DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
USING RAILWAY TRACKS AS FOOTPATHS IS SHORT CUT TO DEATH ..................................................... 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO ATTEND ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK MEETING IN MANILA ......................................... 2
MARINE COURT REPORT ON COLLISION BETWEEN HYDROFOIL AND FISHING VESSEL ........................................ 2
TYPHOON PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR PLEASURE CRAFT ......... 5
EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS .................... 7
SHA TIN INTERCHANGE TAKING SHAPE .......................... 8
KINDERGARTEN IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE ----
APPLICATIONS NOW INVITED ANNUALLY ......................... 9
SQUATTERS TO GET LEGAL POWER SUPPLY ...................... 10
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ................................... 11
WATER CUT ................................................ 11
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
- 1 -
USING RAILWAY TRACKS AS FOOTPATHS IS SHORT CUT TO DEATH ******
A SHORT CUT TO DEATH — THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE ARE RISKING WHEN THEY TRESPASS TO WALK ALONG RAILWAY TRACKS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WARNED TODAY (TUESDAY).
+1 CANNOT EMPHASISE TOO STRONGLY THE DANGERS THESE PEOPLE FACE,* HE SAID. +THE FIGURES FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PEDESTRIAN TRESPASSERS SO FAR THIS YEAR ARE MOST DISTRESSING- THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN MORE THAN 10 IN MONG KOK AND SHA TIN ALONE.+
+WHAT PEOPLE DO NOT REALISE IS THAT THE INJURIES SUSTAINED BY VICTIMS OF THESE ACCIDENTS ARE OFTEN SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL,* HE SAID.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH ACCIDENTS OCCUR ARE:
* WHEN PASSENGERS IGNORE STATION WARNINGS AND ALIGHT FROM ONE TRAIN INTO THE PATH OF ANOTHER, AND
* WHEN PEDESTRIANS TRESPASS ON RAILWAY PROPERTY BY WALKING ALONG OR ACROSS THE TRACKS.
DESCRIBING THIS AS A TRAGIC AND USELESS WASTE OF LIFE, THE SPOKESMAN URGED PEOPLE NOT TO USE THE TRACKS AS A FOOTPATH BUT TO USE AUTHORISED CROSSINGS.
+IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP A TRAIN OF SEVERAL HUNDRED TONS ON A SIX-PENCE,* HE ADDED, +AND THE STRAIN UNDER WHICH OUR DRIVERS HAVE TO OPERATE IS TREMENDOUS.*
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE MANAGEMENT WAS DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT DOUBLE TRACKING BETWEEN HUNG HOM AND SHA TIN HAS NOW BECOME OPERATIONAL.
♦THIS MEANS,* HE SAID, +THAT PEOPLE WHO USE RAILWAY TRACKS AS FOOTPATHS WILL RUN A DOUBLE RISK AS TRAINS WILL BE PASSING EACH OTHER AT THE SAME TIME- WE SHALL ALSO SHORTLY BE RUNNING MORE TRAINS BETWEEN THESE STATIONS.*
MORE THAN 60 TRAINS PER DAY RUN OVER THIS SECTION AND THE DANGERS TO THOSE WHO ARE CARELESS ARE CONSIDERABLE.
THE RAILWAY HAS RECENTLY CARRIED OUT A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO WARN THE PUBLIC, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THIS WILL GO SOME WAY TO MAKING THEM MORE AWARE OF THE DANGERS.
+IN THE NEAR FUTURE WE ALSO PLAN TO ERECT ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/2....
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
2
FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO ATTEND
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK MEETING IN MANILA
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, LEAVES HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY) TO ATTEND THE 12TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN MANILA FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO FRIDAY. MR. HADDON-CAVE IS EXPECTED TO ADDRESS THE MEETING ON THURSDAY.
ALSO IN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE MR. DOUGLAS BLYE, SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS- MR. COLIN MARTIN, COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND MRS. STELLA HUNG, ASSISTANT SECRETARY (MONETARY AFFAIRS).
MR. HADDON-CAVE IS DUE BACK IN HONG KONG ON FRIDAY. DURING HIS ABSENCE, THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. HENRY CHING, WILL ACT AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
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MARINE COURT REPORT ON COLLISION BETWEEN HYDROFOIL AND FISHING VESSEL *****
A MARINE COURT HAS RULED AGAINST THE HYDROFOIL, +FLYING CONDOR+ IN RESPECT OF THE COLLISION BETWEEN IT AND A FISHING VESSEL IN THE CHANNEL BETWEEN LANTAU ISLAND AND CHEUNG CHAU ON APRIL 12, 1978, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE FISHING VESSEL AND THE DEATH OF THE FISHERMAN’S SON.
THE COURT, WHICH SAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR AND COMPRISED JUDGE HOPKINSON, ASSISTED BY CAPTAIN M.D. BURBIDGE AND CAPTAIN P.M. GRAY AS ASSESSORS, HELD THAT THE COLLISION WAS CAUSED BY:
* THE HIGH SPEED OF THE +FLYING CONDOR+ IN DENSE FOG-
* HER FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER LOOK-OUT-AND
* HER FAILURE TO SIGHT THE FISHING VESSEL AND TAKE THE NECESSARY AVOIDING ACTION.
THE COURT FOUND THE CASUALTY WAS CAUSED BY THE +WRONGFUL ACT OR DEFAULT+ OF THE MASTER OF THE +FLYING CONDOR+ PROCEEDING AT AN UNSAFE SPEED IN THE PREVAILING CIRCUMSTANCES AND CONDITIONS, AND IT DECIDED THAT THE MASTER’S CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FOR A PERI0D OF SIX MONTHS.
IN A REPORT RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY), THE COURT FOUND NO FAULT IN THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION OR EQUIPMENT THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE CASUALTY.
THE COURT MADE SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
3
COMPASS-STABILISED RADAR
ALL HYDROFOILS SHOULD BE FITTED — AND RETRO-FITTED WHERE NECESSARY — WITH COMPASS-STABILISED RADAR.
IN ITS REPORT ON A COLLISION BETWEEN THE +MAN TACK* FERRY AND THE +FLYING ALBATROSS+ A PREVIOUS MARINE COURT MADE THIS RECOMMENDATION. BUT EFFECT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN TO IT, AND IN THIS CASE THE +FLYING CONDOR* IS STILL FITTED WITH A NON-STABIL ISED RADAR, THE COURT POINTED OUT.
SHIP’S RECORDS
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE EMPOWERED TO LAY DOWN MINIMUM LOG AND RECORD-KEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT (HOVERCRAFT OR HYDROFOILS) OPERATING OUT OF HONG KONG.
THE COURT SAID THE MANNER IN WHICH THE +FLYING CONDOR’S* RECORDS WERE KEPT WAS +UNSATISFACTORY TO SAY THE LEAST.* THE PREVIOUS MARINE COURT HAD ALSO COMMENTED ON THE INADEQUACY OF RECORD-KEEPING ABOARD THE HYDROFOIL +FLYING ALBATROSS* OPERATED BY THE SAME COMPANY, IT WAS POINTED OUT.
+THERE IS NO RECORD AMONGST THE STANDING INSTRUCTIONS OR CIRCULAR NOTICES OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU HYDROFOIL COMPANY, TO SUGGEST THAT ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE SUBSEQUENTLY BY THE COMPANY TO ENSURE AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE POOR STANDARD OF RECORD KEEPING,* THE COURT SAID.
IN ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, THE COURT SAID IN THE CASE OF HYDROFOILS, LOG BOOKS KEPT ABOARD SUCH CRAFT SHOULD INCLUDE:
* RECORDS OF PASSING SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHICAL POSITIONS"
* TIMES AT WHICH CRAFT BECOME FOILBORNE OR HULLBORNE- AND
* ALL ALTERATIONS OF ENGINE REVOLUTIONS.
HYDROFOIL OPERATIONS
THE COMPANY SHOULD HAVE REVISED ITS OLD STANDING INSTRUCTIONS, EXPLAINING THAT THE NEW COLLISION AVOIDANCE RULES REQUIRED VESSELS TO PROCEED AT A SAFE SPEED IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY. THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.SHOULD INSTITUTE A SYSTEM OF UNSCHEDULED INSPECTIONS OF HYDROFOILS TO ENSURE THAT PROPER OPERATING STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED. SUCH INSPECTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE EN-ROUTE CHECKS AND EXAMINATIONS OF HYDROFOIL RECORDS BY QUALIFIED SURVEYORS.
EVIDENCE WAS GIVEN BY ONE HYDROFOIL MASTER THAT HE HABITUALLY PROCEEDED ON FOIL AT ABOUT 30 KNOTS IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY,
/+THE COUBT .....
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
- 4 -
+THE COURT CONDEMNS SUCH PRACTICE WHICH MUST BE CONSIDERED UTTERLY RECKLESS AND IRRESPONSIBLE.* *
THE COURT ALSO POINTED OUT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE OPERATION OF THE COMPANY’S HYDROFOILS WERE EFFECTIVELY MONITORED.
REFERRING TO THE MASTER WHO GAVE EVIDENCE OF EXCESSIVE SPEED IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY, THE COURT SAID THAT A SIMPLE SURVEY OF LOG BOOK TIMES IN CONJUNCTION WITH WEATHER REPORTS WOULD HAVE PROVIDED SUFFICIENT INDICATION WHETHER THEIR VESSELS WERE PROCEEDING AT SAFE SPEED IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY.
TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HYDROFOIL OPERATORS, SHOULD GIVE ACTIVE CONSIDERATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FURTHER TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES, WHEREBY HYDROFOILS MIGHT BE ROUTED TO THE SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU WHEN CONDITIONS OF POOR OR DETERIORATING VISIBILITY PREVAIL.
COMMUNICATIONS
IN ADDITION TO BEING EQUIPPED TO MONITOR PORT CONTROL FACILITIES AT HONG KONG AND MACAU, DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT, AND POSSIBLY CONVENTIONAL FERRIES, SHOULD BE EQUIPPED SEPARATELY TO MONITOR A SPECIFIED FREQUENCY WHICH WOULD CATER FOR CONTINGENCIES SUCH AS MARINE DISASTER.
* •
REFERRING TO THE CODE OF SAFETY, THE COURT SAID IT HAD REFRAINED FROM MAKING ANY GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
+ IN A STATEMENT TO THIS COURT CONCERNING THE CODE OF SAFETY, COUNSEL FOR THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE ADVISED THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE ANY FIRM STATEMENT REGARDING THE DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODE FOR DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT IN HONG KONG OR TO STATE WHETHER THE WHOLE OR ANY PARTS OF THE CODE WOULD BE GIVEN LEGISLATIVE EFFECT,* THE COURT SAID.
♦BUT IN VIEW OF THE SIZEABLE HONG KONG HYDROFOIL FLEET AND THE LARGE NUMBERS OF PASSENGERS CARRIED ANNUALLY, THIS COURT URGES THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE POSITIVE ACTION IN CONSULTATION WITH THE U.K. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE TO ENSURE THE EARLY ADOPTION OF THE SECTIONS (OF THE CODE) RELEVANT TO HONG KONG.*
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
5
TYPHOON PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR PLEASURE CRAFT
******
DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON EACH YEAR, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF PLEASURE CRAFT BREAK FREE AND DRIFT FROM THEIR MOORINGS.
THEY ARE LIABLE TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO SECURELY MOORED BOATS, BECOME STRANDED OR SINK, OR BECOME SWAMPED BY RAIN WATER.
IN AN EFFORT TO ASSIST OWNERS TO SECURE THEIR BOATS PROPERLY AND AVOID ACCIDENTS, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS SUGGESTED THE FOLLOWING SIMPLE AND COMMONSENSE PRECAUTIONS:
* CHECK THE MOORING AND BOAT ON THE APPROACH AND FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF A STORM. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, THEN MOOR THE BOAT FOR TYPHOON CONDITIONS WHENEVER IT IS LEFT UNATTENDED DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON.
* MAKE SURE THE MOORING ROPES OR CHAINS ARE LONG ENOUGH TO ALLOW FOR HIGH WATER SPRINGS AND A STORM SURGE OTHERWISE THE BOAT MAY LIFT ITS MOORINGS FROM THE SEABED.
* IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT MOORING ROPES BE OF GOOD QUALITY MANILA OR NYLON. REMEMBER THAT SOME TYPES OF SYNTHETIC ROPE DETERIORATE IN SUNLIGHT WITHOUT SHOWING ANY VISIBLE SIGNS.
+IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A SET OF STORM ROPES UNDER COVER BUT READY FOR USE ON THE APPROACH OF BAD WEATHER,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
MOORING ROPES SHOULD BE PROTECTED BY FITTING FLEXIBLE PLASTIC TUBING, LEATHER OR CANVAS TO PREVENT THEM FROM CHAFING, HE SAID.
+ IT IS USUALLY ADVISABLE 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. IF SHACKLES ARE USED, THEY SHOULD BE MOUSED TO PREVENT WORKING BACK,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
MOORING ROPES, HE SAID, SHOULD BE SECURED TO AT LEAST TWO POINTS ON THE BOAT TO OBVIATE THE DANGER OF CLEATS AND BOLLARDS BEING TORN FROM THE DECK WHEN A HEAVY STRAIN IS PLACED ON THE MOOR ING.
SAYING THAT MOORING CHAINS USUALLY WASTE AT THE LINKS IMMEDIATELY BELOW THE BUOY AND ALONG THE LENGTH WHERE THEY REST ON THE SEABED, HE ADVISED OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR MOORING EQUIPMENT INSPECTED BY A COMPETENT SURVEYOR AT INTERVALS OF NOT MORE THAN TWO YEARS.
+IF A BOAT IS KEPT AT FORE AND AFT MOORINGS, AS AT ABERDEEN HARBOUR AND CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, ADEQUATE FENDERS SHOULD BE USED TO PREVENT CONTACT DAMAGE TO ADJACENT BOATS. OLD CAR TYRES, WHICH ARE CHEAP AND NOT EASILY DISPLACED BY GUSTS OF WIND, MAKE VERY GOOD FENDERS,* HE ALSO SAID.
/then jjotor........
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
6
WHEN MOTOR BOATS AND RUNABOUTS ARE MOORED CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH ONE ANOTHER DURING WINDY CONDITIONS, HE SAID THEY SHOULD BE DRAWN TOGETHER AND SECURED WITH FORE AND AFT SPRINGS AND BREASTLINES WITH ADEQUATE TENDERING BETWEEN THEM.
ON DANGERS OF SWAMPING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +SUBMERSIBLE TYPE BILGE PUMPS ARE OFTEN FITTED WITH THE DISCHARGE PIPE A FEW INCHES ABOVE THE WATERLINE. THESE PUMPS ARE OF THE CENTRIFUGAL TYPE WITHOUT VALVES. REMEMBER THAT IF THE DISCHARGE PIPE BECOMES IMMERSED, WATER WILL FLOW INTO THE BOAT THROUGH THE PIPE AND PUMP.
+IT IS ADVISABLE TO FIT AUTOMATIC BILGE PUMPS TO BOATS VULNERABLE TO THE ENTRY OF RAIN WATER. FLOAT SWITCHES ARE REASONABLY PRICED AND CAN BE FITTED TO ELECTRIC BILGE PUMPS.
♦JUNKS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE THEIR LARGE DECK COLLECTS WATER WHICH USUALLY FINDS ITS WAY BELOW VIA THE FLUSH ENGINE HATCH. MAKE SURE THE HATCH IS SEALED AND THAT RAIN WATER CAN DRAIN OVERSIDE.*
HE SAID BOATS SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY COVERED TO PREVENT SWAMPING 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,* THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.
TO PREVENT THIS, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN:
* COVERS SHOULD BE SECURED BY MEANS OF OVERALL ROPE LASHINGS, EITHER TO OR UNDER THE HULL, AND
* HINGED CABIN WINDOWS AND HATCH COVERS, WHICH CAN BE BLOWN OR SUCKED OPEN, SHOULD BE LASHED IF THE SECURING DEVICES ARE AT ALL SUSPECT.
♦RUDDERS ARE SUBJECT TO LARGE FORCES WHEN A BOAT IS YAWING TO A SINGLE MOORING. FITTINGS SHOULD BE CHECKED AT REGULAR INTERVALS, PARTICULARLY ON JUNKS FITTED WITH EXTERNAL QUADRANTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ALL OPENINGS, HE SAID, SHOULD BE SECURELY CLOSED AND BATTENED DOWN AND THAT LEAKING HATCHES CAN BE SEALED WITH WATERPROOF TAPE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SMALL BOATS AND TENDERS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT HANGING FROM DAVITS AT THE STERN OF LARGER CRAFT --- THEY SHOULD BE SECURED TO THE DECK OF THE PARENT CRAFT OR TAKEN ASHORE.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS *****
EMPLOYERS WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) ADVISED TO REACH PRIOR AGREEMENT WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES ON THE RULES FOR WORK, AND THE RELEASE FROM WORK, DURING OR ON THE APPROACH OF A TROPICAL STORM.
+THE AGREEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE THE METHOD OF CALCULATING WAGES TO BE PAID UNDER VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES,* A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED MANY ENQUIRIES SEEKING ADVICE ON THE SUBJECT DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON.
+ALTHOUGH THE LAW DOES NOT LAY DOWN ANY PARTICULAR PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IT IS, BASICALLY, A MATTER OF DECISION BETWEEN EACH EMPLOYER AND HIS EMPLOYEE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT AND THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE’S HOME, AVAILABILITY OF TRANSPORT AND OTHER FACTORS,* HE EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT CONFUSION OR EVEN DISPUTES COULD ARISE IF THERE WAS A LACK OF PRIOR UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AS TO WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A TYPHOON.
THE IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER WOULD BE THE EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY BOTH AT THE PLACE OF WORK AND DURING THE JOURNEY TO AND FROM HOME.
+FOR EXAMPLE, FIRMS SHOULD SEND THEIR EMPLOYEES HOME WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NUMBER EIGHT OR HIGHER IS HOISTED, OR WHEN CESSATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IS IMMINENT.*
+OF COURSE, EMPLOYEES WHO ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL AND EMERGENCY DUTIES DURING THE TYPHOON WOULD BE EXCEPTIONS.* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT EMPLOYERS COULD ALWAYS APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE FOR ADVICE ON DRAFTING OR PREPARING AGREEMENTS CONCERNING TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS.
THE SERVICE OPERATES IN SIX OF THE DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH
OFFICES:
HONG KONG
HONG KONG REGIONAL OFFICE, NEW RODNEY BLOCK,
QUEENSWAY. TEL.: 5-282523 EXT. 60
KOWLOON EAST
SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG. TEL.: 3-205638
/kowlocn tost
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
8 -
KOWLOON WEST
SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
PRINCE EDWARD ROAD,
SAN PO KONG. TEL.: 3-201652
KWUN TONG
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET,
SECOND FLOOR. TEL.i 3-898520
TSUEN WAN
CHARTERED BANK BUILDING,
THIRD FLOOR, TSUEN WAN. TEL.: 12-422096
TUEN MUN
39 TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN. TEL.: 12-818443
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SHA TIN INTERCHANGE TAKING SHAPE *****
TRAFFIC GOING INTO AND THROUGH SHA TIN WILL BE MUCH IMPROVED THIS SUMMER FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE INTERCHANGE AT TAI WAI.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WORK ON THE INTERCHANGE AND THE ASSOCIATED ROAD WORKS, COMPRISING A SECTION OF A TRUNK ROAD FROM LOWER SHING MUN ROAD TO SHING MUN RIVER NEAR TAI WAI AND TWO PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROADS, IS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE.
ON COMPLETION IN AUGUST, THE TRUNK ROAD WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC GOING THROUGH SHA TIN NEW TOWN WHILE THE TWO PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROADS WILL LINK UP WITH THE EXISTING ROADS IN THE AREA.
THE INTERCHANGE FORMS PART OF A $21.4 MILLION CONTRACT FOR LAND FORMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN AREAS NORTH AND EAST OF TAI WAI.
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/9 .
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
9
KINDERGARTEN IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE
-- APPLICATIONS NOW INVITED ANNUALLY
*****
THE -EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, BECAUSE OF POPULAR RESPONSE, WILL BE RUNNING THE 13TH SESSION OF THE BI-YEARLY IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS THIS SEPTEMBER INSTEAD OF SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE COURSE WILL IN FUTURE BE RUN ON AN OVERLAPPING BASIS AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED EVERY YEAR INSTEAD OF EVERY TWO YEARS.
HE SAID APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FOR THE SEPTEMBER COURSE, AND 50 CANDIDATES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE CANTONESE, AND TUITION WILL BE FREE.
♦TEACHERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE WILL BE AWARDED THE STATUS OF QUALIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARTICIPANTS WILL UNDERTAKE COURSE LECTURES, SCHOOL VISITS, WORKSHOP SESSIONS, TEACHING PRACTICE AND TUTORIALS RUN BY STAFF OF THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
SUBJECTS OF LECTURES WILL INCLUDE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION- THE CHILD AND HIS ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING PERSONAL AWARENESS, HEALTH AND SAFETY, NATURAL EXPERIENCE AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT- CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PROBLEMS IN LEARNINGKINDERGARTEN ACTIVITIES AND LEARNING THROUGH PLAY.
THE LECTURES WILL BE HELD ONCE OR TWICE EACH WEEK BETWEEN 2.30 P.M. AND 5.30 P.M. AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, THIRD FLOOR, NORTH POINT.
TEACHERS TAKING THE COURSE WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT THROUGH TEACHING PRACTICE, PROJECT WORK AND COURSE STUDIES.
A WRITTEN EXAMINATION WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE END OF THE COURSE.
EACH CANDIDATE MUST HAVE ATTENDED AT LEAST 80 PER CENT OF ALL LECTURES IN EACH COURSE BEFORE HE OR SHE IS ALLOWED TO SIT THE FINAL EXAMINATION.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, OR AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, NATHAN ROAD.
APPLICANTS MUST BE HOLDERS OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF EDUCATION OR ITS EQUIVALENT- FULL-TIME PERMITTED TEACHERS IN KINDERGARTENS WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS’ SUITABLE TEACHING EXPERIENCE IN REGISTERED SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG- ABLE TO SPEAK CANTONESE FLUENTLY AND BE OF GOOD CHARACTER AND SUITABLE PERSONALITY.
/all applications....
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
10
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PHOTOSTAT COPY OF EVERY TEACHING PERMIT ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT CF THE APPLICANT’S EMPLOYMENT IN SCHOOLS.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE’S KINDERGARTEN SECTION NOT LATER THAN MAY 31.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED ON JULY 31.
SQUATTERS TO GET LEGAL POWER SUPPLY * * * * *
A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY SIGNIFYING THE OFFICIAL SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY TO 29 HOUSEHOLDS IN A KWUN TONG SQUATTER AREA WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MR. LEUNG CHIN-MAN, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (KWUNG TONG), AND MR. D. CLEGG, AREA MANAGER OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT THE JUNCTION OF WAN HON STREET AND SHU I NING STREET.
WITH THE HELP OF THE KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE SQUATTERS FORMED A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE LAST DECEMBER AND LATER APPLIED TO CHINA LIGHT FOR POWER SUPPLY.
THE APPLICATION WAS APPROVED AND INSTALLATION WORK WAS COMPLETED BY THE COMPANY LAST (APRIL) MONTH.
APART FROM THE HOUSEHOLDS WHICH COMPRISE 127 PEOPLE, POWER SUPPLY TO 15 OTHER STRUCTURES — USED EITHER AS STORES OR SMALL WORKSHOPS — AWAITS APPROVAL BY THE COMPANY.
THE SQUATTER AREA IS THE FIFTH IN KWUN TONG TO RECEIVE LEGAL POWER SUPPLY, AND ELECTRIFICATION SCHEMES FOR SIX MORE AREAS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY SIGNIFYING THE OFFICIAL SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY TO A SQUATTER AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF WAN HON STREET AND SHU I NING STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE HELD AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY MR. LEUNG CHIN-MAN, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (KWUN TONG), AND MR. D. CLEGG, AREA MANAGER CF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
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/11 •
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1979
11
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
_____________________________ ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE Section of shau kei wan main street east between kam wah street AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 9 A.M. T0 6 P,M* 0N THURSDAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE TAM KUNG FEST IVAL.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY MORRISON STREET, WING LOK STREET, SOUTHSIDE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, SUTHERLAND STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
$6.5 MILLION COMPUTERISED COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FIRE SERVICES ........................................ 1
DENTAL CARE PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN ................ 1
HIGHER WAGE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL WORKERS NOW EFFECTIVE ................................................ 3
SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR NT FOLKS ............................ 3
TENDERS CALLED FOR SHA TIN’S KCR DEPOT PODIUM DEVELOPMENT .............................................. 5
POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS IN SHA TIN VIRTUALLY COMPLETE ................................................. 5
CLOSURE ORDER ISSUED .................................... 6
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1979
1
86.5 MILLION COMPUTERISED COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FIRE SERVICES *****
THE FIRE SERVICES ARE INSTALLING A NEW $6.5 MILLION COMPUTERISED COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM TO STREAMLINE FIRE-FIGHTING AND AMBULANCE OPERATIONS.
THE SOPHISTICATED SYSTEM HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO FURTHER CUT RESPONSE TIME TO FIRES AND ACCIDENTS, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦ WHEN THE SYSTEM GOES INTO OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER, IT WILL PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN EFFICIENT AND SPEEDY FIRE AND AMBULANCE RESPONSE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ IT SHOULD CUT DOWN THE PRESENT AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES,+ HE ADDED.
HE SAID A TEAM COMPRISING AN ENGINEER AND TECHNICIANS, TOGETHER WITH THE MAIN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED IN ERITA IN, WILL ARRIVE ON FRIDAY TO INSTALL THE SYSTEM.
♦ THIS CONSISTS OF DIRECT CALL-OUT LINKS TO ALL FIRE AND AMBULANCE STATIONS AND A COMPUTER-OPERATED VEHICLE STATUS AND LOCATION SYSTEM FOR MOBILISING AMBULANCES,+ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
♦ ON COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER THE SYSTEM WILL ENABLE THE APPLIANCES AT THE FIRE STATIONS TO BE DIRECTLY DESPATCHED TO INCIDENTS FROM THE CENTRALISED CONTROL. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO RELAY THE CALL BY TELEPHONE AND TO CONTROL THE MOVEMENTS OF AMBULANCES,+ HE SAID.
THE SYSTEM, HE SAID, WILL LINK THE DEPARTMENT'S EXISTING SEPARATE COMMUNICATIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND; IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND AMBULANCE COMMAND UNDER ONE ROOF AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION.
HE ADDED THAT KOWLOON WILL BE THE FIRST TO USE THE NEW COMPUTERISED SYSTEM WHEN THE CHANGEOVER TAKES PLACE IN AUGUST. THE OTHER COMMANDS WILL FOLLOW AT TWO-WEEK INTERVALS.
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DENTAL CARE PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN ******
AN AMBITIOUS DENTAL CARE PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE A BASIC DENTAL CONSERVATION SERVICE AT PRIMARY SCHOOL LEVEL.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THIS HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY THE COMPLETION OF THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE.
/speaking at .....
WEDNESDAY, MY 2, 1979
2 -
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE IIO-MILL ION DENTAL COMPLEX ON MORRISON HILL, SIR MURRAY DESCRIBED THE CENTRE AS +AN IMPORTANT PHASE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S DENTAL SERVICE.*
THE NINE-STOREY BUILDING WILL SERVE AS THE NERVE CENTRE FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S DENTAL SERVICE, PROVIDING TRAINING FACILITIES FOR DENTAL THERAPISTS AND OTHER PERSONNEL.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE WILL PROVIDE REGULAR EXAMINATION AND SIMPLE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT TO ALL CHILDREN ENTERING PRIMARY ONE IN SEPTEMBER, 1980.
THE SERVICE WILL BE PROGRESSIVELY EXTENDED TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, HE ADDED.
TO MEET ANTICIPATED DEMAND, THE GOVERNOR SAID, FOUR ADDITIONAL SCHOOL DENTAL CLINICS WILL BE BUILT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, TWO IN KOWLOON AND TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT IN 1980 OF A DENTAL SCHOOL AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, WE WILL HAVE GREATLY IMPROVED PROVISION FOR DENTAL SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY PAID TRIBUTE TO SIR SHIU-KIN TANG, WHO DONATED $1.8 MILLION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE DENTAL THERAPISTS TRAINING SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC ACCOMMODATED IN THE CENTRE.
HE SAID THE NUMBER OF SIR SHIU-KIN’S PROJECTS IN THE VICINITY OF MORRISON HILL HAVE TURNED IT INTO A TANG SHIU-KIN NEDICAL VILLAGE --- A REFUGE FOR THE SICK OF THE NORTH SHORE
OF THE ISLAND.
+WHILE THIS CENTRE BEARS MY NAME AT SIR SHIU-KIN’S REQUEST, AS A TOKEN OF GOVERNMENT’S APPRECIATION IT IS ONLY BEFITTING THAT THE TRAINING SCHOOL AND THE CLINIC SHOULD BE NAMED AFTER HIM, AND I EXPRESS TO HIM MY HEARTFELT SENSE OF HIS GENEROSITY AND PUBLIC SPIRIT,* HE SAID.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE DENTAL THERAPISTS TRAINING SCHOOL HAD ALREADY BEEN FUNCTIONING EVEN BEFORE THE FORMAL OPENING OF THE CENTRE.
SINCE OCTOBER LAST YEAR, HE SAID, 33 STUDENT DENTAL THERAPISTS AND FIVE DENTAL HYGIENISTS HAVE BEEN UNDERGOING TRAINING COURSES LASTING THREE YEARS AND ONE YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSES, THEY WILL WORK IN THE SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE MENTIONED BY THE GOVERNOR, SAID DR. THONG.
+ROUTINE PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE BY DENTAL THERAPISTS AMONGST THE SCHOOL POPULATION HAS PROVED TO BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN MANY COUNTRIES AND THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT IN HONG KONG WE WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE BENEFIT OF SUCH A SCHEME,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1979
- 3 -
HIGHER WAGE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL WORKERS NOW EFFECTIVE * * * *
THE WAGE CEILING COVERING NON-MANUAL WORKERS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE HAS BEEN RAISED FROM $2,000 TO $3,500 WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 27, EXTENDING THE PROTECTION OF THE ORDINANCE TO MORE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REITERATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID MANY ENQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 25.
THE AMENDMENT CAME INTO EFFECT WHEN IT WAS GAZETTED TWO DAYS LATER, HE STRESSED.
+THE REASON FOR THE AMENDMENT,+ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, +IS THAT A NUMBER OF NON-MANUAL WORKERS PREVIOUSLY ENTITLED TO THE PROTECTION AND BENEFITS OF THE ORDINANCE HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM ITS COVERAGE FOLLOWING WAGE RISES BROUGHT ABOUT BY COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS.+
+THEREFORE, THE RAISING OF THE WAGE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL WORKERS IS REALLY TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EITHER BECOME ’DISENFRANCHISED’ DUE TO COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS IN WAGES OR ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE BECAUSE OF PERIODIC WAGE ADJUSTMENTS,+ HE ADDED.
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SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR NT FOLKS
******
GETTING TO KNOW YOU -- THAT’S THE THEME OF GOVERNMENT’S LATEST EFFORT TO FOSTER BETTER COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THOSE LIVING ON THE ISLANDS.
+WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE THIS AND WE’RE CONFIDENT WE WILL THROUGH A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES,* SAID W. STANLEY LEE, THE REGIONAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES).
HE ADDED THAT $810,000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE ♦GETTING TO KNOW YOU+ PROGRAMME WHICH WILL BE CO-ORDINATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE SEVEN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NEED FOR SUCH A PROGRAMME WAS APPARENT BECAUSE OF THE RAPID GROWTH IN POPULATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON THE ISLANDS, MR. LEE SAID.
/THE OBJECTIVE .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1979
- 4 -
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE EXERCISE IS TWO-FOLD :
+OUR FIRST AIM IS TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING WITH THE MAIN ACCENT ON BEING GOOD NEIGHBOURS AND THE SECOND, TO ENABLE RESIDENTS FROM THE DIFFERENT DISTRICTS AND VILLAGES TO GET TOGETHER TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AND TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER,+ MR. LEE SAID.
+OF COURSE, WE ALSO HOPE THAT THE MANY EVENTS WE ARE PLANNING WILL SHOW THE RESIDENTS THAT WE DO CARE FOR THEIR WELFARE AND THAT THEIR TOWNS ARE PLEASANT PLACES TO LIVE IN.*
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE JOINT PROGRAMME WILL COMPLEMENT THE ON-GOING SERVICES ALREADY PROVIDED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND OTHER VOLUNTARY BODIES THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+UNDER THE ADDITIONAL PROGRAMME, IT HAS BEEN AGREED THAT THE ADVISORY BOARDS WILL SHARE THE MANPOWER AND FUNDS REQUIRED FOR ORGANISING SPORTS MEETS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE LOCALITY,* MR. LEE SAID.
+THIS WILL ELIMINATE CONFUSION AND DUPLICATION OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. THIS WILL MEAN THAT FUNDS CAN BE PUT TO OPTIMUM USE,+ HE STRESSED.
THE NEW VENTURE, MR. LEE SAID, COMES AFTER A SUCCESSFUL PILOT SCHEME IMPLEMENTED LAST FINANCIAL YEAR BETWEEN THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
+IT FEATURE ABOUT 192 EVENTS WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 21,000 PARTICIPANTS,* MR. LEE SAID.
+1 AM CERTAIN THAT QUITE A FEW FRIENDSHIPS WERE STRUCK UP DURING THOSE GET-TOGETHERS,* HE ADDED.
THIS IS WHY MR. LEE IS CONFIDENT THAT THE NEW VENTURE WILL PROVE TO BE YET ANOTHER SUCCESS.
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/5 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1979
5
TENDERS CALLED FOR SHA TIN’S KCR DEPOT PODIUM DEVELOPMENT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR A MULT I-MILL I ON-DOLLAR PRIVATE HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX OVER THE PROPOSED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY DEPOT AT SHA TIN.
THE INVITATION CALLS FOR TENDERS TO BE SUBMITTED BEFORE JUNE 1.
THE PLANS INCLUDE A HOUSING COMPLEX OF SEVEN 30-STOREY TOWER BLOCKS AND ANOTHER 16-STOREY BUILDING FOR COMMERCIAL OR HOTEL PURPOSES ON A GOVERNMENT-BUILT PODIUM COVERING AN AREA OF 2.66 HECTARES.
THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON SAID SEVERAL LARGE DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES HAD SHOWN KEEN INTEREST IN THE PROJECT AND SUBSEQUENTLY A SPECIAL BRIEFING WAS ARRANGED FOR THEM LAST MONTH TO GO OVER THE PLANS AND SALES CONDITIONS AND DISCUSSED THE OVERALL CONCEPT WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVOLVED.
+SINCE THEN,+ HE SAID, +A NUMBER OF OTHER DEVELOPERS HAS COME UP WITH SIMILAR REQUEST AND IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT THESE COMPANIES HAVE REALISED THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE PODIUM SITE.*
TO PROVIDE THEM WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE ANOTHER IN-DEPTH LOOK AT DETAILS OF THE SCHEME BEFORE TENDERS CLOSE ON JUNE 1, HE SAID, A FURTHER BRIEFING SESSION WILL BE HELD NEXT FRIDAY (MAY 11) AT 10.30 A.M. IN NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON.
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POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS IN SHA TIN VIRTUALLY COMPLETE ******
WORK ON THE POLICE RANK AND FILE MARRIED QUARTERS IN SHA TIN IS VIRTUALLY COMPLETE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE QUARTERS WOULD BE HANDED OVER TO THE POLICE IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
THE NEW QUARTERS, LOCATED NEXT TO THE SHA TIN DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND SHA TIN POLICE STATION, CONSIST OF TWO 20-ST0REY BLOCKS, CAR PARKS, A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND A LANDSCAPED SITTING AREA.
THE NEW COMPLEX, COSTING S10.5 MILLION, WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR ABOUT 380 MARRIED POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
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/6
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1979
6
CLOSURE ORDER ISSUED
*****
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID TODAY THAT A CLOSURE ORDER FOR NO. 58-64 LEI MUK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, WAS MADE THIS MORNING IN THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THIS CLOSURE ORDER WAS POSTED AT THE BUILDING ON MARCH 2.
AN ORDER REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THIS BUILDING WILL SHORTLY BE SERVED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY, HE SAID.
APPLICATION HEARINGS FOR CLOSURE ORDERS ON TWO OTHER BUILDINGS WERE ADJOURNED.
ONE CASE, CONCERNING THE KWAI HING INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 10-18 CHUN PIN STREET, KWAI CHUNG, WAS ADJOURNED TO JUNE 6, 1979 AS REQUESTED.
THE ADJOURNMENT IS TO ENABLE THE OWNERS TO COMPLETE THEIR EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATIONS AND SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR MAKING THE BUILDING SAFE.
THE OTHER CASE INVOLVING NO. 1 TUNG YUEN STREET, YAU TONG, WAS ADJOURNED SINE DIE.
THE REQUEST FOR THE ADJOURNMENT WAS MADE AS THE OWNERS HAD PROPOSED TO MAKE THE BUILDING SAFE AND THESE PROPOSALS WERE NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED.
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PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, G.B.E., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE
ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1979
I am indeed happy to be with you on this memorable occasion, as I was in January 1977 when I laid the foundation stone for this building.
The completion of this Centre marks an important phase in the development*of our dental service since. It makes possible the introduction of a dental care programme for school children.
Starting from September 1980, the School Dental Service will provide regular examination and simple conservative treatment to all children entering Primary One and will be progressively extended to all primary school children.
To meet anticipated demand, four additional School Dental Clinics will be built in the next five years, two in Kowloon and two in the New Territories. With the introduction of the School Dental Service and the establishment in September 1980 of a Dental School at Hong Kong University, we will have greatly improved provision for dental services in our community.
/Sir Shiu Kin .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
2
Sir Shiu Kin has rendered unfailing support to the development of social services in Hong Kong. This building is yet another splendid example of what he has done for the medical and health services. Indeed the number of his projects in this vicinity have turned it into a Tang Shiu Kin medical village --- a refuge for the sick of the North shore
of the Island.
This Centre includes the Dental Therapists Training School and the School Dental Clinic. While this Centre bears my name at Sir Shiu Kin’s request, as a token of Government’s appreciation it is only befitting that the School and the Clinic should be named after him, and I express to him my heartfelt sense of his generosity and public spirit.
I now have the greatest pleasure in declaring the MaeLehose Dental Centre open.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT COLLECTS FEES FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME ................. 1
INTEREST ON TAX CERTIFICATES INCREASED ............. 1
52.3 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED ...................... 3
MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND COMMERCIAL SITE FOR SALE IN YUEN LONG ....................................... 4
ARTWORK ENTRIES INVITED FOR COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE EXHIBITION ........................................ 5
PIANO MASTER CLASS BY MALCOLM FRAGER .............. 6
I
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING ............................... 6
k-
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1979 '
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT COLLECTS FEES FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME, AS ANNOUNCED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE LAST WEEK, CAME INTO OPERATION ON MAY 1.
THE SCHEME, AIMED AT PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR PEOPLE INJURED OR KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, WILL BE FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT AND FROM FEES COLLECTED FROM MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF ALL TYPES OF DRIVING LICENCES.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM MAY 1 ALL REGISTERED OWNERS OF VEHICLES HAVE TO PAY AN EXTRA $75 TOWARDS THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME ON TOP OF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE OWNER OF A VEHICLE WHOSE CYLINDER CAPACITY IS BETWEEN 1,000 CC AND 1,500 CC WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ANNUAL LICENCE FEE OF $600 PLUS $75 FOR THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME, I.E. A TOTAL OF $675.
FOR DRIVING LICENCE HOLDERS, THOSE RENEWING THEIR LICENCES FOR ONE YEAR WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $25 FOR THE SCHEME. IF THEY ARE RENEWING THEIR LICENCES FOR THREE YEARS THEN THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $75.
FOR EXAMPLE, A DRIVING LICENCE HOLDER RENEWING HIS LICENCE FOR THREE YEARS WILL HAVE TO PAY $150 FOR A THREE-YEAR RENEWAL PLUS $75 FOR THE SCHEME, I.E. A TOTAL OF $225.
A PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE HOLDER RENEWING HIS LICENCE FOR ONE YEAR WILL HAVE TO PAY $100 PLUS $25.
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INTEREST ON TAX CERTIFICATES INCREASED
******
THE ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE INCREASED FROM 5.76 PER CENT TO 8.04 PER CENT, TAX FREE, AS FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE INCREASE HAS BEEN AUTHORISED BY THE GOVERNOR AND NOTIFICATION WILL BE MADE IN TOMORROW’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE 67 CENTS A MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
/INTEREST IS .
-rrqi X.K.ZiX.
THURSDAY, MAY J, 1979
2 -
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID IN CASH.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFCATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 4, 1979.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 16, 1979, AND BEFORE MAY 4, 1979, WHEN THE RATE WAS 5.76 PER CENT WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT THAT RATE.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 19, 1975, AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 17, 1977, WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT 4.2 PER CENT.
THOSE ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 17, 1977, AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT THREE PER CENT- THOSE ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 1978, WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT 3.24 PER CENT AND THOSE ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 24, 1978 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1979 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT 5.04 PER CENT, BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE
$1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON MAY 4, 1979, JUNE 4, 1979 AND JULY 4, 1979 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON AUGUST 3, 1979, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
ON $1,000 MAY 4, 1979 TO AUGUST 3, 1979,
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.70 PER MONTH - $20.10
ON $1,000, JUNE 4, 1979 TO AUGUST 3, 1979,
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.70 PER MONTH - $13.40
ON $1,000 , JULY 4, 1979 TO AUGUST 3, 1979,
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $6.70 PER MONTH = $ 6.70
INTEREST ACCRUED $40.20
THE INTEREST ACCRUED IS ROUNDED OFF TO $41 IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 7 (3) OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES (FOURTH SERIES) RULES.
0 -------
/3
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1979
J
$2.3 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $2.3 MILLION CONTRACT TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL A MODERN LIFT AND RAMP SYSTEM FOR THE PASSENGER AND VEHICULAR FERRY PIER AT MUI WOR ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE CONTRACT WENT TO MCCONNELL DOWELL (HK) LTD., AND WAS SIGNED BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND f^CHANICAL ENGINEER, MR. G. OSBORNE AND MR. MATTHEW LAU OF MCCONNELL DOWELL.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORK COMPRISED A STANDARD TWO-LIFT, EIGHT-RAMP SYSTEM TO ACCOMMODATE DOUBLE-DECKER PASSENGER FERRIES AT ALL TIDAL CONDITIONS.
+THE VEHICULAR RAMP WILL BE FOR SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC TO AND OFF THE VEHICULAR FERRIES,* HE SAID.
CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS CONNECTED WITH THE PIER ARE WELL UNDER WAY, AND THE LIFT AND RAMP INSTALLATION WILL START AROUND SEPTEMBER.
THE TARGET DATE FOR COMPLETION IS THE END OF THIS YEAR.
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A
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1979
4
MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND COMMERCIAL SITE FOR SALE IN YUEN LONG * * * *
A VALUABLE SITE IN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND A PETROL FILLING AND SERVICE STATION.
SITUATED BETWEEN ON NING AND CASTLE PEAK ROADS AND TO THE EAST OF THE NULLAH THROUGH THE TOWN CENTRE, THE 3,287-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS THE FIRST PRIME LOT IN YUEN LONG TO BE PUT ON SALE BY THE GOVERNMENT THIS YEAR.
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. MICHAEL CARTLAND SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE GOVERNMENT WAS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE +UNIQUE+ SITE DESIGNED TO GIVE THE PROSPEROUS COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN NORTH-WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES ANOTHER BOOST.
♦WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE SITE IS THAT THERE ARE SPECIAL CLAUSES IN ITS SALE CONDITIONS, REQUIRING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-STOREY PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR 400 MOTOR VEHICLES AND A PETROL FILLING AND SERVICE STATION ON THE GROUND FLOOR,* MR. CARTLAND SAID.
♦THE SALE BY PUBLIC TENDER IS SO TIMED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT 'aILL BE ABLE TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR PARKING SPACE GENERATED BY THE RAPID DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TOWN.+
MR. CARTLAND SAID PLANS WERE IN THE PIPELINE TO INSTALL PARKING METERS ON PUBLIC ROADS IN THE TOWN AREA TOWARDS THE END OF 1980 AND THE CONCEPT +FITS IN VERY WELL WITH THE DISTRICT’S FUTURE TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT.+
FORMATION AND SERVICING OF THE SITE IS NOW AT AN ADVANCED STAGE WITH ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORK ALSO IN PROGRESS, HE SAID.
♦IT IS EXPECTED TO BE READY VERY SOON.+
THE LOT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $18,350,000 OVER
36 MONTHS AND HAS A PLOT RATIO OF 9.5 ALLOWING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER MAY SELECT TO PAY THE TENDERED PREMIUM BY INSTALMENTS.
ITS UPPER FLOORS MAY BE USED FOR VARIOUS COMMERCIAL PURPOSES INCLUDING RESTAURANTS, SUPERMARKETS, SHOPS AND OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.
TENDERS FOR THE SITE, CLEARLY MARKED +TENDER FOR YUEN LONG TOWN LOT 303,+ SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON MAY 25.
THEY SHOULD BE PLACED TOGETHER WITH A CHEQUE OR CASHIER ORDER OF $500,000 MADE PAYABLE TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN THE TENDER BOX ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OR ANY OF ITS SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES.
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THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1979
5
ARTWORK ENTRIES INVITED FOR COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE EXHIBITION
******
LOCAL STUDENTS NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO DISPLAY THEIR ARTWORK AT AN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION IN LONDON ALONGSIDE THOSE FROM THE COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
THE EXHIBITION OF ARTWORK BY YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE HELD AT THE COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE IN OCTOBER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) INVITED STUDENTS TO SUBMIT THEIR ARTWORK FOR THE ANNUAL EVENT WHICH IS AIMED AT FOSTERING CLOSER RELATIONSHIP AMONG COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
THERE WILL BE A SELECTION OF THE ENTRIES, AND THE BEST WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE EXHIBITION.
+THE EXHIBITS THIS YEAR WILL BE LOANED TO COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES FOR DISPLAY AFTER BEING SHOWN IN LONDON, AND IT IS HOPED WE WILL BE ABLE TO PRESENT THE EXHIBITION HERE IN HONG KONG LATER ON.+
ALL KINDS OF ARTWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE EXHIBITION, INCLUDING PAINTING (CHINESE AND WESTERN), PRINTS, BATIK, FABRIC DESIGN, CARVING, COLLAGE, WEAVING AND CERAMICS.
+THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE THEME,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENTRIES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE AGE GROUPS: GROUP I FOR SIX TO NINE- GROUP II FOR 10 TO 13“ AND GROUP III FOR 14 TO 18.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL WORK SHOULD BE MOUNTED ON WHITE CARD AND SHOULD NOT EXCEED 60 CM BY 80 CM.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORK SHOULD NOT BE TOO BULKY OR TOO FRAGILE, AND SHOULD NOT EXCEED 20 CM IN ANY MEASUREMENT.
EACH PIECE OF WORK SHOULD BE CLEARLY LABELLED ON THE REVERSE, GIVING IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH THE NAME, AGE, AGE GROUP AND SCHOOL OF THE ENTRANT.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR SELECTION.
UNSELECTED WORKS WILL BE RETURNED TO SCHOOLS.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS JULY 10, 1979.
ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE RESULT OF THE LOCAL SELECTION.
THE COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SELECT WORK FOR DISPLAY AND WILL ISSUE AN EXHIBITOR’S CERTIFICATE TO EVERYONE WHOSE WORK IS DISPLAYED.
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/6......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1979
PIANO MASTER CLASS BY MALCOLM FRAGER * * * *
MALCOLM FRAGER WILL BE GIVING A PIANO MASTER CLASS ON MONDAY (MAY 7) AT THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC (EIGHTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE), FROM 4.30 P.M. TO 7.30 P.M.
THIS WILL BE A JOINT PRESENTATION BY THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE.
PERFORMING IN THE MASTER CLASS WILL EE STUDENTS FROM THE CONSERVATORY, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, AND PRIZEWINNERS FROM THIS YEAR’S SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL.
THE MASTER CLASS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS AND PIANISTS TO SEE THE ARTIST AS A TEACHER.
MR. FRAGER WILL ALSO BE GIVING A RECITAL AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE THIS SUNDAY AT 8 P.M.
THERE WILL BE NO ADMISSION CHARGE FOR THE MASTER CLASS BUT DUE TO THE LIMITED SEATINGS, THOSE INTERESTED ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT MISS NANCY LOO AT THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE TEL. NO. 5-283257.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT GRANVILLE CIRCUIT WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. NEXT MONDAY TO FACILITATE ELECTRICAL DUCT LAYING WORKS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FS CALLS ON ADB TO MOBILISE RESOURCES TO EASE AND SPREAD BURDEN RESULTING FROM INDOCHINA EXODUS ...... 1
LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION ................... 3
BANKING STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1979 .................. 5
POWERS TO CONSERVE OIL ANNOUNCED................... 8
TENDERS INVITED FOR FOUNDATION WORKS ............... 8
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FOR MUI WO PROJECT............. 9
LACK OF DONORS RESTRICTS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS .. 9
GIRL IS FIRST TAVA BENEFICIARY..................... 11
LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO STAGE MOBILE CAREERS EXHIBITIONS .. 12
CHANCE TO BECOME TEACHERS OF TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS .......................................... 13
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE INSPECTORS IN PASSING OUT PARADE .... 14
REGISTRATION TEAM IN WAH FU ESTATE................. 15
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ............................ 15
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
FS CALLS ON ADB TO MOBILISE RESOURCES TO EASE AND SPREAD BURDEN RESULTING FROM INDOCHINA EXODUS * * ft * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK TO SERIOUSLY AND URGENTLY CONSIDER HOW ITS RESOURCES COULD BE MOBILISED TO EASE AND SPREAD THE BURDEN RESULTING FROM THE EXODUS OF PEOPLE FROM INDOCHINA.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO CALLED ON THE BANK TO USE ITS GOOD OFFICES TO ENCOURAGE REGIONAL CO-OPERATION AND TO BRING PRESSURE ON THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY — SINCE THIS ALSO WAS AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM — TO RESPOND WITH ADEQUATE OFFERS OF RESETTLEMENT COUPLED WITH A SPEEDING UP OF RESETTLEMENT PROCESS.
♦THIS IS TO GUARD AGAINST THE VERY REAL POSSIBILITY THAT THE PROSPECTS AND, INDEED, THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRIES RECEIVING THIS LARGE INFLOW ARE NOT SERIOUSLY HARMED,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT TO SEARCH FOR PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO THE REGIONAL PROBLEM OF REFUGEES WHICH HAS ASSUMED +FRIGHTENING PROPORT IONS+ SHOULD BE A PRIORITY CONCERN OF THE BANK.
SPEAKING AT THE 12TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS IN MANILA, MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG, IN RELATION TO ITS SIZE, WAS TAKING MORE THAN ITS SHARE OF THE BURDEN OF PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR THE TEMPORARY ASYLUM OF INDOCHINA REFUGEES.
♦ AND, FURTHERMORE, GIVEN PRESENT POPULATION DENSITIES, AND OTHER IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS, HONG KONG SIMPLY CANNOT CONTEMPLATE ACCEPTING THESE PEOPLE FOR PERMANENT SETTLEMENT- NOR CAN THEY BE PERMITTED TO DISTURB THE LABOUR MARKET TO THE DETRIMENT OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
HE SPELT OUT THE DIMENSIONS OF THE EXODUS SEEN FROM HONG KONG’S STANDPOINT AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE OF CONTINUING TO OBSERVE ACCEPTED INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS.
SINCE 1975 AND UP TO THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, OVER 230,000 PEOPLE LEFT INDOCHINA.
OF THESE, 83,000 LEFT BY SEA AND OVER 25 PER CENT OF THESE CAME TO HONG KONG. THERE ARE NOW 23,963 REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM IN HONG KONG AWAITING RESETTLEMENT.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EMPHASISED THAT IN THE 27 MONTHS ENDING MARCH THIS YEAR, HONG KONG’S GROSS INTAKE OF LEGAL AND
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA AND ELSEWHERE WAS OVER 200,000. THIS WAS MORE THAN ONE-AND-A-HALF TIMES THE NATURAL INCREASE IN THAT PERIOD.
/+FOR THE TIME .....
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
2
♦FOR THE TIME BEING, WE SHALL HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT A VERY REAL STRAIN WILL BE THROWN ON OUR ADMINISTRATIVE AND SOCIAL SERVICES OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, IT WILL BE MOST UNFAIR TO DEMAND OF A COMMUNITY WHICH, AGAINST GREAT ODDS, HAS PULLED ITSELF UP BY ITS OWN EFFORTS IN A UNIQUELY RESOURCELESS SITUATION, TO BEAR A DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE OF THE BURDEN OF THIS REGIONAL PROBLEM INDEFINITELY,* MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT.
AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE POPULATION SURGE HONG KONG HAD EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST 2-1/4 YEARS AS /<« RESULT OF NET IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA AND ELSEWHERE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +THIS HAS MEANT THAT WE HAVE LOST GROUND IN OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, FOR OUR PLANNING TARGETS ARE BASED ON POPULATION PROJECTIONS WHICH ARE NO LONGER VALID.*
♦THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE FIGURES OF NET IMMIGRATION FROM EARLY 1977 TO DATE FOR OUR FUTURE POPULATION GROWTH ARE SELF-EVIDENT* PROJECTIONS BASED ON THE 1976 BY-CENSUS HAD SUGGESTED A POPULATION OF ABOUT 5.2 MILLION BY 1986, IMPLYING, FOR EXAMPLE, A REQUIREMENT FOR LOW-COST PUBLIC HOUSING FOR 1-1/2 MILLION PEOPLE OVER THE 10 YEARS ENDING 1986, AFTER ALLOWING FOR A LARGE NUMBER STILL INADEQUATELY HOUSED.
♦ A CONTINUATION OF LAST YEAR’S RATE OF NET IMMIGRATION OF 96,000 WOULD RAISE THE POPULATION TO SIX MILLION- YET EVEN THIS PROJECTION COULD BE LOW SHOULD THE PRESENT RATE OF NET IMMIGRATION CONTINUE .
♦ AND THE GREAT UNFAIRNESS OF THIS PROSPECT IS THAT THE RATE OF NATURAL INCREASE HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFULLY CONTAINED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS,♦ MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT.
HE SAID THAT THE STERN REALITY OF THE BARE STATISTICS OF THE BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH HONG KONG MUST VIEW THE PRESENT INFLUX OF BOAT PEOPLE FROM VIETNAM. SHOULD OBSCURE NEITHER THE DRAMA AND TRAGEDY OF THE SITUATION, NOR THE SOCIO-POLITICAL TENSIONS THAT ARE BOUND TO ARISE IF RECIPIENT COMMUNITIES FEEL DEPRIVED IF LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLEHUVE TO BE MAINTAINED IN CAMPS INDEFINITELY.
♦ WE ARE NOT UNMINDFUL OF THE EFFORTS OF THE UNHCR AND THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF COUNTRIES OF POTENTIAL RESETTLEMENT BUT, ON A PESSIMISTIC VIEW, WE COULD HAVE AS MANY AS 70,000 REFUGEES IN CAMPS IN HONG KONG AWAITING RESETTLEMENT BY THE END OF THE SUMMER SEASON, AND OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION FACE A SIMILAR, THOUGH IN RELATIVE TERMS A LESS SERIOUS, PROBLEM,♦ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT TO SEARCH FOR PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO THE REGIONAL PROBLEM OF REFUGEES WHICH HAS ASSUMED +FRIGHTENING PROPORTIONS+ SHOULD BE A PRIORITY CONCERN OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
3
LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION *****
IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE, THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATI ON)(AMENDMENT) BILL CONTAINS PROPOSALS BY GOVERNMENT IN RESPECT OF RENT CONTROLS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AFTER VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE SITUATION, IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO EXTEND EXISTING RENT CONTROLS ON POSTWAR DOMESTIC PREMISES FOR A FURTHER THREE YEARS FROM DECEMBER 14, 1979. TENANTS OF THESE CONTROLLED PREMISES WILL THEREFORE CONTINUE TO HAVE SECURITY OF TENURE UNTIL DECEMBER 14, 1982. THE FACTOR REGULATING RENT INCREASES FOR THESE PREMISES BY A GIVEN PROPORTION OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACTUAL RENT AND THE ESTIMATED MARKET RENT WILL BE REDUCED FROM 3 TO 2, CONTINUING THE PROCESS OF GRADUALLY REDUCING THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN CONTROLLED AND MARKET LEVEL RENTS. THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT RENTS OF THESE PREMISES NOW STAND AT ABOUT 70 PER CENT - 75 PER CENT OF FAIR MARKET RENTS. HE ADDED THAT THE 21 PER CENT CEILING FOR RENT INCREASES OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WILL CONTINUE TO BE APPLIED, EXCEPT FOR VERY LARGE PREMISES AS IS THE CASE ALREADY.
IN RESPECT OF PREWAR PREMISES WHERE RENTS ARE CURRENTLY CONTROLLED, WHOLLY NON-DOMESTIC PREMISES WILL BE DECONTROLLED IN STAGES BY JULY 1, 1984. ON THAT DATE, A LANDLORD WHO WISHES TO SERVE NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF TENANCY WILL BE REQUIRED TO DO SO UNDER PART V OF THE ORDINANCE.
AS FOR PREDOMINANTLY NON-DOMESTIC PREMISES WHERE HUMAN HABITATION IS ALREADY ESTABLISHED, TENANTS WHO RECEIVE NOTICE OF TERMINATION AFTER JULY 1, 1984 WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR AN EXTENSION OF TENANCY OF UP TO 12 MONTHS AT ANY ONE TIME. RENT DURING SUCH AN EXTENSION WILL EE DETERMINED BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL ON THE BASIS THAT IT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE RENT BEING PAID AT THAT TIME BY MORE THAN ONE-THIRD, OR THE FAIR MARKET RENT, WHICHEVER IS THE LOWER FIGURE.
PERMITTED RENTS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC PREWAR PREMISES WILL BE INCREASED TO FOUR TIMES AND EIGHT TIMES RESPECTIVELY THE +STANDARD RENT+ (THAT IS, THE 1941 RENT) FROM THE PRESENT THREE AND SIX TIMES, PROVIDED THE PERMITTED RENT DOES NOT EXCEED THE FAIR MARKET RENT. THE AVERAGE RENT PASSING FOR DOMESTIC UPPER TENEMENT FLOORS IN THESE CONTROLLED PREWAR BUILDINGS IS ABOUT 28 PER CENT OF FAIR MARKET RENT. THE AVERAGE RENT PASSING FOR BUSINESS GROUND TENEMENT FLOORS IN THESE CONTROLLED PREWAR BUILDINGS IS ABOUT 44 PER CENT OF FAIR MARKET RENT.
LANDLORDS ARE REQUIRED TO GIVE ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF ANY PROPOSED INCREASE TO TENANTS, AND TENANTS MAY CHALLENGE THE INCREASE ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT EXCEEDS THE FAIR MARKET RENT. THE TENANCY TRIBUNAL WILL DETERMINE SUCH MATTERS.
/AN ADMINISTRATIVE ....
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
4
AN ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE PROVIDES THAT LANDLORDS AND TENANTS MAY OPT BY AGREEMENT TO EXCLUDE TENANCIES FROM RENT CONTROL BY REFERENCE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION INSTEAD OF TO THE TENANCY TRIBUNAL AS AT PRESENT. THIS WILL MAKE THE PROCEDURE EASIER AND QUICKER.
GOVERNMENT PROPOSES UNDER PART V OF THE ORDINANCE THAT THE PERIOD OF NOTICE OF TERMINATION IN DOMESTIC TENANCIES SERVED BY LANDLORDS TO TENANTS BE EXTENDED FROM SIX MONTHS TO 12 MONTHS. COMMENTING ON THIS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TENANTS IN POSTWAR DOMESTIC PREMISES WHOSE TENANCIES ARE ABOUT TO EXPIRE WILL THUS HAVE A LONGER PERIOD TO DISCUSS THE TERMS OF RENEWAL OF TENANCY WITH THEIR LANDLORDS, OR TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS IF THEY WISH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THESE MEASURES FOLLOWED CAREFUL INVESTIGATION BY GOVERNMENT OF THE SUPPLY SITUATION OF FLATS AND OF THE LEVEL OF RENTS ON RENEWAL OF LEASES. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS A HIGH DEMAND FOR FLATS AT PRESENT, PARTICULARLY LARGE AND MEDIUM FLATS, AND THAT THE BEST ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM IS TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY. RENT CONTROL, HE POINTED OUT, DOES NOT INCREASE SUPPLY.
AS TO THE RATE OF SUPPLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN THE CURRENT YEAR, 30,000 FLATS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND 35,000 IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, MAKING A TOTAL OF 65,000 ---- A RECORD LEVEL, AND AN INCREASE
OF NEARLY EIGHT PER CENT ON HONG KONG’S PRESENT HOUSING STOCK IN ONE YEAR. THE PROJECTED LEVEL OF PRODUCTION FOR 1980 IS THE SAME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FROM A SPECIAL REVIEW OF THE SITUATION, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT IN RESPECT OF SMALL FLATS NOT NOW UNDER RENT CONTROL, INCREASES IN RENT ON RENEWAL OF LEASE IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS RANGED AROUND 21 PER CENT TO 25 PER CENT, THAT IS, JUST ABOVE THE INCREASES PERMITTED UNDER CURRENT RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION. RENT INCREASES, HE SAID, WERE NOT SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF LINE WITH OTHER PRICE INCREASES. THE MAIN REASON FOR THE HIGH DEMAND FOR FLATS WAS THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN REAL INCOME OVER THE LAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS. THIS VIEW IS SUPPORTED BY THE INCREASING PROPORTION OF OWNER-OCCUPIERS IN NEW FLATS --- IN RECENT YEARS, ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF NEW
FLATS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT FOR OWNER-OCCUPATION.
AS FOR REPORTED BIG INCREASES IN RENTS FOR SOME MEDIUM AND LARGE FLATS THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDOUBTEDLY THERE WERE CASES WHERE LARGE INCREASES WERE ASKED FOR AND GENERALLY SPEAKING, INCREASES ON RENTS FOR LARGE AND MEDIUM FLATS WERE HIGHER THAN FOR SMALL FLATS. GOVERNMENT FELT THAT THE BEST WAY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM WAS BY INCREASING SUPPLY.
DURING 1979 AND I960, 1,775 MEDIUM FLATS AND 705 LARGE FLATS ARE PROJECTED TO BE COMPLETED. IN ADDITION, 3,200 HOUSES ARE LIKELY TO BE COMPLETED. THIS, HE THOUGHT, WOULD VERY GREATLY REDUCE THE PRESSURE ON THIS SECTOR OF THE HOUSING STOCK, WITH FAVOURABLE EFFECTS ON RENTS BEING ASKED.
/IN ADDITION
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
5
IN ADDITION, GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY PURSUING WAYS OF INCREASING THE QUANTITY OF LAND ALREADY PLANNED TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR BUILDING FLATS, ESPECIALLY LARGE AND MEDIUM FLATS.
GOVERNMENT WILL RENEW ITS EFFORTS TO RE-DEVELOP ITS OWN RESIDENTIAL SITES TO MAXIMISE USE, AND THUS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME HELP TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON THE LARGE-MEDIUM FLAT MARKET.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD OF NOTICE OF TERMINATION PROPOSED UNDER PART V OF THE ORDINANCE WILL GIVE A BREATHING SPACE TO TENANTS AND THAT GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE SITUATION.
GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS POLICY OF FACILITATING AND ENCOURAGING PRODUCTION OF FLATS BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND WITH THE PRODUCTION OF RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS UNDER THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, RENTS SHOULD STABILISE.
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BANKING STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1979 ******
THE MARCH 1979 MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY), WITH THE MONTHLY FIGURES FOR BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG. THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY CONTINUES TO SLOW DOWN, THOUGH BANK LENDING IS STILL EXPANDING VERY FAST.
MONEY SUPPLY
THE MONEY SUPPLY ON BOTH DEFINITIONS ROSE IN MARCH. Ml (NOTES AND COINS IN CIRCULATION AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS) ROSE BY $208 MILLION (0.9 PER CENT) TO 122.307 MILLION, WHICH WAS 22.8 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL AT THE END OF MARCH 1978.
IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1979 Ml HAS RISEN BY ONLY $26 MILLION, WITH THE LEVEL OF DEMAND DEPOSITS ACTUALLY FALLING BY $203 MILLION* THIS MAY REFLECT THE HIGHER LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE THIS YEAR ON TIME AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS.
M2 (Ml PLUS TIME AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS) ROSE IN MARCH BY $812 MILLION (1.1 PER CENT TO $76,794 MILLION, WHICH WAS 24.2 PER CENT ABOVE THE END-MARCH 1978 LEVEL.
IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR M2 HAS RISEN BY $3,388 MILLION (4.6 PER CENT), WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF A LITTLE UNDER 20 PER CENT.
THESE FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY IS FALLING TOWARDS A RATE MORE COMPATIBLE WITH THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF GDP IN MONEY TERMS IN 1979.
/THIS TBEND .....
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
6
THIS TREND IS ALSO APPARENT FROM THE COMPARISON OF THE AVERAGE LEVEL OF M2 IN JANUARY TO MARCH 1979 WITH THE SAME THREE MONTHS OF 1978, WHICH SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT1 THIS COMPARISON HAS NOW FALLEN EVERY MONTH FROM ITS PEAK OF 28.7 PER CENT IN AUGUST/OCTOBER 1978.
SIMILARLY Ml IN JANUARY TO MARCH 1979 WAS 22.6 PER CENT ABOVE THE SAME THREE MONTHS OF 19781 THIS COMPARISON IS A LONG WAY BELOW ITS AUGUST/OCTOBER 1978 PEAK OF 27.3 PER CENT, THOUGH STILL ABOVE THE NOVEMBER 1978/JANUARY 1979 LOW POINT OF 22.2 PER CENT.
BANKING STATISTICS
BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE IN MARCH 1979 BY tl,4O5 MILLION (2.5 PER CENT) TO $57,955 MILLION, 45.5 PER CENT ABOVE MARCH 1978.
IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR BANK LENDING IN HONG KONG HAS RISEN BY $5,141 MILLION (9.7 PER CENT), WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF 45 PER CENT.
THE THREE-MONTH MOVING AVERAGE OF BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES IN JANUARY TO MARCH 1979 WAS 45.9 PER CENT ABOVE THE SAME PERIOD OF 1978i THIS COMPARISON HAS BEEN ACCELERATING EVERY MONTH SINCE OCTOBER 1977.
THE NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF THE BANKS ROSE BY $1,442 MILLION TO $16,144 MILLION, WITH THE PRINCIPAL FACTOR BEING A RISE OF $883 MILLION TO $18,247 MILLION IN LOANS ABROAD. THE NET LIABILITY TO BANKS ABROAD WAS ALMOST UNCHANGED.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY OF THE BANKS DURING MARCH WAS LITTLE CHANGED AT 45.9 PER CENT (45.6 PER CENT). THE RATIO OF LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG TO DEPOSITS ROSE FROM 81.7 PER CENT TO 82.8 PER CENT. TWO MORE OF THE RECENTLY-LICENSED BANKS BEGAN OPERATING DURING THE MONTH, BRINGING THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS TO 95.
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES STATISTICS
DEPOSITS AT DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE IN MARCH 1979 BY $1,442 MILLION TO $14,016 MILLION, BUT THE AMOUNT ON-LENT BY THESE COMPANIES TO BANKS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY $997 MILLION TO $9,847 MILLION, SO THE NET DEPOSIT LIABILITIES OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY ONLY $445 MILLION.
LOANS- AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY $508 MILLION TO $10,367 MILLION, BUT AFTER DEDUCTING AN INCREASE OF $325 MILLION IN THE AMOUNT BORROWED BY THESE COMPANIES FROM BANKS IN HONG KONG, NET LENDING BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY $183 MILLION TO $2,851 MILLION.
/NET IDENTIFIABLE .....
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 1450 MILLION TO $7,739 MILLION. LOANS AND ADVANCES ABROAD FELL BY $1,043 MILLION TO $20,653 MILLION, BUT THERE WAS A FALL OF $889 MILLION IN DEPOSITS FROM BANKS ABROAD, AND A RISE OF $794 MILLION IN LENDING TO BANKS ABROAD.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES
BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES ROSE BY 9.7 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH 1979. LENDING TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS, INCLUDING DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES, ROSE BY 32 PER CENT IN THE QUARTER.
LOANS TO INDUSTRY ROSE BY 13.9 PER CENT, WITH TEXTILE INDUSTRY BORROWINGS UP BY 12 PER CENT.
LOANS TO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ROSE BY ONLY 2.7 PER CENT, THOUGH LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ROSE BY 12.4 PER CENT.
IN THE 12 MONTHS TO MARCH 1979, BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES ROSE BY 45.5 PER CENT. THE FASTEST GROWING CATEGORY OF BORROWER WAS AGAIN FINANCIAL CONCERNS, INCLUDING DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, TO WHOM BANK LENDING ROSE BY 115.9 PER CENT.
LOANS TO INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE WERE UP BY 45.8 PER CENT, AND TO THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY ALONE BY 20.3 PER CENT. LENDING FOR THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WAS 57.9 PER CENT HIGHER, AND FOR TRANSPORT AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 42.7 PER CENT HIGHER.
LOANS TO PROFESSIONAL AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS ROSE BY 37 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1979. TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 2.2 PER CENT. LOANS TO INDUSTRY ROSE BY 29.7 PER CENT, AND TO THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY ALONE BY 44.8 PER CENT (BUT FROM A VERY LOW BASE).
LOANS TO PROFESSIONAL AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS ROSE BY 16.6 PER CENT, AND WITHIN THAT CATEGORY LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ROSE BY 15 PER CENT, WHILE LENDING TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR FELL BY 12.7 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON WITH MARCH 1978 IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR LENDING BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, SINCE THE STATISTICS HAVE ONLY BEEN COLLECTED FROM DECEMBER 1978.
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/8......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
- 8 -
POWERS TO CONSERVE OIL ANNOUNCED * * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL IS EMPOWERED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) BILL 1979 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) TO REGULATE ALL ASPECTS OF THE SUPPLY, STORAGE, ACQUISITION, DISPOSAL AND CONSUMPTION OF OIL, THE SUPPLY AND CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND GAS, AND THE USE OF VEHICLES ON ROADS, AI*PfRAFTK VESSELS, TRAINS AND TRAMS.
THE GOVERNOR IS EMPOWERED UNDER THE SAME BILL TO APPOINT A DIRECTOR OF OIL SUPPLIES, WHO WOULD BE AUTHORISED TO REQUISITION OIL, GIVE DIRECTIONS TO SUPPLIERS AND DEALERS AS TO STORAGE, SUPPLY, USE AND DISPOSAL OF OIL, AND TO GIVE SIMILAR DIRECTIONS TO ELECTRICITY AND GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES.
PEOPLE FAILING TO COMPLY WITH DIRECTIONS MADE UNDER THE BILL WHEN IT BECOMES LAW WILL BE LIABLE TO FINES OF UP TO $100,000 AND IMPRISONMENT OF UP TO TWO YEARS.
THE FIRST STAGE OF GOVERNMENT’S FUEL SAVING MEASURES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (MAY 9).
PROPOSALS INCLUDE RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF ELECTRIC LIGHT FOR ADVERTISING, FLOODLIGHTING OR DISPLAY AND THE TEMPORARY RE INTRODUCT ION OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.
IN ADDITION IT WILL BE PROPOSED THAT A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO . SUPPORT THESE MEASURES SHOULD BE STEPPED UP TO EXHORT ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO SAVE ELECTRICITY BY EVERY MEANS AT THEIR DISPOSAL AND IN PARTICULAR TO SET AIR-CONDITIONING THERMOSTATS AT NO LOWER THAN 26 DEGREES CELSIUS.
THE POWER COMPANIES HAVE ALREADY VOLUNTEERED TO REDUCE THEIR SPINNING RESERVES AS PART OF THE SAME PACKAGE OF ECONOMY MEASURES.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR FOUNDATION WORKS *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNDATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED PODIUM OVER THE FUTURE HO TUNG LAU RAILWAY DEPOT IN SHA TIN.
THE WORK INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF CAISSONS AND CAISSON CAPS TO CARRY A FUTURE REINFORCED CONCRETE PODIUM SUPERSTRUCTURE.
♦THE FOUNDATIONS WILL CONSIST OF ABOUT 630 LARGE DIAMETER REINFORCED CONCRETE CAISSONS FOUNDED ON ROCK, AND WILL CARRY REINFORCED CONCRETE CAISSON CAPS WITH PROVISION FOR THE LATER CONSTRUCT TON OF THE COLUMNS,♦ A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PODIUM WILL OCCUPY AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.7 HECTARES.
THE SITE IS BOUNDED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY MAIN LINE AND THE NEW TRUNK ROAD TO TAI PO AND LIES BETWEEN FO TAN AND THE NEW RACE COURSE STATION.
THE FOUNDATIONS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, WHO WILL ALSO SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION, IN THE IR,CAPAC ITY AS "SUB-CONSULTANTS’ TCT TRANSMARK. .
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
9
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FOR MUI WO PROJECT ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED PLANS TO RECLAIM MORE THAN NINE HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT SILVERMINE BAY ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE RECLAMATION PLAN — COVERING 9.03 HECTARES — IS THE SECOND PROJECT IN THE MUI WO DEVELOPMENT SCHEME TO PROVIDE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.
INVOLVED ARE RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF RIVER BRIDGES, RIVER WALLS, ROADS AND DRAINS.
THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE SITES FOR LOW DENSITY PRIVATE HOUSING, A PRIMARY SCHOOL, POLICE AND FIRE STATIONS AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE WHICH CALLS ON THOSE WITH OBJECTIONS OR CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT TO WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
THE NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH THE RELATED PLAN, IS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON THE 19TH FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING- OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE, ISLANDS, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
------o-------
LACK OF DONORS RESTRICTS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS
*****
HONG KONG HAS THE ORGANISATION, EQUIPMENT AND EXPERTISE TO PERFORM KIDNEY TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS BUT LACK OF KIDNEY DONORS HAS RESTRICTED THE NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TO ONLY A FEW IN THE PAST 10 YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN HE OPENED THE •♦EXHIBITION ON KIDNEY DISEASES* AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL.
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE PENINSULA JAYCEES AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH-DEPARTMENT.
IT IS AIMED AT EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON KIDNEY DISEASES. AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO DONATE THEIR ORGANS FOR TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS.
/DR. THONG SAID .....
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
10
DR. THONG SAID A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT UNIT WAS SET UP AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL OVER A DECADE AGO AND ANOTHER UNIT WAS RECENTLY ESTABLISHED AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.
♦UNFORTUNATELY, THE NUMBER OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS DONE LOCALLY HAS BEEN LIMITED BECAUSE THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT DONORS,♦ HE SAID.
APART FROM THE PROBLEM OF DONORS, SAID DR. THONG, LEGISLATION IN RESPECT OF ORGAN DONATION NEEDED TO BE IMPROVED IN THE LONG TERM.
UNDER THE PRESENT LEGISLATION, HE POINTED OUT, A GREAT DEAL DEPENDED ON THE RELATIVES OF THE DONOR BECAUSE, IN SPITE OF THE DONOR’S EXPRESSED INTENTION TO DONATE HIS ORGAN, IT WAS STILL POSSIBLE FOR THE RELATIVES TO PREVENT THE ORGAN FROM BEING DONATED AND USED.
IN THE SHORT TERM, THE DIRECTOR SAID, A SUSTAINED HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WAS NECESSARY TO MOTIVATE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO GAIN A CLEARER CONCEPT OF KIDNEY DISEASES AND THE VARIOUS METHODS OF TREATMENT, PARTICULARLY THE NEED FOR PROSPECTIVE DONORS TO MAKE AVAILABLE THEIR KIDNEYS FOR TRANSPLANTS.
DR. THONG SAID THAT IN HONG KONG TODAY THERE WERE MANY VICTIMS CF KIDNEY DISEASES AND THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH DISEASES WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO LEAD A FULL LIFE OR WHO +MAY EVEN BE AT DEATH’S DOORSTEP+.
IN MOST IRREVERSIBLE KIDNEY DISEASES THERE ARE TWO TREATMENT METHODS COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER — RENAL DIALYSIS AND RENAL TRANSPLANTATION.
DR. THONG SAID GREAT STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF DISEASES BY RENAL DIALYSIS, A PROCEDURE WHICH IN THEORY COULD EITHER BE CARRIED OUT IN HOSPITALS OR IN SPECIAL CENTRES OR EVEN AT HOME.
♦HOWEVER, IT MUST BE APPRECIATED THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEING KEPT ALIVE BY MEANS OF ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY MACHINE IS BOUND TO INCREASE YEAR BY YEAR AND THAT MANY OF THEM WILL THUS BE COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON SUCH MACHINES,♦ HE SAID.
♦THEREFORE, IN ORDER TO ALLOW THESE PEOPLE TO LEAD A LIFE INDEPENDENT FROM THE ARTIFICIAL MACHINE AND ALSO TO RELIEVE THE EVER INCREASING FINANCIAL PROVISION OF SUCH MACHINES, KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION APPEARS TO BE THE LOGICAL COMPLEMENT IN THE TREATMENT,♦ SAID DR. THONG.
THE DIRECTOR THANKED THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY AND THE PENINSULA JAYCEES FOR JOINING FORCES WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN CARRYING OUT A VERY TIMELY CAMPAIGN ON KIDNEY DONATION.
♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT THIS TRIPARTITE ALLIANCE WILL PROVIDE THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT THAT MAKES FOR A SUCCESSFUL EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN,+ HE SAID.
o - -
/11
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979 11
GIRL IS FIRST TAVA BENEFICIARY
( * * * *
A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL INJURED ON WEDNESDAY IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN KOWLOON TODAY (FRIDAY) BECAME THE FIRST BENEFICIARY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S +NO-FAULT+ TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION ON MAY 1.
THE GIRL HAS BEEN GIVEN AN INJURY GRANT OF $1,100 BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH ADMINISTERS THE SCHEME.
THE GIRL’S FATHER THIS AFTERNOON COLLECTED THE PAYMENT FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PAY CONTROL SECTION IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
MRS. DIANA LEE, IN CHARGE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SECTION, SAID THE GIRL’S FATHER APPLIED FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME THE NEXT DAY AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
SHE SAID THE GIRL STAYED IN HOSPITAL FOR THREE DAYS AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER SEVEN DAYS’ SICK LEAVE FROM SCHOOL AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT.
AT PRESENT, MRS. LEE SAID, THERE ARE FIVE QTHEfi APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE TAVA SECTION AND WHICH ARE BEING PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE NON-MEANS TESTED SCHEME AIMS AT PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
APPLICATIONS UNDER THE SCHEME SHOULD BE MADE IN A SPECIFIED FORM AVAILABLE AT THE TAVA SECTION AND AT THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTION OF EACH DISTRICT POLICE TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS.
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).
0 -------
/12......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
12
LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO STAGE MOBILE CAREERS EXHIBITIONS * * * M
A SERIES OF MOBILE CAREERS EXHIBITIONS WILL BE STAGED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG STARTING NEXT WEEK.
THE EXHIBITIONS WILL FEATURE A RANGE OF COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AS WELL AS SLIDE PRESENTATIONS AND FILMS ON VARIOUS CAREERS.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS WHILE SPECIAL BRIEFING SESSIONS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR ORGANISED GROUPS. PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRIEFING SESSIONS CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 3-024061.
♦THE EXHIBITIONS, ORGANISED BY OUR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE, IS ONE OF A NUMBER OF CAREERS ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR HONG KONG’S YOUTH THIS SUMMER,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FIRST OF THESE WILL BE STAGED AT CHUEN YUEN COLLEGE IN KWAI CHUNG ON MAY 8 AND 9.
OTHERS WILL BE MOUNTED AT VALTORTA COLLEGE IN TAI PO ON MAY 15 AND 16- AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND IN WAN CHAI ON MAY 22
AND 23- AT KIT SAM MIDDLE SCHOOL IN WANG TAU HOM ON MAY 29
AND 31- AT SAN WUI COMMERCIAL SOCIETY OF HONG KONG CHAN PAK
SHA SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG, ABERDEEN, ON JUNE 5 AND 6- AT
MUN SANG COLLEGE IN KOWLOON CITY ON JUNE 12 AND 13- AT THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND BETWEEN THE NE I MING INSTITUTE OF MIUFAT MONASTRY AND THE MADAM LAU KAM LUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL OF MIUFAT MONASTRY IN LAM Tl NEAR YUEN LONG, ON JUNE 21 AND 22- AT
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER COLLEGE IN SHAM SHU I PO ON JUNE 26 AND
27- AT KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER ON JULY 21, 22 AND 23 AND AT
EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL ON JULY 28, 29 AND 30.
THE OPENING TIME OF THESE EXHIBITIONS WILL BE BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M.
0 -
/13
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
13
CHANCE TO BECOME TEACHERS OF TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS *****
YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO WISH TO TAKE UP TEACHING AS THEIR CAREER CAN NOW APPLY FOR A TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE IN EITHER DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY OR COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS.
RUN BY THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE COURSES WILL COMMENCE THIS SEPTEMBER.
♦THE COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO TRAIN FORM V LEAVERS WITH THE APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL OR COMMERCIAL EDUCATION BACKGROUND TO BECOME QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦STUDENTS NOW STUDYING IN FORM V MAY APPLY FOR ENTRY BUT NO FINAL DECISION ON THEIR ADMISSION WILL BE MADE UNTIL AFTER THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED,+ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
DURING THE TWO YEARS OF TRAINING, STUDENTS WILL STUDY EDUCATION THEORIES INCLUDING EDUCATION PHILOSOPHIES AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, DESIGN, MATHEMATICS AND GENERAL SCIENCE.
TIME WILL ALSO BE ALLOCATED TO IMPROVE SPECIALIST SUBJECT MATTERS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION, ACCOUNTANCY AND SECRETARYSHIP.
INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT AND VISITS WILL BE ARRANGED TO PROMOTE STUDENTS’ CONTACT WITH INDUSTRIES.
STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS BOTH COURSE WORK AND EXAMINATIONS AS WELL AS TEACHING PRACTICES BEFORE THEY CAN GRADUATE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE ON OR BEFORE MAY 31.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
14
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE INSPECTORS IN PASSING OUT PARADE
******
THIRTEEN PROBATIONARY INSPECTORS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING COURSES WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
TAKING THE SALUTE WILL BE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SERVICE, MR. GEORGE WELSBY.
THE PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE BEFORE SOME 100 GUESTS AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL IN TAI LAM CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS IS THE SECOND PASSING-OUT PARADE OF INSPECTORS HELD THIS YEAR. THE PREVIOUS ONE OF 27 INSPECTORS AND 36 CUSTOMS OFFICERS TOOK PLACE IN FEBRUARY.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE RECRUITS A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW IN RELATION TO SMUGGLING, NARCOTICS AND REVENUE PROTECTION. THEY ALSO INCLUDE TRAINING IN JUDO, THE USE OF FIRE-ARMS AND METHODS OF SEARCHING ON LAND AND SEA AND AT THE AIRPORT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 13 PROBATIONARY INSPECTORS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL IN TAI LAM CHUNG AT 11.15 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY). TAKING THE SALUTE WILL BE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SERVICE, H?. GEORGE WELSBY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
A GOVERNMENT COACH AM 5606 WILL LEAVE HUNG HOM PIER BETWEEN 8.45 AND 9 A.M. TOMORROW TO TAKE GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TRAINING SCHOOL, AND WILL RETURN TO KOWLOON AFTER THE PARADE.
/15
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1979
REGISTRATION TEAM IN WAH FU ESTATE *****
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS FROM THE WAH FU ESTATE POST OFFICE FOR FIVE DAYS BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY.
THIS IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARDS BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OLD 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 URGED TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FROM 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY THE EASTBOUND SLIP ROAD OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR MEI FOO SUN CHUEN WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR 24 HOURS FOR ROAD REALIGNMENT WORKS.
A TEMPORARY BUS STOP WILL BE PROVIDED DURING THE CLOSURE AT THE DECELERATION LANE ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD OUTSIDE THE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN CAR PARK, FOR KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTES 30, 33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 35A, 36A, 37, 37A, 40 , 44A, 45 , 46 , 50 , 68 AND 250.
ROUTES 44 AND 66 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LAI CHI KOK ROAD, CHEUNG LAI STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD TO LAI CHI KOK (BRIDGE) BUS TERMINUS.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER, THE SLIP ROAD WILL BE KEPT OPEN AS USUAL ON SUNDAY AND THE CLOSURE AND ROAD WORKS WILL BE POSTPONED TO THE FOLLOWING DAY.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Friday, May 4, 1979
SUPPLEMENT
SPEECH BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE AT THE 12TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ADB BOARD OF GOVERNORS IN MANILA
I join other governors in thanking the government and people of the Republic of the Philippines for being, yet again, so hospitable to us; and I also join them in congratulating the management and staff of the Bank on their achievements in 1978 which are so well documented in the annual report before us.
This Bank has 29 regional members and its whole approach to its role as a regional development bank should be ------ and, indeed, has been -----
based on the twin principles of regional self-help and international cooperation. So I make no apology, Mr. Chairman, for drawing the attention of this annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Bank to a regional problem which has assumed frightening proportions in recent months. I refer to the exodus of people from Indochina. I shall not examine the causes or the status of this exodus. I shall simply argue that to assist in the search for practical solutions to the problems created by this exodus should be a priority concern of the Bank.
At the end of March 1979$ of perhaps half a million people or more who have left Indochina in recent times, over 230,000 had sought refuge in various regional member countries of this Bank and are now in camps awaiting resettlement. So, whatever the causes and status of this exodus, it is a fact which cannot be ignored even by those not immediately affected; and it is a fact which this Bank cannot ignore as it prepares for what management has described as "(the) new and more complex challenges (ofc its) twelfth year."
In the context of the total population of the region, a figure of 230,000 may not seem large, but it could grow rapidly over the next few months and the numbers who have arrived in several countries in the region are by.no means insignificant in both absolute and relative terms. This is certainly the case so far as Hong Kong is concerned. Of these 230,000 people, 83,000 left Indochina by sea and over 25 per cent of these came to Hong Kong.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
£o may I,spell, out, Mr. Chairman, as briefly as possible, the dimensions of the exodus seen from the standpoint of Hong Kong and the implications for our own people of our continuing to observe, as we have so far, accepted international conventions.
Hong Kong has a land area of 404 square miles, of which only about one quarter is suitable for urban-type development and agriculture. Most of the remainder is steep, unproductive hillsides and waterless islands. But, even on the basis of its total area, Hong Kong, if not the most densely populated territory in the world, is certainly the most densely populated in this region: with a population of 4.7 million in mid-1978, the overall density per square mile was nearly 12,000. Taking the metropolitan areas alone, the density per square mile was of the order of 67,000, no less.
These densities result from past surges in the size of Hong Kong’s population which have been beyond our control, rather than high rates of natural increase: from a post-war low of 600,000 in 1945 the population quadrupled to nearly 2.5 million by 1955 and then increased by another 1.2 million to 3.7 million by 19^5* Over this 20-year period the average annual growth rate was 9-5 per cent. By 1974 the population had increased by another 600,000 to 4.3 million, but at least the average annual growth rate over the nine-year period 1965-74 was as low as 1.7 per cent. This was because total net immigration amounted to only 180,000 and there was a steady fall in the rate of natural increase due to demographic factors and a wider awareness of the social and economic benefits of family planning. During 1975 and 1976, net immigration fell right away and, indeed, emigrants exceeded immigrants by 10,000 or so; and the average annual growth rate of the population fell to 1.4 per cent. But in 1977 the satisfactory decline in the rate of natural increase began to be offset again by an inflow of immigrants: net immigration rose sharply to 33,000 in 1977 and to 96,000 in 1978. These figures are seen in a worrying perspective if one compares them with the natural increase in each of these two years of just under 57,000.
/But it was .....
3
But it was not until the autumn of 1978 that we began to be really alarmed with the situation facing us. The gross inflow of immigrants, legal and illegal (but excluding refugees) from China and elsewhere accelerated from an average of less than 5,000 per month in the first six months of 1978 to over 13,000 per month in the second six months; and was more than 22,000 per month in the first three months of this year. To put these flows in terms of aggregate figures: in the 27 months ending March 1979 Hong Kong’s gross intake of legal and illegal immigrants from China and elsewhere was over 200,000, or more than one and a half times the natural increase in that period.
Against this background, it is not surprising that we now view the current inflow of refugees from Indochina, or more particularly of boat people from Vietnam, with such grave concern. Between 1975 and the latter part of 1978, we took in about 15,000 people from Vietnam: some were illegal immigrants and some were people with a substantial Hong Kong connection who were repatriated on charter flights organised by the Hong Kcng Government with the cooperation of the Vietnamese authorities. These 15,000 people are included in the figures of net immigration for those years. Since November 1978, however, there has been a sharp acceleration in the number of refugees arriving either in ocean-going ships, which vre believe to have been specially acquired for the purpose of lifting large number of fare-paying “passengers”, or in junks and other small boats sailing direct from Vietnam. So far this year, up to the end of April, two ocean-going ships and 251 junks and small boats had arrived. As a result, we now have 22,821 refugees from Vietnam in Hong Kong, of whom UNHCR have so far processed and provided maintenance and accommodation for only 5,931.
At the end of 1978 there were 5,391 refugees in Hong Kong awaiting resettlement overseas, a number which represented a manageable, although unwelcome, problem. But, by the end of April the number had grown by a net 17,360 to the figure I have just mentioned of 22,821. Up to the end of April the number of arrivals at an average of 5,051 per month exceeded the number of departures for resettlement of a mere 723 per month; and the number of arrivals in the month of April at 6,143 was greater than the average monthly number of arrivals in the first three months of the year when the figures were boosted by the arrival of two ocean-going ships, the Huey Fong and the Sky Luck carrying 3,318 and 2,651 refugees respectively. There is no evidence yet that the number of people leaving Vietnam is being reduced and, certainly, the flow of arrivals in Hong Kong shows no sign of slackenings in the first
/two days
4
two days of May, another 13 small boats have arrived carrying another 1,142 refugees. So we now have 23i9&3 refugees from Vietnam in Hong Kong. Even if the practice of chartering or purchasing ocean-going ships for the transport of people may now be too troublesome, the onset of warm weather and the fact that the prevailing winds are from the South-West for the next few months will make the passage of junks and other small boats easier.
In relation to its size, Hong Kong is taking more than its fair share of the burden of providing facilities foi* the temporary asylum of refugees from Indochina. And, furthermore, given present population densities, and our other immigration problems, Hong Kong simply cannot contemplate accepting these people for permanent settlement; nor can they be permitted to disturb the labour market to the detriment of Hong Kong residents. For the time being, we shall just have to accept that a very real strain will be thrown on our administrative and social services, and face up to the drain on our financial resources.’ But it would be most unfair to demand of a community which, against great odds, has pulled itself up by its own efforts in a uniquely resourceless situation, to bear a disproportionate share of the burden of this regional problem indefinitely. And I say this against the background of the population surge we have experienced in the past 2)4 years as a result of net immigration from China and elsewhere. This has meant that we have lost ground in our efforts to improve the quality of life of Hong Kong people, for our planning targets are based on population projections which are no longer valid. The implications of the figures of net immigration from early 1977 to date for our future population growth are self-evident: projections based on the 1976 by-census, and what were then considered to be reasonable assumptions relating to net immigration, had suggested a population of about 5*2 million by 1986, implying, for example, a requirement for low-cost public housing for V/z million people over the 10 years ending 1986, after allowing for a large number still inadequately housed. A continuation of last year’s rate of net immigration of 96,000 would raise the population to six million; yet even this projection could be too low should the present rate of net immigration continue. And the great unfairness of this project is that the rate of natural increase has been so successfully contained in the past few years.
/Mr. Chairman, •
5
Mr. Chairman, the stern reality of the bare statistics of the background against which Hong Kong must view the present influx of boat people from Vietnam, should obscure neither the drama and tragedy of the situation, nor the socio-political tensions that are bound to arise if recipient communities feel deprived, and if large numbers of people have to be maintained in camps indefinitely. We are not unmindful of the efforts of the UNHCR and the concern expressed by the government of countries of potential resettlement but, on a pessimistic view, we could have as many as 70,000 refugees in camps in Hong Kong awaiting resettlement by the end of the summer season, and other countries in the region face a similar, though in relative terms a less serious, problem.
In my view, the Asian Development Bank should seriously and urgently consider how its resources could be mobilised to ease and spread the burden resulting from this exodus. And, to guard against the very real possibility that the prospects and, indeed, the human rights of the people in the countries receiving this large inflow are not seriously harmed, the Bank should use its good offices to encourage regional cooperation and to bring pressure on the international community ---- for
this is an international problem too --- to respond with adequate offers
of resettlement coupled with a speeding up of the resettlement process.
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ............................. 1
AIRPORT CAR PARK SCHEDULED TO OPEN THIS SUMMER ........ 2
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE PLAYING MORE ACTIVE ANTI-DRUGS ROLE........................................ 3
ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION IN YAU MA TEI ............... 4
GAMES DAY FOR TYPHOON SHELTER CHILDREN ................ 4
FIRING PRACTICE ....................................... 5
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ....................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1979
1
RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS TO CONDUCT A CONCERTED RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR TWO WEEKS STARTING FROM MONDAY.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL INOCULATE DOGS AGAINST RABIES AND ISSUE LICENCES VALID FOR THREE YEARS. THEY WILL ALSO ACCEPT ANY UNWANTED DOGS VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERED BY OWNERS.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL AT TAI PO ON MAY 18.
START AT TUEN MUN ON MONDAY AND FINISH
THE DEPARTMENT’S VETERINARY OFFICER (HEALTH), MR. NORMAN CHENG SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THIS WILL BE THE FIRST CAMPAIGN CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE THE DOGS AND CATS (AMENDMENTS) REGULATIONS WERE INTRODUCED LAST YEAR.
♦THE NEW REGULATIONS EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF A DOG LICENCE TO THREE YEARS TO FALL IN LINE WITH THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE ANTI-RABIES VACCINATION,* HE SAID.
+SINCE MAY 1977, BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE OF RABIES ELSEWHERE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SERIES OF RABIES AWARENESS AND LICENSING CAMPAIGNS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG. THESE CAMPAIGNS HAVE SO FAR RESULTED IN SOME 25,000 DOGS BEING VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES... ABOUT 13,000 MORE THAN THE USUAL ANNUAL AVERAGE FOR VACCINATION.
♦AFTER THE MAJOR TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN TWO YEARS AGO, THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF MINI-CAMPAIGNS CONCENTRATING MAINLY ON THE URBAN AREAS. NOW IT IS TIME TO EXTEND OUR EFFORTS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES,♦ SAID MR. CHENG.
DOG INOCULATION AND LICENSING TEAMS WILL SPEND ONE DAY AT EACH OF THE DISTRICTS (TUEN MUN, HUNG SHU I KIU, HA TSUEN, YUEN LONG, KAM TIN, SAN TIN, KU TUNG, SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING AND TAI PO) DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
THERE WILL BE ONE STATIONARY UNIT IN A CENTRAL LOCATION IN EACH MAJOR TOWN AS WELL AS A MOBILE UNIT WHICH WILL CALL AT SMALLER VILLAGES IN EACH DISTRICT.
MR. CHENG SAID ALL VILLAGES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE CAMPAIGN THROUGH LEAFLETS AND POSTERS DISTRIBUTED THROUGH SCHOOLS, RURAL COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT OFFICES BY AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS.
*
HE SAID THERE WILL ALSO BE'MOBILE VANS BROADCASTING THE LOCATIONS AS WELL AS RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS EACH DAY OF THE CAMPAIGN.
/♦IT IS DIFFICULT
2
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1979
+ IT IS DIFFICULT TO FORECAST HOW MANY DOGS WILL BE INOCULATED DURING THE TWO-WEEK PERIOD, BUT WE HOPE AS MANY DOG OWNERS AS POSSIBLE WILL BRING THEIR DOGS TO US FOR INOCULATION AND LICENSING,* SAID MR. CHENG.
HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH THE ANT I-RABIES VACCINATION IS FREE THERE WOULD BE THE STATUTORY FEE OF $15 FOR THE DOG LICENCE.
THE DOGS AND CATS (AMENDMENTS) REGULATIONS MAKE IT COMPULSORY FOR ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS OLD TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES.
MR. CHENG SAID THAT AS A FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY TO THE CAMPAIGN, THE DEPARTMENT’S DOG CATCHING TEAMS WILL REVISIT THE 10 DISTRICTS AT A LATER DATE TO ROUND-UP STRAY DOGS IN THE AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
CHAIRMAN OF THE SAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. TAI KUEN WILL HAVE HIS DOG INOCULATED AND LICENSED AT 10 A.M. ON MAY 10 AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRE AT THE SIDE OF THE YUEN LONG OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, 208 YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT AND RECEIVE AN UP-TO-DATE BRIEFING ON THE CAMPAIGN. AFD TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9 A.M. ON MAY 10 FOR YUEN LONG.
- - 0 - -
AIRPORT CAR PARK SCHEDULED TO OPEN THIS SUMMER * * *
THE FIRST PHASE OF STAGE ONE OF THE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS NEARING COMPLETION.
A SPOKEMAN FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE PROJECT, COSTING $6.7 MILLION, FORMED PART OF THE IMPROVEMENT WORK BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING.
ON COMPLETION, IT WILL PROVIDE THREE ADDITIONAL FLOORS FOR 400 VEHICLES NORTH OF THE PRESENT EXTENSION TO THE TERMINAL.
THE SPOKESMAN SA ID I +THE CAR PARK IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC LATER THIS SUMMER. BY THEN TRAVELLERS WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE FROM THE CAR PARK TO THE TERMINAL BUILDING WITHOUT HAVING TO WALK IN THE OPEN.*
- - o - -
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1979
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE PLAYINS MORE ACTIVE ANTI-DRUGS ROLE ******
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE NOW PLAYS A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN ANT I-NARCOTICS OPERATIONS, BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, APART FROM ITS TRADITIONAL ROLE IN COLLECTING, AND PROTECTING, REVENUE FROM DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AND OTHER VARIED RESPONSIBILITIES.
MR. GEORGE WELSBY, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SERVICE, SAID THIS WHEN TAKING THE SALUTE AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 13 PROBATIONARY INSPECTORS OF THE SERVICE THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE INSPECTORS HAVE JUST COMPLETED A SIX-MONTH INDUCTION TRAINING COURSE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL IN TAI LAM CHUNG.
MR. WELSBY, WHO RETIRES IN JULY AFTER NEARLY 30 YEARS’ SERVICE, TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THE SERVICE HAD SEEN MANY CHANGES DURING THE PAST 30 YEARS.
WHEN HE JOINED IN 1950 ITS STRENGTH WAS LESS THAN 300, BUT IT HAS NOW GROWN TO NEARLY 1,500.
THE WORK OF THE SERVICE HAS ALSO INCREASED BOTH IN COMPLEXITY AND VARIETY, HE SAID.
+THIS EXPLAINS WHY, DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS, YOUR TRAINING HAS BEEN STRENUOUS AND COMPREHENSIVE IN ORDER TO ARM YOU WITH THE BASIC SKILLS WHICH WILL ENABLE YOU TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE SERVICE.
J
♦YOUR DUTIES WILL DEMAND PATIENCE, HARD WORK, COURAGE, PERSEVERANCE AND IMAGI NATION,+ HE SAID.
♦THEY WILL, AT TIMES, BE HAZARDOUS AND PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTING. THEY WILL BRING YOU INTO DAILY CONTACT WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, SOME OF WHOM WILL TRY TO PERSUADE YOU FROM THE STRICT PATH OF DUTY.
♦DON’T SUCCUMB, BUT REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING HERE AND CARRY OUT YOUR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR. THE REPUTATION CF THIS SERVICE IS HELD IN HIGH REGARD, AND YOU MUST EXERT EVERY EFFORT TO UPHOLD ITS GOOD NAME.+ MR. WELSBY ADDED.
0 -------
A...
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1979
4
ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION IN YAU MA TEI ft ft ft ft
YAU MA TEI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, OTHER DISTRICT VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL STAGE A THREE-HOUR ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
MORE THAN 40 ROAD SAFETY PATROLS FROM THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT WILL TAKE PART. THEY WILL SHOW PEDESTRIANS THE CORRECT AND SAFE WAY TO CROSS THE ROAD AND BRIEF THEM ON THE ROAD SAFETY CODE.
THE DEMONSTRATION IS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO SUPPORT THE ON-GOING TERRITORY-WIDE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE THREE-HOUR ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION IN YAU MA TEI TOMORROW (SUNDAY). THE DEMONSTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE SIMULTANEOUSLY AT 3 P.M. AT THE FOOTBRIDGE AT THE JUNCTION OF FERRY STREET AND JORDAN ROAD, THE ZEBRA-CROSSINGS OFF THE OCEAN CENTRE IN CANTON ROAD AND THE YAU MA TEI KAIFONG ASSOCIATION IN SAIGON STREET.
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GAMES DAY FOR TYPHOON SHELTER CHILDREN
* ft * ft
A GAMES DAY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YOUTH WORK UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR 200 CHILDREN FROM THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER.
THE EVENT IS PART OF THE FLOATING POPULATION RECREATIONAL SCHEME OPERATED BY THE YAU MA TEI C.D.O., OTHER VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THERE WILL BE GROUP GAMES AND STALLS FOR THE CHILDREN IN TOMORROW’S EVENT. TEA AND LUNCH WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
NOTE TO EHITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GAMES DAY FOR 200 CHILDREN FROM YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4 P.M. AT THE TUNG KUN DISTRICT SOCIETY FONG SHUE CHUEN SCHOOL, TUNG KUN STREET, KOWLOON.
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SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1979
- 5 -
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
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 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.
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ONE-WAY TRAFFIC * * * *
THE
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THF BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND TUNG SoH ?OTRA!H.WiiLM^D;^OUTED FR0M TW<W,4y T0 0«-*« "sroulr
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
KCR HIT BY LITTERBUGS ......................... 1
SURVEY ON EMPLOYMENT OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTE GRADUATES ..................................... 2
VISITORS IN MARCH ............................. 3
NEW HUNG HOM FERRY PIER OPENED................. 3
NEW AIRPORT EXIT ROAD TO BE OPENED............. 4
MID-LEVELS FLYOVERS NEARING COMPLETION ........ 5
FINAL STAGE OF CAUSEWAY BAY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ........................................ 6
NO U-TURN ..................................... 6
WATER CUT...................................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1979
1
KCR HIT BY LITTERBUGS ******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, FACING A GROWING LITTER PROBLEM, PLANS TO LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE COMMUTERS TO KEEP THE STATIONS CLEAN.
A KCR SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT TODAY (SUNDAY) IT COST MORE THAN $500,000 A YEAR TO CLEAR UP LITTER AT STATIONS AND ON THE TRACKS.
THE PLACES WORST-HIT BY +LAP SAP CHUNGS+ (LITTERBUGS) ARE KOWLOON AND LO WU STATIONS. AT KOWLOON STATION ALONE, ABOUT FIVE TONS OF LITTER ARE CLEARED DAILY.
♦THE SITUATION IS WORSE ON FESTIVAL DAYS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WHEN A STAGGERING AMOUNT OF GARBAGE IS LEFT BEHIND BY LITTERBUGS,* HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN PUT THE BLAME SQUARELY ON IRRESPONSIBLE AND INCONSIDERATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
♦THERE ARE MORE THAN SUFFICIENT LITTER-BINS AT THE STATIONS AND ON THE PLATFORMS, BUT PEOPLE SIMPLY DO NOT USE THEM,+ HE SAID
HE SAID KCR HAS SPARED NO EFFORTS TO ENSURE A HIGH STANDARD CF CLEANLINESS.
♦THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND HYGIENE AND FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL IMAGE. BUT THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHAT WE CAN PHYSICALLY COPE WITH ANTI-SOCIAL AND THOUGHTLESS LITTERING,+ HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC TO HELP KEEP THE RAILWAY CLEAN BY MAKING FULL USE OF LITTER-BINS.
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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1979
2
SURVEY ON EMPLOYMENT OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTE GRADUATES
******
FULL-TIME GRADUATES FROM TECHNICAL INSTITUTES LAST YEAR DID NOT EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING JOBS DESPITE AN INCREASE OF 400 GRADUATES AS COMPARED TO 1977, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
♦THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED REGULARLY SINCE 1975, IS TO HELP
•THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ASSESS THE DEGREE OF ACCEPTANCE OF THEIR FULL-TIME GRADUATES BY INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SA4D QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT LAST NOVEMBER TO THE 1,414 FULL-TIME GRADUATES OF THE FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN 1977-78.
HE SAID 887 STUDENTS RETURNED THE QUESTIONNAIRE, REPRESENTING A RESPONSE RATE OF 62.7 PER CENT.
ACCORDING TO THE RETURNS, 82 PER CENT OF THE GRADUATES WERE EMPLOYED AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY- 15.1 PER CENT WERE PURSUING FURTHER FULL-TIME STUDIES AND THE REMAINING 2.9 PER CENT WERE NOT YET EMPLOYED.
OF THOSE IN EMPLOYMENT, 44.4 PER CENT HAD OBTAINED JOBS IN JULY, 1978 SOON AFTER THEY GRADUATED. THEIR CHIEF SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION WERE PRESS ADVERTISEMENTS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTE CIRCULARS AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE RETURNED QUESTIONNAIRES ALSO SHOWED THE AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY FOR GRADUATES OF COMMERCIAL POST-SECONDARY COURSES WAS 1931, AND THAT FOR GRADUATES OF COMMERCIAL POST-FORM III COURSES, $602.
GRADUATES OF TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES RECEIVED AN AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY OF $1,147 AND GRADUATES OF CRAFT COURSES,. $638.
SOME 46 PER CENT OF THE GRADUATES WHO WENT ON TO FURTHER FULL-TIME STUDIES CONTINUED TO STUDY IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND ABOUT 30 PER CENT ENTERED THE POLYTECHNIC.
ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THOSE GRADUATES WHO HAVE SECURED EMPLOYMENT ARE CONTINUING THEIR STUDIES ON A PART-TIME BASIS.
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/3
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1979
3
VISITORS IN MARCH * * * *
THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO HONG KONG IN MARCH TOTALLED 717,772, AN INCREASE OF 102,440 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1978, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY).
OF THE ARRIVALS, 231,812 CAME BY AIR WHILE 275,097 CAME BY SEA AND 210,863 BY LAND.
DEPARTURES TOTALLED 725,186, AN INCREASE OF 132,097 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1978. OF THE TOTAL, 229,566 LEFT BY AIR 283,541 BY SEA AND 212,079 BY LAND.
- - o -
NEW HUNG HOM FERRY PIER OPENED
*****
THE NEW HUNG HOM FERRY PIER, THE FIRST TO INCORPORATE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED, WAS OPENED TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THAT SINCE 1960 THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD CONSTRUCTED OVER 50 PIERS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND OF THESE 13 HAD BEEN FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
+IN EARLIER DAYS BEFORE THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL EXISTED, THE PROCESS OF PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTING FERRY PIERS WAS A RELATIVELY STRAIGHT-FORWARD MATTER AS THE REQUIREMENTS WERE KNOWN WELL IN ADVANCE AND THE VARIOUS PIER PROJECTS COULD TAKE THEIR NORMAL COURSE THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND BE BUILT READY FOR USE WHEN REQUIRED,+ HE SAID.
♦HOWEVER, WHEN THE GO-AHEAD WAS GIVEN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE RESITING OF THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY TERMINUS, THE PROJECTED TRANSPORT PATTERNS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY AND DIVERSIFICATION OF THE EXISTING FERRY ROUTES WAS URGENTLY REQUIRED IF THE FERRY COMPANIES WERE TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE SERVICES.*
TO MEET THESE CHANGES, MR. MCDONALD SAID, THE EARLY CONSTRUCTION OF SEVERAL NEW PIERS WAS NEEDED BUT, WHEREAS, AT LEAST THEORETICALLY, AN +INSTANT+ FERRY SERVICE COULD BE CREATED BY THE STROKE OF A PEN, AN +INSTANT+ PIER COULD NOT.
AS A WAY TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM, THE GOVERNMENT AGREED TO LET THE FERRY COMPANIES CONSTRUCT THEIR OWN +TEMPORARY+ LANDINGS AND TO USE THESE UNTIL PERMANENT PIERS COULD BE JUSTIFIED AND BUILT.
/MR. MCDONALD
4
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1979
MR. MCDONALD POINTED OUT THAT THE NEED FOR +TEMPORARY+ FACILITIES WOULD STILL EXIST FOR SOME TIME TO COME AS NO LESS THAN 12 OF THE 20 OR SO FUTURE PERMANENT FERRY PIERS PLANNED DEPENDED ON THE COMPLETION OF RECLAMATION SCHEMES BEFORE THEY COULD BE BUILT AND PUT INTO SERVICE.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT AS HE WAS CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH THE ORIGINAL FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OVER THE RAILWAY TERMINUS, HE FOUND IT VERY GRATIFYING TO BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED AGAIN AT THIS STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT.
-----0------
NEW AIRPORT EXIT ROAD TO BE OPENED * * * * *
A NEW EXIT ROAD, DESCENDING FROM THE DEPARTURES LEVEL OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING AND DESIGNED TO SPEED UP TRAFFIC FLOW AT KAI TAK AIRPORT, WILL BE OPENED ON TUESDAY.
IT WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT EXIT FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC LEAVING THE AIRPORT FROM THE PASSENGER TERMINAL.
AT PRESENT, MOTORISTS AFTER DROPPING THEIR PASSENGERS AT ■THE DEPARTURES LEVEL HAVE TO DRIVE ROUND THE PODIUM, FOLLOW A RATHER COMPLICATED ROUTE AROUND THE EASTERN END OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL AND CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY ALONG THE TERMINAL FRONTAGE AT THE ARRIVALS LEVEL, BEFORE GETTING TO OLYMPIC AVENUE ON THEIR WAY OUT.
THE NEW EXIT ROAD WILL CONSIDERABLY EASE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL, ESPECIALLY DURING THE AFTERNOON PEAK HOURS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL PROVIDE MORE KERBSPACE FOR PASSENGERS TO ALIGHT WHICH WILL SHORTEN THE TIME MOTORISTS HAVE TO WAIT TO TAKE THEIR TURN.
THE EXIT ROAD IS BUILT UNDER THE ARRIVALS HALL EXTENSION SCHEME WHICH FORMS PART OF THE FINAL PHASE OF THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1981.
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ARRIVALS LEVEL WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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/5 .
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1979
5
MID-LEVELS FLYOVERS NEARING COMPLETION ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE THREE FLYOVERS BEING BUILT AT THE LOWER GLENEALY, THE UPPER GLENEALY AND AT THE JUNCTION OF ROBINSON ROAD AND ALBANY ROAD ARE GRADUALLY TAKING SHAPE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE THREE ELEVATED STRUCTURES WHICH FORM PART OF A MAJOR SCHEME TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE MID-LEVELS, ARE MORE THAN THREE QUARTERS COMPLETE AND SHOULD BE READY IN SEPTEMBER.
THE NEW FLYOVER AT THE GLENEALY-ROBINSON ROAD JUNCTION WILL CONSIST OF AN ELEVATED ROAD SPANNING ABOUT 130 METRES OVER THE INTERSECTION. THIS WILL PROVIDE FREE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM CONDUIT ROAD TO ROBINSON ROAD.
A TWO-LANE BRIDGE STRUCTURE ABOUT 80 METRES IN LENGTH OVER GLENEALY VALLEY IS ALSO BEING BUILT TO PROVIDE A NEW EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM ROBINSON ROAD, THUS LEAVING THE EXISTING GROUND LEVEL LANES FREE FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC.
THIS WILL ALSO GREATLY FACILITATE THE SETTING DOWN OR PICKING UP OF CHILDREN AT THE NEARBY SCHOOLS.
THE OTHER FLYOVER AT THE JUNCTION OF ROBINSON ROAD AND ALBANY ROAD WILL CARRY EASTBOUND TRAFFIC IN ROBINSON ROAD OVER THE FLYOVER, THUS IMPROVING THE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THIS IMPORANT JUNCTION.
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/6
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1979
6
FINAL STAGE OF CAUSEWAY BAY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ******
THE FINAL STAGE OF THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY.
UNDER THE FINAL STAGE, KINGSTON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND- CLEVELAND STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND- THE SECTION OF PATERSON STREET BETWEEN KINGSTON STREET AND GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND AND THE RIGHT TURN FROM GREAT GEORGE STREET INTO PATERSON STREET WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND WILL BE SET UP IN THE SECTION OF PATERSON STREET NORTH OF KINGSTON STREET.
CMB BUSES ON ROUTE 5B WILL TERMINATE IN KINGSTON STREET AND ROUTE 81 BUSES FROM CHAI WAN WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE ALONG CANNON STREET, LOCKHART ROAD AND EAST POINT ROAD INSTEAD OF PATERSON STREET.
KMB COACH ROUTE 200 FROM THE AIRPORT WILL OPERATE ALONG KINGSTON STREET INSTEAD OF GLOUCESTER ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
NO U-TURN * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ALONG WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED in a”mURhnALJen**AJERL0° ROAD-HEREFORD ROAD JUNCTION FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
THAT
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI Will rf SEVEN H0URS FR0M 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 6 t M THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS. ’ ’
kenhedv^oad? L*UE
terr"eE0NG’ "onmoutk terrace, sik on street and fXn8 Oo«6
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
t.
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOGGING CAMPAIGN TO START NEXT MONTH ................. 1
TWO TUEN MUN SITES FOR AUCTION TOMORROW................. 3
NEW SUBJECTS INTRODUCED IN EVENING COURSES ............. 3
SAILING LESSONS FOR ONLY $20............................ 5
NEW PRIVATE SECRETARY FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE ............. 6
NEW OFFICE FOR INFORMATION BRANCH ...................... 6
REGISTRATION TEAM IN TIN WAN ........................... 7
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS RESCINDED .................. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
1
JOGGING CAMPAIGN TO START NEXT MONTH ******
A TERRITORY-WIDE PROGRAMME TO ENCOURAGE JOGGING WILL BE LAUNCHED EARLY NEXT MONTH.
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY MISS BETTY MAIR, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS).
+THE OBJECT IS TO MAKE PEOPLE REALISE THAT RUNNING IN THE OPEN AIR CAN BE FUN AND A VERY GOOD WAY TO IMPROVE ONE’S GENERAL FITNESS AND MENTAL OUTLOOK ON LIFE,+ MISS MAIR EXPLAINED.
THE PROGRAMME IS A JOINT EFFORT OF THE RSS, THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND DODWELL TRADING LTD. AND WILL BE THE FIRST ACTIVITY IN THE +PABST CHALLENGE SERIES+ OF COMMUNITY SPORTS EVENTS.
THE JOGGING PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDEi
* RUNNING TRAINING COURSES AT 10 OR MORE CENTRAL VENUES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
* TESTING OF HEART AND BLOOD CIRCULATION FITNESS BY HONG KONG UNIVERSITY DOCTORS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE TRAINING SCHEME (THIS HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE IN HONG KONG AND THE DATA COMPILED WILL BE VALUABLE FOR BOTH THE ATHLETIC AND MEDICAL COMMUNITIES).
* A MASS RUN OPEN TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
* ISSUE OF GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS TO RUNNERS WHO IMPROVE THEMSELVES SO MUCH BY THE END OF THE YEAR THAT THEY CAN COVER 1.5 MILES IN TIME LIMITS SET ACCORDING TO AGE AND SEX.
TO EXEMPLIFY THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING, MISS MAIR QUOTED RESULTS OF A SURVEY BY THE U.S. PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS.
+EVEN THE ELDERLY WILL FIND THAT THE HUMAN BODY ADAPTS REMARKABLY TO TRAINING --- THE AGEING PROCESS IS SLOWED AND
THE CHANCES OF HEART ATTACK AND OTHER DEGENERATIVE ILLNESS REDUCED,+ SHE SAID.
THE PILOT TRAINING SCHEME, MISS MAIR SAID, WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 5 WITH JOGGING GROUPS ORGANISED AT TWO CENTRES ---- ONE
AT VICTORIA PARK AND THE OTHER AT MORSE PARK.
STARTING AT 7 A.M. AT VICTORIA PARK AND 6.30 A.M. AT MORSE PARK, PARTICIPANTS WILL GO THROUGH AN HOUR-LONG SERIES OF WARMING-UP EXERCISES. CALISTHENICS, JOGGING AND RUNNING.
/EACH GROUP .....
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
2
EACH GROUP WILL BE LED BY INSTRUCTORS, AND ATHLETES WITH LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL WILL BE CHOSEN TO ACT AS INSTRUCTORS IN LATER EVENTS.
FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE TRAINING SCHEME WILL BE EXPANDED TO 10 OR MORE VENUES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, AND SPECIFIC VENUES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
BOTH MALES AND FEMALES OVER 12 YEARS OF AGE ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART.
DOCTORS OF THE PHYSIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL WILL MEASURE THE CARDIO-VASCULAR FITNESS OF A SELECTED GROUP FROM THE START OF THE JOGGING SESSIONS UNTIL THEY END THREE MONTHS LATER IN NOVEMBER.
MISS MAIR SAID THAT IN A SCIENTIFIC EXERCISE NEVER BEFORE CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG, THE DOCTORS WILL AIM TO ARRIVE AT A STATISTICAL PICTURE OF THE FITNESS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE RELATIVE TO THAT OF PEOPLE ABROAD WHERE SIMILAR TESTING HAS BEEN DONE.
THEY WILL ALSO MEASURE THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE PARTICIPANT’S CARDIOVASCULAR EFFICIENCY THAT RESULTS FROM THE THREE MONTHS OF RUNNING.
MISS MAIR SAID ANOTHER MAJOR EVENT WILL BE A MASS RUN --- OPEN TO ALL --- TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER.
COMPETITIVENESS WILL BE DOWNPLAYED AND PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN SOUVENIRS SIMPLY FOR COMPLETING THE DISTANCE.
TO WIND UP THE FIRST PABST CHALLENGE SERIES, GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO CAN COMPLETE A 1.5-MILE (2.414 KM) RUN WITHIN THE SPECIFIC TIMES.
THE TEST RUNS WILL BE HELD REGULARLY FROM DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, ORGANISED BY THE RSS AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION.
THE TESTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS LAID OUT BY FAMOUS RESEARCH LABORATORIES SUCH AS DR. KENNETH COOPER’S AEROBIC ACTIVITIES CENTRE IN THE U.S. THE RESULTS WILL BE COMPARED WITH THOSE RECORDED ABROAD.
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/3
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
- 3 -
TWO TUEN MUN SITES FOR AUCTION TOMORROW * * *
TWO PRIME SITES IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WILL BE SOLD AT A GOVERNMENT AUCTION TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE FIRST SITE MEASURING 2,290 SQUARE METRES, AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE NEW TOWN OVERLOOKING CASTLE PEAK BAY IS FOR MEDIUM DENSITY MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE SECOND LOT WITH AN AREA OF 693.1 SQUARE METRES IS A COMMERCIAL SITE IN THE NEW TOWN’S BOOMING INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY PUI TO ROAD AND TSING WUN ROAD. IT IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR A MULTI-STOREY COMPLEX FOR A GREAT VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL USES SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND BANKING PREMISES ON THE LOWER FLOORS AND OFFICE SPACE ON THE UPPER FLOORS.
THE AUCTION, WHICH IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INCREASED SALE PROGRAMME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ST. SIMON LUI MING CHOI SECONDARY SCHOOL, HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, TUEN MUN AT 2.30 P.M.
IT WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE DISTRICT’S SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR, MR. VICTOR LEUNG.
NOTE TO ED I TORS«
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE AUCTION OF TWO PRIME TUEN MUN NEW TOWN SITES AT THE ST. SIMON LUI MING CHOI SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 2.30 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 1.20 P.M.
------o-------
NEW SUBJECTS INTRODUCED IN EVENING COURSES ft ft ft ft ft ft
COURSES IN TWO NEW DISCIPLINES ----- DESIGN AND INDUSTRIAL
TECHNOLOGY --- ARE BEING OFFERED IN THIS YEAR’S JOINT ENROLMENT
FOR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES RUN BY THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, NAMELY MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, MAKING WONG AND LEE WAI LEE, ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR 80 PART-TIME EVENING COURSES IN 12 DISCIPLINES BETWEEN THURSDAY AND MAY 19.
DETAILS OF THE COURSES WHICH COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WILL BE ADVERTISED IN THE LOCAL PRESS ON MAY 10.
/THE 12 DISCIPLINES
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
4
THE 12 DISCIPLINES ARE HOTEL KEEPING AND TOURISM, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, PRINTING, TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, MARINE AND FABRICATION AND DESIGN.
COURSES OFFERED ARE MAINLY AT CRAFT LEVEL (POST-FORM III) AND TECHNICIAN LEVEL (POST-FORM V), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THESE COURSES ARE SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WORKING IN THE TOURIST, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FIELDS TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES. SOME COURSES ALSO REQUIRE THE STUDENTS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE RELEVANT TRADES, HE ADDED.
DURATION OF MOST OF THE COURSES IS THREE YEARS, BUT THERE ARE ALSO SOME SIX-MONTH, ONE-YEAR AND TWO-YEAR COURSES.
APART FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PREMISES, THE EVENING CLASSES ARE ALSO CONDUCTED IN A NUMBER OF CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, INCLUDING YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND SHAU KI WAN.
♦THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLANS TO OPEN ADDITIONAL CENTRES WHENEVER THE NEED ARISES FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE STUDENTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED DURING OFFICE HOURS STARTING ON THURSDAY AT ALL THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES EXCEPT LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHICH IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, ALL THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND ALL THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
APPLICANTS SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS ON MAY 19 TO THE RESPECTIVE INSTITUTE TO WHICH THEY ARE APPLYING.
HOWEVER, THOSE APPLYING FOR COURSES RUN BY THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SHOULD RETURN THE FORMS TO THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
♦FORM V STUDENTS SITTING THE 1978-79 CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION MAY APPLY, AND THEY CAN LEAVE OPEN THE COLUMN ON THE APPLICATION FORMS CONCERNING THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEY SHOULD ALSO RETURN THE FORMS ON MAY 19, HE ADDED.
APPLICATIONS FOR FULL-TIME COURSES RUN BY THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL BE INVITED IN JULY, AND THE SPOKESMAN -ADVISED THOSE INTERESTED TO WATCH FOR THE RELEVANT ANNOUNCEMENTS NEARER THE DATE.
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MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
5
SAILING LESSONS FOR ONLY S2O
*****
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG YACHTING ASSOCIATION ARE OFFERING FIVE-DAY COURSES ON BASIC SAILING - FOR ONLY $20.
THE +YOUTH SAIL TRAINING SCHEME,+ STARTED DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS, HAS PROVED TO BE AN INSTANT SUCCESS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SERVICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+THE PROGRAMME IS SO POPULAR THAT WE ARE ALREADY OVER SUBSCRIBED. WE HAVE SO FAR RECEIVED 6,000 APPLICATIONS,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID 28 COURSES WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN WHICH 2,000 PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 30 WILL BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE.
AT PRESENT, THE HONG KONG YACHTING ASSOCIATION HAS MADE AVAILABLE 24 +HOI YIN+ DINGHIES FOR THE TRAINING COURSES, HE ADDED.
♦THEY ARE PROVIDING NOT ONLY THE SAIL-BOATS BUT ALSO THE INSTRUCTORS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FIVE-DAY COURSE IS DESIGNED TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS AN ELEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE ON HANDLING SAIL-BOATS.
AT THE END OF THE COURSE, PARTICIPANTS ARE GIVEN A CERTIFICATE SIMILAR TO THE ROYAL YACHTING ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATE IN BRITAIN.
♦SAFETY, THEREFORE IS A KEY FACTOR AS WITH MOST OTHER WATER SPORTS,* THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
THE COURSE ENABLES THEM TO LEARN SAILING TERMINOLOGIES, LOCAL TIDAL MOVEMENTS, SAFETY MEASURES AND PRACTICAL MANOEUVRING SKILLS.
AFTER THE TRAINING, PARTICIPANTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY ENTITLED TO BOOK THE DINGHIES FOR THEIR OWN RECREATION FOR A FEW DAYS.
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MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
6
NEW PRIVATE SECRETARY FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE ******
MR. GORDON SIU HAS BEEN APPOINTED PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1979.
MR. SIU JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1966 AND WORKED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND VARIOUS BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEFORE HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S FIRST MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR IN SEPTEMBER 1977.
THE POST OF MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR WILL BE TAKEN BY MRS. ELIZABETH WONG IN MID-SEPTEMBER 1979.
MRS. WONG, WHO IS NOW AN ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1969 AND HAS WORKED IN THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
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NEW OFFICE FOR INFORMATION BRANCH
* * * *
THE INFORMATION BRANCH AND THE PRESS UNIT OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HAVE MOVED FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOWER IN CENTRAL STARTING TODAY (MONDAY).
THE ADDRESS OF THE NEW OFFICE IS ROOM 1710, AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOWER, 17TH FLOOR, 16-18 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, AND THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-211381.
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MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979
7
REGISTRATION TEAM IN TIN WAN
K * X X K
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS AT THE TIN WAN ESTATE OFFICE IN ABERDEEN FOR THREE DAYS FROM MAY 14.
THIS IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 17 FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING THE AGE OF 18.
REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
PEOPLE IN THE AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS RESCINDED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY, THE EXISTING 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE RESCINDED*
* THE SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, BETWEEN THE POINTS ABOUT 195 METRES AND 65 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROUTE TWISK, AND
* THE SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, BETWEEN THE POINTS ABOUT 105 METRES AND 150 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI HO ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE N0-
WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES STRIKES RIGHT BALANCE ..................................................... 1
500,000 KCR PASSENGERS A DAY BY EARLY 1990’S ................ 3
LAND SALES REALISE $26.7 MILLION ............................ 5
SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS ................................
11 QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED AT LEGCO TOMORROW ................. 6
ATTORNEY GENERAL RETIRING NEXT MONTH ........................ 7
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES RETIRING ..................
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ...................................
UK BANKER SEES NEW TOWN PROGRAMME .........................
WATER CUT .................................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
1
WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES STRIKES RIGHT BALANCE *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES STRUCK THE BALANCE BETWEEN EXTREME VIEWS ON THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF BEACON HILL, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT IN PLANNING DEVELOPMENT, THERE WERE INEVITABLY DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT ON HOW FAST THE PROGRAMME SHOULD PROCEED.
HE SAID SOME BELIEVED IN A MORE RADICAL PACE OF DEVELOPMENT ON ALL FRONTS REGARDLESS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS, WHILE OTHERS FELT PLANNING SHOULD TAKE A MUCH LESS RADICAL OR PERHAPS A MORE CAUTIOUS COURSE.
♦BOTH REPRESENT TWO EXTREME VIEWS, AND THE WHITE PAPER, I BELIEVE, STRIKES THE BALANCE,♦ HE SAID.
HE QUOTED NEWSPAPER COMMENTS WHICH QUITE RIGHTLY POINTED OUT THAT WHILE HONG KONG WAS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS IN THE WELFARE FIELD, IT HAS AVOIDED THE PITFALLS OF SOME WESTERN COMMUNITIES WHICH DISPENSED WELFARE WITH RECKLESS ABANDON REGARDLESS OF NEED.
MR. LEE EMPHASISED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ENVISAGED IN THE WHITE PAPER WERE ANCHORED VERY FIRMLY TO THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF HONG KONG WITHIN ITS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND THAT THEY REPRESENTED REALISTIC GOALS.
WHILE THE PAPER ITSELF MIGHT NOT APPEAR STARTLINGLY REVEALING, HE SAID, IT DID SET THE RIGHT COURSE FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TO BETTER MEET THE WELFARE NEEDS AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE COMMUNITY.
ANOTHER REASON, HE ADDED, WAS THAT A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPERS, FROM WHICH THE WHITE PAPER HAS DEVELOPED, HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR SO THAT HELP COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE QUICKLY TO THOSE IN NEED.
MR. LEE SAID THAT SINCE THE WHITE PAPER WAS PUBLISHED A FORTNIGHT AGO, PUBLIC COMMENTS HAVE INDICATED A GENERAL WELCOME OF ITS PRINCIPLES AND PROGRAMMES, PARTICULARLY THE PLANS TO IMPROVE CASH BENEFITS FOR THE DISABLED AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
ON SERVICES FOR YOUTH, HE AGREED THAT WHILE PERSONAL HELP AND GUIDANCE WILL BE EXPANDED FOR A MINORITY GROUP OF VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE, IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF NORMAL*YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS ALREADY EXISTING GOVERNMENT POLICY AS THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ALREADY HAVE ACCESS TO A WIDE VARIETY OF CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE URBAN COUNCIL AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.
/♦THEBE ARE .....
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
2
♦THERE ARE INCREASING SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS MORE COUNTRY PARKS, FOOTBALL PITCHES AND GAMES AREAS, SPORTS AND CULTURAL COMPLEXES, INDOOR GAMES HALLS AND PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES,+ HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, HE ADDED, THERE WERE NOW 108 YOUTH CENTRES AND 99 CHILDREN’S CENTRES TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN WORTHWHILE ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS.
ON RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISION OF INSTITUTIONS WAS NO EASY TASK AS IT INVOLVED THE GRANT OF LAND, FUND-RAISING AND STAFFING, AND IT USUALLY TOOK LONG AND PROGRESSIVE STEPS BEFORE A PROJECT MATERIALISED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAID, HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION IN HOUSING ESTATES MUST NECESSARILY DEPEND ON PROGRESS OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.
NEVERTHELESS, THE WHITE PAPER ENVISAGED PLANS TO EXPAND THE PROVISION OF CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, HOMES FOR THE AGED, HOSTELS AND PUBLIC HOUSING, AS WELL AS HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, HE SAID.
MR. LEE SAID THE INCREASING SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES NATURALLY DEMANDED A PARALLEL EFFORT IN DEVELOPING SUPPORTING SERVICES SUCH AS PLANNING, RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND TRAINING.
HE SAID THE FIVE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN SETTING OUT THE ACTUAL PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT, WILL REMAIN THE BASIC INSTRUMENT OF PLANNING AND WILL BE REVIEWED EACH YEAR UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
♦IT PROVIDES AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF LEARNING ABOUT AND CO-ORDINATING THE INITIATIVES OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MONITORING PROGRESS AND ADJUSTING PRIORITIES AGAINST CHANGING NEEDS,♦ HE SAID.
THE CAPACITY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPING FUTURE SERVICES HAS ALSO BEEN GREATLY STRENGTHENED TO PROVIDE A MORE CO-ORDINATED SYSTEM.
MR. LEE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS ATTACHED +GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES AS INCREASING FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED EACH YEAR FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANS ION.+
WHILE THE WHITE PAPER’S PROGRAMME ENTAILED AN-ESTIMATED 12,000 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL CAPITAL AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE UP TO 1986-87, THE $630 MILLION PROVIDED FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR REPRESENTED A THREE-FOLD INCREASE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, SAID.
ON SOCIAL SECURITY ALONE, HE SAID, THE PROVISION OF $400 MILLION REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF NEARLY 500 PER CENT OVER THE $72 MILLION FIVE YEARS AGO.
IN ADDITION, THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION SERVICES PUBLISHED IN 1977 OUTLINED A MASSIVE PROGRAMME OF SERVICES COSTING ABOUT $1,760 MILLION UP TO 1985-86, HE ADDED.
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
3
500,000 KCR PASSENGERS A DAY BY EARLY 1990’S
*****
HONG KONG AND ITS COMMUNITY WILL HAVE A SUBURBAN RAIL SERVICE OF A STANDARD EQUAL TO ANY IN THE WORLD WHICH WILL PLAY ITS FULL PART IN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
THIS WAS THE FORECAST OF MR. BOBBY HOWES, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
PROJECTIONS ON TRANSPORT NEEDS, HE SAID, INDICATED THAT FROM THE OPENING OF THE FULL ELECTRIC SERVICE, KCR WOULD BE CONVEYING 120,000 TO 140,000 PASSENGERS A DAY AND THIS COULD RISE TO 250,000 BY THE MID-1980’S.
+WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE UP TO 500,000 A DAY BY THE EARLY 199O’S,+ MR. HOWES SAID.
ELECTRIFICATION WILL ALSO ENABLE KCR TO RUN MANY MORE FREIGH1 TRAINS AND TO HANDLE NOT LESS THAN THREE TIMES THE CURRENT LEVEL OF FREIGHT BUSINESS, HE SAID.
MR. HOWES ALSO SPOKE ON THE PRESENT TRAIN SERVICE, THE TRAFFIC GROWTH DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS, DOUBLE TRACKING, AND THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF KCR.
THE OVERALL KCR PROJECT, INCLUDING ELECTRIFICATION, MEANT COMPLETELY REBUILDING THE RAILWAY IN EVERY ASPECT, HE EXPLAINED.
IT WAS DESIGNED TO MEET THE LONG-TERM NEEDS OF THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, ESPECIALLY THE EXPANDING NEW TOWN POPULATIONS IN SHA TIN, TAI PO AND FANLING, AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL EXPANSION OF FREIGHT TRAFFIC.
+THE WHOLE ROUTE WILL BE ELECTRIFIED WITH THE SYSTEM WHICH IS NOW THE GENERALLY ADOPTED STANDARD ON MQST SURFACE RAILWAYS, INCLUDING BRITISH RAIL AND MORE RECENT SUBURBAN ELECTRIFICATIONS,* HE SAID.
THE NEW PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED BY THREE-CAR ELECTRIC MULTIPLE UNIT SETS WITH ULTIMATELY TRAINS OF UP TO 12 CARS.
THE INTERIOR DESIGN WILL PROVIDE A STANDARD OF COMFORT COMPATIBLE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SEATING AND STANDING PASSENGERS IN A FAST, FREQUENT SERVICE WITH A SHORT JOURNEY TIME. ALL VEHICLES WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED.
PLATFORMS WILL HAVE TO BE RAISED AT BOTH THE EXISTING AND NEW STATIONS TO A HEIGHT OF 1.06 METRES, I.E. THE HEIGHT OF THE FLOOR OF THE ELECTRIC TRAINS.
THIS WAS ESSENTIAL .....
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1979
- 4 -
THIS WAS ESSENTIAL TO PERMIT VERY RAPID ENTRY AND EXIT OF PASSENGERS IN THE SHORT STATION STOP TIMES. EXISTING STATIONS WOULD NEED ENTIRELY NEW FACILITIES TO CATER FOR THE ANTICIPATED MASSIVE INCREASES IN TRAFFIC VOLUME TO BE HANDLED.
IN THE DETAILED DESIGN — NOW WELL ADVANCED — THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED HAVE NOT BEEN OVERLOOKED.
♦ IN SHORT, ALL EXISTING STATIONS WILL BE COMPLETELY REBUILT AND THREE NEW STATIONS WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED, NAMELY AT TAI WAI, FO TAN AND KOWLOON TONG, WHERE THERE WILL BE A THREE-LEVEL INTERCHANGE WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY,♦ SAID MR. HOWES.
THE INTERCHANGE WAS ONE OF THE KEY INGREDIENTS OF THE ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT, CREATING AN ESSENTIAL INTEGRATION BETWEEN THE KCR AND MTR, HE ADDED.
MR. HOWES ALSO MENTIONED SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME.
THE BIGGEST SINGLE PROBLEM WAS THAT OF TOTALLY REBUILDING THE RAILWAY IN SITU WHILE KEEPING THE EXISTING RAILWAY FUNCTIONING AND MAINTAINING A QUALITY OF SERVICE.
HE WARNED THAT DURING THIS PERIOD THERE WILL ON OCCASIONS BE IMPEDIMENTS TO TRAIN OPERATIONS AND ON POSSIBLY RARE OCCASIONS CLOSURE OF THE LINE FOR LIMITED PERIODS FOR MAJOR WORKS.
A MAJOR AREA OF CONCERN, MR. HOWES WENT ON TO SAY, WAS THE FACT THAT THE PRESENT RAILWAY IS LARGELY UNFENCED.
♦ THIS IS WHOLLY UNSATISFACTORY FROM THE SAFETY STANDPOINT AND AS PART OF THE PROJECT, I HAVE INSISTED THAT THE RAILWAY MUST BE COMPLETELY FENCED THROUGHOUT,+ HE SAID.
♦ THE COST WILL BE HIGH SINCE IT ALSO MEANS BUILDING MANY ADDITIONAL ’GRADE SEPARATED’ PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, BUT IT IS AN ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL PRE-REQUISITE TO THE NEW RA ILWAY.+
MR. HOWES DESCRIBED THE END PRODUCT OF THE PROJECT AS +A FAST, FREQUENT AND RELIABLE PASSENGER SERVICE WHICH WILL CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR THE NEXT 15 OR MORE YEARS.+
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
5
LAND SALES REALISE $26.7 MILLION ft ft ft ft
A RESIDENTIAL SITE AND A COMMERCIAL SITE IN TUEN MUN FETCHED A TOTAL OF $26.7 MILLION IN A PUBLIC AUCTION HELD AT THE ST. SIMON LUI MING CHOI SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE 2,290-SQUARE METRE RESIDENTIAL SITE WAS SOLD TO KAM GA TAI CO. LTD. FOR $13.6 MILLION, OR $5,939 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE COMMERCIAL SITE MEASURING 693 SQUARE METRES WAS KNOCKED DOWN TO FOO YIK ESTATE CO. LTD. AT $13.1 MILLION AFTER STRONG BIDDING AMONG AT LEAST SIX POTENTIAL BUYERS PUSHED UP THE $4.5 MILLION OPENING PRICE.
IT REALISED AN EQUIVALENT OF $18,900 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, W. VICTOR LEUNG, WHO CONDUCTED TODAY’S AUCTION DESCRIBED THE RESULT AS +MOST SATISFACTORY* DESPITE THE RECENT INCREASE IN INTEREST RATES.
♦THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT SITES EARMARKED PURELY FOR RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN PUT ON THE OPEN MARKET IN TUEN MUN,* MR. LEUNG SAID.
♦THE BIDDING WAS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND BIDDERS WASTED NO TIME IN RAISING THEIR OFFERS, ESPECIALLY FOR THE COMMERCIAL SITE.+
THE RESIDENTIAL SITE, SITUATED IN A SCENIC SETTING BETWEEN THE CASTLE PEAK AND TUEN MUN ROADS, IS ONLY ABOUT FIVE TO 10 MINUTES DRIVE FROM THE TOWN CENTRE.
AS FOR THE COMMERCIAL SITE IN PUI TO ROAD, ITS CONDITION OF SALE ALLOWS FOR A GREAT VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL USES SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND BANKING PREMISES ON THE LOWER FLOORS AND OFFICES ON THE UPPER FLOORS.
MR. LEUNG NOTED THAT ANOTHER 13 LOTS WOULD BE PUT UP FOR SALE OVER THE NEXT FIVE MONTHS EITHER BY AUCTION OR BY TENDER TO LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT HOLDERS.
♦THE CONSIDERABLY INCREASED SALES PROGRAMME OVER PREVIOUS YEARS HAS RESULTED FROM THE RAPID PROGRESS OF THE LAND PRODUCTION PROGRAMME IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES,♦ HE ADDED.
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SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS ft ft ft ft ft
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 THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 3,330 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING VEHICLES, AND/OR WORKS AREA.
/a spckdsi.uk
6
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, AND THEREAFTER MONTHLY.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD OR IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE TWO OFFICES.
CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 25. -----------------------------------0--------
11 QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED AT LEGCO TOMORROW ******
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL RAISE 11 QUESTIONS ON VARIOUS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE HON. PETER C. WONG WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT IF IT HAS, HAVING REGARD TO THE HIGH COURT DECISION IN THE YAU MA TEI BOAT DWELLERS CASE AND VARIOUS EXPRESSIONS OF PUBLIC CONCERN, ANY PLANS TO AMEND THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE WITH RESPECT TO CONTROL OF MEETINGS AND PUBLIC GATHERINGS.
THE HON. ANDREW SO WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE OUTCOME OF ITS INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNKNOWN GAS LEAKAGE WHICH AFFECTED THE STUDENTS OF THREE SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN.
OTHER QUESTIONS INCLUDE MEASURES TO CONTROL AND REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN KWAI CHUNG, THE NUMBER OF COLLISIONS BETWEEN FISHING VESSELS AND OCEAN-GOING VESSELS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND MEASURES TO PREVENT FLOODING IN LOW-LYING AREAS AND THE SAFETY OF HILL-SIDE SQUATTERS IN VIEW OF THE COMING RAINY SEASON.
THE WHITE PAPER ON INTERNAL TRANSPORT POLICY —■ KEEPING HONG KONG MOVING, WILL BE TABLED AT TOMORROW’S MEETING.
THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) BILL 1979 WILL HAVE ITS FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD READINGS AND, AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON WILL MOVE A MOTION TO ADOPT GMT PLUS NINE AS HONG KONG TIME STARTING FROM 3.30 A.M. THIS SUNDAY TO OCTOBER 21.
MR. JEAFFRESON WILL ALSO MOVE THAT FROM 3.30 A.M. ON OCTOBER 21, HONG KONG TIME BE EIGHT HOURS IN ADVANCE OF GMT.
THREE BILLS, INCLUDING THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
SEVEN BILLS IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE WILL BE READ FOR THE THIRD TIME. THEY ARE THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 4) BILL 1979, MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, DETERMINATION OF AGE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1979 AND THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.
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TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
7
ATTORNEY GENERAL RETIRING NEXT MONTH
*****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY, WILL BE RETIRING NEXT MONTH.
HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. JOHN GRIFFITHS, Q.C., WHOSE APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.
MR. HOBLEY WAS CALLED TO THE BAR IN 1950 AND JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS A CROWN COUNSEL IN 1953. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SOLICITOR GENERAL IN MAY 1973 AND TO ATTORNEY GENERAL LATER THE SAME YEAR.
HE WAS APPOINTED A QUEEN’S COUNSEL IN 1973 AND WAS AWARDED THE C.M.G. IN 1976.
MR. GRIFFITHS IS AGED 47. FOLLOWING NATIONAL SERVICE IN THE ROYAL ENGINEERS, HE WENT TO EMMANUEL COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, WHERE HE GRADUATED WITH FIRST CLASS HONOURS.
HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR IN 1956 AND WAS APPOINTED A QUEEN’S COUNSEL IN 1972.
HE IS A CROWN COURT RECORDER IN ENGLAND AND HAS BEEN AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE ENGLISH BAR COUNCIL.
MR. GRIFFITHS IS A MEMBER OF THE LORD CHANCELLORS LEGAL SERVICES CONFERENCE (CONCERNED WITH SOCIAL WELFARE LAW) AND IS ON THE MANAGING COMMITTEE OF THE GREATER LONDON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU, AND THE BAR REPRESENTATIVE ON THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SERVICES.
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TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
8
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES RETIRING * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR. FRED YOUNG, WILL RETIRE IN SEPTEMBER.
HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. ROY KILVERT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, WHOSE PROMOTION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.
MR. YOUNG IS AGED 56, AND WILL HAVE COMPLETED MORE THAN 30 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT BY SEPTEMBER, HAVING SERVED SUCCESSIVELY AS STORES OFFICER FROM 1949, SENIOR STORES OFFICER FROM 1952, CHIEF STORES OFFICER FROM 1958, DEPUTY CONTROLLER OF STORES FROM 1965 AND DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES FROM OCTOBER 1970.
HE WAS AWARDED THE O.B.E. IN 1975.
MR. KILVERT IS AGED 46. HE WAS FIRST APPOINTED AN ASSISTANT STORES OFFICER IN MAY 1951, AND WAS PROMOTED TO STORES OFFICER IN 1956, SENIOR STORES OFFICER IN 1967, CHIEF SUPPLIES OFFICER IN 1971, SUPERINTENDENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES IN 1974 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN AUGUST 1976.
HE HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
THE POST OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES WILL BE FILLED BY MR. ADOLF HSU, WHO IS A STAFF GRADE C ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER.
HE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1958 AND HAS WORKED IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
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DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * * * *
THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON CHRISTOPHER CLEMENTS, 25, ON DECEMBER 21, 1977 FOR THE MURDER OF AN ELDERLY PROSTITUTE WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) COMMUTED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
CLEMENTS, A SHIP’S CHEF, WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF KWOK YIN-KAM, 59, IN MIRADOR MANSIONS, NATHAN ROAD, AT ABOUT 3 A.M. ON MARCH 28, 1977.
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TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1979
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UK BANKER SEES NEW TOWN PROGRAMME
* * * *
A LEADING BRITISH BANKER, MR. ROBIN LEIGH-PEMBERTON WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE SCALE AND SPEED OF HONG KONG’S NEW TOWN PROGRAMME WHEN HE SAW IT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (TUESDAY).
ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WHO ACTED AS HOST TO THE VISITING BANKER, THE PARTY CALLED AT SHA TIN FOR A BRIEFING ON THE NEW TOWN’S RAPID DEVELOPMENT FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. GERRY HIGGINSON.
HE WAS THEN TAKEN ON A HELICOPTER TOUR OF OTHER DEVELOPING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BEFORE MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES.
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WATER CUT * * *
!^A^ER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WONG CHUK HANG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
,Br.nBJRE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HEUNG YIP ROAD FROM THE ABERDEEN TECHNICAL SCHOOL TO NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND 12 - 38 ^NGCHUK HANG R0AD 'NCLUDING THE ABERDEEN POLICE STATION 3 AND CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY DEPOT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TABLED ......................... 1
FUEL SAVING MEASURES APPROVED ........................ *
SUPPORT FOR SAVE FUEL BILL ........................... 5
CHANGES IN RENT CONTROL MEASURES PROPOSED ............ 6
COMPULSORY EDUCATION -- HINDRANCES MUST BE
OVERCOME ............................................. 9
TOPLEY EXPLAINS FLEXIBILITY OF EDUCATION BILL ........ 10
GOVT REVIEWING PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE ............................................ H
BILL TO RAISE CEILING OF TAX EXEMPTION RATE ......... 12
BILL TO STRENGTHEN DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S INDEPENDENCE ........................................ 13
NEW AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BILL TO BE INTRODUCED AT LEGCO SOON ....................................... 13
INCREASED DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE WILL BENEFIT MANUFACTURING SECTOR ................................ 14
BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE INCREASE EXPLAINED ........ 15
GOVT GUARANTEES FOR MTR CREDIT FACILITIES ........... 15
MEASURES TO PREVENT FLOODING OUTLINED ............... 16
ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO FISHERMEN INVOLVED IN SEA COLLISIONS .......................................... 17
DEEP BAY OYSTERS BASICALLY NOT DANGEROUS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION ................................... 18
EXTRA BUS SERVICES TO BEACHES AND COUNTRY PARKS ..... 18
/CENTRE TO
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
A
CENTRE TO RUN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS FOR SEVERELY DISABLED ............................................... 19
TAP WATER SAFE TO DRINK .................................. 20
SPEED LIMITS AIM TO CURB TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ............... 20
WATER SUPPLY IN SAI KUNG ................................. 21
GAS LEAKAGE----FULL INVESTIGATION CARRIED OUT........... 22
EIGHT BILLS PASSED ....................................... 23
SHORT TERM TENANCY TENDERS FOR TWO TUEN MUN SITES ........ 23
CASH RELIEF FOR FAMILY OF VICTIM KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ......................................... 24
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
24
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
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TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TABLED
******
THE GOVERNMENT’S CENTRAL OBJECTIVE IN ITS TRANSPORT POLICY IS TO MAINTAIN AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, IMPROVE THE MOBILITY OF PEOPLE AND GOODS.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID THIS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN TABLING THE WHITE PAPER ON INTERNAL TRANSPORT POLICY.
♦ THE WHITE PAPER SETS OUT THREE BASIC WAYS OF KEEPING BOTH PEOPLE AND GOODS MOVING IN OUR TRANSPORT SYSTEM,+ MR. JONES SAID.
HE SAID THAT THESE WERE I
* EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE ROAD NETWORK"
* PROVISION OF MORE AND BETTER QUALITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT- AND
* MEASURES TO ENSURE THE MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROADS.
TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES, MR. JONES SAID THAT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS UP TO $7,000 MILLION COULD BE SPENT ON ROAD PROJECTS ALREADY UNDERWAY, OR WOULD BE COMMITTED TO PROJECTS LIKELY TO START DURING THAT PERIOD.
♦ BY THE END OF THE 80’S WE SHOULD HAVE A GREATLY EXPANDED AND IMPROVED NETWORK OF ROADS, TUNNELS AND FLYOVERS, PLUS A MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
♦ BETTER FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR PEDESTRIANS AND FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON THE ROADS,♦ HE SAID.
ON UPGRADING AND EXPANSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, MR. JONES SAID THIS WOULD BE THE +KEY TO ALL OUR EFFORTS+ TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FOR THE GROWING NUMBER OF JOURNEYS THAT PEOPLE WOULD WISH TO MAKE.
OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, MR. JONES SAID THAT A QUANTUM JUMP IN BOTH THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WAS EXPECTED.
HE GAVE FIVE EXAMPLES J
* THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, WHICH WILL OPEN ITS FIRST SECTION FROM KWUN TONG TO SHEK KIP MEI IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, WILL BE CARRYING ALMOST TWO MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY WHEN THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION OPENS IN 1982.
* THE KCR SHOULD BE DOUBLE-TRACKED AND ELECTRIFIED TO THE BORDER BY THE END OF 1982 AND THE INTERCHANGE STATION WITH THE MTR AT KOWLOON TONG WILL EFFECTIVELY INTEGRATE THE TWO RAILWAYS INTO ONE SYSTEM.
/* IT IS.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
2
* IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT FACILITY WILL BE BUILT ON THE NORTH SHORE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, LINKED UNDERGROUND TO THE MTR IN CENTRAL AT ADMIRALTY AND CHATER/PEDDER STATIONS, THUS EFFECTIVELY TURNING THIS FACILITY INTO A FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE MTR. A MAJOR STUDY IS BEING UNDERTAKEN ON THE DETAILED FEASIBILITY OF A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT LINE.
* STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO MODERNISE THE BUS FLEETS AND TO IMPROVE SERVICES. THE EXPANDED AND UPGRADED ROAD SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPRESS BUS SERVICES TO OPERATE ON MANY ROUTES, BOTH IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THESE WILL HELP TO IMPROVE JOURNEY TIMES.
* VERY GOOD FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED AT A NUMBER OF STATIONS FOR PASSENGERS TO INTERCHANGE WITH BUSES. THE MORE IMPORTANT EXAMPLES WILL BE ADMIRALTY STATION IN HONG KONG, THE MTR TERMINAL AT TSUEN WAN, AND HUNG HOM STATION AND THE THREE NEW SHA TIN STATIONS AS REGARDS THE KCR.
THESE WILL ADD FURTHER TO THE SPEED AND CONVENIENCE OF JOURNEY TIMES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASSENGERS.
ADDITIONALLY, THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KCR MAIN LINE WILL MEAN A LARGE INCREASE IN THE FREIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE RAILWAY AND THIS SHOULD, IN TURN, HELP TO TAKE PRESSURE OFF THE ROADS.
ON THE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF THE ROADS, MR. JONES STRESSED THAT, AS TIME WENT ON, SOME DEGREE OF CONSTRAINT WOULD NEED TO BE APPLIED TO PRIVATE TRAVEL.
♦GIVEN THE SMALL SIZE OF HONG KONG AND OUR CROWDED TRAFFIC CONDITION, THERE IS BOUND TO BE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS, TAXIS AND HIRE CARS THAT CAN BE ACCOMMODATED, NO MATTER HOW MANY MORE ROADS WE ACTUALLY BUILD,+ HE SAID.
THERE ARE NOW ABOUT 145,000 PRIVATE CARS, PLUS TAXIS WHOSE USAGE IS EQUIVALENT TO AT LEAST ANOTHER 100,000 PRIVATE CARS.
THE WHITE PAPER POINTED OUT THAT, IF NO CONSTRAINTS WERE APPLIED, THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS COULD GROW TO OVER 400,000 BY 1991.
♦EVEN WITH THE MUCH IMPROVED ROAD SYSTEM, 400,000 OR MORE CARS WOULD LEAD TO UNACCEPTABLE CONGESTION ON CONSIDERABLE STRETCHES OF OUR ROAD SYSTEM,* MR. JONES SAID.
HE ADDED THAT A SOMEWHAT SIMILAR SITUATION AROSE IN THE CASE OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, WHOSE NUMBERS HAVE BEEN INCREASING VERY RAPIDLY IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES IN THE MORE HEAVILY UTILISED URBAN CORRIDORS.
AND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TWO FURTHER ASPECTS WHICH WERE NOT COVERED IN DETAIL IN THE WHITE PAPER, NAMELY PARKING POLICY AND FUTURE POLICY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND MAXICABS, WERE ALSO UNDER EXAMINATION, MR. JONES SAID.
/MH. JONES .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
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MR. JONES EXPLAINED THAT THE THINKING BEHIND THE WHITE PAPER WAS DISTILLED FROM THE RESULTS OF A WHOLE SERIES OF STUDIES OF HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM, STARTING IN THE MID-1960’S AND CULMINATING IN THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY PUBLISHED AT THE END OF 1976. WORK WAS CONTINUING TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND ON THESE STUDIES.
♦THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT ITS TRANSPORT POLICIES ARE ON THE RIGHT LINES AND ARE APPROPRIATE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG.
♦ IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THERE WILL BE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ROAD NETWORK AND IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
♦ BUT, WITH AN EXPANDING ECONOMY AND GROWING POPULATION, THIS IS A GAME IN WHICH ONE HAS TO RUN HARD TO STAY IN THE SAME PLACE. SO WE WILL NEED'TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON THE GROWTH OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROADS, TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION WHERE POSSIBLE BY MORE SOPHISTICATED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES BUT, IN THE LAST RESORT, TO PLACE THE APPROPRIATE CONSTRAINTS ON THE LESS EFFICIENT USERS OF ROAD SPACE.
♦ TO MAINTAIN THE EASE OF MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS IN HONG KONG WILL INVOLVE A CONTINUING BATTLE, BUT IT IS A BATTLE THAT MUST BE WON TO HELP SUSTAIN THE STRENGTH OF OUR ECONOMY AND OUR QUALITY OF LIFE,+ MR. JONES CONCLUDED.
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FUEL SAVING MEASURES APPROVED
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED AS PART OF A MAJOR EFFORT TO SAVE FUEL, THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) BILL 1979, WHICH RESTRICTS THE USE CF ELECTRIC LIGHT FOR ADVERTISING, DISPLAY OR FLOODLIGHTING.
THE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME (GMT PLUS NINE) FOR FIVE MONTHS.
SPEAKING IN THE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID THE SELECTIVE BAN ON THE USE OF ELECTRIC LIGHT FOR ADVERTISING, DISPLAY AND FLOODLIGHTING, EXCEPT BETWEEN 8 P.M. AND 11.30 P.M., WOULD COME INTO FORCE-ON SUNDAY (MAY 13), TOGETHER WITH THE C ANGE TO DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.
A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THESE MEASURES WOULD BE STEPPED UP TO EXHORT ALL SECTIONS OF THE COMMUL'ITY TO SAVE FUEL THROUGH SAVING ELECTRICITY AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO SET AIR-CONDITIONING THERMOSTATS AT NO LOWER THAN 26 DEGREES CELSIUS.
IN ADDITION POWER COMPANIES WOULD BE ASKED TO REDUCE THEIR SPINNING RESERVES.
IR. J rLtFFZLjjSON
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
- 4 -
MR. JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT A GREAT DEAL OF THOUGHT HAD GONE INTO THE WAY IN WHICH THE PRESENT MEASURES SHOULD BE APPLIED. AS A RESULT IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT ARCADES, WHERE EVEN DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS THE LIGHTING IS MOSTLY PROVIDED BY THE DISPLAY LIGHTS IN THE SHOP WINDOWS, SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE BAN.
SIMILAR EXCEPTIONS WOULD BE MADE IN OTHER CASES WHERE THE DIRECTOR OF OIL SUPPLIES, WHO IS CONCURRENTLY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, CONSIDERED THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE BAN WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
♦THE PUMPING OF WATER DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS IS A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ARRANGE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IS CONSIDERING WITH THE POWER COMPANIES HOW THIS MIGHT BE DONE,+ MR. JEAFFRESON SAID.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS INDICATING THE LOCATIONS OF HOSPITALS, REGISTERED DOCTORS, DENTISTS OR PHARMACISTS AND THE USE OF ELECTRIC LIGHT FOR TELEVISION OR CINEMA ADVERTISEMENTS WOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM THE BAN.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE GOVERNMENT HOPED THAT THE COMBINED PACKAGE OF FUEL SAVING MEASURES WOULD REDUCE OIL CONSUMPTION IN HONG KONG BY ABOUT FIVE PER CENT OVER THE REMAINING EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR — IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY.
MR. JEAFFRESON ADDED THAT GOVERNMENT WAS DOING EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MAJOR OIL COMPANIES, TO MONITOR THE SUPPLY OF OIL TO HONG KONG.
HE STRESSED THAT ALL FUEL SAVING MEASURES, INCLUDING THE ADOPTION OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME, WOULD BE DISCONTINUED AS SOON AS THE PRESENT OIL SHORTAGE ENDED.
THE GOVERNMENT IS ITSELF TAKING THE LEAD IN ATTEMPTING TO BRING ABOUT FUEL ECONOMIES BY TURNING UP AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM THERMOSTATS IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS TO 26 DEGREES CELSIUS, BY EXHORTING ALL STAFF TO AVOID THE UNNECESSARY USE OF ELECTRICITY, AND BY MONITORING THE USE OF ELECTRICITY IN ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IT IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT INDUSTRY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CURTAIL PRODUCTION AND HE EMPHASISED THAT UNLESS REAL SAVINGS ARE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE FIRST SET OF ECONOMY MEASURES MORE DRASTIC MANDATORY MEASURES MIGHT HAVE TO BE TAKEN IN THE FUTURE TO ENSURE THAT THE ECONOMY IS NOT AFFECTED.
THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) BILL 1979 DEALS WITH OIL CRISIS GENERALLY, NOT JUST THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PRESENT SHORTAGE OF SUPPLY. IT CONFERS UPON THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL POWERS TO REGULATE THE STORAGE, SUPPLY, ACQUISITION, DISPOSAL AND CONSUMPTION OF OIL AND THE SUPPLY AND CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND GAS.
WBDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
- 5 -
IT ALSO EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO REGULATE THE USE OF VEHICLES ON ROADS AND THE USE OF AIRCRAFT, VESSELS, TRAINS AND TRAMS.
THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO BE ENABLED TO APPOINT A DIRECTOR OF OIL SUPPLIES TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO SUPPLIERS AND DEALERS AS TO THE STORAGE, SUPPLY USE AND DISPOSAL OF OIL AND TO GIVE SIMILAR DIRECTIONS TO ELECTRICITY AND GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES.
MR. JEAFFRESON STRESSED THAT UNDER THE BILL ONLY SUCH POWERS AS ARE STRICTLY NECESSARY FOR ANY PARTICULAR SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD BE USED.
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SUPPORT FOR SAVE FUEL BILL ft ft ft ft ft
REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN SUPPORTED THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) BILL 1979, BUT REMINDED THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ADVICE IT DID NOT TAKE FOUR YEARS AGO TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF OUR OIL RESERVES.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY)'HE SAID.HE HOPED THAT IN A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY LIKE THE PRESENT, THE POWER COMPANIES WILL NOT BE TEMPTED TO DIG INTO OUR STRATEGIC RESERVES.
♦IT WOULD SEEM TO ME TO BE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICE TO KEEP OUR RESERVES AT THE MAXIMUM AS A CUSHION AGAINST THE DAY WHEN THE SITUATION MAY DETERIORATE FURTHER,* HE SAID.
ANOTHER WORRY, EXPRESSED BY SOME UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, RAISES A VERY IMPORTANT POINT, FR. MCGOVERN CONTINUED. THE WORRY IS WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE OIL SUPPLIERS’ GUARANTEE THAT THEY WILL BE WILLING AND ABLE TO SUPPLY US WITH 95 PER CENT OF OUR NEEDS, IF THE PUBLIC DOES ITS PART AND VOLUNTARILY CUTS CONSUMPTION BY FIVE PER CENT.
HE SAID THE ONLY THING THAT CAN BE GUARANTEED AS FAR AS THE PUBLIC CAN SEE, +IS A PROMPT AND POSITIVE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A RISE IN PRICES, TIMED IN PERFECT UNISON, AND IN THE CASE OF PETROL, BY THE EXACT SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY.*
WHILE HE DID NOT INTEND TO GET INVOLVED IN THE CONTROVERSY AS TO WHETHER OPEC OR +THE SEVEN SISTERS AND THEIR RELATIVES ARE GREATER VILLAINS BECAUSE THEY ARE ALLEGEDLY PROFITEERING AT EVERY STEP OF THE PROCESS FROM THE BARREL OF CRUDE TO THE PETROL PUMP,* HE WAS HAPPY TO SEE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF OIL SUPPLIES WILL HAVE POWERS TO EXAMINE THEIR BOOKS.
HE HOPED THAT THE DIRECTOR WILL DEMAND CONVINCING REASONS FOR EVERY CENT OF ANY FUTURE RISE IN PRICES.
:.:cgcv3rk.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
6
FR. MCGOVERN POINTED OUT THAT TO CONSERVE FUEL, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS NOT THE POWERS AND PENALTIES PROVIDED BY THE BILL, BUT VOLUNTARY PUBLIC EFFORT TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY.
HE SAID THERE HAS BEEN INCREASING EVIDENCE IN RECENT MONTHS THAT THE REAL INCOMES OF MANY HOUSEHOLDS ARE LOSING AGAINST INFLATION AND ONE WAY TO HELP TURN THE TIDE IS TO CUT DOWN ON THE UNNECESSARY USE OF ELECTRICITY THROUGH CARELESS OR THOUGHTLESS HABITS.
HE SAID THERE WAS AT FIRST SOME CONFUSION OVER THE EXACT REASON FOR INTRODUCING OIL CONSERVATION MEASURES, WHETHER THERE WAS TALK OF ACTUAL PHYSICAL SHORTAGE OF OIL REACHING HONG KONG OR WHETHER WE WERE TO SAVE MONEY TO BUY OIL AT VERY EXPENSIVE SPOT PRICES.
+TO ME, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF OUR BALANCE OF TRADE AND ITS EFFECT ON INFLATION, IT WOULD NOT MATTER MUCH WHICH WAS THE REAL REASON. EITHER WOULD BE GOOD ENOUGH TO JUSTIFY THIS LEGISLATION,* HE SAID.
THE HON. JAMES WU ALSO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL AND ASKED THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY BE GIVEN PRIORITY SHOULD IT EVER BECOME NECESSARY TO ALLOCATE OIL RESOURCES.
HE FURTHER URGED THAT THE SAME PRIORITY BE GIVEN IN THE USE OF VEHICLES, FOR THE TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS.
PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE SO ESSENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY IN HONG KONG WILL THUS NOT BE JEOPARDISED, HE SAID.
MR. WU ALSO SUGGESTED THAT AN ADVISORY MACHINERY WITH POSSIBLE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES COULD BE SET UP TO GIVE ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS TO THE DIRECTOR OF OIL SUPPLIES IN HIS DUTIES TO CONSERVE OIL CONSUMPTION.
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CHANGES IN RENT CONTROL MEASURES PROPOSED
******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, WHICH PROPOSES CERTAIN CHANGES IN THE'RENT CONTROL MEASURES AFFECTING PRIVATE SECTOR TENANCIES.
THESE PROPOSALS INCLUDEi
* EXTENDING RENT CONTROL ON POSTWAR DOMESTIC PREMISES OCCUPIED BEFORE DECEMBER 14, 1973, FOR A FURTHER THREE YEARS-
* REDUCING THE FACTOR REGULATING RENT INCREASES FROM ’3’ TO ’2’-
/* DECONTROLLING
WEDN]
3^11
AY, MAY 9, 1979
7
* DECONTROLLING PREWAR BUSINESS PREMISES-
* INCREASING CURRENT RENTS IN PREWAR BUILDINGS OF FROM THREE TIMES AND SIX TIMES THE 1941 STANDARD RENT IN DOMESTIC AND BUSINESS PREMISES TO FOUR TIMES AND EIGHT TIMES RESPECTIVELY, AND
* EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF SERVING NOTICE OF TENANCY TERMINATION FROM SIX TO 12 MONTHS.
MR. SCOTT SAID THE EXTENSION OF RENT CONTROL ON POSTWAR DOMESTIC PREMISES WOULD MEAN TENANTS WOULD ENJOY SECURITY OF TENURE UNTIL DECEMBER 14, 1982.
HE SAID GENERALLY, RENT CONTROLS ON THESE PREMISES HAD WORKED SATISFACTORILY IN MAINTAINING A REASONABLE BALANCE BETWEEN THE INEVITABLE POLARISED INTERESTS OF LANDLORDS AND TENANTS. ABOUT 150,000 TENANCIES IN POSTWAR PREMISES ----
ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF POSTWAR HOUSING STOCK AVAILABLE FOR LETTING --- ARE STILL SUBJECT TO THESE CONTROLS.
+AT PRESENT, RENTS OF THE MAJORITY OF CONTROLLED PREMISES STAND AROUND 70-75 PER CENT OF FAIR MARKET RENTS,* HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE REDUCTION OF THE FACTOR FROM ’3’ TO ’2’ WHICH REGULATES RENT INCREASES, MR. SCOTT SAID THIS WOULD CONTINUE THE PROCESS OF GRADUALLY REDUCING THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN REGULATED AND MARKET LEVEL RENTS.
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE 21 PER CENT CEILING FOR RENT INCREASES OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE APPLIED, EXCEPT FOR A FEW VERY LARGE FLATS, AS WAS THE CASE AT PRESENT.
ON PREWAR BUSINESS PREMISES, THE BILL PROPOSES TO REMOVE RESTRICTIONS ON THEM FROM JULY 1, 1984, BUT WHERE RESIDENCE WAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED IN THESE PREMISES, THE TENANT, AFTER JULY 1, 1984, WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR AN EXTENSION OF HIS TENANCY NOT EXCEEDING ONE YEAR AT ANY ONE TIME.
THE RENT FOR SUCH A TENANCY WOULD ALSO BE FIXED BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL AT FAIR MARKET RENT OR ONE-THIRD MORE THAN THE RENT THEN PREVAILING, WHICHEVER IS THE LESS.
MR. SCOTT SAID THERE WERE NOW LESS THAN 5,000 PREWAR BUILDINGS CONTAINING UNDER 14,500 UNITS. THESE WERE ORIGINALLY SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIVE CONTROLS, MITIGATED TO SOME EXTENT BY PROVISIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT, EXCLUSION AND RECOVERY FOR OWNER-OCCUPATION.
♦AS A-RESULT, 8,820 UNITS ONLY ARE NOW EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLED --- 60 PER CENT ARE USED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND
AO PER CENT FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES,+ MR. SCOTT REVEALED.
♦THE LARGE MAJORITY OF THE UNITS EFFECTIVELY UNDER CONTROL CONSIST OF TENEMENT FLOORS CHARACTERISED BY FRAGMENTED OWNERSHIP, SUBTENANCIES, MIXED USES, AND POOR MAINTENANCE AND ENVIRONMENT. THE AVERAGE RENT PASSING FOR DOMESTIC UPPER FLOORS IS JUST OVER ONE-QUARTER OF FAIR MARKET RENT, AND FOR BUSINESS GROUND FLOORS IT IS LESS THAN ONE-HALF THE FAIR MARKET RENT,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9. 1979
8 -
REFERRING TO THE RENT INCREASES IN PREWAR BUILDINGS FROM THE CURRENT LEVEL OF THREE TIMES AND SIX TIMES THE 1941 STANDARD RENT IN DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC PREMISES TO FOUR TIMES AND EIGHT TIMES RESPECTIVELY, MR. SCOTT SAID THERE WAS A SAFEGUARD PROVIDED IN THAT A TENANT SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY MORE THAN THE FAIR MARKET RENT.
A CLAUSE ALSO ENABLED A TENANT, ON RECEIPT OF A NOTICE OF INCREASE OF RENT, TO SEEK FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, A CERTIFICATE OF FAIR MARKET RENT.
ON THE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE PERIOD OF SERVING THE NOTICE OF TERMINATION FROM SIX MONTHS TO 12 MONTHS, MR. SCOTT SAID IT WAS RECOGNISED THAT TENANTS IN POSTWAR DOMESTIC PREMISES WHOSE TENANCIES WERE ABOUT TO EXPIRE MIGHT NEED A LONGER PERIOD TO DISCUSS TERMS OF RENEWAL WITH THEIR LANDLORDS OR TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.
THIS PROPOSAL TOOK EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF GAZETTING OF THE BILL ON MAY 4.
COMMENTING ON THESE PROPOSALS, MR. SCOTT SAID A CAREFUL INVESTIGATION OF THE SUPPLY OF AND DEMAND FOR PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING, THE TREND TOWARDS INCREASING HOME OWNERSHIP, THE ACCELERATING PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME AND THE LEVEL OF RENTS ON RENEWAL OF LEASES WAS CARRIED OUT.
THERE HAD CLEARLY BEEN SOME CASES OF SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN RENT FOR LARGE FLATS AND LUXURY HOUSES, DUE MAINLY TO THE GROWING NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES AND BUSINESS EXPANDING OR SETTING UP OFFICES IN HONG KONG, MR. SCOTT EXPLAINED.
BUT, HE STRESSED, THE REVIEW SHOWED THAT THE GENERAL LEVEL OF INCREASES FOR SMALL FLATS ---- THE GREAT MAJORITY OF
UNCONTROLLED PREMISES BUILT AFTER 1973 ---- WAS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY
ABOVE THE LEVEL PERMITTED UNDER RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION, NOR WAS IT SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF LINE WITH OTHER PRICE INCREASES.
THERE ARE ABOUT 37,300 TENANCIES IN POSTWAR PRIVATE PREMISES WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECT TO RENT OR TENANCY CONTROLS.
MR. SCOTT ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE REVIEW HIGHLIGHTED THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL PRODUCTION OF BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR HOUSING OF 65,000 UNITS A YEAR FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS --- AN INCREASE OF NEARLY EIGHT PER CENT A YEAR TO THE TOTAL HOUSING STOCK IN HONG KONG.
FURTHERMORE HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY PURSUING WAYS OF INCREASING THE QUANTITY OF LAND TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR BUILDING FLATS, IN PARTICULAR MEDIUM AND LARGE FLATS AND OF REDEVELOPING MORE INTENSIVELY GOVERNMENT’S EXISTING RESIDENTIAL SITES.
+1 DO NOT CONSIDER THAT FURTHER EXTENSION OF RENT CONTROL IS NECESSARY BEYOND THE MEASURES I HAVE OUTLINED, BUT I SHALL CONTINUE TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON HOUSING PRODUCTION AND RENT LEVELS AND IF NECESSARY, FURTHER MEASURES WILL BE PROPOSED TO THIS COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
3
COMPULSORY EDUCATION — HINDRANCES MUST BE OVERCOME *****
REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT SUPPORTED THE INTENTION OF THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 TO EXTEND COMPULSORY EDUCATION TO FORM III BUT POINTED OUT PROBLEMS IN IMPLEMENTING SUCH EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
SHE SAID THERE ARE HINDRANCES — INSUFFICIENT SCHOOLS FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, AND INSUFFICIENT FACILITIES TO GET ALL THE CHILDREN LIVING IN RURAL AREAS OR ON BOATS — WHICH MUST BE OVERCOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
♦OUR COMMUNITY CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE AN UNEDUCATED POPULATION IN 10 OR 20 YEARS TIME,+ SHE SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE POINTED OUT, FURTHERMORE. THAT WHILE PARENTS ARE MORE WILLING TO INSIST ON THEIR CHILDREN REMAINING AT PRIMARY SCHOOL, THEY ARE MORE INDUCED TO HAVE THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN WORK TOWARDS CONTRIBUTING TO THE FAMILY BUDGET.
ALTHOUGH THE AGE OF EMPLOYMENT WILL BE RAISED AND THF RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYING CHILDREN WILL BE EXTENDED BEYOND FACTORIES, SHE HOPED THAT THE STAFFING OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE INCREASED SUFFICIENTLY TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH PARENTS WHO DO NOT SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO ATTEND SCHOOL REGULARLY.
ANOTHER PROBLEM OF ENFORCING COMPULSORY EDUCATION IS THE REQUIREMENT FOR PARENTS TO BUY TEXTBOOKS AND STATIONERY, MISS BENNETT POINTED OUT.
THERE ARE NO PLANS TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO NEEDY STUDENTS AT SECONDARY LEVEL FOR THESE PURCHASES. ALTHOUGH THOSE FAMILIES RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CAN GET REFUNDS, THERE ARE OTHERS JUST OUTSIDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY NET WHICH IS DESIGNED TO CATCH ONLY THOSE IN REAL NEED, SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE ALREADY FEELING THE EFFECT OF THE ABOLITION OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAMINATION AND STUDENTS ARE COMING INTO FORM I LACKING DISCIPLINE AND THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE INCENTIVE TO STUDY HARD.
SHE QUERIED THE ADEQUACY OF HAVING ONE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER FOR 4,000 STUDENTS, AND THE ADEQUACY OF A RATIO OF 1.3 TEACHER FOR ONE CLASS OF 40 STUDENTS.
SHE FORESAW THAT THE BILL WILL PLACE AN INTOLERABLE STRAIN ON THE ALREADY OVERPRESSED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS, AND CALLED FOR AN INCREASE IN THE RATIO WHICH SHE SAID WAS IMPOSED AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE IN 1965 AND HAS LASTED TOO LONG.
SHE REJECTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S COMMENT THAT SHE HAS EXPENSIVE IDEAS ON EDUCATION.
♦I AM ASKING ONLY FOR NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM SO THAT OUR SCHOOLS WILL BE WORTH COMPELLING PARENTS TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN T0,+ SHE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
10
ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SUPPORTED THE BILL BUT ASKED FOR A REALISTIC SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF PLACING FISHERFOLK CHILDREN IN SCHOOL.
HE AGREED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM OF SOME FISHERFOLK MOVING FROM ONE TYPHOON SHELTER TO ANOTHER BUT ASKED WHY THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO GIVE THEM PRACTICAL ENCOURAGEMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT IS THE ROLE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER INTERESTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE A REALISTIC SOLUTION WHERE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE WAS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES.
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TOPLEY EXPLAINS FLEXIBILITY OF EDUCATION BILL ******
THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IS DRAWN IN THE WAY IT IS TO GIVE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION DISCRETIONARY POWERS TO ISSUE AN ATTENDANCE ORDER RATHER THAN TO DESIGNATE NON-ATTENDANCE AS A CRIME, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.
REFERRING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 15, MR. TOPLEY SAID, -+WE REALISED THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE ENTERPRISE AND THE NEED NOT TO BE TOO RIGID BUT RATHER TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CIRCUMSTANCES.*
♦ I DON’T KNOW OF ANY COUNTRY WHERE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE IS ENFORCED TOTALLY IRRESPECTIVE OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE SAID.
♦ I DO NOT WISH ANY MEMBER TO BE UNDER ANY ILLUSION THAT EVERY LAST CHILD WILL BE IN SCHOOL NEXT SEPTEMBER. EVEN WITH THE GREATEST IMAGINABLE RESOURCES THIS WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE. I ALSO ASSURE MEMBERS THAT WE WILL DO OUR LEVEL BEST WITH THE RESOURCES WE CAN REASONABLY COMMAND,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ON THE ^CONCERTED APPROACH* TOWARDS THE PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY THE CHILDREN OF BOAT PEOPLE, HE SAIDi
♦THE COMPLEX OF PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY THE BOAT DWELLERS IS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RELEVANT SECRETARIAT BRANCHES.*
THE NEEDS OF BOAT DWELLERS* CHILDREN WERE BEING CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF GENERAL PROBLEMS OF IMPLEMENTING COMPULSORY JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN IN ISOLATED AREAS, W. TOPLEY ADDED. ’
/on .................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
11 -
ON FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS EXPENSES FOR TEXTBOOKS AND UNIFORMS, FACED BY POOR FAMILIES RAISED BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT, HE SAID CASES OF HARDSHIP OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE COULD BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
♦THIS CAN BE DONE ON THE INITIATIVE OF THE PARENTS OR OF THE SCHOOL.
♦SUCH CASES CAN THEN BE CONSIDERED FOR ASSISTANCE FROM CERTAIN TRUST FUNDS SUCH AS THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND AND THE TANG SHIU KIN/HO TIM CHARITABLE TRUST FUND,* NR. TOPLEY SAID.
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GOVT REVIEWING PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING THE PROVISIONS OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE IN THE LIGHT OF PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE THOUGHT THERE ARE POSSIBILITIES FOR CHANGE WHICH WOULD REMOVE MUCH OF THE CONCERN NOW BEING VOICED.
♦ WE SHALL PRESS ON AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID, +BUT WE DO NOT INTEND TO BE RUSHED BECAUSE WE ARE DEALING WITH A PART OF THE LAW AND ORDER FIELD WHICH NEEDS CAREFUL CONSIDERATION.♦
MR. HOBLEY WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. PETER C. WONG WHO REFERRED TO THE RECENT DECISION OF THE HIGH COURT IN THE YAU MA TEI BOAT DWELLERS CASE AND PUBLIC CONCERN, AND ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE WITH RESPECT TO CONTROL OF MEETINGS AND PUBLIC GATHERINGS.
ON THE HIGH COURT’S DECISION, MR. HOBLEY SAIDi +WITHOUT QUESTIONING THE DECISION ITSELF, I DO NOT ACQUIESCE IN SOME OF THE COURT’S GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AS TO WHAT THE POSITION IS IN OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH DID NOT ARISE FOR DETERMINATION IN THE CASE.*
REFERRING TO THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, MR. HOBLEY SAID IT CAME INTO BEING IN RATHER DIFFERENT TIMES AND WAS NOT CONCEIVED IN THE CONTEXT OF ANY PARTICULAR SITUATION OF DISORDER.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN MINDFUL OF THE CONSIDERABLE AUTHORITY VESTED IN IT BY THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE LAW HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED IN A REPRESSIVE WAY.
♦IT HAS BEEN APPLIED IN A WAY WHICH IS AIMED AT AVOIDING INCONVENIENCE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND ENSURING THAT THE POLICE FORCE IS AT ALL TIMES ABLE TO MAINTAIN PUBL IC ORDER.*
/LIC3IC3S FOR......
12
LICENCES FOR MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS WERE RARELY REFUSED, HE POINTED OUT, AND THE GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE WERE THEMSELVES LIMITED.
♦IN PARTICULAR, PROVIDED THAT THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL WILL NOT BE INCONVENIENCED, THE RIGHT OF PEOPLE TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS RESPECTED.♦
MR. HOBLEY SAID THE COMMUNITY HAD ALWAYS BEEN INTOLERANT OF DISORDER. ♦IT HAS BEEN THEREFORE BEEN A COMMUNITY WHICH HAS BEEN PREPARED TO TOLERATE SOME CONSTRAINTS ON FREEDOM OF ASSOC I AT ION.♦
IT HAD NEVER BEEN THE OBJECT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY TO IMPOSE CONSTRAINTS ON FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AS SUCH, HE SAID, NOR WAS THE ISSUE HERE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, BUT THE WAY IN WHICH THAT FREEDOM WAS EXERCISED.
THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM WAS TO ENSURE THAT IT COULD KEEP A PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN THE RIGHT OF PEOPLE TO MEET TOGETHER IN PUBLIC AND THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
♦THUS THE OBJECT HAS BEEN TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE DO NOT GATHER AT A TIME OR IN A PLACE OR IN NUMBERS WHICH MAY CREATE PROBLEMS IN RELATION TO THE MAINTENANCE OF PEACE AND GOOD ORDER.
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BILL TO RAISE CEILING OF TAX EXEMPTION RATE ******
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO RAISE FROM 7-1/2 PER CENT TO 7-3/4 PER CENT THE CEILING ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S AUTHORITY TO SPECIFY THE RATE OF EXEMPTION OF INTEREST PAYABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT, LICENSED BANKS AND CERTAIN SPECIFIED PUBLIC UTILITIES WAS READ THE SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1979, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE BILL WAS BROUGHT INTO FORCE ON APRIL 20 BY MEANS OF A REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER.
HE SAID THAT ON THE SAME DAY HE SIGNED A NOTICE SPECIFYING 7-3/4 PER CENT AS THE RATE OF EXEMPTION +FOR THE TIME BE ING.♦
THE BILL, HE SAID, DELIBERATELY DID NOT PROVIDE FOR A FRESH CEILING SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TO ACCOMMODATE ANY FURTHER INCREASE OR INCREASES IN THE RATE PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS ABOVE THAT WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 20.
♦TO DO SO WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY BE MISINTERPRETED. AND I DO NOT WISH TO BE THOUGHT TO BE TAKING ANY VIEW ABOUT THE FUTURE COURSE OF INTEREST RATES AT THIS TIME.
♦THIS BILL, THEREFORE, SEEKS NO MORE THAN AN INCREASE IN THE CEILING SUFFICIENTLY LARGE TO ACCOMMODATE THE CURRENT RATE OF INTEREST ON SAVING ACCOUNTS OF 7-3/4 PER CENT.*
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
13
BILL TO STRENGTHEN DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S INDEPENDENCE ******
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF AUDIT HAD ITS SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT HAS NOW ACQUIRED A SUFFICIENT DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO WARRANT HIS REMUNERATION BEING PROVIDED FOR STATUTORILY.
♦AS THE POWER OF APPOINTMENT RESTS WITH THE GOVERNOR, UNDER SECTION 3 (1) OF THE ORDINANCE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE LEVEL OF REMUNERATION SHALL ALSO BE DETERMINED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE GOVERNOR.
♦THUS, THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WILL BE, IN FUTURE, IF THIS BILL IS PASSED, EXCLUDED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT AND HIS SALARY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR IN THE ESTIMATES IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION AND THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
HE SAID THESE CHANGES WILL REFLECT THE FACT THAT THE DIRECTOR, IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES AND IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS POWERS, + 13 NOT SUBJECT TO THE DIRECTION OR CONTROL OF ANY OTHER PERSON OR AUTHORITY.+
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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NEW AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BILL TO BE INTRODUCED AT LEGCO SOON *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HE HOPED TO PRESENT THE NEW AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BILL AT THE NEXT SESSION.
MR. JONES SAID THIS IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF AIR POLLUTION CAUSED BY INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE MEASURES TO CONTROL AND REDUCE THE PROBLEM.
HE SAID HE COULD ONLY ANSWER THE QUESTION THE STAFF AND OTHER RESOURCES HE HAD ASKED FOR PROTECTION UNIT HAD BEEN PROVIDED.
DEFINITELY WHEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL
♦HOPEFULLY, THIS WILL NOT TAKE TOO LONG,+ MR. JONES SAID.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED AIR POLLUTION IN HONG REACHED REALLY SERIOUS PROPORTIONS.
KONG HAS NOT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
14
MR. JONES SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF AIR POLLUTION IN KWAI CHUNG DECREASED LAST YEAR COMPARED WITH 1977, DESPITE A STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED FACTORIES WITH FUEL BURNING INSTALLATIONS.
♦FROM WHAT MEASUREMENTS WE HAVE, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT AIR POLLUTION IN KWAI CHUNG IS NO WORSE THAN IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRIALISED AREA IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SURVEILLANCE UNDER THE EXISTING CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE WAS BEING STEPPED UP AND THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS BEING STRENGTHENED.
IN 1978 THERE WERE 559 INSPECTIONS OF FUEL BURNING INSTALLATIONS IN KWAI CHUNG ALONE AND 33 APPLICATIONS FOR NEW CHIMNEY DESIGNS WERE PROCESSED.
HE SAID THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE ONLY DEALT WITH SMOKE, DUST AND GRIT EMISSIONS RESULTING FROM THE COMBUSTION OF FUEL AND IT PROVIDED NO SAFEGUARD AGAINST THE EMISSION OF OTHER TOXIC GASES TO THE ATMOSPHERE WHICH, BECAUSE THEY WERE OFTEN INVISIBLE, DID NOT GIVE RISE TO PUBLIC COMPLAINT.
♦WHEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT IS PROPERLY OPERATING IT WILL PROVIDE A FULLY INSTRUMENTED AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK,* MR. JONES SAID.
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INCREASED DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE WILL BENEFIT MANUFACTURING SECTOR ******
THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WILL BENEFIT FROM A PROPOSAL WHICH SEEKS TO INCREASE THE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE, UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, BY FIVE PER CENT TO 25 PER CENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING A MOTION ON THE PROPOSAL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE BOARD OF INLAND REVENUE HAD MADE A REVISED TABLE INTRODUCING THE AMENDED RATES, TO BE APPLICABLE TO BOTH FINAL 1978-79 AND PROVISIONAL 1979-80 ASSESSMENTS.
THE PRINCIPAL BENEFICIARIES OF THIS PROPOSAL, HE SAID, WOULD BE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, COVERING ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT, ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING MACHINERY AND PLANT, PLASTIC MANUFACTURING MACHINERY AND PLANT INCLUDING MOULDS, SILK, TEXTILE AND CLOTHING MANUFACTURING MACHINERY AND PLANT, AND WEAVING, SPINNING, KNITTING AND SEWING MACHINERY.
AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASE, HE ADDED, THE NUMBER OF HEADS ATTRACTING THE 25 PER CENT RATE WOULD THUS BECOME 15 OUT OF A TOTAL
AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE TWO-I NSTALMENT SYSTEM, THE COST TO THE REVENUE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WILL BE $22.5 MILLION, SAID W. HADDON-CAVE.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
15
BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE INCREASE EXPLAINED *****
A MOTION TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE ANNUAL BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE WAS INCREASED FROM $150 TO $175 SINCE APRIL 1.
HE SAID THE FEE WAS LAST REVISED FROM $50 TO $150 FOUR YEARS AGO TO RESTORE, PARTIALLY, A CHARGE INTRODUCED IN 1952 AT $200 A YEAR AND TO INTRODUCE A TAX-LOADING ELEMENT.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS ELEMENT, HE ADDED, WAS DESIGNED TO OBTAIN A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC REVENUE FROM THE PROPRIETORS OF BUSINESSES NOT PAYING PROFITS TAX BECAUSE THEIR CHARGEABLE PROFITS WERE COVERED BY ALLOWANCES AVAILABLE UNDER PERSONAL ASSESSMENT.
♦TO RESTORE THE TAX-LOADING WOULD REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN THE FEE OF ABOUT 20 PER CENT OR A FEE OF $175,+ HE SAID.
THE ESTIMATED YIELD WOULD BE ABOUT $6.5 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, HE SAID.
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GOVT GUARANTEES FOR MTR CREDIT FACILITIES ******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES FOR SUPPLIERS’ CREDIT FACILITIES FOR FIVE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONTRACTS.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE CONTRACTS, FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE MTR TO TSUEN WAN, WERE ON A FIXED PRICE BASIS.
+THREE OF THE SUPPLIERS’ CREDIT FACILITIES,* HE SAID, ♦ARE IN RESPECT OF CONTRACTS PLACED IN GERMANY FOR THE SUPPLY OF TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT, CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION AND PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM.
♦THE FINANCE TO BE COVERED BY THE GUARANTEES AMOUNTS TO US$8 MILLION.+
THE REMAINING SUPPLIERS CREDIT FACILITIES COVER TWO CONTRACTS PLACED IN JAPAN FOR THE SUPPLY OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND OF STATION AND TUNNEL AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT.
THESE CONTRACTS, WORTH $138 MILLION, WERE AWARDED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS TO EXCLUDE ANY EXCHANGE RISK.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE INTEREST RATES INVOLVED WOULD BE COMPETITIVE AND AMOUNTS DUE IN RESPECT OF INTEREST WILL BE COVERED BY THE GUARANTEES.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL GUARANTEE COMMITMENT IN RESPECT OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION STOOD AT $8,760 MILLION.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
16
MEASURES TO PREVENT FLOODING OUTLINED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT TAKES TO PREVENT FLOODING IN LOW-LYING URBAN AREAS ON THE APPROACH OF RAINY SEASON EACH YEAR.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. WONG LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID: +JUST PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF THE RAINY SEASON EACH YEAR AN INSPECTION AND CLEARANCE OPERATION IS CARRIED OUT ON ALL DRAINAGE INSTALLATIONS AND A STEPPED-UP CLEARANCE PROGRAMME IS MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.+
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, EVEN WITH THESE PRECAUTIONS LOCAL FLOODING COULD STILL OCCUR UNDER HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS IF BLOCKAGES WERE CREATED BY RUBBISH DEPOSITED IN ROADWAYS BETWEEN CLEARANCES.
SPECIALIST GANGS OPERATING ON A 24-HOUR STAND-BY WOULD DEAL PROMPTLY WITH ALL REPORTS OF FLOODING.
TURNING TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON THE SAFETY OF HILLSIDE SQUATTERS, MR. MCDONALD SAID: +AT THE START OF THE WET SEASON, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES RELEASES TO THE MEDIA A STATEMENT EMPHASISING THE DANGERS BROUGHT BY HEAVY RAINS AND GIVING INFORMATION ON THE AVAILABILITY OF REFUGE CENTRES.
♦WHEN A PERIOD OF EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY AND PROLONGED RAINFALL IS FORECAST G.I.S. WILL ISSUE THE FORECAST INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC, WARNING OF THE INCREASED RISK OF LANDSLIDES AND ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF THE REFUGE CENTRES.*
HE ADDED THAT DURING ROUTINE VISITS TO SQUATTER AREAS, CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF WOULD ENSURE THAT RESIDENTS OF THE AREAS WERE FULLY INFORMED AND FAMILIAR WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS AND THE LOCATION OF REFUGE CENTRES.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
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ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO FISHERMEN INVOLVED IN SEA COLLISIONS ******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL FISHERMEN WHOSE VESSELS WERE INVOLVED IN COLLISIONS WITH OCEAN-GOING VESSELS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ASSISTED THE FISHERMEN IN IDENTIFYING THE OCEAN-GOING VESSELS INVOLVED AND THE SHIPPING COMPANIES CONCERNED, AND IN APPLYING FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND PUBLIC HOUSING.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. D.G. JEAFFRESON, SAID THIS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HO KAM-FAI.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID RECORDS SHOWED THAT, OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THERE WERE FOUR COLLISIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG LICENSED FISHING VESSELS AND OCEAN-GOING VESSELS.
FIVE PERSONS WERE MISSING AND FIVE INJURED IN TWO COLLISIONS OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS, HE SAID.
THE FIRST COLLISION OCCURED IN MAY 1978 INSIDE HONG KONG WATERS AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAD ASSISTED THE FISHERMEN TO IDENTIFY THE OCEAN-GOING VESSEL INVOLVED AND THE SHIPPING COMPANY CONCERNED.
THE COMPANY HAD REPORTED REACHING A SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT WITH THE FISHERMEN, HE SAID.
THE SECOND COLLISION OCCURRED IN DECEMBER 1978, AGAIN INSIDE HONG KONG WATERS, WITH THE FISHING VESSEL SUFFERING ONLY MINOR DAMAGES TO THE HULL.
THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO ASSISTED THE FISHERMEN TO IDENTIFY THE OCEAN-GOING VESSEL AND THE SHIPPING COMPANY CONCERNED. BUT IN THIS CASE, THE COMPANY HAD REPORTED THAT THE FISHERMEN HAD NOT APPROACHED IT FOR COMPENSATION.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE THIRD COLLISION HAPPENED ON MARCH 7 THIS YEAR OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS.
AFTER FAILING TO IDENTIFY THE OTHER VESSEL CONCERNED, THE FISHERMEN APPROACHED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP, BUT THE VESSEL COULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED.
SINCE MARCH 16, THE FISHERMEN HAVE BEEN RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED, BUT REFUSED, COMPASSIONATE TEMPORARY HOUSING.
THE FOURTH COLLISION OCCURRED EARLY LAST MONTH, ALSO OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS. AGAIN BOTH THE FISHERMEN AND T E MARINE DEPARTMENT FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE OCEAN-GOING VESSEL INVOLVED.
THE FISHERMEN HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND FOR COMPASSIONATE HOUSING BUT WERE FOUI.D TO BE INELIGIBLE.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
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DEEP BAY OYSTERS BASICALLY NOT DANGEROUS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
* * * * *
THE LEVEL OF CADMIUM AND OTHER TOXIC SUBSTANCES FOUND IN OYSTERS IN DEEP BAY IS BASICALLY NOT DANGEROUS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, W. JONES SAID CADMIUM CAN BUILD UP IN THE HUMAN BODY OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND, IN SEVERE CASES, THIS CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE KIDNEYS AND NERVOUS SYSTEM.
NO CASES OF THIS SORT HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN HONG KONG THAT CAN BE RELATED TO THE CONSUMPTION OF OYSTERS, EVEN THOUGH THE CADMIUM LEVEL OF SOME OYSTERS SOLD IN THE DEEP BAY AREA HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT HIGHER THAN NORMAL.
+MANY FOODS CONTAIN SMALL QUANTITIES OF CADMIUM AND FURTHER SMALL AMOUNTS CAN ENTER THE BODY FROM THE AIR WE BREATHE AND BY, FOR INSTANCE, CIGARETTE SMOKING,+ HE SAID.
+WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THE TOTAL INTAKE, AND OYSTER CONSUMPTION WOULD NEED TO BE VERY HEAVY TO EFFECT THIS SIGNIFICANTLY,* MR. JONES STRESSED.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE RESULTS SO FAR OF A WORKING PARTY SET UP LAST YEAR TO INVESTIGATE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CADMIUM IN VARIOUS TYPES OF DIET COMMON IN HONG KONG HAVE GIVEN NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
+AS REGARDS OTHER POSSIBLE TOXIC SUBSTANCES, WE HAVE NOT YET IDENTIFIED ANY SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS IN OYSTERS AT DEEP BAY OTHER THAN BACTERIA, AND THESE ARE MADE HARMLESS BY THOROUGH COOK ING.+
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EXTRA BUS SERVICES TO BEACHES AND COUNTRY PARKS ******
PRESSURE WILL BE TAKEN OFF THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES IN SOME MAJOR URBAN CORRIDORS ONCE THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY GOES INTO FULL OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THIS WILL ENABLE THE COMPANIES TO FURTHER IMPROVE SERVICES TO BEACHES AND COUNTRY PARKS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. JONES SAID THE BUS COMPANIES WERE ALREADY DEPLOYING EXTRA BUSES ON FINE WEATHER SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR TRANSPORT TO POPULAR BEACHES AND COUNTRY PARKS.
/+3XTRA .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
- 19 -
♦EXTRA FREQUENCIES ARE OPERATED ON FOUR KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTES, FIVE CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTES AND ON ALL LANTAU SERVICES,* HE SAID.
MR. JONES SAID KMB OPERATED 10, AND CMB FIVE, RECREATIONAL ROUTES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THESE ARRANGEMENTS WERE MONITORED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
♦THE DEPARTMENT CONSULTS WITH THE COMPANIES ON APPROPRIATE IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICES WHERE THESE ARE NEEDED,+ HE SAID.
BUT MR. JONES SAID THAT DESPITE THE COMPANIES’ EFFORTS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MEET THE HIGH LEVEL OF DEMAND ON SUNDAYS WHICH WAS CFTEN GREATER THAN IN PEAK HOURS DURING WEEKDAYS.
♦THE DEMAND IS ALSO CHANGEABLE, DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER, AND IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO FIND ENOUGH DRIVERS PREPARED TO WORK AT WEEKENDS AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS,* MR. JONES ADDED.
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CENTRE TO RUN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS FOR SEVERELY DISABLED
******
THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTRE AT SANDY BAY IS EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO START RUNNING SENIOR SECONDARY CLASSES FOR SEVERELY PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN 1981, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG AS TO WHEN THE SPECIAL SCHOOL WOULD BE READY TO TAKE IN STUDENTS.
MR. TOPLEY SAID THE CENTRE HAD SUBMITTED PLANS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO BUILD AN EXTENSION TO RUN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS, AND THAT THESE PROPOSALS WOULD BE SUBMITTED SHORTLY TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION.
♦IF FUNDS ARE APPROVED FOR THE PROJECT TO COMMENCE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE EXTENSION WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1981 AND THE SCHOOL WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE IN SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS,+ HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTRE IS RUNNING PREPARATORY, PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES FOR SEVERELY PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
/20
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
20
TAP WATER SAFE TO DRINK *****
THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY AS DELIVERED FROM THE WATERWORKS MAINS IS SAFE FOR DIRECT CONSUMPTION WITHOUT FURTHER TREATMENT AS IT CONFORMS TO STRINGENT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF QUALITY RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦IT SHOULD BE NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, THE WATER TO UPPER FLOORS IS GENERALLY SUPPLIED THROUGH ROOF TANKS AND CONSUMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THEIR PRIVATE STORAGE TANKS, SERVICE PIPES AND FITTINGS ARE MAINTAINED IN A SATISFACTORY CONDITION SO AS TO PREVENT ANY LOCAL DETERIORATION IN QUALITY OF WATER DRAWN FROM TAPS,* MR. MCDONALD SAID.
♦PROVIDED THESE INSTALLATIONS ARE SO MAINTAINED WATER FROM TAPS SHOULD REMAIN SAFE FOR DIRECT CONSUMPTION.+
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT DURING PERIODS OF WATER RESTRICTIONS THE PURITY OF THE TREATED WATER DELIVERED FROM MAINS MIGHT ALSO BE AFFECTED AND IT WAS THEREFORE ADVISABLE TO TAKE THE PRECAUTION OF BOILING DRINKING WATER DURING THESE PERIODS.
- - 0 - -
SPEED LIMITS AIM TO CURB TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
******
SPEED LIMITS ARE IMPOSED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND SEVERITY CF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND SURVEYS ARE CARRIED OUT TO SET THE LIMITS.
THE SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID THIS IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR. JONES SAID, THE LAW AUTOMATICALLY RESTRICTED THE SPEED LIMIT TO 30 MILES AN HOUR ON ANY SECTION OF ROAD WITH STREET LIGHTING UNLESS THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT STIPULATED OTHER SPEED LIMITS.
♦THE SECTION OF POKFULAM ROAD FROM QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL TO THE BUS TERMINUS NEAR POKFIELD ROAD HAS ONLY RECENTLY BEEN REALIGNED AND WIDENED TO FOUR LANES.
♦THIS SECTION OF ROAD IS UNRESTRICTED BUT THE BEHAVIOUR CF TRAFFIC ON IT IS BEING MONITORED TO SEE WHETHER A SPEED LIMIT IS REQUIRED,+ MR. JONES ADDED.
ON THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE MAIN ROAD FROM THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TO THE RACE COURSE AT SHA TIN, MR. JONES SAID IT WAS AT PRESENT 30 MILES AN HOUR.
♦BUT THIS IS ALSO BEING REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS TO SEE WHETHER IT CAN BE RAISED.*
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
- 21 -
WATER SUPPLY IN SAI KUNG
*****
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM TO SAI KUNG ARE IN HAND AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN THREE MONTHS’ TIME, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE SYSTEM WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SAI KUNG TOWN AND 15 VILLAGES AND OTHER USERS IN ITS IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENTS, TOGETHER WITH 21 VILLAGES AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ROUTE OF THE SUPPLY MAIN ALONG HIRAM’S HIGHWAYS AND PART OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
THE SYSTEM, HE ADDED, HAD ALREADY REACHED FULL CAPACITY AND WAS UNABLE TO COPE WITH ANY ADDITIONAL DEMAND PLACED ON IT BY NEW DEVELOPMENT.
♦IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SYSTEM IN THE FORM OF DUPLICATION OF CRITICAL SECTIONS OF MAINS ARE IN HAND AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN THREE MONTHS’ TIME,* MR. MCDONALD SAID.
♦NEW TENDERS FOR THE REMAINING WORKS UNDER THIS ITEM FOR FURTHER MAIN DUPLICATION AND THE ERECTION OF A STORAGE TANK AT TUI MIN HOI ARE ABOUT TO BE CALLED AND THESE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.♦
AFTER COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, HE ADDED, THE SYSTEM WOULD THEN HAVE REACHED THE LIMIT OF ECONOMIC EXPANSION BUT WOULD ONLY CATER FOR THE INCREASING DEMAND IN THE EXISTING SUPPLY AREAS UP TO 1981.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT THE PROBLEM OF MEETING DEMAND BEYOND 1981 COULD BEST BE SOLVED BY DRAWING WATER FROM THE HIGH ISLAND SCHEME AND PROCESSING IT AT A NEW TREATMENT WORKS IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN AREA.
HE POINTED OUT THAT INITIAL PLANNING FOR THIS LONGER TERM SOLUTION HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND A PAPER REQUESTING INCLUSION IN CATEGORY B OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE AT THE FIRST REVIEW OF 1979.
♦IF AGREED THE INTENTION IS TO UPGRADE THE ITEM TO CATEGORY A AT THE SECOND REVIEW AND SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, TO AIM FOR COMPLETION OF THE WORKS BY LATE 1981 CR EARLY 1982,+ HE SAID.
'22 ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
22 -
GAS LEAKAGE — FULL INVESTIGATION CARRIED OUT ******
A FULL INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN MADE INTO THE LEAKAGE OF GAS WHICH AFFECTED THREE SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. ANDREW SO, MR. JONES SAID THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS CAUSED WHEN SOME DRUMS CONTAINING RESIDUAL AMOUNTS OF CHEMICAL, ETHYL ACRYLATE, WERE CRUSHED DURING PROCESSING AT A SCRAP METAL YARD NEAR ONE OF THE SCHOOLS.
♦THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST ESTABLISHED THAT NO MORE THAN ABOUT 14 LITRES OF THE LIQUID WERE RELEASED, SOME OF WHICH THEN EVAPORATED INTO THE ATMOSPHERE AND WAS EVENTUALLY DISPERSED" BUT NOT BEFORE IT HAD GIVEN RISE TO THE ILL-EFFECTS AT THE SCHOOL,♦ MR. JONES SAID.
FOLLOWING IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM, MR. JONES SAID, THE DRUMS WERE CLEANED THOROUGHLY WITH DETERGENT AND SAND BEFORE BEING BURIED.
THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS INVESTIGATED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND IT WAS SO SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ONE THAT +IT MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN DUE TO ETHYL ACRYLATE, WHICH IS QUITE WIDELY USED IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY.+
THE THIRD INCIDENT WAS, IN FACT, A SECOND COMPLAINT FROM THE FIRST SCHOOL AFFECTED AND NOTHING FURTHER WAS FOUND AFTER A FULL INVESTIGATION,+ MR. JONES ADDED.
MR. JONES TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT TO AVOID INCIDENTS OF THIS OR A MORE SERIOUS NATURE IN FUTURE,+ IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO TIGHTEN-UP ON THE PROVISIONS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF CHEMICALS LIKE ETHYL ACRYLATE AND TOXIC WASTES OF ALL KIND.
♦IT IS WITH THIS NEED IN MIND THAT I AM PREPARING A NEW BILL, THE WASTE DISPOSAL BILL, WHICH I HOPE TO INTRODUCE TO THIS COUNCIL BEFORE LONG,+ MR. JONES SAID.
THIS NEW BILL, HE STRESSED, WILL PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR REGULATIONS TO BE MADE CONCERNING THE NOTIFICATION AND SAFE DISPOSAL OF TOXIC AND DIFFICULT WASTES, AND IT WILL BRING HONG KONG’S SAFETY MEASURES IN THIS AREA INTO LINE WITH THOSE IN ADVANCED INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
23
EIGHT BILLS PASSED
*****
EIGHT BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) BILL 1979, ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1979, MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, DETERMINATION OF AGE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1979 AND EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.
--------0-----------
SHORT TERM TENANCY TENDERS FOR TWO TUEN MUN SITES *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A TWO-YEAR TENANCY OF TWO SITES IN THE FAST GROWING INDUSTRIAL AREA OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION FOR VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOP OPERATORS WISHING TO START THEIR BUSINESS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SITES FRONTING KIN TAI STREET AND PUI WING LANE ON TWO SIDES ARE ADJACENT LOTS OF 550 AND 570 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THE TENANCY CONDITIONS STIPULATE THAT STRUCTURES ERECTED SHOULD NOT EXCEED 4.5 METRES IN HEIGHT.
THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, KR. VICTOR LEUNG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TUEN MUN HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS AN INDUSTRIAL TOWNSHIP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH FACTORIES OF VARIOUS TYPES MUSHROOMING IN ITS VAST INDUSTRIAL AREA.
♦HOWEVER,* HE SAID, *THE INDUSTRIAL BOOM HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A GREATER NEED FOR VEHICLE REPAIR SERVICES WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE LOCAL INDUSTRY’S VEHICULAR FLEET.*
BY MAKING THE SITES AVAILABLE, HE SAID, IT WAS HOPED THAT THE BRISK DEMAND FOR CAR REPAIR WORKSHOP SPACE IN THE NEW TOWN COULD BE EASED.
MR. LEUNG SAID TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF THE TWO SITES WILL CLOSE ON MAY 17.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX IN THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE NTA HEADQUARTERS ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON, BEFORE NOON ON THAT DAY.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICES AND AGREEMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE NTA HEADQUARTERS OR ANY OF ITS SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES.
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/24......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1979
- 24 -
CASH RELIEF FOR FAMILY OF VICTIM KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ******
THE FAMILY OF A 17-YEAR-OLD FACTORY WORKER, WHO WAS KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN SHAM SHU I PO LAST THURSDAY, WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) GIVEN |1O,3OO UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S +NO-FAULT+ TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
THE FATHER OF THE MALE WORKER THIS AFTERNOON COLLECTED THE PAYMENT FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH ADMINISTERS THE SCHEME.
THE PAYMENT COMPRISES $1,100 AS BURIAL GRANT, $6,800 AS DEATH GRANT AND $2,400 TO HELP COMPENSATE LOSS OF INCOME.
MRS. DIANA LEE, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SECTION, SAID TODAY’S PAYMENT WAS THE SECOND MADE UNDER THE SCHEME SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION ON MAY 1.
SHE SAID THAT LAST FRIDAY THE FIRST BENEFICIARY OF THE SCHEME, A 13-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLGIRL, WAS GIVEN AN INJURY GRANT OF $1,100.
MRS. LEE SAID THE DECEASED WORKER WAS ONE OF THE WAGE EARNERS IN A FAMILY OF SIX. HIS FATHER IS ALSO SUPPORTING THE FAMILY, SHE ADDED.
♦THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON MAY 3 AND THE FATHER APPLIED FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME THE FOLLOWING DAY,+ SHE SAID.
MRS. LEE SAID THAT AT PRESENT 18 OTHER APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE TAVA SECTION WERE BEING PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE NON-MEANS TESTED SCHEME AIMS AT PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE AT THE TAVA SECTION ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING, 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL (TEL. NOS. 5-222392 AND 5-223254).
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO KADOORIE BEACH TO ABOUT 150 METRES SOUTHWARD, WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE FEBRUARY 19, WILL BE FURTHER CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC UNTIL MAY 20 FOR ROAD AND DRAINS CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE NEW TERR I TOR IES-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY CF THIS SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ALTERNATIVELY. TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE REGULATED BY SIGNALS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. -----------------------o -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
HK’S INFORMATION EFFORT TO BE STRENGTHENED IN BRITAIN ....... 1
BROAD PRINCIPLES IN GOVT TRANSPORT POLICY ................... 3
CANCER IS ALSO A SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROBLEM ..................... 4
RAINFALL IN APRIL ABOVE AVERAGE ............................. 5
REGISTRATION TEAM IN AP LEI CHAU ............................ 7
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .............................. 8
PROHIBITED ZONE ............................................. 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979
1
HK’S INFORMATION EFFORT TO BE STRENGTHENED IN BRITAIN ft * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DRAWN UP A PLAN, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS YEAR, TO STRENGTHEN THE HONG KONG OFFICE IN LONDON AND IMPROVE +OUR INFORMATION EFFORT IN BRITAIN GENERALLY.♦
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR. DAVID FORD, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ZONTA CLUB
IN HIS TALK +HONG KONG 1984,+ MR. FORD SAID HE HOPED TO SEE THE PLAN IMPLEMENTED THIS YEAR AND AFTER THAT +WE MUST THEN TURN OUR ATTENTION TO EUROPE AND THE STATES TO SEE WHETHER MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THOSE PLACES.*
MR. FORD POINTED OUT THAT INCREASINGLY HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO PROSPER IN WORLD MARKETS DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE DEGREE OF UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S SITUATION AND ITS PROBLEMS THAT WE COULD MANAGE TO ACHIEVE IN INFLUENTIAL CENTRES OF INTERNATIONAL OPINION.
+T0 THOSE OF US WHO CARE ABOUT HONG KONG THE PROBLEM OF ITS IMAGE OVERSEAS IS ALWAYS WITH US FOR THAT IMAGE CAN HAVE A SERIOUS AFFECT UPON THE WAY HONG KONG IS REGARDED BY PEOPLE WHO MAKE DECISIONS WHICH AFFECT ITS FUTURE IN ECONOMIC OR POLITICAL TERMS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
♦HOWEVER HARD WE TRY TO PRESENT A BALANCED PICTURE THROUGH THE MEDIA — AND WE MUST TRY HARD — THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CONTACT AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE,* MR. FORD EMPHASISED.
THAT WAS WHY, HE ADDED, IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG TO BRING HERE, PEOPLE WHO WERE IN A POSITION TO INFLUENCE OUR FUTURE EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY. WHY THEY SHOULD SEE HONG KONG AS IT REALLY IS, WARTS AND ALL, AND TALK TO REAL HONG KONG PEOPLE AND FORM THEIR OWN OPINIONS FROM FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE.
+WE ARE SOMETIMES CRITICISED FOR SPENDING TAX PAYERS’ MONEY BY BRINGING PEOPLE HERE. IN MY VIEW IT IS MONEY WELL SPENT,* MR. FORD SAID.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF LOCAL OPINION, MR. FORD SAID HE WOULD EXPECT TO SEE MORE CONCERN WITH COMMUNITY PROBLEMS DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND A GREATER WILLINGNESS TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THEM.
HE ALSO THINKS THERE WOULD BE MORE INTEREST BY THE COMMUNITY IN THE PROCESS AND STYLE OF GOVERNMENT.
/♦PERHAPS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979
2 -
♦PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL WE WILL FIND AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO WANT TO HAVE MORE INFLUENCE OVER THE WAY THEY ARE GOVERNED AND WHO WILL BE MORE PREPARED TO ACTIVELY CAMPAIGN ON ISSUES WHICH CONCERN THEM.+ NR. FORD SAID.
THESE WERE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENTS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE RESISTED OR FRUSTRATED BUT MET WITH RESPONSIVENESS BY THE GOVERNMENT FROM THE ONSET, HE ADDED.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS, BUT RATHER SHOULD ALREADY BEGIN TO CONSIDER HOW TO RESPOND TO THEM OR FORESTALL THEM.
MR. FORD POINTED OUT THAT THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE ALREADY WORKING WELL AND BEGINNING TO EXERT CONSIDERABLE INFLUENCE AND WONDERED WHETHER THERE WAS SCOPE FOR EXTENDING THEM INTO OTHER AREAS.
♦THE COMPOSITION OF OUR COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES IS MUCH BROADER BASED THAN IN THE PAST, BUT HOW ARE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE TO BE IDENTIFIED AND GIVEN EXPERIENCE IN THE EXERCISE OF COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY,* HE INQUIRED.
MR. FORD ALSO RAISED SOME SEARCHING QUESTIONS ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT.
♦IN TERMS OF COMMUNICATION, HOW OPEN A GOVERNMENT COULD WE HAVE BECOME BY 1984? ... ARE THERE MORE COMMITTEES WHICH COULD HOLD THEIR MEETINGS IN PUBLIC? SHOULD WE HAVE A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT TO REPLACE THE OFFICIALS SECRETS ACT?+
HE SAID* +AT LEAST WE HAVE MADE A START BY REVIEWING THE REGULATIONS WHICH AT PRESENT SO TIGHTLY CONSTRAIN THE CIVIL SERVANT FROM COMMUNICATING WITH THE MEDIA ’UNLESS AUTHORISED TO DO S0’.+
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE PRESS, MR. FORD SAID HE DID BELIEVE THAT THE TIME MUST SOON BE RIPE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRESS COUNCIL IN HONG KONG.
WE HAVE TRIED BEFORE IN MORE DIFFICULT POLITICAL SITUATIONS THAN WE HAVE AT PRESENT, BUT PERHAPS IN THE PRESENT ATMOSPHERE SUCH DIFFICULTIES ARE NOW MORE APPARENT THAN REAL,+ HE POINTED OUT.
♦I CAN THINK OF NO OTHER SINGLE MOVE WHICH WOULD ENHANCE THE STANDING OF THE PRESS MORE IN HONG KONG THAN FOR IT TO BE SEEN TO BE ESTABLISHING AND ENFORCING ITS OWN HIGH STANDARD OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL ISM.♦
MR. FORD ALSO WELCOMED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD UNDER THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRMAN OF MR. SHUM CHOI-SANG AND HOPED THAT BY 1984 THE TRAINING SCHEMES THE BOARD HAD RECOMMENDED WOULD HAVE BEEN IN FULL SWING.
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THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979 •
3
BROAD PRINCIPLES IN GOVT TRANSPORT POLICY ******
SIX IMPORTANT BROAD PRINCIPLES HAVE EMERGED FROM THE TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY), DR. R. BUTLER, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, SAID AT A MEETING OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
IN A TALK ENTITLED +FORMULATING AND IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT POL ICY,+ DR. BUTLER SAID THE FIRST AND SECOND PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MEETING THE TERRITORY’S GROWING DEMAND FOR MOBILITY BECAUSE NOT TO DO SO WOULD PUT AN EFFECTIVE BRAKE ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH.
TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND AND TO PRESERVE MOBILITY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO BE GUIDED BY THREE OBJECTIVES*
* IMPROVEMENT IN THE ROAD SYSTEM-
* MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROADS, AND
* EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THE THIRD PRINCIPLE WAS TO IMPROVE THE ROADS, DESPITE CONSTRAINTS BY PHYSICAL SPACE, SO LONG AS THE ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF DOING SO EXCEEDED THE ECONOMIC COST, HE ADDED.
+THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE IS THAT, IN MAKING MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROADS, ALL THE TECHNOLOGICAL, HUMAN AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES, WHICH ARE ECONOMICALLY JUSTIFIED, SHOULD BE USED TO MAXIMISE THE FLOW OF PEOPLE AND VEHICLES,* DR. BUTLER SAID.
THE FIFTH PRINCIPLE WAS TO +GET THE TRAFFIC MIX RIGHT.*
+THIS MEANS THAT HAVING ESTABLISHED A HIERARCHY OF EFFICIENT ROAD USERS (STARTING WITH OFF-STREET SYSTEMS AND PROGRESSING TO BIG ON-STREET VEHICLES AND ENDING WITH SMALL ON-STREET VEHICLES). WE MUST INVEST IN THE MORE EFFICIENT, AND USE FISCAL AND OTHER MEANS TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF THE MORE EFFICIENT, AND CONSTRAIN THE USE OF THE LESS EFFICIENT MEMBERS OF THIS HIERARCHY.
+THE ’OTHER MEANS' INCLUDE BUS-ONLY LANE, PARKING CONTROL, PREVENTION OF OVER-LOADING AND GENERALLY IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TERMS OF FREQUENCY, CONVENIENCE, AND COMFORT,*
THE SIXTH PRINCIPLE WAS TO INTEGRATE OFF-STREET MODES SO THAT THEY COULD BE USED TO THE FULL, HE ADDED.
EARLIER, DR. BUTLER OUTLINED HOW THE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT POLICY WAS FORMULATED AND IMPLEMENTED AND THE ROLES HIS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PLAYING IN THESE MATTERS.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT RECENTLY THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEGUN TO FORMULATE ITS POLICIES MORE OPENLY BY BRINGING PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS FORMALLY AND ACTIVELY INTO THE ARENA OF POLICY FORMULATION.
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/4
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979
- 4 -CANCER IS ALSO A SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROBLEM *****
CANCER IS NOT ONLY A MEDICAL PROBLEM BUT ALSO A SOCIO-ECONOMIC ONE AS THE MUCH DREADED DISEASE CAN AFFLICT BREADWINNERS WHO ARE IN THE PRIME OF LIFE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG. AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NAM LONG HOSPITAL EXTENSION THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CANCER NOT ONLY AFFLICTED THE ELDERLY BUT CONTRARY TO COMMON BELIEF, ALSO OCCURRED AT ANY AGE INCLUDING
INFANCY
+IN FACT, CANCER IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE CHILDREN OF HONG KONG AGED ONE TO 14, SECOND ONLY TO ACCIDENTS.* HE SAID.
DR. THONG SAID CANCER HAS BECOME A LEADING HEALTH PROBLEM BECAUSE THE GENERAL TREND IN THE ADVANCES IN MEDICINE HAS CHANGED THE PATTERN OF DISEASES AND THE MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY RATES IN HONG KONG.
IN 1977 CANCER ALONE ACCOUNTED FOR 5,652 DEATHS, OR ABOUT ONE OUT OF FOUR DEATHS AT ALL AGES AND FROM ALL CAUSES OCCURRING IN HONG KONG.
DR. THONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY, WHICH RUNS THE NAM LONG HOSPITAL, FOR THEIR INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE PREVENTION, RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR CANCER DISEASES.
THE HOSPITAL WAS FIRST OPENED IN MAY 1967 WITH 120 BEDS TO ENABLE THOSE AFFLICTED WITH CANCER TO RECEIVE CHEMOTHERAPY AND CONVALESCENCE AFTER SURGICAL OR RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT.
THE HOSPITAL WAS BUILT WITH DONATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC AND A FREE OFFER OF LAND BY THE GOVERNMENT.
IN JULY 1970 AN EXTENSION PROGRAMME WAS APPROVED TO INCLUDE ALTERATION TO THE MAIN HOSPITAL BLOCK TO PROVIDE ANOTHER 60 BEDS AND A FIVE-STOREY EXTENSION TO PROVIDE QUARTERS AND ANCILLARY FAC ILITIES.
THE NEW TOWER BLOCK EXTENSION WAS COMPLETED AND OPENED IN MAY 1978. IT ACCOMMODATES A LABORATORY, A NEW DIVERSIONARY THERAPY DEPARTMENT, OFFICES AND QUARTERS FOR MEDICAL OFFICERS.
DR. THONG, WHO IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY, DISCLOSED THAT ANOTHER EXTENSION PROJECT WILL SHORTLY BEGIN, WHICH WILL ADD THREE MORE STOREYS TO THE TOWER BLOCK TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL QUARTERS AND RESEARCH LABORATORIES.
/'PUNS........
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979
PLANS FOR THIS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND THE NECESSARY FUNDS RAISED, HE ADDED.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THIS +REMARKABLE+ RECORD OF SERVICE IN A VERY DIFFICULT FIELD AND THE CONSTANT EXPANSION TO MEET ESSENTIAL NEEDS IN A COMMUNITY DID NOT COME BY ACCIDENT.
♦THIS IS PURELY THE RESULT OF DEDICATION AND HARD WORK BY CONCERNED MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY, THE SOCIETY AND THE GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED.
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RAINFALL IN APRIL ABOVE AVERAGE *****
APRIL 1979 WAS MUCH WETTER THAN USUAL, WITH RAINFALL TOTALLING 234.5 MM, WHICH WAS 73 PER CENT ABOVE AVERAGE.
RAINFALL FROM JANUARY 1 UNTIL APRIL 30 TOTALLED 360.9 MM — 102.9 MM ABOVE AVERAGE.
THE MONTH WAS ALSO CLOUDIER AND LESS SUNNY THAN USUAL, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID IN ITS MONTHLY SUMMARY RELEASED TODAY.
ALTHOUGH THE MEAN TEMPERATURE FOR APRIL WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW NORMAL, THE APRIL 26 TEMPERATURE REACHED A MAXIMUM OF 32.4 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE HIGHEST IN ANY APRIL SINCE 1956. THE RECORD APRIL MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 33.4 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 27, 1956.
THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH WAS VERY WARM BUT WHEN AN INTENSE COLD FRONT PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG THE NEXT MORNING, TEMPERATURES DROPPED MARKEDLY FROM 25 DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE MORNING TO 15 DEGREES IN THE EVENING.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FALL OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ARRIVAL OF THE FRONT AROUND 11 A.M. WHEN TEMPERATURES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DROPPED SIX DEGREES WITHIN ONE HOUR. THE ARRIVAL OF THE INTENSE COLD FRONT ALSO BROUGHT HEAVY SQUALLY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TO HONG KONG.
ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS, HAIL LASTING FOR A FEW MINUTES OCCURRED AROUND 8.30 A.M. IN SHA TAU KOK AND PING CHAU.
AN OIL BARGE SANK OFF LANTAU, A SAILING DINGHY CAPSIZED OFF CHUNG HOM KOK AND FIVE VESSELS BROKE THEIR ANCHOR CHAINS AND WERE ADRIFT.
A MINOR LANDSLIP OCCURRED IN AU TAU AND FLOODING WAS REPORTED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY. ROAD TRAFFIC WAS HEAVILY CONGESTED.
/although
THUHSUAI, MY 10, 1979
6
ALTHOUGH THE COLD FRONT GRADUALLY MOVED SOUTH AWAY FROM HONG KONG, THE WEATHER REMAINED UNSETTLED WITH SHOWERS AND SOME THUNDERSTORMS.
CONDITIONS WERE RATHER COOL AND ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 4, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RECORDED A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 14.1 DEGREES WHICH WAS THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH. FRESH TO STRONG WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED OFF SHORE OVERNIGHT ON APRIL 4 AND 5 AND THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ON BOTH OCCASIONS.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN AIRSTREAM FROM THE PACIFIC, CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG WERE WARM AND HUMID WITH WIDESPREAD FOG ON APRIL 6 AND 7.
VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED TO 100 METRES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND WAGLAN ISLAND, 300 METRES AT CHEUNG CHAU AND 1,300 METRES AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
WATER TRAFFIC BETWEEN HONG KONG, MACAU AND GUANGZHOU (CANTON) WAS AFFECTED.
A FISHING BOAT SANK 80 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF HONG KONG AFTER COLLIDING WITH AN UNKNOWN VESSEL IN THICK FOG AROUND 1 A.M. ON APRIL 8.
THE PASSAGE OF A WEAK COLD FRONT ON APRIL 8 CLEARED THE FOG BUT CONDITIONS REMAINED CLOUDY WITH RAIN DURING THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS. IT WAS FINE ON APRIL 11 AND 12 WHEN A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE COVERED SOUTH CHINA BUT BECAME CLOUDY AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN ANOTHER COLD FRONT RAPIDLY APPROACHED HONG KONG.
THE COLD FRONT REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST LATER IN THE EVENING AND WINDS OVER HONG KONG SOON FRESHENED FROM THE EAST. THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FROM 1.10 A.M. TO 9.50 A.M. ON APRIL 14.
CONDITIONS WERE FINE AND SUNNY FROM APRIL 15 TO 17 BUT OVERNIGHT ON APRIL 17 MIST OR FOG DEVELOPED AND PERSISTED UNTIL THE ARRIVAL OF AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE WHICH BROUGHT HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, DURING THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 19.
BETWEEN 3 P.M. AND 5 P.M. ON APRIL 19, OBSERVATORY RECORDED 49.6 MM OF RAINFALL.
THE ROYAL
TRAFFIC WAS HELD UP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WHEN MANY VEHICLES BROKE DOWN DURING THE HEAVY DOWNPOUR. MINOR FLOODS OCCURRED IN MANY LOCATIONS AND 70 PEOPLE WERE REPORTED TO HAVE EVACUATED FROM A VILLAGE IN WONG TAI SIN.
WINDS TURNED TO EASTERLY AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THE TROUGH FROM THE NORTH. THERE WAS A SHORT PERIOD OF STRONG WINDS OFF-SHORE OVERNIGHT AND THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FOR A FEW HOURS.
THE WEATHER GRADUALLY IMPROVED DURING THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 20 BUT REMAINED CLOUDY THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS.
A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA FROM APRIL 23 TO 26 GAVE RISE TO SUNNY AND HOT WEATHER IN HONG KONG, BUT THE WARM AND MOIST STREAM ALSO CAUSED MIST AND FOG DURING THESE FOUR DAYS.
/OT THE AETESrroor..
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979
ON THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 26 TEMPERATURES REACHED A MAXIMUM OF 32.4 DEGREES, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH AND ALSO THE HIGHEST SO FAR RECORDED THIS YEAR.
THE PASSAGE OF A WEAK TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE ON APRIL 26 DID NOT CAUSE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN LOCAL WEATHER BUT CONDITIONS BECAME COOLER THE FOLLOWING THREE DAYS. THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE CLOUDY WITH RAIN AT TIMES ON APRIL 28-29.
TYPHOON CECIL, THE FIRST TROPICAL CYCLONE OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA WITH A MASCULINE NAME, WAS THE ONLY TROPICAL CYCLONE THAT DEVELOPED IN THE REGION IN APRIL.
IT FORMED NEAR THE CAROLINE ISLANDS ON APRIL 11 AND DISSIPATED, AFTER PASSING OVER THE PHILIPPINES, TO THE SOUTHEAST OF THE RYUKYU ISLANDS 10 DAYS LATER.
DURING THE MONTH SEVEN AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM AND HEAVY RAIN WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 2-4, 10, 19 AND 29.
- - - - 0-------------
REGISTRATION TEAM * * *
IN AP LEI CHAU * *
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS AT THE AP LEI CHAU KAIFONG ASSOCIATION PREMISES ON MAY 17-18 FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M.
THIS IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 17 FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND THE HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING THE AGE OF 18.
PEOPLE IN THE AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1979
- 8 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN SHAU KEI WAN FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR HARBOUR RECLAMATION WORKS.
HOI AN STREET, BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND HING MAN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
THIS SECTION OF HOI AN STREET WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY ZONE AND ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M.
SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES IN THIS SECTION OF HOI AN STREET WILL TURN LEFT AT THE JUNCTION OF HOI AN STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.
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PROHIBITED ZONE
*****
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 SECTION OF TUNG SHING ROAD BETWEEN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND TSUNG MAN STREET FOR ABOUT SEVEN DAYS FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 14) FOR ROAD WORKS IN TSUNG MAN STREET.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED
ZONE
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MANDATORY SAVE FUEL MEASURES EFFECTIVE FROM SUNDAY ....... 1
GOVT ACCOUNTS FOR FEBRUARY 1979 .......................... 2
LORD SHAWCROSS GREATLY IMPRESSED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN NT.. 2
PUDDING BASIN TYPE MOTORCYCLE CRASH HELMETS BANNED FROM JUNE 1 .............................................. 3
NATHAN ROAD TO BE REINSTATED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION.. 4
ANOTHER PHASE OF SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT STARTS .............. 5
FINANCIAL AID TO FARMERS ................................. 6
SEMINAR ON SYLLABUSES FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS ............... 7
FIREMEN MUST BE PHSICALLY AND TECHNICALLY FIT ............ 8
NEW TIMES FOR SPEEDPOST SERVICE .......................... 9
TRAIN SCHEDULES REVISED TO KEEP PACE WITH GMT +9 ........ 10
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN TUEN MUN ................. 11
ADVANCED CONDUCTING COURSE FOR WIND BAND CONDUCTORS .... 11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
- 1 -
MANDATORY SAVE FUEL MEASURES EFFECTIVE FROM SUNDAY ******
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME AND RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF ELECTRICITY FOR ADVERTISING, DISPLAY OR FLOODLIGHTING WILL COME INTO FORCE ON SUNDAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC TODAY (FRIDAY).
CLOCKS SHOULD BE PUT FORWARD ONE HOUR FROM 3.30 A.M. ON SUNDAY WHEN GREENWICH MEANTIME PLUS NINE IS RE-INTRODUCED.
AND FROM MIDNIGHT TOMORROW (SATURDAY), THE USE OF ELECTRICTY FOR ADVERTISING, DISPLAY OR FLOODLIGHTING WILL BE BANNED EXCEPT BETWEEN 8 P.M. AND 11.30 P.M. AND IN ARCADES.
THE MEASURES ARE INTRODUCED UNDER THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) ORDINANCE, 1979, APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY.
THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF ELECTRIC LIGHT INCLUDE ADVERTISING ANY ARTICLE, PRODUCT OR SERVICE, ITS USE FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES AND FOR FLOODLIGHTING BUILDINGS OR ANY AREA USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECREATION, ENTERTAINMENT OR SPORT.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS INDICATING THE LOCATIONS OF HOSPITALS, REGISTERED DOCTORS, DENTISTS OR PHARMACISTS AND THE USE OF ELECTRIC POWER FOR SCREENING ADVERTISEMENT ON TELEVISION ON IN THE CINEMA WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE BAN.
ANYONE WHO CONTRAVENES THE LAW RESTRICTING THE USE OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF UP TO $30,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO TAKE VOLUNTARY STEPS TO CONSERVE FUEL.
IN PARTICULAR IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT AIR-CONDITIONING THERMOSTATS ARE SET AT NO LOWER THAN 26 DEGREES CELSIUS.
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/2
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
2
GOVT ACCOUNTS FOR FEBRUARY 1979 * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR FEBRUARY 1979 SHOW A SURPLUS OF $821.6 MILLION, COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $440.1 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1978.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT $906.1 MILLION WAS $243.9 MILLION MORE THAN IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS AT $1,727.7 MILLION WERE $625.4 MILLION MORE THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH IN 1978.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $2,098 MILLION FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THE 1978-79 FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $1,396.8 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1977-78.
BUT A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE FINAL RESULTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1979 ARE LIKELY TO BE MUCH LESS THAN THIS FIGURE.
EXPENDITURE NORMALLY EXCEEDS REVENUE DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH, AND ADDITIONALLY SOME $500 MILLION WAS PAID OUT DURING MARCH FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
--------------------0------- LORD SHAWCROSS GREATLY IMPRESSED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN NT
*****
THE RT HON. LORD SHAWCROSS, A LEADING BRITISH LEGAL PERSONALITY, WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE SCALE AND SPEED OF THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING HIS VISIT THERE TODay (FRIDAY).
ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, LORD SHAWCROSS STARTED HIS NEW TERRITORIES TOUR AT TUEN MUN - ONE OF THE THREE MAJOR NEW TOWNS BEING DEVELOPED.
THEY ARRIVED AT TUEN MUN SHORTLY BEFORE 11.30 A.M. AND WAS MET BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR. STAN BARDEN. THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO A HIGH-RISE BUILDING FOR A BIRD’S EYEVIEW AND BRIEFING ON THE NEW TOWN.
LORD SHAWCROSS WAS TOLD THAT THE VAST DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN AIMS AT PROVIDING AN IMPROVED URBAN ENVIRONMENT INCORPORATING ADEQUATE COMMERCIAL. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO SERVE A TARGET OF SOME 500,000 PEOPLE BY THE MID-1980’S. A TOTAL OF NINE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WILL BE BUILT THERE.
AFTER SPENDING ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AT TUEN MUN, LORD SHAWCROSS AND THE GOVERNOR PROCEEDED TO OTHER DEVELOPING AREAS IN YUEN LONG AND HAD LUNCH WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. MICHAEL CARTLAND.
THEY THEN CONTINUED TO LAU FAU SHAN WHERE THEY DID SOME SIGHTSEEINGS BEFORE RETURNING TO THE FANLING LODGE. LORD SHAWCROSS AND THE GOVERNOR LATER HAD DINNER WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES AND MRS. AKERS-JONES.
LORD SHAWCROSS ARRIVED HERE LAST FRIDAY (MAY 4) AND WILL LEAVE FOR CHINA ON SUNDAY (MAY 13).
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FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
3
PUDDING BASIN TYPE MOTORCYCLE CRASH HELMETS BANNED FROM JUNE 1 ******
MOTORCYCLISTS WILL BE BANNED FROM WEARING PUDDING BASIN TYPE CRASH HELMETS FROM JUNE 1, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR JET TYPE HEADGEAR WHICH PROTECTS THE TEMPLES, EARS AND LOWER BACK PART OF THE HEAD,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT PILLION PASSENGERS WILL ALSO HAVE TO WEAR THIS TYPE OF HELMET.
HE SAID THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PROTECTIVE EQU IPMENT)(AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE) ORDER 1979 GAZETTED TODAY DELETED THE PUDDING BASIN TYPE HELMETS — BRITISH STANDARDS 2001 AND 1869 — FROM THE REGULATIONS AND SUBSTITUTED WITH THE JET TYPE IN COMPLIANCE WITH BRITISH STANDARD 5361.
♦THE JET TYPE MODEL REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED SAFETY HELMET STANDARD,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
ON SAFETY MEASURES, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MOTORCYCLISTS TO FASTEN THEIR HELMETS SECURELY.
♦USING THE CHIN CUP ALONE IS NOT ADVISABLE BECAUSE IT COULD SLIP OFF EASILY IN AN ACCIDENT WHEREAS IF THE STRAP IS SECURED BENEATH THE JAW THERE IS LESS CHANCE OF LOSING THE HELMET,♦ HE SAID.
♦CRASH HELMETS MAY NOT ALWAYS PREVENT DEATH OR LONG-TERM DISABILITY BUT A PROPORTION OF THE FORCE OF IMPACT IN ANY ACCIDENT IS ABSORBED AND THUS REDUCE THE IMPACT TO THE HEAD,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID MOTORCYCLISTS SHOULD BUY THE BEST HELMET THEY CAN AFFORD BUT IN BUYING, THEY SHOULD MAKE SURE IT BORE A LABEL INDICATING COMPLIANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS IN THE STANDARDS SET OUT BELOWi
BRITISH STANDARDS 2495 AND 5361- JAPANESE STANDARD T 8133-1970-AUSTRALIAN STANDARD E 33-1968- AMERICAN STANDARDS Z90, 1-1966/1970/ 1971, SNELL 1970 SHCA- BELGIAN STANDARD NBN 626- GERMAN STANDARD DIN 4848- FRENCH STANDARD NFS 72-301 AND DUTCH STANDARD TNO.
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ITKUUAI, MAX 11, ly/y
- 4 -
NATHAN ROAD TO BE REINSTATED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION * * * * * K
WORK WILL START WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO REINSTATE NATHAN ROAD TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION AND BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR IT SHOULD BE BETTER THAN EVER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS WILL BENEFIT CONSIDERABLY FROM THE PLANS PREPARED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THE ROAD WILL BE REMODELLED, THERE WILL BE A NEW CENTRAL DIVIDER AND MORE AND BETTER TRAFFIC AIDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PWD TODAY INVITED TENDERS FOR THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
+THE WORKS WOULD BE IN THE SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN SALISBURY ROAD AND MONG KOK ROAD, AND WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PERMANENT REINSTATEMENT WORKS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT APART FROM THE WORKS NECESSARY TO PUT NATHAN ROAD BACK TO A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY SERVING UNRESTRICTED NORTH AND SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC, THE CONTRACT WOULD REMODEL THE ROAD TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW TO COPE WITH FUTURE DEMAND FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD SOUTH OF GASCOIGNE ROAD WOULD BE REMODELLED INTO A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, WHILE THE SECTION BETWEEN GASCOIGNE AND MONG KOK ROADS WOULD BE REINSTATED TO DUAL THREE-LANE.
♦INCLUDED IN THE WORK IS ALSO CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CENTRAL DIVIDER, PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC AIDS AND MODIFICATION OF CORNER RADII TO IMPROVE THE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THE SCHEME WILL BRING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ALONG NATHAN ROAD AS A RESULT OF THE PROVISION OF BETTER DESIGNED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS WITH SIGNAL CONTROL, AND THE WIDENING OF FOOTWAYS AS A RESULT OF ROAD REMODELLING.
♦DROP-KERB CROSSINGS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR ALL THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS. THIS WILL BE DONE TO HELP THE DISABLED TO CROSS THE ROAD.+ HE SAID.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL THIS WORK, THE STREET LIGHTING AND COMPUTER-CONTROLLED TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL SYSTEM IN THE AREA WILL BE IMPROVED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT WORK WOULD BEGIN IN JULY AND THAT THE WHOLE SCHEME WOULD TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
IN PROGRAMMING THE CONTRACT, HOWEVER, IT WAS PROPOSED TO PHASE THE WORKS SO THAT NATHAN ROAD COULD CARRY UNRESTRICTED TWO-WAY TRAFFIC BY THE TIME THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY OPENS EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT BRANCH OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, AND THE CONTRACT WILL BE LET AND WILL BE SUPERVISED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE HIGHWAYS (KOWLOON) DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE WORKS BRANCH.
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
- 5 -
ANOTHER PHASE OF SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT STARTS
* * M * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY IMPLEMENT ANOTHER PHASE OF THE SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT BY PROVIDING MORE LAND FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ENGINEER OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR. ROBERT JORDAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE PROJECT WAS PART OF THE S7,O74 MILLION PLAN TO DEVELOP SHA TIN INTO A MODERN, SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY WITH AN EVENTUAL POPULATION OF 550,000.
♦THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSING ESTATE FOR 23,000 PEOPLE, ROAD SERVICES AND ANCILLI ARY SYSTEM,+ MR. JORDAN SAID.
♦SITE FORMATION WORK IS DUE TO START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE,+ HE ADDED.
THE ESTATE, THE FIFTH TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1983.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. GERRY HIGGINSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME 42,075 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LAND SITUATED TO THE EAST OF CHE KUNG TEMPLE FOR THIS PROJECT.
THREE MONTHS’ NOTICE OF THE LAND RESUMPTION IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE RESUMPTION WILL INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF 748 TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY 603 FAMILIES COMPRISING ABOUT 3,110 PEOPLE.
MR. HIGGINSON SAID 252 OF THE STRUCTURES ARE ON PRIVATE LAND AND 496 ON CROWN LAND.
IN ADDITION, 1,065 OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES USED AS SHOPS, WORKSHOPS, KITCHENS, CHICKEN AND PIGEON SHEDS, AND PIGSTIES WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE CLEARED.
♦DISPLACED FAMILIES WILL BE OFFERED EITHER PUBLIC HOUSING OR SPACES IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, DEPENDING ON THEIR ELIGIBILITY,+ MR. HIGGINSON SAID.
♦GENUINE CULTIVATOR FAMILIES MAY BE GRANTED AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF J5,000 PER FAMILY BUT WILL FORFEIT THEIR PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUS I NG,+ HE ADDED.
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FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
6
FINANCIAL AID TO FARMERS
* * * *
THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION HAS ALLOCATED $300,000 IN DEVELOPMENT GRANTS TO ASSIST VEGETABLE FARMERS INTERESTED IN BUILDING NETHOUSES.
ACCORDING TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, MR. T.C. CHAU, APPLICATIONS FOR THE GRANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT FROM MONDAY.
MR. CHAU SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE GRANTS WERE NOT AN ON-GOING SUBSIDY AND WOULD BE IN THE FORM OF +MATERIAL IN KIND+ • THE ACTUAL PLASTIC NETTING USED IN THE NETHOUSE.
SINCE THE VMO AND THE DEPARTMENT INTRODUCED EXPERIMENTAL NETHOUSES THREE YEARS AGO, THERE ARE NOW SIX PLASTIC NETHOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE ALLOCATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UP TO 70 MORE NETHOUSES TO BE BUILT BY FARMERS.
MR. CHAU SAID THE NETHOUSES WERE IDEAL FOR HONG KONG’S EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF CROPS AND SEEDLINGS DURING TYPHOONS, HEAVY RAINS AND FROST.
THE GRANTS WILL BE ISSUED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS TO APPLICANTS WHO HAVE MET THE CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY LAID DOWN BY THE MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD.
MR. CHAU SAID THE MAXIMUM GRANT TO AN ELIGIBLE FARMING FAMILY SHOULD NOT EXCEED $10,000 OR 45 PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF THE NETHOUSE, WHICHEVER IS THE LEAST.
/?
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
7
SEMINAR ON SYLLABUSES FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS *****
A SEMINAR ON HIGHER AND ADVANCED LEVEL SYLLABUSES WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS OF SENIOR SECONDARY CLASSES AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.
♦THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO ACQUAINT IN-SERVICE BIOLOGY TEACHERS WITH THE MODERN APPROACH TO BIOLOGY TEACHING AND THE PROPOSED NEW ADVANCED LEVEL BIOLOGY SYLLABUS FOR 1982,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦PARTICIPATING TEACHERS ARE FREE TO EXPRESS THEIR COMMENTS ON BOTH THE HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES. AND THESE COMMENTS WILL BE PASSED TO THE VARIOUS SUBJECT COMMITTEES FOR REVIEW.+ HE ADDED.
MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, WILL ADDRESS THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, AND MR. DEREK HOGAN, SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, WILL GIVE AN INTRODUCTORY TALK.
DR. K.H. YUNG OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT WILL TALK ON +THE NEGLECTED ASPECTS IN THE TEACHING OF BIOLOGY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS+ AND DR. I.J. HODGKISS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S BOTANY DEPARTMENT WILL SPEAK ON +THE PROPOSED HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL BIOLOGY SYLLABUS, 1982.+
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON SYLLABUSES FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS AT 9.30 A.M TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE LECTURE THEATRE OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
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/8
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
8
FIREMEN MUST BE PHYSICALLY AND TECHNICALLY FIT ******
TODAY’S FIREMEN MUST BE PHYSICALLY AND TECHNICALLY FIT TO KEEP PACE WITH THE INCREASING SOPHISTICATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGY, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, W. B.G. FENDER, TOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ON PARADE WERE 75 FIREMEN AND 14 SENIOR AMBULANCEMEN WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED SIX MONTHS’ BASIC TRAINING AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL IN PAT HEUNG.
♦THE PUBLIC WILL JUDGE YOU ON SUCH TRADITIONAL STANDARDS AS APPEARANCE, PERSONAL BEHAVIOUR AND HONESTY,♦ MR. FENDER SAID.
♦THEY ALSO EXPECT FIREMEN TO KEEP UP WITH IMPROVEMENTS IN MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND MAINTAIN AND UPHOLD THEIR PHYSICAL FITNESS, COURAGE, PERSEVERANCE, DISCIPLINE, DEDICATION TO DUTY AND COMPASSION WHICH HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF THE PROFESSIONAL FIREMEN IN HONG KONG.+
THE WHOLE BASIS OF THE TRAINING. HE ADDED. WAS AIMED AT MAKING RECRUITS CONFIDENT AND AWARE OF THEIR OWN ABILITIES AND BE SELF-RELIANT AND, AT THE SAME TIME, UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE NECESSITY FOR TEAM WORK, DISCIPLINE AND GOOD MORALE.
♦FROM YOUR BREATHING APPARATUS TRAINING YOU WILL HAVE REALISED THAT WHEN YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ENTER A BURNING BUILDING YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN AND THERE IS NO ONE TO ASK WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO DO IT AND IF THERE WAS, THERE IS NO TIME — PEOPLE DEPEND UPON YOUR PERSONAL COMPETENCE AND INDIVIDUAL DISCIPLINE TO SAVE THEM,+ MR. FENDER SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT IT WAS NO EASY TASK TO BECOME A FIREMAN, bfi. FENDER SAIDi +YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO JOIN A HARD AND DEMANDING PROFESSION WITH STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS.
♦OUR STANDARDS ARE HIGH AND, IN RESPECT OF PHYSICAL STANDARDS, UNMATCHED BY ANY OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICE IN HONG KONG.+
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
9
NEW TIMES FOR SPEEDPOST SERVICE
*****
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE LATEST TIMES OF POSTING OF SPEEDPOST WILL BE EXTENDED BY ONE HOUR FROM MONDAY FOLLOWING THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF GREENWICH MEAN TIME PLUS NINE.
♦THIS MEANS THAT SENDERS WILL GAIN ONE MORE HOUR TO INCLUDE THEIR LAST MINUTE MAIL,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID.
THE LATEST TIME OF POSTING TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE EXTENDED FROM 11 A.M. TO NOON WHILE THAT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL BE TO 6 P.M.
SPEEDPOST MAIL TO OTHER COUNTRIES SUCH AS SINGAPORE, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS, KUWAIT AND SWITZERLAND WILL BE REVISED SIMILARLY.
MEANWHILE, DELIVERY OF PARCELS, REGISTERED ITEMS AND ORDINARY MAIL TO THE IRISH REPUBLIC WILL REMAIN SUSPENDED AND THE PUBLIC ARE REQUESTED NOT TO DELIVER MAIL TO THIS COUNTRY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
+WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THE POSTAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE IRISH REPUBLIC THAT THE INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS WHICH BEGAN LAST FEBRUARY ARE CONTINUING AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO GIVE A DATE FOR THE RESUMPTION OF POSTAL SERVICES,* HE SAID.
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/1O
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
- 10 -
TRAIN SCHEDULES REVISED TO KEEP PACE WITH GMT ♦ 9 ******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE TIMETABLES OF REGULAR TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE AMENDED TO BE IN LINE WITH THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF GREENWICH MEANTIME PLUS NINE ON SUNDAY.
THE REVISED TIMETABLES AREi
3.04 P.M
ON WEEKDAYS, TRAINS LEAVING KOWLOON STATION WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED TO 5.30 A.M., 6.21 A.M., 7.20 A.M., 7.41 A.M.. 8.15 A.M., 9 A.M., 10 A.M., 10.57 A.M., 12.10 P.M. 1.10 P.M. 2.08 P.M., 3.04 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.34 P.M., 6.02 P.M 6.30 P.M.. 7 P.M., 7.56 P.M., 9.08 P.M., 10.30 P.M. (EXCEPT SATURDAYS), AND 11 P.M. (SATURDAYS ONLyJ.
TRAINS WILL LEAVE LO WU STATION AT 5.46 A.M., 6.10 A.M..
6.39 A.M., 7.03 A.M., 7.45 A.M., 9.06 A.M., 9.50 A.M., 10.47 A.M. (EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM CANTON TO KOWLOON), 12.54 P.M., 1.58 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.49 P.M., 4.29 P.M P.M.., 7.15 P.M., 7.45 P.M., 8.12 P.M., AND
11.31 A.M 11.53 A.M 5.27 P.M.
9.15 P.M.
6.22
1.58 P.M
ON SUNDAYS STATION AT 5.38
9.02
2.08
A.M P.M P.M
AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON A.M., 6.21 A.M., 7.20 A.M., 7.41 A.M., 8.15 A.M.
10 A.M., 10.57 A.M., 11.31 A.M., 12.12 P.M., 1.11 P.M 3.04 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 4.33 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.34 P.M., 7 P.M., 7.56 P.M., 9.08 P.M., AND 11 P.M.
THE DEPARTURE TIMES FROM LO WU STATION WILL BE REVISED TO 6.10 A.M., 6.39 A.M.. 7.03 A.M., 7.45 A.M., 9.06 A.M., 9.50 A.M., 10.47 A.M., 11.31 A.M. (EXPRESS THROUGH TRAIN FROM CANTON TO KOWLOON), 11.53 A.M., 12.54 P.M., 1.58 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.49 P.M., 4.29 P.M., 5.27 P.M., 6.22 P.M., 7.15 P.M., 8.12 P.M., AND 9.15 P.M.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KCR EXPLAINED THAT TIMETABLES WERE REVISED TO COINCIDE WITH THE SCHEDULE OF THE THROUGH PASSENGER TRAIN BETWEEN KOWLOON AND CANTON.
IT WILL DEPART FROM CANTON FOR KOWLOON AT 8.30 A.M. (CANTON TIME) AND WILL ARRIVE AT KOWLOON STATION AT 12.26 P.M. (H.K. TIME)
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THE TRAIN WILL DEPART KOWLOON AT 2 P.M. AND WILL ARRIVE AT CANTON RAILWAY STATION AT 3.54 P.M. (CANTON
THE REVISED TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS.
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1979
11
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN TUEN MUN
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY THE EXISTING 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON PUI TO ROAD, TUEN MUN WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING!
* THE PUI TO ROAD-CASTLE PEAK ROAD JUNCTION,
* THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD-PUI TO ROAD JUNCTION AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES NORTH OF THIS JUNCTION, AND
* THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD-PUI TO ROAD JUNCTION AND A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES SOUTH OF THIS JUNCTION.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS IN THESE RESTRICTED ZONES.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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ADVANCED CONDUCTING COURSE FOR WIND BAND CONDUCTORS ******
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE WILL RUN A CONDUCTING COURSE FOR WIND BAND CONDUCTORS FROM MAY 27 TO JUNE 20.
THE COURSE WILL CONSIST OF LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS TO BE GIVEN BY MR. MITSUO NONAMI, A RENOWNED WIND BAND CONDUCTOR FROM JAPAN.
MR. NONAMI’S VISIT TO HONG KONG MUSIC FOUNDATION, THE TOM LEE MUSIC HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
IS SPONSORED BY THE YAMAHA FOUNDATION AND THE
THE COURSE IS OPEN TO ALL HONG IS FREE. CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE
KONG CONDUCTORS AND ADMISSION
.... . --------- WILL BE ISSUED BY THE MUSIC
ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE END OF THE COURSE.
«-^.^PPL,CAT,0N F0RMS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE MUSIC ADM INSTRATOR ’ S OFFICE, NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5-283257.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES FOR SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS ......... 1
PHILATELIC BUREAU PROVIDES WORLD-WIDE SERVICE ............. 2
PWD SETS UP LIGHTING DIVISION ............................. 3
MARINE DEPARTMENT’S NEW FLOATING REFUSE COLLECTOR ......... 3
CHILDREN’S CENTRE OPENS ON TSI NG Yl ...................... 4
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE .................................... 4
TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ........................................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1979
1
NEW BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES FOR SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS
*****
NEW BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES HAVE EITHER BEEN PREPARED OR PROPOSED FOR SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS TO COMPLEMENT THE ADOPTION OF INTEGRATED SCIENCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES, MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON THE BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES FOR HIGHER AND ADVANCED LEVELS HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
IN RECENT YEARS MANY JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES HAD CHANGED FROM TRADITIONAL GENERAL SCIENCE TO A MODERN INTEGRATED SCIENCE SYLLABUS INCORPORATING CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS AND BIOLOGY.
TWENTY-SIX SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE PILOT SCHEME OF THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE SYLLABUS WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED IN 1973-74, AND IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR THE NUMBER HAS RISEN TO 257 SCHOOLS.
♦THIS REPRESENTS AN ENORMOUS INCREASE, ALMOST TEN-FOLD, IN A SHORT PERIOD OF ABOUT FIVE YEARS,+ MRS. MOK POINTED OUT.
ACCORDINGLY, A NEW BIOLOGY SYLLABUS HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR FORMS FOUR AND FIVE.
ALSO, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, IN CO-OPERATION WITH SCIENCE INSPECTORS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, PRODUCED A NEW HIGHER LEVEL BIOLOGY SYLLABUS FOR 1979 AND A NEW BIOLOGY SYLLABUS AT ADVANCED LEVEL IS PROPOSED FOR THE 1982 EXAMINATION.
ALL THESE SYLLABUSES ADVOCATE THE SCIENTIFIC AND DISCOVERY APPROACHES MEANT TO DEVELOP IN STUDENTS A GREATER AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION OF THE USES OF SCIENCE IN THE MODERN WORLD, MRS. MOK SAID.
♦STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONDUCT EXPERIMENTS, TO BE OBSERVANT AND TO BE READY TO FACE THE CHALLENGE OF PRESENT DAY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND RESOURCE DEPLETION.
♦MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO FIND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO OUR DAILY PROBLEMS,+ SHE ADDED.
ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF TEACHERS TOWARDS THE SYLLABUS MRS. MOK SAID THAT IN HONG KONG, SCHOOL TEACHERS PLAY A VITAL PART IN DESIGNING SCIENCE SYLLABUSES BY SITTING ON VARIOUS CONCERNED COMMITTEES.
♦BIOLOGY TEACHERS ARE PARTICULARLY ACTIVE IN HELPING WITH THE DRAFTING OF SYLLABUSES, THE PRODUCTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS, AND THE ORGANISATION OF IN-SERVICE COURSES, SEMINARS AND FIELD TRIPS,♦ SHE SAID.
MRS. MOK ASKED PARTICIPANTS AT THE SEMINAR TO MAKE COMMENTS ON THE HIGHER AND ADVANCED LEVELS BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES.
♦I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AND THE BIOLOGY INSPECTORS WILL FORWARD THEIR COMMENTS TO THE RELEVANT SUBJECT COMMITTEES FOR CONS(DERATION.♦
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/2 ....
SATURDAY, HAY 12, 1979
2
PHILATELIC BUREAU PROVIDES WORLD-WIDE SERVICE *****
THE PHILATELIC BUREAU OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE CONTINUED TO SHOW STEADY GROWTH DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
THIS WAS THE FOURTH FULL YEAR OF THE BUREAU’S OPERATIONS. SALES AMOUNTED TO $674,648, AN INCREASE OF $198,354 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
ALL CURRENT POSTAL STAMPS, AND PHILATELIC SERVICES, ARE AVAILABLE BY POST TO PHILATELISTS AND PHILATELIC DEALERS ALL OVER THE WORLD FROM THE BUREAU.
♦POSTAL STAMPS ARE CLASSIFIED UNDER TWO HEADINGS, DEFINITIVE AND SPECIAL ISSUES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE EXPLAINED TODAY (SATURDAY). ^DEFINITIVE STAMPS ARE ALWAYS IN PERMANENT USE WHILE THE SPECIAL ISSUES ARE RELEASED FROM TIME TO TIME TO MARK SPECIAL EVENTS.♦
GENERALLY SPEAKING, NOT MORE THAN THREE SETS OF SPECIAL ISSUE STAMPS ARE RELEASED EACH YEAR.
♦THIS YEAR WE HAVE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, HONG KONG BUTTERFLIES AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY. THE HONG KONG BUTTERFLIES WILL BE RELEASED ON JUNE 20,♦ HE SAID.
BEFORE THE RELEASE OF ANY NEW STAMPS, THE BUREAU SENDS CIRCULARS TO OVERSEAS PHILATELISTS, GIVING THEM DETAILS OF THE NEW ISSUE.
THE BUREAU OPERATES TWO TYPES OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS FOR THEM. ♦THE STANDING ORDER ACCOUNTS ARE FOR CUSTOMERS WHO REQUIRE REPEAT ORDERS OF ALL NEW ISSUES OF STAMPS AND SUPPLIES ARE DESPATCHED AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT ANY NEED TO RE-ORDER. THE ORDINARY ACCOUNTS ARE FOR CUSTOMERS WHOSE REQUIREMENTS VARY FROM TIME TO TIME,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE BUREAU SELLS SPECIAL ISSUES WHICH HAVE BEEN RELEASED FOR SALE WITHIN THE LAST 15 MONTHS.
TWO SOUVENIR FOLDERS CONTAINING DEFINITIVE ISSUE STAMPS ARE ALWAYS ON SALE AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS. A SMALL FOLDER COSTING $7 CONTAINS A LIMITED SET OF STAMPS WHILE THE LARGE FOLDER CONTAINS THE FULL RANGE OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS AND COSTS $44.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE TWO PHILATELIC COUNTERS WHICH ARE MAINLY FOR LOCAL COLLECTORS AND TOURISTS. ONE IS IN THE GPO AND THE OTHER IS IN THE NEW TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE IN PEKING ROAD.
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SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1979
3
PWD SETS UP LIGHTING DIVISION *****
A LIGHTING DIVISION HAS BEEN SET UP IN THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE MOVE FOLLOWED RECOMMENDATIONS BY A BRITISH LIGHTING ENGINEER WHO WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1977 TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT ON HONG KONG’S ROAD LIGHTING SYSTEM.
THE NEW DIVISION, HEADED BY A CHIEF ENGINEER, COMPRISES TWO SENIOR ENGINEERS, ONE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHER FOR KOWLOON, SEVEN ENGINEERS AND FIVE TECHNICAL OFFICERS.
A HIGHWAYS OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID: +INITIALLY THE DIVISION WILL BE STAFFED BY A BLEND OF LOCAL ENGINEERS AND EXPERIENCED EXPATRIATES, HOWEVER, ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO PROVIDE LOCAL ENGINEERS WITH THE APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INITIAL PRACTICAL TRAINING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SO THAT LOCAL EXPERTISE CAN BE BUILT UP.*
THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DIVISION, WHICH SHOULD ACHIEVE A CLOSER WORKING RELATIONSHIP ON LIGHTING MATTERS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO POWER COMPANIES, WILL INCLUDE THE APPLICATION OF MODERN DESIGN STANDARDS, TECHNIQUES AND LIGHT SOURCES AND PLANNED MAINTENANCE METHODS.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE USE OF MODERN LAMPS AND LANTERNS ON HONG KONG ROADS SHOULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN CRIME AND AFTER-DARK ROAD ACCIDENTS. IN ADDITION, MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY SHOULD BE ACHIEVED IN THE USE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY.
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MARINE DEPARTMENT’S NEW FLOATING REFUSE COLLECTOR
******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S NEW FLOATING MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTOR HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A SERIES OF OPERATIONAL TRIALS WITHIN THE ABERDEEN HARBOUR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE +WATER WITCH* RECOVERED SOME 70 TONS OF FLOATING REFUSE WITHIN THE PAST 13 DAYS — A DAILY AVERAGE OF 5.4 TONS.
♦THIS COMPARES MOST FAVOURABLY WITH THE 1.8 TONS PER DAY NORMALLY COLLECTED BY THE ONE MOTORISED CARGO BOAT AND EIGHT SAMPANS THAT COMPRISE THE ABERDEEN REFUSE SCAVENGING FLEET,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN TERMS OF COST EFFECTIVENESS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, TO COLLECT REFUSE UTILISING THE CONVENTIONAL FLEET COSTS $680 PER TON, WHEREAS THE OPERATIONAL COST OF THE +WATER WITCH* IS $157 A TON.
♦THERE ARE STILL SOME TEETHING PROBLEMS RELATING TO BARGE STORAGE AND ULTIMATE DISPOSAL OF REFUSE COLLECTED BY THE +WATER WITCH.*
♦HOWEVER IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THESE WILL BE RESOLVED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, FOLLOWING WHICH THE POTENTIAL OF THIS CRAFT SHOULD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE,+ HE SAID.
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1979 - 4 -
CHILDREN'S CENTRE OPENS ON TSING Yl ******
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS. ANSON CHAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED A CHILDREN’S CENTRE ON TSING Yl ISLAND WHICH PROVIDES A FOCUS OF ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN FROM CHEUNG CHING ESTATE.
THE CENTRE IS FINANCED BY THE LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND IS THE LATEST PROJECT RUN BY THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION.
IT PROVIDES A RANGE OF FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN, INCLUDING ROOMS FOR GROUP ACTIVITIES, RECREATION, STUDY AND COOKING, AS WELL AS A TOY CORNER AND A LIBRARY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MRS. CHAN PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF CHILD WELFARE, PARTICULARLY IN OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN DENSELY POPULATED HOUSING ESTATES IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT GROUP ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN WERE PROPERLY GUIDED IN A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT.
SHE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT THE CENTRE WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION LAST OCTOBER HAD ALREADY REGISTERED A MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 600 AND ITS LIBRARY HAD REGISTERED MORE THAN 700 READERS.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE SECTION OF TSUNG MAN STREET BETWEEN ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD AND TUNG SING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIRS.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE SECTION OF TUNG SING ROAD BETWEEN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND TSUNG MAN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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TWO-WAY TRAFFIC * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ™0M ™ 5 P’M‘ 0N MONDAY, GRANVILLE CIRCUIT IN TSIM SHA
TSUI WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY TO FACILITATE ELECTRICAL DUCT LAYING WORKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1979
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
COUNTRY PARKS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE ......................... 1
GOVERNMENT-COMMUNITY RELATIONS ON THE UPSWING IN TSUEN WAN ............................................... 2
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAYING OF WATER MAIN ................ 4
CAREER AWARENESS SCHEME FOR FORM 3 SCHOOL LEAVERS ....... 4
RABIES CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS ............................... 5
SALT WATER CUT........................................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1979
1
COUNTRY PARKS PROGRAMME AHEAD OF SCHEDULE * * * *
THE LATEST GAZETTING OF THREE MORE COUNTRY PARKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND MEANS THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S LEGAL DESIGNATION PHASE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS PROGRAMME SHOULD BE COMPLETED NEXT AUGUST — 20 MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS, MR. MARTIN LEWIS.
LISTED IN THE GAZETTE FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION WERE THE POK FU LAM, SHEK 0 AND QUARRY BAY (TAI TAM EXTENSION) COUNTRY PARKS, WHICH HAVE A TOTAL LAND AREA OF 1,250 HECTARES.
MR. LEWIS SAID FORMAL DESIGNATION OF THESE PARKS IN AUGUST MEANS THAT ABOUT 40 PER CENT (41,780 HECTARES) OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL LAND AREA WILL BE PROTECTED AS COUNTRY PARKS OR NATURE RESERVES.
THE GOVERNMENT’S TARGET DATE FOR COMPLETING THE DESIGNATION PROGRAMME WAS APRIL 1981.
♦NOW THAT THE GAZETTING OF COUNTRY PARKS HAS BEEN COMPLETED, WE WILL BE CONCENTRATING OUR EFFORTS EVEN MORE ON PROVIDING THE ACCESSARY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THESE PARKS,♦ MR. LEWIS SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IN THE MEANTIME, THE DEPARTMENT WAS PREPARING TO ADD ANOTHER 19 SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST TO THE PRESENT SCHEDULE OF 21, AND GAZETTE THREE MORE AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY AS SPECIAL AREAS AT KAT 0, POK FU LAM AND TUNG LUNG ISLAND.
THE PROPOSED POK FU LAM COUNTRY PARK OF ABOUT 270 HECTARES COVERS THE NORTHERN WOODED SLOPES OF VICTORIA PEAK, BELOW HATTON AND LUGARD ROADS- THE VALLEY WHICH CONTAINS POK FU LAM RESERVOIR, SOUTH OF HARLECH ROAD AND THE MIDDLE SLOPES BENEATH MT. KELLET ROAD, LINKING WITH THE EXISTING ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK TO THE EAST.
MR. LEWIS SAID THE LANDSCAPE OF THE PROPOSED PARK AREA MAKES AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OF HONG KONG ISLAND, PROVIDING A SCENIC BACKDROP TO THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
THE PROPOSED SHEK 0 COUNTRY PARK (710 HECTARES) CONSISTS PREDOMINANTLY OF GRASSY HILLS AND A SECTION OF ROCKY COASTLINE. IT COVERS THE D’AGUILAR PENINSULA, TC THE EAST OF TAI TAM BAY AND INCLUDES OBELISK HILL- MT. COLLINSON AND POTTINGER PEAK IN THE NORTH- THE DRAGON’S BACK AND SHEK 0 PEAK AND D’AGUILAR PEAK IN THE SOUTH. BARBECUE FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE RECREATIONAL ZONES ON THE LOWER SLOPES AND SHELTERED AREAS OF THE PARK WHERE THE RISK OF FIRE CAN BE CONTAINED.
PICNIC FACILITIES, CHILDREN’S PLAY APPARATUS AND SHELTERS WILL BE PROVIDED WHERE APPROPRIATE AND THE SITES WILL BE DESIGNED FOR BOTH LARGE AND SMALL GROUPS OF VISITORS.
/the proposed .....
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1979
- 2
THE PROPOSED EXTENSION (ABOUT 270 HECTARES) OF THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK WILL STRETCH ITS EXISTING BOUNDARIES BELOW THE SUMMITS OF MT. BUTLER AND MT. PARKER TO INCLUDE THE VALLEY SOUTH CF KING’S ROAD, QUARRY BAY. THE AREA ADJOINS THE DENSELY POPULATED QUARRY BAY AND CHAI WAN DISTRICTS AND THE MAIN PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IN THE NORTH WILL BE VIA MT. PARKER ROAD AND BY FOOTPATHS FROM THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TAIKOO RESERVOIR AREA.
PICNIC TABLES, BENCHES, LITTER BINS AND BARBECUE PITS WILL BE PROVIDED WHILE INFORMATION BOARDS AND VIEW COMPASSES WILL HELP VISITORS LOCATE FACILITIES WITHIN THE PARK.
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GOVERNMENT-COMMUNITY RELATIONS ON THE UPSWING IN TSUEN WAN X * * * M
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE IS EXAMINING ITS PROCEDURES IN DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS RELATING TO TOWN MANAGEMENT TO FURTHER IMPROVE CO-ORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ALREADY +0N THE UPWARD SWING,* BOTH IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND ITS CAPACITY TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS.
♦HOWEVER, TO ENSURE THE LATTER IS PUT ON THE BEST POSSIBLE FOOTING WE SHALL, OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS, BE REVIEWING AND OVERHAULING THE MACHINERY FOR TAKING ACTION ON COMPLAINTS RELATING TO TOWN MANAGEMENT,♦ MR. HAYES SAID.
♦IT IS ONLY IN THIS WAY THAT A SOLID BASIS FOR GOVERNMENTCOMMUNITY RELATIONS IN TSUEN WAN CAN BE ESTABLI SHED,+ HE ADDED.
THE TOWN MANAGER POINTED OUT THAT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAD IN THE PAST 20 YEARS TRIED TO FULFIL THE TRADITIONAL ROLE OF DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ---- TO STAY CLOSE
TO THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THEIR INTERESTS AND TO ASSIST THEM WHEREVER POSSIBLE, a
♦THE TASK HAS BECOME MUCH BIGGER YEAR BY YEAR AS TSUEN WAN’S URBAN AREA HAS GROWN AND ITS POPULATION EXPANDED,+ MR. HAYES NOTED.
♦FOR REASONS OF NUMBERS ALONE, IT HAS BEEN ALL TOO EASY TO FALL BEHIND IN OUR COMMUNICATIONS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE NEWCOMERS, WHO WERE AT FIRST LARGELY WITHOUT ORGANISATIONS OF THEIR OWN.
♦THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PRE-OCCUPATION WITH MEETING THE LAND NEEDS OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN TSUEN WAN FURTHER INCREASED THE GAP.+
TO HELP IMPROVE THE SITUATION, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS BEEN EXPANDED AND BROUGHT NEARER TO THE PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.
/in addition .....
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1979
3
IN ADDITION TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION IN FOU WAH CENTRE AND HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, TWO TOWN OFFICES WHICH ARE EQUIVALENT TO THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE URBAN AREAS, WERE ESTABLISHED IN 1976 AND THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
SEVEN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES HAVE ALSO BEEN OPENED TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC AND ANSWER ANY QUERIES FROM THEM.
THESE OFFICES KEEP DETAILED RECORDS OF ALL VISITS WHICH INCLUDE BOTH COMPLAINTS AND REQUESTS.
DURING THE PAST 15 MONTHS, 462 COMPLAINTS RELATING TO THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG AND 275 REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE ON MATTERS CONCERNING HOUSING, EDUCATION AND WELFARE SERVICES WERE RECEIVED.
BUT THESE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE ALL MATTERS ARISING FROM LAND RESUMPTIONS AND CLEARANCES AND THE PROVISION OF SIMPLE INFORMATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS FORMS.
+IN EVERY CASE, AN INVESTIGATION IS CONDUCTED AND ACTION TAKEN WHERE WARRANTED OR FEASIBLE EITHER BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED,* MR. HAYES EXPLAINED.
HE SAID MANY COMPLAINANTS SENT LETTERS WHILE OTHER APPROACHED INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS DIRECTLY OR THROUGH LOCAL SOCIETIES, SUCH AS RURAL COMMITTEES, WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS AND THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN SOCIETIES.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN TSUEN WAN ALSO BROUGHT UP POINTS THAT CAME TO THEIR NOTICE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
+AT PRESENT I AM AS MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT FOSTERING THIS LOCAL INPUT, IN PERSON OR THROUGH LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS, AS I AM ABOUT OUR CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH COMPLAINTS,* MR. HAYES SAID.
+WE HOPE THAT RESIDENTS’ INPUT, SUGGESTIONS AS WELL AS COMPLAINTS, WILL INCREASE IN VOLUME AND VALUE, AND THAT OUR CAPACITY TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS BROUGHT TO US WILL INCREASE AS DEVELOPMENT NEEDS DIMINISH OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS,* HE ADDED.
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/4
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1979
4
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAYING OF WATER MAIN
******
TENDERS WERE INVITED TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR THE LAYING OF SIX KILOMETRES OF WATER MAIN ALONG HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND NEAR SHAW STUDIO TO DUPLICATE THE EXISTING SUPPLY FROM SAU MAU PING TO SAI KUNG.
A SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 1.2 MILLION LITRES WILL ALSO BE BUILT SOUTH OF SAI KUNG TO PROVIDE WATER TO TUI MIN HOI.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT AN EFFORT HAD BEEN MADE TO BLEND THE RESERVOIR INTO THE SURROUNDING AREA AS FAR AS POSSIBLE AND A SPECIAL LOCATION HAD BEEN SELECTED IN AN ATTEMPT TO RETAIN MOST OF THE TREES.
HE ADDED THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SUPPLY SYSTEM WERE REQUIRED BECAUSE OF THE VARIOUS PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA, PARTICULARLY AT TUI MIN HOI.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE THIS SUMMER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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CAREER AWARENESS SCHEME FOR FORM 3 SCHOOL LEAVERS *****
A PILOT SCHEME DESIGNED TO PROMOTE CAREER AWARENESS AMONG FORM THREE SCHOOL LEAVERS WILL BE LAUNCHED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
+OUR AIM IS TO FAMILIARISE THESE STUDENTS WITH UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE MANY EMPLOYMENT, CAREER AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG SO THAT THEY CAN FIND A JOB BEST SUITED TO THEIR ABILITIES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SERVICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE PROGRAMME •— AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ’WORLD OF WORK’ — WILL BE HELD BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND JUNE 16 AND WILL INCLUDE GUIDED TOURS OF THE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE IN KOWLOON.
MRS. ANGELA HO, OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE SERVICE, SAID THE PROJECT .WAS SPECIALLY GEARED FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 16 BECAUSE +THEY ARE NOT VERY CAREER CONSCIOUS AT THAT AGE.+
+ IN THE PAST, OUR ATTENTION HAD EEEN FOCUSED MORE ON THE UPPER FORMERS, BUT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NINE-YEAR COMPULSORY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, WE HAVE TO MODIFY OUR PROGRAMME TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO MIGHT HAVE TO LEAVE SCHOOL AFTER FINISHING FORM THREE,* SHE ADDED.
TO ENSURE THAT THEY GET A FULL PICTURE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SITUATION AND TO PREVENT THEM FROM MAKING HASTY DECISIONS, THE SERVICE HAS ARRANGED GROUP TOURS, EACH LASTING ABOUT AN HOUR.
/+5ACS GROUP......
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1979
5
+EACH GROUP WILL HAVE ABOUT 20 STUDENTS. THIS IS TO ENABLE THE STAFF TO DEVOTE THEIR WHOLE ATTENTION TO THEM,* MRS. HO SAID.
THE CENTRE, SHE POINTED OUT, HAS SOME 800 TITLES ON CAREERS AND RELATED SUBJECTS AS WELL AS AUDIO-VISUAL FACILITIES FOR FILM SHOWS, SLIDE PRESENTATIONS AND CASSETTE RECORDINGS.
+AND THEY COVER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS FROM APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMERCE AND THE CIVIL SERVICE,* SHE STATED.
SHE SAID THAT INVITATIONS TO VISIT THE CENTRE WERE SENT TO 240 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON EARLIER THIS MONTH AND THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING.
MRS. HO SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE PRESENT PROGRAMME WAS FOR KOWLOON STUDENTS, ANOTHER CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE WILL OPEN TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
- - 0 - -
RABIES CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS * * * *
THE RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS PROVING VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH SOME 434 DOGS BEING INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES AND LICENSED DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF THE EXERCISE.
ANOTHER 16 DOGS WERE VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERED TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S DOG CATCHING TEAMS IN EACH OF THE CENTRES.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE ON MONDAY AT SAN TIN AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON FRIDAY AT TAI PO. OTHER TOWNS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL PHASE WILL BE KU TUNG, SHEUNG SHU I AND FANLING.
LAST WEEK THE TEAMS VISITED TUEN MUN (WHERE 81 DOGS WERE INOCULATED), HUNG SHUI KIU (114), HA TSUEN (57), YUEN LONG (79) AND KAM TIN (103). AT YUEN LONG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. TAI KEUN, HAD TWO OF HIS DOGS INOCULATED AND LICENSED AND SURRENDERED ANOTHER THREE DOGS TO THE DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FROM THE DEPARTMENT SAID INITIAL RESULTS OF THE CAMPAIGN WERE VERY ENCOURAGING AND IF THE TREND CONTINUED, SOME 800 TO 1,000 DOGS WOULD BE INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES AND LICENSED DURING THE TWO-WEEK PERIOD.
HE ADDED THAT FIELD OFFICERS CONDUCTING THE INOCULATIONS WERE USING DISPOSABLE SYRINGES THUS ENSURING THAT NEEDLES WERE NOT BLUNT.
THE CAMPAIGN IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE DOGS AND CATS (AMENDMENTS) REGULATIONS WHICH MAKES IT COMPULSORY FOR ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS OLD TO BE INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES AND LICENSED. THE LICENCE, VALID FOR THREE YEARS, COSTS $15 WHILE THE VACCINE IS FREE.
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SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1979
6
SALT WATER CUT * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 A.M. ON TUESDAY TO 11 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE SALT WATER MAIN CONNECTION WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY CHEUNG SHA WAN, SHAM SHU I PO, TAI KOK TSUI, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI AND SHEK KIP MEI.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST TROPICAL CYCLONES AND HEAVY RAINSTORMS .................................................. 1
GOVERNOR ACCEPTS S2M CHEQUE FOR ACADEMY OF BALLET ........... 2
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS ......................................... 2
GOVERNOR RETURNS TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE ........................ 4
CONSTRUCTION STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP 4
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ...................................... 5
QUEEN ST. TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ............................... 5
WATER CUT.................................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1979
- 1
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST TROPICAL CYCLONES AND HEAVY RAINSTORMS ******
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR. JOHN PEACOCK REMINDED PEOPLE TODAY (MONDAY) THAT PRELIMINARY PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE DANGERS OF HIGH WINDS, LANDSLIPS AND FLOODING DUE TO TROPICAL CYCLONES AND HEAVY RAINSTORMS SHOULD BE TAKEN.
PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEYNOTE FOR MINIMISING DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, INJURIES AND LOSS OF LIFE WHICH CAN RESULT FROM THESE STORMS.
1979 IS FORECAST TO BE A WET YEAR WITH RAINFALL FOR THE YEAR IN THE RANGE 2,500-2,900 MILLIMETRES COMPARED WITH THE 30-YEAR AVERAGE OF 2,246 MILLIMETRES.
THOSE WHO HAVE SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES DURING STORMS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDING RELEVANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS, ARE UP-TO-DATE.
GUTTERS AND DRAINS SHOULD BE CLEARED AND CHECKED FOR DAMAGE. WINDOW AND DOOR FASTENINGS SHOULD BE CHECKED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIRED.
OWNERS OF SMALL CRAFT SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR MOORINGS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND THAT MOORING BITTS AND CLEATS ARE STRONG AND SECURELY FIXED TO WITHSTAND TYPHOON CONDITIONS.
ON THE HOISTING OF A NUMBER 8 TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL OR DURING PERIODS OF PROLONGED HEAVY RAIN, SHELTERS WILL BE OPENED FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES TEMPORARILY FOR SAFETY REASONS.
ANYONE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO WHERE TO GO SHOULD CONTACT THE NEAREST CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR POLICE STATION.
CARDS AND LEAFLETS EXPLAINING THE TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SERVICE AND THE THUNDERSTORM AND HEAVY RAIN WARNING SERVICE ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
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/2
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1979
2
GOVERNOR ACCEPTS $2M CHEQUE FOR ACADEMY OF BALLET * * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (MONDAY) ACCEPTED A $2 MILLION CHEQUE ON BEHALF OF THE ACADEMY OF BALLET DURING A LUNCHEON MEETING.
THE CHEQUE, FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WAS PRESENTED BY MR. ERIC CUMINE, ONE OF THE CLUB’S STEWARDS.
WELCOMING SIR MURRAY AND OTHER GUESTS AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING, SIR YUE-KONG PAO WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS, SAID THE GENEROUS DONATION WOULD BE A GREAT HELP TO THE WORK PROGRAMME THE ACADEMY HAS LINED UP FOR ITSELF IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD IN THE ENRICHMENT OF THE CULTURAL LIFE OF HONG KONG.
DURING THE LUNCHEON, THE ACADEMY ALSO RECEIVED NUMEROUS OTHER DONATIONS FROM PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
-----o-----
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (MONDAY) DECLARED SIX BUILDINGS TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND ANOTHER LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS WERE POSTED THIS MORNING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID.
THE BUILDINGS AREi
* NOS. 120 AND 122 KENNEDY ROAD, HONG KONG
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTED WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOF SUPPORTED ON LOAD-BEARING WALLS, HAD BEEN KEPT UNDER REGULAR OBSERVATION SINCE 1966.
♦THERE ARE FRACTURES IN MOST LOAD-BEARING WALLS AND RECENTLY SERIOUS NEW MOVEMENT HAD BEEN DETECTED IN THE REAR OF THE BUILDINGS. AS THERE IS NOW A DANGER OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOl I Sri THESE BUILDINGS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATION FCR CLOSURE ORDERS WILL BE HEARD AT VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON JUNE 11.
3
M NO. 2, KAU U FONG, HONG KONG
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING WAS FIRST INSPECTED IN 1967. FOLLOWING A RECENT EMERGENCY REPORT OF FALLING CONCRETE THE BUILDING WAS RE-SURVEYED.
♦THIS BUILDING IS VERY DILAPIDATED AND IN PARTICULAR THE REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS ARE BEYOND REPAIR. FURTHERMORE, THERE ARE CLEAR SIGNS OF ACTIVE MOVEMENT WITHIN THE BUILDING,* HE SAID.
♦AS IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATION FOR A CLOSURE ORDER WILL ALSO BE HEARD AT VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON JUNE 11.
* NOS. 209 AND 210 TAI HOM ROAD, TAI HOM VILLAGE, KOWLOON
THIS PAIR OF TWO-STOREY BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING WALLS, HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
RECENTLY. FRACTURES IN THE WALLS HAD OPENED UP, INDICATING ACTIVE MOVEMENT.
♦AS IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS NOW A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS,+ HE SAID.
APPLICATION FOR CLOSURE ORDERS WILL BE HEARD AT KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON JUNE 11.
* NOS. 114 AND 116 TEMPLE STREET, KOWLOON
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTED WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOF SUPPORTED ON LOAD-BEARING WALLS, WERE FIRST INSPECTED IN 1964 AND THE REAR KITCHEN BLOCKS WERE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED AS DANGEROUS IN 1967.
♦NO. 114 TEMPLE STREET IS NOW IN AN ADVANCED STATE OF DILAPIDATION AND IN PARTICULAR THE REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS ARE BEYOND REPAIR. AS THERE IS NOW A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,+ HE SAID.
♦AS NO. 116 TEMPLE STREET WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE COLLAPSE OR DEMOLITION OF NO. 114 IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATION FOR CLOSURE ORDERS WILL BE HEARD AT KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON JUNE 11.
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/4
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1979
4
GOVERNOR RETURNS TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE it )r *
THE GOVERNOR. SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (MONDAY) MOVED BACK TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE FROM HIS TEMPORARY RESIDENCE AT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE WAS VACATED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR FOR RENOVATION.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER, 5-232031, REMAINS UNCHANGED.
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CONSTRUCTION STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
STUDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION DISCIPLINE AT THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL HAVE A CHANCE IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR TO RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP DONATED BY A LOCAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
THE CHEE CHEUNG HING SCHOLARSHIP, WHICH WILL BE AWARDED ANNUALLY STARTING FROM THE 1979-80 ACADEMIC YEAR, IS TO BE GIVEN TO A STUDENT PURSUING A FULL-TIME CONSTRUCTION COURSE AT THE TECHNICIAN (POST-FORM V) LEVEL.
IT IS BEING DONATED BY THE CHEE CHEUNG HING AND CO. LTD., THE CONTRACTOR WHO BUILT THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT 702 LAI CHI KCK ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE SCHOLARSHIP IS VALUED AT $800 AND THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES WILL BE NOMINATING A STUDENT FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE 1979-80 SESSION AT A LATER DATE.
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1979
5
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A SECTION OF SHING MUN ROAD ADJACENT TO CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR FORMATION WORKS AT CHEUNG PEI SHAN.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, INCLUDING KMB ROUTE NOS. 32 AND 32B, WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA SHING MUN ROAD, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST, LO WAI ROAD, TUNG PO TO ROAD AND SHING MUN ROAD.
THESE ROADS WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
THE EXISTING BUS STOP FOR KMB ROUTE NO. 32B ON SHING MUN ROAD WILL BE RESITED TO THE PRESENT STOP FOR ROUTE NO. 32A ON CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST. TWO BUS STOPS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR BOTH DIRECTIONS OF ROUTE 32 AT THE EXISTING STOPS FOR ROUTE 32A ON CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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QUEEN ST. TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WITH UNLADEN WEIGHTS EXCEEDING TWO TONS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF QUEEN STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST BETWEEN 7.30 P.M. AND MIDNIGHT FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY FOR ROAD WORKS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER 0=" PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY WAN CHAI ROAD, SOUTH SIDE OF JOHNSTON ROAD, LEE TUNG STREET, NORTH SIDE OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST INCLUDING SPRING GARDEN LANE, TAI YUEN STREET, STONE NULLAH LANE, TAI WO STREET AND CROSS STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT DEPTS ADOPT SAVE FUEL MEASURES ...................... 1
OUTGOING FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY EXTENDS BEST WISHES TO PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ........................ 2
LORD CARRINGTON SENDS GOOD WISHES TO PEOPLE OF HK ......... 2
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY ................................. 3
STUDENT WINS HONOUR IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS EXAMINATION ... 4
NEW SYLLABUSES FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY EXAMS ....... 5
FACTORY PROPRIETOR FINED FOR FAILING TO KEEP EXITS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTION ...................................... 6
WATER CUTS ................................................ 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1979
1
GOVT DEPTS ADOPT SAVE FUEL MEASURES
*****
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE TAKING ALL POSSIBLE STEPS TO SAVE FUEL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT THERMOSTATS HAVE BEEN SET AT 26 DEGREES CELSIUS OR ABOVE AND ALL NON-ESSENTIAL LIGHTING SWITCHED OFF.
♦IN SOME CASES LIGHT BULBS OR FLUORESCENT TUBES ARE BEING REMOVED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SOME DEPARTMENTS HAVE APPOINTED OFFICERS TO MONITOR THE USE OF ELECTRICITY FOR LIGHTING AND THE OPERATION OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT INCLUDING COPYING AND ADDING MACHINES.
LIGHTING AT THE CITY HALL HAS BEEN REDUCED AND FLOODLIGHTING OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT INDOOR GAMES HALLS, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS HAS BEEN CURTAILED OR SWITCHED OFF.
AT KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FLOODLIGHTS HAVE BEEN SWITCHED OFF AND LIGHTING IN OFFICES, CORRIDORS, STAIRWAYS AND PUBLIC AREAS HAS BEEN REDUCED.
PERIMETER LIGHTING AND FLOODLIGHTING AT RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S BROADCAST DRIVE HEADQUARTERS HAS BEEN SWITCHED OFF AND STRICT ECONOMY MEASURES ARE IN FORCE IN STUDIOS.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HAS APPOINTED FUEL WARDENS TO ENSURE MAXIMUM ECONOMY IN THE USE OF LIGHTING AND AIR CONDITIONING.
IN ADDITION TO CAREFUL MONITORING OF REQUESTS FOR EXTRA TRAINS INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO DRIVERS TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY IDLING OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES.
♦MANY DEPARTMENTS ARE URGING THOSE STAFF WHO WOULD NORMALLY DRIVE PRIVATE CARS TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS SOCIAL WELFARE WITH LARGE NUMBERS -OF STAFF WORKING CLOSELY WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE URGED STAFF TO TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY OF ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO SAVE FUEL.
♦IN VIEW OF THE ADJUSTMENT TO AIR-CONDITIONER THERMOSTATS STAFF ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO DRESS CASUALLY AND EVEN MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY ARE BEING ASKED TO DISCARD JACKETS AND TIES AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT,♦ HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1979
2
OUTGOING FOREIGN AND EXTENDS BEST WISHES * *
COMMONWEALTH TO PEOPLE OF
* * * *
SECRETARY HONG KONG
THE OUTGOING SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, DR. DAVID OWEN, HAS EXTENDED HIS BEST WISHES TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN THE FUTURE.
HE ALSO THANKED THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, PERSONALLY FOR HIS ADVICE AND SUPPORT THROUGHOUT HIS (DR. OWEN’S) PERIOD OF OFFICE.
IN A MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNOR, DR. OWEN SAIDt
♦I AM VERY SORRY THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO VISIT YOU DURING MY TIME AS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY.
♦I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THIS COUNTRY SHOULD DEMONSTRATE ITS RESOLVE TO LIVE UP TO ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES, WHOSE LOYALTY AND FRIENDSHIP WE CHERISH.
+ 1 AM THROUGHOUT ADMINISTER FUTURE.*
GRATEFUL TO YOU PERSONALLY FOR YOUR ADVICE AND SUPPORT MY PERIOD OF OFFICE. PLEASE CONVEY TO THOSE YCU MY BEST WISHES FOR THEIR PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN THE
-----o------
LORD CARRINGTON SENDS GOOD WISHES TO PEOPLE OF HK ******
™E .N^nS^!TARI 0F STATE F0R AMD COMMONWEALTH
AFFAIRS, LORD CARRINGTON, HAS SENT HIS WARM GOOD WISHES TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
,N A MESSAGE FROM THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, LORD CARRINGTON SAIDi ’
*THE WELL-BEING OF THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES IS A MAJOR PART OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I SHALL ALWAYS GIVE THE MOST CAREFUL ATTENTION TO YOUR INTEREST
®E ABLE T0 VIS,T S0ME OF THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES BEFORE TOO LONG, TO MEET YOU AND THOSE UNDER YOUR CARE.
♦IN THE MEANTIME PLEASE PASS MY GOOD WISHES TO THEM AND ASSURE THEM THAT I SHALL HAVE THEIR CONCERNS VERY MUCH IN MIND DURING MY PERIOD IN OFFICE.*
0
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1979
- 3 -
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY * M * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS COMPILED A REPORT ON A QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY HELD LAST (APRIL) MONTH.
ABOUT 750 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, AND THEIR BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER.
RESPONDENTS TO THE SURVEY, ON BALANCE, CONSIDERED THAT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, BUSINESS WAS SOMEWHAT BETTER THAN HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN EXPECTED WHILE THE SECOND QUARTER SHOULD SHOW FURTHER IMPROVEMENT ON THE FIRST QUARTER.
THE MANUFACTURING SECTORS ---- FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO,
WATCHES AND CLOCKS AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ----
REPORTED AN IMPROVED FIRST QUARTER AND ARE CONFIDENT OF FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO COME IN THE SECOND QUARTER. ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO IMPROVEMENTS ARE THE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES AND ELECTRONICS SECTORS WHICH REPORTED A FAIRLY STEADY FIRST QUARTER.
THE REMAINING MANUFACTURING SECTORS ---- PLASTICS, FABRICATED
METAL PRODUCTS, TEXTILES, WEARING APPAREL AND PRINTING ----
EXPERIENCED DETERIORATIONS IN THE FIRST QUARTER BUT EXPECT APPRECIABLE UPTURNS IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
AS A WHOLE, THE MANUFACTURING DIVISION REPORTED MARGINAL DETERIORATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AND ANTICIPATES A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR SHOWED A CONTINUING DECREASE IN THE DEGREE OF OPTIMISM SINCE THE LATTER PART OF 1978.
♦FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE TWO YEARS COVERED BY THIS SERIES OF SURVEYS, THERE IS A SMALL NEGATIVE BALANCE OF ’UPS OVER DOWNS’ IN EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR REGARDING THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION,+ HE SAID.
AFTER EXPERIENCING APPRECIABLE IMPROVEMENTS QUARTER AFTER QUARTER, THE SECTOR REPORTED ONLY A VERY SMALL IMPROVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1978, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SERVICES SECTORS -- HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS — BOTH HAD A GOOD FIRST QUARTER, QUITE CONTRARY TO PREVIOUS EXPECTATIONS.
♦THE HOTELS SECTOR IS CONFIDENT OF FURTHER ADVANCES WHILE THE RESTAURANTS SECTOR IN GENERAL PREDICTS DETERIORATION, HE SAID.
THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE TRADE SECTOR REPORTED SOME DETERIORATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND EXPECTS FURTHER DETERIORATION IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
Z?OH GTHEB
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1979
4
FOR OTHER SERVICES, THE SECTORS ---- BANKS AND MISCELLANEOUS
BUSINESS SERVICES --- BOTH ENJOYED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FIRST
QUARTER AND EXPECT THEIR GOOD PERFORMANCES TO CARRY FORWARD INTO THE SECOND QUARTER.
THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR DID WELL AND EXPECTS MILD IMPROVEMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DATA, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASICALLY INTENDED TO FACILITATE A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS IN QUANTITATIVE TERMS, FIRMS WERE ASKED TO COMPARE THE QUARTER JUST PAST WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND SIMILARLY FOR THE FORTHCOMING ONE, AND ONLY HAD TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, A CERTAIN VARIABLE WAS +UP,+ +SAME+ OR +DOWN.+
THE SPOKESMAN CAUTIONED THAT IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, CONSIDERABLE RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN THE INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS, AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS, AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE PROBABLY AFFECTED CONSIDERABLY BY SEASONALITY.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF AND STATISTICAL TABLES ON VARIOUS ECONOMIC VARIABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.
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STUDENT WINS HONOUR IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS EXAMINATION ******
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS A GRADUATE OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING COURSE TOOK FIRST PRIZE IN AN EXAMINATION RUN BY THE CITY AND GUILDS OF THE LONDON INSTITUTE.
THE GRADUATE, MR. HO KAM-WAI, WON A SILVER MEDAL FOR HIS PERFORMANCE IN THE RADIO AND LINE TRANSMISSION B COURSE EXAMINATION HELD AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN MAY AND JUNE LAST YEAR.
MR. HO PURSUED A TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA COURSE IN ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING IN THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FROM SEPTEMBER, 1976, TO JULY, LAST YEAR. HE IS NOW STUDYING FOR THE HIGHER DIPLOMA IN THE SAME SUBJECT IK THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
A TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN IN THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MR. FUNG YUEN-KWONG, ALSO RECEIVED FIRST PRIZE IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN PRINCIPLES B COURSE EXAMINATION CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER, 1976.
THEIR REMARKABLE RESULTS WERE ACHIEVED IN COMPETITION WITH CANDIDATES FROM ALL OVER BRITAIN ANL THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH.
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5.......
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1979
- 5 -
NEW SYLLABUSES FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY EXAMS X * * X ft
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED A NUMBER CF ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS WISHING TO SIT VARIOUS EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN THE MERCHANT NAVY FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW SYLLABUSES.
THE NEW SYLLABUSES, TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT MARCH, ARE CONTAINED IN THE ♦EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN THE MERCHANT NAVY- DECK SYLLABUSES WITH SPECIMEN PAPERS.♦
THE SPOKESMAN SAID EXAMINATIONS BASED ON THE EXISTING SYLLABUSES WILL CONTINUE TO BE HELD UNTIL THE END OF APRIL NEXT YEAR FOR THE BENEFIT OF CANDIDATES MAKING A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPT ONLY.
FROM APRIL 30 NEXT YEAR, CANDIDATES FOR THE FIRST MATE (CLASS 2) EXAMINATION ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE AN 18-MONTH WATCHKEEPING SERVICE INSTEAD OF THE EXISTING 12 MONTHS, A RADAR SIMULATOR COURSE ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE AND A SHIP CAPTAIN’S MEDICAL TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
♦THE TOTAL PERIOD OF SERVICE AS A WATCHKEEPING OFFICER REQUIRED BETWEEN THE DATE OF QUALIFYING FOR A SECOND MATE (CLASS 3) CERTIFICATE AND BECOMING ELIGIBLE FOR THE ISSUE OF A MASTER MARINER (CLASS 1) CERTIFICATE REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 3-1/2 YEARS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, CANDIDATES FOR THE SECOND MATE (CLASS 3) EXAMINATIONS MUST HAVE A FIRST AID AT SEA CERTIFICATE, AN ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL AIDS (OPERATION) CERTIFICATE, A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AS LIFEBOATMAN AND HAVE PASSED THE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AS ABLE SEAMAN.
FOR THOSE WISHING TO SIT THE MASTER MARINER (CLASS 1) EXAMINATIONS, THEY MUST HAVE A SHIP CAPTAIN’S MEDICAL TRAINING CERTIFICATE BEFORE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY IS ISSUED.
THE’ SPOKESMAN SAID THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS ARE SPECIFIED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM’S DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND WILL BE CONTAINED IN AN AMENDED VERSION OF +EXAMI NATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN THE MERCHANT NAVYi DECK OFFICER REQUIREMENTS+ IN DUE COURSE.
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/6
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1979
6
FACTORY PROPRIETOR FINED FOR FAILING TO KEEP EXITS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTION # * # #
THE PROPRIETOR OF A KNITTING FACTORY IN KOWLOON WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) FINED 85,000 IN THE NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY FOR FAILING TO MAINTAIN FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION THE EXITS OF THE FACTORY AS REQUIRED BY THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS. THE FINE WAS THE MAXIMUM FOR SUCH AN OFFENCE.
COMMENTING ON THE COURT CASE, MR. J.P. WOOD, CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS THAT THEY COULD FACE PROSECUTION AND HEAVY FINES IF THEY FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF LABOUR LEGISLATIONS ON INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY.
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WATER CUTS * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 12.01 A.M. TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY SHA TSUI ROAD, KWAN MUN HAU STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TAI HO ROAD INCLUDING CHUEN LUNG STREET, HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET, SHIU WO STREET. CHUNG ON STREET AND HAM TIN STREET.
MEANWHILE WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY ALSO FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY BLOCKS 1-15, CHAI WAN ESTATE. SAN HA STREET, TAI PING STREET, TAI PING VILLAGE, CHAI WAN AND CALTEX PETROL FILLING STATION AND SUN YIP STREET.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SANDY BAY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HAS WORLDWIDE REPUTATION' IN SPINAL SURGERY --- GOVERNOR ............................ 1
RESIDENTIAL SITE IN SHA TIN TO BE AUCTIONED ............... 2
AUCTION OF +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS .............................. 2
HK’S RARE EAGLE GOING TO UK WILDLIFE PARK ................. 3
RE-CONSTRUCTION OF PALM STREET ............................ 4
WATER CUT.................................................. 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1979
SANDY BAY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HAS WORLDWIDE REPUTATION IN SPINAL SURGERY — GOVERNOR *******
THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN SANDY BAY HAS ACHIEVED WORLDWIDE REPUTATION IN THE FIELD OF SPINAL SURGERY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+THE FACT THAT MANY DOCTORS FROM OVERSEAS VISIT THE HOSPITAL TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IN SPINAL SURGERY IS THE BEST TESTIMONY OF AN INDICATION OF ITS PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ASIAN ANTIQUES FAIR. HE ADDED THAT IT WAS VERY THOUGHTFUL OF THE DIRECTORS TO DONATE THE PROCEEDS OF THE FAIR TO THE HOSPITAL OF WHICH +WE IN HONG KONG ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD.+
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHi
♦IT WAS A HAPPY THOUGHT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THIS FIRST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ASIAN ANTIQUES FAIR THAT THE PROCEEDS OF THIS EVENING SHOULD BE DEVOTED TO THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SANDY BAY.
♦THE HOSPITAL IS ONE OF WHICH WE IN HONG KONG ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD. IT HAS A REPUTATION WHICH IS WORLDWIDE. THE FACT THAT MANY DOCTORS FROM OVERSEAS VISIT THE HOSPITAL TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IN SPINAL SURGERY IS THE BEST TESTIMONY OF AN INDICATION OF ITS PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE.
♦BUT IT IS ALSO A HIGHLY SYMPATHETIC ORGANISATION. THE SOCIETY AND STAFF HAVE DEVELOPED AN ATMOSPHERE AND SPIRIT IN THE HOSPITAL WHICH STRIKE ALL WHO VISIT IT.
♦IN THIS CASE VIRTUE HAS TO SOME EXTENT BEEN ITS OWN REWARD, AND THE HOSPITAL HAS BEEN ABLE TO COMMAND THE SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC WHICH HAS MADE ITS EXPANSION AND MAINTENANCE POSSIBLE. THE PROCEEDS OF THIS EVENING COULD NOT GO TO A WORTHIER CAUSE.
♦I HOPE THAT IN THE CASE OF THE ANTIQUES FAIR TOO, THE VIRTUE OF ITS PUBLIC-SPIRITED DONATION WILL ALSO HAVE AN IMMEDIATE REWARD IN THE SUCCESS OF THIS INTERNATIONAL FAIR.
♦HONG KONG IS RAPIDLY BECOMING THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL MART OF ANTIQUES IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD. I AM SURE THAT THE OBJECTS ON OFFER THIS EVENING WILL ENHANCE THAT REPUTATION, AND I WISH THE FAIR EVERY SUCCESS.+
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/2
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1979
2
RESIDENTIAL SITE IN SHA TIN TO BE AUCTIONED *****
THE FIRST SITE ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF SHA TIN VALLEY, EARMARKED FOR MEDIUM RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION EARLY NEXT (JUNE) MONTH.
THE 1,679-SQUARE METRE SITE OVERLOOKING SHA TIN HOI IS ON THE HILLSIDE OPPOSITE THE PROPOSED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY DEPOT.
THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THIS SITE WOULD BE THE FIRST IN THE AREA TO BE PUT ON THE MARKET.
+THE SITE CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $1.17 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED OVER 36 MONTHS AND A PLOT RATIO OF 2il WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE CONTRUCTION OF FIRST-CLASS MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS,* HE SAID.
+ THE AREA IS AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR GOOD QUALITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WILL BE CONNECTED BY ROAD TO THE MAIN COMMUNICATION ARTERIES OF SHA TIN AND THE PROPOSED RAILWAY STATION AT FO TAN,* HE ADDED.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 A.M. ON JUNE 12 AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLAN INSPECTED AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND ANY OF THE SEVEN NTA DISTRICT OFFICES.
MR. THOMPSON POINTED OUT THAT THREE OTHER LOTS IN THE SAME AREA WILL BE SOLD OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS EITHER BY AUCTION OR BY TENDER TO LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT HOLDERS.
------o-------
AUCTION OF +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY.
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 10 A.M. IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL.
TWENTY-FIVE NUMBERS WILL BE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC. THEY AREi
6848 BM 22 BY 633 BY 1828 BY 3288
8338 BU 888 BY 728 BY 2388 BY 3996
HK 786 BX 9495 BY 1088 BY 2500 BY 6848
AB 8 BY 348 BY 1118 BY 2882 BY 7878
AK 100 BY 450 BY 1588 BY 2888 BY 7890
/SUCCESSFUL .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1979
3
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSE OF BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO TO THE LOTTERIES FUND.
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HK’S RARE EAGLE GOING TO UK WILDLIFE PARK ******
A RARE WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE WILL BE FLOWN TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) TO MEET A MATE AT THE NORFOLK WILDLIFE PARK AT GREAT WITCHINGHAM, NORWICH.
THE EAGLE, NAMED +YING,+ IS A GIFT FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO THE PARK FOR THE PURPOSE OF BREEDING THE RARE SPECIES IN CAPTIVITY.
YING WAS SURRENDERED TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TWO YEARS AGO WHEN ITS OWNER FAILED TO SECURE A POSSESSION PERMIT TO KEEP THE BIRD UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
THE BROWN EAGLE WITH A WHITE-TIPPED TAIL IS THREE FEET HIGH, HAS A WING SPAN OF SIX FEET AND WEIGHS ABOUT 12 POUNDS. THE SPECIES COMES FROM THE LOWER YANGTZE RIVER AREA AND NORTHEAST CHINA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT YING, NOW ABOUT SIX YEARS OLD, HAD ALWAYS BEEN KEPT IN CAPTIVITY AND THUS COULD NOT BE RELEASED IN THE WILD.
HE ADDED THAT SOME TIME AGO THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF WHITE-TAILED EAGLES IN CENTRAL EUROPE AND CHINA BUT THEIR NUMBERS HAVE NOW DIMINISHED TO ONLY A FEW HUNDRED BECAUSE OF TRAPPING, SHOOTING AND POISONING OF THE BIRD.
+IT HAS TAKEN US SOME TIME TO FIND A SUITABLE HOME FOR YING AND WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE OFFER FROM THE NORFOLK WILDLIFE PARK. IF MATING IS SUCCESSFUL, THE YOUNG WILL BE RELEASED TO THE WILD IN CENTRAL EUROPE,+ HE SAID.
WHILE YING WAS KEPT UNDER CONSTANT CARE AT AN AVIARY AT THE GOVERNMENT’S SHEK WU HUI KENNELS, HE ATE ABOUT 400 GRAMS OF MEAT — RODENTS, CHICKENS AND SHIN BEEF — A DAY.
TODAY OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT AND THE BOTANICAL AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS LOADED YING IN A LARGE CRATE IN PREPARATION FOR THE FLIGHT TO BRITAIN TONIGHT.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1979
4
RE-CONSTRUCTION OF PALM STREET * * * *
THE SURFACE OF PALM STREET HAS DETERIORATED TO THE EXTENT THAT IT REQUIRES FREQUENT MAINTENANCE, CAUSING DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC AND INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, THE ROAD WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED IN REINFORCED CONCRETE IN CONJUNCTION WITH MINOR ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS AND REBUILDING OF FOOTPATHS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ‘
CONSTRUCTION WORK, TO BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DIVISION OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, IS SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT (JUNE) MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
DURING THIS PERIOD, ONE TRAFFIC LANE OF THIS ONE-WAY STREET WILL BE KEPT OPEN IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION.
VEGETABLE WHOLESALERS WHO ARE PRESENTLY OCCUPYING PALM STREET FOR TRADING PURPOSES HAVE BEEN GIVEN NOTICE TO VACATE THE AREA TO AVOID OBSTRUCTING THE ROAD WORKS.
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AMD FISHERIES HAS OFFERED TO ACCOMMODATE THESE WHOLESALERS AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET WHERE THEY MAY LEGITIMATELY CONTINUE TRADING.
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WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHEK KIP MEI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON FRIDAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TAI HANG TUNG ROAD, LUMG CHU STREET, TO YUEN STREET AND BLOCK NOS. 9 - 14, TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL COMPLEX ....... 1
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT CHINA NEXT MONTH .................. 2
$20.1 MILLION REALISED AT LAND AUCTION .................. 2
NON-INDUSTRI AL SITE TO BE AUCTIONED..................... 3
SHAM WAN TO BE DEVELOPED................................. 3
RESITI MG OF BUS TERMINUS ............................... 4
PROHIBITED ZONES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ................. 5
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL ............. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1979
1
DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL COMPLEX * * * X X X
GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO REDEVELOP THE EXISTING MACAU FERRY TERMINAL, WHERE FACILITIES ARE INADEQUATE TO MEET THE PRESENT AND FUTURE DEMANDS OF THE PUBLIC TRAVELLING TO AND FROM MACAU.
IT WILL BE REPLACED BY A MODERN FERRY TERMINAL COMPLEX WHICH WILL COMPRISE TWO PIERS PARALLEL TO THE SHORELINE AND CONNECTED BY BRIDGES TO THE PODIUM DECKS OF A MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING SITUATED ON THE WATERFRONT ADJACENT TO THE PIERS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THE OUTER PIER WILL BE A LOW PLATFORM STRUCTURE WITH MOORING FOR TWO CONVENTIONAL FERRIES ON ITS OUTER FACE WHILE THE INNER PIER WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR BERTHING OF UP TO EIGHT HYDROFOILS AT ANY ONE TIME.
+BRIDGES WILL CONNECT THE TWO PIERS TO THE PASSENGER CONCOURSE AREAS WHICH ARE INCORPORATED IN THE LOWER FLOORS OF THE MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL COMPLEX,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FACILITIES FOR IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS CONTROL, POLICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IN THE OPERATION OF THE TERMINAL WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW COMPLEX.
♦A TEMPORARY PIER WILL BE PROVIDED DURING THE PERIOD OF CONSTRUCTION SO THAT THE FERRY AND HYDROFOIL SERVICES TO MACAU WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME,* HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT, IT IS INTENDED TO CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR THE MARINE STRUCTURES WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ABOUT 4.76 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED AND TO GRANT A LEASE OF AN AREA OF SEA BED OF ABOUT 2,450 SQUARE METRES WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE COMMERCIAL BLOCK SITE IN THE VICINITY OF THE EXISTING MACAU FERRY TERMINAL NEAR CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED ARE DESCRIBED IN TWO SEPARATE NOTIFICATIONS TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE WHICH CALL ON ALL PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS OR ANY CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT TO SUBMIT THEM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTICES.
NOTICES (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THESE PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY THE PUBLIC AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/2.....
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1979
2
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT CHINA NEXT MONTH * * * * *
THE DUKE OF KENT WILL PAY AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO CHINA EARLY NEXT MONTH AND WILL BREAK HIS JOURNEY BY STOPPING IN HONG KONG FOR A TWO-DAY PRIVATE STAY.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS IS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR HONG KONG ON JUNE 2. HE IS EXPECTED IN PEKING ON JUNE 4, WHERE AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TRADE BOARD, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL ATTEND THE OPENING OF A BRITISH ENERGY EXHIBITION ON JUNE 6.
THE DUKE OF KENT WILL LEAVE PEKING ON JUNE 9 FOR SHANGHAI AND HANGZHOU. HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON JUNE 11 ON HIS WAY BACK TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, ARRIVING IN LONDON ON JUNE 13.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL TRAVEL BY SCHEDULE SERVICE TO AND FROM HONG KONG. FLIGHTS WITHIN CHINA WILL BE BY RAF VC 10.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL HAVE NO PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS DURING HIS STAY IN HONG KONG.
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$20.1 MILLION REALISED AT LAND AUCTION
*****
A 1,430-SQUARE METRE SITE AT FUNG YIP STREET, CHAI WAN, HONG KONG, WAS SOLD FOR $17.7 MILLION AT AN AUCTION CONDUCTED BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY HALL TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SITE, WHICH IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, WAS BOUGHT BY YAN NIN DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD. AT $12,377.62 PER SQUARE ft TRE.
ANOTHER SITE AT NGA TSIN WAI ROAD WAS SOLD TO KOON LOI CO. LTD. FOR $2.4 MILLION OR $28,103.04 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 85.4 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
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THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1979
- 3 -
NON-INDUSTRI AL SITE TO EE AUCTIONED * * * * *
A NON-INDUSTRI AL SITE IN KOWLOON WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON JUNE 18, 1979, AT 2.30 P.M.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 4,500 SQUARE METRES, IS AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), HONG KONG, AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405, NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
SALE PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
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SHAM WAN TO BE DEVELOPED * * * *
MOORINGS FOR PLEASURE CRAFT IN SHAM WAN, ABERDEEN, WILL BE RESITED TO NEARBY PO CHONG WAN TO MAKE WAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) 144 PLEASURE CRA^T WILL BE AFFECTED AND THAT DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL DO THEIR UTMOST TO RELOCATE OWNERS.
HE SAID THAT AT THE SAME TIME THE EXISTING MOORINGS IN PO CHONG WAN WILL ALSO BE RESITED TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE AVAILABLE SPACE.
♦RELOCATION WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN FOUR MONTHS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID PRIVATE MOORING OWNERS WILL BE INFORMED INDIVIDUALLY WHEN THE NEW LAYOUT PLAN IS WORKED OUT. DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL GUIDE THEM TO THEIR NEW SITES.
+AS ALL PLEASURE CRAFT ARE TO BE CONCENTRATED IN PO CHONG WAN, MOORINGS WILL BE PLACED CLOSER TOGETHER, OWNERS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO ENSURE THEIR VESSELS ARE ADEQUATELY RENDERED TO PREVENT CONTACT DAMAGE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT PLEASURE CRAFT OF SIMILAR SIZE AND TYPE WOULD BE MOORED NEXT TO EACH 2THER.
0
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1979 - 4 -
RESITING OF BUS TERMINUS *****
THE TAI PO MARKET TERMINUS FOR SHA TIN RACE COURSE RECREATION ROUTE 872 WILL BE RESITED FROM ITS EXISTING LOCATION IN YAN HING STREET TO PO HEUNG STREET, IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE PRESENT TERMINUS FOR K.M.B. ROUTE 73. THE MOVE WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SATURDAY.
CONCURRENT WITH THE RESITING, ROUTE 872 WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE FROM TAI PO MARKET VIA PO HEUNG STREET, KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO ROAD AND RACE COURSE ROAD- AND FROM SHA TIN RACE COURSE VIA RACE COURSE ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, KWONG FUK ROAD, WAN TAU STREET, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET AND PO HEUNG STREET.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE RESITING OF THE TERMINAL WAS NECESSARY AS THE EXISTING TERMINUS WAS NOT IDEALLY POSITIONED FROM A SAFETY POINT OF VIEW.
♦THE NARROWNESS OF YAN HING STREET, COUPLED WITH THE PROXIMITY CF THE TERMINUS TO THE BEND JUST BELOW THE STEPS LEADING DOWN FROM THE RAILWAY STATION, MAKES THE LOCATION OF THE TERMINUS IN YAN HING STREET UNDESIRABLE,* HE EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN, HOWEVER, POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW TERMINAL SITE IN PO HEUNG STREET WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE ONE BUS AT A TIME.
♦OTHER BUSES PLYING THE ROUTE WILL HAVE TO QUEUE UP AND WAIT ALONG THE SAME SIDE OF PO HEUNG STREET SECTION BETWEEN WAI Yl AND HEUNG SZE WUI STREETS, MOVING ON TO PICK UP PASSENGERS ONCE THE BUS AT THE TERMINUS HAS DRIVEN OFF WITH A FULL LOAD,+ HE SAID.
AS A RESULT OF THE RESITING AND CONSEQUENT RE-ROUTING, THE BUS STOPS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WILL BE CANCELLED: TSING YUEN STREET (FOR SHA TIN RACE COURSE-BOUND BUSES)- KWONG FUK ROAD, SOUTH OF PO kEUNG STREET (FOR SHA TIN RACE COURSE-BOUND BUSES)- AND KWONG FUK ROAD, NORTH OF PO HEUNG STREET (FOR TAI PO MARKET-BOUND BUSES).
ONE ADDITIONAL BUS STOP WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE EXISTING STOP FOR ROUTE 72 IN WAN TAU STREET.
NOTICES AND SIGNS REGARDING THE RESITING OF THE TERMINUS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA BY THE BUS COMPANY TO GUIDE PASSENGERS.
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/5
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1979
5
PROHIBITED ZONES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING STREETS AND ROADS IN KOWLOON:
* HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD-
* HO MAN TIN STREET-
* CHUK YUEN ROAD-
* THE SECTION OF SHA TIN PASS ROAD BETWEEN LUNG FUNG STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD-
* THE SECTION OF TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN PASS ROAD AND THE CAR PARK OUTSIDE SHA TIN PASS ESTATE-
* THE SECTION OF UPPER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE ACCESS ROAD WEST OF THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAR PARK OUTSIDE BLOCK NORTH, AND
* THE PLB +MAXICAB+ STAND IN JORDAN ROAD FERRY CONCOURSE.
MEANWHILE, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF TAI FOO STREET BETWEEN SAI WAN HO STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED ZONES.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN JUBILEE STREET AND QUEEN VICTORIA STREET AND THE ENTRANCE TO THE JUBILEE STREET PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 5 A.M. ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTBRIDGES.
EASTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA JUBILEE STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN VICTORIA STREET.
THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN POTTINGER STREET AND JUBILEE STREET WILL BE CLOSED BETwEEN 1 A.M. AND 5 A.M. ON MONDAY.
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA POTTINGER STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND WING WO STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1979
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
BUSES TO CONTINUE TO PLAY DOMINANT ROLE IN TRANSPORT .............................................. 1
NEW BILL PROPOSES APPOINTMENT OF REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS ...................................... 2
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT TST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ............ 3
NEW BRANCH OFFICE AND MORE STAFF FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ............................................. 3
PRINCIPALS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACTIVITY APPROACH .... 4
WELFARE PLANS FOR YAU MA TEI-MONG KOK DISTRICT ......... 5
TOPPING OUT CEREMONY OF TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN WAN CHAI ................................................... 5
GOVT WATER ENGINEER TO RETIRE NEXT WEEK ................ 6
OPENING OF TWO CDO SUB-OFFICES ......................... 7
FIVE MORE MAX I CAB ROUTES FOR KOWLOON ................. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1979
1
BUSES TO CONTINUE TO PLAY DOMINANT ROLE IN TRANSPORT ******
BUSES WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A DOMINANT ROLE IN HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM EVEN WHEN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BEGINS OPERATION, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, DR. RICHARD BUTLER, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) AT A ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH LUNCHEON.
AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF INTERFERING WITH THE FARES WHICH BUSES, TRAMS AND FERRIES CHARGE SO AS TO RIG THEM TO BENEFIT THE MTR, HE SAID.
REFERRING TO PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 9, DR. BUTLER SAID.
♦SOME SPOKESMEN HAVE EXPRESSED FEARS THAT OUR PLANNING PLACES OVER-DEPENDENCE ON THE MTR AND THAT BUSES WILL BE REDUCED TO A SUPPLEMENTARY ROLE. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH.
♦THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE MTR WILL CARRY, AT MOST ONLY ONE MILLION OUT OF OVER SIX MILLION BOARDINGS A DAY AND WILL FACE COMPETITION FROM BUSES AND FERRIES AND TO A LESS EXTENT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES IN JUST THE SAME WAY AS THE BUSES NOW FACE SUCH COMPETITION.^
DR. BUTLER SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF BUSES ON PARTICULAR ROUTES MIGHT BE REDUCED AS PREVIOUS USERS SWITCH TO THE MTR.
♦BUT THE IMPORTANT THING TO STRESS IS THAT BUS CAPACITY ON A ROUTE WILL BE REDUCED IN RESPONSE TO A VOLUNTARY SWITCH IN DEMAND AND THE BUSES RELEASED WILL BE USED ELSEWHERE TO IMPROVE BUS SERVICES IN AREAS NOT SERVED BY THE MTR,* HE SAID.
DR. BUTLER HOPED THAT ANY CUTBACKS IN THE NUMBER OF BUSES ON PARTICULAR ROUTES WOULD BE MUCH LESS THAN ANY FALL IN PUBLIC DEMAND SO THAT OVERCROWDING COULD BE REDUCED.
♦WE ARE PLANNING WITH THE COMPANIES FOR AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF BUS SERVICES SO AS TO REDUCE OVERCROWDING, IMPROVE CLEANLINESS AND REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BREAKDOWNS,+ HE SAID.
SPEAKING ABOUT CONTAINING THE GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE VEHICLES DR. BUTLER SAID GOVERNMENT WOULD TRY TO ACHIEVE THIS BY PARKING AND FISCAL MEANS.
HE SAIDi +INCREASES IN REGISTRATION AND LICENCE FEES HAVE NOT BEEN EMPLOYED IN THE PAST TO CONTAIN PRIVATE VEHICLE NUMBERS’ GROWTH- THEY HAVE BEEN USED TO RAISE PUBLIC REVENUE, AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MATTER.♦
♦AS REGARDS PARKING CONTROL THE PRINCIPLE IS THAT WE CONSTRAIN PARKING FACILITIES TO THOSE LOCATIONS WHERE THE ROADS CAN BEAR THE STRAIN OF THE INCREASED MOTORING WHICH THEIR PROVISION WILL GENERATE. SUBJECT TO THAT, OF COURSE WE WILL SEE TO IT THAT OFF-STREET CAR PARKS ARE BUILT.+
/DR. BUTLER......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1979
2
DR. BUTLER CONCEDED THAT IN TRYING TO ACHIEVE A GREATER THROUGH-PUT OF TRAFFIC, THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE EXECUTION OF ROAD WORKS WITH THE TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE LOOKED AT EVEN MORE CLOSELY.
HE SAID THAT SOME CRITICS OF THE TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER HAD POINTED OUT THAT $4,000 MILLION OUT OF THE $7,000 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON IMPROVING HONG KONG’S ROAD NETWORK WILL BE SPENT ON NEW TERRITORIES ROADS AND HAVE URGED THAT MORE SHOULD BE SPENT IN EXISTING URBAN AREAS.
+ l DON’T AGREE,* HE STATED, ADDING +IT IS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES THAT MORE AND MORE OF OUR PEOPLE WILL BE MOVING OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS OR SO. IN EXISTING URBAN AREAS THE SCOPE FOR BUILDING NEW ROADS IS LIMITED AND THE COST OF DOING SO, OR OF DOUBLE DECKING EXISTING ROADS, IS ASTRONOMICAL BOTH IN DOLLAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL TERMS.*
DR. BUTLER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT OF THE $4,000 MILLION EARMARKED FOR ROADS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES $1,500 MILLION WAS FOR A LANTAU FIXED CROSSING ABOUT WHICH NO DECISION HAS YET BEEN MADE.
------0-------
NEW BILL PROPOSES APPOINTMENT OF REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS *****
THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND ADOPTION (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1979 WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT AN OFFICER TO BE REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASSED THE BILL THE INTENTION WAS THAT THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, AS COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION, SHOULD BE APPOINTED REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS WITH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SERVING AS THE GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE.
AT THE SAME TIME THE DIRECTOR WOULD ALSO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGES IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
♦THE MARRIAGE ORDINANCE, DOES NOT REQUIRE AMENDMENT AS IT ALREADY CONTAINS A PROVISION SIMILAR TO THAT NOW PROPOSED FOR THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE DECISION WAS A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION WHICH ALREADY INCLUDE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND IDENTITY CARDS.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGES AFFECTING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE REGISTRIES WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AS THEY ARE OPERATING NOW AND MARRIAGE CEREMONIES IN PARTICULAR WOULD CONTINUE TO EE CONDUCTED BY DEPUTY REGISTRARS OF MARRIAGE AS AT PRESENT, HE ADDED.
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/3.....
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1979
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT TST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN *****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS APPROVED FOUR AMENDMENTS TO THE NOTES TO THE DRAFT TSIM SHA TSUI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
THESE AMENDMENTS MAKE CLEAR WHETHER THE BOARD’S PERMISSION IS NEEDED FOR GOVERNMENT USE, MOTOR VEHICLE SHOWROOMS AND MASS TRANSIT STRUCTURES IN CERTAIN ZONES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JUNE 7.
THE AMENDED PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS UNTIL JUNE 7 AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE- THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (YAU MA TEI), 260-264 TEMPLE STREET, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON AND THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AT $5 A COPY.
- - o -
NEW BRANCH OFFICE AND MORE STAFF FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT *****
A NEW BRANCH OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN ON MONDAY IN VICTORIA BARRACKS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THE NEW OFFICE WILL DEAL MAINLY WITH APPLICATIONS FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND OTHER IMMIGRATION FACILITIES FOR IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.
♦THE TRANSFER OF THIS WORK TO THE NEW OFFICE WILL GREATLY ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE ON THE EXISTING IMMIGRATION AND REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE,+ HE SAID.
THE NEW OFFICE OCCUPIES ABOUT 2,322.58 SQUARE METRES.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS LAUNCHING A RECRUITMENT DRIVE TO COPE WITH INCREASING WORKLOAD.
HE POINTED OUT THAT LAST YEAR THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 895,558 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, AN INCREASE OF 16 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
/THE NUMBER OF
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1979
4
THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORTS ISSUED DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS 24,068 AND THE NUMBER OF RE-ENTRY PERMITS 274,824 — AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY HAVE INCREASED FROM 71,895 IN 1977 TO 79,176 IN 1978.
ON ADDITIONAL STAFF, THE SPOKESMAN SAID 123 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND 12 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS HAVE ALREADY JOINED THE DEPARTMENT DURING THE PAST THREE MONTHS.
IN ADDITION, POSTS FOR 72 GENERAL GRADE OFFICERS ARE NOW BEING FILLED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WILL BE HELD EVERY SIX WEEKS FOR THE TIME BEING.
-----o------
PRINCIPALS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACTIVITY APPROACH ******
A HALF-DAY SEMINAR ON THE ACTIVITY APPROACH METHOD OF TEACHING WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR HEADS AND DEPUTY HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
ORGANISED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE SEMINAR AIMS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.
MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, WILL OPEN THE SEMINAR AT 9.30 A.M. IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF CARITAS HOUSE, CAINE ROAD, HONG KONG.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY MR. PETER LAU, INSPECTOR (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT) ON +INTRODUCING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.*
SEVERAL HEADMASTERS WHOSE SCHOOLS ARE ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH METHOD WILL SPEAK ON THE ROLE OF THE HEAD IN IMPLEMENTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.
A GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT WILL ALSO BE HELD.
IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR, 56 PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE ADOPTED THE ACTIVITY APPROACH, INVOLVING SOME 17,000 PUPILS IN 447 CLASSES.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER -------------- THE SEMINAR ON THE ACTIVITY APPROACH METHOD OF
TEACHING TO EE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 9.30 A.M. AT THE COMMUNITY HALL OF CARITAS HOUSE IN CAINE ROAD.
------o-------
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1979
WELFARE PLANS FOR YAU MA TEI-MONG KOK DISTRICT ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER FOR WEST KOWLOON, MR. LU YU-HUA, TODAY (FRIDAY) SPOKE OF PLANS FOR THE EXPANSION OF WELFARE SERVICES IN THE YAU MA TEI-MONG KOK DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI LIONS CLUB, 14?. LU SAID THE PLANS WOULD PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, THE ELDERLY AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY INCLUDE A COMMUNITY HALL AND A SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR THE DISABLED IN PAK TIN, A COMMUNITY CENTRE AS WELL AS YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND YAU MA TEI, A TRAINING CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED YOUNG PEOPLE AND MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE AGED.
MR. LU EXPLAINED THAT THE YAU MA TEI-MONG KOK DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVELY COVERS TSIM SHA TSUI AND TAI KOK TSUI AS WELL. THE TOTAL POPULATION IN THE AREA IS 400,000.
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THE DISTRICT IS SERVED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THROUGH ITS 25 SERVICE UNITS WHICH INCLUDE FOUR FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, SIX SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS, FOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES AND A COMMUNITY CENTRE.
+THE SIX SOCIAL SECURITY FIELDS UNITS, BETWEEN THEMSELVES, ARE PAYING OUT $2 MILLION EACH MONTH TO ABOUT 4,600 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, $1.5 MILLION TO SOME 15,000 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASES, AND $300,000 TO 1,500 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES,* HE SAID.
MR. LU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SPENDING ABOUT $1.2 MILLION A DAY ON SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS, AND THE YAU MA TEI-MONG KOK DISTRICT ALONE ACCOUNTED FOR $120,000.
OLD PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT, HE SAID, HAVE NOT GIVEN UP THEIR CLAIMS TO THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AS THE NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS REPRESENTS OVER 95 PER CENT OF THE DISTRICT’S POPULATION AGED 70 AND OVER.
- - o - -
TOPPING OUT CEREMONY OF TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN WAN CHAI ******
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, TODAY (FRIDAY) OFFICIATED AT THE TOPPING OUT CEREMONY OF THE TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN MORRISON HILL.
MR. MCDONALD DESCRIBED THE CEREMONY AS A MILESTONE IN THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1079
- 6 -
♦ IT ALSO MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL,* HE SAID.
+THE SCHOOL IS PRESENTLY HOUSED IN THE FORMER PREMISES OF THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, WHICH WAS BUILT BEFORE THE WORLD WAR I l,+ HE SAID.
♦ALTHOUGH THE ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES IN THE OLD BUILDING HAVE SERVED THEIR PURPOSE IN THE PAST, THEY DO NOT MEET THE STANDARDS PROVIDED IN PRESENT DAY GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.*
MR. MCDONALD THANKED SIR SHIU-KIN TANG, WHO IS WELL-KNOWN FOR HIS GENEROSITY AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS ESPECIALLY IN THE MORRISON HILL AREA, FOR HIS $4 MILLION DONATION TOWARDS THE COST OF THE BUILDING.
EARLIER, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE, SAID THAT THE SCHOOL, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD HAVE 24 CLASSROOMS AND 16 SPECIAL ROOMS AND WOULD PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF CLASSES FROM FORM 1 TO UPPER SIX.
--------0---------
GOVT WATER ENGINEER TO RETIRE NEXT WEEK ******
MR. HERBERT WOODTHORPE, GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER (NEW WORKS), WILL RETIRE NEXT WEEK AFTER MORE THAN 21 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
KNOWN TO HIS COLLEAGUES AS +WOODY,* HE FIRST JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY 1958 AS AN ENGINEER.
MR. WOODTHORPE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ENGINEER IN APRIL 1965 AND CHIEF ENGINEER IN JUNE 1969.
HE BECAME GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER IN MAY 1973.
IN 1978, MR. WOODTHORPE ACTED FOR SIX MONTHS AS PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER AND FOR SHORT PERIODS AS DIRECTOR CF WATER SUPPLIES.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, WILL PRESENT HIM WITH A RETIREMENT GIFT ON BEHALF OF COLLEAGUES IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON MONDAY.
0--------
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1979
7
OPENING OF TWO CDO SUB-OFFICES *****
TWO NEW CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SUB-OFFICES IN NAM SHAN ESTATE AND KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE OPENED EARLY NEXT WEEK.
THE NAM SHAN SUB-OFFICE OF THE SHAM SHU I PO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE OPENED ON MONDAY AT UNITS 21-24 NAM ON HOUSE, NAM SHAN ESTATE.
THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 3-7789962.
THE KENNEDY TOWN SUB-OFFICE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IS AT 82 BELCHER’S STREET, KENNEDY TOWN AND WILL BE OPENED ON TUESDAY.
THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-487842.
- - 0 -
FIVE MORE MAXICAB ROUTES FOR KOWLOON * * * *
A SECOND BATCH OF FIVE MAX I CAB ROUTES IN KOWLOON WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON SUNDAY, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MAXICAB ROUTES IN KOWLOON TO 15.
THE FIVE NEW ROUTES ARE;
* ROUTE 1 FROM TSIM SHA TSUI (HANKOW ROAD) TO HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD-
* ROUTE 2 FROM JORDAN ROAD FERRY TO WATERLOO ROAD HILL (MAN FUK ROAD)-
* ROUTE 17 FROM WONG TAI SIN (NORTH) TO CHUK YUEN COTTAGE
AREA
* ROUTE 18 FROM WONG TAI SIN (NORTH) TO TSZ WAN SHAN (NORTH), AND
* ROUTE 19 FROM TSZ WAN SHAN (NORTH) TO SAN PO KONG.
A TOTAL OF 18 MAXICABS WILL SERVICE THE FIVE NEW ROUTES WITH FARES RANGING FROM 40 CENTS TO $1.
TEN MORE ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN KOWLOON IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 19^9
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
67 PEOPLE TO RECEIVE INSIGNIA ............................ 1
NEARLY 7.7 MILLION VEHICLES USED LION ROCK TUNNEL LAST YEAR ................................................. 2
641 NOTICES ISSUED AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS IN FIRST QUARTER OF YEAR...................................... 2
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN PRESS CONFERENCE ..................... 3
AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES $274,000 .............. 4
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE .................................... 4
FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 5
WATER CUT.................................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1979
- 1 -
67 PEOPLE TO RECEIVE INSIGNIA
* W X M
SIXTY-SEVEN PEOPLE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY WILL RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON MONDAY EVENING.
THE INSIGNIA TO BE PRESENTED INCLUDE ONE CMG, TWO CBE’S, SIX OBE’S, THREE ISO’S, 10 MBE’S, 13 BEM’S AND THREE ISM’S.
SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR GUESTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY.
ALL CARS CARRYING GUESTS MAY ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE. AFTER THEY HAVE ALIGHTED, VEHICLES BEARING G.H. LABELS MAY PARK IN THE FORECOURT AS DIRECTED, OR, IF CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN, RETURN AT 6.50 P.M.
VEHICLES BEARING PINK LABELS MUST EXIT BY THE EAST GATE AND THEN PARK AT UPPER ALBERT ROAD, LOWER ALBERT ROAD AND THE SLIP ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE BUILDING, THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD AND THE CAR PARK AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
ALL VEHICLES PARKED INSIDE GOVERNMENT HOUSE SHOULD LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE. OTHER GUESTS ARE REQUESTED TO WALK TO THEIR CARS AFTER THE CEREMONY.
PARKING FACILITIES IN METERED SPACES IN UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS AND THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 3 P.M. TO 7.30 P.M. ON THAT DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
COPIES OF A LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G.I.S. NEWS ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 4 P.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 21).
ONLY PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SHOULD MEET G.I.S. OFFICERS IN THE GUARD ROOM OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE NOT LATER THAN 5.30 P.M.
NEWSPAPERS NOT RECEIVING SUCH PASSES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTS WITH FRANCIS WU’S STUDIO, MARINA HOUSE, 12 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, TELEPHONE 5-224500.
/2
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1979
2
NEARLY 7.7 MILLION VEHICLES USED LION ROCK TUNNEL LAST YEAR ******
NEARLY 7.7 MILLION VEHICLES USED THE TWIN-TUBE LION ROCK TUNNEL LAST YEAR, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 1.3 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT OVER 1977.
SIXTY-EIGHT PER CENT OF THE 7,696,662 VEHICLES WERE PRIVATE CARS AND THE REST WERE LIGHT OR HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES.
THE HIGHEST DAILY FIGURE OF VEHICLES USING THE TUNNELS LAST
TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED AMOUNTED TO $9.4 MILLION ----- AN
INCREASE OF $1.5 MILLION.
SINCE 1968 WHEN THE FIRST TUNNEL WAS OPENED ---- THE SECOND
WAS COMPLETED LAST OCTOBER ---- 48.8 MILLION VEHICLES USED THE
TUNNELS.
MEANWHILE, THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL ALSO SAW A 25 PER CENT INCREASE IN TRAFFIC WITH 27.3 MILLION VEHICLES RECORDED LAST YEAR.
REVENUE COLLECTED FOR THE YEAR WAS $135.5 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 19 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ATTRIBUTED THE HEAVY USAGE OF THE TUNNELS TO THE EVER INCREASING NUMBER OF VEHICLES.
LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES ROSE FROM 207,512 TO 233,150, OR AN INCREASE OF 12.4 PER CENT ---- THE
HIGHEST SINCE 1976. THIS REPRESENTED A RATIO OF 210 VEHICLES FOR EVERY KILOMETRE OF ROAD IN HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
641 NOTICES ISSUED AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS IN FIRST QUARTER OF YEAR *****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ISSUED 641 NOTICES AGAINST UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
u™-rUJHIS WAS 164 M0RE THAN THAT 1SSUED IN THE PRECEDING THREE
MONTHS
/during the
SATURDAY, may 19. 1979
- 3 -
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE B.O.O. RECEIVED 249 BUILDING PROPOSALS COMPARED WITH 237 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. IT ALSO DEALT WITH 3,399 PLANS, AN INCREASE OF 73.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS DIVISION OF THE B.O.O. ANSWERED 10 EMERGENCY CALLS.
THE CALLS RELATED TO DAMAGE BY FIRE, DEFECTIVE CONCRETE, DEFECTIVE DRAINS AND A DEFECTIVE ADVERTISING SIGN.
CLOSURE ORDERS AFFECTING 25 BUILDINGS ---- 23 ON HONG KONG
ISLAND AND TWO IN KOWLOON --- WERE OBTAINED.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD, B.O.O. STAFF ALSO INSPECTED 249 BUILDINGS WHICH HAD BEEN CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION SINCE THE END OF JULY 1975.
-----0------
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN PRESS CONFERENCE *****
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE PROGRAMMES FOR THE 1979 ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY AT 3 P.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
SPEAKERS AT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE MR. KEITH LOMAS, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MR. CECIL CHAN, COMMISSIONER FOR SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROLS AND MR. GEORGE YUEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING COMMITTEE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONFERENCE. TELEVISION CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
-----o------
/4
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1979
4
AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES $274,000
******
TWENTY-FIVE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $274,000 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER BU 888 FETCHING THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $56,000..
ANOTHER NUMBER 8338 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE
OF $50,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 BY 1588, BY 6848, BX 9495, BY 3996. FOR BY 1088,
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE
FOLLOWING PR ICESi
BY 348 $1,100 BY 3288 $5,500 BY 2888 $3,500
BY 728 $3,000 BY 7890 $1,800 BY 7878 $20,000
BY 1118 $3,300 BY 639 $6,000 BY 450 $3,100
BY 2388 $3,700 AD 8 $37,000 BM 22 $23,000
BY 1828 $4,000 AK 100 $16,000
BY 2500 $1,400 6848 $9,500
BY 2882 $6,100 HK 786 $15,000
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED I 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 44TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY, 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO MORE THAN 9.7 MILLION.
------0-------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO KADOORIE BEACH TO ABOUT 150 METRES SOUTHWARD (WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE FEBRUARY 19) WILL BE FURTHER CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC UNTIL FRIDAY (MAY 25) FOR ROAD AND DRAINS CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE NEW TERR I TOR IES-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THIS SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ALTERNATIVELY.
TRAFFIC WILL BE REGULATED BY SIGNALS AND APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1979
5
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR TWO 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
MAY 21 (MONDAY) 1 P.M. - 4.30 P.M.
MAY 24 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 10 P.M.
WATER CUT * ft »
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAI YING PUN ON HONG KONG ISLAND 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 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, WESTERN STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND EASTERN STREET.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ADVICE ON PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SUMMER DISEASES ............ 1
EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY-MARCH ............... 2
CONSTRUCTION NOISE BAN INTERIM MEASURE ................... 6
$300 MILLION MARINA-RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX FOR SAI KUNG .. 7
$14.4 M FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL .. 8
1978 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION COMMENCES ........... 9
TECH INSTITUTE STUDENT TO COMPETE IN TOKYO TRACK AND FIELD CONTEST........................................ 10
REGISTRATION TEAM IN WONG CHUK HANG...................... 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
1
ADVICE ON PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SUMMER DISEASES ******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ADVISED NEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST CHOLERA AND OTHER GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH WARM WEATHER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE MOST EFFECTIVE PREVENTION METHOD WAS TO OBSERVE PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
HE WARNED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE HAD BEEN NO CHOLERA CASES IN HONG KONG SINCE AUGUST LAST YEAR, THE PUBLIC MUST CONTINUE TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ITS REAPPEARANCE IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUING PRESENCE OF THE DISEASE IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID BOTH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE STEPPING UP ALL POSSIBLE MEASURES AGAINST THE OUTBREAK OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES WHICH ARE PREVALENT IN SUMMER.
♦FOR INSTANCE, THE TESTING OF NIGHT SOIL AND STOOL SAMPLES OF ALL CASES OF DIARRHOEA HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT SO THAT ANY SUSPECTED CASES OF CHOLERA THAT COME TO LIGHT ARE IMMEDIATELY ISOLATED,♦ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE IS SUFFICIENT STOCK OF ANTI-CHOLERA VACCINE AND ISOLATION FACILITIES ARE ADEQUATE TO DEAL WITH ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION.
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT ANTI-CHOLERA VACCINE BY ITSELF WOULD ONLY GIVE PARTIAL PROTECTION TO THE INDIVIDUAL.
♦EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH HAVE SHOWN THAT THE MOST RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES ARE TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS IN THE PREPARATION AND CONSUMPTION OF FOOD AND WATER AND GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE,♦ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL IN THEIR CHOICE OF FOOD AND DRINK AS CHOLERA AND OTHER DIARRHOEA DISEASES ARE SPREAD THROUGH CONTAMINATED FOOD AND WATER.
ALL TYPES OF FOOD SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY COOKED AND IF NOT TAKEN IMMEDIATELY, IT SHOULD NOT BE LEFT IN THE OPEN AND EXPOSED TO CONTAMINATION, HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THESE PROTECTIVE MEASURES WERE EFFECTIVE NOT ONLY AGAINST CHOLERA BUT OTHER INTESTINAL DISEASES SUCH AS TYPHOID AND DYSENTERY.
0
/2......
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
- 2 -
EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY - MARCH * * * * * *
THE TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE VALUE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF TH IS YEAR WAS 831,882 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 36 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1978.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 31 PER CENT TO $10,116 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 34 PER CENT TO 817,559 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 59 PER CENT TO $4,207 MILLION.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) RELEASED DETAILED MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1979.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS AREi
JAN-MAR 79 (HK$ MN) JAN-MAR 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
U.S.A. 3,262 2,790 ♦ 472 ♦ 17
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,215 833 + 382 + 46
U.K. 1,144 638 + 506 ♦ 79
JAPAN 516 311 ♦ 205 + 66
AUSTRALIA 379 307 + 72 + 23
CANADA 303 251 ♦ 52 + 21
SINGAPORE 275 216 + 59 ♦ 27
NETHERLANDS 263 178 ♦ 85 + 48
SWEDEN 190 109 ♦ 81 + 75
SWITZERLAND 169 151 + 18 + 12
THE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. WAS DUE MAINLY TO IMPROVED SHIPMENTS OF CLOTHING ($1,186 MILLION, + 12 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($268 MILLION, + 36 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($259 MILLION, + 48 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($195 MILLION, + NINE PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($175 MILLION, ♦ 28 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS ($105 MILLION, - 12 PER CENT) AND PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ($46 MILLION, - 20 PER CENT) TO THE U.S.A. CONTINUED TO DECLINE.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE F.R. OF GERMANY ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY TO $723 MILLION (+ 54 PER CENT), ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 66 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL INCREASE TO THAT COUNTRY.
INCREASES IN DELIVERIES TO THE U.K. WERE FOUND MAINLY IN CLOTHING (T618 MILLION, + 88 PER CENT), TEXTILES (J115 MILLION ♦ 78 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($59 MILLION, ♦ 58 PER CENT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($59 MILLION, + 124 PER CENT).
/INCREASES WERE
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
3
INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING
($113 MILLION, + 51 PER CENT) AND WATCHES -AND CLOCKS ($58 MILLION, * 163 PER CENT) TO JAPAN.
THERE WAS A DECREASE IN SALES OF CLOTHING ($97 MILLION, - THREE PER CENT) TO AUSTRALIA BUT THIS WAS MORE THAN OFFSET BY THE INCREASE IN OTHER PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR, TEXTILES ($93 MILLION ♦ 42 PER CENT).
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS IS PRESENTED AS FOLLOWS :-
JAN-MAR 79 (HK$ MN)
JAN-MAR 78 (HK$ MN)
INCREASE (HK$ MN)
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL
AND CLOTHING ACCESSOR IES 3,718 2,857 + 861 + 30
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 1,590 1,174 + 416 + 35
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 835 591 + 244 ♦ 41
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 792 572 + 220 + 38
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS 689 558 + 131 ♦ 23
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSE-HOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 590 427 + 163 + 38
INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($701 MILLION, + 46 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS ($621 MILLION, + 46 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($579 MILLION, + 41 PER CENT), RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS (0339 MILLION, + 11 PER CENT), AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS ($231 MILLION, + 36 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A SLIGHT DECLINE WAS RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS (S171 MILLION, - FOUR PER CENT).
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 19?9
4
THE CHANGES IN AS FOLLOWS :-
IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARIZED
JAN-MAR 79 (HK$ MN)
JAN-MAR 78 (HK$ MN)
INCREASE (HK$ MN)
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAPAN 4,048 2,905 +1 ,143 4 39
CHINA 2,875 2,136 4 739 4 35
U.S.A. 2,062 1,617 4 445 4 28
TAIWAN 1,240 822 4 418 4 51
SINGAPORE 896 716 4 180 4 25
U.K. 788 573 4 215 4 38
F.R. OF GERMANY 595 445 4 150 4 34
SWITZERLAND 554 388 4 166 4 43
REP. OF KOREA (S. KOREA) 542 416 4 126 4 30
FRANCE 322 225 4 97 4 43
IMPORTS FROM JAPAN ROSE BY 39 PER CENT, DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED ARRIVALS OF TEXTILES ($617 MILLION, + 20 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($423 MILLION, ♦ 98 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($356 MILLION, + 71 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (8351 MILLION, ♦ 48 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES ($265 MILLION, ♦ 28 PER CENT), AND IRON AND STEEL ($232 MILLION, + 24 PER CENT).
IMPORTS FROM CHINA ALSO ROSE BY ABOUT 35 PER CENT, ATTRIBUTED CHIEFLY TO LARGER DEMAND FOR RAW MATERIALS AND FOODSTUFFS INCLUDING TEXTILES ($626 MILLION, + 82 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND RELATED MATERIALS (S242 MILLION, + 52 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($176 MILLION, + 10 PER CENT), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS ($134 MILLION, + SEVEN PER CENT) AS WELL AS LIME, CEMENT AND FABRICATED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ($50 MILLION, + 71 PER CENT). IMPORTS OF CHINESE CLOTHING ALSO WENT UP BY NEARLY 25 PER CENT TO $134 MILLION.
IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. RECORDED A GROWTH OF 28 PER CENT, DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED ARRIVALS OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($227 MILLION, + 78 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($189 MILLION, + 29 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($173 MILLION, ♦ 24 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($129 MILLION, + 17 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES ($65 MILLION, + 59 PER CENT).
ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE RISE IN SHIPMENTS FROM TAIWAN WAS ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE INCREASE IN TEXTILE PRODUCTS ($530 MILLION, + 55 PER CENT) WHILE THE GROWTH IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE WAS . DUE LARGELY TO THE UPWARD DEMAND FOR PETROLEUM AND RELATED MATERIALS ($474 MILLION, ♦ SEVEN PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($92 MILLION, ♦ 61 PER CENT; AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (39 MILLION, + 12 PER CENT).
/THE FALLOWING......
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 19?9
5
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS s-
JAN-MAR 79 (HK$ MN) JAN-MAR 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND DIAMONDS) 5,810 4,011 ♦1,799 + 45
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 3,800 2,578 +1,222 + 47
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 2,394 1,668 + 726 + 44
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 2,052 1,838 + 214 + 12
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,301 930 + 371 + 40
CRUDE MATERIALS, 999 929 + 70 + 8
INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF TEXTILE FABRICS ($1,698 MILLION, + 65 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($837 MILLION, + 43 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($672 MILLION, ♦ 78 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL ($565 MILLION, + 48 PER CENT), ARTIFICIAL RESINS, PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS ($420 MILLION, ♦ 72 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, A SLIGHT DECLINE WAS RECORDED IN ARRIVALS OF TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTE ($501 MILLION, - TWO PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED ON THEIR UPWARD TREND WITH SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES RECORDED IN SHIPMENTS TO JAPAN ($734 MILLION, + 70 PER CENT), U.S.A. ($378 MILLION, +60 PER CENT), TAIWAN ($365 MILLION, + 55 PER CENT), REPUBLIC OF KOREA ($196 MILLION, + 54 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES ($184 MILLION, + 73 PER CENT), CHINA ($162 MILLION, + 292 PER CENT), BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG ($117 MILLION, + 154 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES ($652 MILLION, + 133 PER CENT), PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($588 MILLION, + 60 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($236 MILLION, + 24 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($229 MILLION, + 87 PER CENT) AND CLOTHING ($149 MILLION, + 88 PER CENT).
/TH3 TRADE ...
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
6
THE RELEASED TRADE INDEX NUMBERS AS FOLLOWS i — FOR FEBRUARY 1979 (1973-100) WERE
VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 150 152 99
IMPORTS 232 155 150
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR FEBRUARY 1979 WAS 98.
-----0------
CONSTRUCTION NOISE BAN INTERIM MEASURE *****
A BAN ON THE USE OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7 P.M. AND 7 A.M. DUE TO COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 1 UNDER THE NOISE PREVENTION SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1978 IS AN INTERIM MEASURE STEMMING FROM THE LARGE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE BAN, WHICH ALSO APPLIES TO SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, HAD ALREADY BEEN DELAYED FOR TWO YEARS FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE BUILDING CONTRACTOR’S ASSOCIATION (BCA), THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT EXEMPTIONS FROM THE BAN MAY BE GRANTED TO CONTRACTORS IN CASES WHERE IT WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO DO SO. AND MANUAL WORK WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS WERE FORMULATED BY THE NOISE POLLUTION SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (EPCOM) WHICH HAD KEPT THE BCA FULLY INFORMED ABOUT ITS PROPOSALS SINCE THEIR INCEPTION IN 1974.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN 1976 THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD WRITTEN TO REGISTERED CONTRACTORS, AUTHORISED PERSONS AND OTHERS CONNECTED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY INFORMING THEM OF THE PROPOSED BAN AND ASKING FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION IN MAKING HONG KONG A QUIETER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.
GOVERNMENT FOR ITS PART, ON THE LARGE NUMBERS OF CONTRACTS IT LETS, HAS ALREADY TAKEN THE LEAD BY LIMITING THE HOURS OF WORK TO THOSE SPECIFIED IN THE NEW LEGISLATION.
HE ADDED THAT GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THAT A WHOLESALE BAN ON THE OPERATION OF CONSTRUCTION NOISE AT NIGHT AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS MUST BE A STOP-GAP MEASURE AND WAS NOT AN IDEAL WAY OF TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF CONSTRUCTION NOISE.
HE EMPHASISED, HOWEVER, THAT A NEW NOISE ABATEMENT BILL HAS BEEN DRAFTED AND PROVISION WAS BEING SOUGHT FOR THE TRAINED STAFF TO IMPLEMENT THE MORE SOPHISTICATED CONTROLS THIS WOULD CONTAIN.
THE PROCESS OF DRAWING UP THESE MEASURES WILL DEPEND VERY MUCH ON THE CO-OPERATION OF THE BCA, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
7
$300 MILLION MARINA-RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX FOR SAI KUNG *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED A UNIQUE $300 MILLION PROJECT TO DEVELOP A SITE IN SAI KUNG AS A LUXURY MARINA-RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX SIMILAR TO THE WORLD RENOWNED PORT GRIMAUD IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE FINAL CONDITIONS OF GRANT FOR 25 HECTARES OF LAND AND SEA BED HAD BEEN AGREED TO ENABLE THE BEST HOME LTD. TO START WORK IMMEDIATELY.
THE PROJECT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT FIVE YEARS TO COMPLETE, INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF 400 THREE-STOREY LUXURY-TYPE HOME UNITS.
THEY WILL BE BUILT ON A 65,000-SQUARE METRE SITE IN LANDSCAPED SURROUNDINGS WITH UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS ACROSS HEBE HAVEN.
EACH UNIT WILL HAVE TWO CAR PARKING SPACES AND A MARINE BERTH, MOST OF WHICH WILL HAVE A SEAFRONTAGE WITH INDIVIDUAL MOORING.
A WIDE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL FACILITIES, SUCH AS SHOPS. RESTAURANTS, AND WORKSHOPS FOR BOATS, WILL BE BUILT.
IN ADDITION, A YACHT CLUB WITH A MAXIMUM AREA OF 3,700 SQUARE METRES WILL CARRY AUTOMATIC MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS FOR HOME BUYERS.
COMMENTING ON THE PROJECT TODAY, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS VERY PLEASED THAT AFTER YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS, THE GRANT CONDITIONS HAD BEEN FINALISED AND THE COMPANY WAS READY TO GO AHEAD AT FULL STEAM.
♦ THIS IS THE FIRST SUCH MAGNIFICENT MARINA-CUM-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT EVER PLANNED FOR HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
♦ WE CERTAINLY HOPED THAT IT WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS EASING THE HEAVY DEMAND FOR THIS TYPE OF HIGH CLASS HOUSING AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
♦ IT IS ALSO EXPECTED TO CATER FOR THE LEISURE BOOM THAT HAS TOUCHED HONG KONG AT EVERY LEVEL,+ MR. AKERS-JONES ADDED.
IN EXCHANGE FOR THE GRANT, THE COMPANY HAS PAID A $45 MILLION PREMIUM AND SURRENDERED SOME 65,000 SQUARE METRES OF LAND IN YUEN LONG TO THE GOVERNMENT.
WHILE THE COMPANY HAS NOT YET SUBMITTED ITS FINAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS, IT EXPECTS TO SPEND OVER S300 MILLION ON THE WHOLE PROJECT.
ONE OF THE MAJOR EXPENDITURE ITEMS WILL BE ON RECLAMATION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALLS REQUIRED TO FORM THE SITE.
/+RSCLAMATION .....
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
8
«EXT ®r.*L™Ta^s1!mesAsa™“S ARE EXPECTED T° BEGIN
TO P»o‘^C^J^ «J
H#hR^a"2g m BUILDIRG AN UI»^RWATER
0
$14.4M FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL *****
WORK ON THE COVERED FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL IS MORE THAN ONE THIRD COMPLETE.
THE $14.4 MILLION PROJECT CONSISTS OF A 480-METRE-L0NG ELEVATED WALKWAY RUNNING FROM PEDDER STREET TO GILMAN STREET AND IWO FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS CONNUAGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
TO FACILITATE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT 12 COVERED ESCALATORS AND COVERED STAIRWAYS WILL BE PROVIDED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE SECTION BETWEEN THE EXISTING PROMENADE AT THE CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS AND GILMAN STREET, WITH CROSSINGS LEADING TO THE PAVEMENT IN FRONT OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING AND INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, WOULD BE COMPLETED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
♦ MOST OF THE SUPPORTING COLUMNS FOR THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED AND SOME OF THE PRECAST BEAMS HAVE BEEN ERECTED,+ HE SAID.
♦PRECAST SLABS WILL BE PUT INTO POSITION TO PROVIDE A SEVEN-METRE-WIDE FOOTPATH. ACCESS TO THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE BY MEANS OF COVERED ESCALATORS AND STAIRCASES.♦
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FOOTBRIDGE, FROM THE CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS TO THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE LINKING CONNAUGHT CENTRE WITH SWIRE HOUSE WOULD BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
THE COVERED FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM, THE BIGGEST PROJECT OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WOULD PROVIDE A SAFE AND DIRECT PEDESTRIAN ACCESS BETWEEN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS AREA AND THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINALS, HE ADDED.
/9......
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
- 9 -
1978 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION COMMENCES * * * * ft *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 1978 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, THE SECOND LARGE-SCALE BENCHMARK INDUSTRIAL CENSUS FOLLOWING THE ONE CONDUCTED FOR 1973.
SMALL-SCALE ANNUAL FOLLOW-UP SURVEYS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED IN THE INTERVENING YEARS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE 1978 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS TO COLLECT ECONOMIC DATA WHICH WILL BE OF USE FOR ESTIMATING HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, REVIEWING CHANGES IN OUTPUT MIX OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR AND MAKING COMPARISONS WITHIN AND BETWEEN INDUSTRIES.
SOME 15,000 QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN SENT TO INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS BELONGING TO THE MINING, MANUFACTURING, ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER SECTORS, SELECTED FROM AMONG 40,000 ESTABLISHMENTS.
INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 20 OR MORE PEOPLE WILL BE ENUMERATED FULLY WHILE AN EXTENSIVE SAMPLE IS DRAWN FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING LESS THAN 20 PEOPLE.
INFORMATION SOUGHT INCLUDES TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, EMPLOYMENT, WORKING DAYS AND HOURS, OVERTIME WORK, LABOUR COST, CONTRACT AND COMMISSION WORK, MATERIAL PURCHASES, OPERATING EXPENSES, SALES AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES RENDERED, OTHER INCOMES, STOCKS, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, DEPRECIATION, VALUE OF FIXED ASSETS, PAID-UP CAPITAL, FLOOR AND SO ON.
♦THIS INFORMATION IS INDISPENSABLE FOR STUDYING THE STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES. DATA OF THIS KIND HAVE BEEN USED EXTENSIVELY FOR PURPOSES OF ANALYSING INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION, IMPORT SUBSTITUTION AND PRODUCTIVITY CHANGE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1978) ORDER 1978, WHICH WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-1N-COUNCIL UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE, 1978.
+EVERY INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT RECEIVING A SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH ACCURATE AND COMPLETE DATA ACCORDING TO THE SPECIFICATIONS GIVEN AND RETURN THE COMPLETED FORM PROMPTLY TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY, CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE AVAILABLE (BY CALLING 5-444716) TO GIVE ASSISTANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY.
HE STRESSED THAT PROMPT ATTENTION TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE WAS ESSENTIAL FOR SPEEDY PROCESSING AND EARLY RELEASE OF SURVEY RESULTS.
UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE, INFORMATION RENDERED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND ONLY SUMMARY STATISTICAL TABLES WILL BE PUBLISHED OR RELEASED.
- o -
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1979
10
TECH INSTITUTE STUDENT TO COMPETE IN TOKYO TRACK AND FIELD CONTEST * * * * *
A 20-YEAR-OLD TOURISM COURSE STUDENT AT THE BAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MISS CECILIA TSE, AGAIN HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN TWO TRACK EVENTS AT THE ASIAN TRACK AND FIELD COMPETITION IN TOKYO.
HONG KONG WILL BE SENDING 14 ATHLETES TO THE GAMES WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 31 AND JUNE 3.
KNOWN TO FELLOW STUDENTS AS +HONG KONG’S FASTEST GIRL.+ MISS TSE WILL TAKE PART IN THE 100 AND 200-METRE SPRINT.
SHE IS THE RECORD-HOLDER IN THE 100 AND 200-METRE EVENTS
IN HONG KONG, CLOCKING IN AT 12.25 SECS. AND 25.5 SECS. RESPECTIVELY.
THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME SHE HAS REPRESENTED HONG KONG HAVING MADE HER FIRST INTERNATIONAL DEBUT IN 1975. SHE FINISHED SECOND RUNNER-UP IN BOTH EVENTS AT THE PHILIPPINES INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1976.
THE HEAD OF THE HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF THE INSTITUTE. MR. PETER KERR ISON, DESCRIBED MISS TSE AS AN +EXCELLENT STUDENT.*
WE ARE CONFIDENT SHE WILL BE A GOOD AMBASSADOR FOR HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
MISS TSE WILL GRADUATE FROM THE INSTITUTE NEXT MONTH WHEN SHE WILL BECOME A FULLY QUALIFIED TOURISM CO-ORDINATION OFFICER.
THE HAKING WONG INSTITUTE IS THE ONLY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHICH OFFERS COURSES IN HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM.
---------o-------------
REGISTRATION TEAM IN WONG CHUK HANG
******
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS FROM WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE OFFICE BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. FROM TUESDAY FOR FOUR DAYS.
THIS IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 17 FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS CF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING IS.
PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, CR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA ................................ 1
PROPERTY REVIEW 1979 .................................... 4
STATUTORY HOLIDAY ON TUEN NG FESTIVAL ................... 8
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS ..................................... 9
OPENING OF KENNEDY TOWN C.D.O. SUB-OFFICE ............... 9
RETIREMENT GIFT FOR WATER ENGINEER ..................... 10
WATER CUT............................................... 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
1
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA
*****
SIXTY-SEVEN PEOPLE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY RECEIVED THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF INSIGNIA RECIPIENTS:
C.M.G. (COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE)
THE HONOURABLE DEREK JOHN CLAREMONT JONES
C.B.E. (COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
THE HONOURABLE LI FOOK-WO
MR. LO KWEE-SEONG
O.B.E. (OFFICER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE MARY BENNETT
THE HONOURABLE CHEN SHOU-LUM
MR. HARI NAROOMAL HARILELA
MR. HO TIM .
DR. BOBBIE MADELAINE FLORENCE KOTEWALL
M. PIERRE MARDULYN
I.S.O. (IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER)
MR. RICHARD OFFICER MACKIE
DR. ALBERT JOHN NUTTEN
MR. WONG U-LAM
/M.B.2.....
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
2
M.B.E. (MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR. AU-YEUNG SHIU-MAN
MR. E.A. BELLARS
MR. CHENG ENG-KUAN
MR. CHEUNG YEE
MR. FUNG YUE-KEUNG
MR. LEE SAI-HUEN
MR. PAUL LIM HOW-PING
MRS. JUNE PATRICIA PICKFORD
MRS. KITTY SIU HON-SUM
M.B.E. (M) (MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) / (MILITARY DIVISION)
MAJOR NOSHIR PHEROZ PAVRI
B.E.M. (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL)
MR. CHENG YUK-LAM
MR. KWOK KWONG-TIN
MR. LAI CHEUNG
MR. MUI SIE-MUN
MR. SHIU KWOK-KWAN
MR. SIU FOOK—CHUEN
MR. SIU YU-HONG
MR. WONG KEI
MR. YEUNG MAN-HON
B.E.f (M) (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL) (MILITARY DIVISION)
II JOSEPH ARMSTRONG
MR. LEUNG TING-TO SERGEANT CYRIL FREDERICK WARD WO II CHRISTOPHER STANLEY WILSON
/I.S.M
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
3>
I.S.M. (IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL)
MR. CHAN KWONG-HON
MR. CHAN WING-SAM
MR. WONG THEE-CHEUNG
C.P.M. (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL)
MR. PETER CHAN YICK-SHEUNG
MR. CHU CHI-LEUNG
MR. FONG CHUNG-BOON
MR. JOHN FRANCIS GREENE
MR. JOHN GODFREY GUY
MR. HO KING-KONG
MR. JOHN GILLEAN MANSELL
MRS. NG CHAN CHUI-FONG
MR. NG CHUEN-CHUNG
MR. PANG TAK-SUM
MR. YEUNG PO-KWAN
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR. CHAN KOON-SHING
MR. CHAN KWOK-KIT
MR. CHAN KWONG-CHUEN
MR. CHAN PING-KWUN
MR. CHEUNG KAM-HUNG
MR. CHEUNG KOK-SAU
MR. LEE HOK-MING
MR. LEUNG SIK-WAH
MRS. LI CHENG KIT-HOI
MR. TSOI YUK-WA
MR. WAI SIU-CHOW
MR. WONG KWAI-LUK
/QUEEN'S ...
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
4
QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT
P C CHAU KWONG-TAK
P C NG CHUN-HUNG
P C TANG KWOK-FUNG
SERGEANT TO KWOK-CHIU
ORDER OF ST. JOHN (OFFICER, BROTHER)
MR. PETER NG PING-KIN
ORDER OF ST. JOHN (SERVING BROTHER)
MR. D. SHING-CHEONG KOO ------------------------0--------
PROPERTY REVIEW 1979
*****
COPIES OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S 1979 PROPERTY REVIEW PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
COMMENTING ON THE REVIEW — AVAILABLE AT $50 EACH ~ THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR. R.A. FRY SAID THAT 1978 HAD BEEN ANOTHER EXTREMELY ACTIVE YEAR FOR THE PROPERTY
MARKET.
A RECORD 2.71 MILLION
, AND A FURTHER 30 PER CENT
COMPLETIONS IN 1978 AMOUNTED TO SQUARE METRES, UP 17 PER CENT ON 1977 INCREASE IS FORECAST FOR 1979.
THE SUPPLY OF PRIVATE DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION LAST YEAR AT 26.230 UNITS SHOWED A 25 PER CENT INCREASE ON THE 1977 FIGURE OF 20.870 UNITS. FURTHER INCREASES ARE FORECAST FOR 1979 AND 1980 WITH COMPLETIONS OF OVER 30,000 AND 31,000 NEW UNITS RESPECTIVELY.
MOREOVER, BASED ON KNOWN PROJECTS ONLY, THE PRELIMINARY FORECAST FOR 1981 IS FOR AT LEAST 25,000 UNITS.
THE PRODUCTION OF SMALLER UNITS CONTINUES TO PREDOMINATE, WITH 80 PER CENT OF THE YEAR’S SUPPLY BEING UNDER 60 SQUARE METRES. THE MOST POPULAR SIZE RANGE WAS 30 TO 39.9 SQUARE METRES, INTO WHICH 7,130 UNITS, OR 27 PER CENT OF THE YEAR’S SUPPLY FITTED.
/MR. FRY ......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
5
MR. FRY SAID THE SUPPLY OF LARGE FLATS AT ONLY 170 UNITS WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING AND HAD EXACERBATED THE ALREADY NOTED ACUTE SHORTAGE.
TOTAL DOMESTIC VACANCIES AT DECEMBER 1978 WERE AROUND 9,300 UNITS, SLIGHTLY DOWN ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR. HOWEVER, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT AS THESE REPRESENTED ONLY SOME TWO PER CENT OF STOCK, THEY WERE NOT SIGNIFICANT.
RENTALS IN ALL DOMESTIC CLASSES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY DURING 1978, WITH AVERAGE INCREASES OF 14 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT ON 1977 FIGURES. MOREOVER, THE SITUATION CHANGED RAPIDLY TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR, AND FIGURES RECORDED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WERE UP CONSIDERABLY ON THE EARLIER FIGURES.
MR. FRY NOTED THAT, WITH THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE, THE DEMAND FOR ACCOMMODATION BY OVERSEAS NATIONALS RE-LOCATING HERE IS RESULTING IN AN EVER INCREASING DEMAND FOR WHAT IS TERMED LUXURY-CLASS ACCOMMODATION.
THE SALES MARKET WAS ALSO EXTREMELY BUOYANT IN 1978 AND SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES RANGING FROM 20 PER CENT TO 38 PER CENT OVER 1977 WERE RECORDED FOR DOMESTIC CLASSES.
THE SUPPLY OF RETAIL SHOP SPACE AT 131,000 SQUARE METRES WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS IN 1977, BUT SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES ARE FORECAST FOR 1979 AND 1980.
VACANCIES WERE UP SOME 34 PER CENT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR, BUT THE COMMISSIONER EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS NOT PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT AS A LARGE PROPORTION WAS CONTAINED IN SEVERAL LARGE BUILDINGS WHICH WERE ONLY COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
IN RESPECT OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, MR. FRY SAID THAT FOR GOOD LOCATIONS, +WE HAVE GONE FROM A STATE OF PLENTY TO SCARCITY.*
THE YEAR’S SUPPLY AT 185,000 SQUARE METRES WAS 30 PER CENT DOWN ON 1977, AND THE LOWEST AMOUNT COMPLETED SINCE 1970.
SOME 28 PER CENT OF COMPLETIONS WERE IN WAN CHAI WHICH ACTUALLY EXCEEDED THE COMBINED SUPPLY OF CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICTS.
♦WITH A LESSER SUPPLY IN 1979 THE POSITION IS UNLIKELY TO IMPROVE MUCH, BUT THE BALANCE SHOULD SWING AGAIN IN 1980, WHEN A RECORD AMOUNT OF OVER 300,000 SQUARE METRES IS FORECAST FOR COMPLETION,* HE SAID.
THE TAKE-UP OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION WAS A RECORD 293,200 SQUARE METRES. MR. FRY NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING THAT TAKE-UP HAD EXCEEDED 200,000 SQUARE METRES.
VACANCIES AT 131,000 SQUARE METRES ARE AT THEIR LOWEST SINCE 1974, AND DOWN SOME 45 PER CENT ON 1977 FIGURES. THE POSITION WAS PARTICULARLY MARKED IN GRADE B OFFICES, DO^N 61 PER CENT.
/ret-ts .■a^dened.......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
6
RENTS HARDENED OVER THE YEAR BUT OVERALL INCREASES WERE GENERALLY MODEST. MR. FRY SAID THAT 1979’S REDUCED SUPPLY SEEMS LIKELY TO FORCE RENTS UP, BUT THIS SHOULD BE ARRESTED BY THE EXPECTED GREATLY INCREASED SUPPLY IN 1980.
HE HOPED TO SEE A FAIRLY ORDERLY PROGRESSION OF RENTS AND NOT A DRIVE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT LOOKS LIKELY TO BE A FAIRLY SHORT TERM SITUATION.
PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FEATURE SHOWN IN THE REVIEW CONCERNS THE SUPPLY OF FLATTED FACTORY ACCOMMODATION. COMPLETIONS IN 1978 WERE A RECORD 1.1 MILLION SQUARE METRES, NEARLY ONE-THIRD UP ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S HIGH. A FURTHER 1.47 MILLION IS FORECAST FOR 1979 AND 1.1 MILLION SQUARE METRES IN 1980.
THIS MASSIVE ACCRETION OF 3.7 MILLION SQUARE METRES OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, SAID MR. FRY, WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF INCREASING THE TOTAL STOCK POSITION FOR THIS CLASS OF ACCOMMODATION BY SOME 50 PER CENT.
ALMOST HALF OF THE YEAR’S SUPPLY WAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND IN 1980 THE PROPORTION ATTRIBUTABLE TO THIS AREA IS LIKELY TO APPROACH 75 PER CENT.
OVER 60 PER CENT OF THE SUPPLY COMPRISED SMALL UNITS OF LESS THAN 200 SQUARE METRES. MR. FRY NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT VERY FEW WERE LESS THAN 50 SQUARE METRES, A SI ZE WHICH COULD PROVE USEFUL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES LOCATED IN DOMESTIC-COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
NOT UNEXPECTEDLY WITH SUCH A SUPPLY, VACANCIES INCREASED TO 472,800 SQUARE METRES. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT INDICATE ANY LESSENING OF DEMAND, SAID THE COMMISSIONER, POINTING OUT THAT A RECORD AMOUNT OF OVER ONE MILLION SQUARE METRES HAD BEEN TAKEN UP OVER THE YEAR, I.E. MORE THAN 2-1/2 TIMES THE AVERAGE ANNUAL TAKE UP, 1974-77.
ALTHOUGH RENTS AND SALE PRICES INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT AND 19 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OVER 1977, MR. FRY SAID THAT THE INCREASED VACANCY POSITION AND THE CONTINUING HIGH SUPPLY SHOULD HAVE A RESTRAINING EFFECT.
INDEED, HE NOTED THAT IN CERTAIN AREAS THERE WERE CLEAR SIGNS OF A LOWERING OF RENTS FROM FORMER PEAK LEVELS.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MAIN STATISTICS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE YEARS 1977 AND 1978 TOGETHER WITH FORECAST FIGURES FOR 1979 AND 1980s
/FORECAST......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
7
FORECAST
DOMESTIC 1977 1978 1979 1980
SUPPLY IN YEAR UNITS TOTAL VACANT AT 20,870 26,230 30,335 31,270
DECEMBER OF YEAR * ” SHOPS 9,500 9,300
SUPPLY IN YEAR SQUARE METRES 130,000 131,000 155,200 196,600
TOTAL VACANT AT ” DECEMBER OF YEAR OFF ICES 91,700 122,500
SUPPLY IN YEAR TOTAL VACANT AT 267,600 185,400 160,000 318,900
DECEMBER OF YEAR ” 238,800 MISCELLANEOUS COMMERCIAL 131,000
SUPPLY IN YEAR TOTAL VACANT AT 130,900 80,700 102,800 96,900
DECEMBER OF YEAR ” FLATTED FACTORIES 137,200 108,200
SUPPLY IN YEAR ” 826,100 1,091,500 1,470,200 1,138,800
TOTAL VACANT AT ” DECEMBER OF YEAR STORAGE 383,900 472,800
SUPPLY IN YEAR 126,200 95,400 256,300 101,200
TOTAL VACANT AT DECEMBER OF YEAR NOTES F IGURES RELATE 36,400 32,200 TO ALL RATED AREAS. —
* BASED ON SAMPLE SURVEY.
/8
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
- 8 -
STATUTORY HOLIDAY ON TUEN .NG FESTIVAL
* * * * >’
X
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, — THE TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL — IS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
MR. HENDERSON EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHEREVER THEY MAY WORK.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $3,500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY.
IN THE CASE WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096-TUEN MUN 12-818443 EXT. 82 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
0 -------
/9
MONDAY, MAY 21,
1979
9
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (MONDAY) DECLARED NOS. 20, 22, 28, 30 AND 34 AMOY STREET TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND NOS. 24, 26 AND 32 AMOY STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THIS GROUP OF THREE STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD BEEN UNDER PERIODIC OBSERVATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAD RECENTLY BEEN RE-SURVEYED.
HE SAID NOS. 20, 22, 28, 30 AND 34 AMOY STREET WERE FOUND TO HAVE DETERIORATED BADLY AND IN PARTICULAR FRACTURES IN THE LOAD-BEARING WALLS HAD BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED INDICATING ACTIVE MOVEMENT.
+AS IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILD INGS,+ HE SAID.
AS NOS. 24, 26 AND 32 AMOY STREET WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLAPSE OR BY THE DEMOLITION OF THE ADJOINING BUILDINGS IT IS ALSO CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CLOSE THESE BUILDINGS.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON JUNE 18 WERE POSTED TODAY.
-----o-------
OPENING OF KENNEDY TOWN C.D.O. SUB-OFFICE
*****
MRS. MABEL HAYES, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, HONG KONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW KENNEDY TOWN SUB-OFFICE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
IT WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND ADMINISTRATION OF STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, TO THE 80,000 PEOPLE IN THE AREA.
THE SUB-OFFICE IS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 82 BELCHER’S STREET AND THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-487842.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE NEW KENNEDY TOWN SUB-OFFICE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 82 BELCHER’S STREET, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 9.45 A.M. MRS MABEL HAYES, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, HONG KONG, WILL OFFICIATE.
------o-------
/10.....
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1979
10
RETIREMENT GIFT FOR WATER ENGINEER * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES, TODAY (MONDAY) PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO THE GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, MR. HERBERT WOODTHORPE WHO IS RETIRING AFTER 21 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR. TUCKER SAID THAT MR. WOODTHORPE HAD BEEN INVOLVED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME AND THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER.
REFERRING TO ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID MR. WOODTHORPE HAD SPENT 19 YEARS IN THE ROYAL AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, ACHIEVING THE RANK OF SUPERINTENDENT.
HIS SERVICES WERE RECOGNISED BY THE AWARD OF THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL IN 1972.
THE DIRECTOR CONGRATULATED MR. WOODTHORPE ON A JOB WELL DONE, ADDING THAT HIS PROFESSIONAL ABILITY AND CONSCIENTIOUS APPLICATION HAD CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TC THE EXPANSION OF THE WATERWORKS OVER THE PAST 21 YEARS AND HIS DEPARTURE WOULD INDEED BE A LOSS TO THE DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MOUNT BUTLER QUARRY ROAD, MOORSOM ROAD, PERKINS ROAD, COOPER ROAD AND WILSON ROAD INCLUDING CREASY ROAD, HENDERSON ROAD, GOLDSMITH ROAD, PURVES ROAD AND PRICE ROAD.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO
MID-LEVELS BUILDING RESTRICTIONS .............................. 1
TEACHERS ASSURED OF JOBS .................................... 2
10,000 TOP-QUALITY HOMES BEING BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES 3
SIX QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED IN LEGCO TOMORROW .................. 5
SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS .................................... 6
NEW LEAFLET ON LEGAL AID ...................................... 6
BUSIEST DAY ON RECORD FOR AMBULANCE COMMAND ................... 7
COMMUNITY CENTRE TO CELEBRATE 18TH ANNIVERSARY ................ 7
PRIZES FOR WINNERS OF GARDENING COMPETITION ................... 8
WATER CUT...................................................... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1979
MID-LEVELS BUILDING RESTRICTIONS
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO RESTRICT TEMPORARILY THE APPROVAL OF BUILDING PROJECTS IN SPECIFIED AREAS OF THE MID-LEVELS.
ANNOUNCING THIS DECISION TODAY (TUESDAY) A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT HAD BEEN MADE FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION BY THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHICH HAS BEEN EXAMINING THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CUT, ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL SLOPES IN THE MID-LEVELS AREA.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THE TEMPORARY BAN ON FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IS TO MAINTAIN THE PRESENT SAFETY OF THE AREA.
♦FURTHERMORE, OUR CONCERN IS NOT THE EFFECT OF A SINGLE EXCAVATION AT AN INDIVIDUAL SITE, BUT THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A LARGE NUMBER OF FURTHER EXCAVATIONS,♦ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE RECOMMENDATION, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SOME OF THE HIGHER SLOPES IN THE MID-LEVELS AREA ARE COLLUVIUM, THAT IS EARTH WHICH HAS MOVED DOWN A SLOPE OVER THE CENTURIES.
♦SUCH AREAS COULD BE VULNERABLE TO LANDSLIDES, WHERE THE STABILITY OF THE COLLUVIUM IS DISTURBED BY EXCAVATION WORKS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
♦ALTHOUGH IT IS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP INDIVIDUAL SITES WITHOUT RISK TO THE STABILITY OF SURROUNDING AREAS, A CAREFUL EXAMINATION WOULD BE REQUIRED IN EVERY CASE.
BY THE END OF 1981, THE RESULT OF THE CURRENT STUDIES WILL PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR ASSESSING WHETHER CONSTRAINTS NEED BE PLACED ON FUTURE CONSTRUCTION IN THIS AREA.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 27 PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA OF THE MID-LEVELS WERE ALREADY BEING PROCESSED. +THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE HAS ADVISED THAT THIS LIMITED NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENTS CAN BE FURTHER PROCESSED SO THAT, SUBJECT TO A DETAILED AND CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE EXCAVATIONS PROPOSED, WORK ON THESE BUILDING SITES MAY PROCEED WITH SAFETY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦BUT FOR THE TIME BEING NO FURTHER APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER 12 NOON ON TUESDAY 22ND MAY 1979 (THE TIME OF THE DECISION BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL) WILL BE CONSIDERED,+ HE ADDED.
LEGISLATION TO IMPOSE A TEMPORARY BAN ON THE APPROVAL OF BUILDING PLANS AND CONSENTS TO START WORK IN AREAS SPECIFIED WILL BE INTRODUCED SHORTLY. PRIOR TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE BILL, LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO EACH OF THE 27 DEVELOPERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED DEVELOPMENT PLANS EXPLAINING THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND HOW HIS PROPOSAL WILL BE AFFECTED BY IT.
/THE GEOTECHNICAL
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1979
2
THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE IS ALREADY CARRYING OUT A SURVEY OF THE WHOLE TERRITORY TO IDENTIFY ANY OTHER AREAS WHERE THERE ARE STEEP COLLUVIUM HILLSIDES. THE PRELIMINARY STUDY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. IF AT ANY TIME IN THE COURSE OF THE STUDY, OTHER AREAS ARE DISCOVERED WHICH MAY BE AT RISK IF FURTHER EXTENSIVE EXCAVATIONS ARE UNDERTAKEN IN THEM, THE NEED TO IMPOSE SPECIAL BUILDING RESTRICTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IMMEDIATELY.
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TEACHERS ASSURED OF JOBS ft ft * * * *
SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEED HAVE NO FEARS FOR THE FUTURE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY TOLD THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION AT A MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS SUFFICIENT SUITABLE VACANCIES AND THEY NEED NOT BE OUT OF A JOB,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
♦THERE ARE STILL OPENINGS FOR TEACHERS AS STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS AND, WHEN THOSE ARE FILLED, TEACHERS WHO MAY STILL BE SURPLUS TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAN BE ASSURED OF JOBS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AS CLERICAL OFFICERS,* HE ADDED.
OUTLINING THIS FURTHER OPTION FOR GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE HAD CONFIRMED THAT TEACHERS WHO WISHED COULD TAKE SECONDMENT TO THE CLERICAL SERVICE, CARRYING THEIR PERSONAL SALARY SCALES WITH THEM AND THE RIGHT TO RETURN TO TEACHING IF AND WHEN THEIR SERVICES WERE REQUIRED AGAIN IN SCHOOLS. OR THEY MIGHT FIND FRESH CAREERS IN THE CLERICAL SERVICE.
♦THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THESE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE CIVIL SERVANTS AND WE ARE ASSURING THEM JOBS IF THEY WANT THEM,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
IN JULY 1977 IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT SOME 1,100 GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS MIGHT BE SURPLUS TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS BY SEPTEMBER I960. TEACHERS IN THIS CATEGORY WERE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF OPPORTUNIT IES IN OTHER EXPANDING AREAS OF EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT SERVICE OR TO TAKE VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT WITH ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. 713 HAVE DONE SO OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF TRANSFERRING. OF THE 387 TEACHERS REMAINING IN THE ESTIMATED SURPLUS, A RECENT REVIEW HAS ESTABLISHED THAT JUST UNDER 100 NEEDLECRAFT AND HANDWORK TEACHERS WILL BE DIRECTLY CONCERNED BY SEPTEMBER 1980. A RECENT UPTURN IN ENROLMENT IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND DEMANDS FOR TEACHERS CF ENGLISH, MUSIC AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION (NORMALLY SHORTAGE AREAS) SHOULD ASSURE OTHERS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IN SCHOOLS.
/+TEACHERS OF
TOBSD1Y, MAY 22, 1979
3
♦TEACHERS OF NEEDLECRAFT AND HANDWORK, FOR WHOM THERE IS LESS DEMAND, SHOULD NOW COME FORWARD FOR VACANCIES IN THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICER SHCEME WHERE THERE ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH JOBS FOR THEM,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
♦AND IF THEY ARE NOT SUITED TO THE STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICER SCHEME, THESE TEACHERS CAN BE ASSURED THAT THEY WILL ALWAYS HAVE JOBS AS CIVIL SERVANTS,+ HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION WAS TOLD THAT OPTIONS FOR AFFECTED GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WOULD REMAIN OPEN UNTIL AUGUST 31, 1980. THE UNION HAS HAD A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS THE QUESTION, AND HAS BEEN ASSURED ON MANY OCCASIONS THAT WITH THE CONTINUED COOPERATION OF ALL CONCERNED THE PROBLEM OF SURPLUS PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS CAN BE RESOLVED IN A
GOVERNMENT REASONABLE
WAY.
0 -------
10,000 TOP-QUALITY HOMES BEING BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES
******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (TUESDAY) FORECAST A LARGE MOVEMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL PEOPLE FROM THE URBAN AREAS TO NEW PRIVATE TOP-QUALITY HOUSING UNDER DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THAT 10,000 HIGH-GRADE HOUSING UNITS, RANGING FROM LUXURY APARTMENTS IN MEDIUM AND HIGH DENSITY BLOCKS TO DUPLEXES AND TOWN HOUSES, WOULD COME ON THE MARKET IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
THESE HOUSES, HE POINTED OUT, WERE BEING BUILT TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMANDS FOR LUXURY AND HIGH-QUALITY HOUSING IN HONG KONG, AND TO MATCH THE GROWTH IN POPULATION IN THE SIX NEW TOWNS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE ASSURED THOSE CONTEMPLATING THE MOVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PROVIDING SCHOOLS, BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY, IN THE NEW AREAS — THE QUALITY OF WHICH WOULD BE EVERY BIT AS GOOD AS HONG KONG OR KOWLOON.
MR. AKERS-JONES TOLD A DINNER MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF KOWLOON CENTRAL THAT WHILE THE MAIN THRUST OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWNS WAS ON PUBLIC HOUSING, THIS WAS BALANCED BY A WIDE RANGE OF PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS COVERING A SPECTRUM FROM HIGH-GRADE TOWN HOUSES IN THE HILLS OVERLOOKING SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN TO MEDIUM-SIZED FLATS IN ESTATES ALONG THE LINES OF MEI FOO SUN CHUEN.
♦THERE WILL BE HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS AND APARTMENT BLOCKS WITH SWIMMING POOLS AND TENNIS COURTS SIMILAR TO THOSE AT WORLD WIDE GARDENS ON THE WAY TO SHA TIN,+ HE SAID.-
/in ADDITION.......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1979
4
IN ADDITION. GARDEN SUBURBS MORE FAMILIAR TO ENGLAND THAN HONG KONG ARE BEING BUILT IN YUEN LONG AND TAI PO AND CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSING-MARINA COMPLEX IN SAI KUNG HAS STARTED WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY PROVIDE 400 THREE-STOREY HOME UNITS.
MR. AKERS-JONES OUTLINED A LONG LIST OF PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS TAKING PLACE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS IN THE SIX DISTRICTS OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, WHICH INCLUDE I
ISLANDS i 450 HOUSES AT’CHEUNG SHA- SEVERAL THOUSAND AT THE LANTAU RESORT AT DISCOVERY BAY, TAI LONG WAN AND SEA RANCH- AND ANOTHER 600 ON CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU AND LAMMA ISLANDS.
SAI KUNG I 1,000 HOUSES, INCLUDING THE 400 AT THE HO CHUNG MARINA.
TAI PO l OVER 1,000 HOUSES, WITH EASY ACCESS TO THE SEA AND THE COUNTRY PARKS AND AN ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICE CONNECTED WITH THE MTR AT KOWLOON TONG IN THREE YEARS’ TIME.
YUEN LONG i 5,000 HOUSES IN THE FAIRVIEW GARDEN SUBURB DEVELOPMENT AND ANOTHER 1,000 HOUSES IN OTHER SMALL RESIDENTIAL LAYOUTS IN THE DISTRICT.
TUEN MUN I ABOUT 1,250 FLATS TO BALANCE THE 70 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING BEING BUILT IN THE NEW TOWN.
SHA TIN I SOME 125 TOWN HOUSES IN THE HILLS ABOVE THE RACE COURSE AND OVER 500 OTHER HIGH-GRADE HOUSING UNITS.
♦THE GOVERNMENT IS ENSURING THAT VERY LARGE AREAS OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE FOR HIGH-GRADE HOUSING, A MIXTURE OF FLATS IN HIGH AND MEDIUM DENSITY APARTMENT BLOCKS AND INDIVIDUAL AND DUPLEX-STYLE HOUSING THAT PROVIDE A FAIR DEGREE OF INTERNAL LIVING SPACE AND A GENERAL ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL OFFER AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO LIFE IN THE MID-LEVELS,♦ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
♦OF COURSE, THE SHORTAGE OF LAND, AND THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF POPULATION FIGURES, MEANS THAT MOST PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS.
♦BUT THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF TWO AND THREE-STOREY HOUSING PROJECTS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN OR IN PLANNING FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES MEANS THAT A FAR GREATER NUMBER THAN BEFORE WILL ENJOY LIFE CLOSER TO THE GROUND,+ HE ADDED.
/he said .....
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1979
- 5 -
HE SAID THAT THE PRESENT POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWNS WAS ESTIMATED AT NOT MORE THAN A MILLION BUT THIS FIGURE WOULD HAVE DOUBLED IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
♦THE FIGURES I HAVE GIVEN YOU ARE AN INDICATION THAT WE ARE TRYING TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANAGERS, EXECUTIVES AND SUPERVISORS TO FIND HOMES NEAR THEIR WORK.
MADE THE BREAK THAT YOUNG COUPLES
♦I AM SURE WHEN THEY HAVE ---- -----
WILL FIND AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE IN LIVING IN A LESS CROWDED ENVIRONMENT CLOSE TO THE HILLS AND THE SEA AND OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS THERE SHOULD BE SEVERAL THOUSAND OPPORTUNITIES TO DO SO,*
PR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
--------o ----------
SIX QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED IN LEGCO TOMORROW
******
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL RAISE SIX QUESTIONS OF PUBLIC INTEREST AT TOMORROW’S (WEDNESDAY) COUNCIL bEETING.
THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT WHAT OTHER ACTION, APART FROM PARTICIPATING IN DISCUSSIONS ON SETTING UP AN ISLAND IN SOUTHEAST ASIA FOR ACCEPTING REFUGEES IN TRANSIT FROM VIETNAM, HAS IT TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE REFUGEE PROBLEM.
HE WILL ALSO ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE ITS PLANS TO RECRUIT, TRAIN AND UTILISE A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF STAFF TO IMPLEMENT ALL THE PROGRAMMES IN THE WHITE PAPER ON +SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 198O’S.+
THE HON. LYDIA DUNN WILL ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT, IN VIEW OF THE APPROACH OF THE WET SEASON, HAS ADEQUATELY IDENTIFIED THE AREAS AND BUILDINGS WHICH MIGHT BE VULNERABLE TO LANDSLIPS AND FLOODINGS.
THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT HOW MANY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE TO RECEIVE 30 TO 50 PER CENT LESS THAN THE SUBSIDY THEY APPLIED FOR IN 1979-80 AND THE REASONS FOR THE CUT BACK.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED WILL INCLUDE MEASURES OF CONTROL BEING USED TO ENSURE THAT CHINESE PATENT MEDICINES DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SUBSTANCE LISTED IN THE SCHEDULES TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS, AND MEASURES TAKEN TO FIND HOMES FOR VAGRANT AND UNTIDY STREET-SLEEPERS, AND TO DISCOURAGE THEM FROM TAKING TO THE STREETS AGAIN.
DURING THE MEETING, ONE BILL --------- THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND ADOPTION (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1979 ----- WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THREE OTHER BILLS INCLUDING THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979 WILL HAVE THEIR SECOND AND THIRD READINGS.
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TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1979
6
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 WAI YIP STREET, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2,600 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 JUNE 8.
------o-------
NEW LEAFLET ON LEGAL AID
*****
A NEW LEAFLET ADVISING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON HOW TO APPLY FOR LEGAL AID IN CIVIL ACTIONS IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT VARIOUS OUTLETS.
IT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN SEPARATE ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WHICH HAS PRODUCED LEAFLETS ON MORE THAN 30 SUBJECTS TO HELP PEOPLE IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE LEAFLETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS AT CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE MARKETING OFFICE OF G.I.S. ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING AT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
FURTHER LEAFLETS ON OTHER ASPECTS OF LEGAL AID ARE NOW BEING PLANNED AND FURTURE SUBJECTS ALSO INCLUDE HOW TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING OR PROCESSION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DEMAND FOR THE LEAFLETS HAS GROWN RAPIDLY SINCE THEY WERE FIRST INTRODUCED.
FOR INSTANCE, THE PRINT ORDER FOR THE LEAFLET ON +HOW TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY AND A RE-ENTRY PERMIT* HAS BEEN INCREASED THIS YEAR FROM 13,000 TO 130,000 COPIES.
♦IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE LEAFLETS ARE VERY POPULAR AND USEFUL TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/+WE HOPE .....
H.SDAY, MY 22, 197$
♦WE HOPE MORE PEOPLE WILL MAKE A POINT OF OBTAINING THESE LEAFLETS IF THEY ARE NOT SURE OF GOVERNMENT PROCEDURES AS IT COULD SAVE THEM A LOT OF TIME AND TROUBLE.
♦IT ALSO HELPS DEPARTMENTS DEAL WITH APPLICATIONS MORE EFFICIENTLY IF A PERSON KNOWS WHAT PARTICULARS HE IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE. +
ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE LEAFLETS ARE PRINTED IN CHINESE, THERE ARE SEVERAL WHICH ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH. THESE AREi +HOW TO APPLY FOR A DRIVING LICENCE,+ +HOW TO REGISTER AND LICENSE A VEHICLE,+ +HOW TO REGISTER A BIRTH,♦ +HOW TO REGISTER A MARRIAGE,♦ ♦HOW TO APPLY FOR BUSINESS REGISTRATION+ AND +HOW TO APPLY FOR LEGAL AID IN CIVIL ACTIONS.♦
- 0 - -
BUSIEST DAY ON RECORD FOR AMBULANCE COMMAND *****
THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES EXPERIENCED ITS BUSIEST DAY ON RECORD — ANSWERING AN AVERAGE OF ONE CALL EVERY 2.28 MINUTES DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS.
UP TO 7 A.M. TODAY (TUESDAY), THE COMMAND RESPONDED TO 632 CALLS FOR VARIOUS SERVICES. OF THESE, 490 WERE EMERGENCIES AND 142 NON-EMERGENCY CASES.
COMMENTING ON THE RECORD NUMBER OF CALLS DEALT WITH IN A SINGLE DAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAIDi +THE DEMAND FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE IS ON THE INCREASE EVERY YEAR.+
HE ATTRIBUTED THIS TO THE GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE BENEFITS OF USING THE SERVICES, INCREASE IN POPULATION AND RISES IN ROAD ACCIDENTS.
♦IN 1978, THE COMMAND RESPONDED TO AN AVERAGE OF 476 EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY CALLS EACH DAY,+ HE ADDED.
LAST YEAR, THE AMBULANCE COMMAND ANSWERED 173,816 CALLS AND CARRIED 224,337 PATIENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT 81 PER CENT (139,885) OF THESE CALLS WERE EMERGENCIES.
- 0 -
COMMUNITY CENTRE TO CELEBRATE 18TH ANNIVERSARY
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IS TO CELEBRATE ITS 18TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES STARTING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE ANNIVERSARY WILL BE CELEBRATED IN THE AFTERNOON WITH PERFORMANCES INCLUDING LION DANCE, FOLK SONGS AND FOLK DANCES.
/r^
TUESDAY, MY 22, 1979
8
LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO VOLUNTEERS AND WINNERS OF A +MOTHER’S DAY* COLOURING CONTEST.
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (CENTRAL, WESTERN AND ISLANDS), MRS. ROSE GOODSTADT- CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MR. RICKY FUNG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, MRS. CHOY POON SIU FUN.
A FIVE-DAY PUBLIC EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED AT THE CENTRE FROM TOMORROW EXPLAINING THE OBJECTIVES AND WORK OF THE VARIOUS WELFARE AGENCIES OPERATING IN COMMUNITY CENTRES.
THE CLIMAX OF THE CELEBRATION PROGRAMMES WILL BE A YOUTH ATHLETIC COMPETITION TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M. AT KING GEORGE V PARK IN SAI YING PUN.
SERVICES AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE HAVE DEVELOPED RAPIDLY OVER THE PAST YEARS. IN ADDITION TO FAMILY AND REHABILITATION SERVICES, THEY NOW INCLUDE STUDY ROOMS, PRIMARY STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICE, COMMUNITY WORK, CLUB AND SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUPS AS WELL AS CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE 18TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 3.30 P.M. AT THE CENTRE AT WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN.
-----0------
PRIZES FOR WINNERS OF GARDENING COMPETITION
******
A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND A SEMINAR ON GARDENING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY TO MARK THE CONCLUSION OF A VEGETABLE PLANTING COMPETITION AMONG STUDENTS OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
TWENTY-FIVE SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE GROWING CF SWEET CORN, TOMATO AND WHITE CABBAGE.
THE HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL (A.M.) WON FIRST PRIZE, KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL (A.M.) CAME SECOND, AND POK FU LAM GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL THIRD.
PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO PARTICIPANTS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY THE JUDGES AND WINNERS OF INDIVIDUAL GROUPS.
THE CONTEST IS PART OF THE JOINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS EXHIBITION HELD IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH THIS YEAR ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE UNION CF GOVERNMENT SCHOOL HEADMASTERS AND HEADMISTRESSES AND THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NCN-CRADUATE TEACHERS UNION.
/a.TFT’C -ST ",
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1979
♦VEGETABLE PLANTING OF THIS KIND IS AN IDEAL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY BECAUSE IT PROVIDES THE PARTICIPANTS WITH THE CHALLENGE CF FAIRLY STRENUOUS AND CONSTRUCTIVE WORK AS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITY OF LEARNING SOME NEW SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE COMPETITION ALSO SERVED THE PURPOSE OF MAKING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS BETTER KNOWN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, HE ADDED.
DURING THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 10 A.M. AT THE SIR ELLIS KADOORIE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, MR. K.K. LAI OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS EXHIBITION’S GARDENING SUB-COMMITTEE WILL GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS.
MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND PRESENT THE PRIZES.
THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE COMPETITION, MR. C.S. PAO, HORTICULTURIST OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL THEN PRESENT HIS REPORT.
HE WILL ALSO CONDUCT A SEMINAR ON WAYS AND MEANS OF ORGANISING FURTHER VEGETABLE PLANTING ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHERE FACILITIES FOR GARDENING ARE LIMITED.
THE CEREMONY IS SPONSORED BY THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS UNION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE VEGETABLE PLANTING COMPETITION. IT WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY AT 10 A.M. IN THE SIR ELLIS KADOORIE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD, SO KON PO, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT * * X
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ALDRICH STREET TO SUN SING STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD TO THE SEAFRONT INCLUDING FU TAU WAT VILLAGE, TSIN SHU I MA TAU VILLAGE AND ALDRICH VILLAGE.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
CONTENTS
BRITAIN TO PURSUE ALL POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE RESETTLEMENT RATE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HK .......
PAGE NO.
NEW LOITERING LAW WILL NOT RESULT IN UPSURGE OF PROSECUTIONS SAYS AG.......................... .............. 3
AMENDMENTS TO LOITERING LAW A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT — T.S. LO........................................ 4
GEOTECHNICAL INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT ON MORE THAN 10,000 SLOPES ................................................. 6
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR 1978-79 ........................ 7
HIGHER LEVEL OF GOVT SUBVENTION FOR 85 VAS THIS YEAR ..... 7
MEASURES TAKEN TO CONTROL CHINESE PATENT MEDICINE EFFECTIVE 8 GOVERNMENT TO TRAIN MORE SOCIAL WORKERS..................... 9
ALL STREET SLEEPERS KNOWN TO SWD OFFERED HELP .............. 9
LEGCO PAYS WARM TRIBUTE TO OUTGOING ATTORNEY GENERAL ....... 10
BILLS PASSED............................................... H
TWO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED GIRLS TAKING FULL-TIME TECHNICAL COURSE ........................................... H
SPECIAL TRAINS TO RACE COURSE ON SATURDAY - SUNDAY ......... 12
WATER CUT .................................................. 13
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
1
BRITAIN TO PURSUE ALL POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE RESETTLEMENT RATE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HK
* ft * * *
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL PURSUE ALL POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE THE RATE OF RESETTLEMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG AND WILL KEEP THE MATTER UNDER CAREFUL REVIEW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, THE HON. SIR JACK CATER SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS ♦SET A WELCOME LEAD IN JANUARY BY OFFERING TO RECEIVE 1,000 REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG.+
♦HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT IS ALSO SUPPORTING THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN ITS APPEALS TO OTHER COUNTRIES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF RESETTLEMENT PLACES AVAILABLE IN THIRD COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO MADE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT ON OUR BEHALF REGARDING THE TRAFFICKING IN REFUGEES AND TO STRESS THE NEED TO COLLABORATE FULLY WITH THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES TO ACHIEVE AN ORDERLY OUTFLOW OF PEOPLE.
♦THE SMALL BOAT REFUGEES PROBLEM IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT, AND TO SOLVE THIS WE WILL HAVE TO RELY HEAVILY ON THE DIPLOMATIC ACTION UNDERTAKEN ON OUR BEHALF BY HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND IN SUPPORT OF UNHCR,♦ HE SAID.
HONG KONG HAS ALSO REMAINED IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE UNITED STATES CONSUL GENERAL AND ITS GOVERNMENT THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS IN WASHINGTON.
THIS IS BECAUSE MOST REFUGEES REGARDED THE U.S.A. AS THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRY OF THEIR FIRST CHOICE AND TO DATE, THE US AUTHORITIES HAVE PROVIDED BY FAR THE MAJORITY OF RESETTLEMENT PLACES, HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, HE ADDED, HONG KONG REMAINS ALERT AND VIGILANT AND EXPLORES EVERY MEANS OF RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF REFUGEES HERE.
BOTH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND BRITISH DIPLOMATIC POSTS IN THE REGION HAVE HELPED TO DEVISE A SYSTEM AIMED AT IDENTIFYING AND LOCATING SUSPECTED VESSELS WHICH MAY BE ABOUT TO ENGAGE IN THE TRAFFICKING REFUGEES.
♦AS A RESULT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TAKE PRE-EMPTIVE ACTION AGAINST SOME SUCH SHIPS,♦ HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE ROYAL NAVY SHIPS AND BOTH THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND RHKAAF AIRCRAFT ALSO CARRY OUT SEA AND AIR RECONNAISSANCE.
AY, MAY 23, 1979
W.
- 2 -
™.1Ut~,?!!EIIL!MENT ,S N0T A PROBLEM FOR HONG KONG, NOR FOR THE COUNTRIES OF SOUTH EAST ASIA, TO SOLVE ALONE- THIS IS AN
reQu,r|NG CONCERTED INTERNATIONAL ACTIONSj IT DEMANDS, IT REQUIRES A MUCH GREATER EFFORT ON THE PART OF THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD, AND ESPECIALLY ON THE PART OF THOSE ’ JELL-SNDOWED WITH RESOURCES, WHO UNDOUBTEDLY COULD DO MORE TO HcLr. ♦
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HE BELIEVES THE VIETNAMESE government IS AWARE 0F AND PLAYS A R0LE IN THE trafficking OF REFUGEES.
REPLYING TO SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON.
HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AS TO THE POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT OF THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT IN THE EXODUS, SIR JACK SAID +1 HAVE NO DOUBT, AND I BELIEVE THAT THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT, THAT THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF AND IS PARTY TO THIS DISGUSTING TRADE IN HUMAN MISERY.*
HE ADDED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO IMPRESS ON THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT +AN ABHORRENCE OF THE POLICIES WHICH HAD DRIVEN SO MANY PEOPLE TO FLEE THAT COUNTRY OFTEN AT A GREAT RISK TO THEIR LIVES.*
ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER ISSUING VISITOR’S VISAS TO REFUGEES IMMEDIATELY UPON LANDING HERE SO THAT THEY COULD APPROACH UNHCR FOR RESETTLEMENT FORMALITIES OR OTHER AIDS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID ANY CHANGE IN THE PRESENT PROCEDURES WOULD NEED VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION.
SIR JACK SAID WHILE THE UNHCR HAD RESETTLED SOME 3,300 REFUGEES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES EXPECTED TO BE RESETTLED IN THIRD COUNTRIES DURING THE COMING MONTHS WILL BE LESS THAN ORIGINALLY HOPED BECAUSE OF LACK OF FUNDS.
HE AGREED WITH THE HON. T.S. LO THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF THOSE RESETTLED WAS CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN FOUR PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBERS COMING IN, FROM BOTH VIETNAM AND CHINA.
♦IT’S A VERY, VERY SMALL FIGURE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT AT PRESENT THERE IS A CERTAIN SLOWNESS IN THE UNHCR IN TAKING REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG AND IT IS HOPED THAT THIS MAY EE IMPROVED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
+BUT WHAT IS REQUIRED IS A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNHCR PEOPLE HERE AND I MIGHT SAY IN MACAU TOO,* HE SAID.
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/3
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
- 3 -
NEW LOITERING LAW WILL NOT RESULT IN UPSURGE OF PROSECUTIONS SAYS AG ******
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979, WOULD NOT RESULT IN AN UPSURGE IN THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS FOR LOITERING.
HE SAID HE WOULD SEE TO IT THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WOULD BE WIDELY KNOWN AT ALL LEVELS IN THE POLICE FORCE AND AMONG OTHERS.
MR. HOBLEY POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAD ALSO FINALISED THE GUIDELINES WHICH HE PROPOSED TO ISSUE IN RELATION TO THE CONSIDERATION OF CHARGES FOR ANY OF THE OFFENCES UNDER THE PROPOSED SECTION 160.
+THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY TACKLE THE POSSIBILITY OF ABUSE RIGHT AT THE OUTSET,+ HE TOLD THE COUNCIL.
+IN PARTICULAR, THE COMMISSIONER INTENDS TO DIRECT THAT A CHARGE FOR AN OFFENCE UNDER THE PROPOSED SECTION SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT UNLESS THE CASE HAS BEEN CONSIDERED BY A CID OFFICER OF AT LEAST THE RANK OF INSPECTOR. THIS MEANS THAT A CASE WILL ALWAYS BE CONSIDERED BY AN EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICER.*
MR. HOBLEY EMPHASISED THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND HIS SENIOR OFFICERS WERE FULLY ALERT TO THE RISKS OF ABUSE AND +THEY HAVE TAKEN PROPER STEPS TO COMBAT THAT RISK.*
CONCERNING STEPS THAT COULD BE TAKEN WHEN THERE WAS ABUSE OF POLICE POWER, MR. HOBLEY SAID *WE MUST PLAINLY RELY ON THE MAJOR STEPS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN THE PAST TWO YEARS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPLAINT AGAINST POLICE OFFICE AND THE MONITORING ROLE PERFORMED BY THE UMELCO GROUP.*
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ADDED THAT THE COURSE THIS BILL HAD TAKEN WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE CONTINUOUS STRUGGLE ON THE ONE HAND TO UPHOLD THE FREEDOM OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND ON THE OTHER TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER IN THE GENERAL PUBLIC INTEREST.
+1 THINK IT CAN FAIRLY BE SAID THAT WE HAVE GOT THE BALANCE ABOUT RIGHT,* MR. HOBLEY SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE BILL HAD AROUSED CONTROVERSY WHICH WAS EXPECTED, MR. HOBLEY SAID THERE HAD BEEN GENERAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE FACT THAT THERE WAS A GANG PROBLEM WHICH MUST BE TACKLED.
HE SAID HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE BILL HAD BEEN +INTENSE* AND THERE WAS A FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE BILL AND THE PROBLEMS WHICH IT RAISED.
/replying to .....
I
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4^1
AY, MAY 23, 1979
REPLYING TO THE CONCERN RAISED BY THE HON. T.S. LO ABOUT POSSIBLE DELAY BETWEEN A PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND THE TRIAL DATE, MR. HOBLEY SA IDs *THE AVERAGE PERIOD BETWEEN THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF A DEFENDANT IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT AND THE DATE FIXED FOR THE HEARING OF THE CASE WHEN THE PROCEEDINGS ARE DEFENDED IS ONE MONTH.*
HE ADDED THAT IN CUSTODIAL CASES THE USUAL PERIOD WAS SOMEWHAT SHORTER. *l RECOGNISE THE FORCE OF MR. LO’S POINTS AND I CAN SAY THAT TRIAL DELAYS WILL BE A MATTER OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO THE NEW CHIEF JUSTICE,* HE SAID.
THE BILL, AFTER A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS, WAS PASSED INTO LAW.
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AMENDMENTS TO LOITERING LAW A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT — T.S. LO ft * ft ft ft ft
THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL DEALING WITH THE LAW ON LOITERING WAS AMENDED IN THREE WAYS AND WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WITH THE AMENDMENTSl-
ft A PERSON WILL NOT COMMIT AN OFFENCE FOR LOITERING IF HE HAS A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION FOR HIS PRESENCE AT THE PLACE, THUS MAKING IT WRONG TO ARREST HIM UNLESS HE FAILS TO GIVE A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION OR ACCOUNT OF HIS PRESENCE AT THE TIME OF HIS ARREST"
ft THE OFFENCE OF OBSTRUCTING ANY PERSON WILL ONLY BE COMMITTED IF DONE WILFULLY AND NOT OTHERWISE, AND
ft THE MAXIMUM PRISON SENTENCE FOR LOITERING OR WILFUL OBSTRUCTION WILL BE SIX MONTHS INSTEAD OF TWO YEARS.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE MADE FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS AMONG UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS AND BETWEEN THEM AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. IN ADDITION, SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, WHICH THE UNOFFICIALS FOUND DURING THEIR DISCUSSIONS TO HAVE FAR WIDER POWERS THAN THOSE SOUGHT UNDER THE BILL, WILL BE REPEALED.
SPEAKING AT THE BILL'S SECOND AND THIRD READINGS TODAY, THE HON. T.S. LO, CONVENER OF THE GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS WHO STUDIED THE BILL, SAID IT HAD ATTRACTED WIDESPREAD CRITICISM FROM DIVERSE SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY. THOSE KEEN TO STRENGTHEN THE LAW TO DEAL WITH THE LAWLESS THOUGHT IT WAS INADEQUATE. +THEY WOULD HAVE US AMEND THE LAW SO AS TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE IF A PERSON IS MERELY FOUND IN THE COMPANY OF A KNOWN CRIMINAL.* HE CONGRATULATED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR REFRAINING FROM TAKING UP THIS CONCEPT.
♦SECONDLY, THOSE INTERESTED IN REDUCING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE POLICE TO ABUSE THEIR POWERS, CONSIDER THE BILL TO BE BEREFT CF SAFEGUARDS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
5
♦THIRDLY, THOSE FAMILIAR WITH THE OVERCROWDED CONDITION THAT IS HONG KONG HAVE BEEN QUICK TO POINT OUT THAT WHEN A PERSON’S HOME IS A SMALL CUBICLE, TO WISH TO GET OUT OF IT FOR A LITTLE AIR OR SPACE IS HARDLY REPREHENSIBLE.
♦NONETHELESS , UNDER THE PRESENT LAW HE. COULD BE ARRESTED FOR THAT AND UNDER THE OR IG INAL PROPOSED AMENDMENT SENT TO- PRISON FOR TWO YEARS,+ HE SAID.
MR. LO SAID HE DID NOT DOUBT THE PACKAGE OF AMENDMENTS WILL NOT COMPLETELY SATISFY ALL CRITICS, BUT HE TRUSTED THAT THEY WILL AGREE IT REPRESENTS A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT ON THE ORIGINAL BILL.
♦I WOULD ASK THEM TO ACCEPT IT IF ONLY IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING AN ENCOURAGING VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN OUR IMPROVING POLICE FORCE,♦ HE SAID.
MR. LO, HOWEVER, EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE DELAYS INVOLVED IN AWAITING TRIAL FOR LOITERING.
HE POINTED OUT THAT OVER A PERIOD OF 5-1/2 MONTHS, FROM NOVEMBER 1, 1978, OVER 2,500 DAYS WERE SPENT BY PERSONS ACCUSED OF LOITERING IN LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE. NONE OF THESE DAYS WAS SPENT BY ANYONE CONVICTED OF ANY CRIME.
OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT THREE MONTHS, FROM NOVEMBER 27, 1978 TO MARCH 10, 1979, SEVEN PERSONS ACCUSED OF LOITERING SPENT OVER 30 DAYS EACH IN THE RECEPTION CENTRE, AND THEY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ' EITHER DISCHARGED OR ACQUITTED.
HE WAS AWARE THAT THE CONVICTION RATE FOR THOSE CHARGED WITH LOITERING WAS HIGH, BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DELAYS WERE AN IMMENSE DETERRENT AGAINST ANYONE PLEADING ’NOT GUILTY’, PARTICULARLY SINCE UNDER THE EXISTING LAW THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR LOITERING WAS ONLY THREE MONTHS.
♦IT IS TRUE THAT THIS COMMENT WOULD NOT APPLY TO A PERSON ABLE TO RAISE BAIL. IN PRACTICAL TERMS, THIS MEANS NO MORE THAN THAT IT HAS BECOME A CRIME TO BE POOR.+ HE SAID.
WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE PRESENT BILL, IT COULD BE PRESUMED THAT THE BACKLOG IN THE COURTS WILL INCREASE AND DAYS SPENT IN REMAND WILL LENGTHEN.
♦UNLESS EITHER WE DRASTICALLY INCREASE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MAGISTRATES OR WE BECOME FAR MORE SELECTIVE IN DECIDING WHOM TO PROSECUTE, THE PRESENT BAD POSITION WILL SIMPLY GET WORSE,+ HE SAID. HE URGED THAT SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM.
THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND THE HON. WONG LAM ALSO SPOKE ON THE BILL.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN SUPPORTED GIVING MORE POWERS TO THE POLICE TO ENABLE THEM TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY « ITH INDIVIDUALS OR GANGS WHO FRIGHTEN LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS BY THEIR BEHAVIOUR.
/he SAIB.......
I
. 1UI 23, 1979
6 -
HE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT IT WILL BE INCUMBENT UPON THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO LAY DOWN PRACTICAL ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE POWERS ARE NOT MISUSED OR ABUSED AT THE OPERATIONAL LEVEL.
THIS ASPECT REPRESENTS A STRONG RESERVATION ON THE PART OF MANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO SUPPORT THE BILL, HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED MAKING AVAILABLE THE CHINESE TEXT OF THE
BILL AS AMENDED TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE POLICE FORCE AT THIS LEVEL, AND CIRCULATING IT WIDELY AT THE CDO AND N.T. DISTRICT BOARDS LEVELS, AS WELL AS AMONG THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
.'•P. WONG ALSO SUPPORTED THE BILL BUT POINTED OUT THAT THE POWERS GIVEN TO THE POLICE, IN THE HANDS OF LESS EXPERIENCED OFFICERS OR OFFICERS WHO HAPPEN TO BE NEGLIGENT, MAY EASILY RESULT IN UNJUSTIFIABLE INTERFERENCE WITH PERSONAL FREEDOM.
HE SUGGESTED THAT IF A POLICEMAN FINDS THE EXPLANATION GIVEN BY A PERSON SUSPECTED TO HAVE LOITERED UNACCEPTABLE, AND TAKES HIM BACK TO THE POLICE STATION, HE SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REFER THE CASE TO AN OFFICER OF INSPECTORATE RANK OR ABOVE AND GIVE HIS REASONS FOR NOT ACCEPTING THE EXPLANATION. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PERSON SUSPECTED OF LOITERING SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST AN INTERVIEW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WITH THE SENIOR OFFICER TO EXPLAIN HIS CASE.
MR. WONG SAID SUCH SAFEGUARDS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE WIDEST PUBLICITY. IN ADDITION, HE THOUGHT A SET OF INTERNAL POLICE REGULATIONS SHOULD BE LAID DOWN TO PROVIDE FOR APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST ANY POLICEMAN WHO ABUSES SUCH POWERS.
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GEOTECHNICAL INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT ON MORE THAN 10,000 SLOPES
X X * X *
GEOTECHNICAL INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT ON MORE THAN 10,000 SLOPES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WHICH WERE THOUGHT MIGHT AFFECT PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROPERTY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON.
DAVID MCDONALD IN REPLY TC QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON. LYDIA DUNN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FORTUNATELY THE CONDITIONS ON THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE SLOPES WERE FOUND TO BE SATISFACTORY AND REQUIRED LITTLE OR NO REMEDIAL WORK, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MORE DETAILED GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES WERE RECOMMENDED FOR THE REMAINDER AND THE PUBLIC -JORKS DEPART>-cNT ,s ENGAGED ON A PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMME OF INVESTIGATION OF "rHESE SLOPES.
-WHERE A .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
7
♦WHERE A DETAILED STUDY HAS SHOWN THAT THE STABILITY OF A SLOPE IS INADEQUATE, PREVENTIVE WORKS HAVE BEEN PUT IN HAND AS A MATTER OF URGENCY,♦ MR. MCDONALD SAID.
♦WHERE SUCH SLOPES LIE IN PRIVATE LAND, NOTICES HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE OWNERS INFORMING THEM OF THE SITUATION AND REQUIRING THEM TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO MAKE THE SLOPES SAFE.+
»
AS FAR AS FLOODING IS CONCERNED, HE EMPHASISED THAT +THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 25 KNOWN BLACKSPOTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WHICH ARE UNDER SPECIAL SURVEILLANCE AND FOR WHICH DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ARE IN HAND OR ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION.♦
HE REITERATED THAT EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL AND SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT WERE KEPT ON A 24-HOUR STAND-BY SYSTEM TO DEAL PROMPTLY WITH ALL BLOCKAGES AND FLOODINGS REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENTAL CONTROL CENTRE.
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SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR 1978-79 ******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED THE SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1978-79 — OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31. 1978 — WHICH COVERS S472 MILLION.
WHEN MOVING THE MOTION. THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON. HENRY CHING SAID $323 MILLION WERE REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, MAINLY AS A RESULT OF MORE RAPID PROGRESS ON EXISTING PROJECTS AND THE UPGRADING OF 14 NEW PROJECTS TO CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
♦THIS SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS COVERED BY THE SCHEDULE RESULTED IN A NET INCREASE OF >100 MILLION IN THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR, THE REMAINDER BEING OFFSET BY SAVINGS UNDER OTHER SUBHEADS OF EXPENDITURE AND BY THE FREEZING OF FUNDS PROVIDED UNDER HEAD 52 MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES SUBHEAD 100 ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS,^ HE EXPLAINED.
HiGHER LEVEL OF GOVT SUBVENTION FOR 85 AGENCIES THIS YEAR * # # * < *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT 85 OF THE 100 VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES APPLYING FOR GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION FOR 1979-80 WOULD RECEIVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF SUBVENTION COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT IM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LEE SAID THAT OF THE 100 AGENCIES, FOUR WOULD RECEIVE MORE THAN THE AMOUNT THEY ASKED FOR, AKO 19 WOULD GET 30 TO 5© PER CENT LESS THAN WHAT THEY APPLIED FCW.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
8
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT OF THESE 19 AGENCIES, 14 WOULD STILL RECEIVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF SUBVENTION COMPARED WITH 1978-79.
HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO CUTTING BACK OF EXPENDITURE, AND IN ALL CASES, THE SUBSIDY GIVEN WAS WHAT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN EXISTING LEVELS OF SERVICE AND TO ENABLE NEW SERVICES OR BETTER STANDARDS OF SERVICE TO BE INTRODUCED WITHIN APPROVED GOVERNMENT POLICIES.
+IF DURING THE YEAR, THIS PROVES TO BE INSUFFICIENT, SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS MAY BE CONSIDERED,* HE SAID.
MR. LEE EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT COMMIT ITSELF TO GIVING AN AGENCY WHAT IT ASKED FOR BUT MUST HAVE REGARD TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS.
THESE FACTORS, HE SAID, ARE THE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION IN THE ONE-LINE VOTE, THE CAPACITY OF THE AGENCY, ITS OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME, EXISTING LEVELS OF SERVICES AND WHETHER PLANNED EXPANSION OR IMPROVED SERVICES ARE IN LINE WITH APPROVED PROGRAMMES AND ARE REALISTIC IN TERMS OF IMPLEMENTATION.
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MEASURES TAKEN TO CONTROL CHINESE PATENT MEDICINE EFFECTIVE * * * * *
MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN CONTROLLING CHINESE PATENT MEDICINES CONTAINING SUBSTANCES LISTED UNDER THE SCHEDULED DRUGS HAVE PROVED EFFECTIVE.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. K.L. THONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM.
SO FAR THIS YEAR LESS THAN THREE PER CENT OF THE SAMPLES TAKEN FROM MEDICINE SHOPS WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN DRUGS SCHEDULED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS COMPARED WITH MORE THAN 30 PER CENT TAKEN OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
DR. THONG EXPLAINED THAT SAMPLES OF CHINESE PATENT MEDICINES ARE TAKEN ROUTINELY FROM MEDICINE SHOPS, AND ALSO ON COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC, BY THE STAFF OF THE FORENSIC PHARMACY SECTION FOR ANALYSIS.
♦STOCKS OF SUCH MEDICINES, IF FOUND TO CONTAIN SCHEDULED DRUGS, ARE SEIZED UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AND THE CASES ARE REPORTED TO THE POLICE WHO WILL NORMALLY INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS WITH A VIEW TO PROSECUTIONS,* DR. THONG SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
9
GOVERNMENT TO TRAIN MORE SOCIAL WORKERS ft ft ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SPOKE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO RECRUIT, TRAIN AND UTILIZE SUFFICIENT STAFF TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAMMES IN THE WHITE PAPER ON +SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1980’S+.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. LEE SAID ONE OF THE PLANS WAS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS IN VARIOUS TRAINING INSTITUTIONS WITH EFFECT FROM THE 1979-80 ACADEMIC YEAR.
HE SAID OTHER PLANS INCLUDED MAKING MORE ECONOMIC USE OF TRAINED MANPOWER IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WELFARE CLASS REVIEW WHICH WOULD RELIEVE MANY TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS FROM DUTIES INVOLVING MINIMAL SOCIAL WORK CONTENT.
THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF SOCIAL WORKERS WILL ALSO EE IMPROVED THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WELFARE CLASS REVIEW AS WELL AS THE REGIONALISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROMOTION PROSPECTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF, HE SAID.
MR. LEE SAID IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR UNDER-QUALIFIED STAFF WOULD BE ORGANISED ON THE ADVICE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING.
IN ADDITION, HE ADDED, GREATER USE WILL BE MADE OF PART-TIME WORKERS BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS, WHO FOR VARIOUS REASONS DO NOT WISH TO WORK FULL-TIME.
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ALL STREET SLEEPERS KNOWN TO SWD OFFERED HELP ft ft ft ft ft
ALL STREET SLEEPERS KNOWN TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ARE OFFERED HELP, WHETHER IN TERMS OF HOUSING, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR COUNSELLING, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI ABOUT MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FIND HOMES FOR VAGRANT AND UNTIDY STREET SLEEPERS AND TO DISCOURAGE THEM FROM TAKING TO THE STREETS AGAIN.
MR. LEE SAID THAT FOR THOSE WHO HAD NO HOME TO RETURN TO, THE DEPARTMENT ARRANGES PLACEMENTS IN A TEMPORARY SHELTER PENDING REHOUSING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IF THEY QUALIFY FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING.
/OTHERS KAY
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
10
OTHERS MAY BE REFERRED FOR HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION OR, IF THEY ARE OLD AND NEED PERSONAL CARE, TO OLD PEOPLE'S HOMES, HE SAID.
MR. LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT COULD ONLY HELP THOSE WHO WERE WILLING TO ACCEPT HELP.
+UNFORTUNATELY, MOST OF THE STREET SLEEPERS IN THIS CATEGORY ARE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH US, AND MANY ARE RELUCTANT TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER OF HELP,+ HE EXPLAINED.
+IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THERE IS LITTLE THAT WE CAN D0,+ HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS STUDYING A REPORT RECENTLY SUBMITTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN CONCERNS OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE WHICH MIGHT THROW NEW LIGHT ON HOW THE PROBLEMS OF STREET SLEEPERS SHOULD BE TACKLED IN FUTURE.
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LEGCO PAYS WARM TRIBUTE TO OUTGOING ATTORNEY GENERAL *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID WARM TRIBUTE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY WHO IS RETIRING AFTER SIX YEARS AS MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL AND 26 YEARS OF SERVICES WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
IN EXTENDING HIS GRATITUDE THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID MR. HOBLEY HAS, THROUGH HIS DIFFICULT JOB, +SHOWN HIMSELF TO ' BE NOT ONLY A FIRST-CLASS LAWYER AND A MOST LOYAL AND EFFECTIVE bEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL, BUT ALSO A PERSONALITY OF GREAT QUALITY WHO WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED.*
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE NOTED THAT AN ATTORNEY GENERAL MUST CONSTANTLY RENDER HIS ADVICE AND BUILD HIS EDIFICE OF LEGISLATION IN A TRIANGLE BOUNDED BY WHAT IS LEGALLY SOUND, MORALLY RIGHT AND POLITICALLY POSSIBLE.
WHILE OUTSIDE THE TRIANGLE LIES CERTAIN CATASTROPHE, WITHIN THERE ARE ALSO FAULTS AND FLAWS AND MINES WHICH HE MUST AVOID, THE GOVERNOR SAID. '
♦IT IS A TASK WHICH REQUIRES NOT ONLY GREAT PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND A HIGH SENSE OF THE RULE OF LAW, BUT ALSO POLITICAL JUDGEMENT AND INGENUITY,+ HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR WISHED MR. HOBLEY AND HIS WIFE A HAPPY FUTURE.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1979
11
BILLS PASSED ft * ft *
THREE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 5) BILL 1979 AND CRIMES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL. 1979
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TWO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED GIRLS TAKING FULL-TIME TECHNICAL COURSE ft ft ft ft ft ft
TWO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED GIRLS ARE LEARNING ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT CLOTHING INDUSTRY ALONGSIDE ABLE BODIED STUDENTS AT THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
FAN SO-NGOR AND LEUNG SIU-MEI, BOTH 19, ENROLLED AT THE INSTITUTE LAST SEPTEMBER WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
SO-NGOR IS PARTIALLY DEAF WHILE SIU-MEI IS SUFFERING FROM POLIO AND, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THEY ARE THE FIRST HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO TAKE UP FULL-TIME TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
♦BOTH GIRLS ARE DOING VERY WELL.+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INSPECTORATE UNIT FOR THE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF THE DISABLED SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEIR DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE ARE CERTAINLY ADMIRABLE, HE SAID.
SIU-MEI, FOR INSTANCE, WALKS WITH THE HELP OF CRUTCHES AND TRAVELS BY BUS TO SCHOOL — IT TAKES AN HOUR — EVERY DAY.
SO-NGOR, ON THE OTHER HAND, COMMUNICATES WITH HER TEACHERS AND CLASSMATES THROUGH SIGN LANGUAGE AND LIP-READING.
IN SPITE OF THIS, BOTH GIRLS SAY THEY ARE +VERY HAPPY+ TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN A CRAFT — PARTICULARLY ONE WHICH THEY LIKE.
SAID SIU-MEIi +I’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN CLOTHING WHICH IS WHY I ENJOY THIS COURSE VERY MUCH. IT ALSO MEANS THAT WHEN I FINISH MY COURSE, I’LL BE ABLE TO FEND FCR MYSELF AND NOT 70 HAVE TO RELY OR BE A BURDEN ON OTHERS.+
SO-NGOR FEELS THE SAME, ADDING, +IT WILL MEAN THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO LEAD A FORMAL LIFE.*
/mis is
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2j, 1975
12
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE INSPECTORATE UNIT IN THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION IS SETTING OUT TO ACHIEVE BY INTEGRATING THE HANDICAPPED INTO THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
ABOUT 100 PLACES WILL BE OFFERED TO THE HANDICAPPED IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1979-60 WITH 50 OF THESE AVAILABLE AT THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHEN IT OPENS IN SEPTEMBER.
MEANWHILE, STAFF FROM THE UNIT HAVE BEEN VISITING VARIOUS SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE HANDICAPPED TO FAMILIARISE THE STUDENTS WITH THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES OF FURTHERING THEIR STUDIES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AFTER THEY GRADUATE.
THE UNIT’S ASSISTANCE TO HANDICAPPED STUDENTS DOES NOT END AFTER THE STUDENTS’ ENTRY INTO THE INSTITUTES.
IN THE CASE OF SO-NGOR, ARRANGEMENT WAS MADE FOR A PERIPATETIC TEACHER FROM THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION TO VISIT HER REGULARLY.
THE UNIT IS ALSO SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO FURTHER HELP DISABLED STUDENTS WHILE THEY ARE IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
IT IS HOPED THAT WITH BETTER ORGANISED TECHNICAL TRAINING FACILITIES, HANDICAPPED PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO LEAD MORE SATISFYING AND INDEPENDENT LIVES AND, AT THE SAME TIME, MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
-----o------
SPECIAL TRAINS TO RACE COURSE ON SATURDAY - 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 HUM AT 12.30 P.M., 12.51 P.M., AND 1.11 P.M. ON BOTH DAYS.
THERE WILL BE THREE SPECIAL TRAINS ON THE RETURN JOURNEY ON THESE TWO DAYS 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 6.12 P.M., 7.31 P.M. AND 8.21 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 THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
A KCR SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ENCOURAGED THOSE GOING BY PRIVATE CARS TO MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM MJLTI-STOREY CAR PARK ABOVE THE KOWLOON STATION.
/he also .....
W2DSESDA.Y, MY 23, 1979
- 13 -
HE ALSO REMINDED PEOPLE THESE TWO DAYS OF THE SLIGHT THEIR RETURN JOURNEYS TO THE
GOING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ADJUSTMENT OF THE TIMETABLES URBAN AREA.
ON
ON
THE REVISED TIMETABLES BETWEEN 10.30 A.M. TO 11 P.M. ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AREi
SATURDAY — FROM KOWLOON STATION: 10.57 A.M., 12.10 P.M., 1.18 P.M., M 2 P.M., 2.11 P.M., 3.05 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.34 P.M., 6.17 P.M., 6.59 P.M., 7.54 P.M., 9.08 P.M. AND 11 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION: 10.47 A.M., 11.53 A.M., 12.58 P.M., 1.55 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.49 P.M., 4.29 P.M., 5.27 P.M., 6.43 P.M., 7.30 P.M., 8.17 P.M., AND 9.15 P.M.
SUNDAY — FROM KOWLOON STATION: 10.57 A.M., 12.12 P.M., 1.20 P.M., M 2 P.M., 2.11 P.M., 3.05 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 4.33 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.34 P.M., 6.17 P.M., 7.02 P.M., 7.54 P.M., 9.08 P.M. AND 11 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION: 10.47 A.M., 11.53 A.M., 12.58 P.M., 1.55 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.49 P.M., 4.29 P.M., 5.27 P.M., 6.22 P.M., 6.58 P.M., 7.53 P.M., AND 9.15 P.M.
* THROUGH PASSENGER TRAIN BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANTON.
WATER CUT * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON FRIDAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY DUNDAS STREET, SHANGHAI STREET SHANTUNG STREET, AND TONG MEI ROAD INCLUDING RECLAMATION STREET, CANTON ROAD, KAM LAM STREET, KAM FONG STREET AND SOY STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ..................................................... 1
CONTRACT FOR S13.1 MILLION ROAD PROJECT SIGNED ............. 4
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ....................................... 4
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A BREAKWATER IN CAUSEWAY BAY ............................................... 6
SPECIAL TRAINS FOR THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES ............ 7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE ....................... 7
AWARD SCHEME HELPS BRIDGE GENERATION GAP ................... 8
MORE IMPROVEMENTS TO CLEARWATER BAY ROAD.................... 8
CHEUNG CHAU POST OFFICE TO EXTEND BUSINESS HOURS ........... 9
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE ........................................ 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
1
ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL OR IG IN K * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT COMMODITY ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE COMMODITY ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED.
FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE FIVE INDUSTRY GROUPS HAVING THE HIGHEST CONTRIBUTIONS WERE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT. ALTOGETHER THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 81 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1978 WERE HIGHEST IN THE CASE OF BEVERAGES (79 PER CENT), LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS (64 PER CENT), PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (40 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (39 PER CENT), AND WEARING APPAREL (39 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY (-67 PER CENT), MINING AND QUARRYING PRODUCTS (-37 PER CENT), TOBACCO (-8 PER CENT), AND FOOTWEAR (-3 PER CENT).
CONCERNING IMPORTS, GOODS PRODUCED BY THE TEXTILES, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES, CHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, FOOD, NETAL PRODUCTS, AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT INDUSTRIES TOGETHER TOOK UP 59 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THE HIGHEST INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE FOUND IN MINING AND QUARRYING PRODUCTS (664 PER CENT), WOOD PRODUCTS AND FURNITURE (67 PER CENT), LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS (62 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES (58 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (47 PER CENT), AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (47 PER CENT). NO DECREASE WAS REGISTERED EXCEPT FOR SOME MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
/VALUE OF .....
A
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979 - 2 -
VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1978 AND 1979, RECLASSS IF IED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN
(VALUES IN HKS’OOO)
INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN OF TRADED COMMODITIES 1ST QTR. 1978 DOMESTIC EXPORTS
1ST QTR. 1979 % CHANGE
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHING
AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK
AND POULTRY PRODUCTION 8,330 2,760
FORESTRY AND LOGGING
OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING 32,391 42,449 31
MINING AND QUARRYING 936 589 -37
MANUFACTURING
FOOD 113,844 153,520 35
BEVERAGES 872 1,563 79
TOBACCO 16,899 15,554
TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 1,438,596 1,745,638 21
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT
FOOTWEAR AND KNITWEAR 2,113,889 2,931,597 39
LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS 41,585 68,389 64
FOOTWEAR 42,408 41,204 -3
WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS,
FURNITURE AND FIXTURES 82,748 99,875 21
PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS,
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING 98,444 138,285 40
CHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 75,619 95,322 26
PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL 361 *
RUBBER PRODUCTS 13,252 13,500 2
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 661,322 916,320 39
NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS 21,376 27,754 30
BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED
METAL PRODUCTS 463,706 618,311 33
MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL 63,577 76,994 21
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND
APPLIANCES 1,376,586 1,740,365 26
TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 14,478 18,165 25
PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL
EQUIPMENT 611,934 837,742 37
OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 315,550 429,221 36
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 96,487 100,312 4
GRAND TOTAL 7,704,825 10,115,792 31
/industrial .....
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN OF TRADED COMMODITIES IMPORTS
1ST QTR. 1978 1ST QTR. 1979 % CHANGE
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHING
AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND
POULTRY PRODUCTION 832,488 851,749 2
FORESTRY AND LOGGING 49,848 66,795 34
OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING 90,091 116,414 29
MINING AND QUARRYING MANUFACTURING 146,610 1,120,232 664
FOOD 1,179,681 1,319,734 12
BEVERAGES 126,120 173,340 37
TOBACCO 95,807 108,292 13
TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 2,252,372 3,112,952 38
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT
FOOTWEAR AND KNITWEAR 201,732 278,014 38
LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS 154,265 250,140 62
FOOTWEAR WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, 44,239 52,799 19
FURNITURE AND FIXTURES PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, 115,362 192,773 67
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING 275,347 387,937 41
CHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 1,184,458 1,657,197 40
PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL 755,702 5
RUBBER PRODUCTS 37,220 46,557 25
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 71,459 105,388 47
NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS 237,807 350,272 47
BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED
METAL PRODUCTS 833,368 1,208,403 45
MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL 656,575 941^949 43
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND
APPLIANCES 1,462,704 2,310,720 58
TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 497,964 603,134 21
PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL
EQUIPMENT 791,785 1,147,977 45
OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 1,035,348 1,396,414 35
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 78,033 74,037 -5
GRAND TOTAL 13,206,385 18,669,505 41
NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES OF A COLUMN MAY NOT ADD UP EXACTLY TO THE CORRESPONDING TOTAL DUE TO ROUNDING.
X THE PERCENTAGE CHANGE BEING, IF ANYTHING, INFINITE.
-------o ---------
/4
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
- 4
CONTRACT FOR $13.1 MILLION ROAD PROJECT SIGNED *****
WORK WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK ON A 1.2-KILOMETRE ROAD ON THE RECLAIMED LAND SOUTH OF TAI YUEN HOUSING ESTATE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TAI PO.
CONTRACT FOR THE WORK, WORTH MORE THAN $13.1 MILLION, WAS FORMALLY SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR. GEORGE CHIEN, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND MR. K. INOUCHI, OF NISSAN CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PROJECT WOULD INCLUDE THE LAYING OF A 1.5-KILOMETRE TRUNK SEWER AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS.
THE NEW ROAD, HE ADDED, WOULD SERVE THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREA TO BE DEVELOPED ON THE RECLAIMED LAND.
MEASURING ABOUT 22 HECTARES, THE AREA WILL HAVE SCHOOLS, A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, OPEN SPACE AND A TOWN SQUARE.
THE PROJECT, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE TAI PO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WILL TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE CONSULTING ENGINEER, MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA. FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC y WORKS DEPARTMENT.
-----0------
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
*****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR LAST (APRIL) MONTH WERE 137 AND 136 RESPECTIVELY. COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, C.P.I. (A) ADVANCED BY FOUR POINTS AND C.P. I. (B), BY THREE POINTS.
THE C.P. I. (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 - SI,499 A MONTH AND THE C.P. I. (B), BETWEEN Si,500 - $2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973-74.
/the section .....
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
5
THE SECTION INDICES FOR MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING APRIL MONTH , COMPARED WITH IN 1978, AREi THE PREVIOUS
c .P. 1. (A) C. P. 1. (B)
1 SECTION APR. 79 MAR. 79 APR. 78 APR. 79 MAR, 79 APR. 78
FOODSTUFFS , 134 129 122 134 130 122
HOUSING 140 139 129 139 139 127
FUEL AND LIGHT 149 144 135 147 142 134
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 156 155 140 151 150 136
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 106 105 101 104 104 100
DURABLE GOODS ' 123 122 113 120 119 110
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 141 140 132 139 137 129
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 148 147 119 154 153 123
SERVICES 144 143 135 146 145 136
ALL ITEMS 137 133 125 136 133 124
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WENT UP BY FIVE POINTS IN C.P.I. (A) AND BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P.I. (B). RISES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, FRESH FRUITS AND FRESH-WATER FISH. THE COST OF MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ALSO ADVANCED AS SOME RESTAURANTS AND EATING-PLACES RAISED THEIR PRICES. MOVEMENTS IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN C.P.I. (A) AS HIGHER WATER CHARGES BEGAN TO AFFECT SOME HOUSEHOLDS AND AS HIGHER RENT WAS REGISTERED FOR SOME HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES AND HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A ESTATES. IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES WILL AFFECT MORE HOUSEHOLDS AND THESE INCREASES WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE C.P.I. AS AND WHEN THEY OCCUR.
ON ACCOUNT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR KEROSENE, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND ELECTRICITY CHARGES, THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT ADVANCED BY FIVE POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B).
THE RISE OF ONE POINT IN THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR CHINESE WINES AND IMPORTED TOBACCO.
HIGHER PRICES FOR RUBBER FOOTWEAR PUSHED THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR UP BY ONE POINT IN C.P.I. (A).
/the index......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 197°
6
THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS WENT UP BY ONE POINT EACH IN C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PR ICES FOR OPTICAL GOODS.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS ROSE BY ONE POINT IN C.P. I. (A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN C.P. I. (E) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR MEDICINES AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD GOODS.
THE RISE OF ONE POINT IN THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND C.P. I. (B) WAS MAINLY BROUGHT ABOUT BY HIGHER PRICES FOR PETROL AND OIL.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY ONE POINT EACH IN C.P. I. (A) AND C.P. I. (B) FOLLOWING HIGHER PRICES FOR SCHOOL STATIONERY AND HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING, DOMESTIC HELP AND REPAIRS TO HOUSEHOLD GOODS.
-----o------
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A BREAKWATER IN CAUSEWAY BAY *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE TENDERS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BREAKWATER NORTH OF KELLETT ISLAND IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
+THE BREAKWATER, WHICH IS ABOUT 92 METRES IN LENGTH, IS REQUIRED TO INCREASE THE USABLE AREA OF TYPHOON SHELTER TO COMPENSATE FOR THE ANCHORAGE SPACE LOST TO THE RECLAMATION CURRENTLY BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER FOR THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR PROJECT,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PWD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
/?
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
7
SPECIAL TRAINS FOR THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES ******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE 12 ADDITIONAL TRAINS ON TUEN NG FESTIVAL (MAY 30) FOR THE DRAGON BOAT RACES TO BE HELD AT YUEN CHAU TSAI IN TAI PO.
THERE WILL BE SIX SPECIAL UP TRAINS — THREE IN THE MORNING AND THREE IN THE AFTERNOON — WHICH WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 8.39 A.M., 9.38 A.M., 10.30 A.M., 12.27 P.M., 1.29 P.M. AND 6.02 P.M.
THE SPECIAL UP TRAINS IN THE MORNING WILL NOT STOP FOR PASSENGERS AT MONG KOK STATION BUT WILL STOP AT ALL OTHER STATIONS
SIX SPECIAL DOWN TRAINS HAVE ALSO BEEN ARRANGED. THEY WILL LEAVE TAI PO MARKET STATION AT 9.45 A.M., 10.47 A.M., 11.33 A.M., 1.42 P.M., 2.56 P.M. AND 7.08 P.M.
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE TIMETABLE WAS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
FURTHER TRAINS WILL BE PROVIDED LATE IN THE EVENING IF NECESSARY, HE ADDED.
-----0------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT EDINBURGH PLACE FROM THE HMS TAMAR ENTRANCE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED ON SUNDAY BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M.
THIS IS TO FACILITATE THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1979-80 ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
--------0 ---------
/8
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
8
AWARD SCHEME HELPS BRIDGE GENERATION GAP
IKK
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME MAKES A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS BRIDGING THE GENERATION GAP, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE SILVER AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SCHEME HELD AT THE LA SALLE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN KOWLOON TONG.
♦SINCE THE ATTAINMENT OF AN AWARD BY A YOUNG PERSON REPRESENTS THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A VENTURE BETWEEN THE YOUNG AND NOT-SO-YOUNG, THE SCHEME DOES, THEREFORE, MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS BRIDGING THE SO-CALLED ’GENERATION GAP’,+ HE SAID.
MR. TOPLEY NOTED THAT THE SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME, AND SAID HE WOULD STRIVE TO ENCOURAGE ITS GROWTH.
♦IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL FIND WAYS OF COMPLETING FUTURE AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM, WHEREBY CANDIDATES REMAIN ATTACHED TO THEIR OLD USER-UNITS, HAS HELPED SOLVE THIS PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
_ _ _ _ 0 ----
MORE IMPROVEMENTS TO CLEARWATER BAY ROAD
*****
ANOTHER PHASE OF THE CLEARWATER BAY ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IS DUE TO START SHORTLY.
THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO RELIEVE PRESENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN PARTS OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD AND TO COPE WITH THE LARGE NUMBERS OF HEAVY REFUSE VEHICLES EXPECTED WHEN THE JUNK BAY CONTROLLED TIP OPENS LATER THIS YEAR.
UNDER THE SECOND PHASE, ESTIMATED TO COST $22.5 MILLION, THE SECTION OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN CLEARWATER BAY APARTMENTS AND ANDERSON ROAD WILL BE WIDENED TO DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES.
A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY AT TSENG LAN SHUE WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND THE WORK SHOULD TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TO FACILITATE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT, THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME 9,150 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LAND AT TSENG LAN SHUE.
/The sat KUNG
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979
9
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. COLIN BOSHER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE RESUMPTION WOULD INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF FIVE TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES, OCCUPIED BY FIVE FAMILIES COMPRISING ABOUT 20 PEOPLE.
IN ADDITION, 30 OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES USED AS SHOPS, PIGSTIES, CHICKEN SHEDS AND AGRICULTURAL STORES WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE CLEARED.
+DEPENDING ON THEIR ELIGIBILITY, DISPLACED FAMILIES WILL BE OFFERED EITHER PUBLIC HOUSING OR TEMPORARY PUBLIC HOUSING,* MR. BOSHER SAID.
GENUINE CULTIVATOR FAMILIES MAY BE GRANTED AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $5,000 PER FAMILY BUT WILL FORFEIT THEIR PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
------0-------
CHEUNG CHAU POST OFFICE TO EXTEND BUSINESS HOURS
X * X X X
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT BUSINESS HOURS OF THE CHEUNG CHAU POST OFFICE WILL BE EXTENDED AS FROM MONDAY.
THE REVISED HOURS WILL BEi 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON SATURDAY.
+THE POST OFFICE ON THE ISLAND WILL STAY OPEN DURING LUNCH TIME AND THE REASON FOR THIS IS TO PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF CHEUNG CHAU,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY.
------0-------
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE
X X X X X
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT AS FROM 10 A.M. NEXT WEDNESDAY (MAY 30), ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS ON THE SLIP ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BETWEEN MURRAY ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE DAILY FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL ........................... 1
CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $169 MILLION AWARDED LAST MONTH .. 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR SWITCHGEAR FOR ELECTRIFICATION OF KCR .. 4
PLAN TO BUILD SUBMARINE OUTFALL ............................... 4
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY ................. 5
JUDGING OF +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST .... 6
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE PRAISED ............................. 7
PWD STAFF TO COMPETE IN DRAGON BOAT RACES ..................... 8
FIRING PRACTICES................................................ 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5*233191
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
- 1 -
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE TRADE DURING APRIL.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS $5,740 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $4,154 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $1,586 MILLION. WITH IMPORTS AT $7,114 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR APRIL WAS $1,374 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1978, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL INCREASED BY 37 PER CENT OR $1,111 MILLION AND THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY 58 PER CENT OR $585 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THAT IS DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS, INCREASED BY 42 PER CENT OR $1,696 MILLION. THUS THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS AT 43 PER CENT.
IMPORTS WERE, BY VALUE, $2,146 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1978.
COMMENTING ON THE TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT, TAKING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS WERE GROWING FASTER THAN IMPORTS.
COMPARING FIGURES FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR WITH THOSE FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1978, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS 33 PER CENT HIGHER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS 59 PER CENT HIGHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS 39 PER CENT HIGHER AND THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS 37 PER CENT HIGHER.
GIVEN THAT THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1978 REPRESENTED AROUND 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THAT YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $4,609 MILLION FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1979 COULD MEAN A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF LESS THAN $12,000 MILLION FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE.
THIS WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT IMPLICIT IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET SPEECH FORECAST ON THE ECONOMY.
THUS THE TRADE FIGURES SUPPORTED THE VIEW THAT THE ECONOMY WAS FOLLOWING THE COURSE PREDICTED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH.
IN CONSIDERING THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE ECONOMY, HE SAID IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT THE IMPORTS AND EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE ORDERED MONTHS BEFORE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ANNOUNCED THE MEASURES TO SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND.
/SVEN SO,
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
2
EVEN SO, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1979, AT RATHER LESS THAN 19 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS ALREADY SMALLER IN RELATIVE TERMS THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR WHEN THE PROPORTION WAS RATHER MORE THAN 20 PER CENT.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL i
MERCHANDISE! COMPARATIVE FIGURES LATEST 3 MONTHS DOMESTIC EXPORTS IMPORTS RE-EXPORTS TRADE BALANCE FEB. - APRIL 1979 I $4,154 MILLION : $7,114 MILLION I $1,586 MILLION i $1,374 MILLION (IN DEFICIT
FEB. - APRIL 1978 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 10,431 8,031 +2,400 +29.9
IMPORTS 19,272 13,775 ♦5,496 +39.9
RE-EXPORTS 4,465 2,769 ♦1,696 +61.2
TRADE BALANCE - 4,376 - 2,975 -1,401
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR APRIL 1979 APRIL 1978 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 4,154 (72.4%) 3,043 (75.2%) ♦1,111 +36.5
IMPORTS 7,114 4,968 +2,146 +43.2
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 1,586 (27.6%) 1,001 (24.8%) ♦ 585 +58.4
TRADE BALANCE - 1,374 - 924 - 450
LAST MONTH APRIL 1979 MARCH 1979 INCREASE OR DECREASE
• $ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 4,154 (72.4%) 3,814 (71.0%) + 340 + 8.9
/imports .....
3
IMPORTS 7,114 6,482 + 632 + 9.7
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 1,586 (27.6%) 1,559 (29.0%) ♦ 27 ♦ 1.8
TRADE BALANCE - 1,374 - 1,109 - 265
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN. - APRIL 1979 JAN. - APRIL 1978 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 14,270 (71.1%) 10,752 (74.7%) ♦3,518 ♦32.7
IMPORTS 24,672 18,064 ♦6,608 ♦36.6
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 5,793 (28.9%) 3,651 (25.3%) +2,142 ♦ 58.7
TRADE BALANCE - 4,609 - 3,661 - 948
LAST 12 MONTHS MAY 1978 TO APRIL 1979 MAY 1977 TO APRIL 1978 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 44,229 35,868 ♦8,362 ♦23.3
IMPORTS 69,664 51,494 ♦18,170 +35.3
RE-EXPORTS 15,339 10,498 ♦4,841 +46.1
TRADE BALANCE -10,096 - 5,128 -4,968
-----o------
CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $169 MILLION AWARDED LAST MONTH %%%%%%
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED 41 CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $169 MILLION LAST (APRIL) MONTH.
OF THESE, 22 WERE AWARDED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND 19 ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PWD TENDER BOARD.
_ THE B,GSEST CONTRACT WAS FOR A MAJOR RECLAMATION AND LAND FORMATION PROJECT IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, 43 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND OPEN SPACE.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT STARTED LAST MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT MONTHS TO COMPLETE,
OTHER MAJOR CONTRACTS AWARDED IN APRIL INCLUDED THE BUILDING OF A MAJOR DISTRIBUTOR ROAD FROM PUI TO ROAD TO ON TING AND YAU 01 HOUSING ESTATES NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TUEN MUN AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PILLAR POINT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS STAGE I.
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/4....
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
- 4
TENDERS INVITED FOR SWITCHGEAR FOR ELECTRIFICATION OF KCR
* * * *
TENDERS WERE INVITED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THE SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF 25 KILOVOLT SINGLE PHASE SWITCHGEAR FOR THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
♦FOUR SWITCHING STATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF POWER SUPPLIES TO THE OVERHEAD LINE WILL BE BUILT ALONG THE 33-KILOMETRE RA ILWAY,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FIRST SWITCHBOARD WILL BE DELIVERED IN NOVEMBER 1980 AND THE SWITCHING STATIONS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BEFORE THE COMMISSIONING OF ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICES IN 1982.
THE WORKS WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE GOVERNMENT-APPOINTED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, TRANSMARK, WHILE THE PROJECT IS UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
------o-------
PLAN TO BUILD SUBMARINE OUTFALL ******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO BUILD A SUBMARINE OUTFALL extending J?°U.T *'°°° A SOUTHERLY DIRECTIONFROM ?hFsHORE BEtJeeS
nlUTucMADCA TSUEN AND so kwUN TAN TO SERVE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS
I Mt Ai\tA>
SEWAGE FROM THE AREA AFTER TREATMENT WILL BE DISCHARGED 2E0UATETSk”|5nS*£bSD??p"rSI0N?TFALL '"T0 DEEP WATERS T° WH'E*E descrIbedEinEaTnoticeEinRtoday’s°(friday)Agovernment gazette? WAS aiia ^l objections to the proposal or any CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT ,N WR,T,ng TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTIFICATION.
mam Zau (,N B0TH engi-ISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED
PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED SL **rSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS D IV IS ION, F IRST FLOOR MURRAY —I^ING. GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR THE CROWN LANDS ANd’sURVEY 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE TUEN MUN, TUEN MUN BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES.
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/5
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
- 5 -
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY ******
THIS YEAR’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT EDINBURGH PLACE ON SUNDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE PRIMARILY AIMED AT PEDESTRIANS.
♦AND, AS THIS YEAR IS THE ’INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD’, WE HAVE ARRANGED FOR TWO CHILDREN TO PERFORM THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY,* HE ADDED.
♦THIS, WE FEEL, TIES IN WITH THE MESSAGE WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO CONVEY IN PART, IN THE FORTHCOMING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN. BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH LESS THAN 15 PER CENT OF PEDESTRIAN ROAD ACCIDENTS INVOLVE CHILDREN, THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE DONE IN EDUCATING THE YOUNG TO TAKE GREATER CARE ON THE ROADS.+
ROAD SAFETY PATROL TEAMS FROM VARIOUS SCHOOLS WILL BE ON PARADE TO START THE PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDES DISPLAYS OF ACROBATIC MOTORCYCLING, SKATE-BOARDING AND RADIO-CONTROLLED MODEL CARS.
A HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE A PROCESSION OF CHILDREN WHO WILL EACH DEPOSIT A PAPER FLOWER IN A CONTAINER TO SYMBOLISE THE 437 ROAD ACCIDENT FATALITIES IN 1978.
THERE WILL BE A CHILDREN’S ROAD SAFETY TOWN, IN WHICH +SEEING-EYE+ GUIDE DOGS WILL DEMONSTRATE THE SAFETY RULES FOR CROSSING A ROAD.
MANY SIDE ATTRACTIONS WILL ALSO BE FEATURED INCLUDING FILM SHOWS AT QUEEN’S PIER, THE MOBILE STREET THEATRE AND THE ROAD SAFETY BUS.
MUSIC WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL BAND AND THE PIPES AND DRUMS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
AS THIS CEREMONY WILL SIGNIFY THE LAUNCHING OF A TERRITORYWIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE OFFICIAL GUESTS WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
OTHER GUESTS INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, TRAFFIC DIVISION.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE OFFICIATED BY W. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ON SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. AT EDINBURGH PLACE.
- - 0 ------------
/6 ....
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
- 6 -
JUDGING OF +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST ******
LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERTS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL SELECT PRIZE-WINNING ENTRIES FOR THE +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* CONTEST ON SUNDAY.
THE CONTEST WHICH AIMS AT PROMOTING HONG KONG’S IMAGE BOTH OVERSEAS AND LOCALLY, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG.
A TOTAL OF 926 ENTRIES WAS RECEIVED SINCE THE CONTEST WAS LAUNCHED THREE MONTHS AGO.
ENTRIES ARE DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES — +URBAN HONG KONG* MONOCHROME PRINTS, +RURAL HONG KONG* MONOCHROME PRINTS, +URBAN HONG KONG* COLOUR PRINTS, AND +RURAL HONG KONG* COLOUR PRINTS.
COMMENTING ON THE ENTRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) : +THEY ARE OF A VERY HIGH STANDARD BOTH IN THE TREATMENT OF SUBJECT MATTERS AND IN PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE — THE TWO PRINCIPAL CRITERIA THAT WILL BE OBSERVED IN THE JUDGING.*
WINNERS IN EACH OF THE FOUR DIVISIONS WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES AND TROPHIES AND THEIR ENTRIES EXHIBITED IN LONDON IN AUGUST.
AN OVERALL BEST ENTRY WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE WINNERS AMONG THE FOUR DIVISIONS. THE OVERALL WINNER WILL BE AWARDED A ROUND-TRIP AIR TICKET TO LONDON FOR TWO, INCLUDING FULL BOARD FOR TWO WEEKS, AND WILL BE THE GUEST-OF-HONOUR AT THE OPENING OF THE *HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION IN AUGUST.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL COMPRISE SIR KENNETH PING-FAN FUNG, VICE-PATRON OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, MR.
YUEN KANG-CHUEN AND MR. CHANG HUNG-CHEON, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG RESPECTIVELY, MR. JOHN SLIMMING, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES AND MR. ARTHUR HACKER, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (CREATIVE AND DESIGN) OF INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE JUDGING OF THE +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST WILL BE OPEN TO THE MEDIA FOR THE FIRST 15 MINUTES DURING WHICH REPORTERS WILL ALSO HAVE A PREVIEW OF THE ENTRIES.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OCCASION AT THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, FROM 10.30 TO 10.45 A.M. THIS SUNDAY.
0
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
7
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE PRAISED X X K X
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, SPOKE OF THE TRYING PERIOD WHICH THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE, TOGETHER WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING WITH THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES INTO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE AMS MESS DINNER THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, HE SAID THAT IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS AMS PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE OPERATIONS DAY AND NIGHT THROUGH FAIR AND FOUL WEATHER.
AT PRESENT, AMS VOLUNTEERS ARE STAFFING A MEDICAL CENTRE FOR REFUGEES AND THE MEDICAL TEAM ATTENDS TO MANY CLINICAL CASES DAILY AT VARIOUS REFUGEE CENTRES.
♦THEY HAVE REMAINED IN THEIR STATIONS AND GIVEN THEIR BEST QUIETLY AND WITH EFFICIENCY.+ DR. THONG SAID.
♦SUCH DEDICATION, I AM CONFIDENT, IS BEING APPRECIATED BY ALL CONCERNED AND I SHOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF SAYING ’WELL DONE’ TO THOSE IN THE AMS WHO HAVE RESPONDED SO MAGNIFICENTLY TO THE CHALLENGE,+ HE ADDED.
DR. THONG. WHO IS ALSO UNIT CONTROLLER OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE, COMMENDED THE AMS LIFE GUARDS WHO HAVE ACHIEVED REMARKABLE SUCCESS NOT ONLY IN RENDERING LIFE-SAVING SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY BUT ALSO IN IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING THEIR OWN STANDARDS OF LIFE-SAVING PROFICIENCY.
THIS IS THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THAT THE AMS MEN’S LIFE-SAVING TEAM AND THE THIRD YEAR IN SUCCESSION THAT THE LADIES’ TEAM HAVE WON THE GOVERNOR’S SHIELD FOR TOP PERFORMANCE AT THE ANNUAL MARCH PAST OF HONG KONG LIFE GUARDS.
DR. THONG SAID THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE SUCH THAT LARGE NUMBERS OF THE YOUNGER MEMBERS CF THE COMMUNITY ARE COMING FORWARD, EAGER TO BE TRAINED AS SHOWN BY THE LONG WAITING LIST OF PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES WANTING TO JOIN THE SERVICE.
♦IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR POLICY TO FULLY UTILISE THE SERVICES CF THESE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND TO DIVERSIFY OUR TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES SO THAT WE CAN RENDER SERVICES IN AS MANY AREAS AS POSSIBLE,+ HE CONCLUDED.
i -----o--------
/6 ....
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
8
PWD STAFF TO COMPETE IN DRAGON BOAT RACES ******
FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL ENTER PARTS^iUfi JSi? VEAR:S DRAG°N B°AT RACES T0 BE HELD ,N VARKAS far।□ Ur nUNb KUNu«
THREE OR THESE TEAMS, INCLUDING A LADIES TEAM ARE NEWCOMERS THEY COMPRISE STAFF FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ffiSJFSKft °FF,CE' T0WN PLANNINS OFFICE AND CROWN LAPIDS AND wUnVtT Urrluc«
WAN aISE?ai1T£}H?c‘?,LL C0MPETE ,N RACES TO BE HELD IN SHAU KEI ■AN Aril/ । AU MA 11 I •
Tur WH,CH ,S N0 STRANGER TO TUEN MUN, COMES FROM
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
„ , THEIR FIFTH ATTEMPT AND THE 22-MAN CONTINGENT WILL
2 nn,SH' WH0 0VER THE PAST YEARS HAS HAD SOME
EXPERIENCE IN DRAGON BOAT RACES.
win BE VY,NG F0R THE TUEN MUN CUP WHICH
21«Le?LeRESENTED T0 THE W,NNERS BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY
HAGUEHOSE•
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/9
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1979
9
FIRING PRACTICES
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 11 DAYS NEXT (JUNE) MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.
THE PRACTISING TIMES ARE s-
DATE TIME
JUNE 15 (FRIDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 18 (MONDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 19 (TUESDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 20 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 21 (THURSDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 22 (FRIDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 25 (MONDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M.
JUNE 26 (TUESDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 27 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
JUNE 28 (THURSDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M.
JUNE 29 (FRIDAY) 9 A.M. — 4 P.M.
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SIS
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1979
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
78 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH ................. 1 3,954 APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS REGISTERED IN 1978 ......... 2 TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS FOR TAI PO RACES ..................... 3 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MODY ROAD ............................ 3 FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 4 RESTRICTED ACCESS ......................................... 4 WATER CUTS ................................................ 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1979
1
78 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH ******
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 78 NEW BUILDING PLANS LAST (APRIL) MONTH, COMPARED WITH 47 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THESE, 35 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 24 FOR KOWLOON AND 19 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR TWO HOTELS ON THE ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON, A HOSPITAL AND NURSES’ QUARTERS IN WATERLOO ROAD, AN ELECTRIC SUB-STATION IN YAU MA TEI, A HOLIDAY CAMP IN PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG AND A YMCA CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $76.96 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $253.23 MILLION LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED LAST MONTH AMOUNTED TO 72,883.3 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 52,897.4 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 19,985.9 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 44 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING A CHURCH AT THE JUNCTION OF GRAMPIAN ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET, A SCHOOL IN PUI CHING ROAD AND A NUMBER OF APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID 32 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING A LECTURE HALL COMPLEX FOR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, A HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY HOUSING ESTATE BLOCK IN KWAI CHUNG AND A DORMITORY ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 49 BUILDINGS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1979
2
3,954 APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS REGISTERED IN 1978
*****
THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REGISTERED 3,954 APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS LAST YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE FIGURE REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 1,780 CONTRACTS OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND 2,452 MORE CONTRACTS THAN THOSE IN 1976 WHEN THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE WAS FIRST ENACTED TO PROMOTE APPRENTICE TRAINING.
OF THESE CONTRACTS, 3,500 WERE IN DESIGNATED TRADES AND 454 IN NON-DESIGNATED TRADES. OF THE 3,954 APPRENTICES, 3,738 WERE ENGAGED IN CRAFT-MAKING AND 216 WERE TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES.
LAST YEAR, THE APPRENTICESHIP INSPECTORATE CARRIED OUT A SERIES OF ROUTINE INSPECTIONS OF EMPLOYERS OF ALL REGISTERED APPRENTICES TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE TRAINING WAS PROVIDED.
♦WHERE NECESSARY, THE INSPECTORS ALSO ASSISTED IN THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INSPECTIONS WERE ALSO CONDUCTED TO CHECK WHETHER YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGED IN DESIGNATED TRADES WERE WITHOUT VALID CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP, HE ADDED.
TWO OFFICES WERE SET UP IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND KWAI CHUNG LAST YEAR AS PART OF A CONTINUING EFFORT TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE. ANOTHER OFFICE AT KWUN TONG CAME INTO OPERATION THIS MARCH BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICES TO FIVE.
♦THIS IS TO CATER FOR EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES IN NEIGHBOURING INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS,+ HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE TRAINING COUNCIL DIVISION ALSO ASSISTED SOME 210 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE MAJOR INDUSTRIES TO EITHER START OR RE-ORGANISE TRAINING SCHEME ALONG THE LINES OF AN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME PROPOSED BY THE DIVISION.
THE SCHEME INCLUDES BOTH PRACTICAL ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND COMPLEMENTARY RELATED TECHNICAL EDUCATION ON A DAY-RELEASE BASIS.
DURING 1978, 280 TECHNICIANS AND 1,600 CRAFT APPRENTICES
WERE PLACE IN THIS SCHEME IN 396 ESTABLISHMENTS IN BOTH DESIGNATED AND NON-DESIGNATED TRADES.
o -------
/3
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1979
3
TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS FOR TAI PO RACES ******
TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THIS YEAR’S DRAGON BOAT RACES IN TAI PO WERE BROUGHT OUT FROM THEIR SHELTERS AND ’ACTIVATED’ IN A TRADITIONAL CHINESE CEREMONY TODAY (SATURDAY).
GIVING THEM THE TOUCH OF +LIFE+ BY DOTTING THEIR EYES WERE THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES AND THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. TED NICHOLS.
THEY WERE ASSISTED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER JOHNSON AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN, MR. STEPHEN WONG YUEN-CHEUNG IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE.
THE EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE IN YUEN CHAU TSAI.
TAI WONG YEH TEMPLE
THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL THIS YEAR FALLS ON WEDNESDAY.
A TOTAL OF 36 TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN THE TAI PO RACES WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO DRAW SOME 30,000 SPECTATORS.
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL SIR ROY REDGRAVE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE RACES AND PRESENT TROPHIES AND PRIZES TO WINNING TEAMS.
----o------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MODY ROAD * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT MODY ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR FOUR WEEKS FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY.
affecWmIr0 works!™* 8EI"ST‘™E"T ™E carr.ageway
CLOSUREPROPR,ATE TRAFF,C SIGNS W,LL BE SET UP T0 1 ND ICATE THE
-----0------
A
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1979
4
FIRING PRACTICE ft ft ft ft
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON TUESDAY.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.
-----o------
RESTRICTED ACCESS ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY
(SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING JORDAN PATH EXCEPT FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - o - -
WATER CUTS ft ft ft
IN CAUSEWAY BAY, THE R0AD, DRA60N ROAD, NEW EASTERN TERRACE.
AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NOS. 2-36 DRAGON TERRACE, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SECOND STAGE OF EAST RIVER WATER SUPPLY SCHEME PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE .................................. 1
ANNOUNCEMENT SOON ON CAPUT GRANT SCHOOL CONVERSION .... 2
SWD PAYS OUT $81,000 UNDER +N0 FAULT+ TAVA SCHEME ........ 3
PROPERTY OWNERS ADVISED AGAINST REMOVING PROTECTED LIFT LOBBIES ....................................... 4
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT DRAGON BOAT RACES IN TUEN MUN ..................................................... 5
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ............................... 6
PLB CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ................................ 6
7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1979
1
SECOND STAGE OF EAST RIVER WATER SUPPLY SCHEME
PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE * * * * *
WORK ON THE SECOND STAGE OF THE EAST RIVER WATER SUPPLY SCHEME TO CATER FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES FROM CHINA, IS PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE.
♦CONSTRUCTION OF AN ENLARGED BALANCE TANK IS ABOUT 70 PER CENT OVER AND THE NEW FOUR-PUMP STATION STRUCTURE IS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE $12.7 MILLION PROJECT BEGAN IN FEBRUARY 1978 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BEFORE OCTOBER THIS YEAR. OTHER OUTSTANDING WORK, SUCH AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADMINISTRATION BLOCK, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MARCH NEXT YEAR.
WATER FROM CHINA IS DELIVERED FROM THE SHUM CHUN RESERVOIR THROUGH TWO PIPES ACROSS SHUM CHUN RIVER TO THE MUK WU BALANCE TANK. FROM THERE, THREE PIPES LEAD THE WATER TO MUK WU PUMPING STATION.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE FOUR VERTICAL PUMPS IN THE STATION. THE NEW STATION, WHERE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT IS BEING INSTALLED, WILL ADD ANOTHER FOUR PUMPS.
THE LAYING OF A 1,620-MM DIAMETER PIPELINE BETWEEN MUK WU PUMPING STATION AND THE RIVER INDUS PUMPING STATION AT LO WU, ALSO A PART OF THE SECOND STAGE SCHEME, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THIS AUGUST. THIS WORK, INCLUDING STORES, IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $12 MILLION.
WORK ON ANOTHER $82.8 MILLION CONTRACT CONNECTED WITH THE EAST RIVER WATER SUPPLY SCHEME IS ALSO ABOUT TO START.
SITES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR CONSTRUCTING PIPELINES AND TUNNELS TO TRANSPORT THE ADDITIONAL WATER FROM THE INDUS PUMPING STATION TO PLOVER COVE.
THE JOB INVOLVES:
* 2,040 METRES OF STEEL PIPELINE, 2,020 MM IN DIAMETER, FROM THE RIVER INDUS STATION TO TOP HILL IN WA SHAN.
* 2,377 METRES OF STEEL PIPELINE, OF THE SAME DIAMETER, FROM LAMB HILL EAST TO MA MEI HA.
* A NEW UNLINED TUNNEL FROM TOP HILL TO LAMB HILL, 2,073 METRES LONG AND WITH A DIAMETER OF 3.3 METRES.
* A NEW UNLINED TUNNEL FROM MA MEI HA TO NAM CHUNG, 3,227 METRES LONG WITH A DIAMETER OF 3.6 METRES.
UNDER THE CONTRACT THE EXISTING UNLINED TUNNEL FROM NAM CHUNG TO CHUNG MEI WILL BE ENLARGED AND A NEW INTAKE STRUCTURE AND A 52-METRE LONG SUBSIDIARY TUNNEL WILL BE CONSTRUCTED.
- - 0-----
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1979
2
ANNOUNCEMENT SOON ON CAPUT GRANT SCHOOL CONVERSION ft ft ft ft ft
DETAILS CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS INTO FULLY AIDED ONES HAVE BEEN WORKED OUT, AND IT IS HOPED THAT AN ANNOUNCEMENT CAN BE MADE EARLY NEXT MONTH, W. Y.T. LI. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND BUILDING) SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI CHUNG METHODIST COLLEGE AT LAI YIU ESTATE.
WITH REGARD TO CONVERSION, MR. LI SAID THE PROPOSAL WAS A COMPLEX ONE INVOLVING A LARGE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS WITH INDIVIDUAL TRADITIONS AND PROBLEMS, AND IT WAS A DIFFICULT TASK TO DEVISE A SCHEME WHICH COULD CONVENIENTLY FIT ALL SCHOOLS.
♦ WE HAVE BEEN CONSULTING THE RELEVANT SCHOOL COUNCILS ABOUT THE MATTER, AND I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT MOST OF THE DETAILS HAVE NOW BEEN WORKED OUT AND IT IS HOPED THAT AN ANNOUNCEMENT CAN BE MADE TO THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED SOME TIME EARLY NEXT MONTH,♦ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE MANY PROPOSALS IN THE 1970 EDUCATION WHITE PAPER MR. LI NOTED THAT EDUCATION WAS AN EXPENSIVE SERVICE TO WHICH A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET WAS DEVOTED.
♦ I WISH TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAY THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS VERY GRATEFUL TO ALL THE SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE SO CONSCIENTIOUSLY HELPED TO REDUCE OVERALL COSTS BY ADOPTING THE FLOATATION SYSTEM, THEREBY PROVIDING MORE PLACES IN EXISTING SCHOOLS EVEN THOUGH THIS MAY MEAN THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO PUT UP WITH SOME INCONVENIENCE IN THEIR DAY TO DAY OPERATION,+ HE SAID.
IN THIS CONNECTION, MR. LI POINTED OUT THAT IF THE RECENT TREND OF IMMIGRANTS COMING TO HONG KONG CONTINUED, WE WERE LIKELY TO BE FACED WITH A GREATER DEMAND FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES THAN ANTICIPATED AND AN EVEN LARGER EDUCATION BILL.
HE CALLED ON ALL CONCERNED ABOUT EDUCATION TO START THINKING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM.
EDUCATION PLANNING, LIKE EDUCATION ITSELF, WAS AN ON-GOING PROCESS, MR. LI SAID.
♦ IN HONG KONG, LIKE ANYWHERE ELSE, CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH AFFECT EDUCATION ARE LIKELY TO KEEP CHANGING AND WE MUST ENSURE THAT OUR PLANS ARE ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY TO COPE WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS.+
TURNING TO THE KWAI CHUNG METHODIST COLLEGE, MR. LI NOTED THAT THE SCHOOL IS ONE OF THE FIRST BATCH OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT ACCORDING TO A NEW AND MUCH IMPROVED STANDARD DESIGN.
♦THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL THEREFORE MARKS A NEW PAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG. IT ALSO MARKS A NEW PAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S NEW TOWNS,♦ IE ADDED.
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1979
3
SWD PAYS OUT $81,000 UNDER +N0 FAULT* TAVA SCHEME * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PAID OUT MORE THAN $81,000 AS QUICK CASH RELIEF UNDER THE +N0 FAULT* TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME WHICH STARTED ON MAY 1.
SEVEN CASES INVOLVED DEATHS AND 30 INVOLVED INJURIES WHICH CAUSED AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY.
MRS. DIANA LEE. HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SECTION, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) PAYMENTS FOR THE SEVEN FATAL CASES AMOUNTED TO $35,000.
SHE SAID THE GRANTS OF JUST OVER $46,000 FOR THE INJURY CASES INCLUDED SECOND PAYMENTS IN THREE CASES BECAUSE THE APPLICANTS WERE MEDICALLY CERTIFIED TO REQUIRE EXTENDED SICK
THE HIGHEST PAYMENT MADE SO FAR UNDER THE SCHEME WAS $10,600 GIVEN TO THE FAMILY OF A 20-YEAR-0LD CASUAL WORKER WHO WAS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT, SHE SAID.
RAYME”TS RANSED FR0M 1800 T0 *10,300 IN CASES ALREADY PROCESSED,* SHE ADDED.
Bo^oL«RESENT’ MRS* LEE SA,D 101 0™ER APPLICATIONS WERE BEING PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND THE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS WITHIN FAIRLY SHORT TIME.
,..^:!L2NE CA?E» THE APPLICATION WAS RECEIVED AND THE PAYMENT AUTHORISED ON THE SAME DAY, IN ANOTHER CASE IN WHICH A 63-YEAR-OLD WOMAN APPLIED FOR ASSISTANCE, PAYMENT WAS AUTHORISED THE NEXT MORNING,* SHE SAID.
ADM (NISTER ED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE NON-MEANS TESTED SCHEME AIMS AT PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF £oR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT F AUL T.
MRS. LEE SAID PEOPLE INVOLVED MAY 1 COULD APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS
IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON OR AFTER OF THE MISHAP.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE CENTRAL, HONG KONG (TEL. NOS. 5-222392
MADE AT THE TAVA SECTION BUILDING AT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD AND 5-223254).
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/4
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1979
4
PROPERTY OWNERS ADVISED AGAINST REMOVING PROTECTED LIFT LOBBIES ******
THE FIRE SERVICES TODAY (SUNDAY) ADVISED PROPERTY OWNERS AGAINST REMOVING PROTECTED LIFT LOBBIES.
♦FIREMAN’S LIFTS ARE PROVIDED IN BUILDINGS OVER EIGHT-STOREY TO ENABLE FIREMEN TO QUICKLY REACH AND DEAL WITH FIRES OR OTHER EMERGENCIES ON THE UPPER FLOORS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID.
HE SAID ONE OR MORE LIFTS MAY BE DESIGNATED AS FIREMAN’S LIFTS PROVIDED THEY SATISFY CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
♦THESE INCLUDE THE CONDITION THAT THE LIFT SHOULD OPEN UP INTO A SMOKE, OR PROTECTED, LOBBY --- AN AREA SEPARATED FROM THE
MAIN FLOOR AREA,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID, HOWEVER, IT WAS FREQUENTLY DISCOVERED THAT AFTER A BUILDING HAD BEEN OCCUPIED THE FLOOR LAYOUTS WERE ALTERED, INCLUDING THE REMOVAL OF THE PROTECTED LOBBIES TO FIREMAN’S LIFTS.
WITHOUT THE PROTECTED LOBBY FIREMEN EMERGING FROM A LIFT WOULD WALK STRAIGHT INTO AN INTENSE FIRE ON REACHING THE FLOOR INVOLVED. IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE FIREMEN HAD BEEN KILLED IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN REQUIRING REINSTATEMENT OF PROTECTED LOBBIES TO FIREMAN’S LIFTS IF THESE HAVE BEEN REMOVED.
♦BUT IT IS SOMETIMES ACCEPTABLE TO ALTER AND REDUCE THE SIZE OF THIS LOBBY SO THAT IT PROTECTS ONLY THE FIREMAN’S LIFT, LEAVING THE REMAINDER TO OPEN DIRECTLY INTO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY LOBBY SEPARATION,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU SHOULD THEY HAVE ANY ENQUIRIES OR PROPOSALS ON PROTECTED LOBBIES AND FIREMAN’S LIFTS.
THE BUREAU’S TELEPHONE NO. IS 5-281224 (24-HOUR SERVICE).
♦IF THEY SO WISH, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO CALL PERSONALLY AT THE BUREAU ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF ASIAN HOUSE, 1 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI,+ HE SAID.
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/5
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1979
- 5
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT DRAGON BOAT RACES IN TUEN MUN ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO VARIOUS PARTS CF HONG KONG WHERE SIMILAR RACES WILL BE HELD.
TEAMS MADE UP OF LOCAL FISHERMEN, VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE ARMED SERVICES WILL VIE FOR TROPHIES THIS YEAR AT THE TUEN MUN, TAI PO, SAI KUNG AND MUI WO RACES.
THE CONTEST AT TUEN MUN, STARTING AT 9 A.M., WILL BE HELD AT CASTLE PEAK BAY. THIRTY-SEVEN TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN THE EVENT AND SIR MURRAY WILL LATER PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNING TEAMS.
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL SIR ROY REDGRAVE WILL ATTEND THE TAI PO RACE AT YUEN CHAU TSAI, ALSO STARTING AT 9 A.M.
A TOTAL OF 36 TEAMS WILL COMPETE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND THE OVERALL WINNER WILL REPRESENT THE TAI PO DISTRICT TO COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT INVITATION RACE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION ON JUNE 3.
THIS YEAR WILL BE THE LAST TIME WHEN THE TAI PO RACE WILL BE HELD AT YUEN CHAU TSAI AS THE FORESHORE OF THE AREA WILL BE RECLAIMED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT COMMITTEE IS LOOKING FOR A SUITABLE SITE IN TOLO HARBOUR FOR FUTURE EVENTS.
OFFICIATING AT THE SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACE WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. TED NICHOLS, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG AND THE HON. LO TAK-SHING, BOTH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
AT THE MUI WO RACE, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD WILL SIGNAL THE START OF THE EVENT AND LATER PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNING TEAMS.
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/6
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1979
6
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FROM ID A.M. ON TUESDAY THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES TO THE SOUTH OF THE SOUTHERN KERB OF SHEK KIP MEI STREET AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN YEN CHOW STREET AND KIU KIANG STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS URBAN CLEARWAY ZONES TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS IN THESE RESTRICTED ZONES.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - o - -
PLB CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM THE SECTION BETWEEN YEN CHOW STREET AND KIU KIANG STREET DAILY BETWEEN 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE
PROHIBITED ZONE
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEADLINE FOR BANNING PUDDING BASIN CRASH HELMETS EXTENDED TO JAN 1, NEXT YEAR .............................. 1
TAXPAYERS REMINDED TO COMPLETE SALARIES RETURNS ........... 1
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE .................................... 2
TEMPORARY DUMP IN ABERDEEN ................................ 2
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ............................... 3
ROAD CLOSURE .............................................. 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1979
1
DEADLINE FOR BANNING PUDDING BASIN CRASH HELMETS EXTENDED TO JAN 1, NEXT YEAR X X X X X X
THE DEADLINE FOR BANNING PUDDING BASIN TYPE CRASH HELMETS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JANUARY 1, 1980. THE BAN WAS TO HAVE COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 1.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT TWO TYPES OF HELMETS WILL BE AFFECTED. THESE ARE THE BRITISH STANDARDS 2001 AND 1869.
FROM JANUARY 1, THESE TWO STANDARDS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE MANY OTHER HELMETS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET BUT BUYERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS IN THE STANDARDS SET OUT BELOW«
X BRITISH STANDARDS 2495 AND 5361 •
X JAPANESE STANDARDS T 8133 - 1970
X AUSTRALIAN STANDARD E 33 - 1968
X AMERICAN STANDARDS Z90, 1 - 1966/1970/1971
SNELL 1970 AND SHCA
BELGIAN STANDARD
GERMAN STANDARD
FRENCH STANDARD
NBN 626
DIN 4848
NFS 72 - 301
DUTCH STANDARD
- - o - -
TAXPAYERS REMINDED TO COMPLETE SALARIES RETURNS
X X X X
k SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED SALARIES TAXPAYERS THAT RETURNS SENT TO THEM ON MAY 1, SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND LODGED WITHIN ONE MONTH.
THE LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS OF THE RETURNS, HE SAID, IS MAY 31.
HE ADVISED THOSE WHO MAY BE IN DOUBT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE LIABLE TO PAY SALARIES TAX AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THEIR SALARIES TAX RETURNS TO RING 5-95731 OR 5-222151.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT THE LAW PROVIDES PENALTY FOR LATE SUBMISSIONS OF RETURNS.
— o -
f
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1979
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE SECTION OF SHEK 0 ROAD NEAR SHEK 0 LOOK-OUT CAR PARK IN THE VICINITY OF LAN NAI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY TO FACILITATE THE TOWING OF A VEHICLE IN THE AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY DUMP IN ABERDEEN * * * * ft
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN A NEW PUBLIC DUMP AT PO CHONG WAN, ABERDEEN, ON THURSDAY.
DUMPING LICENCES MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE ON APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER, PORTWORKS DIVISION, PWD AT MURRAY BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
HOLDERS OF VALID DUMPING LICENCES FOR PUBLIC DUMPS IN HONG KONG WILL BE PERMITTED TO DUMP MATERIALS SUCH AS APPROVED SOFT EARTH, BUILDING DEBRIS AND CERTAIN SIZE OF STONES PROVIDING THEY ARE WELL MIXED WITH EARTH.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE ENTRANCE TO THE DUMP IS IN SHAM WAN ROAD.
THE DUMP WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 6 P.M. EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
HE ADDED ONCE THE RECLAMATION WAS COMPLETED THE DUMP WILL BE CLOSED.
ANOTHER DUMP WILL THEN BE OPENED NEAR THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
THE ENTRANCE TO THIS DUMP, WHICH WILL BE OPEN ON ALL WEEKDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, IS IN SHEK PAI WAN ROAD.
ALL DUMPING MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DUMP SUPERVISORS.
- - o
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1979
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, THE EXISTING 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON HENNESSY ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH MARSH ROAD AND TIN LOK LANE WILL BE EXTENDED APPROXIMATELY 20 METRES WESTWARD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- o - -
ROAD CLOSURE ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM GARDEN ROAD TO COTTON TREE DRIVE NEAR THE HELENA MAY INSTITUTE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE TO BEGIN OPERATION IN 1981 ......................................... 1
TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS NEARING COMPLETION ON TSING Yl .... 1
EXHIBITION OF CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ....... 2
NEW CDO SUB-OFFICE FOR MEI FOO................... 3
RESTRICTED ACCESS TO KIMBERLEY ROAD ........... 3
WATER CUT........................................ 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1979
1
NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE TO BEGIN OPERATION IN 1981 ******
TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG RETAINS ITS POSITION AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE INTO THE NEXT DECADE, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS RECENTLY APPROVED A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT TO CABLE AND WIRELESS LTD. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
STATING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE, TO BE SITUATED AT 10, MIDDLE ROAD, IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN OPERATIONS IN 1981.
ONE OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE GRANT, HE SAID, WAS THE PROVISION OF ACCOMMODATION FOR A NEW POST OFFICE BY THE CABLE AND WIRELESS LTD. TO REPLACE THE TEMPORARY BUILDING IN PEKING ROAD WHICH OCCUPIES AN AREA SCHEDULED FOR REDEVELOPMENT.
THE NEW POST OFFICE WILL HAVE A PUBLIC COUNTER ON THE GROUND FLOOR, POST OFFICE BOXES ON THE FIRST FLOOR, AND VEHICLE LOADING AND UNLOADING FACILITIES IN THE BASEMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL ENABLE CABLE AND WIRELESS LTD. TO MAINTAIN AND EXPAND THEIR SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
♦IT WILL INCORPORATE A SECOND INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE GATEWAY, A COMPUTER CONTROLLED MESSAGE SWITCHING CENTRE AND AN AUTOMATIC TELEX EXCHANGE AND MAINTENANCE CENTRE.♦
-----0-----
TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS NEARING COMPLETION ON TSING Yl ******
CONSTRUCTION OF TWO NEW SERVICE RESERVOIRS ON TSING Yl, TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR BOTH FRESH AND SALT WATER FROM DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND, IS ALMOST COMPLETE.
THE RESERVOIRS ARE'SITED ON A HILLSIDE, SOUTH OF A NEW ROAD OPPOSITE THE CHEUNG CHING ESTATE.
MR. R.T. PHILLIPS, THE ENGINEER IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE FRESH WATER RESERVOIR WOULD HAVE A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 15,000 CUBIC METRES, WHILE THE SALT WATER RESERVOIR WOULD HAVE A CAPACITY OF 1,500 CUBIC METRES.
♦FRESH WATER SUPPLIES ARE EXPECTED LATER THIS YEAR.+ HE ADDED.
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1979
2
EXHIBITION OF CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ******
THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL JOINTLY HOLD A CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT EXHIBITION AT THE ASSOCIATION’S CENTRE FROM JUNE 9 TO 16.
APART FROM A VARIETY OF CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WHICH WILL BE ON DISPLAY, VISITORS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY, IF THEY WISH, DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS IN A +TRY IT YOURSELF* ROOM IN THE EXHIBITION HALL.
THE EIGHT-DAY EXHIBITION, PRESENTED IN RESPONSE TO THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD, WILL FEATURE DEMONSTRATIONS AND PERFORMANCES BY INSTRUCTORS OF THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE.
POPULAR WORKS OF CHINESE MUSIC WILL BE PLAYED FROM TAPES AND THE MUSIC WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY SLIDES SHOWS.
IN ADDITION, TELEVISION FILMS ON +MUSIC APPRECIATION* PRODUCED BY THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE WILL BE SHOWN.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE EXHIBITION AREi
JUNE 9: 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
JUNE 10 TO 12: 10 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M.
2 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
JUNE 13 TO 15: 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
6.30 P.M. TO 9 P.M.
JUNE 16: 10 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M.
2 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION AT BLOCK 8, KWAI FONG ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG, AND ALSO FROM THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S TSUEN WAN SUBOFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, SAI CHUEN LAU, 10-12 CHUNG ON STREET, TSUEN WAN.
GROUP VISITS CAN BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE BY CALLING 12-23*976 OR 12-438055.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT EXHIBITION AT 2 P.M. THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 9.
SEATS WILL BE RESERVED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AND A PREVIEW WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS.
MISS EMILY LAU AND MR. CHAN LEE WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THE MEDIA.
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TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1979
3
NEW CDO SUB-OFFICE FOR MEI FOO ft ft ft
THE SHAM SHUI PO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL OPEN A SUB-OFFICE IN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE MORE CONVENIENT ------------------- IN THE DISTRICT.
SERVICE TO RESIDENTS
THE NEW OFFICE, WILL OPEN ON FRIDAY.
LOCATED AT 2OB NASSAU STREET, GROUND FLOOR, IT WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF CDO SERVICES
INCLUDING STATUTORY DECLARATION.
ITS PUBLIC ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 3-7440744
MEANWHILE. THE MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL MOVE FROM ITS PRESENT ADDRESS AT 751 NATHAN ROAD TO TUNG PING BUILDING AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD NEXT MONDAY.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THIS OFFICE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
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RESTRICTED ACCESS TO KIMBERLEY ROAD ft ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WITH UNLADEN WEIGHT EXCEEDING TWO TONS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE OBSERVATORY ROAD SECTION BETWEEN KIMBERLEY ROAD AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUT ft ft ft
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE SUSPENDED 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 NOS. 73-161 KING’S ROAD, 118-218, 169-249 ELECTRIC ROAD, OIL STREET, FOOK YUM ROAD, WANG ON ROAD, KING WAH ROAD, MERLIN STREET, SHELL STREET, JUPITER STREET AND NOS. 2-28 MERCURY STREET INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW RE-ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE ................................ 1
SWD HELPS MORE DISABLED PEOPLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT ......... 2
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN WONG TAI SIN .................... 3
WATER CUT.................................................. 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ....................................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1979
1
NEW RE-ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE * * * * *
HONG KONG RESIDENTS MAY APPLY FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS AT THE NEW RE-ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE AT MORRISON STREET FROM FRIDAY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY)
THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN A TAG FROM ANY OF THE IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES MAY APPROACH THE MORRISON OFFICE. WHICH IS NEAR THE MACAU FERRY WHARF, TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THEIR APPLICATIONS.
THEY WILL BE GIVEN A DATE TO CALL AT THE OFFICE AGAIN WHEN THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED.
WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DATE, ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSION OF STAY AND RE-ENTRY VISAS BY IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WILL NO LONGER BE PROCESSED AT IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES BUT WILL BE HANDLED ONLY AT THE CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE AT THE VICTORIA BARRACKS.
PERSONS WHO ARRIVED AFTER JANUARY 15 ARE REMINDED TO APPLY FOR EXTENSION ONLY WITHIN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS OF THEIR PERMITTED STAY.
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/2 .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1979
- 2
SWD HELPS MORE DISABLED PEOPLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT ******
MORE LOCAL EMPLOYERS HAVE CHANGED THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE DISABLED AND ARE NOW MORE WILLING TO OFFER THEM JOBS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR. CHAN SIU-WING, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S JOB PLACEMENT UNIT SAID THAT 407 DISABLED PEOPLE WERE FOUND EMPLOYMENT DUR I NG 1978-79.
♦THIS BRINGS TO MORE THAN 3,500 THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENTS SINCE THE UNIT WAS SET UP IN 1967,* HE ADDED.
LAST MONTH, HE SAID, 38 DISABLED PEOPLE WERE FOUND JOBS THROUGH THE UNIT COMPARED WITH A PREVIOUS MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 34.
HE SAID ONE OF THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF MORE EMPLOYERS HIRING THE DISABLED WAS AN INCREASING ACCEPTANCE AND RECOGNITION OF THE DISABLED PERSONS’ POTENTIALS AND ABILITIES.
♦THERE IS ALSO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE DISABLED BEING MORE STABLE IN A JOB ONCE THEY HAVE SETTLED DOWN TO WORK,+ HE SAID.
SOME EMPLOYERS, HE POINTED OUT, HAVE EVEN APPROACHED THE UNIT DIRECT FOR SUITABLE CANDIDATES.
MR. CHAN SAID THAT OF THE 38 DISABLED PLACED IN JOBS LAST MONTH, ONE — A BLIND MAN — STARTED WORK IN THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S TAI LAM CENTRE AS A TELEPHONE OPERATOR, WHILE OTHERS WERE EMPLOYED IN THE COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL SECTOR AS CLERKS AND OFFICE ASSISTANTS.
THEY ARE PAID EITHER DAILY WAGES OF $22 TO $35 OR MONTHLY SALARIES RANGING FROM $500 TO $1,100.
APART FROM PROVIDING VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR THE DISABLED, THE UNIT TAPS EMPLOYMENT RESOUCES AND MATCHES SUITABLE DISABLED PEOPLE TO JOBS ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITIES.
CASES ARE NORMALLY REFERRED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT OR VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES. AND THE UNIT ALSO KEEPS CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, MR. CHAN SAID.
THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OPERATES FROM TWO OFFICES ON EACH SIDE OF THE HARBOUR — ONE AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, EIGHTH FLOOR, (TEL. NO. 5-716405), AND THE OTHER AT THE KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, TUNG YAN STREET (TEL. NO. 3-442293).
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WEDNESDAY, KAY 30, 1979
- 3 -
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN WONG TAI SIN ******
A THREE-WEEK DISTRICT-WIDE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN WONG TAI SIN TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN) AND MANY OTHER VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE CAMPAIGN IS TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY AND TO ABIDE BY THE ROAD SAFETY CODES.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, A NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED TO PUBLICISE THE FESSAGE AND THESE INCLUDE VARIETY SHOWS, CHILDREN’S GAMES-DAY. SLOGAN, POSTER AND COLOURING COMPETITIONS WITH THE THEME ON ROAD SAFETY.
IN ADDITION, COLOURFUL POSTERS, ACROSS-THE-STREET BANNERS AND SIGNBOARDS WILL BE PUT UP IN EVERY TRAFFIC BLACK-SPOT IN THE DISTRICT.
WILL ALSO DEMONSTRAT IONS AND SELECTION OF MODEL PEDESTRIANS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT 4 P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE PO WAN RESTAURANT, SAN PO KONG. AFTER THE CONFERENCE, TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE CHOI HUNG ROAD CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
MR. LAM KAM-KWONG, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WONG TAI SIN) TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CO-ORGANI SERS WILL PERFORM THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY AT 5 P.M.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND THE OPENING CEREMONY.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 33, 1979
4
WATER CUT * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAI YING PUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HIGH STREET, EASTERN' STREET, FIRST STREET, WESTERN STREET AND THE SECTION OF POKFULAM ROAD BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND HIGH STREET.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED PUBLIC OMNIBUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING ™E ^Al Y,U BUS TERM,NUS AND THE SECTION OF LAI CHO ROAD BETWEEN THE TERMINUS AND THE COMMERCIAL BLOCK OF LAI YIU
THE COMMERCIAL BLOCK OF LAI YIU
ESTATE IN KWAI CHUNG.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MID-LEVELS BUILDING RESTRICTIONS ........................ 1
VANDALISM COST GOVT 1680,000 IN PARKING METER REVENUE . 2
APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ....... 3
SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE ................... 3
AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM IN HONG KONG .... 4
PLB BAN IN TAI WAN ROAD ................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1979
• . i
- 1 - *
4-|
MID-LEVELS BUILDING RESTRICTIONS
*****
THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (MID-LEVELS) BILL 1979 WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WHILE THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1979 WERE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE BILL PROPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT INVOLVING SITE FORMATIONS, FOUNDATION WORKS AND OTHER EXCAVATIONS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE MID-LEVELS, WHILE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES ITS STUDIES ON THE STABILITY OF THESE AREAS.
THE RESTRICTIONS MAY BE REMOVED AT ANY TIME BUT MAY REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1981 WHEN THEY WILL LAPSE UNLESS EXTENDED BY A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTION.
THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO IMPOSE THESE RESTRICTIONS WAS ANNOUNCED ON MAY 22. THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WILL INTRODUCE THE FIRST READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 6.
THE BILL WILL AFFECT ALL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS INVOLVING EXCAVATIONS, FORMATION AND FOUNDATION WORKS IN AN AREA WHICH IS TO BE DEFINED BY A PLAN DEPOSITED IN THE LANDS OFFICE AND WHICH HAS BEEN SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL AFTER MAY 22.
THE BILL ALSO INTRODUCES SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR EXAMINING OR RE-EXAMINING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN SUBMITTED BEFORE WORK IS PERMITTED TO START ON THEM.
LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO DEVELOPERS WHO HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS TO INFORM THEM HOW THEY WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE LEGISLATION.
THE REGULATIONS, WHICH COME INTO FORCE TODAY (THURSDAY), EXTEND THE TIME FOR THE EXAMINATION OF PLANS AND FOR GIVING CONSENT TO START WORK IN RESPECT OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ALREADY SUBMITTED.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS SUFFICIENT TIME TO EXAMINE PROPOSALS, THE PERIOD FOR AUTOMATIC APPROVAL OF WHICH WOULD HAVE EXPIRED BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF THE NEW ORDINANCE.
COPIES OF THE PLAN OF THE PARTS OF THE MID-LEVELS AFFECTED BY THE BILL AND REGULATIONS ARE DISPLAYED IN THE LIFT LOBBY OF THE 1OTH FLOOR OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
ANY GENERAL ENQUIRIES ABOUT THIS MATTER SHOULD BE MADE TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE.
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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1979
2
VANDALISM COST GOVT 1680,000 IN PARKING METER REVENUE * ft ft ft ft *
THE GOVERNMENT LOST $680,000 IN REVENUE COLLECTED FROM PARKING METERS LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF VANDALISM AND THEFT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT REVENUE COLLECTED FROM PARKING METERS FOR THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO 111.66 MILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 5.5 PER CENT. REVENUE COLLECTED IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR WAS $12.34 MILLION.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE DECREASE WAS MAINLY DUE TO +PILFERAGE FROM METERS* WHICH HE SAID, +WAS A GROWING PROBLEM.*
TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, HE SAID, COUNTER MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED. THESE INCLUDE A CHANGE IN THE LOCK SYSTEM, INCREASED FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION, INSTALLATION OF IMPROVED METERS AS WELL AS BETTER LAW ENFORCEMENT.
DURING THE YEAR, 799,199 METERS WERE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S METER MAINTENANCE DEPOTS EITHER AS A RESULT OF TELEPHONE COMPLAINTS OR DURING DAILY ROUTINE PATROL BY THE FIELD STAFF.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ON-STREET PARKING METERS AT THE END OF 1978 WAS 10,884 — 3,619 ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND 7,265 IN KOWLOON.
MEANWHILE, THE PRESSURE ON EXISTING PARKING FACILITIES CONTINUED TO GROW DURING THE YEAR, WITH UTILISATION OF OFF-STREET FACILITIES REACHING RECORD LEVELS.
THERE ARE NOW EIGHT GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 5,077 SPACES.
THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THESE CAR PARKS INCREASED BY 479,929 TO 3,943,236 LAST YEAR.
THERE ARE ALSO MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS OPERATED BY PRIVATE ENTERPRISES. MOSTLY SITUATED IN THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN THE URBAN DISTRICTS, THEY HAVE A TOTAL CAPACITY FOR ABOUT 9,120 VEHICLES.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROVIDES TEMPORARY OFF-STREET OPEN-AIR CHARGEABLE CAR-PARKS ON LAND AWAITING DEVELOPMENT. AT PRESENT, FOUR SUCH CAR PARKS ARE IN OPERATION PROVIDING SOME 1,025 PARKING SPACES.
o
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1979
3
APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF BANKING * * * * * * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. KENNETH KWOK WAI-KIN AS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
MR. KWOK WILL BE IN CHARGE OF THE DIVISION FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
MR. KWOK WHO TAKES UP THE POST TOMORROW (FRIDAY), IS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND A COMMERCE GRADUATE. HE STARTED HIS CAREER WITH PRICE WATERHOUSE AND CO. IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. SINCE RETURNING TO HONG KONG, HE HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL FIELD FOR OVER EIGHT YEARS.
PRIOR TO HIS JOINING THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, HE WAS AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRIDENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LIMITED.
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SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE ******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE THREE SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE STATION ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
THE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 12.30 P.M., 12.51 P.M. AND 1.11 P.M.
THERE WILL BE THREE SPECIAL TRAINS ON THE RETURN JOURNEY TO TAKE PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION ON THESE TWO DAYS.
KCR WILL ALSO RE-ROUTE THREE OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE COURSE STATION AT 4.42 P.M., 7.10 P.M. AND 7.45 P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.
THE RUNNING TIME OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINS IS 20 MINUTES AND THEIR TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND AT THE JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
A 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 REMINDED PEOPLE GOING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ON THESE TWO DAYS OF THE SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT OF THE TIMETABLES ON THEIR RETURN JOURNEYS TO THE URBAN AREA.
/THE REVISED \.
THURSDAY, MAY J1, 1979
4
THE REVISED TIMETABLES BETWEEN 10.30 A.M. AND 11 P.M. ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AREi
SATURDAY — FROM KOWLOON STATIONi 10.57 A.M., 12.10 P.M., 1.18 P.M., * 2 P.M., 2.11 P.M., 3.05 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.34 P.M., 6.30 P.M., 7.04 P.M., 7.56 P.M., 9.08 P.M. AND 11 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATIONi 10.47 A.M., 11.53 A.M., 12.58 P.M., 1.55 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.49 P.M., 4.29 P.M., 5.27 P.M., 6.22 P.M., 7 P.M., 8.15 P.M., AND 9.15 P.M.
SUNDAY — FROM KOWLOON STATIONi 10.57 A.M., 12.12 P.M., 1.20 P.M., * 2 P.M., 2.11 P.M., 3.05 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 4.33 P.M., 5 P.M., 5.34 P.M., 6.17 P.M., 7.02 P.M., 7.54 P.M., 9.08 P.M. AND 11 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATIONi 10.47 A.M., 11.53 A.M., 12.58 P.M., 1.55 P.M., 2.54 P.M., 3.49 P.M., 4.29 P.M., 5.27 P.M., 6.22 P.M., 6.58 P.M., 7.53 P.M., AND 9.15 P.M.
* THROUGH PASSENGER TRAIN BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANTON.
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AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM IN HONG KONG ******
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AND THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A CONCERT BY THE AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA, CONDUCTED BY JOHN HOPKINS, ON JUNE 22.
THE ORCHESTRA, COMPRISING 70 OF THE MOST TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM ALL PARTS OF AUSTRALIA WAS BORN OUT OF THE AUSTRALIAN-WIDE YOUTH MUSIC CAMP MOVEMENT STARTED IN MELBOURNE IN 1948.
/THIS UNIQUE .....
THURSDAY, MAY J1, 1979
5
THIS UNIQUE MOVEMENT, WHICH HAS BECOME A NURSERY OF MUSICAL TALENTS, HAS HAD AN IMPORTANT INFLUENCE IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC. MANY OF ITS FORMER STUDENTS ARE FOUND TODAY IN THE LEADING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS OF AUSTRALIA AND EUROPE.
EACH SUMMER, THE NATION’S MOST PROMISING YOUNG INSTRUMENTALISTS ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER TO SPEND A FORTNIGHT OF 'INTENSIVE PRACTICE AND PERFORMANCES WITH A TEAM OF TOP PROFESSIONAL
•' MUSICIANS AND CONDUCTORS IN THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE OF A HOLIDAY CAMP.
THE AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA GAVE ITS FIRST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE IN SYDNEY IN 1957 AND WAS IMMEDIATELY HAILED BY CRITICS AS A VITAL NEW FORCE IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC.
SINCE THEN, IT HAS PRESENTED ITS CONCERT SERIES IN ONE OF THE CAPITAL CITIES EACH YEAR.
THE ORCHESTRA HAS ALSO WON WIDE ACCLAIM IN JAPAN (EXPO ’70), THE PHILIPPINES, KOREA AND HONG KONG IN 1975, AND EIGHT STATES CF AMERICA IN 1976.
PRIOR TO ITS VISIT TO HONG KONG, THE ORCHESTRA WILL GO ON A THREE-WEEK CONCERT TOUR IN CHINA.
THE JUNE 22 PROGRAMME, TO BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL AT 8 P.M., INCLUDES MOZART’S +MAGIC FLUTE+ OVERTURE, THE WATER MUSIC SUITE BY HANDEL, PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 IN E FLAT BY LISZT AND DVORAK’S SYMPHONY NO. 8 IN G.
TICKETS AT $3 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL- SING TAO OFFICES AT LI YUEN STREET WEST, MINDEN PLAZA, OCEAN CENTRE, KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION IN HUNG HOM AND MEI FOO SUN CHUEN-AND THE TOM LEE PIANO CO. AT MAN YEE BUILDING, CENTRAL- 6 CAMERON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI- 521 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, AND 389B NATHAN ROAD.
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PLB BAN IN TAI WAN ROAD ft * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING TAI WMKROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
THIS IS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON TAI WAN ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE. PROHIBITION.
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