WAY IN RESPECT OF THE SAME ACCIDENT.

+IF A VICTIM SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVES DAMAGES OR SOME OTHER FORM OF COMPENSATION, HE WILL BE REQUIRED TO REFUND THE SUMS PAID TO HIM, INITIALLY, UNDER THE SCHEME,+ HE SAID.

IN THIS CONNECTION, HE SAID, THE APPLICANT WILL HAVE TO SIGN AN UNDERTAKING AS A STATUTORY OBLIGATION, FIRST, TO NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WITHIN ONE MONTH OF ANY CLAIM OR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS BY HIM IN RESPECT OF THE ACCIDENT, AND, SECOND, TO NOTIFY ANY PERSON, AGAINST WHOM HE MAKES A CLAIM, CF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY HE HAS RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME.

THE PERSON NOTIFIED WILL THEN EE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OF ANY PAYMENT HE MAKES TO THE APPLICANT NOT LESS THAN 72 HOURS BEFORE THE DAY ON WHICH THE PAYMENT IS TO BE MADE, HE SAID.

IT WILL EE AN OFFENCE TO WILFULLY BREACH THE UNDERTAKING, HE SAID.

/:.H. LEE SAID...........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

MR. LEE SAID THE SCHEME ALSO PROVIDES A SPEEDY .MEANS OF REDRESS FOR ANY APPLICANT NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.

HE MAY APPEAL TO AN INDEPENDENT SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD, COMPRISING UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, ON MATTERS CONCERNING REFUSAL OF PAYMENT, THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENT OFFERED OR THE ISSUING OF PAYMENT TO A PERSON OTHER THAN THE APPLICANT, HE SAID.

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

557 BOAT FAMILIES ON PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST

*****

A TOTAL OF 557 BOAT FAMILIES ARE KNOWN TO BE ON THE A IT ING LIST FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. A. J. SCOTT, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON. ANDREW SO, WHO HAD ASKED HOW MANY BOAT DWELLERS THERE ARE AND HOW MANY HAD APPLIED FOR HOUSING.

MR. SCOTT SAID THE 1976 BY-CENSUS FIGURE FOR THE MARINE POPULATION WAS 59,050, OF WHOM IT WAS ESTIMATED 25,000 PEOPLE WERE LIVING IN SOME 2,400 DWELLING BOATS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS.

THE BALANCE WERE LIVING ON THEIR WORKING CRAFT.

CONCERNING BOAT DWELLERS’ APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING, MR. SCOTT SAID IT WAS NOT KNOWN HOW MANY BOAT PEOPLE HAD USED A FORWARDING ADDRESS, AND NOT THEIR BOAT NUMBERS, AND AN EXAMINATION OF ALL 144,000 +LIVE+ APPLICATIONS WOULD BE NECESSARY TO DETERMINE HOW MANY HAD DONE THIS.

HOWEVER, IT WAS KNOWN THAT 557 FAMILIES HAD GIVEN BOAT NUMBERS AS THEIR ADDRESSES.

MR. SCOTT REFERRED MEMBERS TO A REPLY HE GAVE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 1977 ON THE SAME SUBJECT, WHEN HE SAID THAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR REHOUSING WERE THE SAME FOR BOAT SQUATTERS AS FOR LAND SQUATTERS.

+IF THEY ARE AFFECTED BY DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES THEY ARE AUTOMATICALLY OFFERED HOUSING,* HE SAID.

+ IF THEY ARE NOT SO AFFECTED, THEY MAY REGISTER ON THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S WAITING LIST IN THE NORMAL WAY.

♦IF AT ANY TIME THEIR BOATS FOR ANY REASON BECOME UNSAFE,' THEY ARE OFFERED IMMEDIATE TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION.*

MR. SCOTT SAID 80,030 BOAT DWELLERS HAD BEEN REHOUSED AS A DIRECT RESULT OF DEVELOPMENT WORKS SINCE 1960, AND THAT 1,000 MORE HAD BEEN REHOUSED SINCE NOVEMBER 1977, FOLLOWING MARINE AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT INSPECTIONS.

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

/15....

we: ,-SDAY, APR IL 25, 1979

- 15 -

TAX CONCESSION BILL * * r

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1979 WHICH CONTAINS TWO TAX CONCESSIONS.

THE BILL SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE TWO PROPOSALS — ONE INVOLVING A REDUCTION FROM 15 PER CENT TO 10 PER CENT IN THE +CLAW-BACK+ OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE GRANTED TAXPAYERS, AND THE OTHER INVOLVES THE ABOLITION OF THE 3D PER CENT RATE APPLICABLE TO NET CHARGEABLE INCOME IN EXCESS CF $50,ODD A YEAR.

+SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCES OF $2,500 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $5,000 FOR A MARRIED PERSON WERE INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1977,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

+THEY HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO A REDUCTION BY 15 PER CENT OF THE AMOUNT BY WHICH THE TAXPAYER’S NET CHARGEABLE INCOME EXCEEDS $12,500 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $25,000 FOR A MARRIED PERSON, UNTIL THE ENTIRE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES ARE ELIMINATED. CLAUSE TWO CF THE BILL PROVIDES THAT THE RATE OF REDUCTION SHALL BE 10 PER CENT INSTEAD OF 15 PER CENT.+

THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO ABOLISH THE 30 PER CENT RATE AT PRESENT APPLICABLE TO NET CHARGEABLE INCOME IN EXCESS OF $50,000 A YEAR, SO THAT IN FUTURE 25 PER CENT WILL EE THE TOP MARGINAL RATE ON NET CHARGEABLE INCOME IN EXCESS 0F $40,000 A YEAR.

+THE EFFECT OF THESE TWO PROPOSALS, TAKEN TOGETHER, WILL BE TO LIFT THE LEVEL OF INCOME AT WHICH THE STANDARD RATE APPLIES, TO STRETCH THE PROGRESSION OF EFFECTIVE RATES AND TO REDUCE THE EFFECTIVE RATE OF TAX PAYABLE BY A TAXPAYER,* MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED.

THESE PROPOSALS WILL APPLY FOR THE YEAR CF ASSESSMENT 1978-79 (OTHER THAN ASSESSMENTS OF PROVISIONAL SALARIES TAX FOR THAT YEAR) AND ALL SUBSEQUENT YEARS OF ASSESSMENTS, AT A COST TO THE REVENUE IN 1979-80 CF $57 MILLION.

DEBATE CN THIS MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.

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

/16

EDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 16

ESTABLISHING AGE OF YOUNG OFFENDERS

******

THE DETERMINATION OF AGE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1979, WHICH DEALS WITH THE AGE OF YOUNG OFFENDERS, WAS READ THE SECOND TIME AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY SAID THE BILL SEEKS TO INTRODUCE INTO THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE A PROVISION FOLLOWING SECTION 80(3) OF THE ENGLISH CRIMINAL JJSTICE ACT 1948.

THE PROVISION FOLLOWED A SUGGESTION MADE BY THE HON. PETER C. WONG DURING THE DEBATE IN JUNE LAST YEAR ON THE DETENTION CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL.

MR. WONG THEN EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE, IN RELATION TO THE SENTENCING AND TREATMENT OF YOUNG OFFENDERS, OF ESTABLISHING THEIR AGE WITH DUE REGARD TO ALL AVAILABLE EVIDENCE.

+WHILE IT IS UNDOUBTEDLY TRUE TO SAY THAT A COURT WOULD CONSIDER THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE AS A MATTER OF COURSE, MR. WONG DREW THE COUNCIL’S ATTENTION TO SECTION 80(3) AND URGED THE INTRODUCTION OF A SIMILAR PROVISION HERE.

+THAT SUB-SECTION SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES A COURT TO HAVE REGARD TO THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE OF AN OFFENDER’S AGE AND THEN PROVIDES THAT ONCE A COURT HAS DETERMINED AGE THE FINDING IS CONCLUSIVE NOTWITHSTANDING THAT IT MAY SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSPIRE THAT THE OFFENDER’S ACTUAL AGE IS DIFFERENT,+ SAID MR. HOBLEY.

THE NEW PROVISION WILL APPLY TO ALL COURTS, AND IS OF GENERAL APPLICATION.

MR. HOBLEY POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES SPECIFIC AMENDMENTS TO THE REFORMATORY SCHOOLS ORDINANCE AND THE JUVENILE OFFENDERS ORDINANCE SO AS TO INSERT PROVISIONS REQUIRING COURTS DEALING WITH YOUNG OFFENDERS UNDER EITHER OF THOSE ORDINANCES TO HAVE REGARD TO THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE AS TO AGE.

THOSE ORDINANCES ALREADY CONTAIN A PROVISION MAKING A COURT’S DETERMINATION OF AGE CONCLUSIVE.

THE OPPORTUNITY IS BEING TAKEN TO AMEND THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE TO ADD TO THAT ORDINANCE ALSO A PROVISION FOLLOWING SECTION 80(3), WHICH WILL APPLY WHERE A COURT IS DEALING WITH JUVENILES IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION, SAID MR. HOBLEY.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

/17.....

WEDNESDAY, APR IL 25, 1979

- 17 -

HEAVIER FINES NO DETERRENT FOR BUILDING OFFENCES

******

THE FIVE-FOLD INCREASE IN FINES FOR VIOLATION OF BUILDING REGULATIONS IS INSIGNIFICANT COMPARED WITH THE HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING, THE HON. S.L. CHEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE INCREASE, FROM $50,000 TO $250,000, IS UNLIKELY TO HAVE MUCH EFFECT ON THE +DETERMINED+ OFFENDERS, HE SAID IN COMMENTING ON THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.

INSTEAD, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE EXISTING ORDINANCE BE REVIEWED TO FIND A MORE BASIC SOLUTION. HE ALSO MADE FOUR OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR GOVERNMENT’S CONSIDERATION.

FIRST, IF THE OFFENCE IS SERIOUS ENOUGH, THE NAME OF THE OFFENDER SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE STATUTORY REGISTER, EITHER TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY, DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE MISCONDUCT.

THIS WOULD EE A MORE EFFECTIVE DETERRENT THAN HEAVIER FINES, HE SAID.

SECOND, THE EXISTING PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE SHOULD BE STRICTLY ENFORCED SO THAT THE +AUTHORISED PERSON+ OR +REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER* WOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AND SUBMIT ON REQUEST A COMPLETE RECORD OF HIS SUPERVISION GIVEN TO THE BUILDING WORKS.

THESE PERSONS ARE REQUIRED UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO SUPERVISE THE CARRYING OUT OF THE BUILDING WORKS IN THE PRESCRIBED MANNER.

+IT CAN BE EXPECTED, THEREFORE, THAT IF ADEQUATE AND PROPER SUPERVISION IS GIVEN, THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIAL USED AND THE WORKMANSHIP IN THE EXECUTION OF THE BUILDING WORK AT ALL STAGES OF PROGRESS WOULD HAVE BEEN ACCURATELY RECORDED,* MR. CHEN SAID.

THIRD, ALL PARTIES INVOLVED, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN THE BUILDING AUTHORITY, SHOULD SHARE THE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BUILDING WORK.

MR. CHEN POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THE +AUTHORISED PERSON* AND +REGISTERED CONTRACTORS* ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL WORK, AND FAILURE ON THEIR PART IS SUBJECT TO SEVERE PENALTIES, THERE IS NO SIMILAR LEGAL OBLIGATION ON THE OFFICIALS FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE.

FOURTH, THE DESIGN OF THE BUILDING SERVICES, SUCH AS FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION, ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION, VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING, JUST AS THE ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN OF THE BUILDING FOUNDATION AND STRUCTURE, SHOULD BE SAFEGUARDED BY STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.

FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS, THE INTEGRITY OF THESE SERVICES IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AND VITAL, MF. CHEN SAID.

/with the .....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

WITH THE ADVENT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND SOPHISTICATED UTILISATION OF MATERIALS, BUILDING SERVICES NOW FORM AN IMPORTANT INTEGRAL PART OF A BUILDING, HE ADDED.

ALTHOUGH CONTRACTORS FOR BUILDING SERVICES WORKS ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THEIR SERVICE IS ADEQUATELY DESIGNED. +SINCE THE CONTRACTOR HAS A VESTED INTEREST IN THE SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENT, THE LESS ETHICAL ONES MAY EVEN SACRIFICE QUALITY IN ORDER TO SECURE THE BUSINESS,* HE SAID.

HE THEREFORE SUGGESTED SETTING UP A STATUTORY REGISTER OF PERSONS RECOGNISED AS +BUILDING SERVICE ENGINEERS* IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF EXPERTISE, SIMILAR TO THE REGISTER OF +AUTHORISED PERSONS* AND +REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS.*

- - 0 - -

RECORDS HELP IDENTIFY SCHOOL DROP-OUTS *****

THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT AND ALLOCATION RECORDS SHOULD ENABLE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO IDENTIFY SCHOOL DROP-OUTS, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HE WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 WHICH SEEKS TO EXTEND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION’S POWER TO ENFORCE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OF CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX TO

FROM THIS SEPTEMBER, IT WILL COVER CHILDREN AGED 14 AND BELOW AND EXTENDED TO 15 IN SEPTEMBER, 1980.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE REGIONALISATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SETTING UP OF THE STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICER SCHEME BY THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO ASSISTED IN DETECTING CASES OF NON-ATTENDANCE, MR. TOPLEY SAID.

+THE APPOINTMENT OF STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS BEGAN IN 1978 AND WHEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED IN 1980 THE SCHEME SHOULD ADMINISTER SATISFACTORILY COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL, AND MAY BE EXTENDED EVENTUALLY TO THE JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS,* HE SAID.

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION’S AUTHORITY TO ISSUE A SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ORDER WOULD CONTINUE TO BE DISCRETIONARY AND EE CONFINED TO CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE IT APPEARED TO HIM THAT THE PARENT WAS WITHHOLDING THE CHILD FROM ATTENDING PRIMARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE.

+THE PARENT ON WHOM AN ATTENDANCE ORDER IS ISSUED RETAINS, AS UNDER THE PRESENT EDUCATION ORDINANCE, A RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW. PROCEDURE ON APPEAL REMAINS UNCHANGED,* MR. TOPLEY

ADDED.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

HOWEVER, CERTAIN CHILDREN OF ELIGIBLE AGE WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM ATTENDING SCHOOL.

THESE INCLUDE CHILDREN WHO COMPLETE FORM III BEFORE REACHING THE AGE OF 15, REGISTERED APPRENTICES UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, CHILDREN IN INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTRES CR CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND CHILDREN IN LONG-TERM CARE IN HOSPITALS.

+IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO EXERCISE DISCRETION IN THE CASE OF MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN,* MR. TOPLEY SAID, ADDING THAT ESTIMATES OF NEED AND SCALE OF PROVISION OF SCHOOL PLACES FOR THESE CHILDREN WERE UNDER CONSTANT SCRUTINY BY THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

+THE MAJORITY OF THESE CHILDREN CAN BE PROVIDED FOR IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS, IN SPECIAL CLASSES IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS, OR IN OTHER INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS CHILDREN’S TRAINING CENTRES,* HE SAID.

REGARDING THE CHILDREN OF BOAT PEOPLE AND CHILDREN LIVING IN REMOTE AREAS OR ITINERANT HOMES, THE DIRECTOR SAIDs +EACH PROBLEM CALLS FOR, AND IS RECEIVING, A CONCERTED APPROACH BY VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT.*

ANOTHER PROBLEM IN ENFORCING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL IS THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE 12-14 YEAR OLDS.

A SEPARATE BILL PROPOSING TO EXTEND BY STAGES THE PROHIBITION ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN TO 14-YEAR-OLDS AND TO NON-1NDUSTRI AL UNDERTAKINGS WILL BE SUBMITTED LATER TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION, MR. TOPLEY SAID.

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

RESIDENCE CRITERION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING SUGGESTED - * * * * *

THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY REVISE ITS POLICY SO THAT FAMILIES IN NORMAL CLEARANCES WILL ONLY EE ALLOCATED PUBLIC HOUSING IF THE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE OR MORE YEARS.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE APPROPR I AT ION BILL 1979.

+THE MOUNTAINOUS INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS WILL MAKE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF PROVIDING DECENT HOMES FOR'ALL HONG KONG FAMILIES BY 1985,+ HE EXPLAINED.

HE SAID RISING RENTS HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTING TO DOMESTIC INFLATION AND SINCE THE RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION IS COMING UP FOR REVIEW, +IT IS TIME WE TAKE ANOTHER LOCK AT THE OVERALL HOUSING SITUATION.*

/tCEKTAlNLY......

WEDNESDAY, APHID 25, 1979

20 -

+CERTAINLY THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLOSER CO-OPERATION AND COMPLEMENTARY EFFORT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IN PROVIDING MORE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES TO MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES HAVE YET TO BE FULLY EXPLOITED,+ HE SAID.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN ALSO COMMENTED ON THREE OTHER ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION COVERED BY THE APPROPRIATION BILL.

ON EDUCATION SUBVENTION, MR. CHEONG-LEEN ASKED FOR A SPECIAL PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE ALL RETARDED CHILDREN WHO ARE SUITABLE WITH SCHOOL PLACES UP TO THE AGE OF 15 OR 16 BY THE MID-80’S.

HE ALSO WANTED TO KNOW HOW COMPULSORY EDUCATION IS BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR THE CHILDREN OF BOAT PEOPLE.

REFERRING TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF IMMIGRANT WORKERS, M?. CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FLATTED FACTORY ESTATES BE CONSULTED AND THEIR ASSISTANCE SOUGHT IN ORGANISING SHORT-TERM INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FOR THESE PEOPLE.

THIS WOULD FACILITATE THEIR INTEGRATION INTO THE LABOUR FORCE AND COULD RELIEVE SOME OF THE LABOUR SHORTAGES, HE SAID.

COMMENTING ON THE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES BEING EXPERIENCED BY SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FACTORIES, MR. CHEONG-LEEN HOPED THAT MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION, WITH ENCOURAGEMENT FROM GOVERNMENT, WILL MAKE LOANS AVAILABLE TO THEM AT CURRENT PRIME RATE TO THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE EXTENT.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE FACTORIES DO NOT HAVE THE FACILITY OF ESTABLISHED FACTORIES TO BORROW AT THE PRIME RATE.

+IT IS ALL TOO PAINFULLY OBVIOUS THAT GOVERNMENT HAS NOT YET ACQUIRED THE ART OF 'FINE TUNING’ IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY, IN SO FAR AS THE NEEDS OF SMALL INDUSTRY IS CONCERNED,+ HE SAID.

ALTHOUGH A SUBSIDIARY WORKING GROUP OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION IS EXAMINING SOURCES OF FINANCE FOR INDUSTRY, WITHOUT KNOWING HOW LONG THE CURRENT HIGH INTEREST RATE WILL LAST, ONE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT NOT MANY SMALL FACTORIES WILL FOLD UNTIL GOVERNMENT COMES UP WITH SOME CONCRETE PROPOSALS, HE SAID.

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/21

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979 - 21 -

REASONS FOR CONGESTION IN IMMIGRATION OFFICES * * * * *

THE CAUSE OF CONGESTION IN IMMIGRATION OFFICES IS THE UNPRECEDENTED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO AND FROM HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO THE HON. WONG LAM, MR. DAVIES SAID THE INCREASE INCLUDED +TOURISTS AND THOSE COMING TO HONG KONG FROM VIETNAM, ALL OF WHOM REQUIRE EITHER PROCESSING OR SOME FORM OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT.+

+THIS INCREASE WAS NOT FORESEEN AND THERE HAS BEEN SEVERE PRESSURE ON ACCOMMODATION AND STAFF AS A RESULT,+ MR. DAVIES POINTED OUT.

TO EASE THE PROBLEM, MR. DAVIES SAID, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN OR BEING TAKEN TO RELIEVE CONGESTION:

* ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION IS BEING PROVIDED IN FIVE BRANCH OFFICES AS A MATTER OF URGENCY. A NEW OFFICE IN VICTORIA BARRACKS TO PROCESS ALL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WILL BE OPENED IN MAY-

* 115 ADDITIONAL OFFICERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE DEPARTMENT SO FAR THIS YEAR-

* 70 CASUAL WORKERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO SUPPLEMENT THE WORK FORCE-

* STAFF HAVE BEEN REDEPLOYED TO INCREASE COUNTER

FACILITIES, AND

* PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AND STREAMLINED TO SPEED UP THE WORK, BUT WITHOUT ANY LOWERING OF THE STANDARDS.

MR. DAVIES ALSO GAVE STATISTICS ON TRAVEL TO AND FROM HONG KONG AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ISSUED FOR 1977, 1978 AND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1979.

/THEY ARE:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 22 -

THEY ARE: 1977 1978 1979 (TO 31ST MARCH)

AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE

TOTAL MONTHLY TOTAL MONTHLY TOTAL MONTHLY ------RATE ----- RATE ----- RATE

A) PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CHINA AT LO WU

2,195,143 182,929 2,808,783 234,065 1,424,996 474,999

B) LEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA 26,449 2,204 71,571 5,964 32,084 10,695

C) ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA REGISTERED WITH ROP OFFICE 7,912 659 23,382 1,949 19,239 6,413

D) ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA PROCESSED FOR RETURN 1,779 148 8,192 683 10,898 3,633

E) PASSENGERS TRAFFIC THROUGH KAI TAK (ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES) 5,092,276 424,356 5,460,345 455,029 1,370,377 456,792

F) PASSENGERS TRAFFIC THROUGH MACAU FERRY TERMINAL (ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES) 5,160,803 430,067 5,418,584 451,549 1,523,911 507,970

G) PASSPORTS ISSUED 70,744 5,895 90,538 7,545 24,068 8,023

H) RE-ENTRY PERMITS ISSUED 624,569 52,047 720,803 60,067 274,824 91,608

I) ENTRY PERMITS FOR VISITS FROM TAIWAN 109,755 9,146 158,710 13,226 89,259 29,753

J) REVENUE COLLECTED 545,376,618 53,781,385 $57,528,552 $4,794,046 $19,493,839 $6,497,946

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

/23

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

GRANTS COMMITTEE - STRIKING A DIFFICULT BALANCE

******

THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE HAS TO HOLD A DIFFICULT BALANCE BETWEEN ITS OBLIGATIONS TO THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC AND TO THE GOVERNMENT, THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE SAID THE COMMITTEE, BESIDES BEING CLOSELY CONCERNED WITH COSTS, IS ALSO CONCERNED THAT NO ONE SHOULD THINK +THE EDUCATION WE NEED CAN BY SOME SORT OF MAGIC BE OBTAINED MORE EASILY, AND MORE CHEAPLY, IN HONG KONG THAN ANYWHERE ELSE.+

MR. BREMRIDGE, CHAIRMAN OF THE GRANTS COMMITTEE, SAID THIS IN TABLING THE SIXTH BIENNIAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THERE ARE NO CHEAP AND EASY ROUTES TO GOOD EDUCATION! +STANDARDS HAVE TO BE PAID FOR. GIVEN SOUND AND ECONOMICAL MANAGEMENT IK THE FIRST PLACE, RADICALLY REDUCED COSTS WILL MEAN RADICALLY DIFFERENT ----- AND LOWER ---

STANDARDS.+

WHILE HE DID NOT THINK THE UPGC HAS PRESSED THE THREE INSTITUTIONS TOO CLOSELY TO KEEP COSTS DOWN, HE BELIEVED THAT FOR THE TIME BEING THE COMMITTEE PROBABLY HAS GONE AS FAR AS IS REASONABLE.

HE WAS CONCERNED AT THE LEAPING CAPITAL COSTS OF THE MAJOR NEW BUILDING PROGRAMME AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY WHICH REFLECTED NOT ONLY THE KNOWN ESCALATION IN BUILDING COSTS BUT ALSO THE VERY DIFFICULT SITES MADE AVAILABLE TO THE UNIVERSITY BY THE GOVERNMENT.

HE SAID THERE MUST ALWAYS BE A FAIR, EVEN IF NOT GENEROUS, PROVISION FOR TRUE LEARNING AND RESEARCH, THE END PRODUCTS OF WHICH CANNOT BE QUANTIFIED BY A COST ACCOUNTANT.

THE UPGC REPORT COVERS A MAJOR ISSUE OF GREAT COMPLEXITY AFFECTING ALL THE THREE INSTITUTIONS ---- THE DEVELOPMENT OF

FACILITIES FOR ADDITIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION, FOR THE INTRODUCTION CF DENTAL EDUCATION AND FOR A LARGE EXPANSION OF PARA-MEDICAL AND PARA-DENTAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

MR. BREMRIDGE NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT THE PRICE OF THIS ♦STIMULATING BOOKLET* HAS BEEN SET AT A SURPRISING $38.

- 0 -

/24

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 24 -

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR LAW STUDENT ENROLMENT *****

THREE MORE CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE ARE TO BE ACCEPTABLE FOR ENROLMENT AS STUDENTS WITH THE LAW SOCIETY UNDER THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 WHICH WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL ORIGINALLY RESTRICTED ENROLMENT TO THOSE WHO HOLD EITHER RECOGNISED LAW DEGREES OR THE POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAW (PCLL) AWARDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

AT THE SUGGESTION OF A LEGISLATION SCRUTINY GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WHO HAVE HELD A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE DEPUTY LAW DRAFTSMAN, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LAW SOCIETY, THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR ENROLMENT:

* THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED PART I OF THE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION SET BY THE ENGLISH LAW SOCIETY-

* THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED THE NEW COMMON PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION (CPE) IN ENGLAND, AND ’.j

* THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED EXEMPTION FROM THE ENGLISH LAW SOCIETY FROM TAKING EITHER OF THE TWO EXAMINATIONS.

THE HON. PETER C. WONG, SPEAKING AT THE BILL’S SECOND READING, SAID THE RESTRICTION WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE THREE AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED BY THE BILL.

THE FIRST AMENDMENT, WHICH CLARIFIED THAT A SOLICITOR SEEKING AN UNCONDITIONAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE BEEN BONA FIDE EMPLOYED IN THE PRACTICE OF A SOLICITOR IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS, WAS CONSIDERED FAIR AND REASONABLE BY THE UNOFFICIALS.

THE OTHER AMENDMENT, WHICH RECONSTITUTED THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LEGAL EDUCATION (ACLE) AND BROADENED THE SCOPE OF ITS ACTIVITIES, WAS SLIGHTLY CHANGED ON THEIR SUGGESTION TO ALTER THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE SO THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WILL HAVE TWO MEMBERS AND THE LAW SOCIETY THREE.

AS TO THE AMENDMENT ON ENROLMENT RESTRICTIONS, MR. WONG SAID IT HAS BEEN ADVERSELY CRITICISED SINCE, BY IMPLICATION, IT RESTRICTED THE WAYS WHICH UP TO NOW WERE OPEN TO ENROLLED STUDENTS TO QUALIFY AS SOLICITORS.

THE UNOFFICIALS OBTAINED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AGREEMENT THAT IT WOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY KOLDING MEASURE AND THAT THE MORATORIUM WOULD EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, UNLESS EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL.

THIS WILL GIVE THE RECONSTITUTED ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LEGAL EDUCATION SUFFICIENT TIME TO EXAMINE MORE THOROUGHLY THE VERY COMPLICATED ISSUES INVOLVED AND TO REPORT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR, MR. ,.ONG SAID.

LAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 25 -

IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DELIBERATIONS, THE UNOFFICIALS HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT ALTERNATE WAYS TO TRAIN AND EXAMINE LAW STUDENTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.

THEY THOUGHT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE POLYTECHNIC SHOULD EE ASKED WHETHER THEY WOULD BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE LAW COURSES, IN THE CASE OF THE UNIVERSITY, EXTRA-MURAL COURSES LEADING TO AN EXTERNAL LAW DEGREE.

THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE LAW SOCIETY COULD SET UP AN EXAMINATION BOARD COMPRISING BOTH OVERSEAS AND LOCAL EXAMINERS.

MR. WONG HIMSELF GAVE SOME OF HIS PERSONAL VIEWS ON THE EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS OF LAW STUDENTS.

HE THOUGHT THE AVERAGE NON-GRADUATE, PARTICULARLY +SCHOOL-LEAVERS+ IN HONG KONG, MAY NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY COMMAND OF ENGLISH TO PERFORM HIS DUTIES AS A SOLICITOR SATISFACTORILY, BEARING IN MIND THAT HIS MOTHER TONGUE IS CHINESE.

HE ALSO FELT THAT THE AVERAGE YOUNG NON-GRADUATE MAY NOT HAVE A SUFFICIENTLY BROAD EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIETY, WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL FOR A SOLICITOR TO ADVISE HIS CLIENTS PROPERLY.

IF NON-GRADUATES ARE TO BE PERMITTED TO ENROL AS LAW STUDENTS, THEN A HIGH STANDARD OF TRAINING IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL, HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT QUALITY SHOULD NOT BE SACRIFICED FOR QUANTITY. +ON THE ONE HAND, WE SHOULD TRY OUR BEST TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LAWYERS- ON THE OTHER THE QUALITY OF THE PROFESSION SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVE FROM TIME TO TIME,+ HE SAID.

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

BILL TO INCREASE VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAX ******

A BILL TO INCREASE THE RATES OF FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ON PRIVATE CARS, MOTORCYCLES AND MOTOR TRICYCLES WAS READ THE SECOND TIME AT TODAY’S (WEDNESDAY) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

IN MOVING THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL BECAME EFFECTIVE FROM MARCH 1, 1979, AS A RESULT OF AN ORDER SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR' UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE.

THE ESTIMATED YIELD SAID, IS $35 MILLION FOR

TO THE REVENUE FROM THE NEW RATES, 1979-80.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

--------0 - -

/26

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

PATENTS BILL AMENDED

* * * *

THE REGISTRATION OF UK PATENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 HAS BEEN AMENDED TO GIVE A BROADER DEFINITION OF +INFRINGEMENT+ AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE HON. PETER C. WONG.

MR. WONG ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO A PROPOSAL TO INCORPORATE SECTION 64 OF THE PATENTS ACT 1977 IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, WHEN HE SPOKE AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THIS SECTION GIVES A PERSON THE RIGHT TO CARRY ON DOING WHAT HE HAS DONE OR MADE PREPARATIONS TO DO SO BEFORE THE PRIORITY DATE OF A PATENT.

HOWEVER, SINCE THE ORDINANCE STATES THAT REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG WOULD CONFER ON THE APPLICANT THE PRIVILEGES AND RIGHTS OF THE UK PATENT AND SINCE ADOPTING THE SECTION AT THIS STAGE WOULD REQUIRE VERY CAREFUL THOUGHT AND DRAFTING, MR. WONG AGREED NOT TO PURSUE THE PROPOSAL IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PRESENT BILL.

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

EXEMPTION LIMIT OF ESTATE DUTY ON GIFTS

*****

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO LIFT THE PRESENT EXEMPTION LIMIT OF ESTATE DUTY ON GIFTS — INTER VIVOS FROM $5,000 TO $50,000 -- WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED THE PROPOSAL IS TO PROVIDE THAT, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSING ESTATE DUTY, GIFTS INTER VIVOS MADE BY THE DECEASED WHICH, IN THE CASE OF ANY ONE DONEE, DID NOT EXCEED IN THE AGGREGATE $50,000, WILL BE EXEMPTED.

+THE AMENDMENT SHALL APPLY TO THE ESTATES OF PERSONS DYING ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1979,+ HE SAID.

+THE COST TO THE REVENUE OF THIS PROPOSAL IS ESTIMATED AT $200,003 A YEAR,* HE ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

/27....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE FEE INCREASE PROPOSED

*****

MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE FEES, WHICH WERE DELIBERATELY TAX LOADED IN 1974, ARE DESIGNED NOT ONLY TO COVER THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF THE LICENSING PROCESS BUT ALSO TO INCLUDE A TAX ELEMENT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN MOVING THE SECOND READING CF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) EILL 1979.

THE BILL SEEKS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSAL FOR INCREASES IN ANNUAL VEHICLE LICENCE FEES FOR CERTAIN CLASSES OF VEHICLES.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE NEW FEES ARE DESIGNED BOTH TO RESTORE THE FULL TAX-LOADING, AND TO REMOVE CERTAIN ANOMALIES.

THE ESTIMATED YIELD TO THE REVENUE FROM THE NEW RATES IS $41 MILLION FOR 1979-80, HE ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

CS THANKS FINANCE COMMITTEE * * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS COMPLETED EXAMINATIONS OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1979-80 AND ITS REPORT WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON. SIR JACK CATER, IN STATING THIS, ADDED: +1 WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF PLACING ON RECORD THE GOVERNMENT’S APPRECIATION OF THE VERY CONSIDERABLE TIME AND EFFORT THAT MEMBERS OF FINANCE COMMITTEE HAVE DEVOTED TO THE SCRUTINY OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, BOTH AT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS AT WHICH THEY EXAMINED THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE AND AT REGULAR MEETINGS HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WHEN REQUESTS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS ARE CONSIDERED.*

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

11 BILLS PASSED * * *

ELEVEN BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1979, EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, BANKING (AMENDMENT) EILL 1979, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1979, BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, AUXILIARY FORCES PAY AND ALLOWANCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, REGISTRATION OF UNITED KINGDOM PATENTS (AMENDMENT) EILL 1979 AND EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) EILL 1979.

------o------- y2g .........................

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1979 *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL hERCHANDISE TRADE DURING MARCH 1979.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR MARCH WAS $3,814 MILLION, IMPORTS TOTALLED $6,482 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $1,559 MILLION. THE TRADE DEFICIT WAS $1,109 MILLION.

THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH 1979 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH 1978 OF 31.1 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 34.1 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 58.6 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER ROSE BY 38.1 PER

CENT

COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1978, INCREASES, BY VALUE, CF $954 MILLION OR 33.4 PER CENT IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $1,600 MILLION OR 32.8 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $572 MILLION OR 57.9 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.

THE SHORT TERM CHANGES, MARCH 1979 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1979, SHOWED INCREASES OF $1,380 MILLION OR 56.7 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $880 MILLION OR 15.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND $255 MILLION OR 19.6 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.

THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM APRIL 1978 TO' MARCH 1979 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 21.6 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 33.3 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 44.4 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.

THE MARCH PROVISIONAL EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES AREt

MERCHANDISE:

DOMESTIC EXPORTS

s $3,814 MILLION

IMPORTS

• $6,482 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS

$1,559 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE

$1,109 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)

/comparativb fiotbes

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 29 -

COMPARATIVE FIGURES JANUARY-MARCH 1979 JANUARY-MARCH 1978 INCREASE OR DECREASE

LATEST 3 MONTHS

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 10,103 7,705 + 2,395 +31.1

(% Or TOTAL EX°C?TS) (73.6%) (74.4%)

IMPORTS 17,530 13,076 + 4,454 +-34.1

RE-EXPORTS 4,197 2,646 ♦ 1,551 +58.6

(. CP TOTAL EXPORTS) (29.4%) (25.6%)

TRADE BALANCE - 3,233 - 2,725 — 508

MARCH MARCH INCREASE OR

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1979 1978 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. 3 MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,814 2,863 + 954 +33.4

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (71.0%) (74.3%)

IMPORTS 6,482 4,882 + 1,600 +32.8

RE-EXPORTS 1,559 987 + 572 +57.9

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (29.0%) (25.7%)

TRADE BALANCE - 1,109 - 1,035 — 74

MARCH FEBRUARY INCREASE OR

LAST MONTH 1979 1979 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,814 2,434 + 1,380 +56.7

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (71.0%) (65.1%)

IMPORTS 6,482 5,602 + 880 + 15.7

RE-EXPORTS 1,559 1,303 + 255 +19.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (29.0%) (34.9%)

TRADE BALANCE - 1,109 - 1,865 + 756

APRIL 1978 APRIL 1977

TC TO INCREASE OR

LAST 12 MONTHS MARCH 1979 MARCH 1978 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. 3 MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 43,137 35,438 + 7,668 +21.6

IMPORTS 67,539 50,635 +16,875 +33.3

RE-EXPORTS 14,748 10,213 4,535 +44.4

TRADE BALANCE - 9,654 - 4,984 —. 4,673

- o- /30

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

- 30 -

U.S.-HK TEXTILE TALKS CONCLUDED * * * *

IN A JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (WEDNESDAY), AMBASSADOR MICHAEL B. SMITH, LEADER OF THE U.S. DELEGATION, AND MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, LEADER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, SAID THEY HAD CONCLUDED THE TEXTILE CONSULTATIONS WHICH BEGAN IN JANUARY THIS YEAR AND CONTINUED IN LONDON IN MARCH.

APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP AND THE TWO DELEGATIONS WOULD NOW RECOMMEND THEM TO THEIR OWN GOVERNMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE, THE STATEMENT SAID.

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

RECLAMATION CONTRACT

* * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO RECLAIM A SMALL AREA IN TSUEN WAN BAY FOR STAGE I I OF THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS PROJECT.

A CONTRACT FOR THIS WORK, WORTH ABOUT $2 MILLION, WAS' SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY MR. ROBIN SAUNDERS, CHIEF ENGINEER CF THE TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AND MR. CHAN HON-SHEUNG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SHING KEE BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD.

IT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF STAGE II OF THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS, WHICH WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-KILOMETRE ROAD RUNNING FROM TEXACO ROAD ACROSS TSUEN WAN BAY TO LINK WITH TUEN MUN ROAD AT CHA I WAN KOK.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START NEXT WEEK AND WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

TENDERS FOR THE MAIN CONTRACT FOR THE SECOND STAGE OF THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS WILL BE INVITED IN THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR.

--------o

/31

WEDNESDAY, APR IL 25, 1979

- 31 -

MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO EE INAUGURATED *****

MR. A.G. EASON, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (KOWLOON WEST), MR. GORDON SIU, MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR AND MISS E.S. MAIR, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (PHYSICAL EDUCATION, RECREATION AND SPORTS) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION LTD. TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION LTD.

WAS FORMED WHEN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION LTD. (INCORPORATED IN OCTOBER 1971) AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS COUNCIL, FORMED IN 1975, MERGED RECENTLY.

THE MERGER IS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES TO RESIDENTS.

APART FROM ITS IMMEDIATE PLANS FOR HOLDING A DAY FOR THE ELDERLY IN JUNE AND A SWIMMING GALA IN JULY, THE ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR A SITE OF ABOUT 2,500 SQ. FT. IN TAI KOK TSUI TO BUILD A 10—STOREY INDOOR CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS CENTRE INCORPORATING THE MUCH-NEEDED FACILITIES SUCH AS BADMINTON COURTS, PHYSICAL EXERCISE ROOMS, MUSIC ROOM AND SO ON.

THE CENTRE WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND WHEN COMPLETED AND WILL COST ABOUT S3 MILLION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MR. A.G. EASON, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (KOWLOON WEST), ffi. GORDON SIU, MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR ANDfMISS E.S. MAIR, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (PHYSICAL EDUCATION, RECREATION AND SPORTS) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE AT 45, FUK TSUEN STREET, TAI KOK TSUI.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH BEGINS AT 5.30 P.M.

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

/32

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

CONCERTS BY THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND HK’S YOUNG MUSICIANS

******

THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AND ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL WILL BE PRESENTING TWO CONCERTS BY THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH ORCHESTRA, THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND ON THURSDAY, MAY 3 AND FRIDAY, MAY 4.

THE TWO CONCERTS WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, BAPTIST COLLEGE, WATERLOO ROAD.

THE FIRST CONCERT WILL EE GIVEN BY THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH ORCHESTRA. THE CONDUCTOR WILL BE PROF. SERGIO Z. ESMILLA. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE WORKS BY BEETHOVEN, MOZART, RICHARD WAGNER AND OTHER FAMOUS PHILIPPINE COMPOSERS.

THE SECOND CONCERT WILL BE GIVEN BY THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH ORCHESTRA TOGETHER WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND OF THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE. THE CONDUCTORS WILL BE PROF. SERGIO Z. ESMILLA, MR. THOMAS WANG AND W. JOHN CHENG.

THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE WORKS BY STRAUSS, TSCHAIKOWSKY, BEETHOVEN AND VERDI.

ADMISSION TICKETS AT $3 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL- TOM LEE PIANO CO. LTD. (ALL BRANCHES) AND SING TAO OFFICES AT LI YUEN STREET WEST, MINDEN PLAZA, OCEAN CENTRE, THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION, HUNG HOM AND MEI FOO SUN CHUEN.

THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH ORCHESTRA WAS FORMED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF PHILIPPINES BOARD OF REGENTS IN 1974 AND HAS BEEN PLAYING MUSIC TO A WHOLE SPECTRUM OF AUDIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES RANGING FROM THE PLAIN FILIPINO WORKING FOLK TO THE COUNTRY’S STATE DIGNITARIES AND THEIR DISTINGUISHED FOREIGN GUESTS.

IT HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE CULTURAL CENTRE OF THE PHILIPPINES AS ONE OF ITS RESIDENT PERFORMING GROUPS AND HAS BEEN GIVING SEASONAL CONCERTS THERE SINCE 1975.

0 --------

/33

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1979

RESTRICTED ZONE * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONE IN QUARRY BAY FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES (FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M.) ON THE SOUTHEAST SIDE OF HOI TAI STREET WILL EE ADJUSTED SO THAT IT WILL START ABOUT 35 METRES TO THE SOUTHWEST OF THE HOI TAI STREET-HOI WAN STREET JUNCTION.

THE ARRANGEMENT IS MADE IN CONNECTION WITH RECLAMATION WORKS NEAR FINN IE STREET.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE EXACT LIMITS OF THE RESTRICTED ZONE.

0 -------

WATER CUT

* * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TAI HANG WILL BE SUSPENDED ON FRIDAY FROM 11 P.M. TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HOUSE NO. 152, 154, 156, 325-345, 338-336, TAI HANG ROAD, HOUSE NO. 43A-155, 86-140 BLUE POOL ROAD, 1-15 BRIAR AVENUE, 1-7 BROOM ROAD AND GREEN LANE.

MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 A.M. ON FRIDAY TO 10 A.M. ON MONDAY FOR DIVERSION WORKS.

THE AFFECTED AREA INCLUDES LAM TIN AND SAU MAU PING ESTATES, SHUN LEE TSUEN, CHOI WAN ESTATE, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, HIP WO STREET, HIU KWONG STREET, KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG NING ROAD AND HONG LEE ROAD.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

2-6

THURSDAY, APR IL.27", 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DETAILS OF U.S.-HK TEXTILE TALKS ..........................

REVIEWING THE SUMMER Y^UTH PROGRAMME ......................

DIRECTOR OF T.I.C. RETIRING IN OCTOBER ....................... 4

GOVERNOR TO ATTEND SCOUT RALLY ............................... 4

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ......................................

UNIQUE FLYOVER FOR TS'JEN WAN ................................ 6

LAND SALES REALISE <522.45 MILLION ........................

107 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH ....................

APPRENTICESHIP COURSE IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FIELD . 9

SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ....................................

SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHERS ............... 11

URBAN CLEARWAY .............................................. U

SPECIAL TRAINS TO RACE COURSE STATION ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ...................................................... 12

WATER CUT ................................................... 13

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

DETAILS OF U.S.-HK TEXTILE TALKS * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) GAVE DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN AGREED WITH THE UNITED STATES FOLLOWING THREE ROUNDS OF TEXTILE TALKS IN JANUARY, MARCH AND APRIL THIS YEAR.

THESE TALKS WERE HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) AND THE U.S. - HK TEXTILE AGREEMENT.

MR. JORDAN RECALLED THAT THE UNITED STATES ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL +SURGES+ IN THE VOLUME OF TEXTILE IMPORTS INTO THE U.S.A.

AT THE SAME TIME HONG KONG HAS BEEN SEEKING SOME GREATER CERTAINTY FOR ITS EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. OF TEXTILES COVERED BY THE EXPORT AUTHORISATION SYSTEM, WHICH APPLIES TO PRODUCTS WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC RESTRAINT LIMITS.

+1 THINK THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK OUT A BALANCED PACKAGE WHICH GOES A GOOD WAY TO MEETING THE CONCERNS OF BOTH GOVERNMENTS,* MR. JORDAN SAID.

MR. JORDAN SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD DECIDED THAT IN 1979 IT WOULD NOT USE THE CARRYFORWARD (ANTICIPATION) PROVISIONS OF THE TEXTILE AGREEMENT FOR MOST OF THE APPAREL AND WOOL PRODUCT CATEGORIES.

HONG KONG HAD ALSO DECIDED THAT IT WOULD NOT NEED TO USE THE CARRYOVER IN 1979 OF THE UNSHIPPED QUANTITIES IN 1978 OF FABRICS AND YARNS.

SEVEN CATEGORIES OF APPAREL (CATS. 336, 337, 342, 345, 643/4, 648 AND 633/4/5) WHICH ARE AT PRESENT SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC RESTRAINT LIMITS HAVE BEEN DERESTRAINED AND DROPPED INTO THE +BASKET*.

♦ALTHOUGH THIS REPRESENTS A MEASURE OF LIBERALISATION,* W. JORDAN SAID, +WE RECOGNISE THAT THE CHANGEOVER FROM SPECIFIC RESTRAINT TO BASKET CONTROL COULD GIVE RISE TO SOME DISRUPTION FOR THOSE COMPANIES CURRENTLY HOLDING QUOTA IN THESE SPECIFIC CATEGORIES. WE WILL THEREFORE BE MAKING SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THESE COMPANIES FOR THE REST OF THIS YEAR.

♦WE HAVE ALSO SECURED AN IMPROVED CONSULTATION CLAUSE CONCERNING PRODUCTS NOT SUBJECT TO A SPECIFIC RESTRAINT LIMIT. UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT WHERE THE U.S.A. AND HONG KONG FAIL TO REACH AGREEMENT ON THE NEED TO LIFT A PARTICULAR PRODUCT FROM THE +BASKET* AND GIVE IT A SPECIFIC LIMIT OR ON THE SPECIFIC LIMIT TO BE APPLIED, THE U.S.A. CAN DETERMINE THE LEVEL AT WHICH WE SHOULD HOLD EXPORTS. UNDER THE REVISED ARRANGEMENT, WHEN WE CANNOT AGREE ON A FIGURE, HONG KONG WILL BE ENTITLED TO A 20 PER CENT INCREASE OVER PREVIOUS TRADE LEVELS FOR COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRE PRODUCTS AND A SIX PER CENT INCREASE FOR WOOL PRODUCTS.

/♦APART FROM

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

- 2

♦APART FROM THIS NEW CONSULTATION CLAUSE WHICH WILL APPLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT (I.E. UNTIL THE END OF 1982), THE BASIC PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT ARE UNAFFECTED BY THE AGREED PACKAGE,♦ MR. JORDAN SAID.

MR. JORDAN ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD SHORTLY ANNOUNCE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE AGREED ARRANGEMENTS.

♦THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN FULLY CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED BY THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD,♦ MR. JORDAN STATED.

THE CONSULTATIONS WERE HELD IN HONG KONG IN JANUARY, IN LONDON IN MARCH AND AGAIN IN HONG KONG THIS WEEK. THE U.S. DELEGATION WAS LED BY AMBASSADOR MICHAEL B. SMITH AND THE HONG KONG DELEGATION BY MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, DIRECTOR OF TRADE.

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

REVIEWING THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ******

ABOUT 200 SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP LEADERS FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MET TODAY (THURSDAY) TO EVALUATE THE PAST YEARS’ ACTIVITIES AND EXPLORE POSSIBLE WAYS OF IMPROVING THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

THE MEETING. IN THE FORM OF A WORKSHOP, WAS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR YOUTH RECREATION AND WAS l£LD AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING IN WAN CHAI UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR. JAMES SO, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.

ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME tfFAIRS, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, SAID THAT THE PROGRAMME, WITH ITS CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN ACTIVITIES AND FUNDING, HAD DEMONSTRATED GREAT SUCCESS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS. THE ANNUAL REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE INDICATED THAT OVER 2,000,000 YOUNG PEOPLE HAD PARTICIPATED N 8,000 EVENTS ORGANISED AT BOfH TERRITORY AND DISTRICT LEVELS IN 1978.

/HOWEVER, MH. LI ......

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

- 3 -

HOWEVER, MR. LI EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THERE WAS STILL A LARGE PORTION OF THE YOUTH POPULATION WHO WERE NOT INVOLVED IN LAST YEAR’S PROGRAMME DUE TO VARIOUS REASONS. THIS WAS STATED IN THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE PARTICIPATION IN THE 1978 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

♦EVEN ALLOWING FOR THE FACT THAT MANY OF THOSE PARTICIPATING IN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN THAT THE CAMP, HIKE, STUDY VISITS OR SPORTS DAY WHICH THEY ATTENDED WAS PART OF SUCH A PROGRAMME, IT SEEMS THERE IS STILL WIDESPREAD IGNORANCE OF THE EXISTENCE AND AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME.

♦THEREFORE, IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT THE FINDINGS AND THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ITSELF WITH A VIEW TO DIAGNOSING WEAKNESSES IN THE ACTIVITIES, ORGANISATION OR PUBLICITY WHICH MIGHT ACCOUNT FOR THE FINDINGS AND ENABLE US ALL TO PLAN BETTER AND MORE ACCEPTABLE PROGRAMMES IN THE FUTURE,* MR. LI STRESSED.

AT A PANEL DISCUSSION, MR. CHAN F'U-SAI OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND MR. DANIEL CHAN OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG PUT FORWARD SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS REGARDING THE OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND VARIETY OF THE PROGRAMME.

REPERESENTATIVES ALSO PARTICIPATED IN A SERIES OF GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND A PUBLIC FORUM CHAIRED BY MR. JAMES SO.

THEY SCRUTINISED REASONS FOR NON-PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENTS AMONG THE YOUTHS AND DISCUSSED VARIOUS PROPOSALS THAT MIGHT LEAD TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A MORE VIGOROUS AND BETTER CO-ORDINATED PROGRAMME.

COMMENTING ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE WORKSHOP, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR YOUTH RECREATION SAID THE WORKSHOP HAD PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ORGANISING BODIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS, SHARE EXPERIENCES AND IDENTIFY EXISTING PROBLEMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

♦MEANWHILE, THE CONCLUSIONS REACHED BY THE GROUPS HAVE HELPED UPDATE KNOWLEDGE OF DEMANDS AT VARIOUS STRATA AND ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION AS WELL. CERTAINLY THIS WILL CONTRIBUTE CONSIDERABLY TO CARRYING OUT THE AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME IN FUTURE YEARS,* HE SAID.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

- 4 -

DIRECTOR OF T.I.C. RETIRING IN OCTOBER * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN, WILL BE RETIRING IN OCTOBER 1979.

HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. W. DORWARD, COMMISSIONER OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, WHOSE PROMOTION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

MR. JORDAN WILL BE 55 IN OCTOBER AND WILL HAVE COMPLETED 28 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

HE WAS FIRST APPOINTED AS A CADET OFFICER IN JULY 1951, AND HAS SINCE HELD MANY SENIOR APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING DEPUTY ECONOMIC SECRETARY, DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND DEFENCE SECRETARY, BEFORE BEING APPOINTED TO HIS PRESENT POST IN 1972.

MR. DORWARD, 49, WAS FIRST APPOINTED AS AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN JANUARY 1954. HE JOINED THE TRADE OFFICER GRADE IN APRIL 1957 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN JULY 1977.

FROM JULY 1974 TO JANUARY 1976, WHILE SERVING AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DORWARD WAS POSTED TO THE GENEVA OFFICE AS AN ALTERNATE AND LATER A FULL MEMBER OF THE GATT TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY.

HE HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS ON MANY OCCASIONS.

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

GOVERNOR TO ATTEND SCOUT RALLY

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHIEF SCOUT OF HONG KONG, WILL ATTEND THE ANNUAL ST. GEORGE’S DAY SCOUT RALLY AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL FOOTBALL GROUND AT 4 P.M. ON SATURDAY.

SIR MURRAY WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT A PARADE OF 200 SCOUT LEADERS AND SCOUTS, ADDRESS A GATHERING OF 8,000 AND PRESENT AWARDS TO 30 SCOUT LEADERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.

THE RALLY WILL ALSO FEATURE RE-AFFIRMATION OF THE SCOUT PROMISE AND A +GRAND HOWL+ BY CUBS.

THE EVENT WILL EE FOLLOWED BY A FELLOWSHIP DINNER IN THE EVENING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE RALLY ------------------------0-------

/5 .....

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX * * * *

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR MARCH 1979 WERE BOTH 133, EACH BEING TWO POINTS HIGHER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

THE C.P.I.(A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 - $1,499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I.(B), BETWEEN $1,500 - $2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973-74.

THE SECTION INDICES FOR MARCH 1979, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1978, ARE GIVEN BELOWt -

SECTION C.P.I.(A) C.P.I.(B)

MAR.79 FEB.79 MAR.78 MAR.79 FEB.79 MAR.78

FOODSTUFFS 129 125 119 130 127 120

HOUSING 139 137 128 139 136 127

FUEL AND LIGHT 144 141 135 142 140 134

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 155 155 140 150 150 136

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 105 106 101 104 105 100

DURABLE GOODS 122 121 112 119 118 110

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 140 139 130 137 137 127

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 147 145 119 153 151 123

SERVICES 143 142 135 145 144 136

ALL ITEMS 133 131 122 133 131 122

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WENT UP BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P.I.(A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN C.P.I.(B). RISES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH-WATER FISH, FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRESH FRUITS. THE COST OF MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ALSO WENT UP AS SOME RESTAURANTS AND EATING PLACES RAISED THEIR PRICES. ON THE OTHER HAND, A REDUCTION WAS RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF LIVE POULTRY. MOVEMENTS IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

/the index......

THDBSDAY, APHIL 26, 1979

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN C.P.I.(A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN C.P.I.(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER RENT IN POST-WAR BUILT PRIVATE DWELLINGS.

THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT WENT UP BY THREE POINTS IN C.P.I.(A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN C.P.I.(B), REFLECTING THE FULL IMPACT OF THE INCREASE IN PRICE OF KEROSENE SINCE FEBRUARY.

THE DROP OF ONE POINT IN THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR IN C.P.I.(A) AND C.P.I.(B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO LOWER PRICES FOR bEN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTER-CLOTHING AND WOMEN’S FOOTWEAR.

THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS ROSE BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P. I.(A) AND C.P.I.(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR WOODEN FURNITURE, TRAVEL GOODS, TELEVISION SETS AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.

THE RISE OF ONE POINT IN THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS IN C.P.I.(A) WAS MAINLY BROUGHT ABOUT BY HIGHER PRICES FOR TOILET REQUISITES, SOAP AND DETERGENTS.

THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY TWO POINTS EACH IN C.P.I.(A) AND C.P.I.(B) FOLLOWING HIGHER FARES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.

HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING PUSHED THE INDEX FOR SERVICES UP BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P.I.(A) AND C.P.I(B).

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

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

UNIQUE FLYOVER FOR TSUEN WAN ft ft ft ft ft

A FLYOVER WHICH IS UNIQUE IN APPEARANCE IN HONG KONG I SEEING BUILT IN THE NEW TOWN OF TSUEN WAN.

WHEN THE S30 MILLION PROJECT IS COMPLETED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, IT WILL BE A BOON TO RESIDENTS AND OTHERS PASSING THROUGH THE TOWN.

FOCAL POINT OF THE PROJECT IS A NEW GRADE-SEPARATED INTERSECTION AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD. THIS WILL LINK THE MAIN CONTAINER ROUTES TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF TSUEN WAN.

IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE ROUTE WILL BE HEAVILY USED AND WILL SUBSTANTIALLY RELIEVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON THE ROADS TO THE WEST OF THE TOWN.

♦THE MAIN ELEVATED STRUCTURE WILL BE A SLIM, HOLLOW PRESTRESSED CONCRETE DECK OF UNIQUE DISHED FORM, RESTING ON SCULPTURED CONCRETE SUPPORTS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THIS LOCATION,+ MR. LEN CURRIE OF THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, EXPLAINED TODAY (THURSDAY).

♦THE BRIDGE ABUTMENTS SPORT UNUSUAL ’SHATTERED RIB’ FINISH AND ARE WELL BACK FROM THE ROAD, THE AIM BEING TO CREATE AN EFFECTIVE EXTENSION TO TAI WO HAU PARK BY MAKING THE AREA UNDER AND AROUND THE BRIDGE AS ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE.+

/MR. CUHRI2 ....

THURSDAY, APBIL 26, 1979

MR. CURRIE SAID THE AREA WOULD BE LANDSCAPED AND WOULD INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.

HE EMPHASISED THAT PEDESTRIANS ARE BEING CATERED FOR IN THE PROJECT, INCLUDING THOSE WITH PHYSICAL HAND ICAPSi

* A SUBWAY WILL CROSS UNDER TEXACO ROAD AT TAK TAI PATH.

* THERE WILL BE SUBWAY ACCESS TO THE PLAY AREA.

* A HELICAL PEDESTRIAN RAMP WILL LEAD TO AN ELEVATED FOOTWAY ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

* THERE WILL BE A SUBWAY UNDER THE NEW LINK ROAD IN TAI WO HAU PARK.

X AN EXTENSIVE COVERED FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM WILL BE BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF SHING MUN ROAD AND THE NORTHERN EXTENSION OF TEXACO ROAD.

MR. CURRIE ADDEDi +BUILT INTO THE STRUCTURE WILL BE A SENSITIVE TEMPERATURE MONITORING SYSTEM, PLANNED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

♦THIS WILL PROVIDE VALUABLE DATA FOR PWD DESIGN ENGINEERS.♦

THE MAIN CONTRACTOR IS KUMAGAI GUMI (H.K.) LTD. CONSTRUCTION IS BEING SUPERVISED BY THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PWD’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, NEW TERRITORIES.

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

LAND SALES REALISE $22.45 MILLION X X X X X

A 2,329-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT CHO YUEN STREET IN SAM KA TSUEN. KOWLOON, WAS SOLD FOR $20.7 MILLION AT AN AUCTION CONDUCTED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN THE CITY HALL TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE SITE, FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, WAS BOUGHT BY VILLAMAN LTD. AT $8,887.94 PER SQUARE METRE.

ANOTHER LOT AT 460 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, WAS SOLD TO WAI WONG INVESTMENT CO. LTD. FOR $1.75 MILLION OR $20,022.89 PER SQUARE ME TRE.

THE SITE, MEASURING 87.4 SQUARE METRE, IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

107 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH ******

A TOTAL OF 107 NEW BUILDING PLANS WAS APPROVED LAST (MARCH) MONTH BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 56 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

OF THOSE APPROVED, 54 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLANDS, 28 FOR KOWLOON AND 25 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDED TWO PETROL FILLING STATIONS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, A CHURCH BUILDING IN KIANG HSI STREET, KOWLOON, AN ADDITIONAL STOREY TO A HOSPITAL IN SHATIN PASS ROAD AND A RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 1239.21 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $193 MILLION LAST YEAR.

THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED LAST MONTH TOTALLED 558,387.9 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 140,705.3 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 417,682.6 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 55 NEW PROJECTS, INCLUDING A HOTEL IN SALISBURY ROAD, KOWLOON, A HOUSING ESTATE IN SHA TIN, A TEMPLE IN TAI AU MUN AND SEVERAL FACTORIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

A TOTAL OF 53 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WAS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING A SCHOOL EXTENSION IN INVERNESS ROAD, KOWLOON, A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE BUILDING ON TSING Yl ISLAND, A SCHOOL BUILDING AND A BANK BUILDING IN YUEN LONG AND A CHURCH AND YOUTH CENTRE IN HUNG SHU I KIU.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ASSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 77 BUILDINGS.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE * * * * *

A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE, ENTITLED +ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL RATIOS IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FOR THE YEARS 1973 AND 1976+, IS PUBLISHED IN THE JANUARY (1979) ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.

THE ARTICLE ILLUSTRATES SOME OF THE ANALYSES WHICH CAN POSSIBLY BE MADE OF DATA OBTAINED FROM THE 1976 CENSUS OF INDUSTRY.

IT ALSO COMPARES CERTAIN SELECTED STRUCTURAL RATIOS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INPUT CONTENTS AND PER CAPITA VALUES OF MAJOR ECONOMIC ATTRIBUTES AMONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY GROUPS BETWEEN 1973 AND 1976.

RESULTS OF THE 1976 CENSUS OF INDUSTRY ARE REVEALING IN MANY ASPECTS. OF PARTICULAR INTEREST ARE THE OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND SIZE COMPOSITION OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AND STRUCTURAL CHANGES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED SINCE 1973, THE REFERENCE YEAR FOR HONG KONG’S FIRST CENSUS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT DETAILED STATISTICS OF THE 1977 AND 1976 CENSUSES AND EARLIER INDUSTRIAL SURVEYS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION (TEL. 5-444734) OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE MONTHLY DIGEST IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $6 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.

- - 0 - -

APPRENTICESHIP COURSE IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FIELD * * * *

AS HONG KONG CONTINUES TO DEVELOP AS A MODERN CITY, WELL-TRAINED CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS WILL BE IN GREAT DEMAND.

WHICH IS WHY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY BE OFFERING MORE FORM FIVE GRADUATES WITH A FOUR-AND-A-HALF-YEAR TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP COURSE IN THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FIELD.

+RECRUITMENT OF TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES WILL BE ADVERTISED ON LOCAL NEWSPAPERS IN MAY,+ SAID MR. M.J. HUTTON, GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER WHO ADDED, +1 BELIEVE THE APPRENTICE TRAINING WE PROVIDE IS AMONG THE BEST IN HONG KONG.+

+ALL SELECTED CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SIGN INDENTURES OF APPRENTICESHIP AFTER WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED TO A MONTHLY WAGE OF BETWEEN 3685 AND 51,035, INCLUDING PAID ANNUAL LEAVE AND FREE MEDICAL CARE.+ MR. HUTTON SAID.

/there are

THUBSDAY, APHIL 26, 1979

THERE ARE NOW 113 TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES UNDER TRAINING.

MR. HUTTON EXPLAINED THAT NEW APPRENTICES WILL FIRST RECEIVE SIX MONTHS BASIC TRAINING AT THE APPRENTICE TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE WHERE THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN ON BENCH FITTING, MACHINE TOOLS, WELDING, SHEET METAL WORK, ELECTRICAL, AIR-CONDITIONING AND VEHICLE WORK.

AFTER THE BASIC FAMILIARISATION WITH THE DIFFERENT TRADES, THEY WILL FURTHER THEIR TRAINING IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT WORKSHOPS AND PLANT COMPLEXES TO ACQUIRE A BROAD ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE. INSTRUCTORS AND EXPERIENCED STAFF WILL GUIDE AND HELP THEM DURING THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.

THE APPRENTICES WILL ALSO ATTEND RELATED ENGINEERING COURSES ON A PART-TIME DAY RELEASE BASIS AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

DURING THE LAST YEAR OF THEIR APPRENTICESHIP, THEY WILL RECEIVE SUPERVISORY TRAINING TO ENABLE THEM TO TAKE UP THE DUTIES OF A JUNIOR SUPERVISOR.

+AFTER THE APPRENTICES HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COURSE, THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT AS WORKS SUPERVISOR OR TECHNICAL OFFICER TRAINEE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. THEY WILL ALSO BE FREE TO JOIN OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

♦WITHIN THE PWD ITSELF, PROMOTION PROSPECTS ARE GOOD. FROM THE GRADE OF WORKS SUPERVISOR, THEY CAN BE PROMOTED TO INSPECTOR, OR EVEN TO CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER WITH A STARTING SALARY OF $7,810 A MONTH,+ MR. HUTTON SAID.

MR. WONG SHIU-KWONG ACHIEVED EXACTLY THAT. HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AS A GOVERNMENT APPRENTICE IN 1957. TODAY HE IS SUPERINTENDENT OF APPRENTICES, WHICH IS CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER GRADE.

♦FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE, I FEEL THAT THE APPRENTICESHIP COURSE PROVIDES GOOD CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASPIRING YOUNG MEN BECAUSE THEY CAN ACQUIRE BOTH THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILL,+ MR. WONG SAID.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING THEY RECEIVE FROM THE COURSE STANDS THEM IN GOOD STEAD IF THEY DECIDE TO GO ABROAD TO ATTAIN A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DEGREE, PROVIDING THEY MANAGE TO PASS THE PART I OF THE COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING INSTITUTION EXAMINATION.

BESIDES THE TECHNICAL APPRENTICESHIP COURSE, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE ALSO RUNS A CRAFTSMAN APPRENTICESHIP COURSE FOR YOUNG MEN WITH A MINIMUM OF PRIMARY SIX STANDARD. RECRUITMENT FOR THIS COURSE USUALLY TAKES PLACE IN FEBRUARY EACH YEAR.

ENQUIRIES ON THE APPRENTICESHIP COURSES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 5-778241, EXT. 64.

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

/11 ...

THURSDAY, APRIL 26,

1979

- 11 -

SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHERS

******

A SEMINAR ON TEACHING GENETICS IN FORMS 4 AND 5 WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY FOR IN-SERVICE BIOLOGY TEACHERS TO ACQUAINT THEM WITH THE MODERN TEACHING APPROACH USING PLANT MATERIALS.

MR. Y.W. LIU, SENIOR INSPECTOR (BIOLOGY), WILL OPEN THE SEMINAR, FOLLOWED BY A TALK ON +THE TEACHING OF GENETICS IN FORMS 4 AND 5+ BY MR. O.T. MOK OF THE HENRIETTA SCHOOL.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A DEMONSTRATION OF PLANT MATERIALS USED FOR GENETICS EXPERIMENTS.

THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, WILL BE HELD AT THE HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IN CAUSEWAY BAY AT 9.30 A.M.

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

URBAN CLEARWAY * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A M NEXT TUESDAY (MAY 1) THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SALISBURY ROAd'bETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ZONE TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, F^OM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC.

WITHIN THE CLEARWAY, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

/12

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

- 12 -

SPECIAL TRAINS TO RACE COURSE STATION ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY *****

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE THREE SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE STATION ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

THESE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 12.01 P.M., 12.34 P.M., AND 12.54 P.M. ON SATURDAY, AND AT 12.04 P.M., 12.27 P.M. AND 12.47 P.M. ON SUNDAY.

ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THERE WILL BE THREE SPECIAL TRAINS ON SATURDAY AND FOUR ON SUNDAY TO BRING PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON. IN ADDITION, KCR WILL RE-ROUTE THREE OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE COURSE STATION ON SATURDAY AT 6.11 P.M., 7.18 P.M., AND 8.07 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 ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.

A KCR SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) ENCOURAGED THOSE GOING BY PRIVATE CARS TO MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK ABOVE THE KOWLOON STATION.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAIN SERVICES HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY AMENDED. THE REVISED TIMETABLES BETWEEN 11 A.M. AND 11 P.M. ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ARE:

SATURDAY — FROM KOWLOON STATION: 11.08 A.M., 12.20 P.M., 1.14 P.M., 2.00 P.M., 3.04 P.M., 3.56 P.M., 5.00 P.M., 5.30 P.M., 6.05 P.M., 7.02 P.M., 7.48 P.M., 9.12 P.M., AND 11.00 P.M.

FROM LO WU STATION: 10.57 A.M., 11.52 A.M., 12.32 P.M., 1.54 P.M., 2.45 P.M., 3.30 P.M., 4.31 P.M., 5.26 P.M., 6.23 P.M., 7.17 P.M., 8.12 P.M. AND 9.04 P.M.

SUNDAY — FROM KOWLOON STATION: 11.12 A.M., 12.11 P.M., 1.13 P.M., 2.00 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.19 P.M., 4.13 P.M., 4.40 P.M., 5.23 P.M., 6.28 P.M., 7.24 P.M., 8.35 P.M., 9.42 P.M. AND 11.00 P.M.

FROM LO WU STATION: 11.05 A.M., 11.59 A.M., 12.35 P.M., 1.29 P.M., 2.58 P.M., 3.44 P.M., 4.42 P.M., 6.08 P.M., 6.52 P.M., 8.12 P.M., AND 9.28 P.M.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON SATURDAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, SALISBURY ROAD CHATHAM ROAD HANOI ROAD AND MODY ROAD, INCLUDING MINDEN ROAD, SlNDEN AVENUE, BLENHEIM AVENUE, MIDDLE ROAD, BRISTOL AVENUE AND NEW WORLD HOTEL.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRESERVING HK’S RELICS ................................ 1

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JANUARY 1979 .................. 3

’SILVER’ 50-CENT COINS WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER ... 3

POOR VISIBILITY WARNINGS IN HK WATERS ................. 4

STREET CLOSURES FOR MTR TSUEN WAN DEPOT ............... 5

CAS DUTIES CALL FOR RESOURCEFULNESS, COURAGE .......... 5

SHA TIN-TAI PO TRUNK ROAD ............................. 6

MORE LAND TO BE RECLAIMED IN TAI PO ................... 7

TENDERS FOR SCHOOL PROJECT ............................ 7

39 PWD CONTRACTS AWARDED IN MARCH ..................... 8

ROYAL OBSERVATORY DIRECTOR TO ATTEND METEOROLOGICAL MEETINGS .............................................. 8

VOCAL-GUITAR DUO TO GIVE DEMONSTRATION CONCERT ........ 8

FIRING PRACTICE ....................................... 9

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

PRESERVING HK’S RELICS * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS INVESTING STEADILY INCREASING RESOURCES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LARGE AREAS OF MOUNTAINOUS COUNTRYSIDE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE CONCLUDING DINNER OF THE COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF ARCHITECTS CONFERENCE, SIR MURRAY SAID THE AREAS TO BE PRESERVED CONTAIN VILLAGES, WHICH ARE +RELICS CF A TRADITIONAL RURAL LIFE AND RURAL ARCHITECTURE THAT HAVE EXISTED FOR CENTURIES BUT IS NOW RAPIDLY DISAPPEARING FROM HONG KONG.*

EARLIER, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT IN HONG KONG WHERE CONSTRUCTION AND RE-CONSTRUCTION OF A GIGANTIC SCALE ARE GOING ON, THERE MIGHT BE CONTROVERSY ABOUT AESTHETICS — ♦ABOUT WHAT OF THE NEW IS GOOD AND ABOUT WHAT OF THE OLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN RETAINED.*

+BUT THE GREAT STRIDES IN BUILDING BETTER LIVING STANDARDS ARE THERE FOR ALL TO SEE,* HE NOTED.

FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH i

♦ I AM HONOURED TO BE INVITED TO THIS DINNER AND DELIGHTED THAT THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS SHOULD BE HOST TO THIS COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF ARCHITECTS CONFERENCE AND I AM GLAD INDEED TO PROPOSE THE TOAST TO THIS PRESTIGIOUS BODY.

♦ IN PRACTICE I DO SO WITH SOME HESITATION, BECAUSE I PRESUME THAT IN THE PRECEDING WEEK EVERYTHING THAT CAN PROPERLY OR IMPROPERLY BE SAID ABOUT ARCHITECTURE HAS ALREADY BEEN SAID.

♦ IN A COMMUNITY SUCH AS OURS IN WHICH CONSTRUCTION AND RE-CONSTRUCTION IS ON SUCH A GIGANTIC SCALE, THE SCOPE FOR ARCHITECTS IS GREAT. OF COURSE THE PROFESSION IS OBLIGED TO OPERATE UNDER UNUSUAL PRESSURES OF SPACE — BECAUSE THERE IS SO LITTLE IN HONG KONG — AND OF TIME — BECAUSE IN HONG KONG ME ARE ALWAYS IN A HURRY.

♦ WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE ENORMOUS TASK OF IMPROVING LIVING STANDARDS AND CREATING NEW ECONOMIC POSSIBILITIES, BY REDEPLOYING THE POPULATION INTO NEW TOWNS IN NEW AREAS AND BY REDEVELOPING THE OLD ONES, AND BY BINDING THE WHOLE INTO A SINGLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC UNIT BY A NEW NETWORK OF COMMUNICATIONS.

♦ IN THIS ENTERPRISE FOUGHT WITH BRICKS, STEEL AND CONCRETE, YOUR PROFESSION HAS SERVED HONG KONG WELL. AND THIS COMMUNITY HAS BEEN, AND IS, VERY MUCH DEPENDENT ON THE COMPETENCE, IMAGINATION AND HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS CF YOUR PROFESSION OF WHICH THE LOCAL CUSTODIAN IS THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.

/♦THERE MAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

♦THERE MAY BE CONTROVERSY ABOUT AESTHETICS, ABOUT WHAT OF THE NEW IS GOOD AND ABOUT WHAT OF THE OLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN RETAINED, BUT THE GREAT STRIDES IN BUILDING BETTER LIVING STANDARDS ARE THERE FOR ALL TO SEE.

♦I WILL NOT ENTER INTO THE GLORIOUS CONTROVERSY ABOUT WHAT SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT BE RETAINED OF COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE URBAN AREA.

♦THE PRESERVATION OF BUILDINGS AND TOMBS AND OTHER RELICS OF THE PRE-COLONIAL AND INDEED PRE-HISTORIC ERA IS LESS CONTROVERSIAL AND IN MANY WAYS MUCH EASIER. BUT THERE IS A SPECIAL SUBJECT I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION.

♦THE GOVERNMENT IS INVESTING STEADILY INCREASING RESOURCES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LARGE AREAS OF MOUNTAINOUS COUNTRYSIDE. THESE CONTAIN VILLAGES, OFTEN NOW DESERTED, AND PRESERVATION OF SOME OF THESE WOULD BE OF GREAT INTEREST TO LATER GENERATIONS.

♦THEY ARE RELICS OF A TRADITIONAL RURAL LIFE AND RURAL ARCHITECTURE THAT HAVE EXISTED FOR CENTURIES BUT IS NOW RAPIDLY DISAPPEARING FROM HONG KONG. MANY STILL EXIST IN HONG KONG UNCLUTTERED BY MODERN ADDITIONS AND WITH THEIR SITES STILL PROTECTED BY THEIR TRADITIONAL TREES.

♦PROBLEMS OF OWNERSHIP ARE HARD TO OVERCOME AND MUCH ADMINISTRATIVE EFFORT AND ARCHITECTURAL CARE (THOUGH I THINK NOT MUCH MONEY) WILL BE NEEDED TO PRESERVE THEM-BUT I HOPE THAT BY THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE COUNTRY PARKS DEPARTMENT AND WITH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE ANTIQUITIES BOARD AND RURAL COMMITTEES PRESERVED SOME OF THEM WILL BE AND SO BE ABLE TO REMIND THE URBAN POPULATION OF THE FUTURE CF THE LIFE FROM WHICH THEIR FATHERS AND GRANDFATHERS CAME.

♦BUT THIS CONFERENCE IS OF ARCHITECTS FROM ALL THE COMMONWEALTH AND NOT JUST FROM HONG KONG. IT IS PART OF THE UNOFFICIAL COMMONWEALTH, THAT COMMONWEALTH MADE UP OF THE MANY PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC BODIES WHICH PARALLELS THE OFFICIAL COMMONWEALTH OF GOVERNMENTS.

♦THE VALUE OF THESE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WAS ACKNOWLEDGED IN THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT IN 1977, AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL COMMONWEALTH WAS SET UP ON WHICH THE PRESIDENT OF YOUR ASSOCIATION WAS INVITED TO SERVE AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS COMMITTEE’S REPORT WAS ON THE AGENDA OF YOUR OWN CONFERENCE.

♦I AM SURE NOTHING BUT GOOD CAN RESULT FROM CLOSER TIES BETWEEN MEMBER INSTITUTIONS AND MEMBER GOVERNMENTS.

♦WE HERE IN HONG KONG ARE DELIGHTED THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO HOLD YOUR CONFERENCE IN HONG KONG. I HOPE IT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND ENJOYABLE. I NOW ASK YOU TO RISE AND DRINK A TOAST TO THE COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF ARCHITECTS.^

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FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JANUARY 1979

******

THERE WAS A SURPLUS OF $418.8 MILLION IN THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JANUARY 1979 COMPARED WITH A $743.6 MILLION SURPLUS IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $1,276.4 MILLION FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THE 1978-79 FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $956.6 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1977-78.

TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN JANUARY 1979, AT $1,084.8 MILLION, WAS $251.2 MILLION MORE THAN IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.

TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS, AT $1,503.6 MILLION, WERE $73.6 MILLION LESS THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH IN 1978.

-----o -----

•SILVER’ 50-CENT COINS WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER

*****

ALL 50-CENT CUPRO-NICKEL COINS WILL BE DEMONETISED AND WILL THEREFORE CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER FROM OCTOBER 1, 1979, THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THIS MEANS THE LEGAL OBLIGATION TO ACCEPT THESE COINS IN SATISFACTION OF DEBTS FOR AMOUNTS UP TO TWO DOLLARS IS REMOVED AS FROM OCTOBER 1.

BUT ANY PERSON OWNING ANY OF THESE SILVER COLOURED COINS WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN AN EQUIVALENT SUM OF CURRENT COINS OR NOTES WHEN THEY ARE PRESENTED AT A BANK.

A NEW SMALLER BRASS COLOURED 50-CENT COIN, MADE OF NICKEL-BRASS, WAS INTRODUCED ON AUGUST 15, 1977, AND SINCE THEN THE OLD CUPRO-NICKEL 50-CENT COINS WHICH HAVE BEEN LEGAL TENDER SINCE JULY 6, 1951, HAVE BEEN GRADUALLY WITHDRAWN FROM CIRCULATION.

THE DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TWO COINS ARE AS FOLLOWS i

ALLOY DIAMETER WEIGHT EDGE THICKNESS SHAPE TYPE OF EDGE

(MM) (GRAMS) (MM)

CUPRONICKEL 23.60 5.832 1.80 ROUND MILLED

NICKEL-BRASS 22.50 4.92 1.72 ROUND MILLED

/AS AT MARCH......

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

AS AT MARCH 31, 1979, 226 MILLION 50-CENT COINS WERE IN CIRCULATION, AND OF THIS NUMBER 82 MILLION WERE THOSE TO BE DEMONETISED.

ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IN DUE COURSE TO DEMONETISE THE OLD ONE DOLLAR COIN WHICH WAS REPLACED BY A NEW SMALLER COIN IN AUGUST, 1978.

- - 0

POOR VISIBILITY WARNINGS IN HK WATERS *****

VESSEL MASTERS HAVE BEEN URGED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TO EXERCISE EXTREME CARE WHEN NAVIGATING IN FOGGY OR MISTY CONDITIONS SO AS TO AVOID COLLISIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) POINTED OUT THAT WHEN RADAR IS USED WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF PLOTTING FACILITIES,* THE INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE EQUIPMENT IS RATHER SCANTY AND SHOULD BE CONSTRUED ACCORDINGLY.*

HE ADDED THAT WHEN VISIBILITY IN ANY PART OF VICTORIA HARBOUR OR THE APPROACHES TO HONG KONG IS RESTRICTED BY FOG OR MIST TO LESS THAN TWO MILES, WARNING REPORTS WOULD BE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

THE VISIBILITY REPORT WILL COVER WAGLAN, TATHONG CHANNEL, KOWLOON BAY, VICTORIA HARBOUR, EAST LAMMA CHANNEL AND THE WESTERN ANCHORAGE.

VISIBILITY WILL BE REPORTED IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER I

VISIBILITY

LESS THAN ONE CABLE ....... BETWEEN 1 CABLE AND 1 MILE BETWEEN 1 MILE AND 2 MILES

BETWEEN 2 MILES AND 5 MILES

OVER 5 MILES ...............

REPORTED AS

THICK FOG

VISIBILITY IN CABLES VISIBILITY IN MILES AND DECIMALS OF A MILE MODERATE VISIBILITY GOOD VISIBILITY

THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BROADCAST THE WARNINGS ON V.H.F. CHANNEL — 15 MINUTES AFTER THE HOUR — UNTIL SUCH TIME AS VISIBILITY IN ALL AREAS HAS IMPROVED TO MORE THAN TWO MILES.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED MASTERS THAT THEY SHOULD STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972.

_ _ o - -

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

STREET CLOSURES FOR MTR TSUEN WAN DEPOT

*****

CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TSUEN WAN DEPOT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 1982.

A NUMBER OF STREETS IN SAI LAU KOK, TSUEN WAN, WILL BE CLOSED PERMANENTLY FROM MAY 28 TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS WITHIN THE GAZETTED AREAS.

PLANS SHOWING THE AFFECTED AREAS MAY BE INSPECTED DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE FU WAH CENTRE, 310 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN- CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, CENTRAL- AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON

THE NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) STIPULATED THAT CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

CLAIMS MUST REACH THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF CLOSURE OF THE STREET OR FROM THE COMPLETION OF THE SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION WHICH IS ALLEGED TO HAVE CAUSED PECUNIARY LOSS OR DAMAGE.

- - 0 -

CAS DUTIES CALL FOR RESOURCEFULNESS, COURAGE *****

CIVIL AID SERVICES MEMBERS SHOULD HAVE SOUND JUDGMENT. RESOURCEFULNESS AND COURAGE AS THEY OFTEN FACE CHALLENGES ARISING FROM DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES, SAID MR. HO TSE-KIN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CAS THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

ADDRESSING HIS LAST PASSING-OUT PARADE BEFORE RETIRING IN JUNE, HE SAID CAS MEMBERS PERFORM A WIDE RANGE OF DUTIES — THEY ARE MOBILISED NOT ONLY DURING DISASTERS BUT ALSO IN QUIET DAYS TO ASSIST OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS IN RUNNING ALL KINDS OF ACTIVITIES.

HE PRAISED THE 150 RECRUITS ON THE PARADE FOR SACRIFICING SO MUCH OF THEIR TIME TO SERVE SOCIETY.

HE ALSO CONGRATULATED THREE RECRUITS ON RECEIVING SPECIAL CERTIFICATES FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES AND SEVEN OTHER MEMBERS ON BEING AWARDED THE CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDAL.

THE RECRUITS HAVE COMPLETED BASIC COURSES IN FOOTDRILL, FIRST AID AND CIVIL DEFENCE, AND WOULD BE ABLE TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES WITH EASE AND LIVE UP TO THE EXPECTATION OF THE PUBLIC, HE SAID.

_ _ 0 -

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

SHA TIN-TAI PO TRUNK ROAD ft ft ft

GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A DUAL THREE-LANE TRUNK ROAD TO LINK SHA TIN AND TAI PO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+THE NEW ROAD IS BEING PLANNED TO COPE WITH THE PRESENT TRAFFIC FLOW, AS WELL AS THAT EXPECTED TO BE GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO AREAS.♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID PART OF THE ROAD WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED ON A MARINE EMBANKMENT.

THE MARINE SILT DREDGED FROM THE SEA BED, HE SAID, WOULD BE DISPOSED OF AT TWO AREAS OF SEA BED TOTALLING 378 HECTARES DESIGNATED AS DUMPING GROUNDS.

THE FIRST AREA IS LOCATED IN TOLO CHANNEL, NORTH OF FLAT ISLAND. THE OTHER IS IN MIRS BAY, EAST OF CHANNEL ROCK.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE TOLO CHANNEL DUMPING GROUND WOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES.

♦DUMPING IN THIS AREA WILL BE STOPPED IF MARINE LIFE IS FOUND TO BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED,+ HE SAID. +DUMPING OPERATIONS WOULD THEN BE TRANSFERRED TO THE SECOND DUMPING GROUND.♦

HOWEVER, HE SAID THE MIRS BAY DUMPING GROUND WOULD ONLY BE USED IN THE EVENT OF DUMPING IN TOLO CHANNEL BEING STOPPED.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

OBJECTIONS, OR CLAIMS, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

THE NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED CAN ALSO BE SEEN ATi

ft THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

ft CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

ft DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979 •

- 7 -

MORE LAND TO BE RECLAIMED IN TAI PO *****

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 107 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED AT TOLO HARBOUR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT IN TAI PO.

THE RECLAMATION WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR VARIOUS RESIDENTIAL, GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL, COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL USES, INCLUDING A SPORTS COMPLEX.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

OBJECTIONS OR CLAIMS 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 CAN 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 AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE TAI PO, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.

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

TENDERS FOR SCHOOL PROJECT

* * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BUILD ANOTHER SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

THE SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT AT THE JAT MIN CHUEN HOUSING ESTATE OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY.

TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL ARE BEING INVITED TODAY (FRIDAY).

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHOOL SITE WOULD COVER ABOUT 5,145 SQUARE METRES, AND THE DESIGN WOULD INCORPORATE!

* A MAIN TEACHING BLOCK, COMPRISING 24 CLASSROOMS. ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS.

* AN ASSEMBLY HALL WITH A COVERED PLAY AREA ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

* A BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, A LIBRARY AND WORKSHOPS.

* SEPARATE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND MENIAL STAFF QUARTERS.

♦THIS PROJECT IS PART OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

WE HOPE WORK WILL START IN JUNE AND THAT IT WILL BE FINISHED AROUND SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

39 PWD CONTRACTS AWARDED IN MARCH

*****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED 39 CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $289 MILLION LAST (MARCH) MONTH.

EIGHTEEN WERE AWARDED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND 21 ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE P.W.D. TENDER BOARD.

THE BIGGEST CONTRACT WAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SAI YING PUN.

IT FORMS PART OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE $140 MILLION PROJECT. WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE, CONSISTING OF A $22 MILLION CONTRACT FOR FOUNDATION WORK, IS NEARING COMPLETION.

THE HOSPITAL, WHEN COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR, WILL BE 11 STOREYS HIGH.

OTHER MAJOR CONTRACTS AWARDED IN MARCH INCLUDED THE LAYING OF PIPELINES AND CONSTRUCTION OF TUNNELS TO TRANSPORT ADDITIONAL WATER FROM CHINA AND THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND rECHANICAL SERVICES FOR THE AIRPORT TUNNEL AND ITS WESTERN APPROACHES.

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

ROYAL OBSERVATORY DIRECTOR TO ATTEND METEOROLOGICAL MEETINGS ******

THE DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR. GORDON BELL LEAVES FOR GENEVA TODAY (FRIDAY) TO ATTEND THE EIGHTH CONGRESS OF THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION.

MR. BELL IS REPRESENTING HONG KONG IN THE CONGRESS HELD EVERY FOUR YEARS FOR HEADS OF METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATIONS TO DISCUSS PLANS TO IMPROVE WEATHER FORECAST AND NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION.

THE LAST MEETING WAS HELD IN 1975.

AFTER THE MEETING, MR. BELL WILL PROCEED TO LONDON WHERE HE WILL ATTEND A CONFERENCE FOR COMMONWEALTH METEOROLOGISTS.

HE WILL RETURN ON JUNE 11. DURING HIS ABSENCE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR. JOHN PEACOCK, WILL ACT AS DIRECTOR.

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

VOCAL-GUITAR DUO TO GIVE DEMONSTRATION CONCERT ******

THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE WILL PRESENT THE RENOWNED DUO MAJERON-BALESTRA IN A DEMONSTRATION CONCERT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ITALIAN CONSULATE ON MONDAY.

/THE CONCERT

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1979

THE CONCERT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, FROM 6 P.M. TO 7 P.M.

ELISABETTA MAJERON IS A WELL-KNOWN SINGER IN ITALY, AND GIULIANO DALESTRA IS ONE OF ITALY’S LEADING GUITARISTS. HE IS ALSO THE FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF THE +FERNANDO SOR+ INTERNATIONAL GUITAR COMPETITION.

THE DUO HAS PERFORMED EXTENSIVELY IN EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST, AND WAS IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR TO GIVE THE PREMIERE OF +THE DIVAN OF MOSES-IBU-EZRA+ BY TEDESCO.

THE DEMONSTRATION CONCERT WILL BE THEIR ONLY APPEARANCE IN HONG KONG THIS TIME. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE WORKS BY SOR, GIULIANI, VILLA LOBOS AND TEDESCO.

ADMISSION TO THE CONCERT IS FREE, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

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

FIRING PRACTICE * * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 12 DAYS NEXT (MAY) MONTH.

THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.

THE FIRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR MAY IS I

DATE TIME

MAY 1 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M.

MAY 2 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M.

MAY 3 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M.

MAY 4 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. • 4 P.M.

MAY 7 (MONDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M.

MAY 8 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. — 5 P.M.

MAY 9 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. • 5 P.M.

MAY 10 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. 5 P.M.

MAY 11 (FR IDAY) 8 A.M. — 4 P.M.

MAY 21 (MONDAY) 1 P.M. 4. 30 P.M.

MAY 24 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. — 10 1 P.M.

MAY 29 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. • 5 P.M.

- o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR TO OPEN 310 MILLION DENTAL CENTRE ............. 1

HONG KONG SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC TRENDS, 1967-77 .......... 2

MORE ATTENTION SHOULD 3E GIVEN TO THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE .................................... 2

GOVERNOR PRAISES HK SCOUT MOVEMENT ..................... 3

323 MILLION AUDITORIUM FOR TSUEN WAN ................... 4

ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION IN YAU MA TEI ................ 4

CARNIVAL FOR 1,000 CHILDREN IN TAI HANG TUNG ........... 5

TEMPORARY CLOSURE ...................................... 6

MOBILE REGISTRATION TEAM ............................. 6

WATER CUTS ............................................. 7

FIRING PRACTICE ........................................ 7

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979

GOVERNOR TO OPEN $10 MILLION DENTAL CENTRE ******

THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG WILL TAKE ANOTHER MAJOR STEP FORWARD WITH THE COMPLETION OF A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR DENTAL COMPLEX AT MORRISON HILL.

THE NINE-STOREY MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE, COSTING MORE THAN $10 MILLION TO BUILD AND EQUIP, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, NEXT WEDNESDAY (MAY 2).

THE DENTAL COMPLEX WILL SERVE AS THE NERVE CENTRE FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S DENTAL SERVICE AND WILL PROVIDE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR DENTAL PERSONNEL.

ACCOMMODATED AT THIS BUILDING IS A TRAINING SCHOOL FOR DENTAL THERAPISTS AND A SCHOOL CHILDREN DENTAL CLINIC, BOTH OF WHICH ARE NAMED AFTER SIR SHIU-KIN TANG, WHO HAS DONATED |1.8 MILLION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE PROJECT.

THE SIR SHIU-KIN TANG DENTAL THERAPIST TRAINING SCHOOL HAS ALREADY BEEN RUNNING COURSES FOR 33 DENTAL THERAPISTS SINCE LAST OCTOBER. ON COMPLETION OF THEIR THREE-YEAR TRAINING, THE DENTAL THERAPISTS WILL WORK IN A SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN 1980.

THE DENTAL THERAPISTS WILL WORK IN THE SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC, PROVIDING PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH A SERVICE WHICH COVERS BOTH THE PREVENTIVE AND BASIC TREATMENT ASPECTS OF DENTAL CARE.

THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE ALSO HOUSES THE HEAD OFFICE AND DENTAL SURGERIES OF THE GOVERNMENT DENTAL SERVICE, WHICH WERE FORMERLY LOCATED AT THE WAN CHAI DENTAL CLINIC AT KENNEDY ROAD.

THE PROJECT IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE 1974 WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NINE-STOREY MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 2) AT 10 A.M.

THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRE AT 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.

0 -------

/2......

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979

HONG KONG SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC TRENDS, 1967-77 ******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS JUST PUBLISHED A HANDBOOK SETTING OUT IN CONCISE FORM THE MAJOR STATISTICS MOST DESCRIPTIVE OF THE MAIN TRENDS OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG OVER THE 11-YEAR PERIOD 1967-77.

THIS PUBLICATION CONTAINS 82 TABLES AND 49 GRAPHS AND CHARTS, TOGETHER WITH DETAILED EXPLANATORY NOTES ON SOURCES AND COVERAGE.

THE PRESENT EDITION IS THE THIRD IN THE SERIES. THE FIRST AND THE SECOND COVERED THE YEARS 1968-72 AND 1964-74 RESPECTIVELY.

A NUMBER OF CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE PRESENTATION AND CONTENT — THE MOST IMPORTANT BEING THAT STATISTICS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ONLY IN RECENT YEARS HAVE ALSO BEEN INCLUDED.

EXAMPLES ARE THE INCORPORATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE 1976 CENSUS OF INDUSTRY, THE AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES OF SELECTED BUILDING MATERIALS AND THE AVERAGE DAILY WAGE RATES FOR WORKERS ENGAGED IN GOVERNMENT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

THIS PUBLICATION IS NOW ON SALE AT $42 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.

- - 0 -

MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE ******

MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

+EMPHASIS MUST BE ON THE USE OF LANGUAGE,* HE SAID AT THE OPENING OF A SECOND IN-SERVICE COURSE FOR 50 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ENGLISH RUN BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL AND FINANCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

IN USING THE LANGUAGE, MR. HAYE SAID, ONE COMES TO APPRECIATE THE INTRINSIC VALUE OF THAT LANGUAGE.

♦EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS THE FOLLOW UP- MEANING, FUNCTION AND USE OF LANGUAGE MUST BE MATCHED BY OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRACTICE,+ HE ADDED.

NOTING THAT ATTENDANCE AT THE COURSE WOULD INVOLVE SOME INCONVENIENCE IN SCHOOLS IN TIMETABLING, MR. HAYE SAID THIS WAS WORTHWHILE BECAUSE +THE TEACHERS WHO COME BACK FROM THIS COURSE WILL BE BETTER TEACHERS OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, AND THE PUPILS THEY TEACH WILL BENEFIT.*

THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE IS TO IMPROVE TEACHERS’ ORAL PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH iND TO DEVELOP THEIR COMMUNICATION SKILLS.

/RESPONSE .

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1°?9

- 3 -

RESPONSE FROM TEACHERS WAS ENTHUSIASTIC AND THE COURSE WAS HEAVILY OVERSUBSCRIBED.

THE FIRST IN-SERVICE COURSE WAS HELD LAST JANUARY, AND THE OVERALL ATTENDANCE RATE WAS ABOUT 95 PER CENT.

AT THE END OF THAT COURSE EACH OF THE 50 PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE JOINTLY SIGNED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL.

AS WITH THE FIRST COURSE, THE SECOND ONE WILL ALSO BE OF OVER 100 HOURS IN DURATION SPREAD OVER THREE MONTHS.

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

GOVERNOR PRAISES HK SCOUT MOVEMENT ft ft ft ft ft ft

THE LOCAL SCOUT MOVEMENT HAS GROWN FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH AND IS WELL RESPECTED THROUGHOUT THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL ST. GEORGE’S DAY SCOUT RALLY AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL FOOTBALL GROUND, SIR MURRAY ADDED : +AS THE CHIEF SCOUT, I AM DELIGHTED AND PROUD OF THIS REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT.+

THE RALLY MARKED THE THIRD YEAR SINCE THE HONG KONG SCOUTS ASSOCIATION BECAME A FULL MEMBER OF THE WORLD SCOUTS ORGANISATION, AND MUCH PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE SINCE THE LAST RALLY, HE NOTED.

SIR MURRAY SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION’S NEW REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI — WHICH HE OPENED LAST SEPTEMBER — HAS BEEN WELL PATRONISED BY SCOUTS AND OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE AND USED FOR A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES.

♦THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE, FOR NO ONE WOULD WISH TO SEE SCOUT PREMISES BEING USED MERELY AS OFFICES FOR YOUR OFFICIALS OR AS STOREROOMS FOR EQUIPMENT^ SIR MURRAY TOLD THE LARGE GATHERING.

IN CONCLUSION, THE GOVERNOR WISHED THE ASSOCIATION EVERY SUCCESS IN ITS NEW PROJECTS TO INTRODUCE SCOUTING ACTIVITIES TO MORE YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO EXPLORE WAYS AND MEANS TO FURTHER IMPROVE MANAGEMENT AND ITS SUBSIDIARY BODIES.

SIR MURRAY ALSO PRESENTED SILVER AND BRONZE DRAGON AWARDS, BRONZE LION AWARDS, DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSSES AND MEDALS 70 30 SCOUT LEADERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.

EARLIER, THE GOVERNOR TOOK THE SALUTE AT A MARCH-PAST OF 200 SCOUT LEADERS AND SCOUTS FROM HEADQUARTERS AND FOUR REGIONS.

THE HOUR—LONG RALLY ALSO FEATURED RE-AFFIRMATION OF THE SCOUT PROMISES AND A +GRAND HOWu*.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979

023 MILLION AUDITORIUM FOR TSUEN WAN ******

THE £23 MILLION TSUEN WAN AUDITORIUM, WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE NEW TOWN WITH THE MUCH NEEDED FACILITIES FOR THE INCREASED CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA, WILL BE READY AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.

MR. FRED WOO, SENIOR ARCHITECT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE SUPERSTRUCTURE HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.

♦WE ARE NOW CARRYING OUT BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATION SUCH AS AIR CONDITIONING, ELECTRICITY, STAGE EQUIPMENT, LIGHTING, SOUND SYSTEM, AND DECORATION WORK IN THE MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM,+ HE SAID.

♦OVERALL ABOUT 65 PER CENT OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND IT SHOULD BE READY BY THE END OF THE YEAR.+

THE AUDITORIUM WILL SEAT 1,500 PEOPLE AND IS SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL. BUT MODIFICATIONS WILL BE MADE TO MAKE IT MORE SUITABLE FOR CONCERTS AND CHINESE DRAMA PERFORMANCES.

THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS PLEDGED A DONATION OF $10 MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF THE TOWN, NEXT TO THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY BUILDING.

ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION IN YAU MA TEI *****

THE YAU MA TEI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WILL STAGE AN ONE-HOUR ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE DEMONSTRATION, TO BE PERFORMED BY SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROLS, WILL BE CARRIED OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY AT THE ZEBRACROSSINGS OUTSIDE THE MAN BUN RESTAURANT IN JORDAN ROAD AND THE ROYAL THEATRE IN NATHAN ROAD.

DURING THE DEMONSTRATION, THE STUDENTS WILL SHOW THE PEDESTRIANS THE CORRECT WAYS TO CROSS ROADS AND HOW TO OBSERVE ROAD SAFETY CODES. IN ADDITION, TWO POLICE VANS WILL BROADCAST ROAD SAFETY JINGLES AND DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS ON ROAD SAFETY.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979

THE EVENT IS PART OF A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT THE TERRITORY-WIDE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION WILL BE HELD AT TWO PLACES IN YAUMATi TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO COMPLEMENT THE TERRITORY-WIDE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

ORGANISED BY THE YAUMATI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE ONE-HOUR EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE SIMULTANEOUSLY AT 3 P.M. Af THE ZEBRA-CROSSINGS OUTSIDE THE MAN BUN RESTAURANT IN JORDAN ROAD AND THE ROYAL THEATRE IN NATHAN ROAD.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE DEMONSTRATION.

--------0 - -

CARNIVAL FOR 1,000 CHILDREN IN TAI HANG TUNG

******

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE WILL CELEBRATE ITS 13TH ANNIVERSARY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH A GAMES AND SPORTS DAY FOR 1,000 CHILDREN FROM THE DISTRICT.

THE CARNIVAL, ALSO TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD, WILL SEE CHILDREN HAVING FUN IN VARIOUS GAMES INCLUDING ♦TIME-TUNNEL*, +DRAGON BOAT ROWING+, +REMOVING BIG STONES+ AND ♦JUMPING OVER+.

IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE NO. 1 PLAYGROUND A BRASS BAND OF THE HONG KONG SCOUT KOWLOON 99TH GROUP WILL PERFORM AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH STARTS AT 2 P.M.

THE EVENT WILL BE FOLLOWED IN THE EVENING BY A +FOLK SONG NIGHT+ AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE WITH PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS AND DANCERS from LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHILDREN’S GAMES AND SPORTS DAY TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FROM 2 P.M. TO 6 P.M. AT THE TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE NO. 1 PLAYGROUND, ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE TO MARK ITS 13TH ANNIVERSARY.

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/6-

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979

TEMPORARY CLOSURE * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE EASTBOLND CARRIAGEWAY O' KEI TAI ROAD, TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE WATER MAIK LAYING WORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC INCLUDING KME

ROUTE 61 ON NORTHBOUND JOURNEY ALONG HO PONG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED AT THE HO PONG STREET-KEI TAI ROAD JUNCTION TO TRAVEL AND OPERATE VIA ROAD 30A AND TO REJOIN CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.

THE BUS STOP FOR ROUTE NO. 61 ON THIS SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (TUEN MUN) FOR YUEN LONG WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED AND A TEMPORARY BUS STOP WILL BE PROVIDED ALONG THE DIVERSION ROUTE.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - 0 -

MOBILE REGISTRATION TEAM *****

A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATION FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M. FOR FOUR DAYS AS FROM TUESDAY AT THE SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE OFFICE.

THIS IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER CHILDREN OR 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.

PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA ARE ADVISED TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979

WATER CUTS * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO ABERDEEN, AP LEI CHAU AND CERTAIN PARTS CF CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS AS FROM MONDAY NIGHT.

ALL PREMISES IN ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FROM 9 P.M. ON MONDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS CONNECTION.

THE AFFECTED AREA IN ABERDEEN STRETCHES FROM OLD MAIN STREET TO TIN WAN AND INCLUDES YUE KWONG ESTATE, SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE, TIN WAN ESTATE, TIN WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, DAIRY FARM TIN WAN AND HING WAI COLD STORAGE. AFFECTED PREMISES ON AP LEI CHAU ALSO INCLUDES THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC POWER STATION.

IN CENTRAL, SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY 127-133 AND 84-130 HOLLYWOOD ROAD, INCLUDING THE POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL, 1-13 SHING WING STREET AND 1-51 GOUGH STREET.

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FIRING PRACTICE * * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR FIVE DAYS NEXT WEEK.

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.

THE PRACTISING TIMES ARE:

DATE

TIME

APRIL 30 (MONDAY)

8 A.M. - 10.30 P.M

MAY 1 (TUESDAY)

8 A.M. - 5 P.M

MAY 2 (WEDNESDAY)

8 A.M. - 5 P.M

MAY 3 (THURSDAY)

8 A.M. - 5 P.M

MAY 4 (FR IDAY)

8 A.M

4 P.M

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1979

content page NO.

TSING Yl - AN ISLAND OF INDUSTRY.................... 1

TWO SITES TO BE AUCTIONED IN TUEN MUN .............. 3

FIRST STAGE OF TAI PO SEWAGE PLANT COMPLETED ....... 4

KIDNEY DISEASE EXHIBITION .......................... 4

ROAD USERS URGED TO BE COURTEOUS ................... 5

CYC MEMBERS EXPLORE NATURE ......................... 5

RESTRICTED ZONE .................................... 6

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ............................. 6

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1979

TSI NG Yl - AN ISLAND OF INDUSTRY *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO DEVELOP ANOTHER 36 HECTARES OF LAND ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND FOR INDUSTRIAL USE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

OF THE TOTAL, MORE THAN 13 HECTARES WILL BE RESERVED FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY, 21 FOR LIGHT INDUSTRY AND TWO FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRY.

THE LARGEST AREA, MEASURING SOME 14 HECTARES, IS EARMARKED FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE. IT WILL BE SITUATED NEXT TO THE EUROASIA SHIPYARD SITE AT THE SOUTH-WEST COAST OF THE ISLAND.

ANOTHER SUB-DIVISION OF ABOUT 10 HECTARES FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY WILL BE FORMED ABOVE THE YIU LIAN MACHINERY REPAIRING WORKS SITE.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A NUMBER OF SMALLER AREAS, RANGING FROM 0.15 TO 4.5 HECTARES, ON BOTH THE EAST AND WEST COAST.

SOME OF THESE CARRY A 9.5 PLOT RATIO AND WILL BE SUITABLE FOR MULTI-STOREY FACTORY DEVELOPMENT SIMILAR TO THOSE IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.

THE ESTATE SURVEYOR (TSING Yl) OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. HUMPHREY BEESON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THESE PROPOSALS WERE PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME TO DEVELOP TSING Yl AS A BASE FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY.

♦THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN COVERS A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 523 HECTARES OF WHICH ABOUT 100 HECTARES HAVE TO BE FORMED BY RECLAMATION,+ ffi. BEESON SAID.

THE SIGNIFICANCE BEHIND THE PLAN IS THE GRADUAL INDUSTRIALISATION OF THE ISLAND WITH GREAT IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO ATTRACTING SPECIALIST INDUSTRIES TO HONG KONG.

♦THIS IS EVIDENT IN ITS ZONING PLANS WHICH ENVISAGE THE ALLOCATION OF MORE THAN 140 HECTARES OF LAND FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY, 57 HECTARES FOR LIGHT INDUSTRY AND 9.5 HECTARES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRY.*

TO DATE, HEAVY INDUSTRIES HAVE TAKEN UP 109 HECTARES, LIGHT INDUSTRIES 23 HECTARES WHILE SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS ARE OPERATING ON FOUR HECTARES OF LAND.

MR. BEESON POINTED OUT THAT MOST LAND WAS SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY OR BY RESTRICTED USER TENDER IN RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS WHICH MET DETAILED ECONOMIC CRITERIA.

+WE ARE TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE NEED TO BROADEN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE BY MAKING SITES AVAILABLE TO ESTABLISHMENTS OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND LAND-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES,* HE SAID.

/♦HOWEVER .....

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1979

♦HOWEVER, WHERE IT IS POSSIBLE LAND WILL ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE BY THE NORMAL LETTER ’B* OR AUCTION PROCESS IN ORDER TO CREATE A BALANCED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIGH DENSITY INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS AND THOSE THAT ARE LAND INTENSIVE.*

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS HAVING BEEN SET UP OR ARE UNDERWAY ON THE ISLAND INCLUDE THOSE BY DOW CHEMICALS, OUTBOARD MARINE, TAI TUNG, FEOSO OIL, CHEMSYN, HONG KONG UNITED DOCKYARD, EUROASIA AND YIU LIAN - ALL OF WHICH ARE LAND-INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENTS.

THESE PROJECTS REPRESENT INVESTMENTS OF WELL OVER $1,000 MILLION AND SHOULD BE OF GREAT LONG-TERM BENEFIT TO HONG KONG.

TSI NG Yl ISLAND IS AT PRESENT LINKED TO THE MAINLAND BY A ROAD BRIDGE, BUILT ACROSS THE 608-METRE WIDE RAMBLER CHANNEL BY SIX MAJOR COMPANIES OPERATING ON THE ISLAND IN 1974. THE GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROJECT BY BUILDING THE APPROACH ROADS ON EITHER SIDE.

♦A SECOND BRIDGE JOINING TSUEN WAN IS BEING PLANNED.

THE NORTH-EAST TIP OF TSI NG Yl AND

♦THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THIS SECOND BRIDGE WILL BE REQUIRED BY THE EARLY 1980S BUT THE TIMING OF ITS CONSTRUCTION WILL DEPEND ON THE RATE OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE ISLAND,+ MR. BEESON NOTED.

AS PART OF THE OVERALL PLAN, A MAJOR ROAD SYSTEM WILL BE BUILT FOR THE ISLAND FROM WHICH A SERIES OF SECONDARY AND LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROADS WILL LEAD INTO ALL AREAS.

+TSING Yl HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A KEY INDUSTRIAL CENTRE BECAUSE OF ITS RELATIVELY CENTRAL LOCATION, ONLY A FEW MILES FROM KOWLOON, AND BECAUSE IT PROVIDES A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF LAND WITH DEEP WATER MARINE ACCESS,+ MR. BEESON SAID.

♦ITS PROXIMITY TO THE BOOMING INDUSTRIAL TOWN OF TSUEN WAN AND THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL IS LIKEWISE AN OBVIOUS ATTRACTION.

♦NOT ONLY WILL THE PLANTS ON TSI NG Yl MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH, THEY WILL PROVIDE PARTICULARLY GOOD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO THE LOCAL WORKFORCE AND OTHER SKILLED WORKERS,+ HE ADDED.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1979

-5

TWO SITES TO BE AUCTIONED IN TUEN MUN *****

A LARGE PRESTIGE SITE AT THE SOUTHERN END OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN OVERLOOKING CASTLE PEAK BAY WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION NEXT MONTH FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE 2,290 SQUARE-METRE SITE EARMARKED FOR MEDIUM DENSITY DEVELOPMENT IS THE FIRST RESIDENTIAL LOT IN TUEN MUN TO BE PUT ON THE MARKET THIS YEAR.

IT CARRIES A PLOT RATIO OF 3.3 WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST-CLASS MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS.

ALSO ON SALE DURING THE AUCTION AT ST. SIMON LUI MING CHOI SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN AT 2.30 P.M. ON MAY 8 WILL BE A 693.1 SQUARE-METRE COMMERCIAL SITE IN THE NEW TOWN’S BOOMING INDUSTRIAL AREA.

THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, bfl. VICTOR LEUNG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE AUCTION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INCREASED SALES PROGRAMME TO MAKE MORE LAND AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

♦BOTH SITES ARE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AND HAVE EASY ACCESS TO THE DISTRICT’S TRUNK ROAD NETWORK,* HE SAID.

+THE RESIDENTIAL SITE IS PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE - IT IS IN A SCENIC SETTING BETWEEN THE CASTLE PEAK AND TUEN MUN ROADS, AND WITHIN FIVE TO 10 MINUTES’ DRIVE FROM THE TOWN CENTRE.*

MR. LEUNG SAID THE COMMERCIAL SITE IS WELL LOCATED IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY PUI TO ROAD AND TSI NG WUN ROAD AND WAS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR A MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.

ITS CONDITIONS OF SALE ALLOW FOR A GREAT VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL USES SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND BANKING PREMISES ON THE LOWER FLOORS AND OFFICES ON THE UPPER FLOORS.

THE FIRST LOT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $5,920,000 OVER 48 MONTHS AND THE SECOND LOT HAS A BUILDING COVENANT OF $1,500,000 OVER 36 MONTHS.

♦NUMEROUS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THESE TWO SITES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT LOCAL DEVELOPERS HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN THEM,* MR. LEUNG SAID.

♦WE HAVE QUITE A NUMBER OF SITES COMING ON STREAM THIS YEAR AND IT IS PLANNED TO SELL ANOTHER 13 LOTS OVER THE NEXT FIVE MONTHS EITHER BY AUCTION OR BY TENDER RESTRICTED TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT DOCUMENTS,+ HE ADDED.

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SUNDAI, ArKIL LVIV - 4 -

FIRST STAGE OF TAI PO SEWAGE PLANT COMPLETED

*****

WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, WHICH AIMS TO SERVE THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

THE $11 MILLION PROJECT, WHICH WILL ALSO HELP TO PROTECT TOLO HARBOUR FROM ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, WAS BUILT ON A THREE-HECTARE RECLAIMED LAND SOUTH OF TING KOK ROAD NEAR SHUEN WAN.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS USING THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS WOULD PROVIDE COMPLETE SEWAGE PURIFICATION.

♦SEWAGE WILL FIRST PASS THROUGH GRIT CHANNELS AND SETTLING TANKS TO REMOVE GRIT AND SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND THEN THROUGH AERATION TANKS FOR BIOLOGICAL REDUCTION OR ORGANIC MATERIALS,+ HE ADDED.

♦AS A RESULT OF THIS PROCESS, THE QUALITY OF THE EFFLUENT WILL BE SUCH THAT TOLO HARBOUR WILL NOT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.+

TENDER FOR STAGE II OF THE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, WHICH WILL SERVE THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AS WELL AS THE TAI PO NEW TOWN, WILL BE INVITED IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.

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

KIDNEY DISEASE EXHIBITION

*****

A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL NEXT FRIDAY TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON WHAT KIDNEY DISEASES ARE ALL ABOUT.

THE EXHIBITION CLIMAXES TWO MONTHS OF ACTIVITIES BY THE PENINSULA JAYCEES, THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN THEIR CURRENT KIDNEY DONATION CAMPAIGN.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS EXHIBITION — THE FIRST IN HONG KONG — IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO BECOME KIDNEY DONORS SO THAT MANY MORE LIVES COULD BE SAVED THROUGH THE PROCESS OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS.

THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, WILL PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION.

THOUSANDS OF BOOKLETS EXPLAINING HOW KIDNEY TRANSPLANT CAN SAVE LIVES AND HOW ONE CAN BECOME A KIDNEY DONOR WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE TO VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THREE-DAY KIDNEY DISEASE EXHIBITICK AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL ON FRIDAY (MAY 4) AT 3 P.M.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1979

ROAD USERS URGED TO BE COURTEOUS *****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS TO ADHERE TO THE LAWS OF THE ROAD AND TO BE COURTEOUS TO ONE ANOTHER.

+WE ALL HAVE TO USE THE ROADS, AND IF WE DO IT REASONABLY, THEN WE SHOULD ALL BENEFIT,* SAID A PWD SPOKESMAN.

♦SELFISHNESS REALLY HELPS NOBODY AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS,* HE ADDED.

MEANWHILE A POLICE SPOKESMAN REMINDED MOTORISTS NOT TO ENTER A YELLOW BOX JUNCTION UNLESS THEY WERE CERTAIN THEY COULD PROCEED OUT OF IT — +IN OTHER WORDS, KEEP IT CLEAR.*

AND THE PWD SPOKESMAN SAID MOTORISTS SHOULD, FOR SAFETY AND COURTESY, KEEP PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS CLEAR.

♦THERE ARE WHITE LINES BEFORE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS INDICATING WHERE MOTORISTS ARE REQUESTED TO STOP,+ HE SAID. +IF DRIVERS COMPLY WITH THESE INDICATIONS, VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC BOTH BENEFIT.♦

♦WE ALL HAVE TO USE THE ROADS, AND IF WE CONSIDER THE RIGHTS AND SAFETY OF ONE ANOTHER THE SITUATION SHOULD BE FAR LESS TENSE,+ HE SAID.

_ _ 0 -

CYC MEMBERS EXPLORE NATURE *****

OVER 2,000 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS FROM 25 SCHOOLS ARE LEARNING THE MEANING OF CONSERVATION DURING THEIR TREK ALONG NATURE TRAILS IN COUNTRY PARKS.

THE NATURE TRAIL WALKS ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CYC SECRETARIAT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

NATURE TRAILS ARE PATHS CUT THROUGH THE COUNTRY PARKS, ALONG WHICH THERE ARE NUMEROUS POINTS OF INTERESTS. THE THREE EXISTING TRAILS ARE THE PINEAPPLE DAM IN THE KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARK, THE EAGLE’S NEST IN THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK AND THE DRAGON’S BACK IN THE TYTAM COUNTRY PARK.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CYC SECRETARIAT SAID, +WITH THE GUIDEBOOK CN A SPECIFIC NATURE TRAIL PROVIDED BY US, WALKERS CAN IDENTIFY ON THE SPOT THE GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND THE AREA’S WILDLIFE.+

HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THE PURPOSE OF ARRANGING THESE VISITS GOES BEYONG THAT OF MERELY PROVIDING MEMBERS WITH SOME OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. IN ADDITION TO AN OPPORTUNITY TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY CF THE COUNTRYSIDE, THEY BEGIN TO LEARN THAT 'T IS ESSENTIAL TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE.

/THE SPOKESMAN ..

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1979

THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +WE HOPE THAT THROUGH SUCH VISITS MEMBERS WILL BECOME MORE AWARE OF THEIR OWN COUNTRYSIDE AND THAT IT IS IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS TO CONSERVE IT.+

CYC MEMBERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY HELPED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LANES AND IN PLANTING TREES IN THE PAK SIN RANGE COUNTRY PARK. ♦IN THEIR OWN WAY, THESE MEMBERS LIVE UP TO THE CYC’S MOTTO OF ’LEARN, BE CONCERNED AND SERVE’, + THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - 0 - -

RESTRICTED ZONE * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, PEAK HOUR RESTRICTIONS (7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M.) FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE SECTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND QUEENSWAY.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE EXTENT OF THE RESTRICTED ZONE.

- - 0 - -

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF CLEVERLY STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL EE CLOSED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES FROM 8 A.M. ON TUESDAY TO 8 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY, TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK RENEWAL WORKS.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

OVER ONE MILLION STILL INADEQUATELY HOUSED -

SECRETARY FOR HOUSING ................................ 1

MORE INSTITUTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY .................... 2

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME STARTS

TOMORROW............................................ 3

THREE MORE INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR SALE AT FO TAN ....... 4

CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL STARTS TONIGHT .............. 5

SURVEY INDICATES RISE IN DEMAND FOR PLEASURE CRAFT AND SPECIALISED BOATS ................................ 6

NEV TRACK MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT FOR KCR .............. 8

DANCE FESTIVAL PRIZE-WINNERS’ PERFORMANCES ........... 9

TEMPORARY CLOSURE .................................... 9

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

OVER ONE MILLION STILL INADEQUATELY HOUSED — SECRETARY FOR HOUSING *****

HONG KONG HAS WELL OVER ONE MILLION PEOPLE WHO ARE INADEQUATELY HOUSED, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. A.J. SCOTT, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE VICTORIA ROTARY CLUB.

THESE PEOPLE WERE EITHER SQUATTERS LIVING IN UNSATISFACTORY TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS OR PEOPLE LIVING IN OVERCROWDED OR SUB-STANDARD CONDITIONS, INCLUDING THOSE STILL IN THE OLDEST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES NOT YET REDEVELOPED.

ADDITIONALLY, THE POPULATION WAS INCREASING SIGNIFICANTLY MAINLY DUE TO IMMIGRATION, WHILE THE AVERAGE SIZE OF HOUSEHOLDS WAS GROWING SMALLER, HE SAID.

+OBVIOUSLY THIS MAKES THE HOUSING PROGRAMME VERY IMPORTANT AMONG GOVERNMENT’S SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, BUT EVEN WITH THE RESOURCES BEING APPLIED TO IT, IT WILL TAKE YEARS TO ACHIEVE THE FULL IMPACT GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO,* HE SAID.

+THE HOUSING PROGRAMME — THAT IS, RENTED FLATS AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME — WILL OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS HOUSE . ABOUT 185,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR, THAT IS OVER A MILLION PEOPLE MORE BY 1985.

+THE 10-YEAR PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED TO BEGIN IN 1973 WILL THUS BE COMPLETED WITHIN 12 YEARS INSTEAD OF 10, DESPITE THE EFFECTS OF THE 1974-75 OIL-INDUCED RECESSION AND DESPITE THE EFFECTS OF THE CURRENT OVERHEATING OF THE ECONOMY AND IN PARTICULAR THE PRESSURE ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.*

TURNING TO CRITICS OF THE HOUSING PROGRAMME, MR. SCOTT SAIDt + LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT EVEN BUREAUCRATS HAVE HEARTS AND THAT COMPASSION IS NOT A MONOPOLY OF THE CRITICS.*

ON THE YAU MA TEI BOAT SQUATTERS HE SAID THEIR POSITION WAS INDEED DEPLORABLE — BUT SO WAS THE POSITION OF THOUSANDS OF LAND SQUATTERS.

+IN TIMES OF STORM, LIVING IN A HUT ON A HILLSIDE IS AS DANGEROUS AS BEING IN A TYPHOON SHELTER,* HE SAID.

+LAST YEAR, FOR EXAMPLE, 474 FAMILIES WERE REHOUSED AS THE RESULT OF STRUCTURES ON LAND BEING RENDERED UNSAFE BECAUSE OF STORMS, WHEREAS 28 BOAT FAMILIES WERE REHOUSED BECAUSE THEIR BOATS WERE RENDERED UNSAFE BY STORMS.*

THEREFORE, HE SAID, +ONE MUST ASK THE GROUPS URGING PRIORITY FOR BOAT SQUATTERS, 'WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR PUTTING THEM IN FRONT OF LAND SQUATTERS?

+H0W COULD THEY — OR I AND MY STAFF — EXPLAIN SUCH A CHANGE IN PRIORITIES TO THE LAND SQUATTERS LIVING ON OR NEAR DANGEROUS SLOPES?* MR. SCOTT ASKED.

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/2.....

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

MORE INSTITUTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY * * ft * *

THE NUMBER OF INSTITUTIONAL PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE INCREASED BY +LEAPS AND BOUNDS+ WITH 21 OLD PEOPLE’S INSTITUTIONS PLANNED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

MRS. LOUISE WONG, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) PLANS WERE IN HAND TO BOOST THE EXISTING PROVISION BY AN EXTRA 2,750 PLACES, OR 75 PER CENT, BY THE END OF MARCH 1981.

AT PRESENT, MRS. WONG SAID, THERE ARE 3,720 PLACES — 762 IN OLD PEOPLE’S HOSTELS, 331 IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES AND 2,627 IN HOMES FOR THE AGED.

ALL THE 21 NEW INSTITUTIONS WILL BE RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. MOST OF THEM WITH GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION, SHE SAID.

MRS. WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IN EXPANDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IS TO ENABLE THEM TO REMAIN MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT TO MEET THIS OBJECTIVE, APART FROM QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO CONCERNED WITH EXPANSION IN A RANGE OF OTHER SERVICES FOR THE AGED.

THESE SERVICES, SHE SAID, INCLUDE CASH ASSISTANCE, HEALTH SERVICES, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS HOME HELP, LAUNDRY, HOUSE CLEANING AND VISITING SERVICE.

MRS. WONG SAID INSTITUTIONAL CARE WOULD BE PROVIDED WHEN THE AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES COULD NOT ADEQUATELY MEET THE NEEDS OF AN OLD PERSON.

EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL CARE, SHE SAID AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOSTEL PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION IN A HOMELY SETTING FOR THOSE WHO ARE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO MANAGE THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLD WORK BUT AT THE SAME TIME ENJOYING THE COMPANY OF OTHER INMATES.

A HOME FOR THE AGED, SHE SAID, PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES AND MINIMAL PERSONAL CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE WHO, FOR SOCIAL REASONS SUCH AS ACCOMMODATION PROBLEMS, POOR FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, OR INABILITY TO MANAGE DAILY CHORES, ARE UNABLE TO FUNCTION INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY.

A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME, ON THE OTHER HAND, PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, GENERAL PERSONAL CARE AND LIMITED NURSING CARE FOR THOSE WHO REQUIRE ASSISTANCE IN DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES, AND WHO, FOR PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL REASONS, ARE INCAPABLE OF CONTINUING TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY, SHE SAID.

♦HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE THE PREDOMINATE REASON FOR THE ELDERLY SEEKING ENTRY TO CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, WITH HOUSING BEING A SECONDARY CONSIDERATION,* SHE ADDED.

MRS. WONG SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANNING OBJECTIVE IN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THE EXPANSION OF CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES.

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME STARTS TOMORROW ******

THE GOVERNMENT’S +N0 FAULT* ASSISTANCE SCHEME PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS COMES INTO OPERATION TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE NON-MEANS TESTED SCHEME WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AS A WELFARE MEASURE TO HELP VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM TOMORROW AT THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTION OF EACH DISTRICT TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS OR AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS SECTION (TAVA SECTION).

HE SAID ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN ALSO BE MADE AT THE TAVA SECTION ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING AT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL (TEL. NOS. 5-222392 AND 5-223254).

COPIES OF A BILINGUAL PAMPHLET EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS WEEK AT THE TAVA SECTION, THE THREE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTIONS OF THE POLICE, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES, CASUALTY WARDS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES, DISTRICT COURTS AND MAGISTRACIES AND THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT NORMALLY, THE POLICE OFFICER INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT WILL EXPLAIN THE SCHEME TO THE VICTIM OR HIS NEXT OF KIN.

THE SCHEME, HE SAID, WILL APPLY TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH HAPPEN TOMORROW OR AFTER AND WHICH HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE.

IN ADDITION, HE ADDED, THE INJURIES SUSTAINED MUST HAVE CAUSED THE LOSS OF AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ EARNING CAPACITY. APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT.

THE APPLICANT WILL BE INTERVIEWED BY TAVA STAFF TO ASSESS ELIGIBILITY AND THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENT, HE SAID.

HE SAID THE SCHEME WILL NOT AFFECT THE APPLICANT’S RIGHT TO CLAIM AGAINST ANY PERSON IN THE USUAL WAY IN RESPECT OF THE SAME ACCIDENT.

IF A VICTIM SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVES DAMAGES OR SOME OTHER FORM OF COMPENSATION, HE WILL BE REQUIRED TO REFUND THE SUMS PAID TO HIM INITIALLY UNDER THE SCHEME, HE SAID.

-------o -

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

THREE MORE INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR SALE AT FO TAN * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SELL THREE MORE LOTS IN THE FAST EXPANDING FO TAN AREA IN SHA TIN FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN DEVELOPMENT.

THE PRIME SITES WILL BE SOLD BY TENDER TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

THE ACTING SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. DON SMITH, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE SITES ARE ADJACENT TO THE PROPOSED CYCLE PATH NETWORK, A MAIN FEATURE OF THE NEW TOWN.

+AN INDUSTRIAL SITE OF 3,102 SQUARE METRES IN THE SAME AREA HAD REALISED THE EQUIVALENT OF $8,639 PER SQUARE METRE AT A GOVERNMENT AUCTION LAST MONTH WHICH REFLECTED AN EMERGING TREND IN WHICH LARGE COMPANIES ARE BUYING SITES IN THE DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS,+ MR. SMITH SAID.

THE FIRST SITE FOR TENDER HAS AN AREA OF 1,109 SQUARE METRES AND CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $1,790,000 OVER 36 MONTHS.

THE SECOND LOT MEASURES 1,491 SQUARE METRES AND CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $2,410,000 TO BE FULFILLED IN THE SAME PERIOD.

THE THIRD ONE OF 1,466 SQUARE METRES CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $2,370,000, ALSO TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN 36 MONTHS.

THE SALE CONDITIONS FOR ALL THREE SITES STIPULATE A 9.5 PLOT RATIO ALLOWING FOR MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT AND INCLUDE POLLUTION CONTROLS AIMED AT STOPPING THE EMISSION OF SMOKE AND POISONOUS OR NOXIOUS WASTES.

+THE THIRD SITE CARRIES AN ADDITIONAL CLAUSE REQUIRING AT LEAST 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA TO BE SUB-DIVIDED INTO SEPARATE UNITS SUITABLE FOR SEPARATE USES, EACH OF WHICH SHALL NOT EXCEED 75 SQUARE METRES,+ MR. SMITH POINTED OUT.

HE NOTED THAT THIS WAS IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF PROVIDING SMALLER UNITS TO MEET ALL THE NEEDS OF PRESENT DAY INDUSTRY.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE THREE SITES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES BY NOON THIS FRIDAY AND SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE APPLICATION BOX IN THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, FIFTH FLOOR, HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON.

APPLICATION FORMS, APPLICATION NOTICE AND CONDITIONS OF GRANT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND GRANT PLAN INSPECTED AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OR ITS SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES.

-------0 - -

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL STARTS TONIGHT ******

THE ANNUAL CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL, COMMONLY KNOWN AS +TA CHIU,+ BEGINS TONIGHT (MONDAY) AND WILL LAST SIX DAYS.

A GRAND PROCESSION OF LOCAL TRADITIONAL ITEMS BLENDED WITH MODERN PERFORMANCES BY OUTSIDE GROUPS WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, STARTING AT 2.30 P.M.

DESPITE THE CANCELLATION OF THE TRADITIONAL SCRAMBLE FOR BUNS THIS YEAR, A STEP TAKEN IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY, THE FESTIVAL WILL NOT DIMINISH IN COLOUR AND MAGNITUDE, ACCORDING TO THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. VICTOR YUNG.

THE 15.000 BUNS AFFIXED TO TWO 15.24-METRE (50 FT) AND A

7.62 METRE (25 FT) BAMBOO TOWERS WILL BE UNTIED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY FOR DISTRIBUTION TO LOCAL RESIDENTS THE NEXT DAY.

+THIS WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE WILL GET HIS SHARE OF THE BUNS WHICH, ACCORDING TO LEGEND, WILL BRING THEM GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR,+ MR. YUNG SAID.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL JOIN 20,000 PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE SMALL ISLAND TO WATCH THE SPECTACULAR PAGEANT ON THURSDAY.

MORE THAN 2,000 PEOPLE FROM 20 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE TWO-HOUR PROCESSION.

ON PARADE WILL BE SHRINES FROM THE ISLAND’S TEMPLES, THE TREASURE SWORD OF PAK Tl TEMPLE, FLOATS, UNICORN AND LION DANCES, FAMOUS CHIU CHAU GONGS AND DRUMS PERFORMANCES AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC AND DANCES.

STUDENTS FROM THE BUDDHIST TAI KWONG MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ARTISTES FROM TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD. WILL ALSO JOIN THE PARADE.

THE ARMY’S ROYAL GREEN JACKET BAND WILL ENTERTAIN SPECTATORS PRIOR TO THE ARRIVAL OF THE GUESTS.

CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS TRADITIONALLY WILL GO ON A VEGETARIAN DIET DURING THE SIX-DAY FESTIVAL.

THERE WILL ALSO BE NIGHTLY PERFORMANCES OF CHINESE OPERAS AND PRAYERS BY TAOIST PRIESTS.

AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THERE WILL BE A REPEAT OF THE PROCESSION THE FOLLOWING DAY, FRIDAY.

/AS THOUSANDS

MONDAY, APRIL JO, 1979

AS THOUSANDS OF INHABITANTS OF CHEUNG CHAU AND NEARBY ISLANDS WILL BE OUT IN FULL FORCE ON THURSDAY, VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE THE TRIP ON FRIDAY WHEN A GOOD VIEW OF THE PAGEANT WILL BE EASIER.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE GRAND PROCESSION OF THE BUN FESTIVAL ON CHEUNG CHAU AT 2.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY.

SPECIAL PRESS BADGES WILL BE ISSUED TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT. YOU ARE REQUESTED TO SEND IN THE NAME OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO MR. MICHAEL CHUI OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON 3-0502465 BEFORE 5 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

A FERRY, MAN YAN, WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AND OTHER GUESTS FROM HONG KONG TO CHEUNG CHAU. IT WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER AT 12.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY AND IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN BY 5 P.M.

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SURVEY INDICATES RISE IN DEMAND FOR PLEASURE CRAFT AND SPECIALISED BOATS ******

THE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS DEMAND FOR PLEASURE CRAFT AND OTHER SPECIALISED BOATS IS ON THE INCREASE, THE REPORT ON THE FOURTH MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP-REPAIRS INDUSTRY' STATED TODAY (MONDAY).

THE REPORT, NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, SAID MANY MEDIUM-SIZED SHIPYARDS ARE NOW EXPANDING THEIR BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES TO CATER FOR THIS FAST GROWING MARKET.

IT ALSO ANTICIPATES THAT SHIP CONVERSION AND MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WORK ARE LIKELY TO INCREASE AND REPORTED THAT SEVERAL MAJOR COMPANIES ARE CONSTRUCTING NEW YARDS TO CATER FOR THE REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND DOCKING OF ALL CLASSES AND TYPES OF VESSELS UP TO 100,000 TONS AS WELL AS NEW BUILDINGS.

THE REPORT, THE RESULT OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN JULY 1978 BY THE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP REPAIRS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, REVEALED THAT THERE WERE 10,624 WORKERS AND 776 TRAINEES-APPRENTICES EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRY.

COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS SURVEY, THE NUMBERS EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRY (EXCLUDING SEA-GOING MANPOWER) IN THE PAST TWO YEARS HAVE BEEN STEADY DESPITE THE DEPRESSION IN THE WORLD’S SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY. _ _____

/+IN VIEW OF .....

MONDAY, APRIL JO, 1979

♦IN VIEW OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS THE TRAINING BOARD IS OF THE OPINION THAT A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED MANPOWER WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,* THE REPORT ADDED.

APART FROM THESE REVELATIONS, THE REPORT ALSO PROVIDES STATISTICAL INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS ON THE EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY.

THEY INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPAL JOBS, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN EACH OF THE PRINCIPAL JOBS, THE EDUCATION STANDARDS AND TRAINING OF WORKERS PREFERRED FOR DIFFERENT JOBS, THE DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYEES BY TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME RANGE, AND THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF PERSONS REQUIRED TO BE TRAINED IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, MADE TO BOTH INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT, ON MEASURES NECESSARY TO MEET THE TRAINING NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS ON ROUTES FOR TRAINING TECHNOLOGISTS, TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN IN THE INDUSTRY.

THE REPORT, WHICH IS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, COSTS $10 A COPY.

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

NEW TRACK MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT FOR KCR *****

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TODAY (MONDAY) TOOK DELIVERY OF A SOPHISTICATED NEW TAMPING MACHINE FOR MECHANICAL TRACK MAINTENANCE.

BUILT IN AUSTRIA AT A COST OF $1.5 MILLION AND WEIGHING 23 TONS, IT IS SIMILAR TO MACHINES IN USE IN ALL MAJOR RAILWAYS OF THE WORLD.

DESCRIBING THE TAMPING MACHINE AS THE FIRST MAJOR ITEM OF MODERN PERMANENT WAY EQUIPMENT FOR THE KCR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RAILWAY SAID IT +WILL TAKE OUR TRACK MAINTENANCE INTO THE MODERN ERA IN READINESS FOR THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE RAILWAY.*

THE TAMPING MACHINE HAS MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS — IT CAN LIFT THE TRACK TO ITS CORRECT LEVEL, CONSOLIDATE THE BALLAST UNDERNEATH AND SLUE IT TO THE CORRECT ALIGNMENT.

+UP TO NOW ALL TRACK MAINTENANCE IS DONE BY HAND. THE NEW EQUIPMENT HELP REDUCE MAINTENANCE TIMES AND, AT THE SAME TIME, RELEASE MORE MEN FOR OTHER WORK,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

EXPLAINING THE ADVANTAGE OF USING THE TAMPING MACHINE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT COULD CARRY OUT IN AN EIGHT-HOUR SHIFT THE SAME WORK THAT WOULD TAKE 20 MEN SEVERAL DAYS TO COMPLETE.

HE SAID THE MANUFACTURERS WILL SUPERVISE INITIAL TRAINING FOR KCR STAFF IN THE OPERATION OF THE MACHINE. AFTER THAT IT WILL BE PUT TO WORK ON THE SECTIONS OF TRACKS WHICH HAVE BEEN RELAID WITH CONTINUOUSLY WELDED RAIL ON CONCRETE SLEEPERS.

THESE ARE THE SECTIONS OVER WHICH TRAINS WILL BE TRAVELLING AT HIGHER SPEEDS, HE ADDED.

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

/8.....

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

- 8 -

MANPOWER SURVEY ON ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY * * * * *

A MANPOWER SURVEY ON THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY BEGINS TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE SURVEY, THE FIFTH IN THE SERIES, WILL LAST UNTIL MAY 25.

IT IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS WERE SENT TWO WEEKS AGO TO ALL ESTABLISHMENTS TO BE SURVEYED. THE SURVEY FINDINGS WILL ENABLE THE TRAINING BOARD TO MAKE RECOMMENDATION ON MANPOWER TRAINING FOR THE INDUSTRY.

INTERVIEWING OFFICERS DURING THE SURVEY WILL VISIT EACH ESTABLISHMENT TO HELP COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRES.

THE INFORMATION FOR EACH PRINCIPAL JOB OF THE INDUSTRY WHICH THE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF WORKERS PRESENTLY EMPLOYED- THE NUMBER PRESENTLY UNDER TRAINING- THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES AND A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL VACANCIES BY MAY 1980.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, W. WARNER YEH TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN STATISTICAL SUMMARIES ONLY WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.

0 -------

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1979

DANCE FESTIVAL PRIZE-WINNERS’ PERFORMANCES *******

THE 15TH SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL PRIZE-WINNERS’ PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL FROM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY (MAY 6) AT 7 P.M.

THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO MATINEE SHOWS THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT 2.30 P.M.

THE PRIZE-WINNERS’ PERFORMANCES ARE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG AND NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

EACH PERFORMANCE WILL FEATURE A SELECTION OF WESTERN (FOLK), ORIENTAL (FOLK AND CLASSICAL) AND CREATIVE DANCES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE GUEST PERFORMERS TAKING PART FROM THE MODERN DANCE THEATRE OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY BALLET COMPANY AND THE HONG KONG BALLET GROUP.

GUESTS OF HONOUR AT THE PERFORMANCES WILL INCLUDE URBAN COUNCILLORS MR. KENNETH T.C. LO, MR. AMBROSE K.C. CHOI AND MR. F.K. HU- MR. AND MRS CHAM SUI-LUEN- MR. PETER MOSS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES- AND MR. AND MRS R.M. CAMERON AND MR. AND MRS T.L. LAM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE 15TH SCHOOLS' DANCE FESTIVAL PRIZE-WINNERS’ PERFORMANCES AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL FROM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY AT 7 P.M. THERE WILL ALSO BE MATINEE SHOWS THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT 2.30 P.M.

- - 0 -

TEMPORARY CLOSURE

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FROM WEDNESDAY TO MAY 7, THE SECTION OF WAI YIP STREET, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KWUN TONG ROAD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH SIU YIP STREET IN KOWLOON BAY, WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 A.M. AND 5.30 A.M. TO FACILITATE THE DISMANTLING OF THE FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS WAI YIP STREET.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1979 - APR - ENG