DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
Monday, October 1, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR JACK CATER ACTING GOVERNOR ............................. 1
KCR TO KEEP PUBLIC INFORMED CF ITS DEVELOPMENT ............. 1
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PLANNING BASED ON MANPOWER SURVEYS .................................................... 2
FOURTH QUARTER RATES TO BE PAID BY OCTOBER 31 .............. 3
29 P.W CONTRACTS AWARDED IN AUGUST ......................... 3
DHA TO VISIT TUNG VAH NURSERY ............................. **
WARNING TO SHIPPING .........................................
NEW BLOOD FOR THE FIRE SERVICES ............................ 5
LOCAL CRAFT OPERATORS WARNED OF .ARINE WORK OFF PO TOI ..................................................... 5
WATER CUT IN KOWLOCN CITY .................................. 6
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1979
1
SIR JACK CATER ACTING GOVERNOR
* Ml M *
SIR JACK CATER HAS ASSUMED THE FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR FROM YESTERDAY (SUNDAY), FOLLOWING THE DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
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KCR TO KEEP PUBLIC INFORMED OF ITS DEVELOPMENT
*****
A PROGRESS CHART ON THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HAS BEEN PREPARED TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THIS MAMMOTH PROJECT.
♦ THE CHART WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS IN THE
NEAR FUTURE. IT IS DESIGNED TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THE
PRESENT STAGE OF THE PROJECT AND THE TRAIN DELAYS OR DISRUPTIONS
ARISING FROM IT, IF THERE IS ANY,+ A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY
(MONDAY).
♦ SUCH DELAYS OR TEMPORARY DISRUPTIONS ARE I NfV I TABLE.
WHOLE RAILWAY IS BEING REBUILT WHILE TRAIN SERVICES ARTXA WTKl NED,< HE EXPLAINED.
COPIES OF THE CHART WILL BE POSTED AT CONSPICUOUS PLACES AT ALL STATIONS WELL IN ADVANCE OF ANY SCHEDULED CHANGES TO GIVE COMMUTERS AMPLE ADVANCE NOTICE THUS ENABLING THEM TO MAKE ALTERNATE TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IF NECESSARY.
♦ ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED IS REGRETTED. HOWEVER, THIS IS PART OF THE PRICE FOR A MODERNISED AND HIGHLY EFFICIENT RAILWAY SYSTEM WITH A LARGER PASSENGER CAPACITY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WHEN THE ELECTRIFICATION AND MODERNISATION PROJECT IS COMPLETED KCR IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A MUCH FASTER SERVICE TO ABOUT 120 000 TO 140 000 PASSENGERS EVERYDAY. AT PRESENT, IT IS SERVING AN AVERAGE OF 50 000 PASSENGERS DAILY.
THE RE-DEVELOPMENT WORK COMPRISES DOUBLE-TRACKING, THE RE-LAYING OF EXISTING TRACKS TO NEW IMPROVED STANDARDS, THE RE-MODELLING OF OLD STATIONS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ONES.
THE FIRST STAGE OF DOUBLE-TRACKING AND ELECTRIFICATION WORK FOR THE SECTION BETWEEN HUNG HOM AND FO TAN, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1982.
FULL ELECTRIFICATION ALL THE WAY TO LO WU WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF 1982.
♦THE PROGRESS CHART ON MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION WILL BE REGULARLY UPDATED,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1979
2
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PLANNING BASED ON MANPOWER SURVEYS *****
THE ACTUAL NUMBERS OF STUDENT-PLACES PROVIDED IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES EACH YEAR ARE LARGELY BASED ON THE MANPOWER SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, MR. DAN WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+THE ADVICE OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL AND OTHER BODIES IS ALSO SOUGHT ON CURRICULA AND SYLLABUSES TO MAKE SURE THEY MEET THE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
MR. WATERS WAS SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND MANPOWER SUPPLY.
SIX ADDITIONAL STANDING COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN SET UP BY THE TRAINING COUNCIL TO COVER THE AREAS OF HOTELS, CATERING AND TOURISM, BANKING, INSURANCE, JOURNALISM, ACCOUNTANCY, WHOLESALE, RETAIL, AND IMPORT AND EXPORT.
♦THESE COMMITTEES WILL CONDUCT SURVEYS AND WE SHALL THEN HAVE MORE ACCURATE DATA IN COMMERCE AND THE SERVICES ON WHICH TO PLAN OUR TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES,* MR. WATERS SAID.
IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, HE SAID, EVERY FULL-TIME TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT LEVEL PLACE IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WAS OVERSUBSCRIBED.
ON AVERAGE THERE WAS A RATIO OF SEVEN QUALIFIED APPLICANTS TO 1.7 PLANNED PLACES, MR. WATERS SAID.
COMMENTING ON PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES RUN BY THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, HE SAID THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN THIS MODE OF STUDY HAD INCREASED FROM ABOUT 600 IN 1970 TO 6 200 IN 1978/79.
THIS STRIKING INCREASE WAS PARTLY BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE 1976 APPRENTICESHIP ACT AND THE DESIGNATION OF 36 TRADES WHICH STIPULATED COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AT THE COURSES FOR CRAFT APPRENTICES UNDER THE AGE OF 19, MR. WATERS SAID.
♦CREDIT MUST ALSO BE GIVEN TO A NUMBER OF ENLIGHTENED AND FAR-SIGHTED EMPLOYERS WHO WERE ABLE TO SEE THE LONG-TERM VALUE OF RELATED TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES,* HE ADDED.
SPEAKING OF THE ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF HONG KONG, MR. WATERS SAID IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT A SOUND SYSTEM OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
+AS THE TERRITORY MOVES TOWARDS GREATER DIVERSIFICATION AND TRADING-UP WITHIN INDUSTRY TAKES PLACE THE NEED FOR THE REVAMPING OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, IN ORDER TO KEEP IN STEP WITH INDUSTRY, WILL BE ESSENTIAL,* HE SAID.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1979
3
FOURTH QUWrtER RASES Tfr « PA ID BY OCTOBER 31 ******
RATEPAYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT RATES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1979 MUST BE SETTLED BY 4 P.M. ON OCTOBER 31.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT WOULD BE IMPOSED ON LATE PAYMENTS. A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MIGHT BE ADDED TO THE AMOUNT, INCLUDING THE INITIAL FIVE PER CENT, IF LATE PAYMENTS WERE STILL NOT PAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
HE SAID DEMAND NOTES HAD ALREADY BEEN SENT TO RATEPAYERS AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THEM SHOULD APPLY FOR A COPY AT THE RATES SECTION OF THE TREASURY, ROOM 203, HANG CHONG BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 5 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
♦NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES SHOULD BE PAID BY THE DUE DATE,+ HE SAID.
TO AVOID QUEUING, RATEPAYERS ARE ADVISED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER BY POST. OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PREMISES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THERE WILL BE NO REFUND IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED, OR INTENDED TO BE USED, WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER CF THE GOVERNMENT).
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29 PWD CONTRACTS AWARDED IN AUGUST ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED A TOTAL OF 29 CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $206 MILLION IN AUGUST.
NINE WERE AWARDED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND THE OTHERS ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PWD TENDER BOARD.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONTRACTS WAS FOR SITE FORMATION, ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN TSUEN WAN NORTH.
THE CONTRACT, WORTH MORE THAN |61 MILLION, FORMS PART OF THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1979
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DHA TO VISIT TUNG WAH NURSERY
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL PAY AN INSPECTION VISIT TO THE TUNG WAH HONG KONG DAY NURSERY IN WAN CHAI TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE CHILD CARE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS IN THE AREA.
THE HONG KONG DAY NURSERY WHICH WAS OPENED LAST YEAR HAS AN AREA OF MORE THAN 280 SQUARE METRES (3 250 SQUARE FEET). IT IS EQUIPPED WITH UP-TO-DATE FACILITIES AND TEACHING MATERIALS GEARED AT DEVELOPING THE CHILDREN PHYSICALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY.
THE NURSERY HAS AN INTAKE OF 100 CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 5 AND A STAFF OF 13, INCLUDING SEVEN PROFESSIONAL CHILD CARE WORKERS.
THE MONTHLY CHARGE OF $350 PER CHILD COVERS EXPENSES FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCHEON AND AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS.
MR. WALDEN WILL TOUR THE PREMISES AND SEE SOME TRAINING ACTIVITIES OF THE CHILDREN IN SESSION. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF TUNG WAH, MR. STEPHEN YOW MOK-SHING AND TEN ASSOCIATES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER MR. WALDEN’S VISIT TO THE TUNG WAH HONG KONG DAY NURSERY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11.30 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY). THE NURSERY IS LOCATED AT 12 - 22 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, TUNG HEY MANSION, WAN CHAI.
WARNING TO SHIPPING * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ADVISED MASTERS AND PERSONS IN CHARGE OF ALL CRAFT TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION WHEN THE HONG KONG MARATHON CANOE RACE TAKES PLACE BETWEEN KELLETT ISLAND AND REPULSE BAY ON OCTOBER 28.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE RACE WOULD START FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB ON KELLETT ISLAND AT 9 A.M. AND PROCEED EASTWARDS, PASSING CHAI WAN AND CAPE D’AGUILAR TO FINISH AT REPULSE BAY.
THE ORGANISERS OF THE EVENT HAVE ALSO EzEN INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL GIVE SHIPPING A WIDE BERTH, HE ADDED.
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1
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1979
- 5 -NEW BLOOD FOR THE FIRE SERVICES ft ft ft ft
TWENTY-ONE RECRUIT FIREMEN TODAY (MONDAY) BEGAN 26 WEEKS OF TOUGH TRAINING AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL IN PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE RECRUITS WERE ISSUED WITH UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT AT THE FIRE SERVICES STORE AT TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION COMPLEX.
ANOTHER BATCH OF 50 TRAINEES IS DUE TO BEGIN TRAINING NEXT WEEK, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT 130 MORE RECRUITS WILL ENTER THE SCHOOL FOR TRAINING BEFORE NOVEMBER 15.
♦ADDITIONALLY, IN VIEW OF THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE RECEIVED TO OUR EARLIER RECRUITMENT DRIVE, IT HAS NOW BEEN DECIDED TO LAUNCH ANOTHER RECRUITING CAMPAIGN IN EARLY NOVEMBER,♦ HE SAID.
♦IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE CHALLENGING CAREER OFFERED BY THE FIRE SERVICES IS CATCHING THE IMAGINATION OF THE YOUNG MEN OF HONG KONG, AND A GOOD RESPONSE IS AGAIN EXPECTED,♦ HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, 54 FIREMEN WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR BASIC TRAINING TODAY REPORTED TO VARIOUS STATIONS FOR DUTY.
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LOCAL CRAFT OPERATORS WARNED OF MARINE WORK OFF PO TOI ft ft ft ft ft
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) WARNED OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF LOCAL CRAFT THAT MARINE BORING OPERATIONS AND SITE INVESTIGATION WORK IS TAKING PLACE NEAR SOUTHWEST PO TOI ISLAND.
THE WORK, WHICH BEGAN TODAY NEAR THE NORTHERN SHORE OF WAN TSAI AND IN THE VICINITY OF A PROPOSED FERRY BERTH ON THE SOUTHWEST OF THE ISLAND, WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
♦FLOATING PLANTS DISPLAYING APPROPRIATE SIGNALS MAY BE ENCOUNTERED IN THE AREA AND MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO BE CAREFUL,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1979
6
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON CITY ft ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 3) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE THE RENEWAL OF SLUICE VALVES AT BROADCAST DRIVE.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MARCONI ROAD, FESSENDER ROAD AND 15-89 BROADCAST DRIVE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1?79
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
YUEN LONG TO CELEBRATE x .ID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ............ 1
DSW VISITS OLD PEOPLE’S HOLES ........................... 2
TRIBUTE TO SUMMER FUN ORGANISERS ........................ 3
CONTRACT FOx; THEN UJN WATER MAINS SIGNED ............... 3
SNT RETURNS FROM ANNUaL LEAVE............................ 4
MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS .................. 4
TRAFFIC ARxUNGjS^ IN TSIM SHA TSUI ...................... 4
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1979
T 1 -
YUEN LONG TO CELEBRATE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
*****
THE POPULATION OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN ARE EXPECTED TO TURN OUT IN FORCE FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING TO ATTEND A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THEM IN CELEBRATION OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND A NUMBER OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WITH DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD FUNDS, THE WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION WIU FEATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF CULTURAL EVENTS DAILY.
THE CELEBRATION WILL BEGIN WITH A GRAND OPENING AT THE YUEN LONG HEUNG YEE KUK SECONDARY SCHOOL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 8 P.M WHEN THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER (NORTHWEST) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES
ADMINISTRATION. MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN OFFICIALLY STARTS THE ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL OCTOBER 9.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A CONCERT BY THE YUEN LONG YOUTH AND CHILDREN CHOIR, A FUN FAIR FOR 6 OOO PEOPLE, A BALLET, CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCES BY THE OPERA CLASS OF THE YUEN LONG ARTS COMMITTEE, A VARIETY SHOW AND A LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION WHICH HAS ATTRACTED OVER 1 000 ENTRIES.
•• • • • * • »
YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. K.K. FUNG SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE CELEBRATION PROGRAMME REPRESENTED A CONCERTED EFFORT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
1
♦IT HAS BEEN ORGANISED NOT ONLY TO ENTERTAIN THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND TO PROMOTE THEIR INTEREST IN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, BUT ALSO TO BUILD UP THE COMMUNITY AND TO DEVELOP A STRONGER SENSE OF
BELONGING,* HE SAID
' ♦JUDGING FROM ALL THE PLANNED ACTIVITIES, THE ENTHUSIASM OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS AND THE FAVOURABLE PUBLIC RESPONSE I CAN SAY THAT THE OBJECTIVES HAVE ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED.♦
MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES ARE HELPING WITH THE DECORATIONS OF THE NEW TOWN TO GIVE IT A FESTIVE LOOK.
AT THE EASTERN AND WESTERN ROUNDABOUT IN THE TOWN CENTRE, TWO SEVEN-METRE-HIGH LANTERNS HAD BEEN ERECTED WHILE THE MAIN STREETS ARE BEING FLOODED WITH COLOUR FLAGS AND LANTERNS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE YUEN LONG MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT YUEN LONG HEUNG YEE KUK SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 8 P.M. TOMORROW. LIAISON STAFF OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1979
- ■ 2 -
DSW VISITS OLB PEOPLE’S HOMES ft ft ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING VISITED THREE PRIVATE OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES RUN BY THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR IN NGAU CHI WAN, SAI KUNG AND ABERDEEN.
THIS WAS PART OF MR. LEE’S SERIES OF VISITS TO VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON THEIR OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICER (WONG TAI SIN/SAI KUNG), MRS. LYDIA PANG, HE CALLED ON THE ST. JOSEPH’S HOME FOR THE AGED IN NGAU CHI WAN AND THE BRUNA CELESTE HOME FOR THE AGED IN SAI KUNG.
HE THEN VISITED THE ST. MARY’S HOME FOR THE AGED IN ABERDEEN, WHERE HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN), MR. WALLACE LEE.
DURING THE VISITS, MR. LEE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE HOMES.
HE MET STAFF OF THE HOMES AND ENQUIRED ABOUT THEIR DAILY WORK. HE ALSO TALKED TO SOME OF THE OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN THE HOMES, AND LEARNED THAT THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, WHICH WAS EXPANDED LAST YEAR TO PEOPLE UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE, HAD BEEN USEFUL IN MEETING THE VARYING NEEDS OF THE INMATES.
THE ST. JOSEPH’S HOME ACCOMMODATES 265 OLD PEOPLE- THE BRUNA CELESTE HOME, 27- AND THE ST. MARY’S HOME, 270.
ALL THREE HOMES CATER FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE AGED OVER 60 YEARS WHO ARE UNABLE TO FUNCTION INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY. THEY PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES AND PERSONAL CARE.
THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR IS A WORLD-WIDE RELIGIOUS WELFARE ORGANISATION WITH ITS HEADQUARTERS BASED IN FRANCE. IT OPERATES INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES FOR OLD PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1979
3
TRIBUTE TO SUMMER FUN ORGANISERS ft ft ft ft
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, TODAY (TUESDAY) THANKED ALL WHO HAVE HELPED TOWARDS THE SUCCESS OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME - THE ELEVENTH IN THE SERIES.
IN A MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION, MR. LI SAID THAT THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAMME, OVER 8 000 EVENTS INCLUDING CAMPING, OUTINGS, SPORTS AND GAMES, TRAINING COURSES, FUN FAIRS, YOUTH BALLS, FASHION SHOWS, VARIETY SHOWS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROJECTS WERE ORGANISED.
MR. LI PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MANY YOUNG PARTICIPANTS THEMSELVES, AND SAID MANY OF THE EVENTS WERE OVER-SUBSCRIBED.
♦THERE IS NOW IN HONG KONG AN INCREASING AWARENESS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF ONE’S LEISURE TIME AND, IN MANY CASES, OF BEING OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AS WELL,* MR. LI SAID.
♦AS WAS THE PRACTICE IN PREVIOUS YEARS, JOCKEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS WOULD AGAIN BE AWARDED TO THE THREE MOST UNDERSTANDING YOUNG PEOPLE TO ATTEND STANDARD COURSES AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL,♦ KE ADDED.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE BIGGEST SINGLE DONOR OF FUNDS TOWARDS THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME SINCE 1969, CONTRIBUTED |2 MILLION THIS YEAR.
CONTRACT FOR TUEN MUN WATER MAINS SIGNED ft ft ft ft ft ft
ABOUT 6 900 METRES-LONG WATER MAINS WILL BE LAID SHORTLY IN TUEN MUN TO BRING FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE PIPELINE, RANGING FROM 600 TO 700 MM IN DIAMETER, WILL RUN ALONG LUNG MUN ROAD.
A CONTRACT FOR THE LAYING OF THE WATER MAINS WAS SIGNED THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION), MR. LEE GUN-CHEUNG, ^D A REPRESENTATIVE CF THE MCCONNELL DODWELL CONTRACTORS LIMITED AT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OFFICES IN LEIGHTON CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
WORK ON THE LAYING OF THE WATER MAINS WILL START SOME TIME NEXT WEEK AND THE WHOLE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1979
- 4 -
SNT RETURNS FROM ANNUAL LEAVE
* * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES HAS RETURNED FROM ANNUAL LEAVE AND RESUMED OFFICE TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR. JOHN TODD, WHO HAD BEEN ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, HAS. RESUMED HIS OFFICE AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS
* » * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ITS PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE AND CARGO WORKING AREAS IN WAN CHAI, YAU MA TCi KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL ON SATURDAY (OCfoBER 6) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OFFICES WILL ALSO BE WORKING FROM 7.30 A.M. ON SATURDAY TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.
OTHER SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED ON DAY.
THAT
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TSIM SHA TSUI * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT A SECTION OF CAMERON ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND CAMERON LANE IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS OF THE CARRIAGEWAY.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE SECTION OF CAMERON ROAD BETWEEN CAMERON LANE AND CARNARVON ROAD WILL BECOME A TWO-WAY CARRIAGEWAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
:/EDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUALITY TOYS LAKE Bi: WORLD'S LEADING EXPORTER .............. 1
MONEY AND BANKING STATISTICS FOR AUGUST ..................... 2
parking charges to be increased ............................. 4
call for extension of hk's representation abroad ............ 6
SIR JACK CATER VISITS LEI YUE LUN FIRE VICTIMS .............. 7
46 OLD PEOPLE'S INSTITUTIONS PLANNED FOR NEXT THREE YEARS.................................................. 8
MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF KCR TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD ........................................ 9
YUEN LONG i ID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION STARTS ................... 10
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR IUD-AUTUMN
FESTIVAL ................................................... 11
LICENSED PREMISES IN THE NT ................................ 12
TEMPORARY TENANCY OF CROW LAND ............................. 13
ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON PUBLIC HOLIDAY ........................ 13
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979
- 1 -
QUALITY TOYS MAKE HK WORLD’S LEADING EXPORTER ft ft ft ft ft *
HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS HAVE BECOME THE WORLD’S LEADING EXPORTERS OF TOYS BECAUSE OF THEIR AWARENESS THAT QUALITY COUNTS, NOT CHEAPNESS, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR JACK WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 1979 TOY AND GIFT FAIR — THE FIFTH IN A SERIES ORGANISED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
♦THE PROCESS OF TRADING-UP HAS BECOME EVEN MORE EVIDENT IN RECENT YEARS AS HONG KONG HAS INCREASED ITS SHARE OF THE WORLD MARKET FOR SOPHISTICATED TOYS, AND THIS IS A PROCESS THAT WILL CONTINUE,* HE SAID.
SIR JACK POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG TOYS WERE REGULARLY EXHIBITED AT SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TRADE FAIRS IN THE WORLD SUCH AS NUREMBURG, NEW YORK AND LONDON, WHERE THEY WERE EXPOSED TO THE MOST DEMANDING OF INTERNATIONAL BUYERS.
♦IN THIS TOY FAIR YOU WILL SEE THE PRODUCTS OF AN INDUSTRY THAT IS RELATIVELY YOUNG, TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED, SOPHISTICATED IN MARKETING MATTERS, AND INTERNATIONALLY RESPECTED - IN EVERY WAY AN EXCELLENT AMBASSADOR FOR HONG KONG AND FOR OUR ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES,* HE SAID.
SIR JACK SAID THE GOVERNMENT FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT, IN PRINCIPLE, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DECISIONS WERE MORE LIKELY TO BE CORRECT IF THEY WERE TAKEN BY BUSINESSMEN RATHER THAN BY CIVIL SERVANTS.
♦SO THE GOVERNMENT HAS LIMITED ITS ROLE IN THE ECONOMY LARGELY TO ENSURING THAT IMPEDIMENTS TO ECONOMIC LIFE ARE REMOVED WHERE POSSIBLE,+ HE SAID.
♦IT REQUIRES THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD IDENTIFY THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH HONG KONG ENTERPRISE CAN AND WILL FLOURISH, AND MAKE SURE THAT THOSE CONDITIONS PREVAIL,♦ HE CONTINUED.
♦THE TOY INDUSTRY TYPIFIES HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. IT HAS BEEN FLEXIBLE, INNOVATIVE AND DETERMINED. IT HAS NOT SAT AROUND WAITING FOR OFFICIAL ACTION, BUT WHEN OFFICIAL SUPPORT HAS BEEN AVAILABLE THE TOY INDUSTRY HAS TAKEN CONSTRUCTIVE ADVANTAGE OF IT,+ HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THE TOY BUSINESS WAS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND SUBJECT TO DRAMATIC CHANGES IN TRENDS AND DEMAND, SIR JACK SAID HONG KONG TOY MANUFACTURERS HAD PROVED THEMSELVES WELL ABLE TO COPE WITH CHANGE AND IN SEVERAL LINES THEY WERE THE TREND SETTERS.
/-partly by...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J, 1979
2
♦PARTLY BY THE NATURE OF THEIR BUSINESS BUT IN LARGE MEASURE AS A RESULT OF THEIR OWN INITIATIVE THEY ARE STRONGLY DIVERSIFIED AS TO PRODUCT LINES,* HE SAID.
+IF THEY HAD NOT BEEN, SOME OF THE MAJOR CHANGES WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE RECENTLY COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGING TO THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE,* HE SAID.
♦THEY ARE ALSO HEALTHILY DIVERSIFIED IN THEIR MARKETS. IT IS A PARTICULARLY HEALTHY SIGN THAT THE INCREASED TRADE THEY HAVE RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR HAS BEEN FAIRLY EVENLY SPREAD AMONG OUR LEADING AND MEDIUM-SIZED MARKETS, AND THAT POSITIVE GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN ALMOST EVERY ONE INCLUDING teW MARKETS,+ HE ADDED.
SIR JACK NOTED THAT THE OVERALL GROWTH RATE FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR WAS 34 PER CENT AND THAT SHIPMENTS OF TOYS FOR THE SAME PERIOD ADVANCED OVER 51 PER CENT TO A VALUE OF MORE THAN $2 OOO MILLION.
♦PERFORMANCE AT THIS LEVEL BY AN INDUSTRY WHICH IS A MAJOR EMPLOYER AND — IN TERMS OF EXPORTS — THE THIRD LARGEST SECTOR OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, IS OF REAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR OUR ECONOMY AND DESERVES EXAMINATION,* HE SAID.
♦IT CERTAINLY DID NOT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT, AND THIS OCCASION PROVIDES EVIDENCE OF THE EFFORT WHICH HAS GONE INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOY INDUSTRY,* HE ADDED.
-------0 - - - -
MONEY AND BANKING STATISTICS FOR AUGUST
* M M M * *
THE MONEY SUPPLY AND BANKING FIGURES FOR AUGUST 1979 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY SHOW A MARKED SLOWING DOWN IN THE RATE OF GROWTH OF CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY, REFLECTING THE INCREASE IN PRIME RATE OF 1.5 PER CENT ANNOUNCED ON AUGUST 18.
MONEY SUPPLY
Ml ROSE BY 1.6 PER CENT AGAINST 1.9 PER CENT IN JULY.
M2 ROSE BY 1.7 PER CENT, AGAINST 2.0 PER CENT IN JULY. WHILE M3 ROSE BY 1.8 PER CENT IN AUGUST, WHICH WAS UNCHANGED FROM JULY.
„ or,lLIHLi’ATEST THREE MONTHS M2 HAS RISEN AT AN ANNUAL RATE CF 30 PER CENT, AND M3 AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF 25 PER CENT. THESE FIGURES ARE BROADLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN 1979 OF GDP AT CURRENT PR ICES OF ABOUT 27 PER CENT.
DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE VERY SHARPLY IN AUGUST, PROBABLY IN RESPONSE TO THE HIGHER RATE OF INTEREST OFFERED ON DEPOSITS DURING THE MONTH.
/CREDIT TO
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J, 1979
CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY
LENDING IN HONG KONG BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TOGETHER ROSE BY 0.8 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AGAINST 2.9 PER CENT IN JULY- IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS THIS INDICATOR, WHICH IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE MEASURE OF CREDIT MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ECONOMY, HAS RISEN AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF 24 PER CENT, RATHER LOWER THAN THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY.
BANKING FIGURES
BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 0.7 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AGAINST 3.1 PER CENT IN JULY. THIS IS THE LOWEST MONTHLY INCREASE SINCE AUGUST 1977. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS BANK LENDING HAS RISEN BY 6.7 PER CENT, WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 29.6 PER CENT - MUCH LOWER THAN THE ACTUAL INCREASE OF 44.3 PER CENT BETWEEN AUGUST 1977 AND AUGUST 1978.
BANK LENDING OVERSEAS FELL BY 1194 MILLION TO $20 067 MILLION IN AUGUST, AFTER RISING SHARPLY IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
BANKS’ AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIOS FELL TO 48.7 PER CENT IN AUGUST (49.2 PER CENT IN JULY), AND THE RATIO OF LOANS IN HONG KONG TO DEPOSITS ALSO FELL, FROM 84.6 PER CENT TO 83.8 PER CENT.
L ’ - r. * *
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY FIGURES
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 2.7 PER CENT AGAINST 2.4 PER CENT IN JULY.
THE DETAILED FIGURES, AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS ARE AS FOLLOWSi
INCREASE OVER IN $MILL ION EARLIER MONTHSi
AUGUST 1979 JULY 1979 MAY 1979 AUGUST 1978
Ml 25 169 + 400 (1.6%) +1 732 (7.4%) ♦ 3 945 (18.6%)
M2 83 939 ♦! 403 (1.7%) +5 319 (6.8%) +14 850 (21.5%)
M3 88 464 +1 587 (1.8%) +4 836 (5.8%) *
/BANKS.....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979
4
BANKS
DEPOSITS 77 235
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG
KONG 64 719
+1 294 (1.7%)
+ 451 (0.7%)
+5 215 (7.2%) +14 190 (22.5%)
♦4 079 (6.7%) +19 873 (44.3%)
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES
DEPOSITS 2D 414
+1 579 (8.4%)
+3 450 (20.3%) *
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG
KONG 11 515
+ 302 (2.7%)
♦ 911 (8.6%) %
BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG
KONG 66 633
530 (0.8%) +3 495 (5.5%)
(THE ASTERISK EARLIER THAN
DENOTES THAT FIGURES ARE NOT AVAILABLE DECEMBER 1978.)
-----0------
PARKING CHARGES TO BE INCREASED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT PARKING CHARGES FOR ALL GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS ARE TO BE INCREASED FROM NOVEMBER 1.
THE NEW CHARGES WILL BE AS FOLLOWSi
* MIDDLE ROAD CAR PARK i ON ANY WEEKDAY INCLUDING SATURDAY S3 PER HOUR FROM 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M.- $2 PER HOUR FROM 6 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT AND $1 FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 A.M.
ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THE CHARGES WILL BE $2 PER HOUR FROM 8 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT AND SI FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 A.M.
* PARKING CHARGES AT GARDEN ROAD, MURRAY ROAD, RUMSEY STREET, STAR FERRY AND CITY HALL WILL BE S3 AN HOUR FROM 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M., AND Si AN HOUR FROM 6 P.M. TO 8 A.M. ON WEEKDAYS, DURING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THE CHARGE WILL BE SI PER HOUR.
/• AT THE....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979
- 5 -
* AT THE YAU MA TEI CAR PARK, THE NEW PARKING CHARGES WILL BE $2 AN HOUR FROM 8 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT, $1 FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 A.M., AND $1 AN HOUR ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
* AT HUNG HOM CAR PARK, A FLAT RATE OF $1 AN HOUR WILL BE CHARGED ON ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
MONTHLY TICKETS WHICH NOW COST $400 A MONTH, WILL BE INCREASED TO $600 FROM NOVEMBER 1.
PARKING FEES AT OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS WILL ALSO BE INCREASED.
* AT MURRAY BARRACKS AND HARBOUR ROAD, THE PARKING FEE DURING WEEKDAYS WILL BE $2 AN HOUR FROM 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AND $1 AN HOUR FROM 6 P.M. TO 8 A.M. ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THE FEE WILL BE SI AN HOUR. MONTHLY PASSES FOR THESE TWO CAR PARKS WILL GO UP TO S300.
* AT TAI KOK TSUI, A FLAT RATE OF $1 AN HOUR WILL BE CHARGED 24 HOURS A DAY THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, INCLUDING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE MONTHLY PASS WILL GO UP FROM S100 TO $200.
* AT THE HO MAN TIN AND HARBOUR ROAD LORRY PARKS, THE STANDARD RATE OF 50 CENTS AN HOUR REMAINS UNCHANGED BUT FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR PARKING OVERNIGHT AND ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, AT THE RATE OF 50 CENTS AN HOUR. THE MONTHLY PASS REMAINS UNCHANGED AT $100.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MAIN REASON FOR INCREASING CAR PARK CHARGES WAS TO IMPROVE OVERALL UTILISATION AND TO ENSURE THAT A REASONABLE NUMBER OF SPACES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL CAR PARKS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HUNG HOM WHICH IS PRESENTLY CLOSED, ARE NOW USUALLY FULL DURING THE PERIOD FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAYS.
SOME CAR PARKS, IN PARTICULAR MIDDLE ROAD, ARE ALSO VERY HEAVILY USED IN THE EVENINGS AND ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
HE SAIDt +ONE CONSEQUENCE OF HAVING NO SPACES AVAILABLE AT THESE CAR PARKS DURING THESE PEAK PERIODS IS THAT CARS CIRCULATE AROUND THE STREETS LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVE PARKING OR QUEUE UP ON THE STREETS OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCES TO THE CAR PARKS.
♦THIS CONTRIBUTES TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND, AT SOME CAR PARKS SUCH AS GARDEN ROAD, WHERE THE ENTRANCE IS ON A STREET WITH VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC, IT HAS BEEN FOUND NECESSARY TO POST A POLICE OFFICER OR TRAFFIC WARDEN TO DIRECT MOTORISTS TO MOVE 0N.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW PARKING CHARGES ARE GENERALLY LOWER THAN PARKING FEES CHARGED AT COMMERCIAL CAR PARKS. ALSO, PARKING CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS HAVE NOT BEEN INCREASED SINCE 1974. ♦IN FACT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +PARKING CHARGES WERE LOWERED IN 1975 TO THEIR PRESENT LEVEL.+
/the spokesman .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979 '
6 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PARKING POLICY IS CURRENTLY BEING UNDERTAKEN BY A WORKING GROUP WHICH IS EXPECTED TO REPORT BY THE END OF THE YEAR OR EARLY JANUARY.
THE GROUP’S WORK IS CONCERNED WITH EVERY ASPECT OF PARKING INCLUDING POLICY REGARDING THE PROVISION AND MANAGEMENT OF CAR PARKS, THE PROBLEM OF LORRY PARKING, PARKING IN NEW TOWNS, PARKING AT MTR STATIONS, AND PARKING CHARGES.
-----o-------
CALL FOR EXTENSION OF HK’S REPRESENTATION ABROAD
******
HONG KONG MUST EXTEND ITS OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION ABROAD, AND IMPROVE THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS WORKING OVERSEAS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR INDUSTRY, NR. WILLIAM DORWARD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦IT SEEMS TO ME EMINENTLY GOOD SENSE TO LINK UP AS FAR AS POSSIBLE ANY NEW OR EXPANDED ACTIVITIES ABROAD WITH THOSE FACILITIES WHICH, JUST BY BEING THERE, HAVE BECOME THE RECOGNISED HONG KONG PRESENCE,+ HE TOLD THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY CHUNG CHI EXECUTIVE CLUB Al A LUNCHEON MEETING.
MR. DORWARD REFERRED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE WORK OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S 17 OFFICES - INCREASING TO 18 NEXT MONTH- OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION’S REPRESENTATION ON FIVE CONTINENTS- AND OUTLINED THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVES IN LONDON, BRUSSELS, GENEVA AND WASHINGTON.
THE TDC’S NETWORK, DIRECTED AT THE PROMOTION OF TWO-WAY TRADE, HAD ALSO A GREAT POTENTIAL FOR CREATING A FAVOURABLE IMAGE OF HONG KONG, AND CULTIVATING INFLUENTIAL CONTACTS AT MANY LEVELS IN A VARIETY OF ORGANISATIONS IN MANY COUNTRIES, HE SAID.
MUCH OF THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION’S ACTIVITIES WERE NOW GEARED TO ENCOURAGING BUSINESS GROUPS TO HOLD CONFERENCES AND BUSINESS MEETINGS IN HONG KONG.
♦MY DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN STEADILY EXPANDING ITS ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION ABROAD. I CONSIDER THAT THE TIME WILL SOON COME WHEN WE SHALL HAVE THE CAPACITY TO LOCATE MEN PERMANENTLY IN KEY COUNTRIES, TO MAINTAIN A CONTINUING DRIVE TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY, RATHER THAN WORK ON THE PRESENT BASIS OF SPECIAL MISSIONS TO DIFFERENT PLACES SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR,* SAID MR. DORWARD.
+WHEN THAT TIME COMES IT WOULD CLEARLY MAKE SENSE FOR THESE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICERS TO WORK IN CLOSE LIAISON AND PHYSICAL PROXIMITY WITH THE OVERSEAS STAFF OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. THERE IS AN INEVITABLE OVERLAP BETWEEN TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION AND WE SHOULD EXPLOIT IT RATHER THAN IGNORE IT. I KNOW THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SHARES MY VIEW ON THIS,* HE SAID.
/MR. DORWARD...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J, 1979
7
MR. DORWARD POINTED OUT THAT THE PROBLEMS INHERENT IN WORLD TRADE, INCLUDING PROTECTIONISM, SHOWED NO SIGNS OF DIMINISHING AND IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR HONG KONG TO EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE PRESENT REPRESENTATION BEYOND THE TWO MAJOR MARKETS OF THE U.S. AND EEC.
+IT MAY BE, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT OUR WASHINGTON OFFICE CAN BE EXPANDED, SO THAT IT CAN COVER ON A REGULAR BASIS OTHER COUNTRIES IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA WHERE FULL TIME REPRESENTATION WOULD NOT AT THIS TIME BE JUSTIFIED, BUT WHERE THE NEED FOR CONSULTATION, LIAISON AND INFORMATION GATHERING IS INCREASINGLY APPARENT.
♦LIKEWISE THE DISTANCES INVOLVED WOULD MAKE IT RELATIVELY EASY FOR A REINFORCED LONDON OFFICE TO COVER ON A SIMILAR BASIS IMPORTANT NON-EEC EUROPEAN COUNTRIES LIKE AUSTRIA, SWEDEN, NORWAY AND FINLAND,* SAID MR. DORWARD.
COLLABORATION WITH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES MIGHT REQUIRE ADDITIONAL INPUTS OF EITHER HOME OR OVERSEAS BASED STAFF. UNITY OF PURPOSE AMONG THE RELATIVELY WEAK COULD GREATLY STRENGTHEN THEIR DEFENCES.
♦I BELIEVE THAT CIRCUMSTANCES AND GOOD SENSE DICTATE THAT HONG KONG MUST, WITHIN ITS MODEST MEANS IN TERMS OF RESOURCES AND MANPOWER, EXTEND ITS OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION ABROAD.
♦IN THE PAST HONG KONG HAS, INEVITABLY PERHAPS, BEEN ESSENTIALLY IN THE BUSINESS OF REACTING TO SITUATIONS AS THEY AROSE. THIS WILL ALWAYS BE THE CASE, BUT THE CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES OF WORLD TRADE WILL, IN MY VIEW, REQUIRE US TO PUT MORE EFFORT INTO IDENTIFYING LIKELY FUTURE THREATS TO HONG KONG’S TRADE AND PROSPERITY- SEEKING TO INFLUENCE THEM BEFORE THEY MATERIALISE- AND TACKLING THEM PROMPTLY AND FORCEFULLY WHEN THEY HAPPEN,♦ MR. DORWARD SAID.
-----0------
SIR JACK CATER VISITS LEI YUE MUN FIRE VICTIMS XXX*
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON PAID A SPECIAL VISIT TO THE LEI YUE MUN FIRE VICTIMS.
MORE THAN 2 400 PEOPLE WERE MADE HOMELESS IN THE FIRE WHICH RAGED FOR ABOUT FIVE HOURS AND DESTROYED SOME 400 SQUATTER HUTS AT LING NAM NEW VILLAGE. NO ONE WAS INJURED.
SIR JACK WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. MORRIS MORGAN.
HE SPOKE TO SOME OF THE FIRE VICTIMS AND EXPRESSED HIS SYMPATHY TO THEM. AMONG THE VICTIMS WAS A GROUP OF OLD PEOPLE WHOSE MONASTERY HAD BEEN GUTTED. SIR JACK SAID SPECIAL CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THEM IN VIEW OF THEIR OLD AGE AND WAY OF LIFE.
/SIR JACK.....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J,.1979 - 8 - ' ' >'
SIR JACK WAS BRIEFED ON THE FIRE FIGHTING OPERATION BY J THE DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR. MICK KINGDOM-AND HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THEIR PROMPT ACTION HAD PREVENTED LOSS OF LIFE.
EARLIER, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. MR. ALAN SCOTT, VISITED THE FIRE SCENE TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES FOR HOMELESS VICTIMS.
♦ IT IS A TERRIBLE THING FOR FAMILIES TO LOSE THEIR HOMES IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, SPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE LIVED HERE FOR SO LONG, BUT THE VICTIMS HAVE PROVED TO BE BOTH CHEERFUL AND PATIENT, AND I AM PLEASED THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S PROCEDURES ARE WORKING SO SMOOTHLY,+ HE SAID.
MR. SCOTT SAID THAT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD DONE WELL TO CONTAIN THE FIRE, WHICH COULD HAVE SPREAD MUCH FARTHER AMONG THE TIGHTLY-PACKED SQUATTER HUTS AND OTHER STRUCTURES IN THE AREA.
------o-------
46 OLD PEOPLE’S INSTITUTIONS PLANNED FOR NEXT THREE YEARS *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) 46 OLD PEOPLE’S INSTITUTIONS WERE PLANNED FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS PROVIDING AN EXTRA 5 300 PLAQES BY THE END OF 1982-83.
.1
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR. LEE SAID THAT FROM NOW TILL MARCH NEXT YEAR ALONE, SEVEN INSTITUTIONS WITH 800 PLACES WERE SCHEDULED TO COME INTO OPERATION.
HE SAID THESE NEW HOMES FOR OLD PEOPLE WOULD BE A CONSIDERABLE BOOST TO THE EXISTING 34 OLD PEOPLE’S INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAD A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 3 720.
THE 46 INSTITUTIONS PLANNED FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS, HE SAID, WOULD BE MOSTLY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT. THEY INCLUDED CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, AND HOSTELS FOR THE AGED.
MR. LEE SAID THIS WAS PART OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME UNDER WHICH SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD BE IMPROVED ON A WIDE FRONT, SUCH AS IN THE FIELDS OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION.
IN THE LATEST WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE, HE SAID, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THE TOTAL ADDITIONAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE INVOLVED IN PROVIDING NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES FOR OLD PEOPLE WOULD AMOUNT TO SIU MILLION BY 1986-87.
♦FOR THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL ADDITIONAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS ESTIMATED AT S295 MILLION,♦ HE ADDED.
ON COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR. LEE SAID PLANS WERE IN THE PIPELINE TO EXPAND SUCH SERVICES AS HOME HELP, COUNSELLING AND VISITING, SPECIAL TRANSPORT, DAY CARE CENTRES, SOCIAL CENTRES AND MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
/+AN EXTRA...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J, 1979
9
♦AN EXTRA 117 SOCIAL CENTRES FOR OLD PEOPLE ARE PLANNED FOR BY 1982-83, WITH AN ULTIMATE TARGET OF ONE CENTRE FOR EVERY 20 000 OF THE POPULATION,♦ HE SAID.
OF MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES, HE SAID, A MINIMUM OF 17 WILL BE PROVIDED TO RENDER SUCH SERVICES AS HOME HELP, MEALS, LAUNDRY, COUNSELLING, AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
HOWEVER, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY RELIED TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT ON THE EXISTENCE OF A +CARING COMMUNITY+.
HE CALLED UPON THE COMMUNITY TO PRESERVE AND FOSTER THE ROLE OF CARING FOR THE ELDERLY DESPITE EXISTING PRESSURES ON TRADITIONAL FAMILY TIES.
HE SAID THAT FOR LONG, CHINESE SOCIETY HAD A TRADITIONAL HEALTHY RESPECT FOR OLD PEOPLE AND A MAJORITY OF THEM WERE CARED FOR BY THEIR FAMILIES.
HOWEVER, WITH SOCIAL CHANGES AND OTHER PRESSURES ON THE FAMILY UNIT BROUGHT ABOUT BY RAPID ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL GROWTH, THERE APPEARED TO BE SIGNS OF DISINTEGRATION IN THE CONCEPT OF FILIAL CARE FOR THE AGED, HE SAID.
MR. LEE DESCRIBED AS +TIMELY+ THE OLD PEOPLE’S FESTIVAL TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT WEEK BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
♦THE IDEA IS TO CALL FOR SUSTAINED CONCERN AND RESPECT FOR OLD PEOPLE THROUGH A VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES,♦ HE SAID.
MR. LEE SAID THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL WAS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVES OF PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY THROUGH CARE IN THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY.
♦THIS CONCEPT OF CARE IN THE COMMUNITY IS WELL TESTED IN BOTH WESTERN AND ASIAN COMMUNITIES AND HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF OLD PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
0------
MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF KCR TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD ******
A BRITISH FIRM A $71 MILLION AND ASSOCIATED COMMUNICATIONS
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AWARDED TO CONTRACT FOR THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM -----------
NETWORK FOR THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CONTRACT, WHICH IS PART OF THE OVERALL PROJECT OF MODERNISING AND ELECTRIFYING KCR, WAS AWARDED TO WESTINGHOUSE BRAKE AND SIGNAL COMPANY OF ENGLAND. IT COVERS THE DESIGN MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF MODERN, COLOUR LIGHT SIGNALLING THROUGHOUT THE RAILWAY SYSTEM TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
/twenty-five per......
t
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J, 1979
10 -
TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT OF THE $71 MILLION CONTRACT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY HONG KONG CONTRACTORS.
THE WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN PHASES AND THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 1982.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY WHEN THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED tup WHOLE RAILWAY WILL BE OPERATED FROM ONE CENTRAL SIGNAL CONTROL ROOM WHICH W LL HOUSE BOTH THE SIGNALLING PANEL AND THE CONTROL PANEL FOR THE 25 KILOVOLT ELECTRIC TRACTION SUPPLY.
A COMPUTERISED TRAIN OPERATING SYSTEM WILL BE INTEGRATED WITH TMF SIGNALLING PANEL AND THIS WILL ALSO OPERATE PLATFORM INDICATORS AT STATIONS GIVING TRAIN ARRIVAL AND DESTINATION INFORMATION.
AND DESTINATION INFORMATION.
ARRIVAL
THE PROJECT WILL BE LTD, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE
MANAGED ON BEHALF OF THE KCR BY TRANSMARK BRITISH RAILWAYS BOARD.
-------0 ---------
YUEN LONG MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION STARTS * * * * *
THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER FOR THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING OFFICIALLY OPENED A WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION TO MARK THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IN YUEN LONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR. SWEETMAN DESCRIBED THE CELEBRATION AS A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT BECAUSE IT AIMED NOT ONLY TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT BUT ALSO TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN CULTURE BY PROVIDING A SERIES OF HIGH QUALITY CULTURAL EVENTS IN A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE.
BEFORE SWITCHING ON THE LANTERN LIGHTS IN THE NEW TOWN TO MARK THE START OF THE ACTIVITIES — THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT — MR. SWEETMAN SAID YUEN LONG HAD ALWAYS BEEN BLESSED BY ITS STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
* IT HAS ITS OWN TOWN HALL WHICH IS SET UP AND RUN BY LOCAL PEOPLE- IT HAS THE ONLY ARTS PROMOTION COMMITTEE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THAT RUNS CANTONESE OPERA AND BALLET SCHOOLS.
+AND IT IS THE ONLY DISTRICT HAVING A JAYCEE WHICH IS BEING DEVELOPED AS AN ENERGETIC AND INNOVATIVE ORGANISATION,* HE SAID.
THE CELEBRATION PROGRAMME WHICH LASTS UNTIL OCTOBER 9, INCLUDES A CONCERT BY THE YUEN LONG YOUTH AND CHILDREN CHOIR, A FUN FAIR FOR 6 000 PEOPLE, CANTONESE OPERA AND BALLET PERFORMANCES AND A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING HKTVB ARTISTES AS WELL AS A LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION.
MR. SWEETMAN SAIDi *THE WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION IS A BREAKTHROUGH FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN POOLING THEIR TALENTS AND RESOURCES TOGETHER TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL FOR THE COMMUNITY.
/+FOR THE ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J, 1979
11
♦FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAVE GIVEN THEIR VALUABLE ASSISTANCE IN DECORATING THE NEW TOWN AND IN PUBLICISING THE PROGRAMME.
♦I AM ALSO HAPPY THAT THE RURAL COMMITTEES AND LOCAL SCHOOLS HAVE JOINED FORCES IN ORGANISING THE LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION, ENABLING US TO SEE A TRADITIONAL FORM OF CHINESE ART AND CRAFT.
♦ I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL FOR THIS IMP0R™NT ACHIEVEMENT AND HOPE THAT THE DEDICATION, ENTHUSIASM AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS DISPLAYED WILL CONTINUE TO LAST,* HE ADDED.
THE CELEBRATION HAS BEEN ORGANISED THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM
------0-------
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE PEAK AREA DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE METERED PARKING SPACES IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE BUS STAND AT THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS CAR PARK WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 2 P.M. ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 5) AND 8 P.M. ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7).
IN ADDITION, ALL OTHER PARKING FACILITIES AT THE PEAK CAR PARK WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 6 P.M. ON THAT DAY TO 7 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY (SATURDAY). ONLY FRANCHISED BUSES, PEAK MAXICABS AND TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THESE SPACES.
ONLY RESIDENTS’ VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER MOUNT AUSTIN ROAD DURING THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION BETWEEN 6 P.M. ON FRIDAY AND 2 A.M. ON SATURDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL TRAFFIC PROCEEDING TO AND FROM THE PEAK AREA WILL BE DIVERTED FROM PEAK ROAD INTO THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS CAR PARK AS AND WHEN REQUIRED BY POLICE OFFICERS.
DIVERSIONS IN PEAK ROAD AND MAGAZINE GAP ROAD MAY ALSO BE IMPOSED AT ANY TIME AS DIRECTED BY POLICE OFFICERS WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, HE SAID.
BECAUSE OF THE EXTREMELY LIMITED PARKING FACILITIES IN THE PEAK AREA, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MOTORISTS TO MAKE FULL USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
TRAFFIC POLICEMEN WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AND TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES WOULD BE TOWED AWAY BY THE POLICE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979
12
LICENSED PREMISES IN THE NT * * * *
THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 1 821 LICENSED PREMISES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS AT THE END OF AUGUST 1979 — MOST OF THEM DEALING WITH FOOD.
A NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THESE INCLUDED 633 GENERAL RESTAURANTS, 303 FRESH PROVISION SHOPS, 294 LIGHT REFRESHMENT RESTAURANTS, 247 FOOD FACTORIES AND 177 BAKERIES.
+THE OTHERS ARE SIU MEI AND LO MEI SHOPS, FROZEN CONFECTIONERY FACTORIES, COLD STORES, MILK FACTORIES, MARINE RESTAURANTS, SWIMMING POOLS, PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT, PUBLIC BILLIARD TABLES SALOONS, PUBLIC BOWLING ALLEYS, PUBLIC SKATING RINKS AND SLAUGHTERHOUSES,* HE SAID.
THERE ARE ALSO 892 PREMISES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES PERMITTED TO SELL RESTRICTED FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS MILK, FROZEN CONFECTIONERY, NON-BOTTLED DRINKS, CHINESE HERB TEA OR TO INSTALL COIN-OPERATED AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINES.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ANYONE INTENDING TO RUN SUCH BUSINESSES OR TO SELL THE ABOVE FOOD STUFF IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MUST APPLY FOR A LICENCE OR PERMIT FROM THE DEPARTMENT AND OPERATION CAN ONLY BE STARTED AFTER A LICENCE OR A PERMIT HAS BEEN GRANTED.
♦OPERATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED IF THEY ARE FOUND TO HAVE STARTED A BUSINESS BEFORE THEIR APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE OR PERMIT IS APPROVED BY THIS DEPARTMENT,* HE EMPHASISED.
TO ASSIST APPLICANTS, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE PREPARED LEAFLETS DETAILING THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR FOOD LICENCES AND PERMITS.
THESE INFORMATION LEAFLETS CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES OR THE LICENSING DIVISION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FOURTH FLOOR, AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE BY CALLING THE LICENSING DIVISION ON 3-677989 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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/13
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979
13
TEMPORARY TENANCY OF CROWN LAND *****
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ARE INVITING TENDERS FOR
THE TENANCY OF A SITE IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE TENANCY WILL BE INITIALLY FOR ONE YEAR AND THEREAFTER
QUARTERLY.
THE AREA OR THE SITE IS ABOUT 1 870 SQUARE METRES AND MAY BE USED FOR THE STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS, VEHICLES, MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OR A CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 19, 1979.
FULL DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG OR THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON PUBLIC HOLIDAY
*****
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE WILL BE ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 6) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
ON THAT DAY, 32 POST OFFICES INCLUDING THE GENERAL POS OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SH TSUI POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON AND THE TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO P OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FR 9 A.M. TO NOON.
ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
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PR 33 «
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
ADDRESS BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CaTER AT THE OPENING OF THE 1979 TOY AND GIFT fair, LgRAI-iAR HOTEL, ON JEDNESDAl, OCTOBER 3,1979
I am sure that it would be quite sufficient on an occasion like this to congratulate the toy industry on their sustained energy and initiative and to express the confident hope that they will continue to be one of Hong Kong’s success stories. Congratulations are certainly in order for an industry which has developed spectacularly in two decades and which, this year, has outperformed industry as a whole by a substantial margin.
The overall growth rate for our domestic exports for the first half of the year was 34 per c$nt. Shipments of toys for the same period advanced over 51 per cent to a value of more than /2 000 million. Performance at this level by an industry which is a major employer and -in terms of exports - the third largest sector of our manufacturing industry, is of real significance for our economy and deserves examination. It certainly did not happen by accident, and this occasion provides evidence of the effort which has gone into the development of the toy industry.
Je in the Government firmly believe that, in principle, industrial and commercial decisions are more likely to be correct if they are taken by businessmen rather than by civil servants. So the Government has limited its role in the economy largely to ensuring that impediments to economic life are removed where possible. Removing impediments can involve a negative role (for example making sure the Government does not adopt policies which would hinder economic development or that the private sector does not undertake activities inimical to overall prosperity), or the more positive one of ensuring that the infrastructure (roads and communications generally, for example) is developed adequately. It requires that Government should
/identify.....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
2
identify the conditions under which Hong Kong enterprise can and vail flourish, and make sure that those conditions prevail. The toy industry typifies healthy development under these conditions. It has been flexible, innovative and determined. It has not sat around waiting for official action, but when official support lias been available the toy industry has taken constructive advantage of it.
This toy fair is an excellent example. It is the fifth in a series which has been organised by the Trade development Council, vigorously supported by toy manufacturers and exporters’’theme elves/ and attended by thousands of overseas buyers. The toy business is highly competitive and subject to dramatic changes in trends and demand. Hong Kong toy manufacturers have proved themselves well able to cope with change and in several 1 ineg they are now the trend setters.
Partly by the nature of their business but in large measure as a result of their ovm initiative they are strongly diversified as to product lines. If they had not been, some of the major changes which have taken place recently could have been damaging to the industry as a whole. They are also healthily diversified in their markets. It is a particularly healthy sign ’that the increased trade they have recorded in the first half on this year has been fairly evenly spread among our leading - and mediumsized markets, and that positive growth was recorded in almost every one, including new markets.
As the world’s largest exporters of toys, Hong Kong manufacturers are very conscious of the fact that, in the end, it is quality that counts, not cheapness. In fact it is true to say that they have become the world’s leading exporters becuase of this awareness. The process of trading-up has become even more evident in recent years as Hong Kong has increased its share of the world market for sophisticated toys, and this is a process that will continue. In addition to this fair, our toys are regularly exhibited at some of the most important trade fairs in the world such as Nuremburg, New York and London, where they are exposed to the most demanding of international buyers. In this toy fair you will see the products of an industry that is relatively young, technologically advanced, sophisticated in marketing matters, and internationally respected - in every way an excellent ambassador for Hong Kong and for our economic principles.
/l am......
h
- 3 -
I am particularly pleased to be here with Sir Y.K. Kan, Chairman of the Trade Development Council. Of course this is not Sir Y.K’s first appearance in this role, and his return to the task is yet more evidence of his readiness to put his considerable experience and wisdom at the service of the people of Hong Kong. I understand from him that I am to switch on something symbolic to mark the opening of the Fair but before I do that may I say simply that I have the greatest pleasure in declaring the Fifth Hong Kong Toy Fair open and wishing it every success.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CAS BEING RELEASED FROM REFUGEE DUTY ............................. -j
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ............. 2
DSW VISITS FIRE VICTIMS............................................ 3
EXHIBITION OF SELF-MADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ....................... 3
NT LIBRARY COMPETITIONS ........................................... 4
DSW TO OPEN MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FCR THE AGED ..................... 6
MONG KCK ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN .................•..................... g
SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO PENFOLD GARDEN ........................... 7
BRIDE'S POOL BUS TERMINUS TO BE RESITE)............................ 7
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1979
1
CAS BEING RELEASED FROM REFUGEE DUTY *****
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, WHICH HAVE? PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT REFUGEE CAMPS IN KOWLOON DURING THE PAST YEAR, ARE BEING RELEASED THIS WEEK FROM DUTY IN VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CAMPS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) THE CAS COMMISSIONER, MR. ROGER LOBO, PRAISED LOCAL EMPLOYERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION IN RELEASING THEIR WORKERS OVER THE PAST 11 MONTHS WHEN THE CAS HAVE BEEN MOBILISED FOR REFUGEE DUTY.
THE CAS WERE ACTIVATED FOR REFUGEE DUTY LAST DECEMBER ON THE ARRIVAL OF THE VESSEL HUEY FONG.
ONE OF THEIR FIRST TASKS WAS TO REPROVISION THE OLD RAF CAMP AT KAI TAK AS A TRANSIT CAMP FOR VIETNAMESE SHOULD THE REFUGEES ON THE HUEY FONG HAVE TO BE QUICKLY LANDED.
CAS’ DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR. JOHN FORTUNE SAID THE VOLUNTEERS HAD PERFORMED THEIR OFTEN LONG AND ARDUOUS DUTY IN A HUMANITARIAN MANNER SOMETIMES UNDER VERY DIFFICULT CONDITIONS.
+NOW THAT THEY ARE RELEASED OF CAMP MANAGEMENT DUTIES THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON THEIR OTHER OPERATIONAL TASKS SUCH AS COUNTRY PARK FIRE PREVENTION AND PATROLLING, HEAVY AND LIGHT RESCUE, FIRST AID, MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND ANTI-OIL POLLUTION TRAINING,* HE ADDED.
MR. FORTUNE POINTED OUT THAT EMERGENCY CALLS TO PERFORM THESE DUTIES WERE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR DURING THE DRY WINTER MONTHS WHEN LOCAL RESIDENTS TAKE TO HILL HIKING, BARBECUES AND PICNICS.
♦THIS IS ALSO THE SEASON FOR COMMENCEMENT OF COMMUNITY CHEST CAMPAIGN’S WALK FOR A MILLION, IN WHICH BOTH ADULT AND CADET VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS HEAVILY ENGAGED IN HELPING THE CHEST TO ORGANISE AND CONTROL EVENTS,* MR. FORTUNE SAID.
♦WITH THE DRY WEATHER FAST APPROACHING, I HAVE NO DOUBT WE WILL BE BUSY. HOWEVER, WE NOW HAVE A BRIEF RESPITE TO ENSURE ALL OUR EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ARE UP TO DATE AND CAS VOLUNTEERS ARE FULLY TRAINED AND READY TO MEET ANY EVENTUALITY.
MR. FORTUNE SAID IN REFUGEE CAMP MANAGEMENT, THEY STILL HAD A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN FEEDING REFUGEES IN THE EVENING AT SEA WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVED AT THE WESTERN QUARANTINE ANCHORAGE.
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/2 .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1979
2
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ON WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDS AT VARIOUS CAMP SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION SAIDi +THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WEEKDAY CAMPS ARE TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN A NATURAL OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT, AND TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO EXTEND CLASSROOM THEORY INTO THE FIELDWORK UNDER CAMPING SITUATIONS.*
THE CAMPS OVER THE WEEKENDS ARE MORE OF A RECREATIONAL NATURE, ADDED.
WEEKDAY CAMPS ARE OF THREE-DAY DURATION, AND WILL BE HELD FROM OCTOBER 11 THIS YEAR TO JULY 11, 1980.
THESE WILL BE HELD AT SIX CAMP SITESi GAUDETE HOUSE IN CHEUNG CHAU RUN BY CARITAS HONG KONG- WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE AND WONG YEE CHAU YOUTH CAMP IN SA I KUNG, BOTH RUN BY THE CHINESE Y.M.C.A.-SILVERMINE BAY OUTDOOR RECREATION CAMP RUN BY THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION- THE Y.W.C.A. YOUTH CAMP ON LANTAU ISLAND-AND MA WAN YOUTH CAMP RUN BY THE SALVATION ARMY.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD PAY BOARD AND LODGING CHARGES FOR ACCOMPANYING TEACHERS, AND A SUBSIDY OF 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CHARGES FOR ALL STUDENT-CAMPERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+N0 STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND ANY CAMP WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM HIS OR HER PARENT,* HE SAID.
BUNKS, BLANKETS, BED SHEETS AND PILLOWS WILL BE PROVIDED AT EACH CAMP, AND STUDENTS SHOULD BRING ALONG PERSONAL HYGIENE KITS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION KITS AND SPARE WARM CLOTHING.
WEEKEND CAMPS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND WILL BE HELD AT SITES IN FOUR NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS.
+THEY MAY BE USED ONLY DURING WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SO THAT NORMAL SCHOOL WORK IS NOT DISTURBED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SITES ARE TUNG CHUNG PUBLIC SCHOOL ON LANTAU ISLAND- KI AO LO WAN FISHERMEN’S SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG NORTH- TAI MEI TUK PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TAI PO- AND PUI CHOI SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG.
EACH CAMP IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 30 CAMPERS, AND FACILITIES PROVIDED INCLUDE COOKING UTENSILS AND BEDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦CAMPERS ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE AND COOK THEIR OWN FOOD,* HE SAID.
SIX DOUBLE-SEATER CANOES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL THE SITES EXCEPT TUNG CHUNG PUBLIC SCHOOL, AND CAMPERS WITH COMPETENT INSTRUCTORS MAY APPLY TO USE THEM.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR. FRANCIS CHIU OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-884111 EXT. 266.
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/3......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1979
- 3 -
DSW VISITS FIRE VICTIMS
* X M *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING INSPECTED THE EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK PROVIDED BY HIS DEPARTMENT TO THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE FIRE IN LEI YUE MUN YESTERDAY.
MR. LEE VISITED TWO TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND EXPRESSED HIS SYMPATHY TO THE VICTIMS WHO HAD LOST THEIR HOMES AND PROPERTY IN THE FIRE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICER (KWUN TONG), Mi. LAM KWOK WAN, MR. LEE CALLED AT THE EAST KAI TAK INDOOR STADIUM AND THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE WHERE MANY OF THE FIRE VICTIMS SPENT THE NIGHT YESTERDAY.
SOME OTHER VICTIMS ARE BEING TEMPORARILY ACCOMMODATED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY CENTRES IN SAU MAU PING AND NGAU TAU KOK.
DURING THE VISIT, MR. LEE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK CARRIED OUT FOR THE FIRE VICTIMS BY THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.
HE LEARNED THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE REGISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT UP TO THIS MORNING TOTALLED 2 863.
TEAMS OF EMERGENCY RELIEF WORKERS STARTED REGISTERING FIRE VICTIMS YESTERDAY MORNING, AND LATER IN THEDAY PROVIDED THEM WI TH HOT MEALS AND RELIEF ARTICLES INCLUDING MATTRESSES AND BLANKETS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THEM WITH HOT MEALS.
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exhibition of self-made musical instruments
M H *
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AND THE PENINSULA JAYCEES WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION OF SELF-INVENTED, CONVENTIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7) AT THE KESWICK HALL OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
A NUMBER OF SELF-MADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WILL BE DISPLAYED WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE AND WESTERN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AT THE EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 6 P.M. DAILY FROM OCTOBER 7 TO 9.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY AND THE HON. LIFE PRESIDENT OF PENINSULA JAYCEES, MR. CHARLES YEUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 6) AT 2.30 P.M.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, M?S. ELIZABETH WONG- PRESIDENT OF THE PENINSULA JAYCEES, MR. WINSON CHAN- AND PROJECT CHAIRMAN OF THE PENINSULA JAYCEES, MR. EDWARD LAU.
/a spokesman .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1979
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE SAID THAT THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WOULD HIGHLIGHT THE +INVENT AND PLAY YOUR OWN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPETITION+, WAS ORGANISED WITH THE AIM OF INCREASING YOUNG PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF MUSIC, ITS PRINCIPLES AND THE MANY TYPES OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
+IT IS HOPED THAT THIS EXHIBITION WILL SERVE AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR HONG KONG’S YOUTH TO INVENT MORE CREATIVE INSTRUMENTS IN THE FUTURE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE EXHIBITION, FILMS AND SLIDES WILL BE SHOWN TO HELP ILLUSTRATE THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INSTRUMENTS. AN EDUCATIONAL BOOKLET ON THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MUSIC AND CHINESE AND WESTERN INSTRUMENTS COMPLETE WITH ILLUSTRATIONS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE EXHIBITION FREE OF CHARGE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SELF-INVENTED, CONVENTIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE KESWICK HALL OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AT 2.30 P.M. ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 6).
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NT LIBRARY COMPETITIONS
HMM*
THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE ORGANISED A BOOK REPORT COMPETITION AND A POSTER DESIGN CONTEST TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE BETTER USE OF LIBRARY FACILITIES.
ENTRIES TO BOTH COMPETITIONS, WHICH ARE RESTRICTED TO MEMBERS CF NEW TERRITORIES LIBRARIES, WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM TODAY (THURSDAY) AND WILL CLOSE ON JANUARY 15.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE BOOK REPORT COMPETITION WAS OPEN TO ALL READERS UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE.
HE EXPLAINEDi +THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO LANGUAGE GROUPS: ENGLISH AND CHINESE. THE REPORT MAY BE ON ANY LIBRARY BOOK AND THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES IS UNLIMITED.*
HOWEVER, HE WARNED PARTICIPANTS THAT EACH ENTRY SHOULD NOT EXCEED 600 WORDS AND THE AUTHOR AND TITLE OF THE BOOK, AND THE NAME OF THE LIBRARY FROM WHICH THE BOOK IS BORROWED SHOULD BE GIVEN.
THE TOPIC OF THE POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION, WHICH IS THE FIRST ONE ORGANISED BY PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IS ♦LIBRARY BOOKS NEED LOVE AND CARE*.
/THIS COKPliTITION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1979
5
THIS COMPETITION, AIMING TO PROMOTE LOVE AND CARE FOR LIBRARY BOOKS, WILL ONLY ACCEPT ENTRIES FROM READERS ABOVE 16 YEARS OLD.
THE RESULTS OF THE COMPETITIONS, WHICH BOTH CLOSE ON JANUARY 15, WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN FEBRUARY, 1980.
+WINNERS IN BOTH COMPETITIONS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER AND INVITED TO ATTEND A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES WHICH WILL BE IN THE FORM OF BOOK OR STATIONERY COUPONS,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE IN PERSON OR BY CALLING ANY PUBLIC LIBRARY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
* TSUEN WAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
GROUND FLOOR, WING HONG HOUSE, FUK LOI ESTATE, TSUEN WAN
TEL: 12-403156
* TAI PO PUBLIC LIBRARY
SECOND FLOOR, MEI TAK BUILDING, KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO TEL: 12-671336
X SHA TIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
GROUND FLOOR, KWEI WO HOUSE, LEK YUEN ESTATE,
TEL: 12-625177
* TUEN MUN PUBLIC LIBRARY
FIRST FLOOR, TAI HING COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, TAI TUEN MUN
TEL: 12-823220
* SHEUNG SHU I PUBLIC LIBRARY
SING FAT HOUSE, SAN FUNG ROAD, SHEUNG SHU I
TEL: 12-914804
* CHEUNG CHAU MINI-LIBRARY
2 CHURCH ROAD, CHEUNG CHAU
TEL: 5-9817411
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SHA TIN
HING ESTATE,
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1979
6
NOTE TO EDITORS:
DSW TO OPEN MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE AGED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY OPEN AN OLD PEOPLE’S CENTRE IN CHAI WAN WHICH WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO MEET THE VARYING NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY.
THE CHAI WAN MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE AGED IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND WILL BE RUN BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3.30 P.M. AT THE CENTRE IN UNITS 11-18, YUE FUNG HOUSE, YUE WAN ESTATE, CHAI WAN.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
MONG KOK ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN *****
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8) TO ANNOUNCE A MONTH-LONG ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD IN MONG KOK FROM OCTOBER 13.
THE CONFERENCE, TO BE ATTENDED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. PETER LEE, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KING WAH RESTAURANT, NATHAN ROAD AT 1 P.M. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE MONG KOK’S CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS REGINA LAU AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR. HUNG WAI-MAN.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONFERENCE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE RESTAURANT AT 620 NATHAN ROAD.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1979
- 7 -
SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO PENFOLD GARDEN ******
THE SPECIAL TRAIN TO THE PENFOLD GARDEN IN SHA TIN RACE COURSE WILL CONTINUE THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE TRAIN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 10.25 A.M. AND ARRIVE AT MONG KOK STATION AT 10.30 A.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS. IT WILL DEPART FROM MONG KOK STATION AT 10.37 A.M. AND ARRIVE AT RACE COURSE STATION AT 10.51 A.M.
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THE TRAIN WILL LEAVE RACE COURSE STATION AT 12.20 P.M. IN ADDITION, TWO ORDINARY PASSENGER TRAINS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA RACE COURSE STATION AT 1.21 P.M. AND 3.17 P.M.
ALL TRAINS LEAVING RACE COURSE STATION WILL STOP TO PICK UP PASSENGERS AT SHA TIN AND MONG KOK STATIONS.
ONLY ORDINARY CLASS RETURN TICKETS VALID FOR THE DATE OF ISSUE WILL BE SOLD AT THE KOWLOON AND MONG KOK STATIONS. TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT RACE COURSE STATION FOR DOWN-TRAINS TO KOWLOON NOR AT NEW TERRITORIES STATIONS FOR THE SPECIAL TRAINS.
THE FARE FOR ADULTS WILL BE $4 EACH AND FOR CHILDREN S2.
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BRIDE’S POOL BUS TERMINUS TO BE RESITED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE BRIDE’S POOL BUS TERMINUS FOR ROUTE 75R WILL BE RESITED TO THE END OF THE COACH AND CAR PARK FURTHER UP BRIDE’S POOL ROAD ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 6).
THE RELOCATION OF THE TERMINUS IS TO FACILITATE TUNNELLING WORKS NEAR THE EXISTING TERMINUS IN CONNECTION WITH A PROJECT FOR THE SUPPLY OF ADDITIONAL WATER FROM THE EAST RIVER.
ROUTE 75R IS OPERATED BY BUSES OF THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY BETWEEN TAI PO RAILWAY STATION AND BRIDE’S POOL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5,1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO OPIN LEGCO SESSION ....................... 1
i
WARNING AGAINST FIRE OUTBREAKS ....................... 1
GOVERNOR DUE BACK ON SUNDAY........................... 2
GOVZRNIAENT PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED ..................... 3
HK-US TEXTILE TALKS ADJUOURNED ....................... 3
DSW OPjftJS MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THS AGED ........ 4
SEMINARS FOR AUDIO-VISUAL CO-ORDINATORS .............. 5
LEASE OF SEA BED TO MTRC ............................. 5
SUPPLY OF SIGNS FOR QE STADIUM........................ 6
VISIT TO KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE..... 6
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1979
1 -
GOVERNOR TO OPEN LEGCO SESSION
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL REVIEW THE AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG WHEN HE OPENS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION FOR 1979/80 ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 10).
THE PROCEEDINGS, WHICH BEGIN AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG CHANNEL 2 (CHINESE) AND CHANNEL 3 (ENGLISH).
THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS AND COMMERCIAL RADIO WILL GIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GOVERNOR’S REVIEW IN THEIR REGULAR NEWS PROGRAMMES.
ON OCTOBER 31, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION TO THANK THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS ADDRESS AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION THE SAME DAY AND THE FOLLOWING DAY (NOVEMBER 1), IF NECESSARY.
OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL ARE SCHEDULED TO REPLY ON NOVEMBER 14, AND IF NECESSARY, NOVEMBER 15 TO THE POINTS RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS.
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE JOINED BY THEIR TWO NEWLY-APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES IN THE NEW SESSION. THEY ARE THE HON. HU FA-KUANG AND THE HON. WONG PO-YAN.
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WARNING AGAINST FIRE OUTBREAKS * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED RESIDENTS TO TAKE GREATER CARE AGAINST THE OUTBREAK OF FIRE IN THE WAKE OF MORE THAN 250 FIRE CALLS RECEIVED SO FAR THIS WEEK.
ON WEDNESDAY ALONE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SERVICES SAID, THERE HAD BEEN FOUR INCIDENTS OF NO. 3 ALARM FIRE.
♦WITH THE ONSET OF THE DRY SEASON, THE CHANCES OF FIRE OUTBREAKS ARE LIKELY TO INCREASE,* HE WARNED.
IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THERE HAD BEEN A TOTAL OF 5 924 FIRE CALLS RESULTING IN 24 DEATHS AND 406 INJURIES, INCLUDING 50 FIREMEN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CARELESS DISPOSAL OF CIGARETTE ENDS WAS A MAJOR CAUSE OF FIRE, ACCOUNTING FOR 1 624 CALLS. ELECTRICAL FAULTS RESULTED IN 1 048 FIRES AND OVERTURNED KEROSENE STOVES WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR 194.
HE ALSO WARNED VILLAGERS AND PICNICKERS OF THE DANGERS IN SENDING UP ♦HUNG MING+ LANTERNS (HOT-AIR BALLOONS) DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD.
/+IT IS...
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1979
2
♦IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PRACTICE TO SEND UP THESE BALLOONS DURING SUCH DRY WEATHER BECAUSE IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS HILL FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ALSO APPEALED FOR THE CO-OPERATION OF RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY PICNICKERS, TO MINIMISE THE OUTBREAK OF FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
COMMENTING ON THE DEVASTATION HILL FIRES HAD BROUGHT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT RECALLED THAT DURING THE LAST DRY SEASON, A TOTAL OF 450 HECTARES OF GOVERNMENT PLANTATION AND MANAGEMENT AREA AND SOME"43 100 TREES HAD BEEN AFFECTED BY HILL FIRES.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT HONG KONG'S COUNTRYSIDE CAN ONLY BE PROTECTED FROM FIRE WITH THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF EVERYONE WHO USES IT.
HE ESPECIALLY CALLED ON CAMPERS AND PICNICKERS TO EXERCISE MORE CARE AS 40 PER CENT OF THE HILL FIRES REPORTED LAST SEASON OCCURRED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WHEN RESIDENTS VISITED THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR OUTINGS.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT APART FROM DESIGNATED AREAS IT IS AN OFFENCE TO LIGHT A FIRE NEAR A FOREST PLANTATION OR A PROHIBITED AREA IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS REGULATION, A PERSON CAN BE FINED UP TO 15 000 AND SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT FOR UNLAWFULLY LIGHTING FIRE.
DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, 71 PEOPLE HAD BEEN PROSECUTED AND FINED FOR SUCH AN OFFENCE.
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NOTE TO EDITORSi
GOVERNOR DUE BACK ON SUNDAY M * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AND LADY MACLEHOSE, ARE DUE TO RETURN TO HONG KONG FROM SAN FRANCISCO ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7).
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MEDIA. PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WISHING TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL ON FLIGHT PA 05, ETA 1955 HOURS ARE ADVISED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDI NG AT LEAST 45 MINUTES BEFORE THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL. G I S OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THEM.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE ALSO ADVISED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR PASSPORTS TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE AIRPORT S RESTRICTED AREA.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1979
5
GOVERNMENT PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE PROMOTION OF Ml. BRIAN WILSON, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS. MR. ERIC HO AND MR. HENRY CHING TO THE SUBSTANTIVE RANK OF SECRETARY WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1979.
MR. WILSON, 55, IS NOW DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES. HE JOINED THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1949 AND HAS WORKED IN SIX GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE DEFENCE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. HE BECAME COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT IN 1971 AND WAS APPOINTED TO HIS PRESENT POST IN 1975.
MR. ROWLANDS, 54, WAS MADE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1978. HE CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1952 AND HAS WORKED IN THE RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT. URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL AID SERVICES. HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEFORE HIS APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION IN 1974.
MR. HO, 51, HAS BEEN SECRETARY FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICES SINCE 1977. HE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IN 1954 AND BECAME AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1957. HE HAS WORKED IN THE RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. HE BECAME DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS IN 1973.
MR. CHING, 45, IS NOW DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY. HE WAS APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1961 AND HAS WORKED IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, FINANCE BRANCH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH. HE HAS BEEN DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY SINCE 1976.
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HK-US TEXTILE TALKS ADJOURNED
* X * *
TALKS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND UNITED STATES DELEGATIONS ON THE HONG KONG/US TEXTILE AGREEMENT WERE ADJOURNED TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER FIVE DAYS OF DISCUSSIONS.
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. PETER TSAO SAIDi +1 CANNOT COMMENT ON THE DISCUSSIONS TO DATE, AS WE SHALL BE MEETING AGAIN IN LATE OCTOBER AT A VENUE WHICH HAS YET TO BE DECIDED.*
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/4....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1979
4
DSW OPENS MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE AGED ft * * ft ft *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED A WULTl-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE AGED IN CHAI WAN SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO MEET THE VARYING NEEDS OF OLD PEOPLE.
THE CENTRE, RUN BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED (SAGE), REPRESENTS A RELATIVELY NEW APPROACH IN HONG KONG IN PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF OVER 372 SQUARE METRES (4 OOO SQ. FT.) IN YUE WAN ESTATE, THE CENTRE OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO OLD PEOPLE EITHER AT THEIR HOMES OR IN THE CENTRE ITSELF.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR. LEE SAID THE SETTING UP OF THE CENTRE WAS IN LINE WITH THE OBJECTIVES OUTLINED IN THE LATEST WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE.
MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES, HE SAID, ARE PARTICULARLY HELPFUL AS THEY ENABLE THE ELDERLY TO RECEIVE DIFFERENT SERVICES AT ONE PLACE.
MR. LEE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH FACILITIES TO SERVE THOSE ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES.
HE PRAISED THE SAGE FOR ITS OUTSTANDING WORK IN PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY. SAGE WAS THE PIONEER IN OPERATING SPECIAL BUS SERVICES FOR THE AGED AND IS RUNNING A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR OLD PEOPLE IN TSUEN WAN.
AT THE SAGE CHAI WAN MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE, GENERALLY FALL INTO THREE AREAS.
SERVICES PROVIDED
HOME-HELP SERVICE PROVIDES MEALS, HOUSE CLEANING, ESCORT SERVICE AND PERSONAL CARE. SERVICES AND FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE INCLUDE CANTEEN, LAUNDRY AND BATHING, INTEREST GROUPS, HAIR-CUTTING AND HEALTH TESTS.
IN ADDITION, STAFF OF THE CENTRE ORGANISE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME AIMED AT PROMOTING AMONG THE COMMUNITY A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OLD AGE AND THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1979
5
SEMINARS FOR AUDIO-VISUAL CO-ORDINATORS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED THREE SEMINARS TO FAMILIARISE SECONDARY SCHOOL AUDIO-VISUAL CO-ORDINATORS WITH THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S VISUAL EDUCATION CENTRE.
THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 2.30 P.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON OCTOBER 19, 23 AND 31 AT THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT AT 182 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
♦THE PURPOSE OF THE SEMINAR IS TO EXPLAIN AND DISCUSS THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL AUDIO-VISUAL CO-ORDINATORS WHO WILL SERVE AS A CONTACT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE VISUAL EDUCATION CENTRE,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SEMINAR ALSO AIMS TO PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE IDEAS RELATING TO EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT AND UTILISATION OF MEDIA RESOURCES IN SCHOOLS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR AUDIO-VISUAL CO-ORDINATORS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS SHOULD APPLY TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (VISUAL EDUCATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG. THE CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS IS OCTOBER 10.
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LEASE OF SEA BED TO MTRC
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO LEASE 18 900 SQUARE METRES OF SEA BED BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND TSIM SHA TSUI TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CROSS-HARBOUR RAILWAY OPERATIONS.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO GRANT THE LEASE, WHICH WILL BE FOR A TERM OF 75 YEARS FROM OCTOBER 1, 1979, IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE AREA INVOLVED WAS OCCUPIED BY THE CROSS-HARBOUR MASS TRANSIT TUNNELS.
HE ADDED THAT PRIVATE RIGHTS IN THAT PART OF VICTORIA HARBOUR HAD EXTINGUISHED WHEN CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUNNELS BEGAN IN 1976.
♦HOWEVER ANY PERSON COULD MAKE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS IF THEY WERE TO SUFFER FINANCIAL LOSS DIRECTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CREATION OF THE LEASE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/6
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1979
6
SUPPLY OF SIGNS FOR QE STADIUM ft ft ft ft
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED SEALED TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF METAL SIGNS, ARCHITECTURAL LETTERING AND ILLUMINATED SIGNS FOR THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED ACCORDINGLY ON THE ENVELOPE, ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, PWD TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE PWD TENDER BOX AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON OCTOBER 19. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM PWD’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
CONTRACTORS ARE WARNED THAT THEIR NAMES WOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE LIST OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS IF THEY FAIL OR REFUSE TO IMPLEMENT AN ACCEPTED TENDER.
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT BIND ITSELF TO ACCEPT ANY TENDER.
THE $43 MILLION STADIUM, THE FINEST OF ITS KIND IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, IS SITUATED AT A SITE BETWEEN 01 KWAN ROAD AND QUEEN'S ROAD EAST. IT IS ABOUT 80 PER CENT COMPLETE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE READY IN MAY NEXT YEAR WHEN IT WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
- - 0
NOTE TO EDITORSi
VISIT TO KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE ft ft ft
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR MEMBERS OF UMELCO AND THE PRESS TO VISIT THE NEWLY OPENED KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8) AT 10.30 A.M.
THE CENTRE IS ACCESSIBLE FROM HOI BUN ROAD, KWUN TONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND-YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND. SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR. TOMMY HAHN WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
- - o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
aTURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE. NO.
UNNECESSARY COMPLAINTS HAMPER WORK OF IATSR SUPPLIES DEPARTM.JIT ..................................... 1
TREE NURSERY TO INCREASE OUTPUT .......................... 2
TEACHING HANDICAPPED CHILDRJN HOW TO SPEAK ............... 3
SHORT-TERM TENANCIES FOR T IC TSING YI SITES ............ 11
FIRING PRACTICE .......................................... 5
WATER CUT ................................................ 5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1979
- 1 -
UNNECESSARY COMPLAINTS HAMPER WORK OF WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT
* * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO HOUSE HOLDERS TO CHECK WITH THEIR BUILDING MANAGEMENTS FIRST IF THEY HAVE SUPPLY PROBLEMS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IN MANY CASES THE PROBLEMS DID NOT REALLY CONCERN THE DEPARTMENT.
♦OFTEN THE COMPLAINTS WE RECEIVE ARE OF A MINOR NATURE,♦ HE SAID ♦FREQUENTLY THEY CAN BE TRACED TO DEFECTIVE BALL-VALVES AND DIRTY ROOF TANKS.♦
♦IN SOME’ CASES THE SUPPLY HAS BEEN TURNED OFF BY CARETAKERS SO THAT REPAIR WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT IN OTHER FLATS IN THE SAME BUILDING,* HE ADDED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT IF THIS INITIAL STEP WAS TAKEN, THE DEPARTMENT'S COMPLAINTS CENTRES WOULD BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON MORE SERIOUS CASES AND DEAL WITH THEM QUICKLY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +OUR CENTRES IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RECEIVE ABOUT 100 REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE A DAY.+
STAFF ARE ON DUTY ON A 24-HOUR BASIS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER A COMPLAINT IS RECEIVED, IT IS LOGGED, CLASSIFIED AND REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE DIVISION FOR ACTION.
MOST MATTERS ARE DEALT WITH THE SAME DAY, MANY OF THEM WITHIN HOURS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE CENTRES ONLY DEALT WITH COMPLAINTS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE.
THE FOLLOWING ARE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COMPLAINTS CENTRES*
HONG KONG ISLAND* 5-726311
KOWLOON » 3-948261
TAI PO » 12-662368
FANLING , 12-900322
YUEN LONG » 12-762626
MATTERS'OF A NON-TECHNICAL NATURE SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE COMPLAINT AND ENQUIRY SECTION AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN LEIGHTON CENTRE, LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-7900222/4.
♦BY CO-OPERATING IN THIS WAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ♦CONSUMERS WILL HELP REDUCE THE NUMBER OF UNNECESSARY CALLS, AND ENABLE THE COMPLAINTS CENTRES TO DEVOTE THEIR EFFORTS TO PROVIDING A BETTER SERVICE TO THOSE WHO ACTUALLY NEED IT.+
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/2
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1979
- 2 -
TREE NURSERY TO INCREASE OUTPUT - ******
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO INCREASE THE OUTPUT OF ITS TREE NURSERIES NEXT YEAR AS PART OF THE COUNTRYSIDE TREE PLANTING SCHEME.
THE TREE NURSERY AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TAI LUNG EXPERIMENTAL FARM IN SHEUNG SHUI, NEW TERRITORIES AIMS TO INCREASE ITS ANNUAL PRODUCTION RATE FROM 3OO 000 TREE SEEDLINGS THIS YEAR TO ABOUT 400 000 IN 1980.
THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE TREE NURSERY, MR. MICHAEL HSU SAID MOST OF THE TREE SEEDLINGS RAISED ARE FOR PLANTING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE TO ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF LANDSCAPES, PROTECT THE HILLS FROM EROSION AND PROVIDE SHADES FOR PICNICKERS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
YOUNG PLANTS RAISED IN THE NURSERY ARE ALSO USED FOR LANDSCAPING IN URBAN AREAS AND NEW TOWNS.
THERE ARE MORE THAN 80 SPECIES OF TREES AND SHRUBS RECORDED IN THE NURSERY, THE MOST POPULAR ONES BEING THE ACACIA, BRISBANE BOX, BAUHINIA AND CASUARINA.
THE YOUNG PLANTS ARE USUALLY GROWN FROM SEEDS COLLECTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BY THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF. BUT WHERE TREES DO NOT PRODUCE SEEDS, THE CUTTING AND AIR-LAYERING PROCESSES ARE USED FOR PROPAGATION.
MR. HSU EXPLAINED THAT AIR-LAYERING METHOD APPLIES TO TREES WHOSE CUTTINGS DO NOT GROW ROOTS EASILY. THE PROCESS INVOLVES PEELING OFF THE BARK OF A SMALL SEGMENT OF A YOUNG BRANCH AND WRAPPING IT UP WITH EARTH AND POLYTHENE SHEET. THE BRANCH CAN BE CUT OFF FOR PLANTING WHEN IT DEVELOPS ROOTS.
SEEDS ARE SOWN AND NURSED IN SOIL BEDS FOR 20 TO 40 DAYS BEFORE THE SEEDLINGS ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO BE TRANSPLANTED INTO ALL POLYTHENE BAGS FILLED WITH A MIXTURE OF SOIL, COMPOST AND FERTILISER.
♦POLYTHENE BAGS ARE USED INSTEAD OF POTS, BECAUSE THEY ARE CHEAPER, EASIER TO HANDLE, AND MORE CONVENIENT FOR TRANSPORTATION,+ MR. HSU SAID. AFTER TRANSPLANTING, THE YOUNG SEEDLINGS REQUIRE CONSTANT CARE SUCH AS BRANCH AND ROOT PRUNING, SPACING OUT, APPLICATION OF FERTILISERS, PEST CONTROL, ALL OF WHICH REQUIRE RATHER SPECIALISED SKILL.
AFTER ANOTHER EIGHT TO TEN MONTHS, THE SEEDLINGS ARE THEN READY FOR PLANTING ON THE HILLSIDES.
STAFF OF THE NURSERY ALSO CONDUCT TRIALS TO TEST THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT SPECIES FOR GUIDE TO FUTURE PRODUCTION.
/THE RESULT.....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1979
- 3 -
THE RESULT OF ONE OF THESE TRIALS WAS THE DISCOVERY THAT A CONICAL-SHAPED TREE. +MACARANGA TENARIUS+, CAN WITHSTAND GALE FORCE WINDS AS IT WAS PROVEN DURING THE PASSAGE OF TYPHOON HOPE.
♦I HOPE TO GROW MORE OF THIS TREE NEXT YEAR,* MR. HSU SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM SUPPLYING STOCKS TO COUNTRY PARKS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE NURSERY MAKES AVAILABLE A SMALL AMOUNT OF SEEDLINGS FOft SALE TO THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY SCHOOLS, ORGANISATIONS AND FARMERS.
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TEACHING HANDICAPPED CHILDREN HOW TO SPEAK » * » X * X
TWO YEARS AGO, A WORRIED MOTHER TOOK HER FIVE-YEAR-OLD SON TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SPECIAL SERVICES CENTRE IN SAI YING PUN FOR CONSULTATION BECAUSE HIS SPEECH WAS UNINTELLIGIBLE AND HE WAS SLOW IN GENERAL LEARNING ABILITY.
DIAGNOSIS MADE BY A MEDICAL OFFICER AND A PSYCHOLOGIST v SHOWED HE HAD MINIMAL BRAIN DAMAGE, AND THOUGH HAVING AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE, HE WAS ABOUT THREE YEARS BEHIND A NORMAL CHILD IN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE ABILITY.
A SPEECH THERAPIST AT THE CENTRE THEN DREW UP A TREATMENT PROGRAMME TO ENCOURAGE THE BOY TO EXPRESS HIMSELF IN VARIOUS WAYS AND TO ARTICULATE, DIFFERENT SPEECH SOUNDS.
THE BOY, NOW SEVEN YEARS OF AGE, HAS JUST FINISHED KINDERGARTEN. HIS SPEECH IS NOW INTELLIGIBLE, BUT STILL HE HAS PROBLEMS IN UNDERSTANDING AND EXPRESS)NG MORE ABSTRACT AND COMPLICATED IDEAS.
♦THERE MAY BE OTHER PROBLEMS AS THE BOY GROWS UP, FOR EXAMPLE READING PROBLEM. BUT HE HAS ALREADY MADE REMARKABLE PROGRESS IN OVERCOMING HIS SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS,+ SAID MISS BETTY KO, SPEECH THERAPIST OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION.
MISS KO SAID THAT IF NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS COULD BE MADE FOR THE BOY TO GO TO A SPECIAL CLASS FOR SLOW-LEARNING CHILDREN.
THE SPEECH SCREENING PROGRAMME, FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1969, IS TO ENSURE'ALL CONGENITAL" OR ACQUI RED* SPEECH AND LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS OF A SCHOOL CHILD ARE DISCOVERED AND REMEDIAL ACTION TAKEN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
AT PRESENT, SPEECH SCREENING SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO PRIMARY THREE STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS ONLY, BUT AS OUTLINED IN THE 1977 REHABILITATION WHITE PAPER, THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO HAVE THE SERVICE EXTENDED TO COVER PRIMARY THREE STUDENTS OF ALL SCHOOLS BY 1985.
/MISS KO.....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1979
4
MISS KO EXPLAINED THAT THE SCREENING TEAMS VISIT THOSE SCHOOLS COVERED BY THE PROGRAMME TO CONDUCT ARTICULATION TESTS OF CANTONESE SPEECH SOUNDS OF PUPILS.
IF ANY SIGNS OF SPEECH IMPAIRMENT ARE DETECTED IN A CHILD, HE WILL BE REFERRED TO ONE OF THE TWO SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRES IN HOSPITAL ROAD SAI YING PUN OR PERTH STREET, KOWLOON, FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT.
♦IF A CHILD SUFFERS FROM MODERATE TO SEVERE SPEECH IMPAIRMENT, REGULAR THERAPY WILL BE PROVIDED AT ONE OF THE TWO TREATMENT CENTRES,♦ MISS KO SAID.
♦BUT SPEECH THERAPY IS SOMETIMES A SLOW PROCESS WHICH REQUIRES NOT ONLY PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE BUT ALSO GREAT PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE. APART FROM ORDINARY ARTICULATION EXERCISES THE SPEECH THERAPIST WILL USE TOYS AND VARIOUS PROBLEM-SOLVING AND SIMULATING GAMES TO ENHANCE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD.
♦IN ADDITION TO TREATING SPEECH-IMPAIRED CHILDREN, OUR STAFF WILL GIVE PARENTS ADVICE ON HOW TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME. IF NECESSARY, PLACEMENT IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS OR SPECIAL CLASSES MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED,♦ SHE ADDED.
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SHORT-TERM TENANCIES FOR TWO TSI NG Yl SITES
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCIES FOR TWO PRIME SITES ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND.
LOCATED CLOSE TO TSI NG Yl BRIDGE, THE TWO ADJACENT SITES OCCUPY 2 600 AND 4 600 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THE SMALLER SITE IS INTENDED FOR THE STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ PLANT AND MACHINERY. ONLY APPLICATIONS FROM ACCREDITED PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONTRACTORS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
THIS TENANCY, WHICH IS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, ALLOWS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING AS A MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP.
THE SECOND SITE IS ALSO FOR A THREE YEARS TENANCY BUT ITS USE IS RESTRICTED TO OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, Mb HUMPHREY BEESON SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE SITES WERE BEING OFFERED TO MEET INCREASED DEMANDS FOR STORAGE AND CONTRACTOR SITES DUE TO RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT AND WOULD BE GREATLY WELCOME.
/♦THE FIRST.....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1979
5
♦THE FIRST SITE IS ON OFFER TO CONTRACTORS INCLUDING THOSE WORKING ON THE TSI NG Yl ISLAND,♦ HE SAID.
MR. BEESON SAID THE SECOND SITE WAS SUITABLE FOR VARIOUS STORAGE PURPOSES AND WOULD BE PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE TO CAR DEALERS AND TO CONTAINER BUSINESSES. HOWEVER, HE SAID, LOADING AND UNLOADING GOODS ON THE SITE WOULD BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
MR. BEESON SAID EXPANSION OF THE LOCAL CONTAINER TRADE HAD RESULTED IN A SHORTAGE OF LAND NEAR THE CONTAINER TERMINAL AT KWAI CHUNG.
TENDERS FOR THE TWO SITES WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 19.
TENDER FORMS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, FIFTH FLOOR, HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
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FIRING PRACTICE * * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES AREi *
DATE
OCTOBER 10 (WEDNESDAY)
OCTOBER 11 (THURSDAY)
OCTOBER 12 (FRIDAY)
TIME
7 A.M. — 4.30 P.M
7 A.M. — 11 P.M.
7 A.M. — 5 P.M.
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WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY
TO A NUMBER OF
PREMISES IN MID-LEVELS 11 P.M. ON MONDAY
FRESH
WILL BE SUSPENDED’fOR SEVEN HOURS FROM __ ,ceT
(OCTOBER 8) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY 11-17, AND 10-16 BOWEN ROAD AND 48-86 KENNEDY ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INCREASED PAYMENT RATES FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND......... 1
RENT OFFICER SCHEME TO EXPAND .............................. 2
TEXTILE INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY BEGINS TOMORROW.......... 3
STUDENTS URGED TO JOIN CYC ................................. 4
SITE FOR PENG CHAU INCINERATOxT BEING SOUGHT ............... 5
SAI WAN HO DUMP OPENS TOMORROW ............................. 5
DELIVERY OF AIRCRAFT TO RHKA-LF ............................ 6
SALT WATER CUT IN WEST KOWLOON ............................. 6
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1979
- 1 -
INCREASED PAYMENT RATES FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INCREASED THE RATES OF PAYMENT UNDER THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND WHICH PROVIDES GRANTS AND LOANS TO PEOPLE IN NEED OF RELIEF AS A RESULT OF FIRE, FLOODING, TYPHOON OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS.
THE INCREASED RATES ALSO APPLY TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME AS THEIR SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT IS BASED ON THAT CF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND.
THE REVISED RATES OF PAYMENT, WHICH HAVE NOW COME INTO EFFECT, TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE RISING COST OF LIVING.
UNDER THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND, THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAYMENTS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY, DOMESTIC RE-ACCOMMODATION AND RE-EQUIPMENT EXPENSES, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT CF VESSELS, AGRICULTURAL LOSS AND SPECIAL CASES.
IN THE CASE OF DEATH AND INJURY GRANTS, THE PAYMENT RATES HAVE BEEN INCREASED BY ABOUT 26 PER CENT.
FOR EXAMPLE, FOR DEATH GRANTS INVOLVING THE LOSS OF A SOLE WAGE-EARNER, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT HAS BEEN RAISED FROM $14 300 TO $20 000, COMPRISING $12 000 FOR ONE SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBER AND $1 000 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL MEMBER.
FOR INJURY GRANTS, THE PAYMENT IS NOW FROM $140 UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $4 300 DEPENDING ON THE GRAVITY OF INJURY. THE PREVIOUS MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM AMOUNTS WERE $120 AND $3 600 RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE CASE OF DOMESTIC RE-ACCOMMODATION AND RE-EQUIPMENT GRANTS, PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN RATIONALISED AND EQUATED WITH THE LEVEL OF GRANTS PAID UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE FUND WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1962 AS THE COMMUNITY RELIEF TRUST FUND AND WAS RE-NAMED THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND IN 1973. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND IS VESTED IN THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WHO ACTS ON THE ADVICE OF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE, COMPRISING BOTH UNOFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1979
2
RENT OFFICER SCHEME TO EXPAND ******
DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO EXPAND
THE RENT OFFlcERASCHEM£UTO'cOPE’wI TH INCREASI NG PUBLIC DEMAND
FOR THE SERVICE.
DISCLOSING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY). THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR. WONG KWONG-SANG SA IDx ■♦PENDING THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO POST RENT OFFICERS TO MORE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES TO BRING THE SERVICE CLOSER TO THE PUBLIC. CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO EXPANDING THE SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
AT PRESENT, RENT OFFICERS ARE PROVIDING SERVICE AT THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE IN NEW MERCURY HOUSE AND FOUR CITY DISTRICT OFFICES ---- CENTRAL AND WESTERN
(TUESDAYS), SHAM SHU I PO (WEDNESDAYS), EASTERN (THURSDAYS) AND WONG TAI SIN (FRIDAYS). ’
THE SCHEME, INT3MSWCED IN APRIL LAST YEAR, AIMS TO HELP THE PUBLIC HANDLE MATTERS RELATING TO LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION.
MR. WONG SA ID I +THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH LEGISLATION ARE RATHER COMPLEX AND MANY PEOPLE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND. RENT OFFICERS ARE THERE TO EXPLAIN THE LAW AND TO HELP BOTH THE LANDLORD AND TENANT UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.*
ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE, THEY ARE ALSO READY TO HELP THE PUBLIC SOLVE ANY OTHER LANDLORD-TENANT OR TENANT-SUB-TENANT PROBLEMS.
♦VERY OFTEN, THEY ACT AS MEDIATORS IN DISPUTES OVER, FOR EXAMPLE, THE RIGHT TO USAGE OF COMMON SPACE,* MR. WONG SAID.
WITH THE ADVICE OF RENT OFFICERS, MANY OF THE PROBLEMS ARE SOLVED WITHOUT HAVING TO RESORT TO FORMAL PROCEDURES WHICH TEND TO INTENSIFY THE ANTAGONISM BETWEEN THE PARTIES INVOLVED, HE ADDED.
THE RENT OFFICER SCHEME IS GETTING MORE POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC AS IT IS REFLECTED BY THE INCREASING WORKLOAD OF RENT OFFICERS AND LARGER SCOPE OF CASES AND ENQUIRIES DEALT WITH.
IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OHEMTKJN, RENT OFFICERS.
HANDLED MORE.THAN 50 000 CASES CONCERNING APPLICATIONS FOR RENTAL INCREASES OR CERTIFICATES OF STANDARD RENT- PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS OR AFFECTED BY EXCLUSION ORDEROCCUPIERS’ RIGHT TO COMPENSATION- AND USAGE OF PREMISES FOR DOMESTIC OR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
IN ADDITION THEY ANSWERED ABOUT 14 000 ENQUIRIES ON VARIOUS LANDLORD-TENANT MATTERS. OF THESE ABOUT HALF WERE DEALT WITH AT THE FOUR CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
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/3
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1979
TEXTILE INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY BEGINS TOMORROW * * * *
THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A MANPOWER SURVEY IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY TOMORROW (MONDAY) WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY, THE FIFTH IN A SERIES, IS AIMED AT COLLECTING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY. IT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS WERE SENT TO ABOUT 550 TEXTILE MILLS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO. SURVEY INTERVIEWING OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT EACH OF THESE MILLS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING AND TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT PRESENT EMPLOYED- THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING- THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND A FORECAST OF THE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES REQUIRED FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR. FEI LEE, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED THE EMPLOYERS TO OFFER THEIR CO-OPERATION AS THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD ASSIST THE BOARD IN DRAWING UP TRAINING PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY.
BASED ON THE SURVEY FINDINGS, THE BOARD WOULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANPOWER PLANNING AND TRAINING TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY.
THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL MILL, MR. LEE SAID.
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/4
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1979
4
STUDENTS URGED TO JOIN CYC
*****
STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY FOUR TO FORM SEVEN ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MOVEMENT WHICH IS AIMED AT PROMOTING +INFORMAL EDUCATION AND THE TRAINING OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE GOOD CITIZENS.*
THE MOVEMENT IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CYC SECRETARIAT IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAIDi +IT IS HOPED THAT BY PARTICIPATING IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES PROMOTED BY THE MOVEMENT, STUDENTS WILL BECOME MORE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND SHOW AN ACTIVE CONCERN TOWARDS THEIR COMMUNITY.*
CYC ENGAGES IN A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS VISITS, TALKS, SEMINARS, SURVEYS, COMPETITIONS AND EXHIBITIONS RELATED TO VARIOUS THEMES WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO ^COMMUNITY BUILDING* IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CYC GROUPS TAKE THE FORM OF SCHOOL CLUBS AND ARE ENGAGED IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
♦THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF CYC GROUPS A SCHOOL MAY FORM,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE OPTIMUM NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN ONE GROUP IS 11, COMPRISING ONE LEADER AND 10 MEMBERS.
+THE SCHOOL HEAD SHOULD ALSO APPOINT AN APPROPRIATE (•EMBER OF SCHOOL STAFF TO OVERSEE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CYC GROUPS WITHIN THE SCHOOL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATIONS TO FORM CYC GROUPS CAN BE MADE THROUGH (EADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE CYC SECRETARIAT AT ROOM 515G, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-768422 AND 5-7907221.
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/5
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1979
SITE FOR PENG CHAU INCINERATOR BEING SOUGHT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING FOR A NEW SITE FOR AN INCINERATOR ON PENG CHAU.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. NICKY LO SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE OLD INCINERATOR IN NAM WAN WAS DEMOLISHED LAST MONTH. HOWEVER, OBJECTIONS WERE RAISED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS WHEN A NEW ONE WAS ABOUT TO BE BUILT ON THE SITE.
MR. LO SAID THE SEARCH FOR A NEW SITE WAS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE.
HE SAID THAT WHEN THE ORIGINAL INCINERATOR WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1968, THE SURROUNDING AREA WAS RELATIVELY FREE OF DEVELOPMENT BUT IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, BUILDINGS HAD GRADUALLY SPREAD INTO THE VICINITY OF THE INCINERATOR.
♦I HOPE THAT A SUITABLE LOCATION FAR AWAY FROM EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AREAS CAN BE FOUND AND THAT THE SITE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT,* MR. LO SAID.
HE SAID THAT ANY SUCH LOCATIONS WOULD BE PUBLICISED BY POSTING NOTICES AT THE SITES AND AT THE PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE.
♦RESIDENTS WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE INCINERATOR ARE INVITED TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS TO THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE WITHIN THE TIME SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICES,+ MR. LO SAID.
- - 0 - -
SAI WAN HO DUMP OPENS TOMORROW
*****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE PUBLIC DUMP AT SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION STAGE I WILL BE OPENED FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 8 P.M.
DUMPING LICENCES MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE ON APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER. PORT WORKS DIVISION, PWD AT MURRAY BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
HOLDERS OF VALID DUMPING LICENCE FOR PUBLIC DUMPS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE PERMITTED TO DISCARD APPROVED SOFT MATERIAL, BUILDING DEBRIS AND CERTAIN SIZE OF STONES PROVIDED THEY ARE WELL MIXED WITH EARTH.
ALL DUMPING MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DUMP SUPERVISORS.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1979
NOTE TO EDITORS:
DELIVERY OF AIRCRAFT TO RHKAAF *****
A CESSNA TITAN COURIER AIRCRAFT ORDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AT NOON ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 9).
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE DELIVERY OF THE AIRCRAFT AT THE RHKAAF HEADQUARTERS, KAI TAK.
STAFF OFFICER OF THE RHKAAF, SQUADRON LEADER J.G. SHAWCROSS WILL BE THERE TO GIVE AN INTERVIEW TO THE PRESS.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN AM 2807 AND A LAND ROVER AM 2651 WILL LEAVE THE KMB AIRPORT BUS TERMINUS FOR RHKAAF HEADQUARTERS AT 11.15 A.M. SHARP ON TUESDAY. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE RHKAAF HEADQUARTERS GUARD ROOM (VIA THE CARGO COMPLEX) NOT LATER THAN 11.30 A.M. WHERE ENTRY PERMITS TO THE AIRPORT CAN BE ARRANGED. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
- - 0 - -
SALT WATER CUT IN WEST KOWLOON *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED
THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES IN WEST KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 A.M. ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 9) TO MIDNIGHT THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAIN CONNECTION WORKS.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED INCLUDE CHEUNG SHA WAN, SHAM SHU I PO, TAI KOK TSUI, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, SHEK KIP MEI AND KOWLOON TONG.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191 a
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIREMEN RESPOND TO NEARLY 80 FIRE CALLS A DAY ......................... 1
HIGH ISLAND SCHEME WINS AWARD FOR HK .................................. 2
INTENSIVE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN IN MONG KOK .............................. 3
CONCERT BY FOU TS'ONG AND HK YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ................. 5
MAXICAB ROUTE 14 TO BE REVISED ........................................ 5
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1979
FIREMEN RESPOND TO NEARLY 80 FIRE CALLS A DAY ******
THE FIRE SERVICES RESPONDED TO 556 FIRE CALLS IN THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS OF THIS MONTH — AN AVERAGE OF NEARLY 80 A DAY.
THESE INCLUDED 11 NO. 3 ALARM FIRES AND ONE NO. 5 ALARM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE MORE CARE TO AVOID FIRE RISKS BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT EXTREMELY DRY WEATHER.
♦SMOKERS SHOULD PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SEE THAT ALL CIGARETTE ENDS ARE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE DISPOSAL,♦ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
HE ALSO ADVISED HOUSEWIVES TO TAKE EXTRA CARE WITH THEIR KEROSENE STOVES AND IN THE HANDLING OF LP GAS CYLINDERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF HILL FIRES ALSO ROSE SHARPLY IN THE PAST WEEK, PARTICULARLY DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL PERIOD.
HE SAID FIREMEN TACKLED A TOTAL OF 247 HILL FIRES OF WHICH 163 OCCURRED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED PICNICKERS AND HOLIDAY-MAKERS TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTION AGAINST THE OUTBREAK OF FIRE WHEN VISITING THE COUNTRYSIDE.
MEANWHILE, IN A GENERAL SCHOOLS CIRCULAR, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO ALL HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO IMPRESS ON THEIR STUDENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM DAMAGE BY FIRE WHEN THEY GO PICNICKING.
♦THE RISK OF FIRE IS GREATER AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR BECAUSE OF THE LOW HUMIDITY. STUDENTS SHOULD ENSURE THAT LIGHTED MATCHES AND PICNIC FIRES ARE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE LEAVING ANY PICNIC SPOT,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EMPHASISED.
+HILL FIRES BURN VALUABLE TREES, VEGETATION AND WILD LIFE AND SOMETIMES DESTROY HUMAN LIFE AND PROPERTY. A HILLSIDE CAN BE BURNT IN HOURS BUT RESTORATION OF A PROPER VEGETATION COVER WILL TAKE YEARS,* HE ADDED.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO FOCUSED ATTENTION ON THE PROBLEM OF LITTERING.
+LITTER RUINS OUR ENVIRONMENT. IT SPOILS THE BEAUTY OF A PLACE AND POLLUTES WATER SUPPLIES. STUDENTS SHOULD CLEAR UP ALL LITTER AND RUBBISH AFTER BARBECUES AND PICNICS AND DISPOSE OF THEM AT PROPER PLACES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/2 . .
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1979
- 2 -
HIGH ISLAND SCHEME WINS AWARD FOR HK
* * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN AWARDED AN INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, WILL ACCEPT THE PRESTIGIOUS INGERSOLL RAND ITALIA PRIZE 1979 AT A CEREMONY IN MILAN ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 11).
THE ITALIA PRIZE WAS CREATED TO DRAW PUBLIC ATTENTION TO SOCIAL, TECHNICAL AND AESTHETIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD INVOLVING ITALIAN ENTERPRISE.
THE PRIZE IS SHARED BY VIANINI SPA,THE ITALIAN COMPANY WHICH WAS THE MAJOR CONTRACTOR ON THE PROJECT, AND THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, BINNIE AND PARTNERS.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR ERV INO MILLI, SAID THE PRIZE HAD BEEN AWARDED TO HONG KONG UNANIMOUSLY.
PREVIOUS WINNERS HAVE BEEN PROJECTS IN AFRICA, SOUTH AMERICA AND THE USSR.
MR. AND MRS. TUCKER, WHO WILL BE GUESTS OF THE ITALIA PRIZE COMMITTEE, WILL ATTEND A DINNER IN MILAN WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY ATTENDED BY LEADERS OF THE ITALIAN SCIENTIFIC AND BUSINESS COMMUNITIES.
THE $1 348 MILLION HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME IS THE LARGEST SEA BED RESERVOIR IN THE WORLD.
WITH A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 293 MILLION CUBIC METRES, THE RESERVOIR DOUBLED HONG KONG’S WATER STORAGE CAPACITY.
CONSTRUCTION STARTED IN 1971 AND THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME WAS OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
'3 . .
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1979
INTENSIVE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN IN MONG KOK ******
MORE THAN 300 000 RESIDENTS FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES DURING AN INTENSIVE MONTH-LONG ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT STARTING SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13).
SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN WILL OFF IC I ATE/AT THE OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR. HUNG WAI-MAN.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. PETER LEE AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (MONG KOK), MISS REGINA LAU ALSO ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE.
MR. HUNG SAID A FANFARE WILL INITIATE THE OPENING AND THE PROGRAMME WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED BY A MOCK BATTLE DISPLAY BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS). THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY SHOW OF DRAGON AND LION DANCES, POLICE DOG DEMONSTRATION, +TELE-MATCHES+ AND PERFORMANCES BY TOP TELEVISION STARS AND SINGERS.
ABOUT 10 000 RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FROM THE DISTRICT WILL ATTEND THE OPENING.
OTHER PROGRAMMES DURING THE PERIOD OF THE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE SEMINAR CAMP AND LAUNCH PICNIC FOR WORKING YOUTHS, OPEN-AIR CONCERTS, VARIETY SHOWS, FILM SHOWS, SCHOOL TALKS, VISITS TO ANTI-DRUG AGENCIES AND PAINTING, SEWING, SOCCER AND BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS.
MR. HUNG SAIDi +THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE HAS PREPARED MORE THAN 100 000 POSTERS AND PAMPHLETS FOR DISTRIBUTION THROUGHOUT THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD AND HAS PUT UP A LARGE NUMBER OF ANT I-DRUG POSTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
+TOURIST COACHES AND TAXIS IN THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO CARRY ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES.♦
HE SAID AN INTENSIVE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE PRESS, ON TELEVISION AND RADIO TO TAKE THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE NOT ONLY TO RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT BUT THE WHOLE POPULATION OF HONG KONG.
/ THE CITY .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1979
THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (MONG KOK), MISS REGINA LAU TOLD THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS SECURED THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM LEADING ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
+MORE THAN 700 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MUTUAL AID AND AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIONS AND SCHOOLS HAVE STARTED THE PLANNING AND ORGANISING THE CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES FOUR MONTHS AGO.+
SHE SAID THE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN HAS THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVESi-
X TO BRING THE DRUG ABUSE ISSUE BEFORE THE PUBLIC AND TO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDES TO IT-
* TO DISSUADE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM EVER EXPERIMENTING WITH DRUGS AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE PART IN HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL ACT IVITIES-
M TO ENCOURAGE EXISTING ADDICTS, PARTICULARLY FEMALE ADDICTS, TO COME FORWARD FOR TREATMENT- AND
M TO APPEAL FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM AND IN REPORTING DRUG CRIMES.
THE MONG KOK CAMPAIGN IS THE SECOND OF THREE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ (ACAN) INTENSIVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT CAMPAIGNS THIS YEAR. THE FIRST MONTH-LONG ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN IS BEING HELD IN WAN CHAI. THE THIRD ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN WILL START IN TSUEN WAN ON NOVEMBER 18, THIS YEAR.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1979
- 5 -CONCERT BY FOU TS’ONG AND HK YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * * * *
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL GIVE ITS FIRST CONCERT ON OCTOBER 20 AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE RECENTLY.
APPEARING IN THE CONCERT WITH THE ORCHESTRA AT 8 P.M. ON THAT DAY WILL BE THE INTERNATIONALLY DISTINGUISHED PIANIST, FOU TS’ONG, WHO IS ALSO AN ADVISER TO THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE.
THE CONCERT, TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE ORCHESTRA’S PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR, MR. THOMAS WANG, IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
MR. FOU WILL APPEAR AS SOLOIST IN THE CONCERT AND WILL BE PLAYING THE PIANO CONCERTO K5O3 BY MOZART AND THE PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 BY BEETHOVEN. OTHER PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE DIA MEISTER SINGER BY WAGNER AND THE STRING SONATA NO. 3 BY ROSSINI.
TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT AT $10 AND $5 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, 224 WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON- THE SING TAO OFFICES AT LI YUEN STREET WEST, MINDEN PLAZA, OCEAN CENTRE, HUNG HOM RAILWAY TERMINAL AND MEI FOO SUN CHUEN- AND TOM LEE PIANO CO. OFFICES AT MAN YEE BUILDING, HENNESSY ROAD, CAMERON ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD.
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MAXICAB ROUTE 14 TO BE REVISED
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT MAX I CAB ROUTE NO 14 BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND BOYCE ROAD WILL BE REVISED FROM WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 10) FOLLOWING A RECENT TRANSPORT SURVEY AND NUMEROUS PUBLIC SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE SERVICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE REVISION WOULD BE FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF ONE MONTH DURING WHICH ANOTHER SURVEY WOULD BE CARRIFD OUT TO ASSESS THE OVERALL TRAFFIC LEVEL AND RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD THEN BE MADE ON WHETHER THE SERVICE SHOULD BE FRANCHISED' FOR PERMANENT OPERATION.
+THE REVISED SCHEDULE WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASED JOURNEY TIME IN VIEW OF THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ALONG BLUE POOL ROAD AND THE DIVERSION VIA HAPPY VALLEY MARKET IN SING WOO ROAD,+ HE SAID.
♦HOWEVER, A MORE DIRECT ROUTING FROM TAI HANG ROAD TO MOORSOM ROAD VIA MOUNT BUTLER ROAD AND WILSON ROAD INSTEAD OF CREASY ROAD IS PROVIDED ON OUTWARD JOURNEYS.♦
THREE MAXICABS WILL SERVE THIS ROUTE FROM 7.10 A.M. TO 8.30 P.M. WITH PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 12 MINUTES AND OFF-PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 15 MINUTES. THE FARE WILL BE INCREASED TO 60 CENTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
CONTENTS PACS NO.
MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS ON LIGHTING LIFTED .................... 1
SCHEJffi OF CONTROL FOR HEC .................................. 2
ALL PARTY GROUP OF MPS TO VISIT HK ........................... 3
INCREASE IN COMPSiSATION FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND RESUMED IN URBAN AREAS .................................. 4
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES JOIN HANDS TO HELP THE ELDERLY ...................................................... 4
APPEAL FOR STUDENTS' SUPPORT OF CHILDREN'S WARD............... 5
TITAN JOINS RHKAAF ........................................... 6
I .ADY MACLEHOSE VISITS HK ACADEMY OF BALLET ................ 7
SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROW LAND IN WAN CHAI .................. 7
BAGUIO VILLAS MAXICAB SERVICE TO BE IMPROVED ................. 8
FLUSHING WATER CUT ........................................... 8
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
- 1 -
MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS ON LIGHTING LIFTED ******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) LIFTED THE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED LAST MAY ON THE USE OF ELECTRICITY FOR ADVERTISING, FLOODLIGHTING OR DISPLAY.
COMMENTING ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAI Di +WITH THE DEMAND FOR OIL WORLD-WIDE EXPECTED TO BALANCE SUPPLY BY THE YEAR’S END PARTICULARLY AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES, IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO LIFT THE MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS IN HONG KONG.*
HOWEVER, WHILE WORLD SUPPLIES REMAIN GENERALLY UNCERTAIN IT IS STILL NECESSARY FOR THE COMMUNITY TO CONSERVE ENERGY AND FUEL.
♦GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE THE LEAD BY MOUNTING A WINTER PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN URGING MAXIMUM ECONOMIES IN THE USE OF FUEL FOR HEATING, LIGHTING, BATHING AND COOKI NG,♦ HE ADDED.
MONTHLY AVERAGE SAVINGS OF 4.75 PER CENT, 4.4 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT HAVE BEEN RECORDED SINCE THE GOVERNMENT’S FUEL SAVING CAMPAIGN BEGAN AND IT WILL BE ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN THIS LEVEL OF SAVING UNTIL THE SUPPLY OF OIL COMES MORE INTO BALANCE WITH DEMAND.
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +THE LION’S_SHARE OF THESE SAVINGS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED BY VOLUNTARY MEANS AND WHILE OIL REMAINS IN SHORT SUPPLY WE HOPE THESE EFFORTS WILL BE MAINTAINED.* *
♦THE SAVINGS ACHIEVED AS A RESULT OF IMPOSING MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF ELECTRICITY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS SO FAR IN RIDING OUr THE OIL SHORTAGE. BUT AS THE MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS HAVE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST SOME SECTORS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THEY ARE BEING LIFTED AS EARLY AS IS POSSIBLE.
♦WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO CONSIDER RE-INTRODUCING THEM WILL DEPEND ON THE EFFORTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO CONSERVE ENERGY AND FUEL.*
THE ADVERTISING, DISPLAY AND FLOODLIGHTING (RESTRICTION) ORDER 1979 WAS RESCINDED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TODAY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
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/2
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
2
SCHEME OF CONTROL FOR HEC *****
A SCHEME IS BEING INTRODUCED TO PLACE UNDER FORMAL CONTROL THE TARIFF CHARGES AND PROFITS OF THE HONGKONG ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED, THE EFFECTIVE DATE BEING MADE RETROSPECTIVE FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH THE COMPANY ON A SCHEME OF CONTROL COVERING A PERIOD OF 15 YEARS FROM JANUARY 1, 1979.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE SCHEME WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE FOR THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED AND FORMALISED THE UNOFFICIAL AGREEMENT MADE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANY IN 1965 SINCE WHEN THE COMPANY HAS OPERATED, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. WITHIN THE GENERAL PARAMETERS OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER SCHEME OF CONTROL.
+THE SCHEME FOR HONGKONG ELECTRIC IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICE TO CONSUMERS CONTINUES TO BE ADEQUATE TO MEET GROWING DEMANDS AND IS PROVIDED AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE TARIFFS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE PERMITTED RETURN ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS WILL BE BASICALLY SET AT 13.5 PER CENT. HOWEVER, A HIGHER RETURN, AT 15 PER CENT, WILL BE ALLOWED ON FIXED ASSETS ACQUIRED AFTER JANUARY, 1979 WITH ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDERS* FUNDS.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE HIGHER PERMITTED RETURN ON THE'NEW ASSETS WILL NOT RESULT IN ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN TARIFF CHARGES. +HOWEVER, IT IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THE RETENTION OF FUNDS IN THE BUSINESS WHICH IS VITAL TO THE COMPANY’S EXPANSION PLANS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
♦CARE WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE EXPANSION PLANS OF THE COMPANY ARE FULLY JUSTIFIABLE,* HE SAID.
AS WITH CHINA LIGHT AND POWER. ANY EXCESS OF NET REVENUE OVER THE PERMITTED RETURN WILL BE TRANSFERRED INTO A DEVELOPMENT FUND- ANY SHORT-FALL BETWEEN NET REVENUE AND THE PERMITTED RETURN WILL BE MADE GOOD BY A TRANSFER FROM THIS FUND.
INTEREST ON THE FUND WILL BE SET AT 8 PER CENT. IT WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE PERMITTED RETURN AND TRANSFERRED TO A ■♦RATE REDUCTION RESERVE,* TO BE USED TO REDUCE THE TARIFFS CHARGED TO CONSUMERS BY MEANS OF REBATES.
/the financial .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
- 3 -
THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY, HE SAID, WOULD BE MONITORED AND WITH THE FULL AGREEMENT OF THE COMPANY, FINANCING AND ANNUAL TARIFF AND AUDITING REVIEWS WOULD BE JOINTLY CARRIED OUT TO CHECK ESTIMATES AND PROJECTIONS IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO TARIFFS WERE JUSTIFIED.
UNDER THE SCHEME, EITHER PARTY MAY REQUEST THE MODIFICATION OF ANY OF THE TERMS AT FIVE YEARLY INTERVALS. DURING THE FINAL THREE YEARS OF THE AGREEMENT, DISCUSSIONS WILL BE INITIATED ON A REVISION AND EXTENSION OF THE SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CONFIRMED THAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN BY THE POWER COMPANIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR TO ESTABLISH INTER-CONNECTION BETWEEN SYSTEMS OF THE TWO COMPANIES.
THIS WOULD HELP TO DEFER THE NEED FOR TARIFF INCREASES ON A LONG TERM BASIS AS SAVINGS COULD BE ACHIEVED IN FUEL COSTS AS A RESULT OF THE MORE EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF GENERATING PLANT AND A DEFERMENT IN REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERATING MACHINERY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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ALL PARTY GROUP OF MPS TO VISIT HK ft ft ft ft
AN ALL PARTY GROUP OF BRITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WILL BE VISITING HONG KONG AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BETWEEN OCTOBER 22 AND 27.
THE PARTY WILL CONSIST OF SIR PAUL BRYAN (CONSERVATIVE), CHAIRMAN OF ANGLO-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, MR. IAN WRIGGLEWORTH (LABOUR), VICE CHAIRMAN OF ANGLO-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, MR. TED ROWLANDS (LABOUR) AND MR. CHRISTOPHER PATTEN (CONSERVATIVE).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDi +THE PRIME PURPOSE OF THEIR VISIT WILL BE TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH HONG KONG’S REFUGEE SITUATION.*
-•■HOWEVER, ANYONE WISHING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE THEM SHOULD CONTACT THE PROTOCOL OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 5-95212 AND THE REQUEST WILL BE PASSED ON TO THE MP’S CONCERNED,* HE ADDED.
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/4......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
- 4 -
INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND RESUMED IN URBAN AREAS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE COMPENSATION RATE FOR OLD SCHEDULED AGRICULTURAL LOTS RESUMED IN NEW KOWLOON OR ON HONG KONG ISLAND HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $58 PER SQUARE FOOT TO $65 PER SQUARE FOOT.
♦THE NEW RATE IS EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER !,♦ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THE RATE OF $600 PER SQUARE FOOT FOR OLD SCHEDULED BUILDING LAND RESUMED IN NEW KOWLOON OR ON HONG KONG ISLAND REMAINS UNCHANGED,♦ HE ADDED.
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VOLUNTARY AGENCIES JOIN HANDS TO HELP THE ELDERLY ******
MANY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE JOINING HANDS WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO INCULCATE IN YOUNG PEOPLE THE CONCEPT OF CARE AND RESPECT FOR OLD PEOPLE, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. E.P. HO SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
OPENING THE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING AUDITORIUM, MR. HO SAIDi +LIKE THE DISABLED, THE ELDERLY HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN THE COMMUNITY. THEY SHOULD NOT BE CAST ASIDE OR FORGOTTEN.♦
♦THIS FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IS AN EXCELLENT WAY OF BRINGING TOGETHER THE ELDERLY, THE MIDDLE AGED AND YOUNG PEOPLE,♦ HE SAID.
MR. HO NOTED THAT THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ESSENTIAL" AND HE URGED THAT THE SERVICES SHOULD BE CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVED.
MR. HO SAIDi +THE WHITE PAPER ’SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1980S’ PUBLISHED EARLIER THIS YEAR HAS ALREADY OUTLINED THE AREAS IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS.+
♦THE MEASURES INCLUDE IMPROVED MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, COMMUNITY NURSING, BETTER HEALTH EDUCATION AND THE PROMOTION OF GOOD HEALTH PRACTICES.+
♦A RANGE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED TO ENABLE THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN WITH THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS FOR AS LONG AS THIS IS POSSIBLE.♦
/me. ho said ......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
- 5 -
MR. HO SAID THAT THE HOME HELP SERVICE WOULD BE EXPANDED AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ESTABLISH DAY CARE CENTRES ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS.
♦MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES ARE BEING PLANNED SO THAT THE ELDERLY WOULD HAVE EASY ACCESS TO A RANGE OF SERVICES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. TO THEIR HOMES- AT LEAST SEVEN SUCH CENTRES WILL BE PROVIDED BY 1980/81,+ HE SAID.
MR. HO SAIDi ♦INSTITUTIONAL CARE WILL ALSO BE EXPANDED. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO EXPANDING CARE AND ATTENTION HOMESt 1 400 ADDITIONAL PLACES ARE PLANNED FOR BY 1982/83.
♦AN ADDITIONAL 1 600 PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN HOMES FOR THE AGED BY 1982/83. THESE PLACES WILL SUPPLEMENT THE EXISTING 34 ELDERLY RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAVE A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 3 700.
♦THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PROVIDE SOME OF THESE SERVICES DIRECTLY SO THAT THE TARGETS IN THE WHITE PAPER MAY BE ACHIEVED EARL I ER.♦
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APPEAL FOR STUDENTS’ SUPPORT OF CHILDREN’S WARD * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY (TUESDAY) APPEALED TO SCHOOL CHILDREN TO SUPPORT THE +SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WARD+ IN THE RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM BY MAKING ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
THIS WARD OF 10 COTS IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KINDS IN HONG KONG AND THE DONATIONS FROM SCHOOLS ARE FOR CHILDREN THERE WHO NEED MEDICAL CARE AND ATTENTION.
♦LAST YEAR, SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTED A SUM OF ABOUT $266 960 - A SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT AND A CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED,♦ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
HE SINCERELY HOPED THAT SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE SUPPORTED THIS PROJECT FOR OVER 20 YEARS WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THIS WARD BY INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE EFFORTS.
♦INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD AGAIN BE LIMITED TO 50 CENTS AND MUST BE ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY, BUT SCHOOLS MAY CONSIDER VARIOUS OTHER WAYS AND MEANS OF RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT THIS PRAISEWORTHY CAUSE,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE SENT, PREFERABLY BY CROSSED CHEQUES PAYABLE TO THE ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS AND THORACIC DISEASES ASSOCIATION, TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY (GENERAL) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO THE ASSOCIATION. ENVELOPES SHOULD BE MARKED +ANTI-T.B.+.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
6
TITAN JOINS RHKAAF
* * MX ft
A TWIN-ENGINED AIRCRAFT TODAY (TUESDAY) JOINED THE FLEET OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE TO STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S AERIAL SURVEILLANCE AS WELL AS SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS AT SEA.
THE 11-SEATER TITAN WAS DELIVERED TO THE AUXILIARY AIR FORCE TODAY AND WILL BE PUT INTO OPERATION AFTER A SERIES OF TEST FLIGHTS.
BUILT IN U.S. AT A COST OF 13 MILLION, THE 12-METRE-LONG AIRCRAFT HAS A RANGE OF 3 400 KM AND A CRUISING SPEED OF 360 KM/H.
IT IS FITTED WITH MODERN COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND NAVIGATIONAL AIDS INCLUDING A SEARCH RADAR WHICH CAN COVER A RANGE OF 64 KM.
THE TITAN WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE IT WAS BEST SUITED TO HONG KONG’S REQUIREMENTS.
♦WITH A COMPARATIVELY LONG FLYING RANGE, THE TITAN WILL PROVIDE THE AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WITH GREATER ABILITY TO PERFORM SURVEILLANCE PATROL AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA,+ STAFF OFFICER OF THE RHKAAF, SQN. LDR. JOHN SHAWCROSS STATED.
♦THE HIGH SPEED WILL ALSO ENABLE THE AIRCRAFT TO ARRIVE AT THE PLACE OF AN INCIDENT QUICKLY,+ HE ADDED.
SQN. LDR. SHAWCROSS POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE REFUGEE VESSEL ♦HUEY FONG+ WAS SPOTTED HEADING FOR HONG KONG IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON DECEMBER 22 LAST YEAR, THERE HAD BEEN A REGULAR NEED FOR HONG KONG TO CARRY OUT FREQUENT AERIAL PATROL OVER THAT PART OF THE OCEAN.
THESE SURVEILLANCE FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN UP TILL NOW PERFORMED BY ANOTHER FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT OF THE RHKAAF, THE ISLANDER, WHICH HAS SERVED WITH THE FORCE FOR SEVEN YEARS.
FROM NOW ON, THE NEW AIRCRAFT WILL TAKE OVER THE SURVEILLANCE ROLE FROM THE ISLANDER AND RELEASE IT FOR OTHER FLYING DUTIES.
SQN. LDR. SHAWCROSS POINTED OUT THAT THE ACQUISITION OF THE LONG-RANGE AIRCRAFT WOULD ALSO MAKE HONG KONG INDEPENDENT IN SEARCH AND RESCUE COVERAGE IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
PREVIOUSLY, HONG KONG HAD TO RELY ON AIRCRAFT FROM OTHER OVERSEAS BASES IF THE PLACE OF INCIDENT WAS TOO FAR AWAY FROM HONG KONG AND COULD NOT BE REACHED BY THE ISLANDER.
THE TITAN IS ALSO MODIFIED TO CARRY OUT AERIAL SURVEY FOR MAP MAKING PURPOSES WHEN THE ISLANDER IS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE.
♦WITH THE ADDITION OF THE TITAN, AT LEAST ONE FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT IS AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES FOR PATROL, SEARCH AND RESCUE AS WELL AS AERIAL SURVEY DUTIES,♦ SQN. LDR. SHAWCROSS SAID.
APART FROM THE TITAN AND THE ISLANDER, THE RHKAAF FLEET CONSIST OF TWO SCOTTISH AVIATION BULLDOG TRAINERS AND TWO ALOUETTE MARK III FELICOPTERS.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
- 7 -
LADY MACLEHOSE VISITS HK ACADEMY OF BALLET
*****
LADY MACLEHOSE TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE HONG KONG ACADEMY CF BALLET AND SAW STUDENTS UNDER TRAINING. SHE IS PATRON OF THE ACADEMY.
THE ACADEMY GIVES HONG KONG ITS FIRST ESTABLISHMENT TO TRAIN PROFESSIONAL DANCERS AND TEACHERS. IT WAS FORMED IN NOVEMBER 1978 AS A NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATION AND TOOK ITS SECOND GROUP OF STUDENTS IN FOR TRAINING IN SEPTEMBER 1979.
LADY MACLEHOSE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE ACADEMY BY MRS. KAY JONES, GENERAL ADMINISTRATOR AND MRS. MARY GRIFFITHS, PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL.
SHE WATCHED PART OF A STUDENTS’ CLASS CONDUCTED BY MISS PAULA LAU AND CHATTED WITH TEACHERS, DANCERS AND STUDENTS.
BEFORE LEAVING LADY MACLEHOSE WATCHED THE DANCERS IN THE ACADEMY BALLET COMPANY REHEARSING FOR THEIR FORTHCOMING PRODUCTION AT THE SHOUSON THEATRE, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
THE COMPANY IS PRESENTING +BALLET X SIX+ FROM OCTOBER 24 (STUDENTS ONLY) ARE ON SALE AT
SIX BALLETS IN A PROGRAMME CALLED TO 26. TICKETS AT $15, $10 AND S7 THE ARTS CENTRE.
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SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND IN WAN CHAI
* * * *
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT WAN CHAI RECLAMATION ON AN ANNUAL RENTAL BASIS.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2 525 SQUARE METRES, IS INTENDED FOR STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS, VEHICLES, MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND THEREAFTER MONTHLY.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD AND IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE TWO OFFICES.
CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 26.
o --------
/8
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1979
8
BAGUIO VILLAS MAXICAB SERVICE TO BE IMPROVED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE TIME-TABLE OF MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 8 BETWEEN CENTRAL AND BAGUIO VILLAS WOULD BE REVISED FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE.
♦THE NEW SCHEDULE OF SERVICE WILL IMPROVE THE BASIC FREQUENCY FROM IQ MINUTES TO BETWEEN SEVEN AND EIGHT MINUTES, AND EXTEND THE EVENING OPERATION UNTIL 9.30 P.M.,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
+TWO MORE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE SERVICE BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MAX I CABS SERVING THIS ROUTE TO EIGHT,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FROM TOMORROW ROUTE NO. 8 WOULD OPERATE FROM 6.30 A.M. TO 9.30 P.M. WITH PEAK FREQUENCIES OF SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES AND OFF-PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 10 MINUTES.
- - - - 0 --------
FLUSHING WATER CUT
*****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MOST OF THE WESTERN KOWLOON DISTRICTS WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 12 HOURS FROM 8 P.M. ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 11) TO 8 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY TO ALLOW THE REMOVAL OF WATER MAINS IN THE AREA FOR MTR PILING WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE CHEUNG SHA WAN, SHAM SHU I PO, TAI KOK TSUI, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, SHEK KIP MEI AND KOWLOON TONG.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
CONTENTS PAOS NO.
GOVT DETERMINED TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE IN HONG KONG .......... 1
SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS IMPROVE FURTHER ....................... 2
MARICED REDUCTION OF LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS NOW ESSENTIAL, SAYS GOVERNOR .............................. 3
HK STILL CARRYING GREATER BURDEN OF VR’S ..................... 5
ECONOMIC PROSPECTS PROMISING.................................. 6
BUSINESS COMMUNITY URGED TO HELP CURB INFLATION .............. 7
GOVERNMENT DECIDES ON LOWER PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION TARGET ............................................ 9
GOVERNMENT POLICIES ADAPT TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES........... 10
CENTRALISED CONTROL OVER CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN HK ............................................. 13
SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES BEING REVIEWED ............................................... 15
SURPLUS STILL EXPECTED IN 1979/80 ACCOUNTS ................... 16
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION STIMULATES STAFF CONSULTATION....... 17
EXPANSION OF LEGAL SCHEMES TO ASSIST TEE PUBLIC .............. 18
MORE LAND TO BE PUT ON MARKET ................................ 19
REVIEW OF HK’S TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS................... 19
/A TORE ....
A MORE UNIFIED APPROACH TO GOVERNMENT' S WORK IN URBaN AREA......................................................... 21
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY; EMPLOYERS, WORKERS MUST DO THEIR SHARE ................................................... 23
COMPULSORY SUPERVISION FOR YOUNG PERSONS DISCHARGED FROM PRISON PROPOSED .......................................... 24
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON COMMERCIAL-LAW ....................... 25
POLICE FORCE IN BETTER SHAPE .................................. 26
DENTAL CARE PROGRAMME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN STARTS NOVEMBER ............................................... 27
PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION GREEN PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED SOON .......................................... 28
NEW DIMENSION TO HONG KONG'S TOURIST INDUSTRY ................. 29
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO LEGCO MEMBERS ........................ 30
VALEDICTORY TO TWO RETIRED LEGCO MEMBERS ...................... 31
DISPOSERS BACK TO WORK NEXT WEEK .............................. 32
WATER CUT
32
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
1
GOVT DETERMINED TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE IN HONG KONG ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RE-EMPHASISED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION NOT TO BE DEFLECTED FROM ITS PURPOSE TO BUILD A BETTER, FULLER, AND EXPANDING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LIFE IN HONG KONG.
♦IN SUCH A GRAND DESIGN, STRETCHING OVER A DECADE OR MORE OF VARIED ENDEAVOUR, PROGRESS IS BOUND TO BE UNEVEN AS FORTUNE GOOD AND BAD AFFECTS US,+ HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, EVEN WHERE THIS YEAR THE PACE HAS EASED, WE HAVE STILL MADE PROGRESS THAT IN MOST OTHER COMMUNITIES WOULD BE CONSIDERED VERY SUBSTANTIAL. AND CONSIDERED OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS AS A WHOLE, THE PROGRESS HAD BEEN PHENOMENAL.
♦FROM THIS WE CAN DRAW BOTH HOPE AND COURAGE,+ SIR MURRAY SAID, •♦FOR I AM DEEPLY CONSCIOUS OF HOW MUCH NEEDS TO BE DONE.+
SUMMING UP HIS ADDRESS TO THE NEW SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG HAD PASSED THROUGH ANOTHER YEAR OF REASONABLE PROSPERITY ILLUMINATED BY A TRULY MAGNIFICENT EFFORT BY OUR EXPORT INDUSTRY, AND IN WHICH SUBSTANTIAL FURTHER PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE PROGRAMMES ON WHICH THE FUTURE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF HONG KONG DEPEND.
THE BULK OF THE PROGRAMMES OF SOCIAL ADVANCE WERE ON_JARGEJ AND ONlY'~WHEN CAPITAL WORKS HAVE BEEN'INVOLVED HAD SOME REPHASING-BEW"NECESSARYf5n7rH0UG^EVrN'ran-FrS^TEI^niZ0QKEHarZffim mnor an incrfasf-qf sfvfn plr cettttn real terms over the last year? ------------------
♦IF WE HAD TO PROGRESS A LITTLE SLOWER IN SOME FIELDS THAN WE HAD ONCE HOPED, IT IS THE PRICE WE HAVE HAD TO PAY TODAY FOR CONTINUED AND HEALTHY EXPANSION TOMORROW,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
NO PRUDENT GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE ACTED DIFFERENTLY, HE SAID, AND +1 HAVE ALWAYS EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR FLEXIBILITY IN IMPLEMENTING YEAR BY YEAR OUR LONG TERM PROGRAMMES.+
GIVEN FIVE OR SIX YEARS OF REASONABLE PROSPERITY ON THE ONE HAND AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSEVERANCE ON THE OTHER, HE SAID, +WE HAVE EVERY PROSPECT OF SEEING GRADUALLY EMERGE FROM THE DUST AND THE RECLAMATIONS, FROM THE CLEARANCES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES, THE NEW RAILWAYS AND HIGHWAYS, THAT TRANSFORMATION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LIFE WHICH I AM CONVINCED CAN BE AND MUST BE ACHIEVED IF HONG KONG IS TO DEVELOP TO PLAY ITS RIGHTFUL ROLE.+
SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS IN THE PROSPECT OF SEEING TWO FURTHER YEARS OF ADVANCE TOWARDS THIS GOAL THAT HE WAS PLEASED AND HONOURED TO PRESIDE OVER THE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT FOR A FURTHER TWO YEARS.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
- 2 -
SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS IMPROVE FURTHER *****
SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS, INCLUDING RELATIONS OVER HONG KONG, HAVE FURTHER IMPROVED DURING THE YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
CHAIRMAN HUA GUOFENG’S VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM LATER THIS MONTH WOULD BE THE FIRST BY SUCH A SENIOR CHINESE LEADER, HE POINTED OUT.
LOCALLY, THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF THE EXCELLENT STATE OF OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA- SIR MURRAY SAID NOTING THAT DURING THE PAST YEAR COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGZHOU BY RAIL. AIR AND SEA, HAD ALL GREATLY IMPROVED. AND HE HOPED THAT AIR LINKS WITH OTHER CITIES WOULD ALSO IMPROVE DURING THE YEAR AHEAD.
WATER SUPPLIES HAD ALSO BEEN USEFULLY AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED, AND HONG KONG LOOKED FORWARD TO FURTHER TALKS WITH THE WATER AUTHORITIES IN GUANGDONG ON HOW TO MEET INCREASED DEMAND IN THE LONGER TERM.
LAST MARCH, THE GOVERNOR AND SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN VISITED BEIJING AND GUANGZHOU ON THE INVITATION OF CHINESE LEADERS AND HELD CONSTRUCTIVE AND ENCOURAGING TALKS WITH THEM.
♦THESE, LIKE SUBSEQUENT REMARKS BY CHINESE LEADERS, REFLECTED A POSITIVE VIEW OF HONG KONG’S ROLE IN CHINA’S MODERNISATION PROGRAMME WHICH WAS BOTH CONSTRUCTIVE AND ENCOURAGING,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE SAID IT IS CLEAR THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SEES HONG KONG AS PLAYING A PART IN THEIR MODERNISATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES WHICH PROVIDE FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT.
♦CERTAINLY HONG KONG IS ABLE TO DO SO, AND PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE WILLING TO DO SO, AND THE PROCESS HAS STARTED,+ HE SAID. +OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A VERY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AND NEED FOR INVESTMENT IN GUANGDONG.♦
♦ IT IS IMPORTANT THAT BOTH AS A GOVERNMENT AND AS A BUSINESS COMMUNITY WE CONSTANTLY BEAR THESE NEW POSSIBILITIES IN MIND AND STUDY WAYS OF ADVANCING THE PROCESS - CONSISTENT, OF COURSE, WITH WHAT IS COMMERCIALLY, AND IN OTHER WAYS ACCEPTABLE,♦ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG STANDS ON THREE LEGS - ITS OWN PROSPERITY AND COHESION, CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA AND THE SUPPORT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
HE SAID THE EVOLVING SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS AS WELL AS A MORE REALISTIC APPRECIATION IN THE UK OF HONG KONG AS A MARKET, AND AS A POINT OF CONTACT WITH CHINA AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION, WOULD ADD NEW SUBSTANCE TO THE UK/HK RELATIONSHIP.
/HE NOTED .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
3
HE NOTED THAT ASSURANCES OF BRITISH SUPPORT IN ANY EVENT HAVE NEVER BEEN LACKING AND LAST YEAR IN HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.* WE HAVE HAD MOST HELPFUL AND POSITIVE SUPPORT FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.*
♦ BUT FOR OUR RELATIONSHIP TO BE SOUND IT MUST BE A IWO-WAY AFFAIR, AND BASED ON A COMMERCIAL AS WELL AS A POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP WHICH IS FELT TO BE BOTH WELCOME AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL.
♦ IT IS THEREFORE A HAPPY AUGURY THAT THE MINISTERS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG SHOULD BOTH HAVE VISITED US SOON AFTER TAKING OFFICE, AND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS IN A YEAR WHICH IT LOOKS AS IF BRITISH EXPORTS TO HONG KONG WILL BE OVER 400 MILLION POUNDS STERLING.
♦ FOR OUR PART WE HAVE RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG-BRITISH RELATIONS BY ESTABLISHING A STRONG AND VIGOROUS COMMISSION IN LONDON AND BY THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF BRITISH COMMERCIAL INTEREST IN HONG KONG AND BY CULTURAL AND OTHER EXCHANGES,♦ HE SAID.
-----0------
MARKED REDUCTION OF LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS NOW ESSENTIAL, SAYS GOVERNOR
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DISMISSED SPECULATION THAT THE LEVEL OF LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA REPRESENTED A DELIBERATE POLICY OF DILUTING LIVING STANDARDS IN HONG KONG AND DISPOSING OF UNDER-EMPLOYED POPULATION IN GUANGDONG.
♦ I BELIEVE THAT THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN RESTRICTING THE FLOW ARE GENU I NE,♦ SIR MURRAY TOLD THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦ NEVERTHELESS,♦ HE ADDED, +WE CANNOT DISREGARD THE EFFECT OF WHAT IS HAPPEN ING.♦
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG WAS SET ON A COURSE TOWARDS BECOMING A HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND RELATIVELY HIGH WAGE ECONOMY, WITH INDUSTRY STEADILY BECOMING MORE SOPHISTICATED AND THEREFORE MORE CAPITAL INTENSIVE.
♦ I BELIEVE IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE MODERNISATION PROGRAMME OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, AS WELL AS IN THE MATERIAL AND SOCIAL INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE ON THIS COURSE, JUST AS IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT OUR PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN HOUSING CONDITIONS, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL AND OTHER SERVICES SHOULD SUCCEED,+ HE SAID.
♦ TO DO SO WE MUST HAVE A REASONABLE DEGREE OF POPULATION CONTROL.♦
/SIR MURRAY .
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
4
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT SINCE JANUARY 1 LAST YEAR, THE GAIN FROM LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION HAD BEEN OF THE ORDER OF 230 000, ♦AND THE NEW RASH OF SQUATTER HUTS ON THE HILLSIDES IS THERE FOR ALL TO SEE.+
♦WHATEVER THE REASONS FOR THE RECENT INFLUX OF NEW ARRIVALS FROM CHINA, A MARKED REDUCTION IN BOTH LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS NOW, THEREFORE, ESSENTIAL.+
DURING THE 12 MONTHS FROM OCTOBER 1, 1978 TO SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR, HE SAID, ABOUT 83 000 HAD ENTERED HONG KONG LEGALLY -- ALMOST ALL OF THEM NOMINALLY ON VISITS, BUT ONLY THREE PER CENT HAD RETURNED TO CHINA.
THE DAILY ARRIVAL RATE REACHED A PEAK OF 310 FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 1978 AND IS NOW AVERAGING 170.
♦IT IS DISAPPOINTING THAT THIS FIGURE HAS NOT CONTINUED TO DROP AS WE HOPED IT WOULD AND AS WE WERE ASSURED IT WOULD,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
AS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ABOUT 60 000 HAD BEEN ARRESTED AND RETURNED TO CHINA DURING THE SAME 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM OCTOBER TO SEPTEMBER.
♦THE LARGE NUMBERS ARRESTED REFLECT GREAT CREDIT ON THE SECURITY FORCES, BUT IN SPITE OF ALL THEIR EFFORTS, THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED IN ENTERING AND JOINING THE HONG KONG POPULATION REMAINS HIGH,+ SIR MURRAY SAID. +PROBABLY FROM OCTOBER 1, 1978 TO AUGUST 31, 1979 IT WAS ABOUT 96 000.+
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG HAD SOUGHT TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BY CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AND ALSO BY REINFORCING THE GARRISON AND STRENGTHENING OTHER ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES.
♦THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TOOK HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MOVEMENT INTO HONG KONG IN JUNE AND JULY AND THE ARREST RATE DROPPED FROM A PEAK OF 465 PER DAY FOR THE MONTH OF MAY TO 20 PER DAY IN JULY.
♦HOWEVER, THE IMPROVEMENT HAS SLIPPED SIGNIFICANTLY AND ARREST RATES HAVE CLIMBED BACK TO AN AVERAGE OF 180 A DAY IN SEPTEMBER,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG WAS DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN INCREASED EFFORT ROUND THE ENTIRE LAND AND SEA PERIMETER.
RECENTLY, HE NOTED, A MILITARY HOVERCRAFT AND SMALL FAST PATROL CRAFT HAD BEEN BROUGHT OUT TO AUGMENT PRESENT STRENGTH, AND NINE NEW LARGE POLICE LAUNCHES HAVE BEEN ORDERED AND WILL BE COMMISSIONED WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR.
♦THERE WILL ALSO BE SUCH A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF GURKHA TROOPS AVAILABLE TO US BY NOVEMBER THAT IT WILL MAKE POSSIBLE THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE EXTRA UK BATTALI ON,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦IMMEDIATE FURTHER REINFORCEMENT WILL OF COURSE CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE AT VERY SHORT NOTICE FROM BRUNEI IF WE NEED THEM. BUT I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE KEY TO THIS PROBLEM LIES IN GUANGDONG.♦
- - 0---------
/5
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
5
HK STILL CARRYING GREATER BURDEN OF VR’S ******
THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG AWAITING OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT IS MORE THAN THE NUMBER OF BOAT REFUGEES ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE REGION DESPITE A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT IN THE OFF-TAKE RATE AFTER THE GENEVA CONFERENCE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID RESETTLEMENT FROM HONG KONG HAD BEEN SLOW AND THERE WAS A DANGER THAT FOLLOWING THE CONFERENCE, INTERNATIONAL INTEREST WOULD DECLINE OR FOCUS ON SOME OTHER INDO-CHINESE ISSUE WHILE IN HONG KONG THE PROBLEM REMAINED VERY MUCH WITH US AS THE FIGURES SHOWED.
♦THERE ARE STILL 65 000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG AWAITING RESETTLEMENT,♦ HE POINTED OUT.
HE SAID SINCE THE GENEVA CONFERENCE, THE RATE OF ARRIVALS, HERE AND ELSEWHERE, HAD DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY THOUGH SOME REFUGEES HAVE CONTINUED TO ARRIVE.
ONLY 12 900 REFUGEES IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN RESETTLED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦HOWEVER THE RATE HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY SINCE THE GENEVA CONFERENCE AND WE ARE NOW HOPING TO REACH AND MAINTAIN A MONTHLY DEPARTURE RATE OF AT LEAST 4 000,+ HE ADDED.
SIR MURRAY SAID IF THERE WERE NO FURTHER LARGE SCALE ARRIVALS CF REFUGEES,♦ WE CAN HOPE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL GRADUALLY DIMINISH OVER THE NEXT YEAR OR S0.+
♦THIS, OF COURSE, DEPENDS ON THE MANY RECEIVING COUNTRIES CONTINUING AND INCREASING THEIR EFFORTS, AND ON HONG KONG GETTING ITS FAIR SHARE OF RESETTLEMENT PLACES.
♦IT ALSO DEPENDS ON THE OUTWARD FLOW NOT RESTARTING. IF IT DOES, IT WOULD ONLY BE AS THE RESULT OF A DELIBERATE AND CALLOUS DECISION BY THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT.
♦THEIR ABILITY TO CONTROL THIS MOVEMENT WAS AMPLY PROVED WHEN THEY STOPPED IT AT THE TIME OF THE GENEVA CONFERENCE,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
SIR MURRAY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD DONE SO MUCH TO ASSIST IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE REFUGEE CAMPS.
THE UNHCR HAD AGREED TO COVER THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF ALL VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG FROM SEPTEMBER 1, HE SAID. UP TILL THIS DATE, THE DIRECT RECURRENT AND CAPITAL COSTS INCURRED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE REFUGEES AMOUNTED TO $66.5 MILLION.
/6
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
6
ECONOMIC PROSPECTS PROMISING *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE WAS NOT PESSIMISTIC ABOUT HONG KONG’S PROSPECTS IN 1980, DESPITE A POSSIBLE SLOW-DOWN IN ECONOMIC GROWTH IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS.
♦A SLOW-DOWN IN ECONOMIC GROWTH IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS MAY NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THERE WILL BE A SIMILAR DROP IN SALES OF THE SORT OF THINGS HONG KONG SUPPLIES,* SIR MURRAY SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT OUR EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING WERE NOW RUNNING VERY CLOSE TO THE LIMITS IMPOSED BY QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS +AND SO SUCH RAPID GROWTH IN OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AS THIS YEAR SHOULD BE DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE.*
♦THIS OF COURSE MEANS THAT TRADING UP, AND THE SEARCH FOR NEW MARKETS AND NEW PRODUCTS MUST BE UNREMITTING,* HE STRESSED.
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD IN MANY RESPECTS PERFORMED BETTER THAN EXPECTED. FUTURE PROSPECTS, THOUGH HARD TO FORECAST WITH ACCURACY, ARE FAR FROM BAD, HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED TO HONG KONG’S RE-EMERGING ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT.
♦ALTHOUGH IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO SAY CONCLUSIVELY THAT THIS DEVELOPMENT WILL CONTINUE, IT WOULD BE PRUDENT TO ASSUME THAT THE RE-EXPORT TRADE, TOGETHER WITH THE TERTIARY SERVICES IN GENERAL AND THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR AND TOURIST SECTOR IN PARTICULAR, WILL BECOME RELATIVELY MORE IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY,+ HE SAID.
ON THE OUTLOOK FOR 1980, HE SAID ECONOMIC PROSPECTS ARE UNCERTAIN, PARTICULARLY AS THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR THE WORLD CONTINUES TO BE DOMINATED BY THE OIL SITUATION.
♦ALTHOUGH PRESENT FORECASTS POINT TO A MUCH SLOWER RATE OF INCREASE IN OPEC PRICES IN 1980 THAN IN 1979, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IT WILL STILL HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL EFFECT BOTH ON WORLD INFLATION AND ON THE GROWTH RATE OF WORLD OUTPUT IN 1980.
♦WHAT THIS WILL MEAN TO HONG KONG WILL DEPEND ON A HOST OF OTHER FACTORS- BUT WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VOLUME OF WORLD TRADE IN MANUFACTURES BEING FORECAST TO SLOW DOWN FROM SEVEN PER CENT IN 1979 TO ABOUT FIVE-AND-A-HALF PER CENT IN 1980, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE EXTERNAL FACTORS AFFECTING HONG KONG MAY BE LESS FAVOURABLE,+ HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
1
TURNING TO THE PROSPECTIVE DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS, SIR MURRAY SAID THE GROWTH IN OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES WOULD BE ONLY A MEAGRE THREE PER CENT THIS YEAR, REFLECTING THE SHARPER THAN EXPECTED SLOW DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY FROM FOUR PER CENT IN 1978 TO LESS THAN TWO PER CENT IN 1979. HOWEVER, AN UPTURN IN THE UNITED STATES GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GROWTH RATE WAS EXPECTED TOWARDS THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR.
ON THE WEST GERMAN MARKET, SIR MURRAY SAID PRESENT FORECASTS POINTED TO A SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC, FROM FOUR PER CENT THIS YEAR TO LESS THAN THREE PER CENT FOR NEXT YEAR. + IF THIS SLOWING DOWN MATERIALISES, IT MAY HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR US,* HE SAID.
HONG KONG’S EXPORT PERFORMANCE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM THIS YEAR, HE SAID, WAS IMPRESSIVE DESPITE A SHARP SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF UK FROM OVER THREE PER CENT IN 1978 TO ONLY HALF A PER CENT IN 1979. THIS IS PROBABLY BECAUSE CONSUMER DEMAND IN THE UK, THOUGH SLACKENING, IS STILL GROWING AT THE RATE OF OVER FOUR PER CENT. BUT THIS IS EXPECTED TO SLOW DOWN IN 1980, SO THE PRESENT GROWTH RATE OF EXPORTS TO THE UK SEEMS UNLIKELY TO CONTINUE.
------0 ------
BUSINESS COMMUNITY URGED TO HELP CURB INFLATION * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THERE COULD BE NO RELAXATION IN OUR EFFORTS TO CONTAIN THE GROWTH CF DOMESTIC DEMAND AND INFLATION, AND CALLED ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO HELP ACHIEVE THIS GOAL.
REVIEWING HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID WHILE SOME OF OUR ECONOMIC PROBLEMS WERE BEGINNING TO SUBSIDE, SOME PERSISTED. + IN PARTICULAR, INFLATION, BOTH IMPORTED INFLATION AND DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATION, IS RUNNING AT AN UNCOMFORTABLE RATE.*
HE SAID EXCESS OVERALL DEMAND STILL PERSISTED WITH CONSEQUENT PRESSURE ON PRICES. +WITH WORLD PRICES ACCELERATING AT THE SAME TIME DUE, IN.PART, TO SHARP INCREASES IN OIL PRICES, CONSUMER PRICES IN HONG KONG ARE NOW INCREASING AT AROUND 11 PER CENT. BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS ARE INCREASING AT THE EXTRAORDINARY RATE CF NO LESS THAN 30 PER CENT TO 40 PER CENT.*
SIR MURRAY SAIDi *IT MUST BE THE OBJECT OF GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY ALIKE TO PLAY THEIR PART IN MODERATING DEMAND BEFORE EXCESS IMPOSES ITS OWN PAINFUL REMEDY.*
FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID, THIS INVOLVED THE FOREGOING CF SOME SHORT-TERM PROFIT FOR THE SAKE OF LONG-TERM STABILITY AND EVENNESS OF GROWTH.
/+THIS IS .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
8
♦THIS IS A HIGHLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY ABOUT IMPORTANT MATTERS, AND THIS IS A SITUATION WHICH CALLS FOR RESPONSIBILITY BY ALL,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT ALL THE EVIDENCE NOW INDICATED THAT IN 1979 THE TENDENCY WAS FOR ADJUSTMENT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND LISTED THE FOLLOWING WELCOMING TRENDSi
M GROWTH RATE OF DEMAND IS MORE IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY’S ABILITY TO PRODUCE AND SO THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS IS SLOWING DOWN-
* DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE GROWING QUICKLY — OUR EXPORTERS HAVE DONE A MAGNIFICENT JOB— SO THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IS NOW FASTER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS, REVERSING THE WORRYING TREND IN 1978-
* OUR VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT HAS NARROWED AND THIS, TOGETHER WITH HIGHER INTEREST RATES, IS HELPING TO STABILISE THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR-
* THERE HAS BEEN A MOST WELCOME SHIFT IN THE RE-DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES IN FAVOUR OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR-
* THE MONEY SUPPLY IS NOW GROWING AT A RATE ACTUALLY LOWER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AT CURRENT PRICES- AND
* THE GROWTH RATE OF BANK ADVANCES HAS SLOWED DOWN, THOUGH NOT YET SUFFICIENTLY.
SIR MURRAY ALSO NOTED THAT VARIOUS MEASURES WERE TAKEN IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO HELP SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF OVERALL DEMAND TO A LEVEL MORE CONSISTENT WITH THE GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY’S OUTPUT.
THESE INCLUDED A SLOW DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING PARTICULARLY WITH A VIEW TO EASING PRESSURES ON THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. STEPS WERE ALSO TAKEN TO INFLUENCE THE MONETARY AGGREGATES SO THAT THEY GREW IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH OUR ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES. THEY INCLUDED MEASURES TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF GOVERNMENT BALANCES THAT COULD BE ON-LENT BY BANKS- POWER TO ALTER MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS AND THE RAISING CF INTEREST RATES.
BUT, HE SAID, TO REDUCE OVERALL DEMAND IN AN ECONOMY LIKE HONG KONG’S IN WHICH THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS RELATIVELY SMALL, ♦CLEARLY IT IS THE ACTION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT IS IMPORTANT.+
NEVERTHELESS A CONTRIBUTION BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS ESSENTIAL AND ACCORDINGLY, tHE GROWTH RATE OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE WAS REDUCED FROM 25 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE PERIOD 1977/78 — 1978/79 TO 7.5 PER CENT IN THIS YEAR’S ESTIMATES, HE SAID.
♦THIS DECISION WAS DEVISED SO AS TO LEAVE RELATIVELY UNTOUCHED THE PLANS LAID DOWN IN WHITE PAPERS FOR THE EXPANSION OF EDUCATION, htDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, AND SOCIAL SERVICES.
♦BUT IT BORE DOWN HEAVILY ON PUBLIC WORKS, BECAUSE OF THIS VERY RAPID GROWTH, COST INFLATION, AND THE OVER EXTENSION OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY,+ HE ADDED.
_______0
/9
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
9
GOVERNMENT DECIDES ON LOWER PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION TARGET
* * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED ON A LOWER PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION TARGET OF 35 000 UNITS A YEAR BUT THIS IS STILL ABOUT DOUBLE LAST YEAR’S FIGURE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT TO ATTEMPT EVEN TO APPROACH THE ORIGINAL TARGET OF 45 000 UNITS A YEAR WOULD ONLY BE AT THE EXPENSE OF INTOLERABLE STRAIN ON THE WHOLE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONALLY 30 000 FLATS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS WELL AS CATERING FOR A WHOLE RANGE OF MASSIVE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORKS.
♦AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, AND THE REVIEW OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE GENERALLY, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED ON A LOWER TARGET OF 35 000 UNITS A YEAR FOR RENTED AND HOME OWNERSHIP ACCOMMODATION.
♦THIS IS STILL ABOUT DOUBLE LAST YEAR (FIGURE) AND AN EXTRAORDINARILY HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCTION, AND WHEN COUPLED WITH THE 30 000 UNITS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, SHOULD MAKE STEADY IN-ROADS INTO THIS CHRONIC PROBLEM OF HOUSING SHORTAGE,♦ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY NOTED IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT 70 PER CENT OF NEW FLATS PURCHASED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE FOR OWNER-OCCUPIERS.
♦NEVERTHELESS GIVEN THE DIMENSIONS OF THE NEED FOR HOUSING, ITS AGGRAVATION BY IMMIGRATION, AND THE ACUTE PERSONAL, ECONOMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS THAT WILL EXIST UNTIL IT IS MET, I WOULD BE RELUCTANT TO ACCEPT THE PRESENT BALANCE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR BUILDING AS PERMANENT, AT ANY RATE AT PRESENT PRICES.
♦IN THE SHORT TERM IT MAY BE ACCEPTABLE - WE ARE IN A SITUATION IN WHICH VIRTUALLY ALL NEW HOUSING IS BENEFICIAL -BUT WE SHOULD PONDER THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF HIGHER PRICES CHARGED FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING BEING BUILT INTO THE BUDGETS OF AN EVER WIDENING SECTION OF OUR POPULATION.
♦SIMILARLY WE MUST WEIGH THE PUBLIC ADVANTAGE OF THE DEMANDS ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY GENERALLY OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE ONE HAND AND PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION ON THE OTHER,♦ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING IMMUTABLE ABOUT THE FIGURE OF 35 000. +IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO IMPROVE ON IT. BUT SHORT OF THE MOST IMPERATIVE OF ECONOMIC SITUATIONS WE MUST NOW ALLOW OURSELVES TO DROP BELOW IT.+
/HE POINTED
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
10
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HOUSING PROGRAMME AFTER 1985 MUST BE ROLLED FORWARD PROBABLY AT ABOUT PRESENT LEVELS AND INVESTIGATION OF ADDITIONAL SITES TO TAKE THE PROGRAMME TO •DIE END OF THE 80S IS BEING UNDERTAKEN.
ON HOUSING FOR FAMILIES IN THE INCOME BAND IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THE LIMIT OF $5 000 PER MONTH FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, SIR MURRAY SAID HE HAD ORDERED A REVIEW OF THE POSITION OF THIS GROUP IN THE CONTEXT OF THE HOUSING POLICY AS A WHOLE.
HE SAID FAMILIES IN THIS INCOME BAND WERE EXPERIENCING REAL DIFFICULTIES AT THE MOMENT. +THE PROJECTED FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE SUPPLY OF FLATS OF 800 - 1 200 SQ. FT. WILL REMAIN LIMITED AND THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL THEREFORE CONTINUE FOR SOME TIME.*
+1 REALISE THAT ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS AND OUR EXISTING PRIORITIES AND COMMITMENTS MAY NOT PERMIT A COMPLETE SOLUTION, BUT CERTAINLY THE PROBLEM DESERVES CAREFUL AND IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AN ACUTE SHORTAGE OF HIGH-CLASS HOUSING HAS DEVELOPED AS A RESULT OF THE EXPANSION OF OUR FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS, AND TO SOME EXTENT IN RESPONSE TO EXPECTATIONS CREATED BY THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICIES IN CHINA.
♦WHILE THERE CAN BE NO QUICK SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, SPECIAL MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO PUT LAND ON THE MARKET SUITABLE FOR BUILDING TO MEET THIS DEMAND.
+WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING BY NEW CONSTRUCTION AND MORE INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY HOW TO REDUCE THE DEMANDS ON PRIVATELY-OWNED ACCOMMODATION MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS OWN EMPLOYEES- SO PRESSURE ON BUILDING INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE FROM MANY SIDES AND I HOPE IT WILL GEAR ITSELF TO THE DEMAND IT CAN EXPECT,* HE SAID.
-------0---------
GOVERNMENT POLICIES ADAPT TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES * * X
THE GOVERNMENT MUST ALWAYS BE READY TO ALLEVIATE GENUINE HARDSHIP AND TO ADAPT POLICIES TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE STANDING FIRM WHERE REQUESTS ARE UNREASONABLE AND EXCESSIVE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON COMPENSATION FOR LAND RESUMPTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SIR MURRAY SAIDi+IT IS NEVER POSSIBLE TO COMPENSATE PEOPLE FULLY FOR AN OFTEN UNWANTED CHANGE IN THEIR WAY OF LIFE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO OFFER COMPENSATION WHICH IS FULL AND FAIR.*
/HE POINTED ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
11
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LAND ACQUISITION CHAIRED BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN HAD BEEN PUT INTO OPERATION AND HAD WORKED WELL.
THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME HAD BEEN REDRAWN TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THOSE HOLDING LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS AND EVERY EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO KEEP THIS PROGRAMME ROLLING FORWARD, SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦NEVERTHELESS WE MUST CONTINUE TO KEEP THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE UNDER REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT IT REMAINS WORKABLE AS CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE,♦ HE ADDED.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO COMPENSATION FOR LANDOWNERS, COMPENSATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO OCCUPIERS AFFECTED BY DEVELOPMENT UNDER A SCHEDULE WHICH NOW CONTAINS NO LESS THAN 41 DIFFERENT ITEMS.
♦NO LIST, HOWEVER, CAN BE COMPREHENSIVE AND WE MUST ALWAYS BE READY TO ALLEVIATE GENUINE HARDSHIP AND TO ADAPT OUR POLICIES TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE STANDING FIRM WHERE REQUESTS ARE UNREASONABLE AND EXCESS IVE,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THERE HAD BEEN OCCASIONAL INCIDENTS IN CLEARANCES WHICH ATTRACTED ATTENTION. BUT TO PUT THESE IN PERSPECTIVE, IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT IN NORTH TSUEN WAN ALONE, OVER 20 000 PEOPLE HAD BEEN MOVED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAVE, BY THE EXERCISE OF PATIENCE AND FAIR-MINDEDNESS, ACHIEVED THIS WITH THE CONSENT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE AFFECTED.
ON DEVELOPMENT THE GOVERNOR SAID MUCH OF THE NEW PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING IS AND WILL BE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THE PACE OF THIS DEVELOPMENT A FEW YEARS AGO HAD ACCELERATED WHEREVER POSSIBLE BUT NOW IT HAD TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE OF CAPACITY RESTRAINTS.
♦THIS MEANS NOT THAT WE HAVE ABANDONED ANY PROJECTS, BUT ONLY THAT WE HAVE TO ACCEPT LATER COMPLETION OF THEM.+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID A VISIT TO SHA TIN OR TUEN MUN WOULD DISPEL ANY FEAR THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE NEW COMMUNITIES, WITH THEIR PROSPECT OF SUCH AN IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE, HAD LOST ITS MOMENTUM.
HE ALSO SAID THAT IN THE NEW TOWNS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD COMPLETE 16 000 FLATS THIS YEAR AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, ANOTHER 7 000.
♦SURELY THIS IS PROGRESS,♦ SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT.
/HE SAID .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
12
HE SAID THAT NONE OF THE HOUSING AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND LANDSCAPED SURROUNDINGS WOULD BE OF ANY VALUE WITHOUT EMPLOYMENT AND THAT THE NEW TOWNS WERE NOT INTENDED AS DORMITORIES.
♦SO THE PROGRESS OF INDUSTRY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS VITAL. UP TO SEPTEMBER 30, 748 000 SQUARE METRES OF FACTORY ACCOMMODATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED THIS YEAR AND ABOUT 50 000 SQUARE METRES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND HAVE BEEN SOLD,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THESE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREAS, STAGE I OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE HAD BEEN COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE, 20 FACTORY SITES HAD BEEN LET AND FOUR MORE EXPECTED TO BE LET SOON, AND THE FIRST FACTORY WOULD OPEN IN THE SPRING.
♦STAGE I I OF THE ESTATE SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR. IN THE WEST, AT YUEN LONG, A SECOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WILL PROVIDE 72 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL SITES BY MID-1982, WITH THE FIRST PHASE DUE FOR COMPLETION EARLY IN 1980.
♦THESE SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL AREAS ARE BOUND TO HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL EFFECT ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY OF THE NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SPOKE ON THE ADMINISTRATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THE LOCAL FOCUS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND CONSULTATION WAS BECOMING WELL ESTABLISHED.
♦THE TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES BRING TOGETHER ALL DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A TOWN AND SO ACHIEVE A LOCAL APPROACH. THIS SEEMS TO ME ENTIRELY RIGHT.
♦HONG KONG NOW INCLUDES TOO MANY TOWNS AND DISTINCTIVE AREAS OF TOO GREAT A SIZE AND OF TOO MUCH INDIVIDUALITY FOR LOCAL NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS TO BE MET ENTIRELY FROM CENTRALISED DEPARTMENTS WITHOUT STRONG LOCAL REPRESENTATION,+ HE SAID.
THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS, WHICH HAD BEEN PROVIDING THE COMMITTEES WITH A FORUM FOR LOCAL CONSULTATION SINCE 1977, HAD ESTABLISHED FOR THEMSELVES A FULL AND INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, SIR MURRAY SAID.
THEY WERE ALSO BRINGING TOGETHER THE TRADITIONAL INHABITANTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF NEWCOMERS, HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID NEW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES HAD BEEN SET UP IN SHA TAU KOK, LAMMA ISLAND AND CHEUNG CHAU TO EXTEND THE CONCEPT OF LOCAL CO-ORDINATION TO OTHER AREAS WHICH HE HOPED WILL SOON COVER ALL THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
13
CENTRALISED CONTROL OVER CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN HK M M X X M M
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO CENTRALISE THE EXECUTIVE CONTROL OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, WHO IS ALREADY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL POLICY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE IN HONG KONG, WILL TAKE INTO HIS BRANCH THE EXECUTIVE CONTROL OF THE TWO OFFICES.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE SPEED OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE DRAMATIC GROWTH IN THEIR POPULARITY, HAD LED TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE REQUIRED.
♦LATER A NEW EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT MAY BE CONSIDERED,+ HE ADDED.
BOTH THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE WERE TEMPORARILY HOUSED IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THOUGH THE TWO HAVE THEIR SEPARATE OBJECTIVES, SIR MURRAY SAID, UNDERLYING THE WORK OF BOTH IS THE CREATION OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT THROUGH PROVISION FOR COMMUNAL LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES.
AS PART OF THE REARRANGEMENT, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WILL ALSO TAKE OVER THE POLICY ASPECTS OF RECREATION IN COUNTRY PARKS SO THAT ALL RECREATION POLICY WILL BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ONE SECRETARY.+
HOWEVER, HE SAID THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE IN ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF COUNTRY PARKS WHICH WERE WORKING SO WELL.
SIR MURRAY SINGLED OUT THREE ITEMS OF CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES WHICH HAVE MADE EXCEPTIONAL PROGRESS IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT.
THE FIRST IS THE YOUTH INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE UNDER THE GENERAL SUPERVISION OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
THE SCHEME AIMS FIRSTLY TO DEVELOP THE INSTRUMENTAL SKILLS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND SECONDLY TO BRING MUSIC TO A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE POPULATION.
/+THE SCHIME...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
- 14 -
♦THE SCHEME HAS EXPANDED RAPIDLY AND A TOTAL OF 266 CLASSES ARE NOW HELD WEEKLY. SEVEN YOUTH ORCHESTRAS BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THIS OFFICE AND TWO OF THESE HAVE JUST COMPLETED A TOUR OF 17 CITIES IN GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE. THEY WON GOLDEN OPINIONS BOTH AS MUSICIANS AND AS AMBASSADORS FOR HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
THE SECOND ITEM IS THE IMPRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
♦FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS AT THE END OF 1974, WHEN THE SERVICE INCLUDED ONLY NINE PROFESSIONAL STAFF, IT HAS GROWN TO AN ESTABLISHMENT OF 135 PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS, AND HUNDREDS MORE PART-TIME STAFF HELP TO RUN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE SAID SOME 350 000 PARTICIPANTS ANNUALLY TAKE PART IN OVER 2 700 PROJECTS, RANGING FROM THE VERY POPULAR CAMPS, EXCURSIONS AND OTHER OUTDOOR PURSUITS, TO FITNESS PROGRAMMES, TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL GAMES, AND INCLUDING SUCH +GROWTH+ AREAS AS DANCE, ICE-SKATING, HORSE-RIDING AND ARCHERY.
THE THIRD IS THE COUNTRY PARKS.
SIR MURRAY SAID TO MEET A VERY HEALTHY DEMAND THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAD COMPLETED ITS DESIGNATION PROGRAMME 18 MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, AND 21 COUNTRY PARKS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED COVERING ALMOST 40 PER CENT OF HONG KONG'S TOTAL AREA.
♦THIS DESIGNATION HOLDS THE LINE, AND PREVENTS ENJOYMENT OF THE ATTRACTIONS OF THESE AREAS BEING PRE-EMPTED BY DEVELOPMENT EXCEPT AFTER DEFINED PROCESSES OF CONSIDERATION,* HE SAID.
♦THE AUTHORITY’S MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE IS BEING STEADILY EXPANDED SO AS TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF HOW TO PROTECT AND KEEP UNDEFILED, AS WELL AS TO DEVELOP, BEAUTIFY, AND ENCOURAGE THE PROPER USE OF THESE GREAT AREAS,+ HE ADDED.
♦IF IMAGINATIVELY DEVELOPED AND PROPERLY USED AND MAINTAINED, THESE PARKS SHOULD BECOME ONE OF THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF HONG KONG,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
15
SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES BEING REVIEWED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN REVIEWING THE PRESENT SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AND A REPORT IS EXPECTED SHORTLY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ANY CHANGES WERE MADE.
REFERRING TO THE REGIONALISATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +THE NEW STRUCTURE IS WORKING SMOOTHLY AND DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS ARE ABLE TO KEEP IN CLOSER TOUCH WITH BOTH DISTRICT OFFICERS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND OTHERS INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY WORK IN THEIR REGIONS.♦
SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION SERVICES PUBLISHED IN 1977 AND THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE PUBLISHED THIS YEAR HAD OUTLINED DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR HONG KONG’S SOCIAL WELFARE AND SECURITY SYSTEM.
♦THE PLANS ARE NOT IMMUTABLE AND WILL BE REVIEWED AND ADJUSTED FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT THEY DO GIVE US A CLEAR FRAMEWORK FOR EXPANSION AND A DEFINED TIMESCALE FOR ACTION AND IMPROVEMENT,* HE SAID.
♦SHORTAGE OF TRAINED MANPOWER WILL CONTINUE TO RESTRICT PROGRESS FOR SOMETIME, BOTH IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD AND IN THAT OF REHABILITATION, AND LATER IN THE DEBATE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WILL BE EXPLAINING WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT,+ SIR MURRAY ADDED.
♦SUBJECT TO THIS, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANS IS PROCEEDING WELL.+
SIR MURRAY SAID THE NEW TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME HAD ALREADY PROVED A USEFUL ADDITION TO HONG KONG’S WELFARE SYSTEM.
THE SCHEME, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY, PROVIDES IMMEDIATE CASH ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF FAULT OR INCOME LEVEL.
CONCERNING PROPOSALS IN A GREEN PAPER FOR A VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTORY SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME, SIR MURRAY SAID THEY WERE STILL BEING DISCUSSED AND NO CONCLUSION HAD YET BEEN REACHED ON THE BEST WAY TO PROCEED.
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/16......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
16
SURPLUS STILL EXPECTED IN 1979/80 ACCOUNTS
* M * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR ARE STILL EXPECTED TO SHOW A SURPLUS BUT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SAY AT THIS STAGE HOW CLOSELY IT WILL COINCIDE WITH THAT PROVIDED FOR IN THE BUDGET, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REVIEWING THE PUBLIC FINANCES, SIR MURRAY SAID REVENUE COLLECTIONS SO FAR THIS YEAR HAVE EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS AT THE TIME OF THE BUDGET AND ARE FORECAST TO SURPASS THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE.
+BUT ANY INCREASED REVENUE WILL BE ABSORBED IN MEETING INCREASED EXPENDITURE ON BOTH THE RECURRENT AND CAPITAL ACCOUNTS,+ HE SAID.
ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THE ESTIMATES IS BEING INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE 1979 CIVIL SERVICE SALARY AWARDS- THE INTRODUCTION OF HIGHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES- AND A RISE IN PAYMENTS UNDER THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT FOLLOWING PAY AWARDS TO THE ARMED SERVICES AND AS A RESULT OF THE APPRECIATION OF THE POUND STERLING.
SIR MURRAY SAID IT HAD ALSO BEEN NECESSARY TO UNDERTAKE CONSIDERABLE COMMITMENTS, NOT FORESEEN WHEN THE ESTIMATES WERE PREPARED, IN COUNTERING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA AND DEALING WITH THE INFLOW OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM.
THIS HAS INCLUDED REINFORCEMENT OF THE GARRISON, ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, THE REPLACEMENT OF POLICE LAUNCHES, AND PROVISION FOR REFUGEES.
ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT, SIR MURRAY SAID TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WAS LIKELY TO BE ABOUT 25 PER CENT GREATER THAN PROVIDED FOR IN THE ESTIMATES.
♦THIS IS DUE TO SOME ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS ON SUCH THINGS AS REFUGEE CAMPS AS WELL AS TO SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN CONSTRUCTION COSTS,+ HE SAID.
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/17 ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979 - 17 -
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION STIMULATES STAFF CONSULTATION * * *
THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE SET UP IN JANUARY THIS YEAR HAS STIMULATED STAFF CONSULTATION, AND THERE IS NOW A MUCH MORE SATISFACTORY DIALOGUE BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT THAN A YEAR AGO, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAIDt + IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE GO ON IMPROVING CONSULTATIVE ARRANGEMENTS AND I AM GLAD THAT THE STANDING COMMISSION EXPECTS TO STUDY THIS IN DEPTH AND REPORT NEXT YEAR.+
ON STAFF MANAGEMENT, HE SAID GENERALLY THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF HEART-SEARCHING AT ALL LEVELS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
♦MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE, BUT ALREADY MANY DEPARTMENTS HAVE IMPROVED SUCH THINGS AS COMMUNICATIONS WITH STAFF, CAREER DEVELOPMENT, DISCIPLINE AND GENERAL SUPERVISION.
♦THE STAFF RELATIONS DIVISION OF CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAS LIKEWISE EXPANDED ITS CONTACTS WITH ALL LEVELS OF STAFF,♦ HE ADDED.
ON THE PROPOSED HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, SIR MURRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO DEVELOP A PRACTICAL SCHEME FOR THE BENEFIT OF AS MANY STAFF AS POSSIBLE. +THIS MAY NOT BE THE BEST TIME TO LAUNCH A HOME PURCHASE SCHEME, BUT IT IS IN MY VIEW IMPORTANT THAT WE MAKE A START AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO USE THE STANDING COMMISSION AND A NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
HE THANKED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN FOR HIS INDEFATIGABLE LEADERSHIP AND HIS FELLOW COMMISSIONERS FOR THEIR ABLE EFFORTS.
THE COMMISSION’S FIRST MAJOR REPORT ON PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING CIVIL SERVICE PAY HAS ALREADY BEEN RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND IT IS NOW CERTAIN THAT THE COMMISSION WILL HAVE COMPLETED ITS SECOND MAJOR REPORT ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY BY THE END OF THIS MONTH. +THIS IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT BY ALL CONCERNED,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
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/18....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
18
EXPANSION OF LEGAL SCHEMES TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC
*****
A THIRD CENTRE FOR THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME WILL SOON BE OPENED IN NORTHEAST KOWLOON, THE DUTY LAWYER SCHEME TO BE REVIEWED TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR TO SEE IF EXPANSION IS REQUIRED, AND MORE PEOPLE ARE NEEDED FOR THE LAY ASSESSORS SCHEME.
THESE WERE REVEALED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE REVIEWED THE VARIOUS LEGAL SCHEMES AIMED AT A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW AND A BETTER ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME ON CIVIL MATTERS, ADMINISTERED BY THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, HAS PROVED VERY POPULAR.
IT STARTED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR IN EASTERN AND MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, AND UP TO THE END OF AUGUST THIS YEAR, OVER 1 000 PEOPLE HAVE OBTAINED ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE IN THE TWO CENTRES WHICH ARE SERVED BY 150 LAWYERS ON A ROSTER BASIS WITH ENTHUSIASTIC ASSISTANCE FROM LAW STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE DUTY LAWYER SCHEME WHICH IS ALSO ADMINISTERED BY THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION +HAS QUICKLY ESTABLISHED A REPUTATION FOR FAIR AND HONEST REPRESENTATION OF DEFENDANTS’ INTERESTS AND VERY FEW DEFENDANTS HAVE DECLINED TO USE IT, + SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE SCHEME STARTED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR INITIALLY IN THREE MAGISTRACIES, ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND TWO IN KOWLOON. IT IS SERVED BY ABOUT 100 PRACTISING SOLICITORS AND BARRISTERS AND HAS PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO SOME 2 850 PERSONS DURING THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF ITS OPERATION.
ON THE LAY ASSESSORS SCHEME UNDER WHICH BILINGUAL PEOPLE WELL-EQUIPPED WITH KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL CUSTOM AND TRADITIONS AND CURRENT COMMUNITY FEELINGS ARE APPOINTED TO SIT WITH EXPATRIATE MAGISTRATES, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +MANY MORE ARE NEEDED, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO INVITE THOSE WILLING AND CAPABLE TO COME FORWARD TO JOIN US IN THIS VERY USEFUL VENTURE.+
UNDER THE SCHEME, ABOUT 200 PERSONS FROM A VARIETY OF SOCIAL BACKGROUNDS WERE APPOINTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR AND THEY HAVE SAT WITH EXPATRIATE MAGISTRATES HEARING CASES INVOLVING DANGEROUS DRUGS, ROBBERY AND BURGLARY, THEFT, COMMON ASSAULT AND TRAFFIC OFFENCES.
SIR MURRAY CONGRATULATED MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION ON THE SUCCESS OF THESE SCHEMES AND GIVING SO GENEROUSLY OF THEIR TIME.
♦TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION, AND PERHAPS EXPANDED THESE SCHEMES SHOULD HELP TO BRIDGE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL GAP THAT LIES BETWEEN MUCH OF THE POPULATION AND THE PROCEDURES OF BRITISH LAW,+ HE SAID.
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/19......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
- 19 -
MORE LAND TO BE PUT ON MARKET ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY AT LEAST 40 NET HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL AND 80 HECTARES OF NON-INDUSTRIAL LAND WILL HAVE BEEN PUT ON THE MARKET BEFORE MARCH 31, 1982.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID THE INDUSTRIAL LAND SHOULD YIELD SOME 3 500 000 SQUARE METRES OF INDUSTRIAL FLOOR SPACE, OR AN ADDITION OF ABOUT 45 PER CENT TO THE PRESENT STOCK. THE NON-INDUSTRIAL LAND, HE ADDED, HAS A POTENTIAL FOR ABOUT 55 000 FLATS OF VARIOUS SIZES BESIDES OFFICES AND OTHER COMMERCIAL PREMISES.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE INDUSTRIAL LAND WAS IN ADDITION TO THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION’S PRODUCTION, AND THE LARGE AREAS BEING FORMED FOR THE TWO NEW POWER STATIONS AT TAP SHEK KOK AND LAMMA ISLAND, AS WELL AS THE SITES UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR HIGH CLASS HOUSING.
THESE LAND PRODUCTION FIGURES ARE GREATER THAN THOSE ACHIEVED IN THE PAST, SIR MURRAY SAID, BUT THERE WAS A NEED TO MAKE FURTHER PLANS NOW TO OPEN UP NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS TO PROVIDE A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND FOR THE SALES PROGRAMMES IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
♦IF CONTINUITY IS TO BE MAINTAINED, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO START WORK SOON ON BOTH AN EXTENSION OF SHA TIN UP THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE COVE, AND ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY,* HE SAID,.
SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO SAY AT THIS STAGE TO WHAT EXTENT RESOURCES FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD CONFLICT WITH THOSE FOR OTHER WORKS WHICH HAVE BEEN REPHASED OR ARE OF HIGH PRIORITY.
♦BUT CLEARLY FAILURE TO SPEND NOW ON LAND PRODUCTION WOULD SERIOUSLY RESTRICT OUR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. NORTH LANTAU, OF COURSE, REMAINS AN ULTIMATE POSSIBILITY BUT WE AWAIT THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT,♦ HE ADDED.
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REVIEW OF HK’S TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THE OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, WHEN COMPLETED BY MID-1981, WOULD DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE ACCESS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
IT WOULD ALSO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON DEVELOPMENT POSSIBILITIES ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, SIR MURRAY SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY HAS ALREADY OPENED ON TIME AND WITHIN THE BUDGET, HE POINTED OUT.
/+THE SECOND
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
20
♦THE SECOND STAGE, AS FAR AS TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL OPEN AT THE END OF DECEMBER AND THE THIRD STAGE, ACROSS THE HARBOUR, IN FEBRUARY --- THAT IS WELL AHEAD OF SCHEDULE,* SIR MURRAY
SAID.
HE SAID THE EARLY COMPLETION WITHIN THE ESTIMATED COST WOULD BE A UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENT FOR SO COMPLEX A DEVELOPMENT. CALLING THE MTR AS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING TRANSPORT HAPPENINGS IN HONG KONG FOR MANY YEARS, THE GOVERNOR CONGRATULATED THE CHAIRMAN, THE BOARD, THE STAFF AND THE MANY CONTRACTORS.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED THE GOVERNMENT’S APPRECIATION OF THE PATIENCE OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED IN ONE WAY OR THE OTHER BY THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
+ONCE EVERYTHING IS BACK IN PLACE, WE MUST MAKE A MAJOR EFFORT TO GET THE STREETS NEATER AND CLEANER THAN THEY HAVE EVER BEEN BEFORE. LET US BE AS QUICK TO RESTORE ORDER AND COMFORT AS WE WERE TO DESTROY IT UNDER COMPULSIONS OF THE RAILWAY’S CONSTRUCTIONS, I LOOK TO ALL CONCERNED TO SEE THAT THIS IS DONE,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SPEAKING ON OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT, HE SAID THAT:
* A MORE LIKELY TIMING OF THE COMPLETION OF DOUBLE-TRACKING AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IS ABOUT THE END OF 1982-
* THE LIGHT RAILWAY TRANSIT SYSTEMS ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR HONG KONG ISLAND AND FOR TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG, AND
* STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN, WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE TWO 'BUS COMPANIES, TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE BUS SERVICES.
SIR MURRAY REPORTED THAT MUCH PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE ROAD PROGRAMME.
HE SAID THAT MAJOR PROJECTS WHICH HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED OR WERE DUE FOR COMPLETION OVER THE COMING YEAR WERE THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE, THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, THE TUEN MUN BY-PASS, AND FLYOVERS AT STUBBS ROAD, ROBINSON ROAD/GLENEALY AND POK FU LAM ROAD/HILL ROAD.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY, WAS COMMISSIONING AN INVESTIGATION INTO EXPANDING CROSS-HARBOUR TRANSPORT BOTH IN THE SHORT AND THE LONGER TERM.
♦ALTHOUGH, AS I HAVE EXPLAINED, A GREAT DEAL IS BEING DONE, THE ROAD PROGRAMME WAS QUITE HEAVILY AFFECTED BY REPHASING OF THE P-UBLIC WORKS TO REDUCE THE GROWTH RATE OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE AND THE DEMANDS IT WAS MAKING ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
/THE PROJECTS .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
21
THE PROJECTS WHICH HAVE HAD TO BE DEFERRED FOR THE TIME BEING INCLUDEi
* THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR-
* THE SHA TIN/TAI PO COASTAL ROAD-
* THE COMPLETION OF THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY-
* THE WIDENING OF PRINCESS MARGARET FLYOVER, AND
* THE SECOND STAGE OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
+THESE PROJECTS ARE ALL BADLY NEEDED AND DELAY IS FRUSTRATING, BUT IT IS PART OF THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID TO ENSURE CONTINUING ECONOMIC HEALTH,* SIR MURRAY ADDED.
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A MORE UNIFIED APPROACH TO GOVERNMENT’S WORK IN URBAN AREA ******
THE TIME HAS COME TO ATTEMPT A MORE UNIFIED APPROACH BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO THEIR WORK IN URBAN REGIONS AND A CLEARER PERCEPTION OF WHAT THE LOCAL NEEDS OF A PARTICULAR AREA ARE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AND AS A FIRST STEP, HE SAID, IT WAS PROPOSED TO STRENGTHEN THE KWON TONG CITY DISTRICT OFFFICE IN MUCH THE SAME WAY AS DISTRICT OFFICES IN NEW TOWNS WERE STRENGTHENED BY THE CREATION CF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES.
♦ AS IN THE NEW TOWNS THE OBJECT WILL BE TO ENSURE THAT THE TOTAL GOVERNMENT EFFORT IN THAT AREA IS BETTER CO-ORDINATED AND DIRECTED TO THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO LIVE THERE, AND SECURE QUICKER ACTION IN RESOLVING LOCAL PROBLEMS,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦ IT WILL ALSO BE OUR AIM TO ACHIEVE, AS IN THE NEW TOWNS, INVOLVEMENT OF A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF RESPONSIBLE LEADERS IN THE PROCESS OF ADVISING, WARNING AND STIMULATING THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT ADMINISTRATION IN THEIR OWN AREA.
♦ THIS WILL MEAN REVIEWING EXISTING CONSULTATIVE SYSTEMS IN THE KWUN TONG DISTR ICT,♦ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY MADE IT CLEAR THAT THIS DEVELOPMENT WAS NOT INTENDED TO AND WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENCROACH ON THE WORK OF EXISTING STATUTORY AUTHORITIES WORKING IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING THE URBAN COUNCIL.
♦ ITS OBJECTIVES WILL BE SIMPLY TO ENSURE QUICKER REGIONAL CO-ORDINATION OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES, WORKS AND ADMINISTRATION, AND ARRANGEMENTS TO CONSULT KWUN TONG PEOPLE ABOUT THEM,+ HE SAID.
/THE GOVERNOR .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
22
THE GOVERNOR ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO BE IN DAY TO DAY TOUCH WITH PUBLIC OPINION AND TO RESPOND TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IN DRAWING UP ITS POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES.
ONE METHOD IS THE CONSULTATIVE SYSTEM WHICH OPERATES THROUGH COMMITTEES ON WHICH OFFICIALS AND UNOFFICIALS SIT TOGETHER TO CONFER ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
♦IT IS WELL KNOWN, WELL TRIED AND OF LONG STANDING, AND AT ITS BEST PRODUCES A VERY HEALTHY EXCHANGE OF IDEAS,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
BUT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS THE GOVERNMENT HAD PAID INCREASING ATTENTION TO THE VIEWS OF THE MAN-IN-THE-STREET ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS GENERALLY AND IN PARTICULAR TOWARDS POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES THAT WERE LIKELY TO HAVE A DISRUPTIVE EFFECT ON HIS DAILY LIFE, HE SAID.
♦THE VERY URGENCY WITH WHICH WE PRESS FORWARD OUR PROGRAMMES IMPOSES UPON US AN OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THAT THE IMPACT OF THESE UPON INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE IS CONSIDERED, AND DEALT WITH IN A WAY THAT HAS BROAD PUBLIC CONSENT,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SCHEME, ESTABLISHED IN 1968, WAS POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC FROM THE OUTSET, AND LAST YEAR WELL OVER THREE MILLION PEOPLE SOUGHT ADVICE OR HELP AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, HE POINTED OUT.
SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS FROM THESE SAME OFFICES THAT THE AREA COMMITTEES AND THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WERE STARTED. ♦THESE HAVE PLAYED A MOST VALUABLE ROLE IN INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DIRT AND CRIME- THEY HAVE NOTABLY ASSISTED PEOPLE IN ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN HIGH-RISE HOUSING ESTATES AND HAVE PROVIDED A LARGE NEW CROSS-SECTION OF OPINION EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO DISTRICT OFFICERS.
HE SAID IT WAS ALSO ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CDO SCHEME TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE URBAN AREAS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL AND TO ENSURE THAT ACTION WOULD NOT GO BY DEFAULT AS A RESULT OF UNSATISFACTORY CO-ORDINATION.
♦UNLIKE THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH HAD ALWAYS BEEN ADMINISTERED ON A REGIONAL BASIS WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICERS ACTING AS A FOCAL POINT FOR PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION, THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON HAD LARGELY BEEN SERVED BY DEPARTMENTS THAT DIRECTED THEIR FIELD OPERATIONS FROM CENTRALLY LOCATED OFF ICES,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT IN SPITE OF THE GOOD WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE SINCE 1968 TO ACHIEVE BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF GOVERNMENT EFFORT, THE TIME HAD COME FOR A MORE UNIFIED APPROACH AND A CLEARER PERCEPTION OF WHAT THE LOCAL NEEDS OF A PARTICULAR AREA ARE -WHETHER THIS IS A DISTRICT, OR GROUP OF DISTRICTS, OR EVEN PART OF A DISTRICT.
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/23....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
23
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY! EMPLOYERS, WORKERS MUST DO THEIR SHARE *******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EMPHASISED The need for employers and workers to do THEIR share to reduce the HIGH NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
♦THE GOVERNMENT IS PLAYING ITS PART BY PROGRESSIVELY ENACTING THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION AND IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS ENFORCEMENT MACHINERY, BUT IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS TOO TO PLAY THEIR RESPECTIVE ROLES IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE UNACCEPTABLY HIGH NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS,♦ HE SAID.
ADDRESSING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY IS TO ENACT AND ENFORCE SAFETY LEGISLATION AND TO UNDERTAKE SAFETY EDUCATION. +THE EMPLOYERS’ RESPONSIBILITY IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND TO INSTRUCT THEIR EMPLOYEES IN SAFE PRACTICES- THE WORKERS’ RESPONSIBILITY IS TO ABIDE BY THE SAFETY RULES AND TO USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR THEM.+
SIR MURRAY SAID THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY SET UP TO REVIEW THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WERE BEING CONSIDERED AND THE MORE URGENT PROPOSALS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE PHASED PROGRAMME TO PROHIBIT OVERTIME IN INDUSTRY FOR YOUNG PERSONS AGED 16 AND 17 WOULD BE COMPLETED BY JANUARY 1, 1980 BUT THE EFFECT ON INDUSTRY WOULD BE MINIMAL.
ON THE SILICOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEME APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST YEAR, SIR MURRAY SAID THE SCHEME HAD PROVED UNEXPECTEDLY DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT, BUT DETAILS OF A REVISED SCHEME HAD JUST BEEN FINALISED AND AMENDING LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED.
TURNING TO INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, HE SAID THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING WAS RECOGNISED BY BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY. +THE ADVICE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION HAS THEREFORE BEEN SOUGHT ON THE TRAINING COUNCIL’S PROPOSAL TO FINANCE TRAINING THROUGH A GENERAL LEVY,+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
24
COMPULSORY SUPERVISION FOR YOUNS PERSONS DISCHARGED FROM PRISON PROPOSED
*****
AN AMENDMENT TO THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE FOR COMPULSORY SUPERVISION FOR YOUNG PERSONS DISCHARGED FROM PRISON, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REVIEWING LAW AND ORDER IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING AFTERCARE SCHEMES FOR FORMER INMATES OF DETENTION CENTRES, TRAINING CENTRES AND DRUG TREATMENT CENTRES.
HE WAS GLAD THAT DESPITE AN OVERALL POPULATION INCREASE OF 14 PER CENT SINCE 1974, THERE WAS A DECLINE IN INMATE POPULATION FROM 7 000 IN 1974 TO 6 600 IN 1978 AND MORE THAN 6 000 CURRENTLY.
HE ALSO PRAISED THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT FOR PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE CORRECTIONAL SERVICE FOR THE INMATES DESPITE ITS ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF LONG TERM PRISONERS AND HIGH SECURITY PRISONERS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM AND ADDITIONAL SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION WAS BECOMING OF INCREASINGLY HIGH PRIORITY.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE PROGRAMME TO EXPAND PRISON INDUSTRIES IS PROCEEDING SATISFACTORILY. MOST OF THE KEY SPECIALIST STAFF HAVE BEEN APPOINTED, AND THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL BE GIVEN GREATER FREEDOM IN THE PURCHASE OF RAW MATERIALS THUS ENABLING IT TO RESPOND MORE QUICKLY TO ORDERS FROM CLIENT DEPARTMENTS.
ON THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION, SIR MURRAY SAID THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF A REVIVAL OF LARGE CORRUPTION SYNDICATES, BUT THERE WAS PLENTY OF EVIDENCE OF CORRUPT INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS OPERATING WITHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, THE SCHEDULED BODIES AND IN PRIVATE FIRMS. CONSEQUENTLY, WIDE SPREAD AND INTENSE INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE TO BE CONDUCTED.
♦THESE ARE GREATLY ASSISTED BY THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS BOTH FROM THE PUBLIC AND FROM WITHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE ITSELF PREPARED PERSONALLY TO REPORT CORRUPTION TO THE COMMISSION,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE WARNED THAT THE GREATEST DANGER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IS COMPLACENCY AND SAID THOUGH WE WERE NOW ON TOP OF CORRUPTION, +IT IS STILL ALIVE, STILL DANGEROUS AND ONLY CONSTANT VIGILANCE WILL WEAR DOWN ITS ABILITY TO HARM US.+
REVIEWING THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS, SIR MURRAY SAID THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG’S CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ADDICTION CONTINUED.
/♦INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, .
WEDN]
•AT, OCTOBER 10, 1979
25
♦INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, IMPROVED INTERDICTION BY BOTH THE CUSTOMS SERVICE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, VOLUNTARY AND COMPULSORY TREATMENT OF ADDICTS, AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, HAVE ALL PLAYED THEIR PART.
♦BUT THIS YEAR FAILURE OF THE POPPY CROP IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE HAS ALSO HAD A DRAMATIC EFFECT. THE COMBINATION OF ALL THESE FACTORS HAS INCREASED THE PRICE OF HEROIN IN HONG KONG BY 900 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.
AS A RESULT, SIR MURRAY OBSERVED. ATTENDANCE AT METHADONE CLINICS HAS INCREASED BY 80 PER CENT SINCE JANUARY, AND THE NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS IN DAILY TREATMENT, REHABILITATION, OR AFTER-CARE HAS RISEN TO 15 000.
IN ADDITION, THE NUMBER OF PERSONS FOUND TO BE ADDICTED WHEN ENTERING PRISON DROPPED FROM 5 400 IN 1973 TO 4 700 IN 1976 AND IS LIKELY TO BE ABOUT 2 000 BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. DURING THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS, THE NUMBER OF THOSE UNDER 21 TREATED IN DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES HAS DROPPED FROM 260 TO 186 AND TO 65 THIS YEAR.
♦THIS IS THE TREND FOR WHICH MANY HAVE WORKED LONG AND HARD,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
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LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON COMMERCIAL LAW
X * * * X K
A NUMBER OF LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON COMMERCIAL LAW TO ENSURE-A GREATER FLOW OF INFORMATION TO POTENTIAL INVESTORS WD PROVIDE GREATER PROTECTION FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF LISTED PUBLIC COMPANIES WILL BE PUT BEFORE THE NEW SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROPOSAL WOULD BE A MAJOR REVISION OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
♦MOST OF THE CHANGES INVOLVE UP-DATING THE LAW TO PROVIDE FOR EVOLVING COMMERCIAL PRACTICES AND MANY OF THEM HAVE BEEN FORESHADOWED IN THE SECOND REPORT OF THE COMPANIES LAW REVISION COMMITTEE,+ HE SAID.
OTHER PROPOSALS INCLUDE UP-DATING THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE AND THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE IN THE LIGHT OF OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION OF INVESTOR-FURTHER PROGRESS ON LEGISLATION TO REGULATE THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY- A BILL TO IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM OF MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND TO WIDEN THE LIST OF SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES- AND ANOTHER BILL TO AMEND THE LIST OF SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS FOR BANKS.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION HAS ALSO COMPLETED ITS INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE PRESENT SITUATION AND WOULD SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR NEXT MONTH ON HOW POLICIES SHOULD BE CHANGED SO AS TO BENEFIT OUR FUTURE.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE REPORT WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
26 -
POLICE FORCE IN BETTER SHAPE
*****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WAS NOW IN BETTER SHAPE, WITH IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR RANKS OF THE FORCE, AND A BETTER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE STRENGTH OF THE FORCE EXPANDED BY 48 PER CENT BETWEEN 1973 AND 1978 WHILE THE EXPANSION DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS HAD BEEN FIVE PER CENT, SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦THIS REFLECTS THE PHASE OF CONSOLIDATION AND CONCENTRATION ON IMPROVEMENT OF COMMAND AND MANAGEMENT, RECOMMENDED BY THE HOME OFFICE INSPECTOR, MR. JAMES CRANE, IN 1978,+ HE SAID.
ON WELFARE AND PRACTICAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE FORCE, SIR MURRAY SAID THE CONDITIONS FOR BOTH WORK AND RECREATION OF THE POLICE WOULD BE IMPROVED AS ROOM COULD BE FOUND IN THE CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME.
HE SAID PAY FOR THE POLICE AND OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES WAS BEING LOOKED AT BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON SALARIES AND HE HOPED TO HAVE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS VERY SOON.
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT THE FORCE IS AN EXCEPTIONALLY YOUNG ONE, AND THE BURDEN OF SUPERVISION PLACED ON OLDER AND MORE EXPERIENCED OFFICERS IS PROPORTIONATELY GREAT.
♦THERE IS NO REAL WAY ROUND THIS PROBLEM EXCEPT TIME,+ HE SAID. ♦BUT TO EASE THE BURDEN TRAINING FACILITIES, INCLUDING IN-SERVICE CONTINUATION TRAINING, HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLY EXTENDED.♦
SIR MURRAY SAID THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES HAD DROPPED FROM A HIGH RATE OF 40 PER DAY AT THE BEGINNING OF 1974 TO 16 LAST YEAR AND EARLY THIS YEAR, AS THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST VIOLENT CRIME GAINED MOMENTUM.
BUT IN RECENT MONTHS, DUE TO HIGH PRICE AND SHORTAGE OF DRUGS, THERE HAD BEEN A SHARP INCREASE TO ABOUT 28 ROBBERIES A DAY, HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE POLICE HAD REACTED QUICKLY AND THE INCREASE APPEARED TO BE HELD.
♦THE PROBLEM NOW IS TO FORCE IT BACK AGAIN,+ HE SAID.
CO-OPERATION BETWEEN PUBLIC AND POLICE AGAINST CRIME HAD BEEN ENHANCED AND ONE OUT OF TEN CRIMINALS ARRESTED THIS YEAR WAS EFFECTED BY THE PUBLIC, SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME CANNOT BE A MATTER FOR THE POLICE ALONE,♦ HE STRESSED.
♦THE FORCE CAN BE RELIED UPON TO TAKE ACTION WHENEVER CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES ARE REPORTED TO THEM BUT TO BE REALLY SUCCESSFUL THEY MUST HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10,
1979
- 27 -
DENTAL CARE PROGRAMME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN STARTS NOVEMBER
* * *
A DENTAL CARE PROGRAMME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WOULD BE INTRODUCED AS FROM NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER), THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THIS FOLLOWED THE OPENING OF THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE AND THE DENTAL THERAPISTS TRAINING SCHOOL.
ON THE DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL DUE TO BE COMPLETED THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, SIR MURRAY SAID THE FIRST BATCH OF 60 LOCALLY TRAINED DENTISTS WAS EXPECTED TO GRADUATE IN 1985.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT TO USE RESOURCES BETTER, THE MEDICAL SERVICES HAD BEEN REGIONALISED SINCE APRIL 1977.
+THERE ARE AT PRESENT FOUR HOSPITAL REGIONS EACH OF WHICH IS SERVED BY A REGIONAL HOSPITAL, ONE OR MORE DISTRICT HOSPITALS AND A NUMBER OF GENERAL AND SPECIALIST CLINICS,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT SINCE THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME WAS IMPLEMENTED, BEDS IN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAD BEEN MORE FULLY USED AND THAT PRESSURE ON THE REGIONAL HOSPITALS HAD EASED.
HE SAID THAT THE PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WAS PROCEEDING WELL AND THAT PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS INCLUDED PHASE I OF THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL AND THE EXTENSION OF THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE.
THE FORMER WILL PROVIDE 50 GENERAL BEDS AND THE LATTER 576 BEDS FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE COMPLETION OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRIC WING NEXT YEAR WOULD PROVIDE ANOTHER 1 300 BEDS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL AND WOULD REDUCE THE PRESENT OVERCROWDING AT THE CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
ON OTHER PROJECTS, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT«
* THE NEW WING OF THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1980 TO AUGMENT THE FACILITIES OF THE HOSPITAL AS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR WEST KOWLOON-
* CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE 1 400-BED SHA TIN HOSPITAL IS ABOUT TO START AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1982, AND
* PLANNING IS ALSO IN HAND FOR A MAJOR HOSPITAL IN TUEN MUN, SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1985 BUT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THIS MAY BE SOMEWHAT RE-PHASED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
28
PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION GREEN PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED SOON *****
A GREEN PAPER ON PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION IS EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR AND AN OVERALL REVIEW OF HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM IS ENVISAGED IN EARLY 1981, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID THE GREEN PAPER WOULD SET OUT THE PROBLEMS AT THE PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY LEVELS AND MAKE PROPOSALS FOR DEALING WITH THEM, WHILE THE OVERALL REVIEW WAS TO LOOK AT OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM AS A WHOLE, IN PARTICULAR THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE VARIOUS PARTS WHICH HAD BEEN REVIEWED SEPARATELY.
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANS TO PROVIDE A FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY PLACE FOR EVERY CHILD, HE SAID, IT HAD PROCEEDED SMOOTHLY, AND THE WHOLE AGE GROUP WOULD BE IN SCHOOL BY SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR. ♦SO A MILESTONE IN HONG KONG’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS WILL HAVE BEEN PASSED,+ HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE PLANS TO EXPAND THE SUBSIDISED SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION BETWEEN 1979 AND 1986 AS PUBLISHED IN LAST YEAR’S WHITE PAPER WERE WELL RECEIVED AND PROCEEDING.
HE SAID THE PROVISION OF THE PLANNED NUMBER OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES REQUIRED 130 SCHOOLS, BUT FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS AND GEOTECHNICAL PROBLEMS HAD COMBINED TO DELAY 12 OF THESE AND WOULD TEMPORARILY EXTEND THE GOVERNMENT’S RELIANCE ON BOUGHT PLACES IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
AN ADDITIONAL 1 700 SUBSIDISED PLACES AT BOTH SIXTH FORM AND POST-SIXTH FORM LEVELS WILL BE PROVIDED BY TWO OF THE THREE APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES WHO HAVE ACCEPTED GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. THE TWO COLLEGES WILL RESTRUCTURE THEIR PROGRAMMES TO PROVIDE SEPARATE TWO-YEAR COURSES AT SIXTH FORM AND POST-FORM SIX LEVELS.
ON TERTIARY EDUCATION, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN BY THE INSTITUTIONS AND OTHERS CONCERNED TO THE INTRODUCTION OF PART-TIME UNIVERSITY DEGREE COURSES, AND TO THE INTRODUCTION AT THE POLYTECHNIC OF A LIMITED DEGREE COURSE AS WELL AS CONCENTRATION ON OTHER HIGHER LEVEL WORK.+
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
29
NEW DIMENSION TO HONG KONG’S TOURIST INDUSTRY ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS AND THE GROWTH OF THE CHINESE TOURIST INDUSTRY ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO HONG KONG’S THRIVING TOURIST INDUSTRY.
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAIDt +1 HOPE THE TWO INDUSTRIES CAN COLLABORATE TO THEIR MUTUAL ADVANTAGE.+
HE NOTED THAT MORE THAN TWO MILLION TOURISTS VISITED HONG KONG LAST YEAR AND THOSE BEING DRAWN TO CHINA ARE BOUND TO SWELL THAT NUMBER IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE PRESENT NUMBER OF HOTEL ROOMS - AT ABOUT 14 400 - WAS INSUFFICIENT, BUT BECAUSE OF HIGH CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY, THE NUMBER WOULD BE INCREASED TO OVER 20 000 BY THE END OF 1981.
♦TOURISM SHOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE A USEFUL ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION, ALTHOUGH IN NET TERMS THE CONTRIBUTION IS BEING INCREASINGLY OFFSET BY THE EXPENDITURE OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING ABROAD,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
SIR MURRAY ALSO SPOKE ON THE OPERATION OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WHICH, HE SAID, HAD ACHIEVED IMMEDIATE SUCCESS.
HE SAID SOME SIMPLE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS WOULD BE PUT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR AMENDMENT OR ENACTMENT. THESE LAWS INCLUDE AMENDMENTS TO THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE AND THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO REGULATE HIRE PURCHASE.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
30
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO LEGCO MEMBERS ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO THEIR TASK AND THE IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION THEY MAKE TO THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A FAR-OFF TIME WHEN HONG KONG WAS A COMPARATIVELY SMALL AND UNCOMPLICATED PLACE, AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL MADE SMALLER DEMANDS ON THE TIME AND ENERGY OF MEMBERS.
♦BUT NOW IT INVOLVES A TASK WHICH IS AS ARDUOUS AS IT IS IMPORTANT. IT CALLS FOR A COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY WHICH CAN BE SUSTAINED ONLY BY PEOPLE WHO ARE BOTH HIGHLY MOTIVATED, AND WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE, FROM AMONGST THEIR MEMBERSHIP, A VERY WIDE SPREAD OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY WELCOMED THE TWO NEW UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL — THE HON. HU FA-KUANG AND THE HON. WONG PO-YAN.
HE SAID THEIR APPOINTMENT INVOLVED MEMBERSHIP OF TWO INTERLOCKING BODIES — THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND UMELCO, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ITSELF HAD THE FINAL WORD ON LEGISLATION AND EXPENDITURE PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT-AND THAT ALL UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WERE MEMBERS OF FINANCE COMMITTEE WHICH HAD SUB-COMMITTEES DEALING WITH PUBLIC WORKS AND ESTABLISHMENT.
NOTING THAT THE UMELCO IS A BODY UNIQUE TO HONG KONG, SIR MURRAY SA IDi +WORKING GROUPS OF MEMBERS STUDY ALL ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS, AND RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPRESENTATIONS BY THE PUBLIC ABOUT LEGISLATION OR OTHER ACTION PROPOSED OR TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT. THIS IS VITAL AND TIME-CONSUMING WORK.*
+UMELCO IS SUPPORTED BY ITS OWN SECRETARIAT, AND ITS MEMBERS PERFORM A KEY ROLE IN RECEIVING, AND ACTING ON, COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC,* HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT THE MEANS OF REDRESS AVAILABLE IN UMELCO WERE WELL USED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979
31
VALEDICTORY TO TWO RETIRED LEGCO MEMBERS
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO MR. JAMES WU AND MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, WHO HAVE RETIRED FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL.
SIR MURRAY SAID MR. WU WOULD BE REMEMBERED IN THE COUNCIL FOR THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS HE MADE IN DEBATES ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY DURING HIS SEVEN YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP.
+HIS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE AS A LEADING INDUSTRIALIST WERE PARTICULARLY VALUABLE AND WE SHALL CERTAINLY MISS HIS SHREWD ADVICE. HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY COMMENDED MR. CHEONG-LEEN FOR HIS VERY WIDE EXPERIENCE IN SOCIAL AFFAIRS. +HE BROUGHT THIS TO BEAR THROUGH INTERVENTIONS OVER A VERY WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, IN FACT SELDOM WAS HIS NAME MISSING IN QUESTION TIME.+ HE SAID.
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG JOINED THE GOVERNOR IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR. WU AND MR. CHEONG-LEEN.
♦MY COLLEAGUES WHOLE-HEARTEDLY ASSOCIATE THEMSELVES WITH THE TRIBUTES YOU HAVE JUST PAID TO MR. WU AND MR. CHEONG-LEEN,+ HE SAID.
MR. CHEUNG SAID HE WOULD REMEMBER MR. WU IN PARTICULAR FOR THE CONSTANT PLEAS HE MADE ON BEHALF OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR +FOR DIVERSIFICATION, FOR UPGRADING OF PRODUCTS, FOR INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, FOR ESTABLISHING AND SUPPORT OF A RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO MATCH THE EFFORTS OF OUR COMPETITORS, FOR THE PLEAS HE MADE FOR THE CONVENIENT PASSAGE OF CONTAINER TRUCKS AND THEIR ACCOMMODATION IN NEW TOWNS, AND FOR HIS REMINDERS FROM TIME TO TIME THAT THE HIGH COST OF INDUSTRIAL LAND WAS BLUNTING OUR COMPETITIVENESS.+
MR. CHEUNG NOTED THAT MR. CHEONG-LEEN’S MAIN CONCERN WAS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND +FROM HIS SYMPATHY WITH THE UNDERPRIVILEGED+ SPRANG HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS ON THEIR BEHALF IN THE COUNCIL.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1979 32 -
DISPENSERS BACK TO WORK NEXT WEEK ft ft ft ft ft
GOVERNMENT DISPENSERS WHO HAVE BEEN WORKING TO RULE SINCE SEPTEMBER 10 TO PRESS FOR BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS WILL RESUME NORMAL DUTIES AS FROM NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 16).
THE PHARMACEUTICAL STAFF ASSOCIATION, REPRESENTING THE DISPENSERS WORKING IN GOVERNMENT DISPENSARIES, MADE THIS PLEDGE AFTER A MEETING WITH OFFICIALS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
DURING THE MEETING, THE DEPARTMENT REASSURED- THE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES THAT MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN AS SOON AS NORMAL WORKING CONDITIONS PREVAIL ON THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN AGREED UPON IN THE PREVIOUS MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 27.
THESE INCLUDE AN EXERCISE BY A MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT TEAM TO WORK OUT A MANNING SCALE FOR THE DISPENSING GRADE AND AN EVALUATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE STUDENT DISPENSERS’ WORKING CAPACITY WITH A VIEW TO PRODUCING A CORRECT RATIO OF DISPENSER AND STUDENT DISPENSER.
THE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES DECIDED TO SUSPEND ALL INDUSTRIAL ACTIONS TO FACILITATE THESE EXERCISES TO PROCEED WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.
BOTH PARTIES HAVE ALSO AGREED TO MAINTAIN A DIALOGUE TO RESOLVE WHATEVER PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE IN THE DISPENSING SERVICE.
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WATER CUT ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 12) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE LOCATED AT 2-62A BELCHER’S STREET, 1E-1M AND 32-34 SANDS STREET, 16-30 AND 29-39 NORTH STREET, 12A-12G AND 41A-43 SMITHFIELD, 1A-1C AND 1-13 ROCK HILL STREET AND COLLINSON STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER. 11, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO ♦
$52M HEALTH CENTRE FCR EAST KOWLOON ... ...................... 1
KOWLOON-GUANGZHOU NEW TRAIN FARE FRO!! NOVEMBER................2
EXPERT PRAISES HK WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM ........................ J
FIRE SERVICES TO PROSECUTE FACTORY OWNERS .................... J
FORESTRY WORKERS PRAISED FOR RESCUING BOYS ................... 4
TUJJI MUN COOKED FOOD STALLS TO LET ...........................5
STORMY MAC BRINGS HEAVY RAINFALL IN SEPTEMBER ................ 6
HK FIRE SERVICES RUNNERS HONOURED IN US .......................7
COURSE ON USE CF ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS .......................8
SEVEN BUILDING IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS ................. 9
DSW TO OPEN CENTRE FOR THE AGED ..............................10
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGED NT IN SHA TIN .......................10
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
1
$52l* HEALTH CENTRE FOR EAST KOWLOON ft ft ft ft
RESIDENTS IN THE EAST KOWLOON REGION WILL BE PROVIDED WITH MORE FACILITIES FOR A VARIETY OF FREE HEALTH SERVICES IN A COUPLE OF YEARS WHEN A $52 MILLION HEALTH CENTRE DONATED BY THE LATE MADAM YUNG FUNG SHEE IS COMPLETED. THE CENTRE WILL BE NAMED THE YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORI AL CENTRE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES DR. S.F. LAM IN AN ADDRESS TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON TODAY (THURSDAY).
DR. LAM, IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO MADAM YUNG, DESCRIBED HER AS ONE +WHO HAD THE WELFARE OF THE POOR PUBLIC AT HEART.*
MADAM YUNG WILLED TO DONATE PART OF HER ESTATE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT +FOR THE EXPRESSED PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH CENTRE TO BE RUN AND/OR SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT.*
THE YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE WILL BE DEVELOPED AS STAGE I OF A HEALTH CENTRE/POLYCLINIC COMPLEX SERVING SOME 600 000 PEOPLE IN THE KWUN TONG, YAU TONG, LAM TIN AND NGAU TAU KOK AREAS.
LOCATED IN CHA KWO LING ROAD, THE CENTRE WILL CONSIST OF A SEVEN-STOREY HIGH BLOCK AND A SINGLE STOREY LOW BLOCK WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 12 000 SQUARE METRE.
IT WILL PROVIDE FREE FAMILY HEALTH, CHEST, SOCIAL HYGIENE, HEALTH. EDUCATION, PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY, GERIATRIC AND PSYCHIATRIC DAY CARE AND REHABILITATION SERVICES.
AND WHEN THE KWUN TONG POLYCLINIC IS OPERATIONAL BY 1986, IT WILL PROVIDE SPECIALIST SERVICES IN MEDICINE, SURGERY, PAEDIATRICS, ORTHOPAEDICS, OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, PSYCHIATRY, DERMATOLOGY AND EAR, NOSE AND THROAT DISEASES. THERE WILL ALSO BE SPECIAL FACILITIES LIKE RENAL DIALYSIS, CHILD ASSESSMENT, AUDIOMETRY AND EYE TESTING.
♦THIS COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PREVENTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES ALL SITUATED WITHIN A SINGLE COMPLEX WILL BE EXPECTED TO PLAY AN ACTIVE AND LEADING ROLE IN THE HEALTH CARE OF THE PEOPLE OF EAST KOWLOON,* SAID DR. LAM.
DR. LAM FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE IN EAST KOWLOON WAS IN LINE WITH THE REGIONAL APPROACH RECOMMENDED BY THE 1974 WHITE PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THIS SYSTEM A REGIONAL HOSPITAL, SEVERAL DISTRICT HOSPITALS, POLYCLINICS AND GENERAL CLINICS IN A COMMON GEOGRAPHICAL AREA WOULD BE GROUPED TOGETHER TO FORM AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF SERVICES.
/DR. LAM ......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
2
DR. LAM SAID THAT IN VIEW OF THE RAPID GROWTH OF POPULATION IN EAST KOWLOON WHICH COMPRISES HUNG HOM, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON CITY, JORDAN VALLEY, NGAU TAU KOK, SAU MAU PING, KWUN TONG, LAM TIN, YAU TONG AND LEI YUE MUN, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS TAKING ACTIVE STEPS TO COPE WITH THE RISING DEMAND FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH FACILITIES.
DR. LAM REVEALED THAT PLANS WERE IN THE PIPELINE TO DOUBLE THE PRESENT BED CAPACITY OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, THE DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN EAST KOWLOON.
A SITE IN JORDAN VALLEY HAS ALSO BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EAST KOWLOON HOSPITAL WITH A CAPACITY OF 1 400 BEDS, WHICH, HOPEFULLY, WOULD BE READY BY 1985/86, HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION TO THE THREE EXISTING CLINICS, KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, KOWLOON EAST POLYCLINIC STAGE I AND YAU TONG MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, FOUR MORE CLINICS INCLUDING THE YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE WILL BE BUILT IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. THE OTHER THREE ARE KOWLOON EAST POLYCLINIC STAGE II, NGAU TAU KOK AND LAM TIN/LEI YUE MUN CLINICS.
-----o-----
KOWLOON-GUANGZHOU NEW TRAIN FARE FROM NOVEMBER ****** X
A NEW FARE FOR A THROUGH-TRAIN JOURNEY BETWEEN KOWLOON AND GUANGZHOU WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 1, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
FROM THAT DATE, THE FARE FROM KOWLOON TO GUANGZHOU WILL BE INCREASED FROM $50 TO $54.40.
+THE INCREASE IS SOLELY TO REFLECT THE DECLINE IN THE EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE RMB,+ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED. +AND IT IS IN CONFORMITY OF THE CLAUSE IN THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITIES THAT WHEN THE EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATES FOR MORE THAN FIVE PER CENT, THE CONVERSION RATE WOULD BE RE-EXAM I NED.+
ON THE SAME DATE THE FARE PAID IN RMB FOR THE JOURNEY FROM GUANGZHOU TO KOWLOON WILL BE REDUCED FROM RMB16.60 TO RMB16.40.
0
/5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
3
EXPERT PRAISES HK WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM *****
THE PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, PROFESSOR R.C. COATES, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRAISED HONG KONG FOR ITS EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN A HIGH QUALITY WATER SUPPLY DESPITE DIFFICULT OBSTACLES.
PROFESSOR COATES SAID THAT HONG KONG LACKED THE NATURAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES, BUT THROUGH IMAGINATIVE AND DETERMINED ENDEAVOURS THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAD OVERCOME THIS HURDLE.
+THE PROJECTS I HAVE SEEN ARE COMMENDABLE EXAMPLES OF PROGRESS THAT CAN BE MADE DESPITE UNUSUAL DIFFICULTIES,* SAID PROFESSOR COATES.
HE MADE THE REMARKS AFTER VISITING SOME OF THE PLANTS OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY.
ACCOMPANYING HIM ON THE VISIT WERE MR. R. CAMPBELL, SECRETARY OF THE ICE- MR. J.F. LINDSAY, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ICE IN HONG KONG AND MR. HUGH FERGUSON, EDITOR OF NEW CIVIL ENGINEER, MAGAZINE OF THE ICE.
THE PARTY FIRST WENT TO TAI PO TAU PUMPING STATION WHERE THEY TOURED THE PUMP HALLS, BAND SCREEN HOUSE AND FABRIDAM.
DURING THEIR 30-MINUTE TOUR, THE VISITORS WERE BRIEFED ON THE PLOVER COVE AND HIGH ISLAND SYSTEMS, INCLUDING CHINESE WATER DELIVERY, BY MR. TOM TOMLINSON, ACTING DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, AND MR. K.L. WONG, GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER (SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION).
THE VISITORS ALSO SAW PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR AND THE LOK ON PAI DESALTING PLANT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR WIVES, PROFESSOR COATES AND MR. CAMPBELL ARE HERE ON A WEEK-LONG VISIT AFTER VISITING SINGAPORE AND KUALA LUMPUR WHERE THEY HAD DISCUSSIONS ON ENGINEERING EDUCATION WITH UNIVERSITY AUTHORITIES THERE.
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FIRE SERVICES TO PROSECUTE FACTORY OWNERS
* * *
TWO KWAI CHUNG FACTORY OWNERS WILL BE PROSECUTED FOR CONTRAVENING THE DANGEROUS GOODS STORAGE REGULATIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU WAS CARRYING OUT A SURVEY OF REGISTERED GODOWNS OF DANGEROUS GOODS TO ENSURE THAT THE FIRE SERVICES REGULATIONS WERE BEING COMPLIED WITH.
/ON THE .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
ON THE PROSECUTION OF THE TWO FACTORY OWNERS, HE SAID ONE WILL BE CHARGED WITH STORING DANGEROUS GOODS WITHOUT A LICENCE AND THE OTHER FOR EXCEEDING THE STORAGE LIMIT STIPULATED IN HIS LICENCE.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR UNLICENSED STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS IS $8 OOO FINE AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT, HE POINTED OUT.
THE TWO CASES CAME TO LIGHT FOLLOWING A NO. 3 ALARM FIRE IN CHUN PIN STREET, KWAI CHUNG INVOLVING A SIX-STOREY FACTORY BUILDING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OFFICERS DISCOVERED A QUANTITY OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ILLEGALLY STORED IN THE PREMISES WHERE THE FIRE BROKE OUT.
THE DANGEROUS GOODS HAVE BEEN REMOVED BY THE FIRE SERVICES.
INSPECTION OF OTHER FLOORS ALSO RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE OF MORE THAN 4 500 LITRES (1 000 GALLONS) OF PAINT AND PAINT PRODUCTS FROM AN UPPER FLOOR, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT TO THE FIRE SERVICES WHEN THEY DISCOVER ANY UNLICENSED STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER TO CALL IS 5-281224. IT IS MANNED ROUND THE CLOCK.
♦ANY REPORTS OF UNLICENSED STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS WILL BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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FORESTRY WORKERS PRAISED FOR RESCUING BOYS
* * *
SIX MEMBERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES COMMENDATIONS FOR RESCUING TWO BOYS STRANDED ON THE ROCKS OF A FAST FLOWING STREAM DURING A RAINSTORM IN SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK EARLIER THIS YEAR.
AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY AT LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. ALAN JONES, PRESENTED THE DIRECTOR’S HIGH COMMENDATION CERTIFICATE TO FOREST GUARDS MR. TSANG CHUN-HUNG, MR. YEUNG LOI AND MR. LAW SZE-KWAI- AND THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES TO FIELD ASSISTANT MR. CHOW WO, FOREST GUARD MR. WONG KWONG AND LABOURER MR. WONG YAT-MAN.
MR. JONES PRAISED THE RECIPIENTS FOR THEIR COURAGE, INITIATIVE AND PUBLIC-SPIRITEDNESS, AND SAID* +THEY HAVE SET A MARVELLOUS EXAMPLE TO EVERYONE IN fHE COMMUNITY BY SHOWING NOT ONLY THEIR CONCERN FOR THEIR FELLOWMEN BUT ALSO DISPLAYED THE HUMANITY, INITIATIVE AND DETERMINATION SO NECESSARY TO SAVE THE LIVES OF THE BOYS.*
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MAY 13 WHEN FOUR SCHOOL BOYS WERE PLAYING IN THE SHALLOW WATER OF A STREAM IN TAI SHING SHEK KAN AT SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK.
/due to
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
- 5 -
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SUBSEQUENTLY, THE FORESTRY GUARD POST AT THE COUNTRY pack mac STRFAMED 0F THE DANGEROUS SITUATION AND a RESCUE PARTY RACED o 11\ t a n o
TO THE
ON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE. IT WAS APPARENT THAT tmf watfd TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE TWO BOYS TRAPPED ON THE WERE IN DANGER OF BEING WASHED DOWN THE STREAM.
I nr aISEqamfCoaD^RTT QU,CKLY FORMED A MAKE-SHIFT BRIDGE OUT LOG AND SOME ROPES, AND BROUGHT THE BOYS TO SAFETY.
LEVEL
ROCKS
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- - 0 - -
TUEN MUN COOKED FOOD STALLS TO LET
*****
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO LET FOUR STALLS AT THE NEWLY COMPLETED HUNG CHEUNG COOKED FOOD CENTRE IN TUEN MUN.
THE STALLS WILL BE OFFERED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT AN OPEN AUCTION ON OCTOBER 26.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID THAT ANYONE OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE AND INTERESTED IN RUNNING A COOKED FOOD BUSINESS IN THE AREA, MAY ATTEND THE AUCTION AT TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, TOP COURT, 60-70 TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN, ON OCTOBER 26 AT 11 A.M. THEY SHOULD BRING THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LOWEST RENT PER MONTH FOR EACH STALL WOULD BE $250 AND IT WOULD BE ALLOCATED TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER AT THE FALL OF THE HAMMER.
♦A SUCCESSFUL BIDDER IS REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR CASH CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION, ONE MONTH’S RENT AND A DEPOSIT EQUIVALENT TO ONE MONTH’S RENT WHEN THE BID FOR A STALL IS ACCEPTED,* HE SAID.
+THE DEPOSIT IS REFUNDABLE WHEN THE TENANT GIVES UP THE TENANCY. BUT HE SHOULD GIVE NO LESS THAN ONE MONTH’S NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES AND HAND OVER VACANT POSSESSION OF THE STALL TO THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE TERMINATION DATE OF THE TENANCY.*
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A THREE-YEAR TENANCY AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 1979, AT THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE AUCTION.
AT THE END OF THE THREE-YEAR TENANCY, THERE WILL BE AN OPTION FOR RENEWAL FOR A FURTHER THREE YEARS ON CONDITIONS TO BE APPROVED.
/ENQUIRIES ABOUT .
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
6
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE AUCTION CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING THE SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR AT THE, HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, ON 12-820800 EXTENSION 231.
THE HUNG CHEUNG COOKED FOOD CENTRE IS SITUATED IN AREA 12, TUEN MUN, BETWEEN HUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND SAN LIK STREET. IT IS TO SERVE FACTORY WORKERS IN THE AREA.
THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 11 STALLS AT THE NEWLY COMPLETED CENTRE. A NUMBER OF STALLS WERE ALREADY LET OUT IN AN AUCTION LAST MONTH.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THE HUNG CHEUNG COOKED FOOD CENTRE IS THE FIRST COOKED FOOD CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH MODERN FACILITIES AND UP-TO-DATE DESIGN INCLUDING A CENTRALISED EXHAUST SYSTEM TO ENSURE FREE CIRCULATION OF AIR.
♦EACH STALL IS PARTITIONED WITH A SHORT WALL AND IS PROVIDED WITH A DRIP BOARD, A SINK, AND INDIVIDUAL WATER AND ELECTRICITY METERS.
♦BECAUSE OF THE RAPID INDUSTRIAL GROWTH OF TUEN MUN, THE HUNG CHEUNG COOKED FOOD CENTRE SHOULD SHORTLY BE IN GREAT DEMAND IN PROVIDING AN ESSENTIAL AND PROPER COOKED FOOD SERVICE IN THE AREA,+ HE SAID.
-------0
STORMY MAC BRINGS HEAVY RAINFALL IN SEPTEMBER * * * *
HEAVY RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE TROPICAL STORM MAC BROUGHT THE TOTAL RAINFALL IN SEPTEMBER TO 506.3 MM, WHICH IS 53 PER CENT ABOVE AVERAGE, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL SO FAR THIS YEAR (UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30) AMOUNTED TO 2 603.3 MM, WHICH IS 25 PER CENT MORE THAN USUAL. THE MONTH WAS ALSO LESS SUNNY AND SLIGHTLY COOLER THAN NORMAL.
DURING THE MONTH, SIX TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA- BUT ONLY SEVERE TROPICAL STORM MAC AND TROPICAL STORM NANCY AFFECTED HONG KONG. GALE WARNING SIGNAL NO. 8 WAS HOISTED FOR MAC AND STAND BY SIGNAL NO. 1 FOR NANCY.
THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS WHILE THE FOLLOWING SIX DAYS WERE MAINLY FINE APART FROM SOME SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.
CONDITIONS ON SEPTEMBER 9 AND 10 WERE CLOUDY WITH SOME SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, AND HEAVIER AND MORE FREQUENT THUNDERSTORMS WERE EXPERIENCED DURING THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS.
/FROM SEPTEMBER .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
7
FROM SEPTEMBER 13 TO 16, THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND HOT, AND THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 32.9 DEGREES FOR THE MONTH WAS RECORDED IN THE AFTERNOON OF SEPTEMBER 15.
CLOUDY AND SHOWERY CONDITIONS RETURNED ON SEPTEMBER 17 AND 18-AND THE WEATHER REMAINED UNSETTLED THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS AS TROPICAL STORM NANCY DEVELOPED TO THE SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF HONG KONG.
TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT IN THE WEATHER TOOK PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 21 AND 22 BUT DURING THIS PERIOD SEVERE TROPICAL STORM MAC APPROACHED HONG KONG FROM THE SOUTHEAST AND BROUGHT GALES AND WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAIN ON SEPTEMBER 23.
RAIN WAS VERY HEAVY BETWEEN 1 P.M. AND 8 P.M. ON THAT DAY WHEN A TOTAL OF 202.1 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED.
HEAVY RAIN WAS AGAIN EXPERIENCED DURING THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 25, PROBABLY RESULTING FROM THE PASSAGE OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMNANTS OF MAC WHICH DRIFTED BACK THROUGH HONG KONG.
DRIER AND COOLER AIR ARRIVED FROM THE NORTH ON SEPTEMBER 27 AND CONDITIONS BECAME FINE AND DRY DURING THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE MONTH.
ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 28, TEMPERATURES DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 22.5 DEGREES WHICH WAS THE LOWEST RECORDED IN THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, 27 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG, 25 OF THEM DURING THE PASSAGE OF SEVERE TROPICAL STORM MAC ON SEPTEMBER 23.
THUNDERSTORM AND/OR HEAVY RAIN WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON NINE DAYS OF THE MONTH. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 29 AND 30.
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HK FIRE SERVICES RUNNERS HONOURED IN US
*****
A HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES TEAM CAME OUT SECOND IN THE ANNUAL BRASS POLE RUN HELD RECENTLY IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.
THE ORGANISER OF THE ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT, THE OAKLAND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TOOK TOP HONOURS IN THE EVENT.
HONG KONG’S TEAM BEAT THE DEFENDING CHAMPION, THE SAN FRANCISCO FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND 32 OTHER AMERICAN FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TEAMS TO OBTAIN THE HONOUR, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE PROCEEDS FROM THE RUN ARE IN AID OF RESEARCH INTO THE TREATMENT OF BURNS.
/THE 10-KIL0METRE .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
- 8 -
THE 1O-KILOMETRE RUN ATTRACTED 4 OOO AMATEUR RUNNERS FROM THREE WESTERN AMERICAN STATES.
+HONG KONG WAS THE FIRST OVERSEAS TERRITORY TO BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HONG KONG TEAM CONSISTED OF SIX CHINESE AND TWO BRITISH RUNNERS.
-----o------
COURSE ON USE OF ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS
* * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF EIGHT HALF-DAY COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS ON THE USAGE OF ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS AND ITS APPLICATION AS RELATED TO THE MATHEMATICS SYLLABUSES.
+AS EACH COURSE CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE 25 PARTICIPANTS, APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE COURSES WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 31, NOVEMBER 7, 14, 21 AND 28, AND DECEMBER 5, 12 AND 19, AT THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE, WONG TAI SIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, SECOND-FLOOR, ROOM 25, CHING TAK STREET, KOWLOON.
EACH COURSE WILL START AT 2.15 P.M. WITH AN HOUR-LONG LECTURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY A PRACTICAL WORK AND DISCUSSION SESSION.
+THE LECTURE WILL COVER ELEMENTARY OPERATIONS WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF CALCULATORS, RANGING FROM THE ELEMENTARY TO THE MORE COMPLEX PROGRAMMABLE TYPE.
+A SELECTION OF MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE MATHEMATICS SYLLABUSES WILL BE USED TO DEMONSTRATE THE CAPABILITIES OF THE MODELS AVAILABLE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATIONS, WHICH SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS, MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MATHEMATICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 18.
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/9
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
9
SEVEN BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS M * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED SEVEN BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THEY ARE NOS. 3 TO 13 BRIDGES STREET AND NO. 165 WING LOK STREET.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THE GROUP OF SIX FIVE-STOREY BUILDINGS IN BRIDGES STREET HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A CLOSE INVESTIGATION BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.
THESE BUILDINGS ARE CONSTRUCTED WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS AND WERE COMPLETED IN 1952.
HE SAIDx +INSPECTIONS ON OCTOBER 9 AND 10 REVEALED THAT SERIOUS SUBSIDENCE OF THE TWO-STOREY REAR KITCHEN BLOCKS IS OCCURRING. FRACTURES OPENING UP WITHIN THE BUILDINGS INDICATE THAT THERE IS SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE. ACCORDINGLY, IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS.+
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON OCTOBER 19 WERE POSTED TODAY.
REGARDING THE BUILDING IN WING LOK STREET, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THE FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING HAD BEEN UNDER REGULAR OBSERVATION SINCE 1974. THE BUILDING IS CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING WALLS AND TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOF.
♦RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT SERIOUS MOVEMENT IS OCCURRING IN THE REAR MAIN WALL. AS IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS A RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,+ HE SAID.
ACCORDINGLY, A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT AT 9.30 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 8 WAS POSTED TODAY.
- o ---------
/1O.....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1979
NOTE TO EDITORSi
DSW TO OPEN CENTRE FOR THE AGED
* * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY OPEN A MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE AGED IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON.
RUN BY CARITAS-HONG KONG, THE CENTRE PROVIDES A VARIETY OF SERVICES INCLUDING HOME HELP, MEALS, LAUNDRY, PERSONAL GUIDANCE AND RECREATION TO MEET THE VARYING NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 P.M. AT THE CENTRE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN ESTATE, BLOCK 5, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHA TIN * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SHA TIN BY-PASS BETWEEN WO CHE ESTATE AND AN UNNAMED ROAD LEADING TO SHA TIN BUS STATION WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE TRAFFIC TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBWAY BENEATH SHA TIN BY-PASS WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1979
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SCHEME.................................
BILLS ON BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GAZETTED .......... 2
NEW LEGISLATION TO REGULATE ICE TRADE FOR PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS .................................................. 3
OLD ONE DOLLAR COINS WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER ............ 4
IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY CARS FOR THE AGED STRESSED ............ 4
TWO KO'ilWON MAXICAB ROUTES TO BE SUSPENDED.................... 5
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JULY .................................. 6
SIR YUET-KEUNG TO OPEN MONG KOK ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN ............ 7
FUNERAL PARLOUR SITE FOR SALE ................................. 7
BUILDING ST'E CLASSIFICATION .................................. 7
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1979
1
PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SCHEME ft ft ft * * ft
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW SYSTEM OF ALLOCATION OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN 1981 FOR THEIR CURRENT PRIMARY FIVE PUPILS.
♦ALL SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM PARENTS IF THEY CHOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
♦THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLYING TO JOIN THE SCHEME IS OCTOBER 22,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PRIMARY SIX LEAVERS OF A PARTICIPATING PRIMARY SCHOOL WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A THREE-YEAR FREE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE, AND WOULD HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF CHOOSING THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOL BUT NOT SO FOR NON-PARTICIPANTS.
♦SCHOOLS NOT TAKING PART IN THE SCHEME SHOULD CLEARLY INFORM PARENTS OF THE CONSEQUENCE,♦ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT COULD HELP ARRANGE PLACES FOR PUPILS CURRENTLY STUDYING IN PRIMARY FIVE OF NON-PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN OTHER PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AT PARENTS’ REQUEST.
THE SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1976 TO REPLACE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION IN 1978, HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A PRIMARY SIX PUPIL’S CHANCES OF BEING ALLOCATED A SECONDARY SCHOOL OF HIS CHOICE DEPEND ON THE SCHOOL’S INTERNAL ASSESSMENT AT THE END OF HIS PRIMARY FIVE YEAR AND AT THE END OF THE FIRST AND TOWARDS THE END OF THE SECOND TERM OF HIS PRIMARY SIX YEAR ON ALL SUBJECTS, EXCEPT PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN ALL SCHOOLS AND BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE IN SOME SCHOOLS.
TO ENSURE FAIRNESS, PUPILS OF ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS HAVE TO SIT THE DEPARTMENT’S ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST, RESULTS OF WHICH WILL BE USED TO SCALE AND CONVERT INTERNAL ASSESSMENT INTO AN OVERALL ORDER OF MERIT.
♦THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST IS NECESSARY AS DIFFERENT SCHOOLS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT CURRICULUM AND THE STANDARD OF MARKING OR ASSESSMENT MAY VARY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG IS DIVIDED INTO 24 +SCHOOL NETS+ BASED ON THE LOCATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
/IN EACH ...
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1979
2
IN EACH NET IS A COMPARABLE MIX OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS PLACES IN TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, AIDED SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, AND PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS. PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, HOWEVER, ARE NOT LIMITED TO PARTICULAR NETS.
EACH PRIMARY SIX PUPIL HAS A CHOICE OF UP TO 30 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITHIN HIS NET.
ALL THE PUPILS LISTED IN THE ORDER OF MERIT ARE THEN GROUPED INTO FIVE BANDS AND FED INTO A COMPUTER FOR ALLOCATION OF A PLACE IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL BASED ON PARENTAL CHOICE.
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BILLS ON BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GAZETTED ft ft * ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUBLISHED THE BANKING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1979 AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1979 IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL IS DESIGNED TO IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM OF MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS TO BE OBSERVED BY REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
THE BILL AMENDS THE SYSTEM WHICH WAS SET OUT IN THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1978, BUT WHICH HAS NOT YET BEEN BROUGHT INTO FORCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE NEW SYSTEM HAD BEEN DESIGNED AFTER A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MONTHLY STATISTICS WHICH THESE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN SUBMITTING TO THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SINCE THE END OF 1978.
♦THE BASIC REQUIREMENT NOW PROPOSED IS THAT ALL DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES SHOULD HOLD IN THE FORM OF SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO AT LEAST THE SUM OF 30 PER CENT OF THEIR SHORT TERM DEPOSIT LIABILITIES, AND 15 PER CENT OF THEIR OTHER DEPOSIT LIABILITIES. SHORT TERM LIABILITIES INCLUDE TIME DEPOSITS WHERE THE DEPOSITOR MAY OBTAIN EARLY REPAYMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE ACTUAL PERCENTAGES OF 30 AND 15 ARE NOT SET OUT IN THE BILL- THEY ARE THE PERCENTAGES WHICH WILL PROBABLY BE SPECIFIED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, UNDER POWERS GIVEN IN THE BILL, AS SOON AS THE BILL COMES INTO FORCE. THEY CAN BE VARIED AT ANY TIME THEREAFTER.
THE BANKING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL PROVIDES THAT SHORT TERM BALANCES HELD BY BANKS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WILL NOW BE SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS FOR BANKS, JUST AS THE BALANCES DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HOLD WITH BANKS ARE ALREADY SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS FOR THOSE COMPANIES, UNDER PROVISIONS OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE NOT YET IN FORCE.
/THE TWO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1979
THE TWO BILLS MAKE SOME OTHER CHANGES TO THE LIST OF SPECIFIED LIQUID ASSETS FOR BOTH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES! THESE INCLUDE A NEW POWER FOR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO SPECIFY AS LIQUID ASSETS CERTAIN MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. THIS WILL ENABLE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO SPECIFY, FOR EXAMPLE, HONG KONG DOLLAR CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AS LIQUID ASSETS WHEN HE JUDGES THAT THE SECONDARY MARKET IN THESE INSTRUMENTS IS MORE DEVELOPED.
THE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 17, AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 1980.
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NEW LEGISLATION TO REGULATE RICE TRADE FOR PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS ft ft ft ft
THE RESERVED COMMODITIES ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, WHICH ENSURE PROPER AND ORDERLY DISTRIBUTION OF RICE FROM IMPORTERS THROUGH WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS TO CONSUMERS, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1.
♦THE NEW LEGISLATION CONFERS ADDITIONAL POWERS ON THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS TO, IF NECESSARY, SET THE PRICE AND CONTROL THE SALE OF RICE BY REGISTERED IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALERS,♦ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦THIS IS TO ENSURE NO UNDUE STOCKHOLDING, SPECULATION OR PROFITEERING TO THE DETRIMENT OF CONSUMERS,♦ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THERE IS NO RICE SHORTAGE IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT.
♦IN FACT, THE OUTLOOK FOR WORLD RICE SUPPLIES IS GOOD,* HE SAID.
THE NEED TO CONFER ADDITIONAL POWERS TO THE DIRECTOR AROSE FROM EXPERIENCE IN 1973 AND 1974 WHEN THERE WAS A WORLD-WIDE SHORTAGE OF RICE AND SHARP INCREASE OF RICE PRICES. THERE WERE INDICATIONS THEN THAT SOME RICE TRADERS WERE ATTEMPTING TO MANIPULATE THE SUPPLIES AND PRICES.
AT THAT TIME, THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY HAD NO LEGAL POWERS TO INTERVENE BUT WAS ABLE TO REACH A VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT WITH THE RICE TRADE WHEREBY MAXIMUM MARK-UPS WERE FIXED IN RESPECT OF PRICES AT WHICH IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALERS WOULD SELL.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW LEGISLATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS WOULD NOT INTERVENE IN THE RICE MARKET UNLESS HE HAD CLEAR EVIDENCE OF SPECULATION, HOARDING OR PROFITEERING.
/UNDER THE .....
FRIDAY, OCTOSER, 12, 1979
4
UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD REGISTER RICE WHOLESALERS WHO WOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN CERTAIN TRADING RECORDS.
♦THE NEW LEGISLATION WILL CONTINUE TO CLASSIFY, IN ADDITION TO RICE, FROZEN MEAT AND FROZEN POULTRY AS RESERVED COMMODITIES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +BUT COAL AND FIREWOOD AND CERTAIN MANUFACTURED RICE PRODUCTS ARE NOW EXCLUDED FROM THE LIST, AND NO LICENCES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR IMPORTS OR EXPORTS OF THESE ITEMS.♦
_ _ o - -
OLD ONE DOLLAR COINS WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER
X * X * X
ALL OLD ONE DOLLAR COINS WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER FROM MARCH 1, 1980, IT IS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 95 MILLION OLD ONE DOLLAR COINS IN CIRCULATION, BUT A LARGE NUMBER OF THESE WILL HAVE CEASED TO CIRCULATE BECAUSE, FOR EXAMPLE, OF HAVING BEEN TAKEN OUT OF HONG KONG BY OVERSEAS VISITORS.
THE NEW SMALLER ONE DOLLAR COINS WERE MADE LEGAL TENDER WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 14, LAST YEAR. SINCE THAT DATE 119 MILLION NEW LIGHTER ONE DOLLAR COINS HAVE BEEN PUT INTO CIRCULATION AND OVER 116 MILLION OF THE OLD ONES HAVE BEEN WITHDRAWN.
THE NEW COIN WEIGHS 7.1 GRAMMES, WITH AN EDGE THICKNESS OF 1.95 MM AND A DIAMETER OF 25.5 MM. THE OLD COIN WEIGHS 11.66 GRAMMES WITH AN EDGE THICKNESS OF 2.25 MM AND A DIAMETER OF 30 MM. BOTH COINS ARE MADE OF CUPRO-NICKEL.
IN 1973 THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS APPOINTED TO REVIEW HONG KONG’S COINAGE. THE COMMITTEE COMPLETED ITS WORK IN JULY 1974 AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE OLD DOLLAR COIN BE REPLACED BY A SMALLER UNIT.
- - 0 - -
IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY CARE FOR THE AGED STRESSED
******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON THE COMMUNITY TO PRESERVE AND FOSTER THE ROLE OF CARING OLD PEOPLE IN LINE WITH THE TRADITIONAL FILIAL CONCEPT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHEUNG SHA WAN MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE AGED, MR. LEE UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH SOCIAL CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY RAPID SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH THE LONG-HELD TRADITIONAL FILIAL CONCEPT FOR THE AGED HAD BEEN PUT TO TEST.
Asome old
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1979
5
♦SOME OLD PEOPLE MAY FEEL THEY ARE BEING NEGLECTED AND DISINTEGRATED FROM THE COMMUNITY,♦ HE SAID.
♦IT IS ONLY THROUGH SUSTAINED COMMUNITY CARE AND LOVE THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE CAN BE HELPED TO RETAIN SELF-RESPECT AND A SENSE OF BELONG ING,♦ HE STRESSED.
MR. LEE SAID THAT OVER THE YEARS, BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR HAD DEVELOPED VARIOUS SERVICES TO ENABLE OLD PEOPLE TO REMAIN WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
THE CHEUNG SHA WAN MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE AGED WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF SUCH EFFORTS, HE ADDED.
RUN BY THE CARITAS-HONG KONG, THE CENTRE OFFERS A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO MEET THE VARYING NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY. ITS SERVICES INCLUDE HOME HELP, MEALS, LAUNDRY, PERSONAL GUIDANCE AND RECREATION.
THE CENTRE ALSO PROVIDES DAY CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE WHOSE FAMILIES ARE UNABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEM DURING THE DAYTIME.
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TWO KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTES TO BE SUSPENDED
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 9 OPERATING BETWEEN WATERLOO HILL (MAN FUK ROAD) AND TSIM SHA TSUI AND ROUTE NO. 10 BETWEEN KADOORIE AVENUE (BRAGA CIRCUIT) AND TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14) DUE TO POOR PATRONAGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ROUTE NO. 9 WAS INTRODUCED IN APRIL, BUT OBSERVATIONS CARRIED OUT BY TRANSPORT INSPECTORS IN JUNE REVEALED THAT THE DAILY PASSENGER TRAFFIC FOR THE ROUTE WAS POOR WITH AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT FIVE PASSENGERS PER TRIP.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PATRONAGE, THE ROUTE WAS REVISED ON SEPTEMBER 15 AND BUSINESS BEGAN TO PICK UP, RESULTING IN AN IMPROVEMENT IN TRAFFIC OF 13 PER CENT AND A MODEST PROFIT OF 14 CENTS A MILE, HE SAID.
ANOTHER SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT IN LATE SEPTEMBER AND THIS SHOWED THAT PATRONAGE HAD INCREASED FURTHER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SERVICE COULD PROVE VIABLE IN THE LONG RUN. HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE LOSSES SUFFERED SINCE APRIL, ONE OF THE PARTNERS OPERATING ROUTE NO. 9 HAS DECIDED TO WITHDRAW HIS SEVEN VEHICLES AND REVERT THEM TO ORDINARY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS OPERATION.
HE ADDED THAT ARRANGEMENTS WERE BEING MADE FOR WATERLOO HILL TO CONTINUE TO BE SERVED BY THE OPERATOR OF ROUTES NO.l AND 2 SO THAT THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC WOULD NOT BE INCONVENIENCED.
/AS FOR ....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1979
6
AS FOR ROUTE NO. 10, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT ALSO SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEMS SINCE IT WAS INTRODUCED IN APRIL. OBSERVATIONS CARRIED OUT BY TRANSPORT INSPECTORS IN JUNE REVEALED THAT THE AVERAGE DAILY PASSENGER TRAFFIC WAS ONLY FOUR PASSENGERS PER TRIP.
PEAK HOUR JOURNEYS FROM TSIM SHA TSUI IN THE EVENINGS WERE INVARIABLY FULL BUT AT MOST OTHER TIMES ONLY A HANDFUL OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLED.
THE TIMETABLE WAS NOT ADHERED TO THUS LEADING TO SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM INTENDING PASSENGERS AND LOSS OF TRAFFIC.
ALTHOUGH PASSENGER TRAFFIC BUILT UP STEADILY FROM 211 A DAY IN APRIL TO 318 IN AUGUST, THE DAILY REVENUE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO SUSTAIN ECONOMIC OPERATION.
THE ROUTE WAS ALSO MODIFIED ON SEPTEMBER 15 TO IMPROVE PATRONAGE, BUT THE CHANGES WERE INEFFECTIVE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT EVEN IF FARES WERE DOUBLED, THE SERVICE WAS NOT LIKELY TO PROVE VIABLE.
HE SAID THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF PASSENGERS WERE CAR OWNERS AND WHILST THE SERVICE PROBABLY REMOVED ABOUT 200 CAR TRIPS A DAY FROM PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC FLOWS, THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT OFF-PEAK TRAFFIC TO JUSTIFY THE CONTINUATION OF THE SERVICE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE LOOKING INTO THIS SERVICE LATER ON WITH A VIEW TO REVIVING IT.
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GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JULY ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JULY SHOW A DEFICIT OF $263.3 MILLION COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $396.1 MILLION IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT OF $16.9 MILLION FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $25.4 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN JULY, AT $946.4 MILLION, WAS $78 MILLION MORE THAN IN JULY, 1978.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS, AT $683.1 MILLION, WERE $210.8 MILLION MORE THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH IN 1978.
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/7
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1979
- 7 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SIR YUET-KEUNG TO OPEN MONG KOK ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN
******
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN IN MONG KOK STADIUM, FLOWER MARKET ROAD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 2.30'P.M, HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES.
THE CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 10 000 RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FROM THE DISTRICT, WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES INCLUDING A MOCK BATTLE BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), LION AND DRAGON DANCES, SONGS AND PERFORMANCE BY TOP TV ARTISTES AND A +TELE-MATCH+ GAME.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY. OFFICERS FROM THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE PRESS.
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SITE TOR FUNERAL PARLOUR FOR SALE
*****
A CROWN LAND SITE, FOR USE AS A FUNERAL PARLOUR AND MORTUARY, IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE SITE, MEASURING 1 114 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, DIAMOND HILL IN KOWLOON.
CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 16.
TENDER FORM AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE 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, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
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BUILDING SITE CLASSIFICATION ******
THE BUILDING (PLANNING)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1979 WHICH CLASSIFY SITES BY REFERENCE TO THE STREETS ON WHICH THEY ABUT, HfcV€ COME INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE REGULATIONS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THE AMENDING REGULATIONS MADE CLEAR THAT IN CLASSIFYING SITES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE REGULATIONS, STREETS LESS THAN 4.5 METRES WIDE WERE TO BE DISREGARDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
S..£UsDAY, OCTOBER 1J, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IS A SUCCESS, SAYS SIR Y.K. KAN ............................................ 1
MORE HOMES FOR THE AGED ARE NEEDED IN NT ..................... 5
TECHNICAL COURSES HELP DEVELOP WORKERS' POTENTIALS ................................................... 4
JURY LIST .................................................... 5
COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE ...................... 5
ROAD CLOSURE IN TSIM SHA TSUI ............................... 6
WATER CUT .................................................... 6
FIRING PRACTICE
6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1979
1
FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IS A SUCCESS, SAYS SIR Y.K. KAN ******
DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN CONTROLLED AND THEN PROGRESSIVELY REMOVED, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MONTH-LONG MONG KOK DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN, SIR YUET-KEUNG SAIDi +DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DRUG ABUSE ARE TWO LONG-STANDING SCOURGES OF OUR COMMUNITY. FOLLOWING THE RECONSTITUTION OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) IN 1973, THEY HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH IN AN IMAGINATIVE/ CO-ORDINATED WAY IN WHICH EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT IS CLOSELY LINKED WITH INTERNATIONAL ACTION AND WITH THE PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT, REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE FACILITIES.
♦THESE IN TURN ARE COMPLEMENTED BY PREVENTION, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO PERSUADE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE NEVER TO EXPERIMENT WITH DRUGS, AND TO ATTRACT EXISTING ADDICTS INTO TREATMENT.
♦THE SUCCESS OF OUR ENDEAVOURS CAN BE SEEN TODAY IN THE VERY HIGH LEVEL OF ILL ICirDRUG PRICES ON THE STREETS, THE RECORD NUMBER OF DRUG ABUSERS IN DAILY TREATMENT, AND THE STEADY DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED.*
SIR YUET-KEUNG AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, TODAY OFFICIATED AT A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN.
IN HIS SPEECH SIR YUET-KEUNG ALSO SAID THAT OVER THE YEARS HONG KONG HAD ACHIEVED A WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION FOR ITS SUCCESS IN PROVIDING FULL EMPLOYMENT AND A STEADILY RISING STANDARD OF LIVING FOR ITS FIVE MILLION PEOPLE.
HONG KONG HAS DONE THIS WITHOUT THE ADVANTAGE OF ANY NATURAL RESOURCES EXCEPT THE SKILL, VERSATILITY, HARD WORK AND ENTERPRISE OF ITS PEOPLE COMBINED WITH A FAVOURABLE GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION OF THE CROSSROADS OF ASIA.
IN THE PROCESS, HOUSING HAS BEEN BUILT AT AN INCREASING RATE FOR ITS STEADILY GROWING POPULATION, FREE EDUCATION FOR ALL UP TO FORM 3 LEVEL HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEMS OF SUCH AN ENORMOUS POPULATION IN SUCH A LIMITED AREA HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY SURMOUNTED.
♦BUT, INEVITABLY, WITH SUCH A RECORD THERE IS ANOTHER SIDE TO THE PICTURE. TWO MAJOR SOCIAL EVILS HAVE ARISEN, IN PART PERHAPS DUE TO OUR VERY RAPID RATE OF GROWTH AND OUR DENSELY-PACKED POPULATION - I SPEAK OF COURSE OF CORRUPTION AND DRUG ABUSE.
♦BUT HERE AGAIN, THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN TACKLED IN A TYPICALLY HONG KONG WAY BY FACING THEM SQUARELY AND PRAGMATICALLY/ AND BY DEVISING METHODS BY WHICH THEY CAN FIRST BE CONTROLLED, AND THEN PROGRESSIVELY REMOVED,♦ SIR YUET-KEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THAT IN THIS CONTINUING WAR AGAINST DRUG, THE SUPPORT OF HONG KONG’S PEOPLE WAS VITALLY IMPORTANT AND THIS REPRESENTED THE PURPOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGAN IN MONG KOK TODAY.
/IN THE ..
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1J, 1979
2
IN THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS, MORE THAN 7OO SCHOOLS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN MONG KOK WILL JOIN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO BRING THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE TO ALL THE RESIDENTS OF THIS DISTRICT, AND PARTICULARLY TO ITS YOUNG PEOPLE, AND TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SOLIDARITY AGAINST THIS DESTRUCTIVE MENACE OF DRUG ABUSE.
THE MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT IS ONE OF THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS IN THE WORLD. ABOUT 250 000 PEOPLE LIVE IN A SMALL AREA OF UNDER ONE-AND-A-HALF SQUARE KILOMETRE, WHICH GIVES A DENSITY OF ALMOST 170 000 PEOPLE PER SQUARE KILOMETRE. THIS COMPARES WITH AN OVERALL DENSITY PER SQUARE KILOMETRE OF 300 IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, 23 IN THE UNITED STATES AND TWO IN CANADA.
♦THIS HIGH-DENSITY LIVING INEVITABLY BRINGS CONSIDERABLE PROBLEMS TO MANY- PARENTAL CONTROL OVER CHILDREN MAY SOMETIMES BE LOOSENED, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND MUTUAL SUPPORT BETWEEN FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS MAY OFTEN BE DISCOURAGED. SUCH EFFECTS ARE OFTEN ACCENTED WHEN RESIDENTS HAVE TO SHARE COMMON FACILITIES AND LIMITED RESOURCES WITH EACH OTHER.
♦WHILST THE MAJORITY HAVE ADOPTED TO OUR CONGESTED ENVIRONMENT, SOME DEVELOP ANTI-SOCIAL HABITS, OR TURN TO CRIME OR DRUGS TO RELIEVE THE FRUSTRATION IN THEIR LIVES.
♦IT IS ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT, UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS, COMMUNITY LEADERS IN MONG KOK HAVE WORKED HARD OVER THE YEARS TO PROVIDE MORE OF THE COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL OUTLETS AND FACILITIES SO URGENTLY NEEDED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE DISTRICT, AND ESPECIALLY BY THE YOUNG.
♦THEIR SPONSORSHIP OF THIS CAMPAIGN, AND OF THE 80 EVENTS WHICH WILL BE CONNECTED WITH IT, SPEAKS WELL FOR THEIR TRADITION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE DATING BACK TO THE SHEK KIP MEI FIRE OF 1953,+ HE SAID.
SIR YUET-KEUNG SAID HE HOPED THIS BIGGEST CAMPAIGN EFFORT EVER ORGANISED IN MONG KOK WOULD DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF DANGER OF DRUG ABUSE TO ALL LOCAL RESIDENTS, DISSUADE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM EVER EXPERIMENTING WITH DRUGS, AND ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO REPORT TO OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THE ACTIVITIES OF ANY DRUG TRAFFICKERS, PUSHERS OR MANUFACTURERS WHICH MIGHT COME TO THEIR NOTICE.
♦IN ADDITION, I TRUST THAT THE CAMPAIGN WILL INSPIRE A GREATER WILLINGNESS TO OFFER EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER FORMS OF PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE TO REHABILITATED ADDICTS AND TO THOSE WHO MAY BE AT RISK OF BECOMING ADDICTS BY REASON OF PERSONAL, SOCIAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS,+ SIR YUET-KEUNG SAID.
HE THANKED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR. HUNG WAI-MAN AND HIS COMMITTEE bEMBERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY THE UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR. WONG LAM, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. E.l. LEE, THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (WEST KOWLOON), MR. TONY EASON AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (MONG KOK), MISS REGINA LAU.
MORE THAN 10 000 LOCAL RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS ALSO ATTENDED THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A THREE-HOUR VARIETY SHOW, INCLUDING A MOCK BATTLE BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), DRAGON AND LION DANCES, BAND PERFORMANCES, +TELE-MATCH+ GAMES, AND SONG AND DANCE PERFORMANCES BY TOP TELEVISION STARS.
------0 ------ /j.....................
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1979
3
MORE HOMES FOR THE AGED ARE NEEDED IN NT ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES TODAY (SATURDAY) EXPRESSED HOPE TO SEE CLOSER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN PROVIDING MORE CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES FOR THE GROWING ELDERLY POPULATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING AT THE KAM TIN CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IN YUEN LONG ON ITS OPEN DAY, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE HOME, BUILT BY THE SALVATION ARMY IN 1975, WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO SERVE AGED PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
♦SOME PEOPLE, AS THEY GROW OLD, ARE UNABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES, BUT THEY ARE NOT ILL AND DO NOT NEED A HOSPITAL. THEY NEED PERSONAL CARE AND OCCASIONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER MENTIONED A NEED FOR 1 400 PLACES IN THESE INSTITUTIONS BY 1982/83 AND THERE IS A BIG GAP BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND.
♦AND I AM GLAD THE PEOPLE OF YUEN LONG ARE RESPONDING TO THIS NEED BY PRESSING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER SUCH HOME TO BE BUILT BY THE POK 01 HOSPITAL AT PING SHAN,+ HE SAID.
FOR THE NEW HOME, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID, THE ALLOCATION OF LAND WAS IN HAND AND PREPARATION OF ARCHITECTURAL PLANS UNDERWAY.
♦THIS INITIATIVE IS VERY WELCOME AND I AM SURE LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL COME FORWARD TO GIVE IT THEIR SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL ASS I STANCE.+
HE PRAISED THE SALVATION ARMY FOR THEIR GOOD WORK IN RUNNING THE KAM TIN HOME.
THERE ARE 19 CENTRES FOR THE AGED OPERATED BY VOLUNTARY AND CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1979
4
TECHNICAL COURSES HELP DEVELOP WORKERS’ POTENTIALS
*****
LOCAL EMPLOYERS SHOULD HELP DEVELOP THEIR WORKERS’ POTENTIALS BY MAKING AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO ATTEND PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS.
THIS IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS FOLLOWING A SURVEY OF PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES.
THE SURVEY WHICH COVERED 940 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND 40 HOTELS WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE COMMITTEE LAST YEAR TO FIND OUT THE TYPES OF PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES THAT EMPLOYERS WOULD LIKE THEIR EMPLOYEES TO ATTEND IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THE REPORT ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL BE ON SALE ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 15) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $9 A COPY.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE TRAINING COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS INCLUDEi
* TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS, RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND TRAINING BOARDS OF THE COUNCIL SHOULD REGULARLY ASSESS THE TRAINING NEEDS OF INDUSTRY AND REVIEW THE MERIT OF PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES TO ENSURE THAT THEY CAN MEET THE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY-
* 'FOR THOSE APPRENTICES WHOSE EDUCATIONAL STANDARD IS BELOW THAT SPECIFIED FOR ENTRY INTO PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES, THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTS THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD, AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, CONTINUE TO RUN SPECIAL REMEDIAL CLASSES TO RAISE THEIR STANDARD TO THE REQUIRED LEVEL-
* SUFFICIENT PLACES IN RELEVANT PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES SHOULD ALWAYS BE MADE AVAILABLE IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS FOR APPRENTICES- AND
* MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD ENCOURAGE THEIR MEMBERS TO START ORGANISED APPRENTICE TRAINING AND MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS.
------o-------
/5....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1979
- 5 -
JURY LIST * * *
THE ACTING REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR. JOHN BARNETT, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING ON NOVEMBER 1.
THE LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS AND DURING THIS PERIOD ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF ANOTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED UPON CAUSES DULY ASSIGNED IN SUCH NOTICE.
THE REGISTRAR SHALL IN HIS DISCRETION, POST OR REMOVE SUCH NAME ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL IF NECESSARY ALTER THE LIST.
-------o----------
COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE
******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL RUN A COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES NEXT MONTH.
THE COURSE, +THE TEACHING OF WRITING IN CHINESE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS,* IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, AND WILL BE HELD AT THE MA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFF ICES.
THERE WILL BE LECTURES AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS, AND EACH PARTICIPANT BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON THEIR OWN TEACHING EXPERIENCE.
THE COURSE CONSISTS OF TWO MEETINGS AND IS FREE OF CHARGE. IT WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5 AND 6 FROM 2.30 P.M. TO 5 P.M. AND BE REPEATED FOR ANOTHER GROUP OF TEACHERS ON NOVEMBER 7 AND 8.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE SAID THE COURSE WOULD NOT LEAD TO ANY QUALIFICATION, BUT A CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION BE ISSUED TO THOSE WHO FULFILLED THE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS.
PRINCIPALS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO THE COURSE SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATION FORMS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, MA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER
--------o ---------
/6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1979
- 6 -ROAD CLOSURE IN TSIM SHA TSUI ft * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) FROM
10 A.M. ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 15) A SECTION OF TAK SHING STREET BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND TAK HING STREET IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
WATER CUT * * ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 15) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MORRISON STREET, WING LOK STREET, SOUTH SIDE OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, SUTHERLAND STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.
-----0-------
FIRING PRACTICE ft ft ft
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES AREi
DATE HOURS
OCTOBER 15 (MONDAY) 7 A.M. — 5 P.M.
OCTOBER 18 (THURSDAY) 7 A.M. — 5 P.M.
OCTOBER 19 (FRIDAY) 7 A.M. — 5 P.M.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DENTAL CARE SERVICE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN ....................... 1
MORE SWIMMING POOLS FOR NEW TOWNS IN NT ....................... 1
LADY MACLEHOSE TO INITIATE SCHOOL HALL DEMOLITION CEREMONY ..................................................... 2
FUN AND LESSONS IN CAMPS FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS ................. 2
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEEM'S PIER ............................. 3
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1979
1
DENTAL CARE SERVICE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN * X
ALL CHILDREN ENTERING PRIMARY ONE FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR WILL BENEFIT FROM THE SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SERVICE. A VOLUNTARY SCHEME ESTABLISHED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS PART OF ITS DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO EXTEND DENTAL CARE TO THE PUBLIC.
BEFORE THE SCHEME IS OFFICIALLY IMPLEMENTED IN 1980, OVER 10 000 CHILDREN WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A TRIAL PROJECT NEXT MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID* +WE INTEND TO INVITE PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS FROM 13 SCHOOLS IN THE VICINITY OF THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIAL SCHEME SO THAT WE CAN MEASURE ITS ACCEPTANCE RATE AND IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AREAS.*
HE SAID UNDER THIS SCHEME, SCHOOL CHILDREN WOULD BE GIVEN SIMPLE ROUTINE DENTAL TREATMENT BY DENTAL OFFICERS AND DENTAL THERAPISTS.
THE TREATMENT WILL INCLUDE A FULL DENTAL EXAMINATION, FILLINGS, SCALING, CLEANING OF TEETH AND IF NECESSARY, EXTRACTION.
♦LIMITED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT MAY ALSO BE PROVIDED,+ HE ADDED.
FOR ALL THESE SERVTCES, ONLY A NOMINAL FEE OF $5 A YEAR WILL BE CHARGED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +THE EMPHASIS OF THIS SERVICE IS ON PREVENTION. APART FROM THE APPLICATION OF MODERN PREVENTIVE bETHODS, SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL ALSO BE TAUGHT THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DENTAL HEALTH AND ORAL HYGIENE SO THAT THEY WILL ADOPT GOOD ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICE TO PREVENT DENTAL DISEASES DEVELOPING IN LATER LIFE.+
THE SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL PRIMARY ONE PUPILS IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR WHEN THE FIRST BATCH OF THE STUDENT DENTAL THERAPISTS COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING.
IT WILL FURTHER BE EXPANDED PROGRESSIVELY TO INCLUDE ALL CHILDREN IN THE PRIMARY CLASSES. THE SERVICE WILL BE IN FULL SWING WITH THE COMPLETION OF FOUR MORE CLINICS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS --TWO IN KOWLOON AND TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
_ _ o - -
MORE SWIMMING POOLS FOR NEW TOWNS IN NT X X X X X
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO BUILD SWIMMING POOLS IN EACH OF THE SIX NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT A CEREMONY AT THE FOURTH ANNUAL NEW TERRITORIES SWIMMING GALA AT FANLING SWIMMING COMPLEX.
/MR. AKERS-JOiiES
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1979
2
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT SINCE THE FANLING SWIMMING COMPLEX OPENED A YEAR AGO, IT HAD ATTRACTED NOT ONLY RESIDENTS OF FANLING BUT ALSO PEOPLE FROM OTHER DISTRICTS.
IN JULY THIS YEAR ALONE, HE SAID, MORE THAN 90 000 PEOPLE HAD ENJOYED SWIMMING IN THE POOL.
♦THIS FIGURE INDICATES THE NEED AND THE ENTHUSIASM FOR SUCH FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
♦IN RESPONSE TO THIS DEMAND,♦ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID, ♦WE PLAN TO BUILD SWIMMING POOLS IN EACH OF OUR NEW TERRITORIES TOWNS.
♦WORK ON THE SHA TIN COMPLEX HAS ALREADY STARTED AND SITE PREPARATION FOR THE YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL AND GARDEN IS IN PROGRESS,♦ HE SAID. OTHER POOLS WERE ALSO PLANNED FOR TAI PO, TUEN MUN AND NORTH KWAI CHUNG.
A TOTAL OF 350 SWIMMERS TOOK PART IN THE GALA WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
LADY MACLEHOSE TO INITIATE SCHOOL HALL DEMOLITION CEREMONY ft ft * * * ft
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL INITIATE THE DEMOLITION CEREMONY OF THE HALL AND ANNEXE OF THE ST. PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL IN CAUSEWAY BAY ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 16) MORNING.
THE BUILDINGS WILL BE PULLED DOWN TO MAKE WAY FOR A NEW SCHOOL PREMISES.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPORTERS AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER THE CEREMONY. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE CHAPEL OF THE SCHOOL VIA THE ENTRANCE AT COTTON PATH NOT LATER THAN 9.30 A.M. G I S OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
----- 0 ------
FUN AND LESSONS IN CAMPS FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS ft ft ft ft ft
PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN PLAY AND LEARN AT THE SAME TIME IN OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THESE CAMPS ARE TO
PROVIDE SCHOOL IN A NATURAL
CHILDREN WITH EXPERIENCE IN SOCIAL LIVING
OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT AND TO PROVIDE THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN THEIR SCHOOL SUBJECTS UNDER CAMPING SITUATIONS.
/THE CAMPS .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1979
5
THE CAMPS ARE CONDUCTED AT SIX SITES FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS INCLUSIVELY BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND JULY 4, I960.
THE SITES ARE THE GAUDETE HOUSE AT CHEUNG CHAU RUN BY CARITAS HONG KONG- THE SILVERMINE BAY OUTDOOR RECREATION CAMP RUN BY THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION- THE YWCA YOUTH CAMP ON LANTAQ ISLAND- THE WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE RUN BY THE CHINESE YMCA- THE MA WAN YOUTH CAMP RUN BY THE SALVATION ARMY AND THE CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE SUEN DOUH CAMP IN SHEUNG SHU I RUN BY THE CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PAY BOARD AND LODGING FEES FOR ACCOMPANYING TEACHERS AND 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CHARGES FOR ALL STUDENT-CAMPERS.
EACH ACCOMPANYING TEACHER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOOKING AFTER 40 STUDENTS.
AT THE CAMPS, THE STUDENTS WILL ATTEND LESSONS IN THE MORNING SPECIALLY DESIGNED BY THE ACCOMPANYING TEACHERS.
IN THE AFTERNOONS THEY CAN JOIN EXCURSIONS, EDUCATIONAL VISITS, BALL GAMES, SWIMMING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. FOLK DANCING, RECREATIONAL GAMES, CAMP FIRES, FILM SHOWS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE EVENINGS.
THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING PROGRAMMES WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE CAMP STAFF WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF TEACHERS.
BEDDING, BLANKETS, BED SHEETS AND PILLOW CASES WILL BE PROVIDED AT EACH CAMP. CAMPERS SHOULD BRING SUITABLE CLOTHING, PERSONAL HYGIENE KITS AND THEIR PHYSICAL EDUCATION GEAR.
APPLICATIONS FOR BOOKINGS CAN NOW BE MADE TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, AND ENQUIRIES BE DIRECTED TO MR. SUN HOI-YAM AT TELi 3-884111 EXT. 276.
------0-------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEEN’S PIER
* * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE CLOSED TO NORMAL MARINE TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19) BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 6.30 P.M. FOR THE GALA OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL OF ASIAN ARTS IN EDINBURGH PLACE.
DURING THE CLOSURE OF THE QUEEN’S PIER, ALL SMALL CRAFT ARE ADVISED TO USE BLAKE PIER.
-------o--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK’S EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY - AUGUST 1979 ...................................... 1
GRAVEYARD-VISITORS WARNED OF BOGUS GOVT STAFF............... 6
LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME HELPS PO TCI ISLANDERS .................................................. 7
FILM CN SCHOOL GYMNASTICS FOR TEACHERS ..................... 8
PHOTOGRAPHS OF DEPARTMENT HEADS ............................ 8
RESERVOIR SPILLWAY TO BE LOWERED............................ 9
PARTIAL OPENING OF MID-LEVEL FLYOVERS
9
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
1
HK’S EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY - AUGUST 1979 ******
HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS $100 358 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 40 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 37 PER CENT TO 134 372 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 55 PER CENT TO $12 603 MILLION - REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 42 PER CENT IN TOTAL EXPORTS.
IMPORTS RECORDED A 38 PER CENT INCREASE, REACHING $53 383 MILLION.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE AS FOLLOWS J
JAN - AUG 79 (HK$ MN) JAN - AUG 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
USA 11 635 9 675 + 1 960 ♦ 20
FR OF GERMANY 3 889 2 625 + 1 264 ♦ 48
UK 3 715 2 267 + 1 448 + 64
JAPAN 1 706 1 005 + 701 ♦ 70
AUSTRALIA 1 095 902 + 193 + 21
CANADA 1 019 798 ♦ 221 + 28
SINGAPORE 893 642 + 251 + 39
NETHERLANDS 855 557 + 298 ♦ 54
SWEDEN 615 345 + 270 + 78
FRANCE 566 317 + 249 + 79
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE US COMPRISED MAINLY CLOTHING ($4 534 MILLION, ♦ 13 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($1 076 MILLION, + 37 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($914 MILLION, ♦ 50 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($608 MILLION, + 26 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($606 MILLION, ♦ 35 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, EXPORTS OF RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS ($362 MILLION, - 9 PER CENT) AND PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ($153 MILLION, - 17 PER CENT) CONTINUED TO DECLINE.
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS ..
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
2
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN CLOTHING ($2 301 MILLION, ♦ 47 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($402 MILLION, ♦ 44 PER CENT) AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($278 MILLION, + 163 PER CENT).
DEMAND IN THE UK REMAINED ACTIVE FOR CLOTHING ($1 859 MILLION, + 58 PER CENT), TEXTILES ($375 MILLION, ♦ 53 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($252 MILLION, + 114 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($221 MILLION, ♦ 73 PER CENT).
INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED IN EXPORTS OF CLOTHING ($503 MILLION, + 86 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($142 MILLION, + 105 PER CENT) TO JAPAN, TEXTILES ($273 MILLION, + 29 PER CENT) TO AUSTRALIA, AND CLOTHING ($403 MILLION, ♦ 18 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($66 MILLION, + 110 PER CENT) TO CANADA.
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION IS SHOWN AS FOLLOWS i-
JAN - AUG 79 JAN - AUG 78 INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSOR IES 12 772 9 831 + 2 941 ♦ 30
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 5 785 4 106 1 679 ♦ 41
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2 937 1 817 ♦ 1 120 + 62
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2 479 1 697 ♦ 782 ♦ 46
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2 365 1 748 ♦ 617 + 35
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
5
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES)
1 969
1 306 ♦ 663 ♦ 51
OVERSEAS DEMAND REMAINED BUOYANT FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($2 471 MILLION, + 66 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($2 276 MILLION, ♦ 41 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS ($1 904 MILLION, + 50 PER CENT), RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS ($1 202 MILLION, + 25 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($896 MILLION, + 30 PER CENT), AND TRAVEL GOODS. HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS ($766 MILLION, ♦ 34 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWSt-
10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE
JAN - AUG 79 (HK$ MN) JAN - AUG 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAPAN 12 166 8 843 ♦ 3 323 + 38
CHINA 8 983 6 282 ♦ 2 701 + 43
USA 6 627 4 850 ♦ 1 777 + 37
TAIWAN 3 693 2 544 + 1 149 + 45
SINGAPORE 2 967 2 030 ♦ 937 ♦ 46
UK 2 802 1 753 ♦ 1 049 + 60
FR OF GERMANY 1 769 1 275 + 494 + 39
SWITZERLAND 1 616 1 190 + 426 + 36
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1 574 1 113 + 461 + 41
(SOUTH KOREA)
AUSTRALIA 1 009 821 ♦ 188 + 23
IMPORTS OF TEXTILE YARN ($273 MILLION, - 14 PER CENT) FROM JAPAN CONTINUED TO DECREASE BUT THIS WAS MORE THAN OFFSET BY INCREASES IN OTHER TEXTILE PRODUCTS, RESULTING IN A RISE OF 20 PER CENT FOR TEXTILES ($1 829 MILLION) FROM JAPAN.
OTHER MAJOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN WERE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($1 212 MILLION, + 63 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($1 092 MILLION, + 42 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($1 050 MILLION, + 68 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL ($748 MILLION, ♦ 32 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ROAD VEHICLES ($722 MILLION, + 33 PER CENT).
/IMPORTS FROM .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
4
IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE MAINLY COMPOSED OF TEXTILES (SI 824 MILLION, ♦ 53 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS ($889 MILLION, ♦ 97 PER CENT), LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD ($774 MILLION, + 4 PER CENT), CLOTHING ($559 MILLION, + 69 PER CENT), AND VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($548 MILLION, + 25 PER CENT).
IMPORTS OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($574 MILLION, ♦ 30 PER CENT) FROM THE US CONTINUED TO RISE. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN ARRIVALS OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($597 MILLION, + 52 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ($555 MILLION, + 38 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUITS (8420 MILLION, + 22 PER CENT), AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS ($360 MILLION, ♦170 PER CENT).
IMPORTS OF TEXTILES ($1 462 MILLION, + 42 PER CENT) FROM TAIWAN AND PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS ($1 662 MILLION, + 41 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE ALSO WENT ON AN UPWARD TREND.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTION i-
JAN - AUG 79 JAN - AUG 78 (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN)
INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN) CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND
DIAMONDS) 16 782 12 313 + 4 469 ♦ 36
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 11 909 7 563 + 4 346 ♦ 57
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 7 589 5 168 + 2 421 + 47
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 5 978 5 178 ♦ 800 + 15
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4 237 2 869 + 1 368 + 48
MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 2 906 2 045 ♦ 861 + 42
_ —.— — — . . — . — — —
/significant increases .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
5
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS OF TEXTILE FABRICS ($4 836 MILLION, + 46 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS ($2 820 MILLION, ♦ 42 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($2 636 MILLION, ♦ 45 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($2 044 MILLION, + 78 PER CENT), AND IRON AND STEEL (SI 784 MILLION, + 46 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO TREND UPWARDS, IN PARTICULAR, FOR TEXTILES (SI 749 MILLION, + 74 PER CENT), PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($1 557 MILLION, + 40 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($755 MILLION, + 36 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ($746 MILLION, + 87 PER CENT), AND CLOTHING ($577 MILLION, ♦ 102 PER CENT).
MAJOR MARKETS FOR OUR RE-EXPORTS INCLUDED JAPAN ($1 789 MILLION. + 28 PER CENT), US ($1 303 MILLION, ♦ 72 PER CENT), TAIWAN (81 143 MILLION, + 55 PER CENT), SINGAPORE ($1 133 MILLION, + 28 PER CENT), AND INDONESIA ($1 054 MILLION, + 26 PER CENT). REMARKABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA ($655 MILLION, + 400 PER CENT).
THE TRADE INDEX NUMBERS FOR JULY THIS YEAR WERE AS
FOLLOWS*- QUANTUM INDEX
VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 319 166 192
IMPORTS 312 171 182
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR JULY THIS YEAR WAS 97.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
6
GRAVEYARD-VISITORS WARNED OF BOGUS GOVT STAFF ft ft ft
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) WARNED VISITORS TO PUBLIC GRAVEYARDS DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL TO BE WARY OF IMPOST&RS SOLICITING MONEY FROM THEM.
A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOME PEOPLE IMPERSONATING THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF IN THE NEW TERRITORIES PUBLIC CEMETERIES OFFERING TO EXHUME HUMAN REMAINS FOR AN EXORBITANT PROFIT WERE RECEIVED LAST YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES HAD EARLIER THIS YEAR ANNOUNCED THAT ALL HUMAN REMAINS BURIED IN PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN 1972 SHOULD BE REMOVED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, ANYONE REQUIRING EXHUMATION OF BURIED REMAINS IN ADVANCE MUST APPLY FOR A PERMIT FROM THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
+THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT DOES NOT OPERATE A PAID SERVICE FOR ANY PRIVATE EXHUMATION IN ANY PUBLIC CEMETERIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THERE IS NO APPOINTED CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE SUCH A SERVICE AND THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT SET ANY SCALE OF CHARGES,* HE ADDED.
+IF GRAVE-VISITORS ARE APPROACHED BY UNDESIRABLE OR SUSPECTED CHARACTERS, THEY SHOULD REPORT THE CASES IMMEDIATELY TO THE POLICE ON DUTY AT THE CEMETERY OR TO THE CEMETERY OFFICE,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED GRAVE-VISITORS TO KEEP THE PLACE CLEAN AND TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS OF HILL FIRES.
-------0---------
/7
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
7
LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME HELPS PO TOI ISLANDERS
* * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME - THE ARCHITECT FOR NUMEROUS PROJECTS IN THE NT OVER THE LAST 60 YEARS - HAS PAID NO LESS ATTENTION TO THE REMOTE ISLANDS OF HONG KONG WATERS.
A 12-METRE-LONG REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGE AT TAI WAN ON PO TOI ISLAND IS THE LATEST EXAMPLE OF ITS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING STANDARDS AND CONDITIONS OF ISLANDERS.
SPANNING A STRETCH OF THE LOCAL BEACH WHICH IS USUALLY INACCESSIBLE AT HIGH TIDE, THE BRIDGE WAS BUILT AT A COST OF OVER $61 000 TO A SPECIAL DESIGN WORKED OUT BY THE NTA’S ENGINEER, MR. DAVID CANTLE AND UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE WORKS SECTION OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
IT WAS COMPLETED THIS MONTH AND OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. NICKY LO, WHO, AT A BRIEF OPENING CEREMONY HELD ON THE ISLAND, DESCRIBED THE BRIDGE AS A FINE EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME COULD ACHIEVE TO HELP IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR THOSE LIVING IN THE MORE RURAL AND LESS DEVELOPED AREAS.
+ IT NOT ONLY PROVIDES AN EASY ACCESS ACROSS THE BEACH BUT ALSO ENDS THE ANXIETY OF LOCAL VILLAGERS OVER THE SAFE TRAVEL OF THEIR CHILDREN,* HE SAID.
MR. LO RECALLED THAT THE AREA WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVED BY A WOODEN BRIDGE BUILT JOINTLY BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ARMY IN 1974.
+OVER THE YEARS, IT YIELDED TO THE CONTINUING BATTERING OF WIND AND WAVES AND COLLAPSED IN LATE 1977,+ HE SAID, + AND DESPITE EFFORTS TO KEEP IT OPEN, THERE HAS BEEN GROWING CONCERN AMONG VILLAGERS FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CHILDREN HAVING TO CROSS THE BRIDGE EVERY DAY TO ATTEND SCHOOL.*
+IN CONSULTATION WITH THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE CAME TO THE RESCUE AND A REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WORK CONTRACTED OUT IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.+
TO EXPRESS THEIR THANKS, THE PO TOI ISLAND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR. WONG SHU-KUN PRESENTED BANNERS TO MR. LO AND OFFICIALS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT.
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/8
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
8
FILM ON SCHOOL GYMNASTICS FOR TEACHERS ******
A FILM ON MODERN SCHOOL GYMNASTICS HAS BEEN PRODUCED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG FOR THE BENEFIT OF TEACHERS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY)i +THE FIRST PART OF THE FILM IS A SAMPLE LESSON FOR FORM III GIRLS BASED ON THE THEME ’TWISTING,’ AND THE SECOND PART IS MOVEMENT DEMONSTRATION ON PARTNER WORK.+
TEACHERS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THIS FILM AT A SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 1 ON THE TEACHING OF SCHOOL GYMNASTICS, HE SAID.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL AT FORTRESS HILL ROAD, NORTH POINT FROM 9 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M.
THERE WILL BE A TALK ON THE SUBJECT BY MRS. HUANG YEUNG TZE-KIT, INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION SESSION.
TEACHERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND CAN SUBMIT THEIR NAMES THROUGH THEIR HEADS OF SCHOOL TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SEVENTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 23.
- - 0-----------
NOTE TO EDITORSi
PHOTOGRAPHS OF DEPARTMENT HEADS ******
OF THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY
COPIES OF TWO PHOTOGRAPHS .... . .
AND CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, NR KENNETH TOPLEY HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED IN GIS PRESS BOXES TODAY (MONDAY) FOR YOUR RECORD AND EDITORIAL USE.
IT WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED IF, WHEN THE OCCASION ARISES, THE NEW PHOTOGRAPHS ARE USED INSTEAD OF THE OLD ONES.
o -------
/9
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1979
9
RESERVOIR SPILLWAY TO BE LOWERED ft * ft ft
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE SPILLWAY OF THE KOWLOON BYEWASH RESERVOIR WOULD BE LOWERED BY 0.8 METRE TO IMPROVE THE STABILITY OF THE RESERVOIR DAM IN COMPLIANCE WITH CURRENT RESERVOIR_SAFETY STANDARDS.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE WORK WAS SIGNED TODAY BETWEEN MR. HU MAN-SHIU, CHIEF ENGINEER (SUPPLY) OF THE DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KAM NGA I ENTERPRISES LIMITED AT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OFFICES ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF LEIGHTON CENTRE, LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
_ _ 0
PARTIAL OPENING OF MID-LEVEL FLYOVERS ft ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN MID-LEVEL WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 17) BECAUSE OF THE PARTIAL OPENING OF LOWER GLENEALY AND ALBANY ROAD FLYOVERS.
THE ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM 2 P.M. ON THAT DAY, ARE:
ft THE SECTION OF ROBINSON ROAD BETWEEN GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER AND RAIMONDI COLLEGE WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND-
ft EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG ROBINSON ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE NEW GLENEALY FLYOVER-
ft EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON ROBINSON ROAD WISHING TO ENTER ALBANY ROAD NORTHBOUND SHALL TRAVEL VIA THE NEW SLIP ROAD'WHICH FORMS PART OF THE FLYOVER SYSTEM- AND
ft TRAFFIC FROM GLENEALY WISHING TO GO TO ROBINSOK ROAD EASTBOUND WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT AT THE ROBINSON ROAD JUNCTION AND THEN TURN RIGHT ONTO THE NEW FLYOVER.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
_ _ 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR STRUCK OFF LIST ............ 1
SPECIAL TRAINS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ................. 1
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ............. 2
ROAD SAFETY COURSE FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS ................. 3
PHOTOGRAPHS OF DEPARTMENT HEADS ......................... 3
CONTRACT FOR SHA TIN WATER MAINS SIGNED.................. 4
PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE PROPOSED ......................... 4
I
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1979
FIRE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR STRUCK OFF LIST ******
A FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN STRUCK OFF THE LIST OF REGISTERED CLASS-1 I CONTRACTORS FOR INSTALLING SUB-STANDARD MATERIAL ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS.
THE ACTION STEMMED FROM A DECISION OF A DISCIPLINARY BOARD WHICH WAS SET UP ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, AND APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT HAS ALREADY BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONTRACTOR OPERATING A FIRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY IN YAU MA TEI WAS FOUND GUILTY BY THE BOARD OF IMPROPER CONDUCT OR NEGLIGENCE IN THAT HE KNOWINGLY INSTALLED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION WITH SUB-STANDARD MATERIAL ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS.
♦ IN VIEW OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE, THE FIRE SERVICES IS KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON OTHER REGISTERED CONTRACTORS TO GUARD AGAINST THE INSTALLATION OF SUB-STANDARD MATERIAL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THE DE-REGISTRATION SHOWS THAT THE FIRE SERVICES WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY MALPRACTICE WHICH THREATENS THE SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE,* HE ADDED.
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SPECIAL TRAINS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL
******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL BE OPERATING SPECIAL TRAINS TO WO HOP SHEK ON OCTOBER 21, 28 AND 29 TO COPE WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD.
DURING THESE THREE DAYS, NINE TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 6.03 A.M., 6.40 A.M., 8 A.M.. 9.27 A.M., 10.32 A.M., 11.44 A.M., 1.27 P.M., 2.53 P.M. AND 3.*8 P.M.
THE SAME NUMBER OF TRAINS WILL LEAVE WO HOP SHEK AND THEIR DEPARTURE TIMES WILL BEi 6.58 A.M., 8.09 A.M., 10.14 A.M., 11.16 A.M., 12.20 P.M., 1.46 P.M., 3.26 P.M., 4.20 P.M. AND 5.17 P.M.
♦ADDITIONAL TRAINS MAY BE PUT INTO OPERATION LATE IN THE EVENING IF DEMAND WARRANTS IT,* A SPOKESMAN FOR KCR SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL NOT PICK UP PASSENGERS AT MONG KOK AND THAT REGULAR NORTHBOUND TRAINS WILL NOT STOP AT THIS STATION BETWEEN 7.30 A.M. AND 1.30 P.M.
/IN ADDITION......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1979 ,
2
IN ADDITION, TICKETS FOR SOUTHBOUND PASSAGES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT MONG KOK STATION. THE SOUTHBOUND TRAIN WHICH LEAVES LO WU AT 6.39 A.M. WILL ALSO BE CANCELLED ON THESE THREE DAYS.
THE SPECIAL UP-TRAINS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WERE EXPECTED TO BE FULL BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 3 P.M. WHILE THE DOWN-TRAINS BETWEEN 3 P.M. AND 9 P.M.
ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE NO ADVANCE BOOKING, SPECIAL CONCESSION RETURN-TICKETS FOR ORDINARY CLASS FARES TO WO HOP SHEK OR TO SANDY RIDGE AND SINGLE JOURNEY TICKETS FROM WO HOP SHEK TO KOWLOON WILL BE AVAILABLE AT KOWLOON STATION.
NOTICES OF THE SPECIAL TRAIN TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO COMMUTERS TO QUEUE UP ORDERLY SO AS to AVOID A CHAOTIC SITUATION AT KOWLOON STATION. IT
WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE POLICE AND KCR STAFF TO REGULATE A SMOOTH AND STEADY FLOW OF PASSENGERS, HE ADDED.
-----o------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS * * * * K *
MOTORISTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE OF BUYING +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS FOR THEIR CARS AT THE WEEKEND AND AT THE SAME TIME HELP LOCAL CHAR IT IES. /
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20). THE AUCTION WILL START AT 10 A.M. IN THE WRITTEN TEST ROOM OF THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD.
TWENTY-FIVE NUMBERS WILL BE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC.
THESE ARE
CA 3 CA 322 CA 883 CA3688 CA7720
AJ2727 CA 336 CA1328 CA3893 CA8108
CA7878 CA 380 CA1404 CA6668 CA8168
AA 911 • CA 751 CA1978 CA7351 CA8813
CA 136 CA 831 CA3382 CA7202 CA8856
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN 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 AS USUAL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1979
3
ROAD SAFETY COURSE FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS
******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO ARRANGE FOR THEIR PUPILS TO ATTEND A COURSE ON ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION AT THE ROAD SAFETY TOWN IN SAU MAU PING.
♦INSTRUCTION SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED DAILY AT THE ROAD SAFETY TOWN BY OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THERE WILL BE TWO SESSIONS IN THE MORNING AND TWO IN THE AFTERNOON, AND EACH SESSION WILL LAST FOR AN HOUR.
THE ROAD SAFETY TOWN IS DESIGNED TO EDUCATE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ALL ASPECTS OF ROAD USAGE AND SAFETY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦FOR THIS PURPOSE A NUMBER OF BICYCLES AND TRICYCLES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TOWN.+ HE ADDED.
EACH SESSION IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 45 PUPILS AS A CLASS AND THEY MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AT LEAST ONE TEACHER.
APPLICATIONS TO JOIN THE COURSE SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
MR. MA YING-KIN OF THE SECTION ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-684111 EXT. 267 IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR ENQUIRIES.
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NOTE TO EDITORSi
PHOTOGRAPHS OF DEPARTMENT HEADS ******
RECORD AND EDITORIAL USE.
IT WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED IF YOU WOULD USE THESE PHOTOGRAPHS WHEN THE OCCASION ARISES.
-----0------
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1979
- 4 -
CONTRACT FOR SHA TIN WATER MAINS SIGNED * * M MM*
A $1.2 MILLION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 5 600 METRE-LONG WATER MAINS IN SHA TIN TO BRING FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE AREA.
THE PIPELINE WILL BE LAID IN TWO PARALLEL LINES IN A COMMON TRENCH NEAR YUEN CHAU KOK, SOUTH OF THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION), MR. LEE GUN-CHEUNG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FONG HING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
WORK ON THE LAYING OF THE WATER MAINS WILL START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AND IT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE PROPOSED M M M M M M
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY A SECTION OF CHUN WAH ROAD BETWEEN SAU YAN PATH AND THE POST OFFICE NEAR ON WAH STREET, JORDAN VALLEY TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EAST NGAU TAU KOK PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS BEFORE NOVEMBER 12 THIS YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST BE MADE BEFORE DECEMBER 12 THIS YEAR.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUEDBY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES .
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
.................... WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1?, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGCO APPROVES YAUMATT FERRY FARE INCREASES- ............. 1
CLOSE TOURISM RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHINA ARE TO DEVELOP 'FURTHER ........ 2
FIRST FACTORY AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO START PRODUCTION SOON ........................... 3
GOVERNMENT URGED TO IMPLEMENT INDUSTRIAL
TRAINING SCHEMES ........................................
.............................
PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS LAST YEAR I:;..;:...;........................... 6
FIRMS PROTECTED FROM CLAIMS FOR LOST SHARES REPLACEMENT ............................................... 6
81 OOO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS EVADED ARREST SO FAR THIS YEAR ......................................... 8
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HK ................................ 8
INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 7) BILL.................... 9
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR FOURTH QUARTER OF 1978-79 AMOUNT TO 3961 MILLION ........................ 10
PLAN FOR A NEW CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE ................... 10
INSPECTION ON UNROADWORTHY VEHICLES EFFECTIVE ............ 11
NEW ROAD TRAFFIC BILL ON THE WAY ......................... 12
COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES)(AMENDMENT) ORDER ........ 12
/BILLS TO
BILLS TO TIDY UP THREE STATUTORY BODIES ................... 1J
MEDICAL AND WELFARE SERVICES AT TAI 0 ADEQUATE ............ 14
PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL ................................. 15
HK TIME BACK TO GMT +8 ON SUNDAY .......................... 15
LEGCO BIDS FAREWELL TO MR. JORDAN ......................... 16
OVER 500 SEVERELY MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE •IN HK .................................................. 17
THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE FOR TEACHERLIBRARIANS ................................................ 17
TICD SAtS FAREWELL TO RETIRING HEkD ATTENDANT ............. 18
NEW TIMETABLE FOR TRAIN .SERVICES BETWEEN KOWLOON AND GUANGZHOU ..................................... 18
ROAD CLOSURES IN CENTRAL ------------------------------ 19
WATER CUT IN 'WESTERN AND YAU MA TEI ...................... 19
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
1
LEGCO APPROVES YAUMATI FERRY FARE INCREASES ********
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO GRANT INCREASES FOR BOTH PASSENGER FARES AND FREIGHT CHARGES ON ALL SCHEDULED SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
THE INCREASES WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1 AND UNDER THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE, THE CROSS-HARBOUR FARES WILL BE RAISED FROM AO CENTS TO 50 CENTS FOR ADULTS AND FROM 20 CENTS TO 30 CENTS FOR CHILDREN.
THE FARE INCREASES FOR OUTLYING DISTRICT AND TOLO HARBOUR SERVICES ARE IN THE ORDER OF 50 PER CENT. HOWEVER, ON THE WELL PATRONISED SERVICES FROM CHEUNG CHAU AND SILVERMINE BAY TO CENTRAL, THE WEEKDAY INCREASES WOULD BE A THIRD FROM $1.50 TO $2.
THE FREIGHT CHARGE INCREASES WOULD BE IN THE ORDER OF 100 PER CENT, BUT THERE WILL BE NO INCREASES IN VEHICULAR FERRY CHARGES.
MOVING THE MOTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID WITH THESE INCREASES, THE COMPANY’S PROFITS ON FERRY OPERATIONS, GIVEN THE INCREASED COSTS AND THE PROSPECTIVE LOSS OF CROSS-HARBOUR PASSENGERS TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN RELATIVELY LOW AND NO HIGHER ON AVERAGE IN 1979 AND 1980 THAN IN 1978.
THE RATE OF RETURN ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS IS PREDICTED TO BE ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT IN 1979 AND SIX PER CENT IN 1980 COMPARED WITH SIX PER CENT IN 1978.
♦THIS IS NOT A GOOD PROSPECT AND, GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTIES OF THE SITUATION, CAREFUL MONITORING OF DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS WILL BE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE FERRIES REMAIN VIABLE,+ MR. JONES SAID.
HE DID NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A FURTHER INCREASE IN FARES ON THE CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES DURING 1980 AND THAT SOME OF THE LESS PROFITABLE SERVICES MAY HAVE TO BE CURTAILED.
MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY THIS YEAR HAS HAD TO FACE VERY SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN COSTS.
♦THE MOST DRAMATIC INCREASE HAS BEEN IN FUEL COSTS WHICH ARE EXPECTED ON AVERAGE THIS YEAR TO BE ABOUT 60 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN 1978, AND ARE PROJECTED NEXT YEAR TO BE AS MUCH AS 140 PER CENT GREATER THAN LAST YEAR.
♦IF THIS TRANSPIRES THE INCREASE IN FUEL COSTS ALONE IN 1980 COMPARED WITH 1978 WILL COME TO MORE THAN TWICE THE 1978 PROFITS ON FERRY OPERATIONS.
♦ON TOP OF THIS, THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN WAGES, MAINTENANCE AND OTHER COSTS. AND IN 1980, THE COMPANY EXPECTS TO EXPERIENCE A DROP OF UP TO A FIFTH IN PASSENGERS ON ITS CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES AS A RESULT OF COMPETITION FROM THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.♦
/+ALL OF .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
2
+ALL OF THESE FACTORS TAKEN TOGETHER WILL INEVITABLY MEAN THAT THE COMPANY WILL MAKE LOSSES ON ITS PASSENGER FERRY SERVICES AS A WHOLE UNLESS THERE IS AN INCREASE IN CHARGES,+ MR. JONES SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT SINCE 1974, A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO SAFEGUARD THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE COMPANY’S FERRY OPERATIONS.
THESE INCLUDE THE WAIVING OF ROYALTIES AND LICENCE FEES, THE ABOLITION OF SECOND CLASS FARES ON CROSS-HARBOUR AND TOLO HARBOUR SERVICES, AND FARE INCREASES ON ALL PASSENGER SERVICES. THE COMPANY HAS ITSELF ALSO TAKEN MEASURES TO IMPROVE ITS OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, PRINCIPALLY BY REDUCING STAFF NUMBERS AND BY SELLING OFF 14 COST-INEFFECTIVE VESSELS. DESPITE THESE MEASURES, THE RATE OF RETURN ON THE COMPANY’S NEXT FIXED ASSETS HAS REMAINED LOW OF BETWEEN ONE AND SIX PER CENT FOR THE YEARS 1975 TO 1978, AGAINST A FORECAST RETURN OF EIGHT PER CENT.
-----0------
CLOSE TOURISM RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHINA ARE TO DEVELOP FURTHER X X X X X
THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION HAD DEVELOPED CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE TOURIST AUTHORITIES IN CHINA AND IT WAS CONFIDENT THAT THESE RELATIONSHIPS WOULD DEVELOP STILL FURTHER TO MUTUAL BENEFIT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE HON. DAVID NEWBIGGING WHEN HE COMMENTED ON THE ASSOCIATION’S 1978-79 REPORT TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦WITH THE HIGH PRIORITY PLACED ON TOURISM IN CHINA, WE BELIEVE HONG KONG HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY- BOTH AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA AND AS A SOURCE OF INVESTMENT AND ADVICE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA’S OWN TOURIST INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TOURISM IN HONG KONG HAD BECOME AN INCREASINGLY SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN THE ECONOMY. IN 1978 HONG KONG HAD OVER TWO MILLION VISITORS FOR THE FIRST TIME, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 17 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
GROSS REVENUE FROM TOURISM WAS ALSO A RECORD- UP NEARLY 26 PER CENT TO HK$5 100 MILLION. ANOTHER RECORD WAS THE PER CAPITA EXPENDITURE WHICH WAS NINE PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN 1977.
MR. NEWBIGGING SAID THE +HONOURABLE MENTION* GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE TOURIST INDUSTRY WAS AN ENCOURAGEMENT AND WAS JUSTIFIED BY THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST SIX MONTHS THIS YEAR. THEY SHOWED A FURTHER INCREASE IN NUMBER OF VISITORS OF MORE THAN 10 PER CENT OVER 1978. MORE IMPORTANTLY, TOTAL EXPENDITURE BY TOURISTS GREW BY 32 PER CENT IN TOTAL TERMS AND BY 21 PER CENT IN PER CAPITA TERMS.
+EVEN ALLOWING FOR THE CURRENT HIGH RATE OF INFLATION, THIS IMPLIES SIGNIFICANT REAL GROWTH, A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR ECONOMY, AND SOME SUCCESS IN OUR POLICY OF 'TRADING UP’,* MR. NEWBIGGING SAID.
/HE REPORTED .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
3
HE REPORTED THAT CONCURRENT WITH THE GROWTH IN THE INDUSTRY THERE HAD BEEN SUBSTANTIAL NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENT, INCLUDING NEW HOTELS ON PRIME SITES WHICH WOULD ADD 5 OOO ROOMS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO THE 14 000 ROOMS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.
DURING THE YEAR, THE ASSOCIATION OPENED NEW OVERSEAS OFFICES IN CHICAGO AND OSAKA. IT WAS CONTINUING WITH ITS +COURTESY+ CAMPAIGN TO UNDERSCORE TOURISM AS A SERVICE INDUSTRY.
REFERRING TO SUGGESTIONS IN THE PRESS AND ELSEWHERE THAT WE WERE IN DANGER OF PRICING OURSELVES OUT OF THE TOURIST MARKET, MR. NEWBIGGING SAID HONG KONG HAD TRADITIONALLY MAINTAINED GREAT FLEXIBILITY IN ALL SECTORS OF ITS ECONOMY IN ITS PRICE STRUCTURE RELATIVE TO WHAT ANY INDUSTRY COULD BEAR. THE TOURIST INDUSTRY WAS NO EXCEPTION AND THE RESULTS OF THE PAST YEAR TESTIFIED TO THIS.
+HOWEVER, AT THE RISK OF BEING REPETITIVE, VISITORS WILL ONLY BE PREPARED TO PAY IF THEY FEEL THEY ARE RECEIVING GOOD AND COURTEOUS VALUE FOR MONEY,* HE SAID.
------0-------
FIRST FACTORY AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO START PRODUCTION SOON ******
THE FIRST OF THE 24 FACTORIES ALREADY ALLOCATED SITES AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IS EXPECTED TO START PRODUCTION BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, AND BUILDING OF OTHER FACTORIES HAS BEGUN.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO WHEN HE TABLED THE CORPORATION’S LATEST ANNUAL REPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE 24 INDUSTRIAL SITES WERE ALLOCATED TO LOCAL COMPANIES AND THE REST TO OVERSEAS FIRMS. TOGETHER, THEY PROPOSED A TOTAL MINIMUM INVESTMENT OF ABOUT $600 MILLION OF WHICH ABOUT HALF WOULD BE FROM OVERSEAS, MR. LI SAID.
HE SAID THE CORPORATION’S MAIN TASK OF FORMING LAND AND PROVIDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE AT TAI PO, AND AT THE SECOND ESTATE AT YUEN LONG, HAD GENERALLY BEEN ON SCHEDULE.
AT TAI PO, SOME 34 HECTARES OUT OF THE 45 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL SITES COMPRISING STAGES I AND II, HAD BEEN FORMED. A THIRD STAGE OF CONSTRUCTION, APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE GOVERNMENT, WOULD PRODUCE ANOTHER 20 HECTARES, HE SAID. AT YUEN LONG, THE FIRST SITE SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR LEASING EARLY IN I960.
ABOUT 45 PER CENT WITHIN STAGE I OF THE 34 HECTARES OF LAND FORMED AT TAI PO HAD BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED WITH ROADS AND SERVICES. SOME 15 HECTARES, MAINLY IN THE SAME STAGE, HAD BEEN OR WERE EARMARKED TO BE GRANTED. THE ROADWORKS AND SERVICES TO STAGE II WERE BEING CONSTRUCTED.
/MR. LI ......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
4
MR. LI SAID THE CORPORATION WAS, HOWEVER, MOST CONCERNED THAT SOME ESSENTIAL ROADWORKS TO THE ESTATE WERE BEING DELAYED BY THE CUT-BACK IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING. THESE INCLUDED THE COASTAL TRUNK ROAD FROM SHA TIN TO TAI PO, AND THE DISTRIBUTOR ROAD BY-PASSING THE TOWN CENTRE.
THESE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED EARLY TO FACILITATE FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION OF MATERIALS AND GOODS BY CONTAINERS AND TRUCKS TO AND FROM THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MR. LI SAID.
HE REPORTED THAT DUE TO QUICKER LAND FORMATION AT TAI PO, THERE WAS A MORE ACCEPTABLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CONSTRUCTION AND LEASING PROGRAMMES. THIS OBVIATED UNDUE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN FACTORY CONSTRUCTION AND THE CORPORATION’S OWN INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS.
THE RATE OF APPLICATIONS FOR SITES WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S BUT A GREATER PROPORTION OF THEM MET THE SELECTION CRITERIA. HOWEVER, WITH INCREASING PRODUCTION OF LAND IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, BOTH THE RATE OF APPLICATIONS AND THE RATE OF APPROVALS SIMILARLY HAD TO INCREASE, HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES TO THOSE INVESTMENTS INVOLVING HIGH TECHNOLOGY PROCESSES AND NEW PRODUCTS WHICH HAD HITHERTO BEEN LOST TO HONG KONG THROUGH SCARCITY OF LAND. THESE INDUSTRIES WOULD PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY AND IN SUSTAINING AND IMPROVING OUR EXPORT PERFORMANCE.
-------0----------
GOVERNMENT URGED TO IMPLEMENT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES *****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS URGED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO IMPLEMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE INDUSTRY-WIDE TRAINING SCHEMES PROPOSED BY THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL.
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUE, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WHO WAS ABSENT, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. ALEX WU ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER URGENTLY THE APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PIECE OF LAND FOR A SECOND TRAINING CENTRE BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY.
THE APPEALS WERE MADE WHEN HE TABLED THE 1978 ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦THESE SCHEMES ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED TO ENABLE THE INDUSTRIES TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE IN THE FACE OF INCREASING EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL PRESSURES,+ HE STRESSED.
/REFERRING TO......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
- 5 -
REFERRING TO THE REPORTS, MR. WU SAID THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY CONTINUED TO BE THE LARGEST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG IN TERMS OF BOTH TOTAL VALUE OF EXPORTS AND NUMBER OF WORKERS EMPLOYED AND HONG KONG REMAINED THE WORLD’S PREMIER EXPORTER OF CLOTHING.
IN 1978, THE TOTAL VALUE OF CLOTHING ITEMS MANUFACTURED IN AND EXPORTED FROM HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO SOME 115 700 MILLION, REPRESENTING ABOUT 39 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS.
THE NUMBER OF WORKERS EMPLOYED IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY WAS MORE THAN 260 000 OR ABOUT 33 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
LAST YEAR ALSO SAW AN UNPRECEDENTED SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL IN THE INDUSTRY.
TO ASSIST THE INDUSTRY TO COUNTER THIS PROBLEM, THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE HAS ASSISTED IN SUPPLYING WELL-TRAINED OPERATIVES.
LAST YEAR, OVER 3 100 TRAINEES COMPLETED TRAINING IN THE CENTRE, AND NEW TRAINING COURSES FOR IN-SERVICE SUPERVISORS, QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTORS AND PRESSING OPERATIVES WERE STARTED.
IN ADDITION TO SKILL TRAINING, INCULCATING CORRECT WORKING ATTITUDE, DISCIPLINE AND SAFE WORKING HABITS FORMED AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
TURNING TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR. WU SAID LAST YEAR WAS ALSO A RECORD YEAR FOR THE INDUSTRY.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY’S TRAINING CENTRE CONTINUED TO TURN OUT YOUNG PEOPLE WELL GROUNDED IN BASIC SKILLS IN KEY CONSTRUCTION TRADES. TRAINEES WERE READILY ABSORBED AND WELL RECEIVED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AFTER COMPLETING THEIR 11-MONTH COURSES AT THE CENTRE.
THE HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR. WU CONTINUED, HAD INDUCED CONTRACTORS TO BECOME MORE MECHANISED. CONSTRUCTION PLANT OPERATORS AND OTHER SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS SUCH AS BAR BENDERS, LEVELLERS AND CONCRETORS WERE, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE, IN GREAT DEMAND.
THEREFORE, PLANS FOR PROVIDING SHORT COURSES AT THE CENTRE TO CATER FOR SUCH NEEDS WERE BEING IMPLEMENTED.
AS THE AUTHORITY’S CENTRE COULD ACCOMMODATE ONLY ABOUT 790 TRAINEES, THERE WAS, THEREFORE, AN URGENT NEED FOR A SECOND TRAINING CENTRE.
♦THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY HAS APPLIED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE GRANT OF A PIECE OF LAND IN KWAI CHUNG. I URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO TREAT THIS APPLICATION AS A MATTER OF URGENCY,* MR. WU SAID.
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/6....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
6
PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS LAST YEAR
******
THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS LAST YEAR-ONE WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SERVICE TO HELP LOCAL INDUSTRIES, THE HON. S.L. CHEN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR. CHEN WAS SPEAKING AT THE TABLING OF THE 1978-79 REPORT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, OF WHICH HE IS THE CHAIRMAN.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE HONG KONG DID NOT HAVE SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OF ITS OWN, THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SERVICE WOULD ASSIST INDUSTRIES TO FIND APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY SOURCES AND PROVIDE TECHNICAL CONSULTATION ON THE ADAPTATION OF IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY. THIS WAS A PREREQUISITE FOR RAPID INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION.
HE REPORTED THAT DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE’S RANGE OF TECHNICAL SERVICES WAS EXPANDED AND NOW INCLUDED A HEAT TREATMENT UNIT TO HELP UPGRADE A WIDE VARIETY OF LIGHT METAL ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES. IN ADDITION, THE CENTRE CONTINUED TO UNDERTAKE MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THE IMPACT OF WHICH WAS LIKELY TO BE GREATER.
ITS TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICES WERE CONSIDERABLY STRENGTHENED AND AN ON-LINE INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM LINKING MAJOR DATA BASES IN THE U.S.A. WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE RAPID ACCESS TO THE LATEST TECHNICAL INFORMATION.
THE CENTRE CONDUCTED 170 CONSULTANCY AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS AND PROVIDED TRAINING FOR OVER 6 500 PARTICIPANTS. IT ALSO HELPED A NUMBER OF COMPANIES IN THEIR APPLICATION FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SETTING UP TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED AND CAPITAL-INTENSIVE PRODUCTION PLANTS, AND SUBMITTED PROPOSALS FOR ESTABLISHING NEW AND EXTENDED ACTIVITIES ESSENTAIL FOR HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION.
-------o ---------
FIRMS PROTECTED FROM CLAIMS FOR LOST SHARES REPLACEMENT *****
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) PROVIDING STATUTORY PROTECTION
BILL 1979 WHICH IS AIMED AT FOR LISTED PUBLIC COMPANIES AGAINST CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THEIR REPLACING LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID THAT AT PRESENT THE ONLY STATUTORY PROVISION GOVERNING THE ISSUE OF REPLACEMENT SHARE CERTIFICATES PROVIDED THAT THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF SHARES, OR SOMEONE CLAIMING SO TO BE, MAY APPLY TO A COMPANY FOR THE ISSUE OF A NEW SHARE CERTIFICATE WHEN HE NO LONGER HAS THE ORIGINAL.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
7
♦IF THE COMPANY THEN ISSUES A NEW ONE, IT IS INDEMNIFIED AGAINST ALL LOSS SUBSEQUENTLY INCURRED BY ANY PERSON OF ITS HAVING DONE SO,+ MR. JEAFFRESON SAID.
BUT HE ADDED THAT THIS PROVISION ONLY APPLIED TO COMPANIES INCORPORATED BEFORE DECEMBER 25, 1941.
HE SAID THAT IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY WERE NOT COVERED BY A STATUTORY INDEMNIFICATION, COMPANIES INCORPORATED AFTER DECEMBER 1941 WERE LEFT TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THEY WISHED TO ISSUE REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATES.
IN MOST CASES, HE SAID, THEY WERE RELUCTANT TO DO SO UNLESS THE APPLICATIONS WERE COVERED BY AN INDEMNITY FROM A BANK OR SOME OTHER FORM OF GUARANTEE.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE SECOND REPORT BY THE COMPANIES LAW REVISION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE PROTECTION PROVIDED IN THE COMPANIES (RECONSTRUCTION OF RECORDS) ORDINANCE BE EXTENDED TO ALL COMPANIES.
♦AFTER CONSULTING THE FEDERATION OF SHARE REGISTRARS AND THE EXCHANGE BANKS ASSOCIATION, WE CONCLUDED THAT ONLY LISTED PUBLIC COMPANIES SHOULD BE COVERED,+ HE SAID.
♦THE ARGUMENT WAS THAT THE NUMBER OF CASES INVOLVING LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES IN RESPECT OF PRIVATE OR NON-LISTED PUBLIC COMPANIES WAS SMALL AND IDENTIFYING THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS OF THEIR SHARES WAS RARELY A PROBLEM,+ HE ADDED.
A TWO-TIER SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE AMENDMENT BILL. ONE PROCEDURE BROADLY SIMILAR TO A PROVISION IN THE COMPANIES (RECONSTRUCTION OF RECORDS) ORDINANCE IS PROPOSED FOR SHAREHOLDINGS EXCEEDING $20 000 OR WHEN APPLICATIONS ARE MADE WITHOUT THE REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS’ CONSENT, HE EXPLAINED.
♦ANOTHER SIMPLER PROCEDURE IS PROPOSED FOR SHAREHOLDINGS WORTH NOT MORE THAN $20 000 WHEN THE APPLICATIONS ARE MADE BY THE REGISTERED OWNERS OR WITH THEIR CONSENT.+
HE SAID THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL PROVIDE THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AS OFFICIAL RECEIVER, WITH THE RIGHT TO ATTEND THE HEARINGS OF PETITIONS FOR THE WINDING UP OF COMPANIES.
♦UNTIL RECENTLY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER DID APPEAR IN SUCH HEARINGS AND CLAIMED HIS COSTS IN APPROPRIATE CASES. BUT IN A RECENT CASE HIS CLAIM FOR COSTS WAS SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGED ON THE GROUNDS THAT HE DID NOT HAVE A STATUTORY RIGHT OF APPEARANCE,+ MR. JEAFFRESON SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS FINDING HAS BROUGHT THE LACK OF HIS STATUTORY RIGHT OUT INTO THE OPEN AND THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER WAS NOW CONCERNED THAT HE COULD BE EXCLUDED FROM HEARINGS IN THE FUTURE.
♦THE AMENDMENT TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED WILL GIVE HIM THE STATUTORY RIGHT,+ HE SAID.
THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
8
81 OOO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS EVADED ARREST SO FAR THIS YEAR
* * M * N *
ABOUT 81 000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE EVADED ARREST AND REMAINED IN HONG KONG SO FAR THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO, W. DAVIES SAID THAT UP TO OCTOBER 14, ABOUT 57 000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA HAD BEEN APPREHENDED THIS YEAR.
♦THIS COMPARES WITH 8 200 FOR THE WHOLE OF 1978 AND 1 800 IN 1977,* HE SAID.
MR. DAVIES NOTED THAT THE AVERAGE DAILY RATE OF ARRESTS SO FAR IN OCTOBER WAS 243, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 60 A DAY ON THE SEPTEMBER FIGURE.
ON LEGAL IMMIGRATION, MR. DAVIES SAID THAT UP TO OCTOBER 14, 58 288 IMMIGRANTS ENTERED HONG KONG LEGALLY FROM CHINA THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 67 495 FOR THE WHOLE OF 1978 AND 25 373 IN 1977.
THE AVERAGE RATE OF ENTRY SO FAR IN OCTOBER WAS 154 PER DAY, HE ADDED.
0 -
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HK * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A TOTAL OF 486 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARRIVED IN HONG KONG SO FAR THIS MONTH WHILE 8 046 ARRIVED IN JULY- 3 247 IN AUGUST AND 2 581 IN SEPTEMBER.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, MR. DAVIES SAID THE MONTHLY FIGURE OF DEPARTURES FOR RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS WAS 3 097 IN AUGUST- 3 499 IN SEPTEMBER AND 1 139 SO FAR THIS MONTH.
0 - -
/9
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
- 9 -
INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 7) BILL ******
A BILL SEEKINS TO RAISE FROM 7.75 PER CENT TO 9.25 PER CENT THE CEILING ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S AUTHORITY TO SPECIFY THE RATE OF EXEMPTION FROM INTEREST TAX WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 7) BILL, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THE BILL HAD BEEN BROUGHT INTO FORCE ON AUGUST 21 UNDER A REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER AND ON THE SAME DAY, HE HAD SIGNED A NOTICE SPECIFYING 9.25 PER CENT AS THE RATE OF EXEMPTION FOR THE TIME BEING.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT IN LINE WITH THE INCREASE IN THE INTEREST RATE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, THE CEILING HAD BEEN RAISED FROM FIVE PER CENT TO 7.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY THIS YEAR- TO 7.75 PER CENT IN APRIL AND TO 9.25 PER CENT IN AUGUST.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR EXEMPTION FROM TAX OF INTEREST PAYABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT BY LICENSED BANKS AND BY CERTAIN SPECIFIED PUBLIC UTILITIES, PROVIDED THAT THE RATES OF INTEREST DO NOT EXCEED THE PERCENTAGE RATE SPECIFIED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, FROM TIME TO TIME, BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE.
♦THIS PERCENTAGE RATE HAS, FOR MANY YEARS, BEEN VARIED TO ACCORD WITH THE RATE PAID BY BANKS ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, WHICH IS ALSO THE RATE PAID ON ITS SURETY DEPOSITS BY ONE OF THE POWER COMPANIES,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
♦IF THIS INTEREST WERE NOT EXEMPTED, LARGE NUMBERS OF SMALL DEPOSITORS AND CONSUMERS OF POWER WOULD BECOME LIABLE TO TAX, WHICH THE BANKS AND THE UTILITY COMPANIES WOULD BE OBLIGED TO DEDUCT AND ACCOUNT FOR AND THERE WOULD, SUBSEQUENTLY, BE A LARGE NUMBER OF CLAIMS FOR REFUNDS UNDER THE PROVISIONS FOR PERSONAL ASSESSMENT,*
ADDED.
THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
10
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR FOURTH QUARTER
OF 1978-79 AMOUNT TO $961 MILLION
* M UK
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1978-79 TOTALLING $961 MILLION.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON.
DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID $382 MILLION WERE REQUIRED FOR EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, $220 MILLION FOR PAYMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND FOR FINANCING PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS AND $151 MILLION TO AUGMENT PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS SUBHEADS ON ACCOUNT OF THE 1978 SALARIES REVISION.
HE SAID THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS RESULTED IN A NET INCREASE OF $482 MILLION IN THE EXPENDITURE APPROVED FOR THE YEAR, WITH THE REMAINDER BEING OFFSET BY SAVINGS UNDER OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE AND BY THE FREEZING OF FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.
------o-------
PLAN FOR A NEW CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE K * * * * *
tmp rnvFRNMENT IS PLANNING TO DEVELOP THE SITE OF THE FORMER mxnTA^OSPITAL IN HIGH STREET INTO A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CHILD ^Sp^mfntPcentre the secretary for the environment, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID*IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHI NG, MR. JONES .pi -rue SITE WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITS CLOSE PROXIMITY TO
Ippc IAMST CL IN IC FACILITIES IN THE LOCALITY, SUCH AS THE DAVID TRENCH REHABILITATION CENTRE AND THE SAI YING PUN POLYCLINIC.
HE SAID THE NEED FOR THE NEW FACILITY HAD BEEN ENDORSED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
♦THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY SEEKING THE INCLUSION OF A NEW ITEM IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WITH A TO WORK COMMENCING IN 1981/82,+ HE ADDED.
VIEW
- 0----------
/11 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
11 -
INSPECTION ON UNROADWORTHY VEHICLES EFFECTIVE ******
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT THE PRESENT POLICY OF CONDUCTING A REGULAR ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF INSPECTION OF VEHICLES PRIOR TO RELICENSING IS THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE UNROADWORTHY VEHICLES FROM THE ROADS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦THE GOVERNMENT IS AS ANXIOUS AS ANYONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL VEHICLES USING THE ROADS ARE MECHANICALLY SAFE AND FOR UNROADWORTHY VEHICLES TO BE REMOVED UNTIL THEY CAN BE BROUGHT UP TO STANDARD,♦ HE ADDED.
MR. JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY DR. THE HON. RAYSON HUANG ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER MOUNTING A CRASH PROGRAMME TO IDENTIFY AND TAKE OFF THE ROADS UNROADWORTHY BUSES AND LORRIES.
HE SAID THAT FROM THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR IT WOULD BE COMPULSORY FOR EVERY FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUS TO BE EXAMINED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR BEFORE LICENSING OR RELICENSING, AND A SIMILAR PROGRAMME HAD ALSO BEEN STARTED FOR AN ANNUAL EXAMINATION OF GOODS VEHICLES.
REGARDING BUSES, MR. JONES SAID, IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT VEHICLE EXAMINERS HAD CARRIED OUT 2 167 THOROUGH INSPECTIONS OF FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES BEFORE THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATES OF ROADWORTHINESS OR FITNESS FOR EACH BUS.
♦SPOT SAFETY CHECKS HAVE ALSO BEEN CARRIED OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS AT THE MAIN BUS DEPOTS,♦ HE ADDED.
AS FOR GOODS VEHICLES, MR. JONES SAID, FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH ALL GOODS VEHICLES FIRST REGISTERED IN 1970 OR BEFORE MUST BE EXAMINED AT THE NEW KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE BEFORE THEY WERE RELICENSED.
TO DATE ABOUT A HALF OF THOSE EXAMINED HAD BEEN REJECTED AS UNROADWORTHY, HE ADDED.
♦THE INTENTION IS TO WORK UP AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO AN ANNUAL EXAMINATION OF ALL GOODS VEHICLES BEFORE THEY CAN BE RELICENSED,♦ MR. JONES SAID.
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/12
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
12
NEW ROAD TRAFFIC BILL ON THE WAY * * * *
A NEW TRAFFIC BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM, MR. JONES SAID THAT A GENERAL REVISION OF ALL ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION WAS ALMOST COMPLETE AND THE PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION WOULD PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL REGULATIONS TO BE MADE TO COVER THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS BASED ON UNITED NATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS BUT ADAPTED TO LOCAL CONDITIONS.
+THE NEW SIGNS WILL BE EASIER TO READ AND THEY WILL GENERALLY INCORPORATE REFLECTORISED MATERIAL TO MAKE THEM CLEARER,* MR. JONES ADDED.
+WHEN THEY ARE READY TO BE INTRODUCED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WILL BE CARRIED OUT OF THE LOCATION AND POSITIONING OF ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS.*
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COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES)(AMENDMENT) ORDER ******
THE COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES)(AMENDMENT) ORDER 1979, WHICH SEEKS TO SET THE MAXIMUM FEE OF $20 000 PAYABLE TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER IN EACH LIQUIDATION WHEN MONEY IS PAID OUT OF THE COMPANIES LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID THAT AT PRESENT THERE WAS NO MAXIMUM LIMIT TO THE FEES CHARGED.
UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) RULES, MONEYS IN THE HANDS OF LIQUIDATORS AND REPRESENTING ASSETS UNCLAIMED OR UNDISTRIBUTED FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF RECEIPT, ARE REQUIRED TO BE PAID INTO THE COMPANIES LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES FOR PAYMENTS FROM THE ACCOUNT TO PERSONS ENTITLES TO THE MONEY CONCERNED. ON EVERY SUCH PAYMENT, FEES, ORDERED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE WITH THE SANCTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS SET OUT IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES) ORDER ARE PAYABLE AT A RATE OF 40 CENTS PER 110 TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
MR. JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT HOWEVER, IF PAYMENT INVOLVES A LARGE AMOUNT, THE FEES PAYABLE CAN BE GREATLY IN EXCESS OF THE COSTS TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
+T0 REMOVE THIS ANOMOLY, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER RECOMMENDED TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE THAT THE MAXIMUM FEE IN RESPECT OF PAYMENTS UNDER SECTION 285 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE SHOULD BE SET AT $20 000, A FIGURE BASED ON HIS ESTIMATE OF HIS LIKELY COSTS,* MR. JEAFFRESON SAID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
13
BILLS TO TIDY UP THREE STATUTORY BODIES *****
THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID ALL THREE AMENDMENT BILLS INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE THREE ORGANISATIONS.
♦THIS IS A ’LONG-STOP’ PROVISION DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO ACT QUICKLY IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN ORGANISATION IS FAILING TO ACT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST,* HE EXPLAINED.
MR. JEAFFRESON ADDED THAT ON THE PRESENT PERFORMANCE OF ALL THREE ORGANISATIONS, IT WAS CLEARLY MOST UNLIKELY THAT THESE PROVISIONS WOULD EVER HAVE TO BE INVOKED.
HE SAID THAT AT THE REQUEST OF THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL HE INCLUDED IN THE BILL AN AMENDMENT TO THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCLUSION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COUNCIL’S PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE CENTRE.
♦TWO OTHER AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED IN RESPECT OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION^ MR. JEAFFRESON SAID.
THEY ARE»
* PROVISION FOR THE TERMS OF APPOINTMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION’S EXECUTIVE HEAD TO BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR, AND
* PROVISION FOR THE INVESTMENT OF FUNDS NOT IMMEDIATELY REQUIRED BY THE ASSOCIATION TO BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
THE DEBATE ON THE THREE MOTIONS WAS ADJOURNED.
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/14......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
14
MEDICAL AND WELFARE SERVICES AT TA I 0 ADEQUATE *****
THE MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT TAI 0 ARE ADEQUATE, CONSIDERING THE SMALL SIZE OF ITS POPULATION, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY DR. THE HON. HO KAM FAI, NR. HO SAID THAT THE TAI 0 JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC PROVIDED GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES, INCLUDING HAVING A DOCTOR ON CALL ROUND THE CLOCK.
MR. HO ADDED THAT A 15-BED MATERNITY HOME WAS ATTACHED TO THE CLINIC AND THAT FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES AND EMERGENCY DENTAL TREATMENT WERE ALSO AVAILABLE ON A PART-TIME BASIS.
♦FOR EMERGENCY CASES REQUIRING HOSPITAL TREATMENT THERE ARE STANDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PATIENTS TO BE SENT BY HELICOPTER OR POLICE LAUNCH TO ONE OF OUR MAJOR REGIONAL HOSPITALS,* HE SAID.
ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, MR. HO NOTED THAT STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT VISITED TAI 0 EACH WEEK TO RECEIVE AND PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND TO DEAL WITH OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE ENQUIRIES.
♦CASES REQUIRING DETAILED ATTENTION ARE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID.
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AND BY THE LOCAL SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT YOUTH AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR. HO SAID.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
15
PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND THE PENSIONS ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO DELEGATE TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND HIS DEPUTIES THE POWER TO DECLARE OFFICES TO BE ♦PENSIONABLE OFFICES* WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE A CIVIL SERVANT IS ONLY ELIGIBLE FOR A PENSION IF HE IS EMPLOYED IN AN OFFICE WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED A ♦PENSIONABLE OFFICE+.
AT PRESENT THESE DECLARATIONS TAKE THE FORM OF AN ORDER WHICH HAS TO BE MADE PERSONALLY BY THE GOVERNOR, HE SAID.
♦SINCE SUCH DECLARATIONS ARE ROUTINE, AND FOLLOW NORMALLY FROM THE CREATION OF PERMANENT POSTS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR TO DELEGATE THEIR MAKING TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND HIS DEPUTIES,* MR. ROWLANDS SAID.
THE DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0----------
HK TIME BACK TO GMT +8 ON SUNDAY * * * *
HONG KONG TIME (GMT +8) WILL BEGIN AT 3.30 A.M. ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO PUT BACK THEIR CLOCKS ONE HOUR FROM THAT TIME.
THE CURRENT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME (GMT +9) WAS INTRODUCED ON MAY 13 THIS YEAR AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE TO CONSERVE ENERGY.
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/16......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
16
LEGCO BIDS FAREWELL TO MR. JORDAN *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN WHO IS RETIRING AFTER 28 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
IN HIS VALEDICTORY TO MR. JORDAN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID, MR. JORDAN CONTRIBUTED GREATLY FROM HIS STORE OF OUTSTANDING ABILITY DURING HIS 28 YEARS OF HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE. HE HAD SERVED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE GRADE IN VARIOUS BRANCHES OF THE SECRETARIAT INCLUDING THE HOME AFFAIRS, THE SECURITY, THE FINANCE, AND ECONOMIC SERVICES. HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS SEVEN YEARS AGO.
SIR MURRAY SAID: +HIS INTELLECT, PRECISION OF THOUGHT, CLARITY OF EXPRESSION AND DETERMINATION ARE QUALITIES WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE WITHOUT.
+IT WAS THESE QUALITIES, TOO, WHICH HAVE BEEN SO EVIDENT IN HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEBATES IN THIS COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID MR. JORDAN WOULD BE GREATLY MISSED IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG ALSO PRAISED MR. JORDAN.
HE SAID: +HONG KONG OWES A VERY LARGE DEBT TO HIM FOR HIS SKILL, PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE IN DIFFICULT TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, BOTH HERE AND ABROAD, WHERE SO OFTEN HE FOUND CARDS STACKED AGAINST HIM.
+EVERY TIME HE SET FORTH ON THESE ROUNDS, OUR TEXTILE MEN WOULD HAVE SILENTLY VOICED TO THEMSELVES WORDS FROM THE NATIONAL ANTHEM:
SCATTER OUR ENEMIES .........
CONFOUND THEIR POLITICS, FRUSTRATE THEIR KNAVISH TRICKS.
+AND IN THE FACE OF THE TOUGHEST AND BIGOTTED OPPOSITION, HE ALWAYS TRIED TO OBTAIN THE BEST POSSIBLE BARGAIN FOR HONG KONG.
+MR. JORDAN HAS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TOWARDS HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY.
+HIS FORTHRIGHT SPEECH AND KEEN WIT WILL BE MISSED BY THIS COUNCIL, AND HIS PUBLIC SERVICE DESERVES TO BE LONG REMEMBERED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
/17......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
OVER 500 SEVERELY MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE IN HK * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ON RECORD A TOTAL OF 532 SEVERELY MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF NEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. K.L. THONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. ANDREW SO, DR. THONG ADDED THAT 122 OF THESE PEOPLE WERE ON THE WAITING LIST FOR ADMISSION INTO HOSPITAL.
THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE FOR TEACHER-LIBRARIANS
******
A SERIES OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES ON LIBRARIANSHIP FOR TEACHERS WILL BE HELD AT THE END OF THE YEAR TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE TAKING UP THE NEW POST.
THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES.
SPEAKING ON THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG PROGRAMME ♦TALKABOUT+ TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE LIBRARIAN OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS. BARBARA LUK SAID THE INITIAL TRAINING COURSE WOULD LAST FOR THREE MONTHS.
♦THE COURSE WILL BE HELD IN THE EVENINGS AND ON SATURDAY MORNINGS, AND FURTHER TRAINING WILL BE CONDUCTED AT A LATER STAGE,♦ SHE SAID.
THE TEACHER-LIBRARIAN SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR BASED ON PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE WHITE PAPER ♦THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION+ PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
UNDER THE SCHEME, ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH 18 CLASSES OR MORE CAN APPOINT A NON-GRADUATE TEACHER TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY ON A FULL-TIME BASIS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
♦THE TEACHER-LIBRARIAN WILL BE A NON-GRADUATE TEACHER WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE.
/♦SERVICE AS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
18
♦SERVICE AS A TEACHER-LIBRARIAN WILL COUNT AS TEACHING EXPERIENCE FOR PROMOTION PURPOSES,♦ MRS. LUK SAID.
MORE THAN 2OO SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL EVENTUALLY BENEFIT FROM THIS SCHEME, SHE SAID.
THE MAIN DUTIES OF A TEACHER-LIBRARIAN ARE THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTION OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY.
♦TEACHER-LIBRARIANS SHOULD ALWAYS BE READY TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO USE THE LIBRARY AS A MEDIUM OF LEARNING, AND TO ENSURE THAT AFTER THEY GRADUATE STUDENTS CAN EFFECTIVELY MAKE USE OF FACILITIES IN PUBLIC AND OTHER LIBRARIES TO ENRICH THEIR KNOWLEDGE,♦ MRS. LUK SAID.
------0-------
TICD SAYS FAREWELL TO RETIRING HEAD ATTENDANT X X X X X X
STAFF OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BID FAREWELL TO A LONG-TIME COLLEAGUE, HEAD ATTENDANT MR. WONG HOK-LING, WHO IS RETIRING AFTER 38 YEARS SERVICE IN THE GOVERNMENT.
AT A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS, THE DIRECTOR, MR. DAVID JORDAN, PRESENTED ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF A SOUVENIR GIFT TO MR. WONG, AND THANKED HIM FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE DEPARTMENT.
MR. WONG, AGED 60, FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1941 AS A MESSENGER. SIX YEARS LATER, HE WAS POSTED TO THE THEN IMPORT AMD EXPORT DEPARTMENT, THE PREDECESSOR OF THE PRESENT TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT. DURING HIS LONG SPAN OF SERVICE, MR. WONG SAW THE DEPARTMENT GROW TO ITS PRESENT STRENGTH OF 2 500 STAFF TO MEET ITS INCREASED RESPONSIBILITIES.
IN RECOGNITION OF HIS LONG AND LOYAL SERVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT, MR. WONG WAS AWARDED THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN 1973.
------0-------
NEW TIMETABLE FOR TRAIN SERVICES BETWEEN KOWLOON AND GUANGZHOU
X X X X
THROUGH TRAIN SERVICES BETWEEN KOWLOON AND GUANGZHOU WILL
ARRIVE AND DEPART ONE HOUR EARLIER STARTING THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21).
FROM THAT DAY, THE PASSENGER TRAIN WILL ARRIVE AT 11.26 A.M.
AND DEPART AT 1 P.M.
OTHER REGULAR TRAIN SCHEDULES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1979
19
ROAD CLOSURES IN CENTRAL *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT EDINBURGH PLACE EAST BETWEEN ITS EASTERN END AND STAR FERRY CONCOURSE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 2 P.M. TO 6.30 P.M. ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19) BECAUSE OF THE OPENING OF THE FOURTH FESTIVAL OF ASIAN ARTS.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT HARBOUR VIEW STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND BETWEEN JUBILEE STREET AND PEDDER STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.15 A.M. AND 5.30 A.M. THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AND MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) TO FACILITATE THE HOISTING OF BEAMS FOR THE FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM.
TRAFFIC MOVING EASTWARDS ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED TO JUBILEE STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, AND PEDDER STREET TO REJOIN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AND POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
WATER CUT IN WESTERN AND YAU MA TEI ******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT AND YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS FROM FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19) NIGHT TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN WESTERN, SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY UNTIL 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE BUILDINGS THAT WILL BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY HILL ROAD, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, CHIU KWONG STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, INCLUDING LAI ON LANE,.SAI ON LANE AND WHITTY STREET.
IN YAU MA TEI, SUPPLY WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THAT DAY TO 6 A.M. ON SATURDAY.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY KANSU STREET, NATHAN ROAD, NING PO STREET AND CANTON ROAD, INCLUDING PAK HOI STREET, SAIGON STREET, WOOSUNG STREET, TEMPLE STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1979
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
MPS TO VISIT HK ............................................. 1
REPORT ON CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEY ........................ 2
YOUNG MEN NEEDED FOR PRISONS DEPARTMENT'S WORK .............. 2
FIRST VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE IN COUNTRY PARKS OPENS ON SATURDAY ..................................... 3
DEMONSTRATION TO EXPLAIN SERIOUSNESS OF HILL FIRE ........... 4
TWO BUILDINGS IN TAI PO DECLARED DANGEROUS ................. 't
SEMINAR FOR GEOGRAPHY TEaCHERS .............................. 5
TEN DIVISIONAL FIRE OFFICERS GET PROMOTION .................. 6
PARKING DECK AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION TO BE CLOSED ...................................................... 6
ROAD CLOSURE IN NGaU TaU KOK ................................ 6
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1979
- 1 -
MPS TO VISIT HK ft ft ft ft
A GROUP OF BRITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WILL ARRIVE HERE OVER THE WEEKEND FOR A VISIT AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
THE GROUP CONSISTS OF SIR PAUL BRYAN (CONSERVATIVE), CHAIRMAN OF ANGLO-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP- MR. IAN WRIGGLESWORTH (LABOUR), THE VICE CHAIRMAN- MR. TED ROWLANDS (LABOUR) AND MR. CHRISTOPHER PATTEN (CONSERVATIVE). THE PRIME PURPOSE OF THEIR VISIT IS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE REFUGEE SITUATION HERE.
SIR PAUL AND LADY BRYAN WILL BE ARRIVING ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20) WHILE MR. PATTEN WILL ALSO BE COMING THE SAME DAY ON A SEPARATE FLIGHT. THEY WILL BE JOINED BY MR. WRIGGLESWORTH AND hR. ROWLANDS ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21).
DURING THEIR VISIT, THEY WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, UMELCO MEMBERS AND URBAN COUNCILLORS.
THEIR PROGRAMME INCLUDES VISITS TO REFUGEE CAMPS AND BRIEFINGS ON THE REFUGEE SITUATION BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, JR. LEWIS DAVIES AND THE REPRESENTATIVE OF UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, MR. R.J.B. ROSSBOROUGH.
THE PARTY WILL ALSO INSPECT PUBLIC HOUSING AND NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND VISIT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
SIR PAUL AND LADY BRYAN WILL LEAVE HONG KONG BY AIR ON OCTOBER 25.
THE OTHER THREE MPS, MR. WRIGGLESWORTH, MR. ROWLANDS AND JR. PATTEN WILL STAY TILL OCTOBER 27. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 27 BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE.
0 -------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1979
2 -
NOTE TO EDITORS*
REPORT ON CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEY * * * * *
A NEWS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT ON THE CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEY CARRIED OUT EARLIER THIS YEAR BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR. LI FOOK-KOW, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, +CRIME AND ITS VICTIMS IN HONG KONG+, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING THE CONFERENCE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW AT THE G.I.S. THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
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YOUNG MEN NEEDED FOR PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S WORK *****
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR RESPONSIBLE AND INTELLIGENT YOUNG MEN TO FILL THE POSTS OF ASSISTANT OFFICER II.
♦THE ROLE OF AN ASSISTANT OFFICER TODAY IS NOT ONLY CHALLENGING AND DEMANDING BUT ALSO FULFILLING AND REWARDING,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THE PRISON SERVICES ALSO OFFERED EXCELLENT PROMOTION PROSPECTS FOR YOUNG MEN.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE, PREFERABLY BE UNDER 35 YEARS OF AGE, AND THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION IS COMPLETION OF PRIMARY EDUCATION.
THE STARTING SALARY FOR AN ASSISTANT OFFICER II VARIES FROM $1 450 TO $1 575 DEPENDING ON THE QUALIFICATION, AND WILL RISE TO A MAXIMUM OF $2 100.
♦A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT HAS TO UNDERGO A ONE-YEAR TRAINING PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDES FIELD TRAINING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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/3....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1979
- 3 -
FIRST VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE IN COUNTRY PARKS OPENS ON SATURDAY
* * * *
THE FIRST VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE IN THE COUNTRY PARKS WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AT TAI MEI TUK ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20).
THE CENTRE AT THE ENTRANCE TO TAI MEI TUK COUNTRY PARK WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION TO VISITORS ON THE HISTORICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE AREA.
IT ALSO CONSISTS OF MANY COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, ILLUSTRATIONS AND THREE DIMENSIONAL EXHIBITS.
ATTENDANTS AT THE CENTRE ARE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COUNTRY PARK.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR. STEPHEN WONG YUEN-CHEUNG WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE ON SATURDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE AT THE TAI MEI TUK COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TING KOK ROAD, ABOUT HALF A MILE NORTH OF THE PLOVER COVE DAM, AT 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20). PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.30 A.M. SHARP. SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR. MARK PINKSTONE, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
A
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18,
1979
4
DEMONSTRATION TO EXPLAIN SERIOUSNESS OF HILL FIRE * * H * I *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL EXPLAIN TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE MEDIA THE SERIOUSNESS OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IN A CONTROLLED BURNING DEMONSTRATION TO BE HELD AT ROUTE TWISK TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
+THE DEMONSTRATION WILL BE A CURTAIN-RAISER TO THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
DURING THE DEMONSTRATION, FIRE CREWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL USE VARIOUS APPARATUS TO COMBAT THE FIRE WHILE HELICOPTERS FROM THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WILL ASSIST IN FIRE FIGHTING BY WATER BOMBING FROM THE AIR, HE SAID.
+AFTER THE DEMONSTRATION, MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE TAKEN TO THE KOWLOON HILLS FIRE CONTROL CENTRE WHERE THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNICATIONS AND FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS WILL BE EXPLAINED,* HE ADDED.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE DEMONSTRATION OF CONTROLLED BURNING OF HILL FIRE AT THE COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT CENTRE AT ROUTE TWISK, ABOUT HALF A MILE NORTH OF THE 12 MILESTONE, AT 2.30 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY). PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1.30 P.M. SHARP. SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, W. MARK PINKSTONE WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
- - 0 - -
TWO BUILDINGS IN TAI PO DECLARED DANGEROUS
* * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED TWO BUILDINGS AT 54 AND 56 FU SHIN STREET IN TAI PO TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THESE TWO-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS OF TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION HAD BEEN UNDER REGULAR OBSERVATION FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS.
♦THEY ARE VERY DILIPIDATED AND RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT PART OF THE FRONT WALL MAY COLLAPSE ONTO FU SHIN STREET. IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS,* HE SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 15, 1979 WERE POSTED TODAY.
- - 0 - -
/5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1979
5
SEMINAR FOR GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS *****
A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF GEOGRAPHY HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS OF GEOGRAPHY IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON NOVEMBER 3.
THE SEMINAR, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE HONG KONG GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION, AIMS TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TEACHING GEOGRAPHY IN FORMS/MIDDLE ONE TO THREE.
LECTURES AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SEMINAR.
MRS. C.M. SPEAK, LECTURER IN GEOGRAPHICAL EDUCATION IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S SCHOOL OF EDUCATION WILL TALK ON CURRICULUM PROJECTS OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNIOR SECONDARY GEOGRAPHY CURRICULUM.
A TALK ON +CURRICULUM PLANNING IN GEOGRAPHY TEACHING IN JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES* WILL BE GIVEN BY MISS Y. LEUNG, INSPECTOR OF GEOGRAPHY, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
MR. Y.H. KAM, INSPECTOR (VISUAL EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL SPEAK ON HOW TO USE AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS IN GEOGRAPHY LESSONS- WHILE MR. K.L. CHEUNG, LECTURER IN GEOGRAPHY CF SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL TALK ON USING MAPS AND MODELS IN GEOGRAPHY LESSONS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE LECTURE THEATRE OF GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED.
TEACHERS WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS THROUGH THEIR HEADS OF SCHOOL TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (GEOGRAPHY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 27.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE GEOGRAPHY SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 5-774001 EXT. 31 AND 44.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1979
- 6 -
TEN DIVISIONAL FIRE OFFICERS GET PROMOTION
* *
THE FIRE SERVICES TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PROMOTION OF 10 DIVISIONAL OFFICERS TO SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICERS UNDER ITS PLAN TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND STRENGTHEN THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE OFFICERS ARE MESSRS. K. AYLWARD, LAM LOK-BUN, CHEUNG SHUSHING, R.A. WHEATLEY, J.6. MURRAY, T.D.C. GARDINER, J.A. BREDBURY, WOO KWAN-KUEN, LAM CHEK-YUEN AND G. FRETWELL.
+SEVEN OFFICERS WILL TAKE CHARGE OF THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF SEVEN MAJOR DIVISIONS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG,+ A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
♦THE OTHER THREE OFFICERS WILL BE IN CHARGE OF PLANNING, COMMUNICATIONS AND NEW PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.
THE CREATION OF THE ADDITIONAL POSTS ARE TO MEET INCREASED WORKLOAD AND RESPONSIBILITIES PLACED ON OPERATIONAL DIVISIONS, FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU AND HEADQUARTERS.
SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICERS ON OPERATIONAL DUTIES ARE ASSISTED BY DIVISIONAL OFFICERS.
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PARKING DECK AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION TO BE CLOSED *****
THE PARKING DECK ON THE PODIUM OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON
RAILWAY STATION AT HUNG HOM WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 A.M. ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20) TO FACILITATE THE RE-SURFACING OF THE DECK.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO REMOVE THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE 8 A.M. ON SATURDAY OR THEIR VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED AWAY.
------ 0 -----
ROAD CLOSURE IN NGAU TAU KOK * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20), A SECTION OF ON WAH STREET IN NGAU TAU KOK, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ON TAK ROAD EXTENDING ABOUT 30 METRES NORTHEASTWARDS, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND AUTHORISED VEHICLES.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NGAU TAU KOK HOUSING/COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING NORTHWESTWARDS ALONG ON TAK ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TURN RIGHT INTO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD INSTEAD OF ON WAH STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
CONTENTS PhGE NO.
REPORT WILL AID FIGHT AGaINST CRIME - FINDINGS OF HONG KONG'S FIRST VICTIMISATION SURVEY PUBLISHED ......... 1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW TDC OFFICE ............................. 4
COUNTRYSIDE FIRE RISK HIGH .................................. 5
TALKS WITH EEC AND US ON SUSPENDED TEXTILE ITEMS............. 6
BALLOT TO DETERMINE ALLOCATION OF NINE TAXI LICENCES ........ 6
NEW MAXICAB ROUTE TO BE INTRODUCED .......................... 7
NEW WATER PIPELINE SYSTEM IN SHA TIN ........................ 7
CANCELLATION OF PARKING SPACES .............................. 8
FIRING PRACTICE
8
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
1
REPORT WILL AID FIGHT AGAINST CRIME FINDINGS OF HONG KONG’S FIRST VICTIMISATION SURVEY PUBLISHED * M M * M *
HONG KONG HAS BEGUN TO ARM ITSELF WITH A NEW STATISTICAL WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME - FACTS AND FIGURES ON CRIME VICTIMISATION COLLECTED AND COMPILED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS.
WITH THE PUBLICATION TODAY (FRIDAY) OF THE FIRST OFFICIAL TERRITORY-WIDE REPORT TO BE PREPARED UNDER SUCH A SYSTEM, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IT HAS COMMITTED ITSELF TO PRODUCING A FURTHER REPORT IN 1982. THIS WILL BE BASED ON CRIME DATA FOR THE YEAR 1981.
THE REPORT, TITLED ♦CRIME AND ITS VICTIMS IN HONG KONG+, IS THE RESULT OF THE CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEY CONDUCTED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT COVERING CRIME IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 1978. THE SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING NEW INSIGHT INTO THE IMPACT OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG.
THE +SELECTED FINDINGS* INCLUDE THE FOLLOW INGi
M AS MEASURED BY THE SURVEY, AN ESTIMATED 132 400 CRIMINAL VICTIMISATIONS WERE COMMITTED AGAINST PERSONS AND HOUSEHOLDS IN 1978, INCLUDING BOTH COMPLETED AND ATTEMPTED OFFENCES. 62 PER CENT OF THE VICTIMISATIONS INVOLVED INDIVIDUALS AND 38 PER CENT OF THEM INVOLVED HOUSEHOLDS.
* 'ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF ALL VICTIMISATIONS OCCURRED IN KOWLOON, ONE-FIFTH IN HONG KONG ISLAND, AND THE BALANCE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
M TEENAGERS (AGED 12 TO 19) HAD THE LOWEST VICTIMISATION RATE IN BOTH CRIMES OF VIOLENCE AND CRIMES OF THEFT.
M MALE PERSONS AGED 65 AND OVER HAD A PARTICULARLY HIGH RISK FOR CRIMES OF VIOLENCE.
M FOR BOTH CRIMES OF VIOLENCE AND CRIMES OF THEFT, PERSONS EARNING $2 500 AND ABOVE PER MONTH WERE THE MOST LIKELY VICTIMS.
COMMENTING ON THE REPORT TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR. F.K. LI, EXPRESSED HIS THANKS TO ALL THOSE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAD PLAYED THEIR PART IN THE SURVEY BY ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS ABOUT VICTIMISATION.
♦PROVIDING SUCH DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE TIME-CONSUMING AND TEDIOUS,♦ SAID MR. LI, +BUT THE RESULTS IN THIS CASE FULLY JUSTIFY THE LABOUR.
/+WHAT THE .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979 '
2
♦WHAT THE REPORT HAS GIVEN US IS A SOLID AND INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTABLE STATISTICAL BASIS WHICH WILL BE A GREAT HELP IN THE LONG TERM TO THE POLICE AND ALL THOSE ENGAGED IN ASSESSING CRIME AND PURSUING THE FIGHT AGAINST IT.+
MR. LI EMPHASISED THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS IN DRAWING CONCLUSIONS FROM THIS INITIAL REPORT.
♦SINCE IT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID, ♦WE HAVE NO SIMILAR PREVIOUS FIGURES WITH WHICH TO MAKE SURE COMPARISONS. BUT THE NEXT REPORT WILL ALLOW MUCH FIRMER ASSESSMENTS, AND I HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL CO-OPERATE WITH THE 1982 SURVEY AS HELPFULLY AS THEY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ONE.+
IN PARTICULAR, MR. LI CAUTIONED READERS OF THE REPORT AGAINST TRYING TO COMPARE THE INFORMATION PRODUCED IN IT WITH STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE POLICE.
♦ AS THE REPORT ITSELF MAKES CLEAR,+ HE SAID, +SUCH COMPARISONS ARE INAPPROPRIATE BECAUSE OF SUBSTANTIAL DIFFERENCES IN COVERAGE BETWEEN THIS SURVEY AND POLICE STATISTICS.
♦ THIS SURVEY, AS THE TITLE OF THE REPORT INDICATES, IS BASED ON VICTIMISATIONS - THAT IS, IT REFLECTS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO RECALLED BEING VICTIMS OF CERTAIN TYPES OF CRIME IN 1978, WHETHER THE CRIMES WERE REPORTED TO THE POLICE OR NOT.
♦ POLICE STATISTICS, ON THE OTHER HAND, COVER ALL REPORTED CRIMES ON THE BASIS OF THE NUMBER OF CRIMINAL INCIDENTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE NUMBER OF VICTIMS INVOLVED IN EACH INCIDENT.
♦ FURTHER, THE SURVEY COVERS ONLY VICTIMS AGED 12 AND OVER, WHEREAS POLICE STATISTICS INCLUDE CRIMES AFFECTING THOSE UNDER 12 ALSO.+
STRESSING AGAIN THAT THE TEMPTATION TO LEAP TO ANY SWEEPING CONCLUSIONS AT THIS STAGE SHOULD BE RESISTED, MR. LI SAID: +IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE REPORT ALLOWS SCOPE NEITHER FOR COMPLACENCY NOR FOR ALARM.
♦ FOR EXAMPLE, A SUPERFICIAL READING OF TWO TABLES (TABLES IV 1 AND IV 2) MIGHT TEMPT ONE TO CONCLUDE: (A) THAT THE CRIME RATE IN HONG KONG IS GENERALLY MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE FIVE UNITED STATES CITIES FOR WHICH FIGURES ARE ALSO CITED- AND (B) THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE DISPLAY FAR LESS CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS THAN THEIR AMERICAN COUNTERPARTS WHEN IT COMES TO REPORTING ROBBERY.
♦ HOWEVER, ANY SUCH CONCLUSIONS HAVE TO BE SEVERELY QUALIFIED BY THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
M FIRSTLY, THE LATEST AVAILABLE FIGURES FOR THE AMERICAN CITIES RELATE TO 1974, NOT 1978.
* SECONDLY, HONG KONG, AS WE ALL KNOW, HAS UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH CAN MAKE DIRECT COMPARISONS WITH OTHER PLACES HIGHLY SUSPECT.
* THIRDLY, AMERICAN CRIME REPORTING RATES MAY WELL REFLECT A FAR GREATER INCENTIVE TO REPORT CRIME FOR PURPOSES OF INSURANCE AND OTHER CLAIMS.+
/NEVERTHELESS.......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
5
NEVERTHELESS, MR. LI ADDED, THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES FOR REPORTING CRIME REVEALED IN THE REPORT HAD TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
HE DREW ATTENTION TO A PASSAGE SUMMARISING THIS ASPECT OF THE SURVEY, WHICH READSi +FOR SPECIFIC CRIMES, THE POLICE NOTIFICATION RATES RANGED FROM A HIGH OF 100 PER CENT FOR THEFT OF VEHICLES AND 69 PER CENT FOR SERIOUS ASSAULTS TO A LOW OF SIX PER CENT FOR PICKPOCKET AND FOUR PER CENT FOR OTHER HOUSEHOLD THEFT. +
FOR CRIMES OF VIOLENCE - A CATEGORY COVERING INTIMIDATION AND BLACKMAIL AS WELL AS SUCH CRIMES AS ROBBERY, ASSAULT AND RAPE - THE REPORTING RATE WAS 28 PER CENT. FOR BURGLARY THE REPORTING RATE WAS 34 PER CENT.
MR. LI WENT ON TO DRAW ATTENTION ALSO TO THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS IN THE REPORTi +THE AMOUNT OF UNREPORTED CRIME JUSTIFIES THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT POLICY OF BRINGING THE PUBLIC AND THE POLICE TOGETHER TO WORK IN HARMONY TO COMBAT CRIME. IT MUST BE OBVIOUS THAT THE POLICE CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO COUNTER AND SOLVE CRIMES ABOUT WHICH THEY KNOW NOTHING.
♦ TO SOME EXTENT THE KEY TO SUCCESS LIES IN THE HANDS OF THE PUBLIC AND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO REPORT CRIME AS A MATTER OF CIVIC DUTY. THE POLICE, FOR THEIR PART, MUST CONTINUE TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO GAIN THE PUBLIC’S CONFIDENCE AND THEREBY ENCOURAGE THIS PROCESS.+
ENDORSING THESE COMMENTS, MR. LI SAID THAT THE REPORTING RATES, ESPECIALLY FOR THE LESS SERIOUS KINDS OF CRIME, BORE OUT THE WARNINGS EXPRESSED EARLIER THIS YEAR BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ABOUT PUBLIC RELUCTANCE TO REPORT CRIME.
♦ IT IS NOT SURPRISING,♦ HE ADDED, +THAT THE POLICE ARE HIGHLY CONCERNED ON THIS SCORE, SINCE THEY REQUIRE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE ABOUT ALL CRIMES IF THEY ARE TO DEPLOY THEIR RESOURCES TO MAXIMUM EFFECT - TO PREVENT CRIME AS WELL AS TO CATCH CRIMINALS.
♦ THE REPORTING RATES ALSO CLEARLY JUSTIFY THE EMPHASIS WE HAVE PUT ON REPORTING CRIME IN OUR ’FIGHT CRIME’ CAMPAIGNS UP TO NOW. FURTHER EFFORTS ON THE SAME LINES ARE EVIDENTLY NEEDED. AS YOU KNOW, A RENEWED AND INTENSIFIED ’REPORT CRIME’ MESSAGE IS ALREADY BEING PUT OUT AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN WHICH HAS RECENTLY BEEN LAUNCHED.+
MR. LI ADDED THAT IN HIS OPINION THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LOW REPORTING LEVELS LAY WITH PUBLIC ATTITUDES WHICH STILL REFLECTED AN UNWILLINGNESS TO BOTHER ABOUT LESS SERIOUS OFFENCES.
♦ AS SHOWN IN TABLES 54 AND 55, THE MAIN REASONS GIVEN FOR FAILURES TO REPORT SUGGEST NOT A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE OR A FEAR OF REPRISAL SO MUCH AS A RELUCTANCE TO GET INVOLVED AND A FEAR OF INCONVENIENCE.
/+IT WOULD .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
4
♦IT WOULD BE A PITY, I BELIEVE, IF WE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT ON TO THE POLICE A RESPONSIBILITY WHICH RESTS WITH ALL OF US AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.*
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED AND THE REPORT PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE METHODOLOGY ESTABLISHED BY THE US BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. AMONG THE CITIES WHICH PREPARE CRIME VICTIMISATION FIGURES ON THE SAME BASIS ARE CHICAGO, DETROIT, LOS ANGELES, NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA.
THE MAIN ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE SURVEY, THE REPORT INDICATES, HAS BEEN TO ESTABLISH A STATISTICAL BASELINE FOR MEASURING THE IMPACT OF IMPORTANT CATEGORIES OF CRIME IN HONG KONG AND FOR ASSESSING WHAT PROPORTIONS OF THESE CRIMES ARE REPORTED TO THE POLICE.
PRICED AT $9, THE REPORT IS ON SALE IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING NEAR THE STAR FERRY IN CONNAUGHT PLACE. COPIES WILL ALSO SOON BE ON SALE AT LEADING BOOK STORES.
GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW TDC OFFICE * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OPEN THE NEW OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN PANAMA CITY ON NOVEMBER 13. SIR MURRAY AND LADY MACLEHOSE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 10, SPEND ONE DAY IN MEXICO CITY AND ARRIVE IN PANAMA CITY ON NOVEMBER 12.
THE TDC OFFICE - THE 18TH TO BE OPENED OVERSEAS - IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROMOTING TWO-WAY TRADE WITH THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN REGION.
SIR MURRAY AND LADY MACLEHOSE WILL FLY ON TO LONDON ON NOVEMBER 15 FOR ANNUAL LEAVE.
SIR MURRAY IS TO HAVE AN OPERATION ON HIS HIP WHILST IN THE UK AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ABOUT THE END OF JANUARY.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
5
COUNTRYSIDE FIRE RISK HIGH ft * ft *
VISITORS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE THIS YEAR ARE URGED TO BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS ABOUT ANY SOURCE OF FIRE OUTBREAKS, AND IN PARTICULAR, DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE THE WINTER THIS YEAR IS PREDICTED TO BE VERY DRY, AND THE RISK OF FIRE OUTBREAKS IS HIGH,+ THE COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR. CHONG SING-LAI SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR. CHONG STRESSED THAT UNLESS THERE WAS FULL PUBLIC CO-OPERATION IN THE CONTROL OF FIRES, THE COUNTRYSIDE COULD BE RAZED SIMILAR TO THE 1976/77 DEVASTATION WHEN MORE THAN 1 100 000 TREES IN GOVERNMENT PLANTATIONS AND MANAGEMENT AREAS WERE DESTROYED.
DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THIS MONTH, MORE THAN 37 □□□ TREES HAD BEEN DESTROYED BY FIRE IN COUNTRY PARKS AND PLANTATIONS, HE SAID. DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ABOUT 17 □□□ TREES WERE DESTROYED.
♦EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT 60 PER CENT OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES OCCUR DURING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, PARTICULARLY DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG AND CHING MING FESTIVALS AT GRAVEYARDS,* MR. CHONG SAID.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL THIS YEAR FALLS ON OCTOBER 29. MANY PEOPLE VISIT THE GRAVEYARDS ONE WEEK BEFORE AND ONE WEEK AFTER THE FESTIVAL.
♦DURING THESE TWO WEEKS, GRAVEYARD VISITORS MUST EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION BY NOT LEAVING ANY JOSS STICKS OR PAPER BURNING UNATTENDED,+ MR. CHONG URGED.
♦WHEN SOME IRRESPONSIBLE PEOPLE HAVE A COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE, THE COST OF DESTRUCTION AND THE MANPOWER EMPLOYED IN FIGHTING FIRES, THE LOSS OF WILDLIFE AND POSSIBLY HUMAN LIFE CAN NEVER BE MEASURED,♦ HE SAID.
MR. CHONG DISCLOSED THAT MORE THAN 400 STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON STAND-BY DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD TO TACKLE ANY COUNTRYSIDE FIRE.
MEANWHILE, A ♦CONTROLLED BURNING+ DEMONSTRATION WAS HELD TODAY AT THE COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT CENTRE AT ROUTE TWISK TO EXPLAIN TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE MEDIA THE SERIOUSNESS OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES.
DURING THE DEMONSTRATION, FIRE CREWS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT USED DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPARATUS TO COMBAT THE FIRE. HELICOPTERS FROM THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ALSO TOOK PART IN THE DEMONSTRATION BY WATER BOMBING FROM THE AIR.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
6
TALKS WITH EEC AND US ON * * *
SUSPENDED TEXTILE ITEMS * *
AN EEC DELEGATION WILL HOLD ROUTINE CONSULTATIONS IN HONG KONG ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) ON THREE TEXTILE ITEMS ON WHICH THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS.
THEY ARE CATEGORY 82 (KNITTED UNDERGARMENTS OF WOOL OR REGENERATED FIBRES)- CATEGORY 68 (BABIES’ KNITTED UNDERGARMENTS) AND CATEGORY 109 (SAILS).
THE CONSULTATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO LAST ABOUT TWO DAYS.
MEANWHILE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES WILL TAKE PLACE LATER THIS MONTH IN GENEVA ON FIVE ITEMS ON WHICH EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED.
THEY ARE CATEGORY 438 (WOOLLEN KNITTED SHIRTS AND BLOUSES)-CATEGORY 440 (WOOLLEN WOVEN SHIRTS AND BLOUSES)- CATEGORY 345 (COTTON SWEATERS)- CATEGORY 659 (MAN MADE FIBRE SWIMWEAR)- AND CATEGORY 342 (COTTON SKIRTS).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THESE DISCUSSIONS ARE NOT GOING TO BE PROTRACTED.
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BALLOT TO DETERMINE ALLOCATION OF NINE TAXI LICENCES *****
A BALLOT WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) IN THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE ALLOCATION OF NINE TAXI LICENCES.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IN THE LATEST TENDER FOR 300 TAXI LICENCES, 291 LICENCES WILL BE ALLOCATED TO TENDERERS OFFERING PRICES OF $230 800 AND ABOVE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE WERE TWO TENDERS OFFERING AN IDENTICAL UNIT PREMIUM OF $230 788 FOR A TOTAL OF 11 TAXI LICENCES.
HE SAID ONE TENDER WAS FOR ONE LICENCE AND THE OTHER WAS FOR 10 LICENCES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ONE BALLOT NUMBER WILL BE GIVEN FOR EACH TAXI LICENCE SOUGHT AND THE FIRST NINE OF THE 11 NUMBERS DRAWN WILL EACH BE ALLOCATED WITH ONE TAXI LICENCE.
RESULTS OF THE LATEST TAXI TENDER WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON OCTOBER 26.
0 - -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
- 7 -
NEW MAXICAB ROUTE TO BE INTRODUCED
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A NEW MAX I CAB ROUTE NO. 6 BETWEEN WHAMPOA ESTATE AND TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 22).
THIS SERVICE, WHICH OPERATES ALMOST 95 PER CENT OF THE DISTANCE OF THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 5 BETWEEN TAI WAN SHAN AND TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL COMPLEMENT THE PRESENT OPERATION IN THE AREA AS WELL AS PROVIDE A SERVICE FOR THE WHAMPOA ESTATE.
A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINAL POINT FOR THIS SERVICE IS LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TAK MAN STREET.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT RESERVED THE RIGHT TO INVITE APPLICATIONS BY A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FORMER ROUTE NO. 6 BETWEEN KOWLOON TONG (STAFFORD ROAD) AND HUNG HOM FERRY.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE TIMETABLE AND VEHICLE ALLOCATION OF ROUTE NO. 5 WILL BE REVISED FROM OCTOBER 22 WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ROUTE NO. 6.
THE REVISED SCHEDULE WILL OPERATE FROM 7.10 A.M. TO 10.30 P.M. WITH PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 12 MINUTES AND OFF-PEAK FREQUENCIES OF 20 MINUTES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE COMBINED OPERATION OF THE TWO ROUTES WOULD PROVIDE A BASIC SIX-MINUTE FREQUENCY OVER THE COMMON SECTION BETWEEN HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION AND TSIM SHA TSUI VIA AUSTIN ROAD.
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NEW WATER PIPELINE SYSTEM IN SHA TIN
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF A SYSTEM OF PIPELINES IN THE NORTHERN PART OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SYSTEM FORMED PART OF A SCHEME TO PROVIDE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE AREA NORTH OF FO TAN.
THE WORK WILL INVOLVE THE LAYING OF ABOUT 1 200 METRES OF ASBESTOS CEMENT PIPES RANGING FROM 250 MM TO 450 MM IN DIAMETER.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AT TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE END OF DECEMBER AND WILL
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1979
8
CANCELLATION OF PARKING SPACES
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT SIX PARKING SPACES IN MURRAY BARRACKS CAR PARK IN CENTRAL WILL BE CANCELLED FROM 8 A.M. ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED TEMPORARY FIRE STATION AT GARDEN ROAD.
THE AFFECTED PARKING SPACES, NUMBERS 324 TO 329, ARE SITUATED TO THE EAST OF GARDEN ROAD AND TO THE SOUTH OF QUEENSWAY.
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FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FIVE DAYS NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER).
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.
THE PRACTISING TIMES ARE i
DATE TIME
NOVEMBER 5 (MONDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 26 (MONDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK IS A VITAL LINK IN WORLD POSTAL NETWORK .................... 1
TAI MEI TUK COUNTRY PARK INFORMATION CENTRE OPENS ............. 2
NEW ROAD MARKING TO GUIDE MOTORISTS ........................... 3
PROJECT TO INCREASE OUTPUT OF RED HILL WATER WORKS ................................................... 3
CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY.................... 4
PWD AWARDS TENDERS FOR WATCHMEN SERVICES ...................... 4
YOUNG HK VIOLINIST WINS HIGH HONOURS .......................... 5
BOOKMARKER DESIGN COMPETITION ................................. 5
NEW DUMP SITE TO OPEN IN SHa TIN............................... 6
SPORTS FESTIVAL FOR NT ........................................ 7
AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES 3100 000 .................. 7
PARCEL SERVICES TO EAST TIMOR RESUMED ......................... 8
FOOT-DRILL COMPETITION FOR CAS CADETS ......................... 8
WATER CUT
9
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979
1
HK IS A VITAL LINK IN WORLD POSTAL NETWORK ft * * ft ft
HONG KONG IS A VITAL LINK IN THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL NETWORK AS REFLECTED BY THE HUGE VOLUME OF AIR MAIL HANDLED BY THE POST OFFICE.
OVER A QUARTER MILLION POSTAL ITEMS ARE PROCESSED DAILY AT THE POST OFFICE’S AIR MAIL CENTRE AT KAI TAK AIRPORT AND THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THE AIRBORNE POSTAL TRAFFIC VIA HONG KONG IS STILL GROWING, IN PARTICULAR, MAIL ITEMS IN TRANSIT.
THE ASSISTANT CONTROLLER OF POSTS IN CHARGE OF THE AIR MAIL CENTRE, MR. LEE KIM-LEUNG SAIDi +THERE WAS A NINE PER CENT GROWTH IN OUTWARD AIR MAIL TRAFFIC FROM 55 MILLION ITEMS IN 1977/78 TO 60 MILLION LAST FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE TREND IS CONTINUING IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS FISCAL YEAR.+
♦THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE WEIGHT OF TRANSIT MAIL HANDLED WHICH SHOWED A 40 PER CENT INCREASE IN 1978/79 COMPARED WITH THAT IN 1977/78,+ MR. LEE SAID.
TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING WORKLOAD, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO CONSTRUCT A NEW MECHANISED MAIL PROCESSING CENTRE AT THE AIRPORT.
AND TO MAKE ROOM FOR FUTURE EXPANSION, IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE AIR LETTER SECTION BE RESITED AT THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE IN HUNG HOM DUE FOR COMPLETION NEXT YEAR.
AT PRESENT ALL OUTWARD-BOUND AIRBORNE POSTAL ITEMS ARE DELIVERED TO THE AIR MAIL CENTRE VIA THREE MAIN POST OFFICES -THE GPO, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.
ON RECEIVING THEM. POSTAL WORKERS AT THE CENTRE HAVE TO WORK AGAINST TIGHT DEADLINES TO PROCESS THE MAIL AND PUT IT ON THE FIRST AVAILABLE FLIGHT BOUND FOR A PARTICULAR DESTINATION.
♦THE WORK INVOLVES DATE-STAMP I NG, SORTING, DOCUMENTATION AND FINALLY PUTTING THE ITEMS INTO MAIL BAGS,* MR. LEE SAID.
♦SOMETIMES THE WORK HAS TO BE COMPLETED IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES BECAUSE THE MAIL MUST BE HANDED OVER TO THE RESPECTIVE AIRLINES AN HOUR BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME.
♦AND IN THE CASE OF A FLIGHT CHANGE, WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS TO GET THE MAIL ON TO ANOTHER CARRIER TO AVOID OR MINIMISE ANY DELAY,♦ HE SAID.
THERE IS A SEPARATE SECTION IN THE AIR MAIL CENTRE FOR HANDLING SPEEDPOST PACKAGES. THESE PACKAGES BYPASS THE NORMAL SORTING PROCESSES AND ARE GIVEN SPECIAL TREATMENT TO ENSURE THAT THEY RECEIVE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE. FOR EXAMPLE, A SPEEDPOST ITEM POSTED IN HONG KONG ON A MONDAY CAN BE DELIVERED TO CENTRAL LONDON BY TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. +THIS SERVICE CALL FOR SPEEDY AND THOROUGH PROCESSING AT ALL STAGES RIGHT UP TO DEL I VERY,♦ MR. LEE SAID.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979,
2
TAI MEI TUK COUNTRY PARK INFORMATION CENTRE OPENS ******
THE FIRST COUNTRY PARK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK AT TAI btl TUK.
A SECOND VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE WILL BE OPENED AT ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK NEXT MONTH AND MORE ARE PLANNED FOR OTHER COUNTRY PARKS.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR. STEPHEN WONG YUEN-CHEUNG SAID THAT THE KUK WAS IN FAVOUR OF COUNTRY PARKS PROVIDED THAT THE TRADITIONAL RIGHTS OF LOCAL PEOPLE IS LOOKED AFTER.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN COUNTRY PARKS SO THAT THE PLACE WOULD NOT BE POLLUTED AND THAT THE VISITORS WERE PROPERLY GUIDED AND EDUCATED. THIS WAS TO ENSURE THAT VISITORS WOULD RESPECT THE PROPERTIES OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE.
+1 AM GLAD TO SEE THAT CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY IN THESE DIRECTIONS. A WELL DESIGNED TOILET/REFRESHMENT KIOSK HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED NEAR THE PLOVER COVE DAM AND I AM PLEASED TO LEARN THAT LOCAL VILLAGERS WERE GIVEN PRIORITY IN TENDERING FOR THE OPERATION OF THIS KIOSK,+ SAID MR. WONG.
THE PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK IS THE MOST POPULAR OF THE 21 PARKS MANAGED BY THE AUTHORITY. LAST YEAR MORE THAN 1.15 MILLION VISITORS WERE RECORDED IN THE AREA — REPRESENTING 22.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VISITORS TO HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS.
THE VISITORS INFORMATION CENTRE AT TAI MEI TUK CONSISTS OF ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF HISTORICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE PLOVER COVE AND ADJOINING PAT SIN LENG COUNTRY PARKS.
THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, MR. TED NICHOLS ALSO ATTENDED THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE. HE STRESSED THAT THE COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION PROGRAMME IS PART OF THE COUNTRY PARKS DEVELOPMENT.
♦ITS PURPOSE IS TO ENABLE THE VISITORS TO KNOW THE LAND, WATER, PLANTS AND ANIMALS OF THE AREA THEY VISIT- TO APPRECIATE THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO PROMOTE A DESIRE TO CONSERVE THESE VALUABLE RESOURCES.
♦A VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE, LIKE THIS ONE, IS AN IMPORTANT FACILITY TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL,+ SAID MR. NICHOLS.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979
3
NEW ROAD MARKING TO GUIDE MOTORISTS *****
A NEW TYPE OF ROAD MARKING TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND PROVIDE A BETTER MEANS OF GUIDANCE TO MOTORISTS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON HONG KONG ROADS.
THE NEW MARKING, WHICH MAY SAVE LIVES, WILL BE LAID ON A TRIAL BASIS FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) UNTIL JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
ALTOGETHER ABOUT 10 000 SQUARE METRES OF REFLECTIVE THERMOPLASTIC ROAD MARKING WILL BE +HOT LAID* BY MACHINE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE NEW MARKING LASTS LONGER THAN PAINT AND IS MORE DISTINCT TO ROAD USERS.
+THE CONTRACT WITH WIMPEY ASPHALT HONG KONG LTD ALSO COVERS THE REMOVAL OF THE MARKING SHOULD THIS BE REQUIRED,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THERMOPLASTIC IS A RESINOUS MATERIAL WITH MINUTE GLASS BEADS ADDED TO MAKE IT MORE REFLECTIVE. IT RANGES IN THICKNESS FROM 1.5 MM TO 5 MM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ROAD MARKING WOULD START IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TAI PO, THEN MOVE INTO KOWLOON AND FINALLY TO HONG KONG ISLAND.
♦NATURALLY THE MACHINE MOVES RATHER SLOWLY AND THERE MAY BE TIMES WHEN MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO BE PATIENT. BUT THEY SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THE NEW MARKING IS FOR THEIR BENEFIT, AND IF THERE IS A LITTLE INCONVENIENCE ON A FEW OCCASIONS IT IS WELL WORTH IT,* HE SAID.
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PROJECT TO INCREASE OUTPUT OF RED HILL WATER WORKS
*****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN WORK SOON ON AN EXTENSION TO THE RED HILL WATER TREATMENT WORKS AT TAI TAM BAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PWD SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE EXTENSION WAS REQUIRED TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR WATER FROM THE STANLEY-REPULSE BAY AREA.
HE SAID, THE PROJECT WOULD INCREASE THE OUTPUT OF THE TREATMENT WORKS FROM 6 300 CUBIC METRES TO 10 900 CUBIC METRES A DAY.
THE WORK, TENDERS FOR WHICH ARE BEING INVITED, INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLOCCULATION TANK, TWO RAPID GRAVITY FILTER BEDS AND A CHEMICAL HOUSE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WORK WOULD BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
0 -------
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979 -
4
CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY ft ft ft * ft
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 29 IS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN S3 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 THE HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
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 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.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREi FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652-KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096- TUEN MUN 12-818443 EXT. 82 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
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PWD AWARDS TENDERS FOR WATCHMEN SERVICES ft ft ft ft ft
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED FOUR CONTRACTS FOR WATCHMEN SERVICES AT NON-DEPARTMENTAL GOVERNMENT QUARTERS.
THE CONTRACTS, AWARDED BY THE MAINTENANCE BRANCH OF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, ARE WORTH MORE THAN $1.32 MILLION.
THREE OF THE CONTRACTS, WORTH MORE THAN $1.03 MILLION, WENT TO SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIONS SERVICES LIMITED FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES TO QUARTERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
ANOTHER CONTRACT, WORTH $284 651.WAS AWARDED TO BO WAI KUK LIMITED FOR SERVICES TO QUARTERS IN KOWLOON.
0 -
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979
5
YOUNG HK VIOLINIST WINS HIGH HONOURS
******
A HONG KONG VIOLINIST WON HIGH HONOURS AT AN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION OF YOUNG VIOLINISTS HELD AT POLAND RECENTLY.
THE VIOLINIST, MISS TO YAN. WHO TOOK PART FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEST, WAS AWARDED A $5 000 PRIZE AND A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.
THIRTY-FIVE MUSICIANS, ALL FIRST CLASS VIOLINISTS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION. MISS TO WAS AMONG THE 15 SELECTED FOR THE SECOND ROUND CONTEST, OUT OF WHICH ONLY EIGHT MADE IT TO THE FINALS.
♦THAT TO YAN WAS ADMITTED INTO THE FINAL CONTEST AND AWARDED WITH A PRIZE IS A GREAT HONOUR TO HONG KONG MUSICIANS,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE COMMENTED TODAY (SATURDAY).
MISS TO BEGAN PLAYING THE VIOLIN IN CHINA SINCE CHILDHOOD. SHE OBTAINED A SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE LAST YEAR TO FURTHER HER MUSICAL TRAINING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
- - 0 - -
BOOKMARKER DESIGN COMPETITION
******
STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 4 TO FORM 6, ESPECIALLY MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS, ARE INVITED TO JOIN A BOOKMARKER DESIGN COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CLEANLINESS IN PUBLIC PLACES.
THE +DON’T LITTER IN PUBLIC PLACES* BOOKMARKER DESIGN COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS SECRETARIAT AND AIMS TO INCREASE STUDENTS' AWARENESS IN HELPING TO KEEP PUBLIC PLACES CLEAN.
THE COMPETITION, IS DIVIDED INTO A JUNIOR DIVISION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND A SENIOR DIVISION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CYC SECRETARIAT SAIDi +THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE SCOPE OF ENTRIES AS LONG AS THEY CAN IMPRESS UPON PEOPLE NOT TO LITTER IN PUBLIC PLACES.
♦A STUDENT MAY SUBMIT AS MANY ENTRIES AS HE LIKES.*
EACH DESIGN SHOULD MEASURE 83 MM BY 228 MM (3.25 IN BY 9 IN) AND BE DRAWN OR PAINTED ON DRAWING PAPER.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE LABELLED ON THE BACK WITH THE NAME, THE CLASS AND THE SCHOOL OF THE PARTICIPANT.
PRIZES FOR EACH DIVISION WILL BE GIVEN IN THE FORM OF BOOK AND STATIONERY COUPONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE FIRST
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, '1979
6
THE FIRST PRIZE WILL BE WORTH $200, THE SECOND PRIZE $150 AND THE THIRD PRIZE $100, HE SAID.
THERE WILL ALSO BE 50 WINNING PRIZES VALUED AT $20 EACH, AND 10 SPECIAL PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO SCHOOLS WHICH SUBMIT THE LARGEST NUMBER OF DESIGNS.
ENTRIES MUST REACH THE CYC SECRETARIAT. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (ROOM 515G), LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 15.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SECRETARIAT ON TELEPHONEi 5-768422 OR 5-7907221.
JUDGING WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING EXPERIENCED ART AND CRAFT EDUCATIONISTS.
------o-------
NEW DUMP SITE TO OPEN IN SHA TIN ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE PUBLIC DUMP AT AREA 14J TO THE NORTH OF THE SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL SITE, WILL BE CLOSED AS FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 22).
ON THE SAME DAY, AN ALTERNATIVE DUMPING AREA WILL BE OPENED IN AREA 36D, EAST OF THE SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL SITE.
ACCESS TO THE NEW DUMP WILL BE FROM SIU LEK YUEN ROAD OFF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
DUMPING PERMITS ALREADY ISSUED FOR AREA 14J WILL REMAIN VALID FOR DUMPING IN AREA 36D.
ONLY APPROVED SOFT EARTH AND STONE UP TO 225 MM IN SIZE, PROVIDING IT IS WELL MIXED WITH EARTH, WILL BE ACCEPTED.
LARGE STONE WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED AT SPECIAL SITES IN AREAS 11 AND 51, BOTH SITUATED AT THE SOUTH OF SHING MUN ROAD CHANNEL.
VEHICLES WITHOUT DUMPING PERMITS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DUMP MATERIAL IN AREA 36D.
DUMPING PERMITS MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE ON WRITTEN APPLICATION TO THE PROJECT MANAGER (SHA TIN).
EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER, THE ORIGIN, TYPE AND APPROXIMATE QUANTITY OF MATERIALS TO BE DUMPED AND THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR A PARTICULAR JOB.
DUMPING WILL BE ALLOWED BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 6 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ALL DUMPING MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DUMP SUPERVISOR.
0 -
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979
- 7 -
NOTE TO EDITORS*
SPORTS FESTIVAL FOR NT * * * *
THE FIRST EVER SPORTS FESTIVAL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH IN TSUEN WAN.
A PRESS CONFERENCE GIVING FULL DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD IN THE MING TWO ROOM, SHERATON HOTEL, FOURTH FLOOR, AT 3 P.M. ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22).
THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIRST TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR. CHAU HOW-CHEN, AND OTHER OFFICIALS WILL ATTEND.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE. THEY SHOULD MEET MR. DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S PRESS UNIT IN THE MING TWO ROOM BY 2.50 P.M.
-----0------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES $100 000 ******
TWENTY-FIVE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $100 000 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE WRITTEN TEST ROOM OF THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER CA 3 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $30 000.
ANOTHER NUMBER CA 7878 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE CF $10 000.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES j
AJ 2727 - $9 000 CA 6668 - $3 □00 CA 3382 - SI 000
AA 911 - $7 500 CA 8168 - $3 000 CA 3688 - SI 000
CA 883 - $5 000 CA 322 - $3 000 CA 3893 - SI 000
CA 1328 - $4 500 CA 751 - $1 000 CA 7351 - $1 000
CA 136 - $4 000 CA 831 - SI 000 CA 7202 - SI 000
CA 336 - $4 000 CA 1404 -$1 000 CA 7720 - $1 000
/CA J8C .....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979*
8
CA 380 - $4 000 CA 1978 - |1 000 CA 8108 - tl 000
CA 8813 - Si 000
CA 8856 - $1 000
THE REGISTRATION NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 48TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO 110 513 100.
-----o------
PARCEL SERVICES TO EAST TIMOR RESUMED ******
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ORDINARY AIR AND SURFACE PARCEL SERVICES FROM HONG KONG TO EAST TIMOR (FORMERLY PORTUGUESE TIMOR) HAVE NOW BEEN RESUMEDi.
OTHER MAIL SERVICES TO EAST TIMOR WERE RESUMED ON JUNE 15.
o--------
FOOT-DRILL COMPETITION FOR CAS CADETS * * *
CADEJ CORPS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD A FOOT-??ninAY?MPET T °N AT THE CAS K0WL00N TRAINING CENTRE TOMORROW
A TOTAL OF 18 TEAMS FROM CADET UNITS ON HONG KONG ISLAND
LEUNGWTROPHy!D ™E NEW TERR,T0R,ES W,LL COMPETE FOR THE +NORMAN
THE CAS CADET CORPS, MR. NORMAN LEUNG WILL
PRESENT THE TROPHY TO THE CHAMPION TEAM AFTER THE COMPETITION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
coMPeT?TioNEOFNTHeEcAs°CADeT *T?Eth“T'DR 'LL
AT 204 ‘mLE ™ ™
-----o------
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1979
9
WATER CUT ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY BONHAM STRAND WEST INCLUDING WESTERN MARKET, WING LOK STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, SUTHERLAND STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND MORRISON STREET.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO MOST AREAS IN WEST KOWLOON WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY UNTIL NOON ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) TO FACILITATE DIVERSION OF WATER MAINS.
AREAS TO BE AFFECTED INCLUDE CHEUNG SHA WAN, SHAM SHU I PO, TAI KOK TSUI, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, SHEK KIP MEI AND KOWLOON TONG.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TWO FIRSTS FOR HONG KONG GCV.ERNPiENT............... 1
PLAN FOR MORE SOLAR-POWERED BEACONS ................ 2
$3.8 MILLION FUtS-FEGHTHIG EQUIPMENT DUE.............3
STUDENTS URGED TO JOIN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION ......................................... 4
HK’S FIRST JOGGING TRACK PROVES POPULAR ............ 5
EQUIPMENT FOR SHA TIN SEWAGE TREABiiNT ‘7CR1LS...... 5
ANOTHER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR POK FU LAi'I.......... 6
FLUSHING WATER CUT IN EAST KOWLOON ..................6
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1979
TWO FIRSTS FOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT * ft * ft * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS SENDING ITS FIRST WORK I NG LEVEL INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATION DEVELOPMENT MISSION TO JAPAN IN MID-NOVEMBER, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IT WILL HAVE A STAND AT THE TECHNO TOKYO FAIR THIS YEAR.
THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE MISSION IS TO INCREASE THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY FROM JAPAN TO HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
♦THE MOVE FOLLOWS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG-JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE WHICH IS ALSO TO MEET IN TOKYO IN MID-NOVEMBER, AND THE HIGH-LEVEL HONG KONG ECONOMIC MISSION TO JAPAN A YEAR AGO,* HE SAID.
LEADING THIS YEAR’S MISSION WILL BE MAJOR C.G. BERNARD, THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER. AFTER TECHNO 1979 WHICH IS TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 13 TO 17, HE WILL VISIT COMPANIES THERE DURING THE FOLLOWING TWO WEEKS.
♦THIS WILL ALSO OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG COMPANIES WHO ARE CONSIDERING THE EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF THEIR BUSINESSES,* MAJOR BERNARD SAID.
♦HONG KONG COMPANIES SEEKING NEW PRODUCTS, PRODUCTION PROCEDURES AND TECHNOLOGIES, OR INTERESTED IN JOINT VENTURES OR LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS, ARE INVITED TO CONTACT MR. PATRICK LIN OF THE DEPARTMENT BY TELEPHONING 3-671294 BEFORE NOVEMBER 5,+ HE SAID.
APPROACHES HAVE BEEN MADE TO SOME 160 COMPANIES, RANGING FROM THOSE ENGAGED IN LIGHT TO MEDIUM-HEAVY ENGINEERING AND METAL INDUSTRIES, THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, AND INDUSTRIES PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY SUPPORTING AND SERVICING FACILITIES SUCH AS METAL CASTING, FORGING, ELECTROPLATING, TOOL AND DIE-MAKING, PRECISION MACHINING AND HEAT TREATMENT.
+FOR SOME YEARS HONG KONG HAS BEEN MOVING AWAY FROM LABOUR INTENSIVE, LOW TECHNOLOGY ASSEMBLY INDUSTRIES, AND WE ARE THEREFORE ACTIVELY SEEKING TRANSFER OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FROM COUNTRIES SUCH AS JAPAN,* SAID MR. WILLIAM DORWARD, WHO IS TO SUCCEED MR. DAVID JORDAN AS DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS LATER THIS MONTH.
+WE ENCOURAGE ALL INDUSTRIES ALIKE. SOME OF THOSE WE BELIEVE TO HAVE THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ARE LIGHT ENGINEERING, THOSE PRODUCING GOOD QUALITY STEEL AND IRON CASTINGS, PRODUCTION FOUNDARIES, AND THOSE COMPANIES ENGAGED IN NON-FERROUS CASTINGS, PARTICULARLY OF BRASS AND ALUMINIUM ALLOYS,* HE SAID.
/+LOW TAX......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1979
- 2 -
♦LOW TAX RATES FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, A FREE ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENT, A FREE MONEY MARKET, FIRST CLASS TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, AND A WIDE CHOICE OF MODERN INDUSTRIAL SITES AND BUILDINGS ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY ADVANTAGES THAT HONG KONG HAS TO OFFER,♦ HE ADDED.
MR. DORWARD SAID MANY JAPANESE COMPANIES WHICH EXPORTED INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR THE METAL AND ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES, WERE AWARE OF INCREASING DIFFICULTIES IN COMPETING IN THE HONG KONG MARKET BECAUSE OF THE EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON THEIR PRICES. PRODUCTION OF SOME OF THESE COMPONENTS IN HONG KONG BY JAPANESE COMPANIES WOULD CLEARLY BE OF MUTUAL BENEFIT.
♦THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES ARE PROBABLY OFFERED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPORT ORIENTATED INDUSTRIES. THESE COULD INCLUDE ELECTRONIC BUSINESS MACHINES, OPTICS, PRECISION INSTRUMENTS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, TELECOMMUNICATION TERMINAL EQUIPMENT, MICRO COMPUTERS, DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT, AND AUTOMOBILE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES, INCLUDING ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS,+ HE SAID.
IN ORDER THAT TECHNOLOGY CAN BE TRANSPLANTED WITHOUT PROBLEMS, IT NEEDS A STRONG INDIGENOUS INDUSTRY, A DEXTROUS WORKFORCE, AN EFFICIENT COMMERCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, AND STABLE GOVERNMENT POLICIES PROVIDING THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN BE ABSORBED AND DEVELOPED.
♦HONG KONG CAN OFFER ALL OF THESE. ITS ENTERPRISES HAVE PROVED THEIR ABILITY TO DEVELOP PROGRESSIVELY DOMESTIC CAPABILITIES BASED ON IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY,+ MR. DORWARD SAID.
♦AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES ARE BALANCED TO BENEFIT BUYER AND SELLER, LOCAL ENTERPRENEUR AND OVERSEAS INVESTOR ALIKE. I HOPE THAT ANY COMPANY CONSIDERING EXPANDING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WILL NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY OF DISCUSSING THEIR IDEAS WITH MAJOR BERNARD, EITHER AT TECHNO 1979 OR DURING THE REMAINDER OF HIS VISIT IN NOVEMBER,+ HE SAID.
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PLAN FOR MORE SOLAR-POWERED BEACONS
* * M H * K
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO INSTALL SEVEN MORE SOLAR-POWERED NAVIGATIONAL BEACONS IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS TO REPLACE THE CONVENTIONALLY POWERED ONES CURRENTLY IN USE IN HONG KONG.
THIS FOLLOWED MAY LAST YEAR WHEN AT KEI YAN SHEK ON
THE SUCCESS OF A PILOT SCHEME STARTED IN SOLAR ENERGY WAS USED TO OPERATE A BEACON THE WESTERN SIDE OF HIGH ISLAND IN SAI KUNG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE SOLAR HAS A LIGHT RANGE OF EIGHT KILOMETRES, HAS SEVERAL AND PROVED TO BE ECONOMICAL IN OPERATION.
MODULE, WHICH ADVANTAGES
/♦ONE OF .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1979
- 3 -
+ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES IS THAT THE SOLAR CELLS ARE CAPABLE OF RECHARGING ITS BATTERY THAT OPERATES THE LIGHT,+ HE SAID. +THE PRIMARY CELLS OF CONVENTIONALLY POWERED BEACONS HAVE TO BE CHANGED ANNUALLY.♦
+THE MODULE HAS ALSO BEEN FOUND TO BE CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING VIGOROUS MARINE ENVIRONMENT,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS AN AUTOMATIC BULB CHANGER INCORPORATED IN THE MODULE THUS MINIMISING MAINTENANCE.
+AT CURRENT PRICES. THE CAPITAL COST OF THE SOLAR GENERATOR IS LESS THAN THE COST OF TWO YEARS’ SUPPLY OF PRIMARY CELLS REQUIRED TO OPERATE A CONVENTIONALLY POWERED LIGHT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦A COST ANALYSIS STUDY HAS SHOWN THAT AN ANNUAL RECURRENT SAVING OF $7 OOO CAN BE ACHIEVED BY UTILISING THE SOLAR MODULE,* HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, FOR ECONOMICAL REASONS, THE DEPARTMENT’S NAVIGATIONAL AIDS SECTION HAS DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED ITS CWN POWER CELLS FOR THE 94 QUICK FLASHING RED LIGHTS INSTALLED ON OUTLYING DISTRICT PIERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
S3.8 MILLION FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT DUE ******
THE FIRE SERVICES FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE CAPABILITIES WILL BE FURTHER ENHANCED WHEN $3.8 MILLION WORTH OF EQUIPMENT ARRIVE LATE THIS YEAR AND EARLY NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE EQUIPMENT COMPRISE ONE $1.6 MILLION 37-METRE TURNTABLE LADDER APPLIANCE AND TWO 15-METRE SNORKEL APPLIANCES COSTING ABOUT $2.2 MILLION.
HE SAID THE NEW TURNTABLE LADDER APPLIANCE, WHICH IS DUE TO ARRIVE IN DECEMBER, WOULD BRING TO SEVEN THE NUMBER OF SUCH APPLIANCES IN SERVICE. THE TWO SNORKEL APPLIANCES WOULD ARRIVE IN EARLY JANUARY.
THE NEW TURNTABLE LADDER APPLIANCE IS SPECIALLY FITTED WITH WIND-GAUGE TO COUNTER THE DANGER POSED BY FREQUENT WIND GUSTS IN SOME PARTS OF HONG KONG. IT IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A REMOTE CONTROL CAGE FOR SMOOTH OPERATION AT VARIABLE HEIGHTS.
♦THIS TYPE OF APPLIANCE IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE SENIOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR. POON NAI-HSI WILL MAKE A SPECIAL TRIP TO WEST GERMANY AND ENGLAND ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) TO INSPECT AND TEST THE APPLIANCES BEFORE SHIPMENT. HE WILL ALSO MAKE SURE THE EQUIPMENT WILL ARRIVE ON SCHEDULE.
/DURING HIS .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1979
DURING HIS TRIP, MR. POON WILL DISCUSS WITH FIRE APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS VARIOUS TECHNICAL ASPECTS RELATING TO IMPROVED OPERATION OF APPLIANCES BEING PURCHASED AS WELL AS THE PROVISIONING
CF ADEQUATE SPARE PARTS.
THE MANUFACTURERS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY CF INSTALLING REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES TO CAGES FITTED TO FOUR OLD 37-METRE TURNTABLE LADDER APPLIANCES CURRENTLY IN USE IN HONG KONG.
------o-------
STUDENTS URGED TO JOIN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION * * ft ft * * ft
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES TO ENCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION.
♦THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 22 ATTENDING POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES AND SCHOOLS, AND GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS,+ HE SAID.
A STUDENT MAY SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF DESIGNS, HE SAID.
♦INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTERS ARE DISPLAYED IN FACTORIES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, AND PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART IN THE CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THERE WILL BE NO LIMIT TO THE SCOPE AND IMAGINATION OF THE ENTRIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, BUT THE JUDGES WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DESIGNS DENOTING A CONTRAST BETWEEN SAFE AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS OR PRACTICES WITHIN INDUSTRY.
♦ORIGINALITY OF IDEAS IN DESIGN IS WHAT THE JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR,+ HE ADDED.
DESIGNS, OF 420 MM BY 594 MM IN SIZE, SHOULD BE SELF-EXPLANATORY, AND WORDING SHOULD BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM.
EACH DESIGN SHOULD BEAR ON THE BACK THE NAME AND SCHOOL OF THE ENTRANT.
CASH PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED. THE FIRST PRIZE IS $500, THE SECOND PRIZE $400 AND THE THIRD PRIZE $300.
THERE WILL ALSO BE 10 CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $100 EACH.
IN ADDITION, EACH WINNER WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.
/♦ALL ENTRIES .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1979
5
+ALL ENTRIES MUST REACH THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, ROOM 312, THIRD FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 5, NEXT YEAR,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES WOULD BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULT OF THE COMPETITION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID.
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HK’S FIRST JOGGING TRACK PROVES POPULAR
* * * H
HONG KONG’S FIRST JOGGING TRACK IN VICTORIA PARK HAS PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR.
♦SINCE ITS COMPLETION AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH, IT HAS ATTRACTED A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE INDULGING IN THIS FORM OF EXERCISE TO THE PARK,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE TRACK, BUILT BY PWD’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, IS 630 METRES LONG AND 1.5 METRES WIDE. IT ALSO HAS DISTANCE MARKERS PAINTED ON THE SURFACE AT 100-METRE INTERVALS.
THE PROJECT WAS FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
------0-------
EQUIPMENT FOR SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS
* * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT FOR STAGE I OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THIS WILL BE THE THIRD OF FOUR MAIN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CONTRACTS FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT.
♦THE EQUIPMENT WILL BE USED TO MONITOR THE SEWAGE AS IT PASSES THROUGH THE TREATMENT PROCESSES TO ENSURE THAT THE WATER FINALLY DISCHARGED INTO TOLO HARBOUR IS OF AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
♦SINCE PART OF THE PROJECT IS BEING FINANCED BY THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS FROM MANUFACTURERS IN ADB MEMBER COUNTRIES,+ HE SAID.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1981, THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WILL SERVE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 230 000 IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
AT PRESENT, SEWAGE FROM SHA TIN IS BEING TREATED AT THE TEMPORARY AND INTERIM SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY WATSON (HONG KONG) CONSULTING ENGINEERS UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF PWD’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
THE COMPANY IS ALSO SUPERVISING THE CONSTRUCTION WORK INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF THE EQUIPMENT.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1979
6
ANOTHER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR POK FU LAM
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD ANOTHER SERVICE RESERVOIR IN POK FU LAM TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR WATER IN THE AREA BETWEEN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND WAH FU ESTATE.
THE RESERVOIR IS TO BE BUILT ON THE HILLSIDE ABOUT 250 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE EXISTING POK FU LAM RESERVOIR, AND WILL HAVE A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 8 000 CUBIC METRES.
IT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN MASS CONCRETE WITH A REINFORCED CONCRETE DECKING.
♦TENDERS FOR THE WORK, WHICH ALSO COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 400-METRE-LONG ACCESS ROAD, ARE BEING I NV I TED,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
♦WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE,♦ HE ADDED.
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FLUSHING WATER CUT IN EAST KOWLOON
*****
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4 P.M. ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 23) TO FACILITATE REPLACEMENT OF VALVES AT KWUN TONG PUMPING STATION.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE SAN PO KONG, NGAU CHI WAN, JORDAN VALLEY, NGAU TAU KOK, SAU MAU PING, KWUN TONG AND LAM TIN.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NCl
FIRST NT SPORTS FESTIVAL TO START NEXT MONTH................ 1
SHA TO OFFICIATE AT KAI FONG DAY CELEBRATION ............
TEMPORARY MARKET TO BE BUILT IN MONG KOK ................
ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ...............
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG ......................
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1979
1
FIRST NT SPORTS FESTIVAL TO START NEXT MONTH * * ft ft * *
THE FIRST EVER SPORTS FESTIVAL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN NEXT MONTH.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, W. JAMES HAYES, SAID HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 14-DAY FESTIVAL, WHICH STARTS ON NOVEMBER 3, WILL BE EXHIBITION MATCHES BY TOP PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL AND TENNIS PLAYERS.
♦A TOTAL OF 31 EVENTS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED,* HE SAID. +BESIDES FOOTBALL AND TENNIS, OTHER SPORTS INCLUDED ARE BASKETBALL, BADMINTON, BOXING, VOLLEYBALL, BASEBALL, HANDBALL AND TABLE TENNIS. ALSO FEATURED WILL BE ATHLETICS, AQUATICEVENTS, GYMNAST IC/AND MARTIAL ARTS DISPLAYS, AND AN ARCHERY DEMONSTRATION.*
MR. HAYES SAID ADMITTANCE TO ALL BUT THREE OF THE EVENTS IS FREE AND LARGE LOCAL CROWDS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
MR. HAYES SAID THE IDEA OF THE FESTIVAL WAS THREE-FOLD — TO INCREASE ALREADY WIDE LOCAL INTEREST IN SPORT, TO RAISE SPORTING STANDARDS AND TO HELP PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING AND INTEGRATION AMONG NEW COMERS. --------------------------
HE SAID A GREAT MANY NEW RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES HAD BEEN PROVIDED TO MATCH A GROWTH IN POPULATION FROM 85 OOO IN 1961 TO 600 000 AT PRESENT.
HE NOTED THE TOWN NOW HAS THREE SPORTS GROUNDS AND ONE LARGE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, AND A STEADILY GROWING NUMBER OF FOOTBALL PITCHES, BASKETBALL COURTS, AND SQUASH AND TENNIS COURTS. AN INDOOR GAMES HALL IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN KWAI CHUNG AND MANY OTHER NEW PROJECTS ARE IN THE ACTIVE PLANNING STAGE, INCLUDING TWO MORE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES.
MR. HAYES SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO PERMANENT FACILITIES, FUNDS HAD BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO INTRODUCE TEMPORARY SPORTS FACILITIES WHERE POSSIBLE.
WHILE SPORTS FACILITIES IN TSUEN WAN HAD BEEN INCREASING IN TYPE AND SCOPE, HE SAID, THEIR FULL UTILISATION WAS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE ENTHUSIASTIC PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND ORGANISED GAMES *BY THE BODY OF INTERESTED, COMPETENT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE WHO BELONG TO OUR LOCAL CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS.*
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND ON NOVEMBER 3. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS, THE FIRST EXHIBITION FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL TAKE PLACE.
/THE SECOND .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1979
2
THE SECOND MATCH, AT THE SAME VENUE, WILL BE BETWEEN KU I TAN AND CAROLINE HILL ON NOVEMBER 10.
THE EXHIBITION TENNIS MATCHES WILL INVOLVE PLAYERS AT PRESENT COMPETING IN THE HONG KONG TENNIS CLASSIC. THEY WILL BE PLAYED AT SHA TSUI ROAD TENNIS COURTS ON NOVEMBER 9. THE NAMES OF THE FOUR PLAYERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR. CHAU HOW-CHEN, SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS +ONLY THE BEGINNING* AND THAT WITH CONTINUED PUBLIC BACKING HE WAS CONFIDENT IT WOULD BECOME A PERMANENT FEATURE OF THE NEW TOWN’S SPORTING CALENDAR.
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NOTE TO EDITORSt
SHA TO OFFICIATE AT KAI FONG DAY CELEBRATION * * X X X
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. F.K. LI WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE 30TH KAI FONG DAY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 7.30 P.M. AT THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT.
THE FUNCTION, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY 64 KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, WILL BE ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, URBAN COUNCIL, CIVIC LEADERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF KAIFONG BODIES, VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMCNTS.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY
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TEMPORARY MARKET TO BE BUILT IN MONG KOK I » X * X
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY MARKET AND HAWKER CENTRE AT TONG MEI ROAD AND A COOKED-FOOD CENTRE AT MONG KOK ROAD IN KOWLOON.
THE TEMPORARY MARKET AND HAWKER CENTRE, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF TONG MEI ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET, WILL HAVE EIGHT MARKET STALLS AND 143 MINI-STALLS, WITH SUBSIDIARY FACILITIES SUCH AS AN OFFICE, A VEGETABLE WASHING ROOM, STORES AND PUBLIC TOILETS.
THE COOKED-FOOD CENTRE AT THE JUNCTION OF MONG KOK ROAD AND BUTE STREET WILL ACCOMMODATE 32 STALLS AND SUPPORTING FACILITIES, INCLUDING AN OFFICE AND STORE ROOMS.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE CONTRACT WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE STAGES.
/WORK ON .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1979
WORK ON THE TEMPORARY MARKET AND HAWKER CENTRE WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COOKED-FOOD CENTRE IN MAY, AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
THE FINAL STAGE WILL INVOLVE THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING MONG KOK HAWKER BAZAAR.
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ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ft ft ft ft
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THERE WILL BE ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL ON OCTOBER 29 WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
ON THAT DAY, 32 POST OFFICES INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON AND THE TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO POST OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON.
ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KWAI CHUNG TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY ROAD WORKS.
STARTING FROM 10 A.M.. KWAI HONG STREET AND THE SOUTHERN ARM OF KWAI FUNG CRESCENT (THE SECTION BETWEEN CONTAINER PORT ROAD AND MARVEL INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT 17-23 OF THE ROAD) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
OTHER NEW ARRANGEMENTS AREi
ft KWAI TAK STREET WILL BE ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND FROM KWAI TAI ROAD TO KWAI SHUN STREET-
* KWAI SHUN STREET WILL BE ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM KWAI TAK STREET TO CONTAINER PORT ROAD- AND
ft THE NORTHERN ARM OF KWAI FUNG CRESCENT WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC.
MEANWHILE, KWAI TAK STREET, KWAI SHUN STREET AND THE NORTHERN ARM OF KWAI FUNG CRESCENT WILL BE RESTRICTED TO MOTORISTS REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THESE STREETS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING STANDING COMMISSION'S PAY REPORT .......................................... -]
US CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF SIX MORE TEXTILE CATEGORIES ........................................... 1
WORK OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION UNIT RECOGNISED ......... 2
SIR MURRAY TO SEE WORK CF ANTI-POLLUTION VESSELS ..... 3
COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF YUEN LONG PRAISED ................ 3
DSW VISITS HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY .................... 4
SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND ..................... 5
THREE CAS PERMANENT STAFF RETIRE ..................... 5
CONTRACT FOR LIFT AWARDED ............................ 6
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1979
1
GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING STANDING COMMISSION’S PAY REPORT
X * * X * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS EXAMINING THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE ♦FIRST REPORT ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY+ ISSUED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WITH A VIEW TO CONSULTING EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND FINANCE otSmITTEE BEFORE CHINESE NEW YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE BEING ISSUED TO ALL HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND MADE AVAILABLE TO STAFF ASSOCIATIONS. THE REPORT WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED IN THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL.
A CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH CIRCULAR CONCERNING ™E PROCESSING OF THS REPORT AND THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR COLLATING COMMENTS WILL BE ISSUED SEPARATELY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO PUBLIC AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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US CALLS SIX MORE TEXTILE CATEGORIES
X X * X X X
IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS THE UNITED STATES HAS CALLED ON HONG KONG TO SUSPEND THE ISSUE OF EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS IN RESPECT OF 11 TEXTILE CATEGORIES.
DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY(TUESDAY)t +IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT THIS MORNING THE US HAS CALLED ON US TO SUSPEND THE ISSUE OF EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR YET ANOTHER SIX CATEGORIES, AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE ABOUT TO RESUME TALKS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE US-HK TEXTILE AGREEMENT.
♦THESE FREQUENT REQUESTS BY THE US, WHICH TOTAL 13 SO FAR THIS YEAR, ARE DISRUPTIVE TO OUR TRADE.
♦WHEN WE RESUME NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA NEXT MONDAY, WE INTEND TO DISCUSS THE FREQUENCY OF THESE REQUESTS, THE UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBER OF THEM, AND THE CURRENT PROVISIONS IN THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT GOVERNING SUCH REQUESTS,♦ HE SAID.
EARLIER THIS YEAR THE US HAD ASKED HONG KONG TO INCLUDE SEVEN CATEGORIES IN THE BASKET ARRANGEMENT, AND SIX OF THESE ARE AMONGST THE 11 CATEGORIES WHICH THE US HAS CALLED.
THE SIX NEW CATEGORIES WHICH THE US HAVE ASKED HONG KONG TO SUSPEND ARE i CATEGORY 337 (COTTON PLAY SUITS)- CATEGORY 444 (WOOL SUITS FOR WOMEN, GIRLS AND INFANTS)- CATEGORY 447 (WOOL TROUSERS FOR MEN AND BOYS)- CATEGORIES 633-634 (MMF COATS FOR MEN AND BOYS)-CATEGORY 635 (MMF COATS FOR WOMEN, GIRLS AND INFANTS)- AND CATEGORY 648 (MMF TROUSERS FOR WOMEN, GIRLS AND INFANTS).
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1979
2
WORK OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION UNIT RECOGNISED ******
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WELFARE FUND TODAY (TUESDAY) RECEIVED A BOOST OF $4 OOO DONATED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PRODUCERS OF PHONOGRAMS AND VIDEOGRAMS (IFPI) IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE’S OUTSTANDING EFFORT IN STAMPING OUT RECORD PIRACY IN HONG KONG.
AT A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD AT THE SERVICE’S HEADQUARTERS TODAY, THE IFPI’S SOUTHEAST ASIA REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MR. STEVE NEARY, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR THE AMOUNT TO THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE SERVICE, MR. ROY HATTON.
MR. NEARY SAID THE INDUSTRY’S LATEST REPORT ESTIMATED THAT 99 PER CENT OF ALL RECORDS AND TAPES SOLD WERE NOW LEGITIMATE, AND RECORD COMPANIES HAD REPORTED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN SALES.
MR. HATTON ASSURED THAT THE SERVICE WOULD CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE COPYRIGHT LAWS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE FEW PLACES IN THE WORLD WHERE A SPECIAL UNIT HAD BEEN SET UP, IN A DISCIPLINED FORCE, TO DEAL SOLELY WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH LAWS.
♦SINCE ITS FORMATION ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO, THE COPYRIGHT PROTECTION UNIT HAS SEIZED OVER HALF A MILLION PIRATED TAPES-33 000 PIRATED GRAMOPHONE RECORDS- 1 500 RECORDING DECKS AND SEVEN HIGH-SPEED CASSETTE DUPLICATORS,* MR. HATTON SAID.
♦THIS FOLLOWED 47 INVESTIGATIONS FOR ILLICIT MANUFACTURE AND 244 RAIDS ON DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS, WHICH RESULTED IN 335 SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS FOR VARIOUS COPYRIGHT OFFENCES,♦ HE ADDED.
OVER THE YEARS, MANY PROBLEMS IN DEALING WITH MUSIC PIRACY HAD TO BE OVERCOME, AND THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE IFPI AND MEMBERS OF THE RECORDING INDUSTRY, HE SAID.
♦HONG KONG HAS OFTEN BEEN REFERRED TO AS A GOOD EXAMPLE TO OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE FIELD OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION,♦ MR. HATTON SAID.
♦IT IS GRATIFYING TO KNOW THAT OUR TRADING REPUTATION WILL NO LONGER BE TARNISHED BY ALLEGATIONS OF BEING A HAVEN FOR PI RATES,+ HE ADDED.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR. KEITH BROADBRIDGE AND STAFF OF THE IFPI.
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/3
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1979
- 3 -
SIR MURRAY TO SEE WORK OF ANTI-POLLUTION VESSELS *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL WATCH A SERIES OF DEMONSTRATIONS BY ANT I-POLLUTION LAUNCHES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25).
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. MALCOLM ALEXANDER, SIR MURRAY WILL GO TO THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER TO SEE HOW THE +WATER WITCH+, A MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTION VESSEL, HELPS KEEP THE HARBOUR CLEAN.
THE DEMONSTRATIONS, BEGINNING AT 3 P.M., WILL INCLUDE THE DISPLAY OF A NUMBER OF ANTI-OIL POLLUTION VESSELS’ CAPABILITIES IN FIGHTING OIL SPILLS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE DEMONSTRATION BY ANT I-POLLUTION VESSELS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25).
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL ATTEND THE DEMONSTRATION WHICH WILL START AT 3 P.M.
A MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH 50 WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE NEWS MEDIA. IT WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER FOR YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AT 2.45 P.M. SHARP. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF YUEN LONG PRAISED
* * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE +COMMUNITY SPIRIT* OF YUEN LONG PEOPLE WHEN OPENING A NEW SCHOOL IN THE NEW TOWN TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THIS SPIRIT HAD CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY OF YUEN LONG, WHICH HAD GROWN IN 20 YEARS FROM A QUIET MARKET INTO A BUSTLING MODERN COMMUNITY.
♦YUEN LONG TOWN WILL CONTINUE TO GROW.+ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID, ♦AND WE MUST ENSURE THAT WE DO NOT LOSE THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION AND SENSE OF LOCAL PRIDE AND BELONGING AS THE POPULATION INCREASES.*
THE NEW SCHOOL IS THE YUEN LONG MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, WHOSE FOUNDATION STONE MR. AKERS-JONES LAID NEARLY FIVE YEARS AGO. HE SAID THERE WERE ALREADY 10 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN YUEN LONG AND THE NEW ONE WOULD ADD 1 200 PLACES.
HE SAID BY THE END OF THE YEAR A FURTHER SECONDARY SCHOOL WOULD OPEN, WHICH WOULD ALSO HAVE AN AIR-CONDITIONED HALL AS A LOCAL VENUE FOR CONCERTS AND CULTURAL PERFORMANCES.
/+IN DUE .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBEK 2J, 1979
4 -
♦ IN DUE COURSE THERE WILL BE SUFFICIENT SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN YUEN LONG SO THAT THERE WILL BE NO NEED FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE THE LONG JOURNEY INTO TOWN.+ HE SAID.
THE NEW SCHOOL HAS BEEN BUILT ON A SITE IN THE TOWN CENTRE AT A COST OF $6.5 MILLION. THE LAND WAS GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT FREE OF PREMIUM.
GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED 84 PERCENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION COST, THE REMAINDER BEING RAISED LOCALLY BY THE ASSOCIATION.
ENGINEERING WORK STARTED EARLY LAST YEAR AND WAS COMPLETED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
INITIALLY, THE SCHOOL WILL RUN 12 CLASSES FOR 720 LOCAL CHILDREN. IT IS EXPECTED TO REACH FULL CAPACITY BY 1983.
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DSW VISITS HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOSTEL IN CHAI WAN TO SEE FOR HIMSELF ITS DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION.
MR. LEE INSPECTED THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES OF THE HING WAH HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AND LEARNED ABOUT ITS LATEST DEVELOPMENT. THE HOSTEL IS RUN BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN AND WAN CHAI), MRS. DANG CHOW SIK-WAN, AND WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP, MR. STEPHEN YOW MOK-SHING.
AT THE HOSTEL, THE DIRECTOR SAW THE OLD PEOPLE RELAXING, READING OR DOING HANDICRAFT WORK. HE ALSO TALKED TO SOME OF THEM AND ENQUIRED ABOUT THEIR DAILY LIFE.
OPENED EARLY LAST YEAR, THE HOSTEL IN HING WAH ESTATE IS THE SECOND OF ITS KIND OPERATED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP.
THE $530 000 HOSTEL WHICH IS PARTLY FINANCED BY THE LOTTERIES FUND, PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION FOR 73 OLD PEOPLE, AND ENABLES THEM TO ENJOY A FULL AND ACTIVE LIFE.
IT PROVIDES MEAL SERVICE, AND ASSISTANCE IN LAUNDRY AND CLEANSING WORK. THERE ARE ALSO SOCIAL WORKERS AND NURSES TO HELP THE INMATES SOLVE THEIR INDIVIDUAL AND HEALTH PROBLEMS.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE EIGHT HOSTELS WITH A TOTAL OF 760 PLACES RUN BY THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1979
SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND *****
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF ANNUAL RENTAL FOR A SHORTTERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT CHA KWO LING ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE SITE, WITH MARINE FRONTAGE AND MEASURING ABOUT 2 800 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS AND CARGO.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD AND 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 TENDER IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 9,
1979
- - o - -
THREE CAS PERMANENT STAFF RETIRE
*****
THREE PERMANENT STAFF OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL RETIRE SHORTLY AFTER SERVING IN THE GOVERNMENT FOR A TOTAL OF 73 YEARS.
THEY ARE LABOURERS, MR. NG CHOW AND MR. HO CHIU- AND
CARETAKER, MR. WONG WING-NGOK
THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE CAS, MR. JOHN FORTUNE WILL PRESENT RETIREMENT GIFTS TO THEM ON BEHALF OF THEIR COLLEAGUES IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR DEDICATED SERVICES TO THE DEPARTMENT.
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CAS HEADQUARTERS IN CAROLINE HILL ROAD AT 4 P.M. ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26).
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESENTATION OF RETIREMENT GIFTS TO THE THREE CAS STAFF MEMBERS TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) AT 4 P.M. IN THE DEMONSTRATION THEATRE, SIXTH FLOOR, CAS HEADQUARTERS, 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1979
6
CONTRACT FOR LIFT AWARDED
* * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO SCHINDLER LIFTS (HK) LTD FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A LIFT IN THE THREE-STOREY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL.
THE CONTRACT, WORTH $230 000, WAS SIGNED BY MR. K.C. YEUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.
MR. YEUNG SAID THAT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO BLEND PLEASANTLY WITH THE PORTAL STRUCTURES AND SURROUNDING HILLSIDE, IS SITUATED BETWEEN THE SOUTHERN TUNNEL PORTALS AT WONG CHUK HANG.
HE SAID THAT WORK ON THE CONTROL BUILDINGS OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, WHICH INCLUDES A SMALL TWO-STOREY CONTROL KIOSK AT THE NORTHERN PORTALS, WAS ON SCHEDULE AND WOULD BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRADE GAP CONTINUES TO NARROW ............................. 1
POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF COUNTRYSIDE BECAUSE OF HIGH FIRE RISK ............................................ 3
SIR MURRAY TO OPEN HONG KONG’S LONGEST HIKING TRAIL .............................................. 4
FIRE SERVICES CENTRALISED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN OPERATION ....................................... 5
BUILDING CONTRACTORS FACE UP TO NOISE CONTROL ............. 5
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION .....,...................... 7
SCHOOL LIBRARY SERVICE HELPS STUDENTS ..................... 7
MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT ..................... 8
WATER CUT IN WONG CHUK HANG ............................... 8
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
1
TRADE GAP CONTINUES TO NARROW ******
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS LAST MONTH (SEPTEMBER) WAS $7 051 MILLION AND IMPORTS WERE WORTH *7 648 MILLION, GIVING A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $597 MILLION FOR THE MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TOTAL EXPORTS ARE MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, WHICH WERE VALUED AT $5 316 MILLION LAST MONTH, AND RE-EXPORTS WORTH $1 734 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 43 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY 42 PER CENT, RE-EXPORTS BY 45 PER CENT AND IMPORTS BY 39 PER CENT.
DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THERE WAS A GROWTH OF 38 PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 54 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS, 42 PER CENT IN TOTAL EXPORTS AND 38 PER CENT IN IMPORTS.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT LAST MONTH WAS THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH WHEN THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS HIGHER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS.
♦THE TRADE FIGURES FOR LAST MONTH CONFIRM THAT THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WHICH IS NOT PAID FOR BY TOTAL EXPORT EARNINGS, IS STILL ON A NARROWING TREND,♦ HE SAID.
FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE TRADE GAP WAS 11.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 13.6 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
♦THE FACT THAT THE DEFICIT IN ABSOLUTE TERMS IS SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN IT WAS THIS TIME LAST YEAR, IS, OF COURSE, THE RESULT OF THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF THE TRADE INVOLVED,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS IN RECENT MONTHS, APART FROM BEING LESS THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, WAS CHARACTERISED BY THE PRESENCE OF UNUSUALLY LARGE SHIPMENTS OF CAPITAL GOODS.
♦SO THE MORE DETAILED STATISTICS TO BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY ARE LIKELY TO SHOW THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS HAS CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN,^ HE SAID.
/THE FOLLOWING ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979 '
2
THE FOLLOWING ARE COMPARATIVE TRADE FIGURES I
JULY-SEPT. JULY-SEPT. INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS 1979 1978 DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 16 280 11 290 + 4 989 *44.2
RE-EXPORTS 5 141 3 396 ♦ 1 745 +51.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 21 421 14 686 ♦ 6 735 +45.9
IMPORTS 22 515 15 844 ♦ 6 671 +42.1
TRADE BALANCE - 1 094 - 1 158 ♦ 64
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1979 1978 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 5 316 3 736 ♦ 1 580 +42.3
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (75.4%) (75.7%)
RE-EXPORTS 1 734 1 200 + 534 +44.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 7 051 4 936 ♦ 2 114 +42.8
imports' 7 648 5 505 ♦ 2 143 +38.9
TRADE BALANCE - 597 - 569 28
SEPTEMBER AUGUST INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1979 1979 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. 1 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 5 316 5 806 489 - 8.4
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (75.4%) (76.8%)
RE-EXPORTS 1 734 f 1 757 23 - 1.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 7 051 7 563 - 512 - 6.8
IMPORTS 7 648 7 348 ♦ 300 +4.1
TRADE BALANCE - 597 + 215 812
JAN.-SEPT. JAN.-SEPT. INCREASE OR
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1979 1978 DECREASE
S MN. $ MN. 1 ( 3 z
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 39 688 28 758 +10 930 +38.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (73.5%) (75.5%)
/RE-EXPORTS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
- 3 -
RE-EXPORTS 14 337 9 324 ♦ 5 013 ♦53.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 54 025 38 083 +15 942 ♦41.9
IMPORTS 61 031 44 098 ♦16 933 ♦38.4
TRADE BALANCE - 7 006 - 6 015 991
LAST 12 MONTHS OCT. 1978 TO SEPT. 1979 OCT. 1977 TO SEPT. 1978 INCREASE OR DECREASE
8 MN. 8 MN. 8 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 51 641 38 291 +13 350 ♦34.9
RE-EXPORTS 18 210 12 064 + 6 145 ♦50.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 69 851 50 355 ♦19 495 ♦38.7
IMPORTS 79 989 57 617 ♦22 372 ♦38.8
TRADE BALANCE -10 138 - 7 262 - 2 876
- - 0
POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF COUNTRYSIDE BECAUSE OF HIGH FIRE RISK
* M * *
DURING THE FIRST THREE WEEKS OF OCTOBER MORE THAN 100 000 TREES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED OR DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, MR. TED NICHOLS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AND AS A RESULT OF THIS DAMAGE, MR. NICHOLS HAS REQUESTED VISITORS NOT TO GO TO THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK NOR THE TAI PO KAU SPECIAL AREA THIS WEEKEND AS THEY MAY HAVE TO BE CLOSED AT SHORT NOTICE BECAUSE OF THE FIRE RISK.
THE BARRIERS AT THE TAI LAM CHUNG AND KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARKS WILL ALSO BE CLOSED THUS PROHIBITING VEHICLES FROM ENTERING THE PARKS.
+IF PEOPLE WISH TO VISIT THE COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE WEEKEND THEY ARE ADVISED TO GO TO PLOVER COVE AND SAI KUNG INSTEAD,* MR. NICHOLS SAID.
DURING THE WEEKEND — PARTICULARLY SUNDAY AND MONDAY — POLICE WILL BE MAKING REGULAR PATROLS OF BARBECUE AND PICNIC SITES AND ENTRY POINTS TO THE PARKS.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE SOME 400 PERSONNEL ON DUTY AND THERE WILL BE ANOTHER 270 CIVIL AID SERVICES PERSONNEL ASSISTING THE DEPARTMENT.
/MR. NICHOLS .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
4
MR. NICHOLS SAID THE COUNTRY PARKS IN CENTRAL NEW TERRITORIES ARE HEAVILY WOODED AND ONE SINGLE ACT OF CARELESSNESS COULD DESTROY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PLANTATIONS AS WELL AS UPSETTING THE BALANCE OF NATURE.
IT IS PREDICTED THAT THE HUMIDITY WILL BE LOW DURING THE WEEKEND AND WITH THE ABSENCE OF RAIN FOR THE PAST 28 DAYS, THE FIRE RISK IS VERY HIGH.
+THE RISK IS EVEN GREATER WITH LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE USING THE PARKS,+ MR. NICHOLS SAID.
- _ 0 - -
SIR MURRAY TO OPEN HONG KONG’S LONGEST HIKING TRAIL * ft ft * * *
A 100 KILOMETRE-LONG (62 MILES) HIKING TRAIL STRETCHING ACROSS THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPENED ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL — NAMED AFTER SIR MURRAY, WHO HAS TAKEN A KEEN INTEREST IN CONSERVATION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE — IS HONG KONG’S FIRST LONG DISTANCE HIKING ROUTE PASSING THROUGH THE FINEST SCENERY OF EIGHT COUNTRY PARKS BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
THE TRAIL IS DIVIDED INTO 10 SECTIONS, FOR SHORT DISTANCE HIKING, AND HAS A NUMBER OF CAMPSITES AND OTHER FACILITIES TO ASSIST HIKERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT THE COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT CENTRE AT ROUTE TWISK, ABOUT HALF-A-MILE NORTH OF THE 12 MILESTONE AT 3 P.M. ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26).
GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE NEWS MEDIA. IT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT TSIM SHA TSUI FOR THE CENTRE AT 1.30 P.M. SHARP. SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR. MARK PINKSTONE, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE MEDIA.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
5
FIRE SERVICES CENTRALISED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN OPERATION ******
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE FIRE SERVICES $8.5 MILLION CENTRALISED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM HAS GONE INTO OPERATION.
+THE KOWLOON FIRE CONTROL CENTRE WENT ON TO THE NEW SYSTEM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) AND THE HONG KONG ISLAND, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE AMBULANCE CONTROL CENTRES WILL BE BROUGHT INTO THE SYSTEM OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS,* A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO PERMIT BETTER MOBILISING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S RESOURCES OF 5 OOO MEN AND MORE THAN 500 VEHICLES.
HE SA IDi +WHEN THE NEW SYSTEM BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL IN MARCH NEXT YEAR, IT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR COMMUNICATIONS STAFF AT FIRE AND AMBULANCE STATIONS TOTALLING ABOUT 200 MEN WITH AN ANNUAL SAVING IN SALARY OF $6 MILLION.*
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE NEW SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND BRING A FURTHER REDUCTION IN RESPONSE TIME TO EMERGENCIES,* HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, LINKING ALL HONG KONG’S 54 FIRE AND AMBULANCE STATIONS, WOULD CENTRALISE ALL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS ON THE SIXTH-FLOOR CENTRE OF TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION'.
+THE NETWORK CONSISTS OF DIRECT CALL-OUT LINKS TO ALL FIRE AND AMBULANCE STATIONS AND A COMPUTER-OPERATED VEHICLE STATUS AND LOCATION SYSTEM FOR MOBILISING AMBULANCES.*
+IT IS EXPECTED TO CUT THE DESPATCHING TIME BY HALF,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
______0-------
BUILDING CONTRACTORS FACE UP TO NOISE CONTROL ******
BUILDING CONTRACTORS ARE BEGINNING TO RECOGNISE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE CONTROL OF NOISE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN COMMENTING ON A REPORT TABLED THIS WEEK AT A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE . (EPCOM).
THE REPORT REVIEWED THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OPERATION OF LEGISLATION AMENDED LAST JULY TO LIMIT NOISE MADE BY CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AT NIGHT AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION WAS TO DECREASE THE NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE NORMAL WORKING HOURS.
/THE SPOKESMAN ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
6
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED! +A CONTRACTOR WISHING TO CONTINUE WORKING AFTER 7 P.M. OR ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, INCLUDING SUNDAYS, MUST NOW APPLY TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR A PERMIT BY SUBMITTING A LIST OF EQUIPMENT HE WISHES TO USE, A LOCATION PLAN OF HIS SITE AND BY SPECIFYING THE HOURS HE WJSHES TO WORK.
♦THESE FACTORS ARE ASSESSED IN RELATION TO THE BACKGROUND LEVEL OF NOISE IN THAT GENERAL LOCATION AND THE PROXIMITY OF PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE DISTURBED BY THE NOISE AND ALSO THE NECESSITY FOR THE WORK.
♦AS A RESULT A PERMIT MAY BE ISSUED AND THE APPLICANT MAY OPERATE SUCH MACHINERY AS THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (PWD) JUDGES REASONABLE FROM THE NOISE POINT OF VIEW FOR THAT PARTICULAR SITE.
♦THE PROCEDURE FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS IS STANDARDISED THROUGHOUT PWD IN THAT ALL PERMIT ISSUING OFFICERS FOLLOW A CAREFULLY PREPARED SET OF PERMIT ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDEDi +IN GENERAL. WE TRY TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE, PRACTICAL AND REASONABLE APPROACH TO THE ISSUE OF PERMITS.+
HE HOPED THAT THE GRADUAL INTRODUCTION OF TOUGHER MEASURES TO CURB NOISE FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES WOULD LEAD TO A MORE EXTENSIVE USE OF PROPERLY SILENCED EQUIPMENT.
HE SAID! +THE IDEA IS TO LIMIT NOISE DISTURBANCE, NOT TO STOP WORK.+
BY OCTOBER 16, 961 PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE USE OF POWERED MECHANFCAL EQUIPMENT (OTHER THAN PILING) DURING THE PROHIBITED HOURS HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE PWD OF WHICH SLIGHTLY OVER ONE HALF WERE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECTS AND SLIGHTLY OVER ONE THIRD WERE FOR PWD PROJECTS. THE REMAINING APPLICATIONS WERE FOR HOUSING DEPARTMENT PROJECTS.
ENFORCEMENT OF THE LEGISLATION IS A POLICE RESPONSIBILITY AND ONE OF THE WAYS IN WHICH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NEW AMENDMENT Tp THE LEGISLATION CAN BE DETERMINED IS BY ANALYSING THE STATISTICS CF COMPLAINTS AND THE NUMBER OF FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS BY POLICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID! +ALTHOUGH IT IS EARLY DAYS YET TO FORM ANY SOLID CONCLUSIONS FROM THESE STATISTICS, THE SIGNS ARE DEFINITELY ENCOURAGING AND IT IS FELT THAT CONTRACTORS ARE BEGINNING TO RECOGNISE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE CONTROL OF NOISE.+
THE CONTROL OF NOISE NUISANCE IN HONG KONG IS VERY MUCH A CONTINUING AND EVOLVING PROCESS WHICH INVOLVES STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN WHAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC WANT OR FEEL THAT THEY NEED AND WHAT SUCH SECTORS AS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CAN REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE.
EPCOM WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT PREPARATORY DRAFTING OF THE NEW NOISE ABATEMENT BILL WOULD INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO CONSTRUCTION NOISE.
-------0---------
/7
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
- 7 -
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION
*****
THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD WILL TAKE PLACE BY SECRET BALLOT TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 10.30 A.M. AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICE IN NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY.
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON MATTERS REFERRED TO IT BY HIM INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. IT COMPRISES SIX EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES AND SIX EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, WITH THE COMMISSIONER AS CHAIRMAN.
THREE OF THE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ARE ELECTED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS AND THREE ARE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT 10 CANDIDATES HAD BEEN NOMINATED FOR ELECTION AND THEIR NAMES HAD BEEN SENT TO ALL EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS FOR INFORMATION.
+A REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNION WISHING TO VOTE SHOULD SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ELECTION. THE REPRESENTATIVE MUST BRING WITH HIM A LETTER OF AUTHORISATION FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF HIS UNION AND A COPY OF THE CIRCULAR LETTER DATED OCTOBER 8, 1979 FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THE SUBJECT,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0 ------
SCHOOL LIBRARY SERVICE HELPS STUDENTS * * * *
LIBRARIES SHOULD BE USED AS A TOOL FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION AND A STEPPING STONE TO SELF-EDUCATION, THE LIBRARIAN OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS. BARBARA LUK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SHORT COURSE FOR OVER 80 RECENTLY APPOINTED HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THE LIBRARY SERVICE, SHE SAID THROUGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES STUDENTS SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH THE BASIC SKILLS TO HELP THEM +LEARN HOW TO LEARN, SO THAT IN CASE THERE IS A NEED FOR STUDENTS TO STUDY ON THEIR OWN AFTER GRADUATION THEY CAN DO SO WITH CONFIDENCE AND SUCCESS.*
MRS. LUK ALSO MENTIONED THE TEACHER LIBRARIAN SCHEME WHICH WAS STARTED IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH OVER 18 CLASSES.
SO FAR MORE THAN 80 SCHOOLS HAD APPOINTED TEACHER LIBRARIANS TO BE IN CHARGE FULL-TIME OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY, AND THIS NUMBER WOULD EVENTUALLY RISE TO OVER 200.
ON THE AIM OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES, MRS. LUK SAID THAT THE ULTIMATE TARGET SHOULD BE THE FORMATION OF LIFE-LONG READING HABITS AND THE ACQUISITION OF BASIC RESEARCH SKILLS FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING AND PRESENTATION.
THE SHORT COURSE FOR THE SCHOOL HEADS IS BEING HELD AT THE LECTURE THEATRE OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION. IT BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13 AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL NOVEMBER 3.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1979
8
MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT M * * * X
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ITS PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE, THE VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING SECTION AND THE OFFICES OF ITS MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT WILL REMAIN OPEN ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29), WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
ON THAT DAY, THE SMALL CRAFT LICENSING OFFICE WILL OPERATE FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M., AND THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE ROUND THE CLOCK.
IN ADDITION, THE FOUR PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS IN WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN WILL REMAIN OPEN ON MONDAY.
ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY.
-----0------
WATER CUT IN WONG CHUK HANG * * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WONG CHUK HANG WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M, ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NAM LONG SHAN ROAD SHUM WAN ROAD, POLICE SCHOOL ROAD, OCEAN PARK ROAD, WELFARE ROAD
J P «-«« “ONG CHUK HANG ROAD, YIP FAl'sTREET FnCLUDING the OCEAN PARK, POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AND WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HIGHER COST OF LIVING IN SEPTEMBER ............................ 1
GOVERNOR INSPECTS HARBOUR CLEANSING WORK ...................... 2
COUNTRYSIDE ANT) GRAVEYARD VISITORS URGED TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS OF FIRE ..................................... 3
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ORGANISES WHO TRAINING COURSE ON TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENTS ............ 4
TALKS WITH EEC ON SUSPENDED TEXTILE ITEMS ..................... 5
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED ................ 6
MPS TO GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE .................................. 7
CROWN LAND LOTS FOR SALE ...................................... 7
TICD STAFF SAY FAREWELL TO DIRECTOR ........................... 8
EMPLOYEES REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED FOR LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ................................................ 9
IMPORTANCE OF MORAL EDUCATION STRESSED ........................ 9
SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCES PUPILS PERFORMANCE............. 10
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS ........................ 11
PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ........................ 11
RE-OPENING OF SHA TIN DUMP ................................... 12
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL aREA ............ 12
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
1
HIGHER COST OF LIVING IN SEPTEMBER ft * ft ft ft
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES (A) AND (B) FOR SEPTEMBER 1979 WERE BOTH 145, UP ONE POINT AND TWO POINTS RESPECTIVELY WHEN COMPARED WITH THOSE RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE CENTRED 12-MONTH MOVING AVERAGE FOR MARCH 1979 WAS 133.8 FOR CPI (A) AND 133.9 FOR CPI (B). EACH BEING 1.1 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH. WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CENTRED 12-MONTH MOVING AVERAGE FOR MARCH A YEAR AGO, THE INCREASES WERE RESPECTIVELY 9.7 PER CENT AND 9.5 PER CENT.
THE CPI (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 AND $1 499 A MONTH AND THE CPI (B), BETWEEN $1 500 AND $2 999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973/74.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS IN SEPTEMBER REMAINED STABLE IN CPI (A) AND ROSE BY ONE POINT IN CPI (B).
RISES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUITS, RICE AND LIVE POULTRY.
THE COSTS OF MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ALSO WENT UP AS SOME RESTAURANTS AND EATING PLACES RAISED THEIR PRICES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, SALT-WATER FISH AND FRESH-WATER FISH DECLINED. MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN CPI (A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN CPI (B) AS HIGHER RENT WAS REGISTERED IN PRIVATE DWELLINGS.
HIGHER CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY PUSHED THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT UP BY TWO POINTS IN CPI (A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN CPI (B).
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ADVANCED BY SIX POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND (B), REFLECTING THE FULL IMPACT OF THE RISES IN PRICES OF CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO SINCE AUGUST.
THE ONE-POINT RISE IN THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR IN BOTH CPI (A) AND (B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS AND CLOTHING MATERIALS.
THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS WENT UP BY ONE POINT EACH IN CPI (A) AND (B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR WOODEN FURNITURE AND GLASSWARE.
THE SECTION INDICES FOR SEPTEMBER 1979, COMPARED WITH PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1978, ARE GIVEN BELOWi
/SECTION
TKWRSDrt, OCTOBER 25, 1979
2
CPI (A) CPI (B)
SECTION SEPT 79 AUG 79 SEPT 78 SEPT 79 AUG 79 SEPT 78
FOODSTUFFS 141 141 123 143 142 124
HOUSING 146 144 ■ 132 146 143 131
FUEL AND LIGHT 193 191 134 187 184 133
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 167 161 142 162 156 138
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 112 111 103 110 109 102
DURABLE GOODS 129 128 116 126 125 113
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 147 146 136 145 145 132
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 159 152 124 165 160 127
SERVICES 148 148 139 151 151 140
ALL ITEMS 145 144 126 145 143 127
GOVERNOR INSPECTS HARBOUR CLEANSING WORK
*****
THE GOVERNOR. SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TOOK TIME OUT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO INSPECT HARBOUR CLEANSING WORK ABOARD A MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. MALCOLM ALEXANDER, SIR MURRAY WENT TO THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AND SAW A MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTION VESSEL, THE *WATER WITCH+ IN OPERATION. LATER HE OBSERVED A NUMBER OF ANTI-OIL POLLUTION VESSELS OF THE DEPARTMENT DEMONSTRATING THEIR CAPABILITIES IN TACKLING OIL SPILLS AS WELL AS HARBOUR CLEANSING WORK NEAR STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
DURING THE TOUR, SIR MURRAY LEARNED OF A PROPOSAL TO MECHANISE TOTALLY THE HARBOUR REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE.
/MR. ALEXANDER ..
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
- 3 -
MR. ALEXANDER SAIDi +LABOUR AND FUEL COSTS OF THE HARBOUR CLEANSING SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM THIS YEAR’S $2.6 MILLION TO AN ESTIMATED $A.2 MILLION IN 1980/81.+ HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE LONG TERM MECHANISATION WOULD NOT ONLY SAVE MONEY, BUT ALSO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT WAY OF COLLECTING MARINE REFUSE.
MR. ALEXANDER ALSO NOTED THAT DUE TO THE RECENT INCREASE IN RECLAMATION WORK AMD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN URBAN AREAS, THE QUANTITY OF MARINE REFUSE HAD INCREASED, ADDING TO THE HEAVY BURDEN ON THE PRESENT REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEM.
CURRENTLY, MARINE REFUSE IS COLLECTED BY MEANS OF 12 SMALL FLEET, EACH CONSISTING OF ONE MOTOR CARGO-BOAT AND THREE SAMPANS. THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ALSO HAS TWO MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTION VESSELS, THE +WATER WITCH* AND THE +HARBOUR SWEEPER* ON TRIAL.
THE +WATER WITCH* CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A FLOATING BULLDOZER AND IS CONSIDERED TO BE HIGHLY EFFICIENT WHEN OPERATING IN SHELTERED WATERS. HOWEVER ITS EFFICIENCY DEPENDS UPON PROPER REFUSE RECEPTION FACILITIES ON SITE.
THE ^HARBOUR SWEEPER* IS HIRED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT FROM HONG KONG SHIPYARD LTD. IT IS IDEALLY SUITED FOR OPERATION IN OPEN WATERS AS IT IS SELF-SUFFICIENT.
------0-------
COUNTRYSIDE AND GRAVEYARD VISITORS URGED TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS-OF Ft-RE NUM*
THE FIRE SERVICES TODAY (THURSDAY) APPEALED TO VISITORS TO GRAVEYARDS AND THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL TO TAKE EVERY POSSIBLE PRECAUTION TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS OF FIRE.
♦IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT DRY SPELL COUPLED WITH LARGE CROWDS FLOCKING TO GRAVEYARDS AND THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE WEEKEND, THE CHANCES FOR FIRE BREAKING OUT ARE VERY HIGH,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT WARNED.
♦THEREFORE, THE PUBLIC ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP THE RISKS OF FIRE TO A MINIMUM,+ FE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SMOKERS AND GRAVEYARD-VISITORS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES WERE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE DISPOSAL, AND THAT ALL LIGHTED CANDLES, JOSS-STICKS AMD JOSS-PAPERS WERE PUT OUT BEFORE LEAVING THE AREAS.
MANY HILL FIRES OCCURRED DURING PAST FESTIVALS WERE DUE TO THE CARELESS HANDLING OF CANDLES, JOSS-STICKS AND JOSS-PAPERS, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF HILL FIRES SO FAR THIS MONTH HAD NEARLY DOUBLED AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
/♦BETWEEN OCTOBER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
♦BETWEEN OCTOBER 1 AND MIDNIGHT LAST (WEDNESDAY) NIGHT, FIREMEN TACKLED A TOTAL OF 603 HILL FIRES COMPARED WITH 308 IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR,+ HE SAID.
MORE THAN HALF OF THE FIRES OCCURRED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE FIRE SERVICES HAVE SO FAR THIS MONTH RESPONDED TO 1 558 FIRE CALLS WHICH WERE 676 MORE THAN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
0
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ORGANISES WHO TRAINING COURSE ON TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENTS *******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ORGANISED THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S (WHO) FIRST INTER-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR PHYSICIANS ON THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT PERSONS TO BEGIN ON OCTOBER 30, 1979.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. PETER LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAIDs +THIS MONTH-LONG TRAINING COURSE IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS PART OF ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FOR OVERSEAS PERSONNEL, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE ASIAN REGION.
♦TWENTY PHYSICIANS FROM EGYPT, AFGHANISTAN, BURMA, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE.
♦THE HEAD OF THE WHO DRUG DEPENDENCE PROGRAMME, DR. AWN I ARIF AND THE WHO CONSULTANT FOR THE COURSE, PROFESSOR JOSEPH WESTERMEYER WILL ATTEND SOME OF THE SESSIONS.*
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THIS TRAINING COURSE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON OCTOBER 30 AND THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING ON NOVEMBER 28.
MR. LEE SAID THE FACT THAT HONG KONG WAS THE ORGANISER OF THIS TRAINING COURSE, INDICATED THAT THE WHO RECOGNISED THE EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS MADE HERE IN ADDICT TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. INCLUDING THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, AND LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE TRAINING COURSE AIMS AT PROVIDING AN IN-DEPTH STUDY INTO THE LATEST ANTl-NARCOTICS TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION POLICIES AND METHODS.
/TOPICS FOR .....
THURSDAY, 0CT0Br3? 25, 1970
- 5 -
TOPICS FOR THE TRAINING COURSE WILL INCLUDE THE MEDICAL, BEHAVIOURAL AND SOCIAL TREATMENT OF DRUG DEPENDENCE, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY INTERVENTIONS, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION, LEGISLATION AND TRAINING SKILLS.
MR. LEE SA ID 1 ♦PARTICIPANTS *\LL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG’S MULT I-MODALITY TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES AND TO DISCUSS THEM WITH THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND STAFF OF THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED.
♦THE TRAINING COURSE WILL BE OUR \ONTR।BUT ION TO THE WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND WP HOPE IT WILL'LEAD TO A STIMULATING EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND IDEAS BETWEEN HONG \KONG EXPERTS AND THOSE OF THE COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING IN THE COURSE.♦
MR. LEE REITERATED THAT ALL THE INDICATIONS ARE tHAT HONG KONG IS CONTAINING ITS DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM AND HAS MADE STEADY INROADS IN PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM EXPERIMENTATION WITH DRUGS.
♦SUCCESSES IN ANTI-NARCOTICS LAW ENFORCEMENT BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXChSE SERVICE HAVE KEPT THE STREET PRICES OF DRUG AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH ANP IT NOW COSTS AN ADDICT >150-250 A DAY TO SATISFY HIS ADDICTION. THIS EFFECTIVELY PRICES MOST ADDICTS OUT OF THE MARKET, AND IS A POWERFUL INDUCEMENT TO THEM TO SEEK TREATMENT.
♦THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS ATTENDING TREATMENT FACILITIES AND ON AFTERCARE DAILY HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER AND SUSTAINED PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES HAVE HELPED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NEW RECRUITS TO DRUG ABUSE,♦ MR. LEE SAID.
HONG KONG HAS AN ESTIMATED 35 000 TO 50 000 DRUG ADDICTS OF WHOM LESS THAN FOUR PER CENT ARE UNDER 20 YEARS OF AGE.
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TALKS WITH EEC ON SUSPENDED TEXTILE ITEMS
*****
FOLLOWING THREE DAYS OF DISCUSSIONS, TALKS ON THE EEC’S REQUEST FOR RESTRAINT BY HONG KONG ON THE EXPORT OF TEXTILE CATEGORIES 68 (BABIES’ KNITTED UNDERGARMENT) AND 82 (KNITTED UNDERGARMENTS OF WOOL AND REGENERATED FIBRES) WERE INCONCLUSIVE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMETJT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦HOWEVER, A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF AGREEMENT WAS REACHED IN RESPECT OF CATEGORY 109 (SA ILS),+ HE SAID.
BOTH SIDES ARE NOW REPORTING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE AUTHORITIES, WITH A VIEW TO RESUMING TALKS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (COMMERCIAL RELATIONS) EEC, MR. P.K. KIANG, AND THE EEC COMMISSION WAS REPRESENTED BY MR. G. BOISNON.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
6
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED *****
THE ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE INCREASED FROM 8.04 PER CENT TO 8.4 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 70 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 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 CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 26, 1979.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 4, 1979, AND BEFORE OCTOBER 26, 1979, WHEN THE RATE WAS 8.04 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- THOSE ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 24, 1978 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1979 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT 5.04 PER CENT AND THOSE ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 16, 1979 AND BEFORE MAY 4, 1979 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT 5.76 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 OCTOBER 27, 1979, NOVEMBER 27, 1979 AND DECEMBER 27, 1979 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JANUARY 26, 1980, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWSl-
ON $1 000, OCTOBER 27, 1979 TO JANUARY 26, 1980,
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $7 PER MONTH - $21.00
ON $1 000, NOVEMBER 27, 1979 TO JANUARY 26, 1980,
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $7 PER MONTH - $14.00
ON $1 000 DECEMBER 27, 1979 TO JANUARY 26, 1980,
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $7 PER MONTH - $ 7.00
INTEREST ACCRUED $42.00
o - -
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
7 -
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MPS TO GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE * * * M
THREE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR. IAN WR IGGLESWORTH, MR. TED ROWLANDS AND MR. CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, NOW VISITING HONG KONG. WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE GIS THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 5.15 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE CONFERENCE. TELEVISION CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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CROWN LAND LOTS FOR SALE * * * *
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON NOVEMBER 26 AT 2.30 P.M.
TWO OF THE SITES, FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES, ARE AT CHAI WAN. ONE IS OFF SUN YIP STREET AND MEASURES ABOUT 1 400 SQUARE METRES.. THE OTHER IS AT KUT SHING STREET, MEASURING 479 SQUARE METRES.
THE REMAINING TWO LOTS ARE FOR NON-RESIDENT I AL PURPOSES. ONE OF THEM IS LOCATED AT 43 STATION LANE, HUNG HOM, WITH AN AREA OF 75 SQUARE METRES. THE OTHER, MEASURING 95.5 SQUARE METRES, IS AT 2A NEW STREET, SHEUNG WAN.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
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/8
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
8
TICD STAFF SAY FAREWELL TO DIRECTOR ’ ******
THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING SAID FAREWELL TO MR. DAVID JORDAN, WHO HAS BEEN THEIR DIRECTOR FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.
MR. JORDAN WILL BE RETIRING THIS WEEKEND AFTER 28 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL, MR. P.C. LEUNG, ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES. PRESENTED MR. JORDAN WITH A GIFT.
IN RETURN, MR. JORDAN DONATED A SILVER CUP WHfCH WILL BE AWARDED TO THE ANNUAL WINNER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT. THE CUP WAS RECEIVED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE, SOCIAL AND SPORTS FUND COMMITTEE, MRS. NANCY HUI.
DURING THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR. LEUNG SAID THAT IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS THE STAFF HAD WITNESSED A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT.
THESE WERE THE MOVING TO NEW OFFICE PREMISES FROM THE CENTRAL FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING- AN INCREASE IN STAFF THAT NOT ONLY HELPED TO LESSEN THE EVER-INCREASING WORKLOAD, BUT ALSO IMPROVED PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES SO ENHANCING STAFF MORALE- AND THE RESTRUCTURING INTO THREE SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS.
ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES, MR. LEUNG THANKED MR. JORDAN FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND GUIDANCE OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS.
IN REPLY, MR. JORDAN SAID THAT THE STAFF INCREASE DID NOT REALLY EASE THE WORKLOAD, BUT PREVENTED IT FROM GETTING COMPLETELY OUT OF HAND.
♦THE FIGURES SHOW THAT THEY HAVE COPED WITH AN INCREASE IN WORK MUCH GREATER THAN THE INCREASE IN STAFF NUMBERS AND I BELIEVE THEY HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL,+ HE SAID.
♦CERTAINLY THAT’S HOW IT SEEMS FROM WHAT PEOPLE WRITE AND SAY TO ME ABOUT THE QUICK, COURTEOUS, HELPFUL ATTENTION TO THEIR BUSINESS AND THEIR DIFFICULTIES GIVEN BY STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AT ALL LEVELS. I THINK THIS IS ALL THE MORE PRAISEWORTHY BECAUSE I KNOW SOMETHING OF THE RELENTLESS PRESSURE THEY’VE BEEN WORKING UNDER,+ MR. JORDAN SAID.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1979
- 9 -
EMPLOYEES REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED FOR LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD *****
THREE TRADE UNION MEMBERS WERE ELECTED TODAY (THURSDAY) AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AS MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE YEAR 1980.
THEY ARE MR. CHAN YUN-CHE OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MOTOR CAR DRIVERS GENERAL UNION, MR. LEE SHING-CHU OF HONG KONG STEVEDORES UNION (CHAP YIN), AND MR. AU YEUNG MING OF AMALGAMATED UNION OF SEAFARERS, HONG KONG.
THE ELECTION - HELD BY SECRET BALLOT AT THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY - WAS SUPERVISED BY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE BOARD IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON MATTERS AFFECTING LABOUR, INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. IT COMPRISES SIX EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES AND SIX EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, WITH THE COMMISSIONER AS CHAIRMAN.
THREE OF THE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ARE ELECTED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS AND THREE ARE SELECTED FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR.
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IMPORTANCE OF MORAL EDUCATION STRESSED
******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) MORAL EDUCATION IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO A SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPIL.
HE SAID THIS IN A SPEECH DELIVERED IN CANTONESE AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HOI PING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HO MAN TIN.
♦UNDER THE CAREFUL GUIDANCE OF THE TEACHERS, STUDENTS CAN DISTINGUISH THE RIGHT FROM THE WRONG, THE GOOD FROM THE EVIL AND THE BEAUTIFUL FROM THE UGLY.
♦IN THIS WAY, THEY CAN HAVE THE STRONG WILL TO RESIST TEMPTATION AND TO STAND ON THEIR OWN FEET,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
HE QUOTED AN OLD CHINESE SAYING ON EDUCATION THAT +T0 EDUCATE A PERSON IS JUST LIKE THE CARING OF A TREE.+
TEACHERS AND PARENTS ALIKE HAVE TO THINK OF DIFFERENT WAYS TO LOOK AFTER THE GROWTH OF A PUPIL AT DIFFERENT STAGES, MR. TOPLEY SAID.
/+THE DUTY .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 197°
10
+THE DUTY OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER IS NOT ONLY RESTRICTED TO INSTILLING KNOWLEDGE BUT THEY SHOULD ALSO TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE PUPILS, HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES, AND TO FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD,* HE SAID.
STUDENTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SO THAT THEY COULD EXPERIENCE HOW TO CO-OPERATE WITH OTHERS AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS, HE ADDED.
MR. TOPLEY ALSO COMMENDED THE HOI PING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY SERVICES.
+IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION, THE CHAMBER HAS MADE A VITAL CONTRIBUTION IN BUILDING SCHOOLS AND EDUCATING THE YOUNG,* HE SAID.
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SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCES PUPILS PERFORMANCE
* X * * *
THE SCHOOL BUILDING AND ITS FACILITIES, THE CURRICULUM AND THE TEACHING STAFF ARE THE THREE FACTORS WHICH COMBINE TO CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT OF A SCHOOL, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. ROBERT CAMERON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF LA SALLE COLLEGE, HE CITED FINDINGS BY LONDON RESEARCHERS THAT THE ENVIRONMENT OF A SCHOOL IS THE MAIN FACTOR INFLUENCING PUPILS’ PERFORMANCES.
OF' THE THREE, MR. CAMERON SAID, THE TEACHING STAFF IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR.
+IT WILL BE OF GREAT ASSISTANCE TO THE TEACHING STAFF IF THEY HAVE FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT WITH WHICH TO WORK,* HE SAID.
BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IS HOW THESE FACILITIES ARE USED AND HOW THE SYLLABUS IS TAUGHT.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT SYLLABUS, MR. CAMERON SAID, WE MUST NOT LIMIT OURSELVES TO THE FORMAL CURRICULUM OF WHAT IS TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOM.
*WE MUST NOT FORGET THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM WHICH CONSISTS OF THE PROGRAMME OF WHAT I PREFER TO CALL ’EXTRA-CLASSROOM’ RATHER THAN ’EXTRA-CURRICULAR’ ACTIVITIES, AND THE VALUES IMPLICIT IN THE CORPORATE LIFE, IN THE SOCIETY CREATED WITHIN THE SCHOOL,* MR. CAMERON SAID.
IT IS THIS +HIDDEN+ CURRICULUM WHICH DEPENDED SO MUCH ON THE QUALITY OF THE TEACHERS, HE SAID.
WITHOUT THEIR SKILLS, ENTHUSIASM AND COMMITMENT THERE CAN BE NO HEALTHY, NOURISHING ENVIRONMENT IN A SCHOOL.
+AT THE VERY CORE OF THE EDUCATION PROCESS IS THE CONTACT BETWEEN TEACHERS AND PUPILS. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE MUST NEVER FORGET IN OUR EDUCATIONAL PLANNING,* MR. CAMERON SAID.
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/n ....
1HUKSDAT, UUlUiJtK ,
1? 17
NOTE TO EDITORSi
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS
******
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 27) AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE PARADE GROUND IN STANLEY.
SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND PRESENT GOLDEN WHISTLES TO TWO BEST RECRUITS.
THERE WILL BE NINE OFFICERS AND 68 ASSISTANT OFFICERS TAKING PART IN THE PARADE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PARADE AT 10 A.M. ON THAT DAY.
TRANSPORT FOR THE NEWS MEDIA WILL BE PROVIDED. IT WILL LEAVE GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 9.15 A.M. SHARP.
-----0------
PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED TWO PRE-WAR BUILDINGS IN SHAM SHUI PO AND KOWLOON CITY TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THEY ARE NO. 102 FUK WA STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, AND NO. 36 SOUTH WALL ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS OF THE TWO BUILDINGS IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 22 WERE POSTED TODAY.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING IN FUK WA STREET HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED FOLLOWING A GENERAL ROUTINE SURVEY OF BUILDINGS IN THE AREA.
♦THE BUILDING WAS FOUND TO BE IN A VERY POOR CONDITION. IN PARTICULAR THE REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS WERE SEVERELY DEFECTIVE IN MANY PLACES AND PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE APPEARED TO BE CLOSE TO COLLAPSE. IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,♦ HE SAID.
REGARDING THE BUILDING AT SOUTH WALL ROAD, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING HAD BEEN UNDER REGULAR OBSERVATION SINCE 1974.
♦RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT SERIOUS SETTLEMENT AND OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF THE EXPOSED PARTY WALL HAS OCCURRED. AS THERE IS A RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,♦ HE SAID.
12 xnuBouAX , wrUDM iy/^ *
RE-OPENING OF SHA TIN DUMP * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE PUBLIC DUMP AT AREA 14J TO THE NORTH OF THE SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, WHICH WAS CLOSED ON MONDAY, WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-OPENED FROM TOMORROW FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO ALLOW THE COMPLETION OF FILLING IN THE AREA.
DUMPING PERMITS ALREADY ISSUED FOR DUMPS IN SHA TIN WILL REMAIN VALID FOR DUMPING IN AREA 14J.
HOWEVER, ONLY APPROVED SOFT EARTH AND STONE UP TO 225 MM IN SIZE, PROVIDING IT IS WELL MIXED WITH EARTH, WILL BE ACCEPTED.
LARGE STONE WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED AT SPECIAL SITES IN AREAS 11 AND 51, BOTH SITUATED AT THE SOUTH OF SHING MUN ROAD CHANNEL.
VEHICLES WITHOUT DUMPING PERMITS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DISCARD MATERIAL IN AREA 14J.
DUMP’ING PERMITS MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE ON WRITTEN APPLICATION TO THE PROJECT MANAGER (SHA TIN).
EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER, THE ORIGIN, TYPE AND APPROXIMATE QUANTITY OF MATERIALS TO BE DUMPED AND THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR A PARTICULAR JOB.
DUMPING WILL BE ALLOWED BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 6 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
AL'L DUMPING MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DUMP SUPERVISOR.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA
X X X * X
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THE ARRANGEMENTS AREi-
* HUNG TO ROAD IS RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHEASTBOUND FROM LAI YIP STREET TO HOI YUEN ROAD"
X CHONG YIP STREET IS RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND FROM HOW MING STREET TO HUNG TO ROAD-
X THE SERVICE LANE BETWEEN CHONG YIP STREET AND HUNG TO ROAD IS RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHWESTBOUND FROM HOW MING STREET TO CHONG YIP STREET"
M HOW MING STREET IS RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHEASTBOUND FROM HUNG TO ROAD TO CHONG YIP STREET- AND
X HOW MING STREET IS RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHWESTBOUND FROM HOI YUEN ROAD TO CHONG YIP STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE BEEN SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1979.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR MURRAY OPENS HK’S LONGEST HIKING TRAIL...................... 1
YUEN LONG AND SHA TIN SITES FOR SALS ........................... 2
HONG KONG-US TEXTILE TALKS RESUMED IN GENEVA ....................3
RESULTS OF LATEST TENDluR FOR 300 TAXI LICENCES ................ 3
GRAVEYARD VISITORS WARNED OF FIRE DANGER ....................... 4
SPECIAL BUS SERVICE DURING CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL................. 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUZN JAN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ............ 5
STREET CLOSURES FOR MTR TSUEN JAN DEPOT ........................ 6
BIDDING FOR COOKED-FOOD STALL IN NT ............................ 6
RECLAMATION PROPOSED OFF SIU CHAI WAN........................... 7
TUEN MUN TREATMENT WORKS TC BE EXTENDED......................... 7
TENDERS INVITED FOR KO^/LOGN PARK CONSTRUCTION WORKS ........... 8
CAR PARK RENAMED................................................ 8
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1979
1
SIR MURRAY OPENS HK’S LONGEST HIKING TRAIL
X M * * M
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 100 KILOMETRE-LONG HIKING TRAIL, WHICH STRETCHES FROM THE BEACHES OF SAI KUNG TO THE EDGE OF TUEN MUN, WAS +A GREAT IDEA*.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL AT THE COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT CENTRE AT ROUTE TWISK TODAY, SIR MURRAY SAID THE IDEA WOULD GIVE A LOT OF PEOPLE FUN AND FITNESS AND FRESH AIR, AND THE ADVANTAGE OF SEEING BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF HONG KONG THEY NEVER KNEW EXISTED.
♦ IT IS ALSO TYPICAL OF THE IMAGINATION AND DRIVE WITH WHICH THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY DOES HIS JOB,+ HE ADDED.
SIR MURRAY SAIDi +THE ENERGY OF THE AUTHORITY HAS BEEN A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME. OF COURSE IN THE URBAN AREAS WE MUST HAVE AS MANY FOOTBALL FIELDS AND GAMES HALLS AND SWIMMING COMPLEXES AND PLAY AREAS AS WE CAN, BUT IN SO CROWDED A CITY THERE WILL NEVER BE SPACE FOR ENOUGH OPEN-AIR ACTIVITIES.
♦ SO WE MUST DEVELOP AND PRESERVE AND BEAUTIFY OUR GREAT TRACTS OF MOUNTAIN, VALLEY AND COAST.
♦ THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY WITH ITS LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC STAFF ARE DOING AND IN OPENING THE TRAIL, I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR THEIR WORK.+
AFTER DECLARING OPEN THE TRAIL. SIR MURRAY MET MEMBERS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, AND INSPECTED A CAMPSITE ALONG THE TRAIL.
'•THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL IS HONG KONG’S FIRST LONG DISTANCE HIKING ROUTE PASSING THROUGH THE FINEST SCENERY OF EIGHT COUNTRY PARKS.
THE TRAIL HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO 10 STAGES OF DIFFERENT LENGTHS, AND EACH STAGE HAS BEEN GRADED WITH A DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY SO THAT HIKERS CAN PREDETERMINE THEIR LIMITATIONS.
ONE OR TWO STAGES COULD BE ATTEMPTED FOR A LEISURELY DAY’S OUTING WHILE THE LONGER STAGES FOR A WEEKEND CAMPING TRIP- AND IF FIT AND WELL EQUIPPED, THE WHOLE TRAIL COULD BE ATTEMPTED IN THREE OR FOUR DAYS.
ALONG THE TRAIL THERE ARE WAYMARKS TO GUIDE HIKERS. IT HAS ALSO 10 CAMPSITES TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE STAYING OVERNIGHT.
A COLOUR INFORMATION LEAFLET ON THE TRAIL HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY. IN THE LEAFLET, THERE IS A ROUTE PLANNER EXPLAINING EACH STAGE OF THE TRAIL, THE DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY, THE DISTANCE AND ESTIMATED TIME TO WALK EACH STAGE, HOW TO REACH EACH STAGE AND SIMPLE CAMPING FACILITIES AVAILABLE ALONG THE TRAIL.
/ALSO I.’.o: 7DED....................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1979
2
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE LEAFLET ARE A LARGE DETAILED MAP OF THE TRAIL, HINTS FOR HIKERS, AND USEFUL READING MATERIAL AND MAPS RECOMMENDED.
COPIES OF THE LEAFLET ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE MARKETING OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND tHE COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT CENTRES.
- - 0 - -
YUEN LONG AND SHA TIN SITES FOR SALE ft ft ft ft ft
ELEVEN SITES IN YUEN LONG AND SHA TIN ARE TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE NEXT MONTH TO REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
DETAILS OF THE SITES — ONE IN YUEN LONG AND 10 IN SHA TIN — ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE YUEN LONG SITE IS TO BE DEVELOPED AS A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK FOR 400 VEHICLES, A PETROL STATION AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES TO HELP ALLEVIATE A SHORTAGE OF PARKING SPACES AND OFFICES IN THE TOWN.
THE SITE, LOCATED BETWEEN ON NING AND CASTLE PEAK ROADS, COVERS AN AREA OF 3 287 SQUARE METRES. IT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $18 350 000 TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN THREE YEARS AND HAS A 9.5 PLOT RATIO.
EIGHT OF THE SHA TIN SITES ARE EARMARKED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, WHILE THE OTHER TWO ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
OF THE RESIDENTIAL SITES, SIX ARE LOCATED AT LOK LO HA WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE RACE COURSE WHILE THE OTHER TWO ARE BETWEEN THE RACE COURSE AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY. RANGING BETWEEN 645 AND 3 861 SQUARE METRES, THE SITES ARE FOR FOUR-STOREY HOUSING BLOCKS OR TWO-STOREY TOWN HOUSES.
THE TWO INDUSTRIAL SITES, MEASURING 3 517 AND 5 544 SQUARE b€TRES, ARE LOCATED IN THE FAST EXPANDING FO TAN AREA. THEY ARE FOR MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT AND THE SALE CONDITIONS STIPULATE A 9.5 PLOT RATIO, AS WELL AS REQUIREMENTS TO TAKE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT FOR THE SMALLER SITE IS $5.68 MILLION AND FOR THE LARGER SITE $8.95 MILLION, BOTH TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN THREE YEARS.
APPLICATIONS, TOGETHER WITH A CHEQUE OR BANKER’S ORDER FOR $50 000 MADE PAYABLE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 23 WHEN THE TENDER CLOSES.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE AVAILABLE FROM NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS OR FROM ANY OF THE EIGHT DISTRICT OFFICES.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1979
5
HONG KONG-US TEXTILE TALKS RESUMED IN GENEVA * * * * *
CONSULTATIONS ON TEXTILE EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG TO THE UNITED STATES WILL RESUME IN GENEVA ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29).
BEFORE LEAVING FOR GENEVA THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. PETER TSAO, SAIDi +THESE TALKS FIRST STARTED IN MANILA AND WERE FOLLOWED BY A FURTHER ROUND IN HONG KONG EARLIER THIS MONTH. WE HAVE HAD DIFFICULT NEGOTIATIONS IN THE PAST, BUT OUR TRACK RECORD SHOWS THAT WE HAVE ALWAYS GIVEN SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATIONS TO PROBLEMS FACED BY OUR TRADING PARTNERS AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN UNFORTHCOMING IN CO-OPERATING WITH THEM.
♦THE SITUATION WHICH WE NOW FACE IS A SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT ONE, IN THAT FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW, PRESSURES HAVE CONTINUALLY BEEN PUT ON US TO REVISE THE FIVE-YEAR HK/US TEXTILE AGREEMENT, WHICH ONLY CAME INTO EFFECT LAST YEAR.
♦THE HONG KONG INDUSTRY HAS BECOME EXTREMELY CONCERNED BY THESE REPEATED REQUESTS FROM THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE FURTHER RESTRICTIVE MEASURES, THE INDUSTRY IS ASKING HOW MANY MORE TIMES WILL THE UNITED STATES COME BACK TO US. THE AGREEMENT HAS BECOME IN EFFECT SIGNED AND SEALED, BUT NOT DELIVERED.
♦WHAT IS MORE, THE LOCAL INDUSTRY ARE BEGINNING TO FEEL THAT THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IS NOT ONLY ASKING FOR REVISIONS, BUT IS USING HARRASSING TACTICS TO PRESSURISE HONG KONG INTO AGREEING FOR SUCH REVISIONS. THEY POINTED TO THE RECENT SPATE OF REQUESTS FOR SUSPENSION OF EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS - 11 REQUESTS IN TWO WEEKS COMPARED WITH NINE IN THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR - AS EVIDENCE.
♦I EXPECT THESE TALKS TO BE DIFFICULT,* MR. TSAO SAID.
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RESULTS OF LATEST TENDER FOR 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED PROCESSING THE LATEST TENDERS FOR 300 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES.
A TOTAL OF 933 TENDERS SEEKING 1 434 TAXI LICENCES HAD BEEN RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 28. THE HIGHEST TENDER WAS $235 500 AND THE LOWEST ACCEPTABLE BID WAS $230 788.
DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE AVERAGE PREMIUM IN THE LATEST TENDER EXERCISE WAS $233 740 COMPARED WITH THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $219 900 IN THE PREVIOUS TENDER IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
HE SAID THAT THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF PREVIOUS TENDERS WAS $208 500 IN MARCH THIS YEAR- $258 500 IN DECEMBER, $244 000 IN AUGUST AND $208 500 IN APRIL LAST YEAR- AND $182 800 IN JUNE 1977.
/THZ SPOKESMAN .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 197?
4
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT LETTERS WOULD BE GOING OUT TODAY TO SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THAT THE FIRST OF THE 300 TAXIS WOULD BE INSPECTED NEXT MONTH.
ALL 300 TAXIS SHOULD BE ON THE ROAD BY THE END OF JANUARY NEXT YEAR, HE ADDED.
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GRAVEYARD VISITORS WARNED OF FIRE DANGER *****
THOUSANDS OF VISITORS GOING TO GRAVEYARDS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE THIS WEEKEND ARE WARNED OF THE EXTREMELY HIGH RISK OF FIRE OUTBREAKS.
THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAS TAKEN SUCH A SERIOUS VIEW OF THE FIRE RISKS THAT IT APPEALS TO WORSHIPPERS TO REFRAIN, IF POSSIBLE, FROM BURNING TRADITIONAL JOSS-STICKS AND PAPER AT GRAVEYARDS.
♦WORSHIPPERS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE PRE-COOKED FOOD WITH THEM INSTEAD OF PREPARING BARBECUES- TO CLEAR THE VEGETATION AWAY FROM THE GRAVEYARDS BY HAND- AND TO HAVE A CONTAINER OF WATER HANDY TO DOUCE ANY FIRE WHICH MAY OCCUR.
♦EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL MOST OF THE COUNTRYSIDE FIRES HAVE BEEN STARTED BY UNATTENDED SMOULDERING JOSS-STICKS,♦ THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR. CHONG SING-LAI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THAT IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMISE THE FIRE RISKS IN THE HEAVILY WOODED AREAS, PICNICKERS WERE ASKED TO AVOID VISITING THE TAI LAM CHUNG, SHING MUN AND KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARKS AS WELL AS THE TAI PO KAU SPECIAL AREA.
♦IF VISITORS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE TAKE OUR ADVICE, OUR STAFF WILL BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON PATROLLING GRAVEYARDS,♦ HE SAID.
MR. CHONG SAID THE BARRIER AT THE TAI LAM CHUNG COUNTRY PARK AT THE SHEK KONG/PAT HEUNG CATCHWATER NEAR THE ARMY CINEMA, AND THE BARRIER AT KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARK AT THE FOUR-AND-A-HALF MILESTONE ON TAI PO ROAD WOULD ALSO BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM ENTERING THE PARKS.
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/5 ...
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1979
5
GRAVEYARD VISITORS ADVISED TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
******
SEVERE CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO CEMETERIES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THESE AREAS WHERE POSSIBLE.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED GRAVE WORSHIPPERS TO VISIT CEMETERIES EARLY OR ON OTHER NON-FESTIVAL DAYS TO AVOID TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO APPEALED TO THEM TO TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL OPERATE SPECIAL SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL BUS STATION AND THE CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY, AND BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN CEMETERY THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) AND ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29).
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL OPERATE A SPECIAL SERVICE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND MAN KAM TO ON THESE TWO DAYS.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT MOTORISTS GOING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD USE ROUTE TWISK AND FAN KAM ROAD OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD AS ALTERNATIVE ROUTES IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THE CONGESTION ON TAI PO ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP THROUGHOUT THE AREAS AFFECTED AND POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------o ------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION AND RECLAMATION OF THE WESTERN PORTION OF TSUEN WAN BAY, COUPLED WITH MAJOR SITE FORMATION WORKS ON TSING Yl ISLAND.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THIS FIRST PHASE OF RECLAMATION WOULD CREATE ABOUT 19 HECTARES OF ADDITIONAL LAND AND WOULD BE USED TO ACCOMMODATE A NEW FERRY PIER AND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FOR THE NEW TOWN, AN EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING AREA AND A NEW SALT-WATER PUMPING STATION.
IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE LAND FOR HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL AND RECREATIONAL USE, AND A FUTURE ELEVATED TRUNK ROAD WOULD TRAVERSE THE AREA PROVIDING A BYPASS FOR THROUGH TRAFFIC AND RELIEVING
CONGESTION WITHIN THE TWON, HE SAID.
THE FORMATION WORKS AT TSING Yl WOULD PROVIDE THE MATERIAL FOR THE RECLAMATION AND WOULD CREATE LAND FOR HOUSING AND EDUCATION PURPOSES, HE ADDED.
THE WORKS, WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE, HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS WHO WILL SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION ON BEHALF OF THE PWD’S TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
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1‘KIDAY, UCIUBER 26, 19/9
6
STREET CLOSURES FOR MTR TSUEN WAN DEPOT
*****
A NUMBER OF STREETS IN MUK MIN HA WILL BE CLOSED PERMANENTLY FROM NOVEMBER 26 TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TSUEN WAN DEPOT, ACCORDING TO A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO PROVIDE ACCESS FROM ROUTE TWISK TO THE REMAINING PART OF MUK MIN HA VILLAGE.
PLANS SHOWING THE AFFECTED AREAS MAY BE INSPECTED DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE FU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD- CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, CENTRAL- AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
♦CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF CLOSURE OF THE STREET OR FROM THE COMPLETION OF THE SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION WHICH IS ALLEGED TO HAVE CAUSED PECUNIARY LOSS OR DAMAGE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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HIGH BID FOR A COOKED-FOOD STALL IN THE NT ******
THE MONTHLY RENT BID FOR A STALL IN HUNG CHEUNG COOKED-FOOD
MARKET AT TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES REACHED A HIGH OF $4 000 FROM AN UPSET RENTAL OF $250 DURING A PUBLIC AUCTION THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE AUCTION FOR THE LETTING OF FOUR STALLS IN THE NEWLY COMPLETED COOKED-FOOD MARKET WAS HELD AT THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE WINNING BID FOR THE OTHER THREE STALLS WAS $3 800, $3 700 AND $3 650 EACH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE RENT WAS RAISED AT A MINIMUM OF $50 PER BID.
♦BIDDING WAS BRISK. MORE THAN 400 BIDDERS FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS FROM THE URBAN AREAS TOOK PART IN THE AUCTION,♦ HE SAID.
THE HUNG CHEUNG COOKED-FOOD MARKET IS SITUATED IN AREA 12, TUEN MUN, BETWEEN HUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND SAN LIK STREET AND HAS BEEN PURPOSE-BUILT TO SERVE THE INDUSTRIAL POPULATION IN THE AREA.
THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 11 STALLS AT THE MARKET, OF WHICH A NUMBER OF STALLS WERE ALREADY LET OUT DURING A RESTRICTED AUCTION HELD LATE LAST MONTH.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME COOKED-FOOD STALLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE OFFERED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BY PUBLIC AUCTION. THE COOKED FOOD STALLS WILL OPERATE FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1979
7
RECLAMATION PROPOSED OFF SIU CHAI WAN ******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM AN AREA OF ABOUT 8.79 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT SIU CHAI WAN, NEAR CAPE COLLINSON ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE AN OUTLET FOR EARTH DUMPING, WOULD EVENTUALLY FORM PART OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BEING PLANNED FOR SIU CHAI WAN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
♦PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR OBJECTIONS AND/OR CLAIMS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM TODAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GAZETTE NOTICE, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN IS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING IN GARDEN ROAD, OR AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON THE 19TH FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING.
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TUEN MUN TREATMENT WORKS TO BE EXTENDED *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSIONS TO THE TUEN MUN TREATMENT WORKS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR WATER ARISING FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF ENGINEER (DESIGN), MR. LEE YEUNG-HIN, SAID THAT THE WORK WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO CLARIFIERS, TWO FILTERS, ONE WATER TANK AND AN EXTENSION TO THE CHEMICAL HOUSE.
ON COMPLETION, HE SAID, THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING TREATMENT WORKS WOULD BE INCREASED BY 100 PER CENT TO 182 000 CUBIC METRES A DAY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 33 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1979
8
TENDERS INVITED FOR KOWLOON PARK CONSTRUCTION WORKS ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING AREA, A THREE-STOREY RESTAURANT BUILDING AND VIEWING ARCADES AT KOWLOON PARK.
IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD ALSO BE A GRAND STAIRCASE AS THE ENTRANCE GATEWAY TO THE PARK, A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PROJECT, FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, WOULD MATCH IN STYLE WITH THE CHINESE GARDEN WHICH HAD RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED.
THE $2.5 MILLION CHINESE GARDEN, CONSISTING OF PAVILIONS, LOTUS PONDS AND VIEWING ARCADES, WOULD BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (SATURDAY), HE ADDED.
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CAR PARK RENAMED * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE HARBOUR ROAD VEHICLE PARK ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WILL BE REDESIGNATED WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 1.
THE VEHICLE PARK, SITUATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF FLEMING ROAD BETWEEN GLOUCESTER AND HARBOUR ROADS, WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS TO BE KNOWN AS THE HARBOUR ROAD LORRY PARK AND HARBOUR ROAD CAR PARK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE USE OF THE LORRY PARK WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO UNLADEN GOODS VEHICLES, AND PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BUSES WHILE THE CAR PARK WILL BE FOR PRIVATE CARS ONLY.
MEANWHILE, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE MURRAY BARRACKS CAR PARK IN GARDEN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 A.M. TO 9 P.M. THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SITE AVAILABLE FOR A CONCERT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN SUPPLEMENT SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE
AT THE OPENING OF THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL ____ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26,1979_
Thank you (Mr. Nichols) for your kind words of welcome. It is a great pleasure for me to open this trail.
It stretches over 60 miles, from the beaches of Sai Kung to the edge of Tuen Mun and its construction was a great idea, from which a lot of people will get fun and fitness and fresh air, and the advantage of seeing beautiful parts of Hong Kong they never knew existed. It is also typical of the imagination and drive with which the Country Parks Authority does his job. He started off as ■'Mr. Agriculture and Fisheries1’ but he has become ‘‘Mr. Recreation11.
The energy of the Authority has been a great encouragement to me. Of course in the urban areas we must have as many football fields and games halls and swimming complexes and play areas as we can, but in so crowded a city there will never be space for enough open-air activities. So we must develop and preserve and beautify our great tracts of mountain, valley and coast. This is exactly what the Country Parks Authority with its large and enthusiastic staff are doing and in opening the trail I would like to congratulate them on their work.
I now have much pleasure in declaring open this trail
--------------------------------------------0-------------- Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HOME FOR ABANDONED CHILDREN ............................... 1
WORKING PARTY APPOINTED TO LOOK INTO LAW ON CONFESSION STATEMENTS ..................................... 2
ASIAN DOCTORS TO ATTEND COURSE ON TREATMENT
OF DRUG ADDICTS ........................................... 2
EXTRA CAS MEMBERS OUT CN COUNTRYSIDE PATROL DUTY .......... 3
REMINDER TO PEOPLE LIABLE TO TAX .......................... 3
PWD APPROVED 74 NEW BUILDING PLANS LAST MONTH ............. 4
FIRE PREVENTION COURSES FOR HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS ....... 4
SEMINAR ON ECONOMICS AND ECONOMICS-PUBLIC AFFAIRS ......... 5
MERCHANTS NAVY COMPETENCY EXAMINATIONS .................... 5
NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR YUEN LONG ....................... 6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1979
1
HOME FOR ABANDONED CHILDREN ******
THE CHUK YUEN CHILDREN'S RECEPTION CENTRE IN WONG TAI SIN IS A ♦HOME AWAY FROM HOME+ FOR BOYS AND GIRLS WHO NEED TEMPORARY CARE.
OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE CENTRE ACCOMMODATES CHILDREN WHO ARE ABANDONED, FOUND WANDERING, ILLEGITIMATE OR OTHERWISE AND IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION.
IT IS A MID-WAY HOUSE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHT REFERRED FROM THE POLICE, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES WHILE ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE FOR THEIR LONG-TERM CARE.
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CENTRE, MRS. LU CHENG YUK-YIP SAIDi +WE HAVE CREATED A HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT IN THE CENTRE WHERE THE CHILDREN ARE WELL LOOKED AFTER IN VARIOUS ASPECTS SUCH AS HEALTH, FOOD AND OTHER DAILY NEEDS. OUR CASE WORKER ALSO LOOKS INTO THEIR BACKGROUNDS TO DECIDE ON WHAT COURSE OF ACTION WOULD SUIT THEM BEST.
♦CHILDREN AT SCHOOLING AGE WILL BE SENT TO NEARBY SCHOOLS AND TODDLERS WILL BE GIVEN PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN THROUGH PLAY AT THE CENTRE.♦
CHILDREN IN THE CENTRE ARE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS — THE NURSERY, THE TODDLERS, THE BABIES AND THE RETARDED CHILDREN.
THE NURSERY IS FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO-AND-A-HALF AND EIGHT. CHILDREN ABOVE THE AGE OF SIX WILL ATTEND CLASSES IN NEARBY GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS, WHILE THOSE BETWEEN FOUR AND SIX WILL LEARN SIMPLE CHINESE CHARACTERS, COLOUR CONCEPT, SHAPES, NUMBERS, SIMPLE ARITHMETICS AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE IN INFORMAL KINDERGARTEN CLASSES IN THE CENTRE.
CHILDREN UNDER FOUR YEARS LEARN THROUGH PLAY, STORIES, DRAWINGS, MUSIC, AND EDUCATIONAL TOYS.
FOR THE NURSERY GROUP, WEDNESDAY IS THE OUTING DAY. THEY ARE TAKEN TO LIBRARIES, SHOPS, SUPERMARKETS, BEACHES, COUNTRY PARKS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE PARENTS WOULD NORMALLY TAKE THEIR KIDS TO. +IN THIS WAY THEY WILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD,♦ MRS. LU SAID.
THERE IS ALSO A DOMESTIC SCIENCE CLASS ON EVERY SATURDAY WHEN THE BIGGER BOYS AND GIRLS GET TOGETHER TO WATCH HOW FOOD IS PREPARED. ♦SOMETIMES THEY EVEN PARTICIPATE IN MAKING SMALL COOKIES, WONTONS AND OTHER EASY-TO-PREPARE GOOD IES,♦ THE SUPERINTENDENT SAID.
FOR THE TODDLERS AND THE BABIES WHO ARE TOO YOUNG TO ENJOY THESE ACTIVITIES, THEY ARE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF BY NURSES AND STAFF IN THE CENTRE, WHILE EFFORTS ARE MADE TO INTEGRATE THE RETARDED, ONLY A FEW, INTO OTHER GROUPS.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1979
♦ALL THE PROGRAMMES IN THE CENTRE ARE DESIGNED TO DEVELOP CHILDREN’S POTENTIALS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY,+ MRS. LU SAID.
CHILDREN NORMALLY STAY IN THE CENTRE FOR A PERIOD UP TO SIX MONTHS DURING WHICH ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE FOR THEM TO BE RE-UNITED WITH THEIR FAMILIES. WITH THE HELP OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ADOPTION UNIT, SOME CHILDREN ARE ADOPTED BY LOCAL OR OVERSEAS FAMILIES.
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WORKING PARTY APPOINTED TO LOOK INTO LAW ON CONFESSION STATEMENTS *****
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, HAS APPOINTED A NINE-MEMBER WORKING PARTY TO LOOK INTO THE LAW AND PROCEDURE RELATING TO ADMISSIBILITY OF CONFESSION STATEMENTS AS EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL TRIALS.
THE PARTY WILL ALSO LOOK INTO A SET OF RULES MADE BY JUDGES IN ENGLAND AND DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT STATEMENTS TAKEN FROM SUSPECTS ARE VOLUNTARY AND NOT OBTAINED AS A RESULT OF THREATS, INDUCEMENTS OR PROMISES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY IS MR. JUSTICE YANG AND THE MEMBERS COMPRISE MR. DAVID NEWBIGGING, MR. ALEX WU, MR. MAX LUCAS, MR. CLIFFORD ST. QUENTIN FLETCHER, MR. BERNARD DOWNEY, MISS JACQUELINE LEONG, MR. ROBERT KOTEWALL AND MR. CHRISTOPHER D’ALMADA.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
ASIAN DOCTORS TO ATTEND COURSE ON TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS
******
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S FIRST INTER-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR PHYSICIANS ON THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT PERSONS, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WILL BEGIN NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE MONTH-LONG TRAINING COURSE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 9.30 A.M.
TWENTY PHYSICIANS FROM EGYPT, AFGHANISTAN, BURMA, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER tHE OPENING OF THE COURSE NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE PUBLIC ENTRANCE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER BEFORE 9.15 A.M. NARCOTICS DIVISION AND GIS OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1979
5
EXTRA CAS MEMBERS OUT ON COUNTRYSIDE PATROL DUTY
*****
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS AND CADETS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL BE MOBILISED FOR REGULAR PATROL DUTY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE TO PREVENT HILL FIRES DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD.
THEY WILL JOIN STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO PATROL THE COUNTRY PARKS, PICNIC SPOTS AND GRAVEYARDS ADVISING PICNICKERS AND GRAVE VISITORS ON WAYS TO PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAKS.
IN THE EVENT OF A HILL FIRE, THEY WILL ASSIST STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN FIRE-FIGHTING WORK.
ABOUT 260 CAS MEMBERS AND 150 CAS CADETS WILL BE CALLED OUT TOMORROW (SUNDAY), AND ON MONDAY, THERE WILL BE 300 CAS MEMBERS AND 150 CADETS PATROLLING THE COUNTRYSIDE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
CAS MEMBERS WILL LEAVE FOR COUNTRYSIDE PATROL DUTY FROM THEIR KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204 ARGYLE STREET AT 8.45 A.M. TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AND ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29). YOU ARE WELCOMED TO SEND A PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THEIR•START I NG OFF.
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REMINDER TO PEOPLE LIABLE TO TAX
******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT A PERSON LIABLE TO TAX IS REQUIRED TO INFORM THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE OF HIS INCOME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, A PERSON CHARGEABLE TO TAX FOR ANY YEAR OF ASSESSMENT MUST NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE END OF THAT ASSESSMENT YEAR UNLESS HE HAS ALREADY BEEN REQUIRED TO FURNISH A RETURN FOR THAT YEAR.
A PERSON WHO CEASES TO CARRY ON A TRADE, PROFESSION OR BUSINESS, CR CEASES TO HOLD AN OFFICE OR EMPLOYMENT LIABLE TO TAX, MUST WRITE TO THE COMMISSIONER WITHIN ONE MONTH OF SUCH CHANGE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ANY PERSON WHO IS CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX, PROFITS TAX OR PERSONAL TAX AND IS ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR A PERIOD EXCEEDING ONE MONTH MUST NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE.
HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO LEAVE HONG KONG FREQUENTLY IN THE COURSE OF BUSINESS OR EMPLOYMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR ADDRESSES SHOULD NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE IN WRITING WITHIN ONE MONTH OF SUCH CHANGE.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1979
4
PWD'APPROVED 74 NEW BUILDING PLANS LAST MONTH
*****
A TOTAL OF 74 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED LAST MONTH (SEPTEMBER) BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 87 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THESE, 35 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE IN KOWLOON AND 30 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 1369.34 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $339.61 MILLION LAST YEAR.
THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED LAST
MONTH TOTALLED 303 897 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 131 007
SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 172 890 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 54 NEW PROJECTS.
A TOTAL OF 44 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH. THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ASSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 70 BUILDINGS.
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FIRE PREVENTION COURSES FOR HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS *****
THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF FIRE PREVENTION COURSES FOR ADMINISTRATORS OF PRIVATE AND SUBVENTED MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.
FIVE SEPARATE ONE-DAY COURSES WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 5 AND 9 AT THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU HEADQUARTERS IN ASIAN HOUSE, WAN CHAI. THE PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE ADMINISTRATORS AND SECRETARIES FROM 27 PRIVATE AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, FIVE MEDICAL CENTRES AND 11 MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIETIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) COURSE PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THEIR ROLE IN FIRE PREVENTION AND IN DEALING WITH AN EMERGENCY IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE MAINTENANCE OF FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT, AND THE USE AND STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS.
♦TWO SEPARATE ONE-DAY COURSES FOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS WERE HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR AND IN VIEW OF THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE, SIMILAR COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MR. LAM LOK-BUN, ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF OFFICER (PREVENTION), WILL OPEN THE SEMINAR, FOLLOWED BY TALKS AND LECTURES BY MR. HO KWOK-WAH, HOSPITAL FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER, AND STATION OFFICERS CHAN SHU I—LUN AND YIP WING-KUEN.
------0 ------ /5........................
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1979
5
SEMINAR ON ECONOMICS AND ECONOMICS-PUBLIC AFFAIRS ft ***** *
REACHERS OF ECONOMICS AND ECONOMICS-PUBLIC AFFAIRS (EPA) WERE TOLD TODAY (SATURDAY) NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE PARTICULAR CONTRIBUTION THESE SCHOOL SUBJECTS MADE IN PREPARING PUPILS FOR LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. R.M. CAMERON, WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON ECONOMICS AND EPA SYLABUSES AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL, ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON.
HE SAID EVERY SUBJECT COULD CONTRIBUTE TO PUPILS’ ABILITY TO COPE WITH LIFE IN TODAY'S SOCIETY BUT ECONOMICS MD EPA *ERE TWO WHICH MOST DIRECTLY DEALT WITH CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITY LIFE AND CURRENT ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.
♦THEY ARE THE SUBJECTS MOST LIKELY TO DEVELOP IN PUPILS AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE KEY ASPECTS OF LIFE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY - THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, INDUSTRIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS,♦ MR. CAMERON SAID.
HE ADDED, IT WAS IMPERATIVE THAT +WE DO ALL IN OUR POWER TO ENSURE THE OPTIMUM TEACHING OF THE SUBJECT - THROUGH SOUND
TEACHING SYLLABUSES, EFFECTIVE TEACHING METHODS AND THOROUGH TEACHER PREPARATION AND TRAIN ING.♦
MR-. CAMERON, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, SAID HE SHALL LOOK FORWARD TO THE SEMINAR’S REPORT WITH INTEREST AS +1 AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OUR TOTAL CURRICULUM AND THE PLACE AND INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF THE SUBJECT INCLUDED IN IT.+
THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR, WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 200 PARTICIPANTS, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR ECONOMICS EDUCATION, THE GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE UNIVERSITY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION (HONG KONG) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EP* SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
------o-------
MERCHANT NAVY COMPETENCY EXAMINATIONS *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED A SERIES OF EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN THE MERCHANT NAVY TO BE HELD IN 1980.
EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS MASTERS AND FIRST MATES WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 7, FEBRUARY 11, JUNE 23, AUGUST 11 AND SEPTEMBER 29- WHILE THOSE FOR SECOND MATES AND OTHER CLASSES OF DECK OFFICERS WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 21, APRIL 14, MAY 12, JULY 14, SEPTEMBER 8, OCTOBER 13 AND DECEMBER 8.
/EXAMINATIONS FOP .....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1979
6
EXAMINATIONS FOR SIGNALS (ALL CLASSES) WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 19 AND NOVEMBER 12.
APPLICATIONS FOR SITTING THE EXAMINATIONS BEFORE FEBRUARY 29, MUST BE MADE IN PERSON TOGETHER WITH ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AT LEAST TEN DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE EXAMINATION. APPLICATIONS FOR SITTING THE EXAMINATIONS AFTER FEBRUARY 29 MUST BE MADE AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE EXAMINATION DATE.
CANDIDATES INTENDING TO SIT THE TRAWLER MASTER EXAMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON ANY OF THE EXAMINATION DATES FOR DECK OFFICERS PROVIDED AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE.
EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS EXTRA MASTER WILL BE HELD IN JANUARY AND JULY AND INTENDING CANDIDATES SHOULD APPLY THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE.
A NUMBER OF EXAMINATIONS FOR FIRST AND SECOND CLASS MARINE ENGINEERS WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND CANDIDATES SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE DATE OF EXAMINATION THEY WISH TO ATTEND.
THOSE WHO HOLD NATIONAL CERTIFICATES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR WHICH EXEMPTION FROM PART OF THE EXAMINATION MAY BE CLAIMED SHOULD APPLY AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE EXAMINATION DATE. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO CANDIDATES INTENDING TO ATTEND THE EXAMINATIONS FOR MARINE ENGINEER OFFICER CLASS 1 AND CLASS 2 COMBINED CERTIFICATES.
FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO OBTAIN EXTRA FIRST CLASS ENGINEER CERTIFICATES, EXAMINATIONS WILL BE HELD IN JANUARY AND JULY AND THEY MUST APPLY THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE.
ALL THE EXAMINATIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE EXAMINATION CENTRE, RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
THE PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION OF YUEN LONG.
NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR YUEN LONG H H K K
WORKS DEPARTMENT IS CALLING TENDERS FOR tmf
a fresh water service reservoir In AU ?4J"
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WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.16 MILL,0N LITRES TO THE YUEN LONG
TAKE ABOUt'^^ONThFtO^OMPLETe!* N£XT YEAR AND W,LL
-------0 ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG, TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS REACHES ALL TIKE HIGH .................. 1
LANDSCAPING PROGRAMME TO CHANGE FACE OF HONG KONG ............. 2
SWD PAYS OUT OVER 84 MILLION UNDER TAVA SCHEME ................ 5
PUBLIC INQUIRY TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG-LONDON AIR ROUTE............................................... *
PWD CONTRACTS WORTH 865 MILLION AWARDED IAST MONTH ............ 5
REST DAYS FOR WORKERS ......................................... 5
EMPLOYERS MUST INFORM IRD PARTICULARS uF NEW EMPLOYEES ........ 6
HIRAM'S HIGHWAY COMMEMORATIVE STONE TO BE RESITED ............. 7
WORKSHOPS ON ENGLISH LISTENING COMPREHENSION .................. 7
WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT ...................................... 8
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979 1 -
NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS REACHES ALL TIME HIGH ******
THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS HAS REACHED AN ALL TIME HIGH OF 157 OOO IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR FOLLOWING A DROP BETWEEN 1974 AND 1976, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
IN 1978 THERE WERE OVER 19 000 ADDITIONAL PRIVATE CAR REGISTRATIONS, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1977.
DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THE NUMBER OF CAR REGISTRATIONS INCREASED BY 12 639.
♦WHILE THE GROWTH RATE THIS YEAR IS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN LAST YEAR PROBABLY DUE TO THE INCREASED COST OF FUEL AND OTHER PRICES, IT IS STILL WELL ABOVE AVERAGE,♦ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE INCREASE THE SPOKESMAN REFERRED TO TWO FORECASTS FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY.
ONE FORECAST ASSUMED THAT UNRESTRAINED GROWTH IN CAR OWNERSHIP AND USE WOULD LEAD TO NEARLY 400 000 REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS IN 1991, WHILE THE OTHER, WITH THE IMPOSITION OF SUCCESSIVE LEVELS OF RESTRAINT ON CAR OWNERSHIP AND USE, WOULD RESULT IN A TOTAL OF 283 000 REGISTERED VEHICLES BY 1991.
HE'SAID THAT THIS LATTER FORECAST WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAINTAINING TRAFFIC FLOW AT AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL, ASSUMING THAT THE AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME OF IMPROVED AND ADDITIONAL ROADS IS IMPLEMENTED IN FULL AND ON SCHEDULE.
THE SPOKESMAN SA IDi ♦WHILST THE RECENT INCREASE IN REGISTRATIONS MAY REPRESENT ONLY A TEMPORARY RECOVERY. IF, ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GROWTH RATE CONTINUES, BOTH FORECASTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY COULD BE BREACHED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, AND THIS MUST BE VIEWED WITH A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CONCERN.♦
QUOTING FROM THE WHITE PAPER ON INTERNAL TRANSPORT POLICY, HE ADDEDi +IF UNACCEPTABLE ROAD CONGESTION IS TO BE AVOIDED, THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT SOME RESTRAINT ON ROAD USE BY MOTOR CYCLES AND PRIVATE CARS WILL BE UNAVOIDABLE.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO WISH TO IMPOSE RESTRAINTS BEFORE THEY ARE NECESSARY, BUT WILL WATCH CLOSELY HOW TRAFFIC FLOW IS MAINTAINED AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF INCREASING REGISTRATIONS ON THE ONE HAND AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ROADS ON THE OTHER.+
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/2
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979
2
LANDSCAPING PROGRAMME TO CHANGE FACE OF HONG KONG ******
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO EMBARK ON AN AMBITIOUS 10-YEAR LANDSCAPING PROGRAMME THAT WILL RADICALLY CHANGE AND BRIGHTEN THE FACE OF HONG KONG.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY) A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE TASK CALLED FOR LARGE SCALE PARTICIPATION BY LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS.
♦THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS CONSIDERABLE POTENTIAL TO HELP US WITH OUR PROGRAMME,♦ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
SINGLED OUT FOR SPECIFIC ATTENTION WERE THE NEW TOWNS RAPIDLY RISING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE FACILITIES ON WHICH THEY DEPEND, SUCH AS NEW HIGHWAYS.
THE PROJECTS, ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, WOULD GENERATE A HUGE DEMAND FOR TREES, SHRUBS AND GARDEN PLANTS +FAR IN EXCESS OF PRESENT RESOURCES*.
THE SENIOR ARCHITECT (LANDSCAPING) OF THE PWD’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR. MICHAEL KIRKBRIDE, SAIDi ♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANS TO EXPAND ITS OWN PLANT NURSERIES RUN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
♦IT ALSO EXPECTS TO IMPORT PLANTS EXTENSIVELY FROM CHINA, BUT IT RECOGNISES THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A GREAT HELP.+
BROAD ESTIMATES PREPARED LAST YEAR INDICATE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AN ANNUAL REQUIREMENT OF SOME 1.5 MILLION PLANTS — COMPRISING 120 000 FOUR-YEAR-OLD TREES, 710 000 SEEDLING TREES AND 770 000 SHRUBS AND OTHER SMALL PLANTS.
MR. KIRKBRIDE SAIDt ♦THESE WILL BE REQUIRED IN LANDSCAPE SCHEMES ON A WIDE RANGE, FROM SITTING AREAS TO TOWN PARKS, ROADSIDES AND HILLSIDES AS WELL AS BORROW AREA PLANTING.
♦THESE ESTIMATES HAVE TO BE REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, BUT THE GENERAL ORDER OF MAGNITUDE WILL BE LIKELY TO REMAIN THE SAME OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD.+ '
THE PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT LANDSCAPE CONTRACTS WOULD RANGE IN VALUE FROM A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS TO $20-130 MILLION AT CURRENT PRICES.
♦THEY WOULD INVOLVE BOTH ’HARDWORK’ — PAVING, STEPS, SMALL BUILDINGS AND SO ON -- AND ’SOFTWORK’ IN THE FORM OF TOPSOIL AND PLANTING,♦ HE SAID.
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PRESENTLY PREPARING A GAZETTE NOTICE WITH A VIEW TO COMPILING A LIST OF APPROVED LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS FROM PREDOMINANTLY SOFT LANDSCAPE WORK FOR JOBS WITH A VALUE REACHING $200 000.
/+IN THE .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979
3
♦IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESPONSE RECEIVED THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER WHETHER TO COMPILE A FURTHER LIST FOR CONTRACTORS OF GREATER VALUE,♦ SAID THE PWD SPOKESMAN.
MR. KIRKBRIDE SAID THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WERE LOOKING TO BUSINESSES OPERATING IN THIS FIELD FOR A RESPONSE TO THIS AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME.
HE SAIDi +IN OTHER COUNTRIES FACED WITH COMPARABLE PROBLEMS PRIVATE PLANT GROWERS AND CONTRACTORS HAVE ORGANISED THEMSELVES TO FORM BUSINESS FEDERATIONS TO CREATE AN EASY FORM OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THEMSELVES AND THEIR MAJOR CUSTOMERS SO THEIR CAPABILITIES AND THEIR PROBLEMS CAN BE DISCUSSED.
♦IT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL IF A SIMILAR DEVELOPMENT WERE TO TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG.+
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SWD PAYS OUT OVER $4 MILLION UNDER ♦NO FAULT* TAVA SCHEME
» M » H
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PAID OUT OVER $4.1 MILLION AS QUICK CASH RELIEF UNDER THE +NO FAULT* TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION ON MAY 1.
PEOPLE ARE NOW GETTING MORE UNDER THE SCHEME FOLLOWING THE RECENT REVISION IN PAYMENT RATES FOR THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND, TO WHICH THE PAYMENT RATES FOR THE SCHEME ARE PEGGED.
MRS. DIANA LEE, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SECTION. SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) PAYMENTS WERE MADE TO 159 CASES INVOLVING DEATH AND 1 233 CASES INVOLVING INJURY WHICH HAD CAUSED THE VICTIM A LOSS OF AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ EARNING CAPACITY.
MRS. LEE SAID THE DEATH GRANTS AMOUNTED TO $947 900, AND THE INJURY GRANTS TOTALLED $3.19 MILLION.
SHE SAID THE INJURY GRANTS INCLUDED FURTHER PAYMENTS IN 363 CASES IN WHICH THE APPLICANTS WERE MEDICALLY CERTIFIED TO REQUIRE EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.
IN CASES ALREADY PROCESSED, SHE SAID. THE HIGHEST PAYMENT WAS $21 100 MADE IN ONE FATAL CASE, WHILE OTHER PAYMENTS RANGED FROM $800 TO $20 100.
♦AT PRESENT, 358 OTHER APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSILBE AND THE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS 'N A FAIRLY SHORT TIME,+ SHE SAID.
MRS. LEE SAID THAT AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT REVISION, THE PAYMENTS RATES FOR DEATH AND INJURY GRANTS HAD BEEN INCREASED BY ABOUT 26 PER CENT.
/Tor example....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979-
4
FOR EXAMPLE, SHE SAID, FOR DEATH GRANTS INVOLVING THE LOSS CF A SOLE WAGE-EARNER, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT HAS BEEN RAISED TO $20 000, COMPRISING $12 000 FOR ONE SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY r€MBER AND $1 000 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBER.
FOR INJURY GRANTS, THE PAYMENT IS NOW $140 UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $4 300 DEPENDING ON THE GRAVITY OF INJURY, SHE ADDED.
MRS. LEE SAID THE TAVA SCHEME WAS NON-MEANS TESTED AND AIMED AT PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
PEOPLE INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON OR AFTER MAY 1 THIS YEAR COULD APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT, SHE SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE AT 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.
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PUBLIC INQUIRY TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG-LONDON AIR ROUTE
X X X X X
A PUBLIC INQUIRY TO CONSIDER THE APPLICATIONS BY THREE AIRLINES TO OPERATE SCHEDULED AIR SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND LONDON WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG BETWEEN NOVEMBER 12 AND 16, THE AIR TRANSPORT LICENSING AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY, JUDGE ROSS PENLINGTON, ORDERED THE FIVE-DAY INQUIRY AFTER APPLICATIONS AND THE RELATED OBJECTIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM INTERESTED PARTIES.
THE THREE AIRLINES ARE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, BRITISH CALEDONIAN AIRWAYS, AND LAKER AIRWAYS.
PARTICULARS OF THE APPLICATIONS FROM THE THREE AIRWAYS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON AUGUST 31, SEPTEMBER 14 AND SEPTEMBER 21 THIS YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
OBJECTIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM BRITISH AIRWAYS TO ALL THREE APPLICATIONS. THE THREE APPLICANTS HAVE ALSO OBJECTED TO EACH OTHER’S APPLICATION.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SUBMITTED REPRESENTATIONS WITH REGARD TO THE APPLICATIONS.
THE INQUIRY WILL COMMENCE ON NOVEMBER 12 AT 9.30 A.M. IN ROOM 13/14 ON THE 17TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE AT 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
THE AIR TRANSPORT LICENSING AUTHORITY IS AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY SET UP UNDER THE AIR TRANSPORT (LICENSING OF AIR SERVICES) REGULATIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE NEWS MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE INQUIRY. SINCE ACCOMMODATION IS LIMITED, SEATS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979
5
PWD CONTRACTS WORTH 165 MILLION AWARDED LAST MONTH ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED A TOTAL OF 27 CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $65.5 MILLION LAST MONTH.
OF THESE, 16 WERE AWARDED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND THE OTHERS ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PWD TENDER BOARD.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONTRACTS WAS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN. THE CONTRACT, WORTH $13.2 MILLION, IS FOR ERIDGEWORK TO PROVIDE ANOTHER ACCESS INTO THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
- - 0 - -
REST DAYS FOR WORKERS
*****
EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS EARNING NOT MORE THAN $3 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO A REST DAY FOR EVERY PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS OF WORK.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A KWAI CHUNG RESTAURANT OWNER WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $750 FOR FAILING TO GRANT FIVE REST DAYS TO HIS EMPLOYEE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE EMPLOYER MUST APPOINT THE REST DAYS OF HIS EMPLOYEES BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH AND INFORM THEM OF THE ARRANGEMENT.
♦IF THESE ARE ON A REGULAR BASIS, IT IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE THE EMPLOYER TO INFORM HIS EMPLOYEES OF THIS ARRANGEMENT. OTHERWISE, BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM ALL HIS EMPLOYEES OF THE APPOINTED REST DAYS DURING THE MONTH HE MAY DO THIS ORALLY OR IN WRITING OR BY DISPLAYING A ROSTER SHOWING THE DATES OF THE APPOINTED REST DAYS FOR EACH EMPLOYEE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID AN EMPLOYER MAY SUBSTITUTE SOME OTHER REST DAY WITH THE CONSENT OF THE EMPLOYEE, IN WHICH CASE IT MUST BE WITHIN THE SAME MONTH AND BEFORE THE ORIGINAL REST DAY OR WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER IT.
♦IN THE EVENT OF A BREAKDOWN OF MACHINERY OR PLANT OR IN ANY OTHER UNFORESEEN EMERGENCY, THE EMPLOYER MAY REQUIRE THE EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON THE ORIGINAL REST DAY BUT HE MUST, WITHIN 48 HOURS, NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE OF THE DATE OF THE SUBSTITUTED REST DAY WHICH MUST BE GIVEN WITHIN 30 DAYS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL ONE,+ HE POINTED OUT.
/+AN EMPLOYEE ...
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979
6
♦AN EMPLOYEE MAY, AT HIS OWN REQUEST AND IF HIS EMPLOYER AGREES, WORK ON A REST DAY. AN EMPLOYER MAY ASK AN EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON A REST DAY BUT THE EMPLOYEE IS FREE TO AGREE OR NOT AS HE WISHES,+ HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT REST DAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREt FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096- TUEN MUN 12-818443 EXT. 82 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
0 - -
EMPLOYERS MUST INFORM I RD PARTICULARS OF NEW EMPLOYEES
M * * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED " EMPLOYERS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FURNISH THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE IN WRITING PARTICULARS OF ANY NEW EMPLOYEE LIKELY TO BE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF HIS EMPLOYMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT AN EMPLOYER WHO IS ABOUT TO CEASE TO EMPLOY IN HONG KONG ANY PERSON LIKELY TO BE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX MUST ALSO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE TERMINATION OF SUCH AN EMPLOYMENT.
AN EMPLOYER IS ALSO REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRI TING.WHENEVER AN EMPLOYEE, WHO IS CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX IS ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN A MONTH BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE.
♦THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS REQUIRED, IN THE COURSE OF HIS EMPLOYMENT, TO LEAVE HONG KONG AT FREQUENT INTERVALS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WHEN AN EMPLOYER HAS INFORMED THE COMMISSIONER THAT HE IS ABOUT TO TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT OF A PERSON WHO IS CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX AND ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN ONE MONTH, HE MUST NOT MAKE ANY PAYMENT TO THAT EMPLOYEE WITHIN A MONTH FROM THE DATE OF GIVING SUCH NOTICE, EXCEPT WITH THE COMMISSIONER’S WRITTEN CONSENT.
♦THE EMPLOYEE MAY HOWEVER, DURING THAT MONTH PAY TO THE COMMISSIONER OUT OF MONEYS DUE TO THE EMPLOYEE SUCH SUM AS THE EMPLOYEE MAY DIRECT HIM TO PAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FORMS FOR GIVING SUCH NOTICES MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE OFFICES CF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF WINDSOR HOUSE AT 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979
7
HIRAM’S HIGHWAY COMMEMORATIVE STONE TO BE RESITED ******
A STONE COMMEMORATING THE COMPLETION OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY BY AN ARMY UNIT AFTER THE WAR WILL BE RESITED TO A POINT CLOSE TO THE JUNCTION OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD AND HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AT A CEREMONY ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30).
RESITING OF THE STONE IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-LANE ROAD ALONGSIDE THE EXISTING CLEARWATER BAY ROAD FROM HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO PIK UK.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER SAI KUNG, MR. COLIN BOSHER, AND THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF 42 COMMANDO, ROYAL MARINES, LIEUTENANT COLONEL HENRY BEVERLEY. MEN FROM THIS UNIT STATIONED HERE AFTER THE WAR SUPERVISED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGHWAY UNDER MAJOR JOHN WYNNE-POTTS, WHOSE SON, AN INSPECTOR IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, WILL BE PRESENT AT TUESDAY’S CEREMONY. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE SOME OF THE SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGHWAY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE HIRAM’S HIGHWAY STONE RESITING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 P.M. ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30). PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED LEAVING KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 3 P.M.
-----0-----
WORKSHOPS ON ENGLISH LISTENING COMPREHENSION
*****
THE ABILITY TO COMPREHEND ENGLISH CONVERSATION WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
FOUR WORKSHOPS ON THE TEACHING OF ♦LISTENING COMPREHENSI0N+ WILL BE HELD BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BETWEEN NOVEMBER 20 AND ITS ENGL,SH TEACHING CENTRES IN BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
EACH WORKSHOP WILL CONSIST OF THREE TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS DURING
MEETINGS TO BE HELD ON THE PERIOD.
♦THESE WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE SHORT TALKS ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND DEMONSTRATION OF VARIOUS LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISES.
/+TH3 NUI-3ER .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1979
8
♦THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WILL BE LIMITED TO 20 FOR EACH WORKSHOP. THEY WILL BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO DESIGN A LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISE SUITABLE FOR USE IN THEIR CLASSES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE AWARDED TO ALL TEACHERS WHO HAVE SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED A WORKSHOP.
INTERESTED TEACHERS SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THEIR HEADS OF SCHOOLS. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG, ON CR BEFORE NOVEMBER 12.
------0---------
WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT X * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE NORTH SIDE OF KING’S ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO MANSION STREET, JAVA ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO KING’S ROAD, MARBLE ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO HEALTHY STREET WEST AND THE EAST SIDE OF TIN CHIU STREET.
-------o---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORT ON ANTI-POLLUTION MEASURES AT CEMENT PLANT WELCOMED BY GOVERNMENT ................................... 1
TRACTOR PLOUGHING SERVICE REHABILITATES FALLOW LAND IN NT ............................................... 2
MR. DORWARD BECOMES DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS .............................................. 3
NEW PARKING CHARGES EFFECTIVE THURSDAY .................. 4
WALKWAY ON ABERDEEN RESERVOIR DAM TO BE REBUILT........... 4
STUDY ROOMS FOR STUDENTS ...'............................. 5
HUNG HOM CAR PARK TO RE-OPEN ............................. 5
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF A SECTION OF ARGYLE STREET .......... 5
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1979
1
REPORT ON ANT I-POLLUTION MEASURES AT CEMENT PLANT WELCOMED BY GOVERNMENT
*****
A REPORT SHOWING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT AT CASTLE PEAK HAS BEEN WELCOMED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE REPORT SAYS THE PLANT WILL INCORPORATE THE LATEST POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT TO ENSURE THAT POLLUTION WILL BE KEPT TO AN ACCEPTABLE MINIMUM.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY)I *IN THE CASE OF THE PARTICULATE MATTER EMITTED BY CHIMNEYS AT THE CEMENT PLANT, 99.98 PER CENT OF THE DUST WILL BE EXTRACTED BY A SYSTEM OF HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT THE QUANTITIES INVOLVED WILL FALL WELL WITHIN THE LIMITS SPECIFIED BY RESPECTIVE UK AND USA REQUIREMENTS.+
♦OTHER EMISSIONS WILL ALSO BE REDUCED BY CAREFUL DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SO THAT AIR POLLUTION WILL NOT PRESENT A PROBLEM TO THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT.*
♦ALL SUCH POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES WILL BE KEPT UNDER CLOSE SURVEILLANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH EVENTUAL CONDITIONS AND AGREEMENT ON OPERATING PROCEDURES AND MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE DISCHARGE RATES.♦
♦FURTHERMORE, PLANS FOR THE ERECTION OF THE MAIN CHIMNEY AND THE INSTALLATION OF FUEL BURNING EQUIPMENT MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE COMPANY TO THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL OFFICER FOR APPROVAL UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE (1959) AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.♦
ALTHOUGH THE PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY LOOK LIKE A FACTORY, PROVISIONAL DRAWINGS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT LANDSCAPING OF THE PROJECT AND THE ASSOCIATED TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING SCHEMES ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT TALKS WITH THE COMPANY ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT WERE BY NO MEANS COMPLETE BUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW SATISFIED, ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE COMPANY, THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED PLANT WOULD BE UNLIKELY TO GIVE RISE TO SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
KAISER CEMENT CORPORATION (USA); A MAJOR SHAREHOLDER OF THE NEWLY FORMED CHINA CEMENT COMPANY, WAS ASKED IN NOVEMBER 1978 TO PROVIDE A DETAILED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT SHOWING WHAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED PLANT WOULD BE AND HOW ADVERSE IMPACTS WOULD BE REDUCED TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS.
IN THE ENSUING MONTHS, KAISER’S ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT COMBINED WITH TWO OTHER COMPANIES, W.S. AKTINS AND PARTNERS, AND METRONICS ASSOCIATES INC. (USA), TO PREPARE THE REPORT. DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE THE EXPECTED EXTENT OF POLLUTING DISCHARGES AND THE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED.
/The final
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1979
2
THE FINAL REPORT IS NOW COMPLETED AND HAS BEEN DISCUSSED AT THE LAST TWO MEETINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM).
SITED NEXT TO THE MASSIVE KESCO POWER STATION BEING BUILT AT TAP SHEK KOK, THE CEMENT PLANT IS EXPECTED TO USE A VERY HIGH PROPORTION OF THE PULVERISED FUEL ASH PRODUCED BY THE POWER STATION.
THE ASH, ONE OF THE INEVITABLE BY-PRODUCTS OF THE CONVENTIONAL COAL FIRED POWER STATION, HAS BEEN OF SOME CONCERN TO BOTH KESCO AND THE GOVERNMENT IN THAT ITS DISPOSAL IS RELATIVELY EXPENSIVE AND PRESENTS CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
-----0------
TRACTOR PLOUGHING SERVICE REHABILITATES FALLOW LAND IN NT
* * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S TRACTOR PLOUGHING SERVICE HAS PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AMONG FARMERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THE SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1977 ON A TRIAL BASIS TO HELP FARMERS REOPEN ABANDONED OR FALLOW LAND,* THE OFF ICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CROP DEVELOPMENT UNIT, MRS. VERA LEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
♦OVER 14 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE SO FIT BEEN CULTIVATED BY TRACTOR PLOUGH I NG,♦ SHE ADDED.
TO COPE WITH INCREASING DEMAND, MRS. LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO PROVIDE TRACTOR PLOUGHING AS A REGULAR SERVICE TO FARMERS. A NEW TRACTOR HAD RECENTLY BEEN ACQUIRED AND PUT INTO SERVICE.
THE COST OF THE NEW TRACTOR AND ACCESSORIES, WHICH AMOUNTED TO $100 000, WAS MET BY FUNDS ALLOCATED BY THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION.
THE POWERFUL TRACTOR IS CAPABLE SOIL THAN THE HAND-DRIVEN CULTIVATOR
OF PLOUGHING DEEPER INTO THE COMMONLY USED BY FARMERS.
♦THIS WILL HELP MAINTAIN PRODUCTIVITY OF THE LAND AND ENSURE GOOD YIELDS,* SHE SAID.
MRS. LEE SAID THAT A SURVEY UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT HAD SHOWN THAT SOME 3 600 HECTARES OF FERTILE LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD HAD TO LAY FALLOW AS A RESULT OF AN ACUTE SHORTAGE IN AGRICULTURAL LABOUR.
♦WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TRACTOR PLOUGHING SERVICE, ABOUT HALF OF THESE LAND CAN BE REHABILITATED,* SHE SAID.
/TRACTOR PLOUGHING .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1979
5
TRACTOR PLOUGHING IS BOTH LABOUR AND TIME SAVING. MRS. SAIDj *TO PLOUGH ONE DAU CHUNG (ABOUT 675 SQUARE METRES) OF TRACTOR TAKES ONLY THREE HOURS, WHEREAS IT TAKES EIGHT DAYS MANUAL LABOUR.
LEE LAND BY
BY
♦BESIDES OPENING UP
♦BESIDES OPENING UP FALLOW LAND, THE TRACTORS CAN ALSO WITH REGULAR PLOUGHING TO IMPROVE CULTIVATION EFFICIENCY REDUCE PRODUCTION COSTS,+ SHE SAID.
HELP
AND TO
THE SERVICE IS HEAVILY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ONLY $80 IS CHARGED FOR PLOUGHING ONE DAU CHUNG OF LAND.
FARMERS INTERESTED IN MAKING USE OF THE SERVICE ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE CROP DEVELOPMENT UNIT AT TAI LUNG FARM, FANLING DURING OFFICE HOURS.
MR. DORWARD BECOMES DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS ******
MR. WILLIAM DORWARD WILL FORMALLY TAKE UP APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) UPON THE DEPARTURE OF MR. DAVID JORDAN WHO IS ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE.
MR. DORWARD’S PROMOTION, WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED IN APRIL, WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.
AS' DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. DORWARD WILL BE AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS WHICH COMPRISES THREE CONSTITUENT DEPARTMENTS, NAMELY TRADE, INDUSTRY, AND CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS.
MR. DORWARD FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1954 AS AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER. HE WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER IN 1957 IN THE THEN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT. HE WAS THE FIRST OFFICER IN THE DEPARTMENT SELECTED FOR A PROGRAMME OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING AT THE GATT (GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE) SECRETARIAT IN GENEVA IN 1963.
IN 1968 MR. DORWARD WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, AND IN 1972 WAS SECONDED TO THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AS ASSISTANT ECONOMIC SECRETARY.
IN 1974 HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND IN THE SAME YEAR WAS POSTED TO GENEVA AS COUNSELLOR (HONG KONG AFFAIRS) IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM MISSION FOR TWO YEARS. DURING HIS POSTING IN GENEVA MR. DORWARD WAS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S NOMINEE ON THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY, AND IN THIS CONTEXT HE MADE AN EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION IN THE INTERNATIONAL FIELD.
/FOLLOW.’G HIS....
MONDAY, 0CT0B3D 29, 1979
4
FOLLOWING HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG AND THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT IN 1977, MR. DORWARD WAS PROMOTED TO BE THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS. WITH THE RECENT FURTHER RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT, HE BECAME COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY.
HE HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HE HAS ALSO PARTICIPATED IN VARIOUS IMPORTANT TRADE NEGOTIATIONS AND LED MANY TRADE DELEGATIONS.
MR. DORWARD, AGED 50, IS AN OFFICIAL JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. HE IS MARRIED AND HAS ONE CHILD. HE WAS MADE AN OFFICER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE IN 1976.
-----o------
NEW PARKING CHARGES EFFECTIVE THURSDAY ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT NEW PARKING CHARGES FOR ALL GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY AND OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1.
UNDER THE NEW FEE STRUCTURE ALL MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS, EXCEPT THE ONES IN YAU MA TEI AND HUNG HOM, WILL BE CHARGING $3 AN HOUR DURING WEEKDAY PEAK PERIODS FROM 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M.
DIFFERENT PARKING FEES WILL BE CHARGED IN OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS AND MOTORISTS WILL ALSO HAVE TO PAY FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING AND ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE FEE FOR A MONTHLY PARKING TICKET FOR MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $400 TO $600, WHILE A MONTHLY TICKET FOR OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS WILL COST BETWEEN $100 AND $300.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE INCREASE IN CAR PARK CHARGES WOULD IMPROVE OVERALL UTILISATION AND AVAILABILITY OF A REASONABLE NUMBER OF SPACES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
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WALKWAY ON ABERDEEN RESERVOIR DAM TO BE REBUILT *****
THE WALKWAY OF ABERDEEN RESERVOIR’S LOWER DAM ON THE SOUTH-WESTERN SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, WILL BE REBUILT SHORTLY.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED AND THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A SUSPENDED WALKWAY OVER THE SPILLWAY SECTION AND THE RAISING OF THE EXISTING WALKWAY ON THE DAM CREST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAIDi +THE PURPOSE OF RECONSTRUCTING THE WALKWAY IS TO INCREASE THE WATERWAY AREA OVER THE SPILLWAY IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT RESERVOIR SAFETY STANDARDS.*
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1979
5
STUDY ROOMS FOR STUDENTS
******
STUDENTS WHO NEED A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY CAN MAKE USE OF 90 TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS TO BE SET UP IN THE EVENINGS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDi +THESE ROOMS WILL BE OPERATED IN 40 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM NOVEMBER 1, 1979 TO FEBRUARY 29, 1980.
♦THEY WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 7 P.M. AND 9 P.M. FROM MONDAY
TO FRIDAY, EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.*
STUDENTS WOULD BE ADMITTED TO THE STUDY ROOMS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, HE SAID.
STUDY ROOM SUPERVISORS WILL BE IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT IS MAINTAINED FOR STUDY.
NO PRIVATE TUITION WOULD BE GIVEN BY STUDY ROOM SUPERVISORS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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HUNG HOM CAR PARK TO RE-OPEN
* * * *
THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE JULY 1 THIS YEAR, WILL BE PARTIALLY: RE-OPENED TO PUBLIC USE FROM 8 A.M. ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1).
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID BECAUSE OF THE RELATIVELY LOW ANTICIPATED DEMAND, ONLY THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF THE CAR PARK BUILDING WILL BE RE-OPENED AT THIS STAGE. THESE TWO FLOORS AND THE OPEN PARKING DECK WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 400 PARKING SPACES.
THE PARKING CHARGE FOR THE CAR PARK, INCLUDING THE OPEN DECK, IS SI AN HOUR ON ANY DAY.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE GF A SECTION OF ARGYLE STREET ******
A SECTION OF ARGYLE STREET BETWEEN YIM PO FONG STREET AND PEACE AVENUE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 A.M. TO 5 A.M. BETWEEN OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 6 TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION CF A NEW KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BRIDGE.
DURING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE, WESTBOUND MOTORISTS CAN USE AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA THE ARGYLE STREET FLYOVER AND WATERLOO ROAD, THEN RIGHT TURNING INTO YIM PO FONG STREET BEFORE REJOINING ARGYLE STREET.
EASTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO YIM PO FONG STREET, THEN LEFT TURN TO WATERLOO ROAD TO REJOIN ARGYLE STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOtWlSTS. . w _ _ 6--------------------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG SPENDS Sl82 MILLION A YEAR IN FIGHTING NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE ............................ 1
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO BE STRENGTHENED..................J
HYF SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES ....................... 5
NO CHANGE IN PAY COMMISSION REPORT ......................... 6
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON GOVERNOR'S POLICY SPEECH ................ 6
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE IN TUI31 MUN OPENS TODAY.....7
BRAY ATTENDS RECEPTION FOR CHAIRMAN HUA .................... 7
COMMSMORATIVE STONE RESITED ................................ 8
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................... 8
FIRE SERVICES ANNUAL MOUNTAIN RUN........................... 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI YING PUN ....................... 9
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1979
1
HONG KONG SPENDS $182 MILLION A YEAR IN FIGHTING NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS SPENDING ABOUT $182 MILLION A YEAR IN REAL TERMS IN FIGHTING NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S (WHO) FIRST INTER-REGIONAL COURSE FOR PHYSICIANS ON THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT PERSONS IN HONG KONG, SIR ALBERT SAID THAT IN A COMMUNITY OF ABOUT FIVE MILLION PEOPLE THIS MIGHT GIVE ONE SOME CAUSE FOR SURPRISE.
♦BUT THE REAL SHOCK COMES WHEN YOU REFLECT UPON THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WHICH CHANGES HANDS BETWEEN ADDICTS AND PUSHERS ON THE STREETS OF HONG KONG IN ANY ONE YEAR. WE ESTIMATE THIS, CONSERVATIVELY, TO BE IN THE REGION OF $459 MILLION.
♦ NO COMMUNITY CAN REMAIN INDIFFERENT TO A FINANCIAL DRAIN OF THIS MAGNITUDE, BUT IT IS THE POTENTIAL FOR SOCIAL DISRUPTION WHICH CAUSES US MOST CONCERN.
♦ THE IMPLICATIONS ARE OBVIOUSLY SHOCKING, BUT WE SEE NO VIRTUE IN CONCEALING THE REALITIES EITHER FROM OURSELVES OR FROM OTHERS,♦ SIR ALBERT SAID.
I
THE OPENING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER WAS ALSO OFFICIATED BY THE WHO CONSULTANT FOR THE COURSE, PROFESSOR JOSEPH WESTERMEYER, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. PETER LEE.
TWENTY PHYSICIANS FROM EGYPT, AFGHANISTAN, BURMA, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE MONTH-LONG TRAINING COURSE.
SIR ALBERT SAID THAT HONG KONG HAS AN ESTIMATED 35 000 TO 50 000 DRUG ADDICTS, THE VAST MAJORITY OF WHOM ARE MALES IN THE LOWER INCOME GROUPS WHOSE DRUG OF ABUSE IS FUME-INHALED HEROIN, ALTHOUGH THE USE OF INTRAVENOUS INJECTIONS HAS INCREASED RAPIDLY.
ALTHOUGH 64 PER CENT OF ADDICTS HERE WERE OVER 30 YEARS OF AGE AND ONLY 3.7 PER CENT UNDER 20, A DISTURBING 32.5 PER CENT WERE IN THE 20 TO 30 AGE GROUP, SIR ALBERT SAID.
♦ALTHOUGH ON THE FACE OF IT THIS WOULD APPEAR TO BE ALARMING, WE DERIVE A DEGREE OF CONSOLATION FROM INDICATIONS THAT FOR THE MOMENT THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE CONTAINED, AS EXEMPLIFIED BY THE DRAMATICALLY DIMINISHING NUMBERS OF YOUNG ADDICTS AND THE EQUALLY DRAMATICALLY INCREASING NUMBERS OF THOSE UNDER CARE.
♦ I HASTEN TO ADD THAT THIS SATISFACTION MUST NOT BE THOUGHT TO INDICATE ANY DEGREE OF COMPLACENCY.
♦ BITTER EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT US THAT PROGRESS IS INEVITABLY SLOW AND THAT WHATEVER ADVANCES HAVE BEEN MADE, HAVE ONLY BEEN ACHIEVED AT ENORMOUS COST, EFFORT AND FRUSTRATION ON THE PART OF THOSE IN THE FIELD.
/+WE HAVE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1979
2
♦WE HAVE, HOWEVER, A REPUTATION FOR DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH OUR PROBLEMS AS THEY ARISE, WHICH IS HIGHLY REGARDED AT AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL,* HE SAID.
SIR ALBERT SAID HONG KONG’S ANTI-NARCOTICS PROGRAMMES HAVE VERY CLEAR AND UNAMBIGUOUS OBJECTIVES - TO STOP THE IMPORT OF ILLICIT DRUGS INTO HONG KONG, AND TO ELIMINATE DRUG ABUSE FROM THE POPULATION.
TO ADVISE ON WAYS OF ACHIEVING THESE LONG TERM AIMS HONG KONG HAS THE ACAN, WHICH IS THE SOLE CHANNEL OF ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL ASPECTS OF ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK HERE. ITS MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES THE HEADS OF ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS FIELD.
THE ACAN MEETS REGULARLY AT MONTHLY OR BI-MONTHLY INTERVALS AS THE SITUATION DICTATES, AND WORKS TO +POSITION+ PAPERS PREPARED BY THE NARCOTICS SECRETARIAT AFTER CONSULTATION WITH ALL THOSE CONCERNED.
ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS THE ACAN HAD MADE SINCE IT WAS RECONSTITUTED IN 1973 HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AND ACTED UPON BY THE GOVERNMENT.
♦THIS HIGH LEVEL SUPPORT TO WELL-DESIGNED AND CONSIDERED POLICY PROPOSALS BACKED UP BY AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF MONITORING, ASSESSING AND EVALUATING THE RESULTS OF ALL PROGRAMMES, IS, I VENTURE TO SAY, OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO ANY ANTI-NARCOTICS PROGRAMMES WHICH ASPIRE TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE PROBLEM.
♦IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT, WITH THE BURGEONING INCREASE IN DRUG TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE THROUGHOUT MOST REGIONS OF THE WORLD, MORE AND MORE GOVERNMENTS ARE BECOMING INVOLVED AT CABINET AND HIGH ADMINISTRATIVE AND EXECUTIVE LEVELS, AND THAT THIS IN TURN IS PRODUCING NOTABLE RESULTS IN INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, AND IN THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION, EXPERIENCE AND KNOW-HOW,+ HE SAID.
HONG KONG’S ANTI-NARCOTICS STRATEGY IS BASED ON FOUR MAIN PROGRAMMES.
♦FIRST, AS HONG KONG GROWS NO OPIUM POPPIES, AND AS ALMOST ALL THE DRUGS WHICH COME HERE ILLICITLY DO SO FROM THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, WHERE THE BORDERS OF BURMA, THAILAND AND LAOS MEET, WE ARE COMMITTED TO INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION WITH ALL THOSE COUNTRIES WITH PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO OUR OWN, AND WHO HAVE A COMMON INTEREST IN SUPPRESSING THIS EVIL TRADE.
♦THE OTHER THREE PROGRAMMES ARE LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, AND THE LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
♦COST-EFFECTIVENESS IS OUR GUIDELINE, AND WE SEE THIS AS A RESPONSIBILITY NOT ONLY TO THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL, BUT TO THE TAX-PAYER, THE FIELD WORKER AND TO THE PATIENTS THEMSELVES,+ HE SAID.
SIR ALBERT SAID HE HOPED THE PRESENTATION OF THE HONG KONG SITUATION WOULD PROVIDE PHYSICIANS PARTICIPATING IN THE COURSE WITH A SOURCE OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND IMAGINATIVE INSPIRATION IN THEIR FUTURE PLANNING. +FOR YOU CAN LEARN AS MUCH, IF NOT MORE, FROM OUR ERRORS AS FROM OUR SUCCESS.+
TUESDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1979
3
THE INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE WILL PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPATING PHYSICIANS TO TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG'S MULTI-MODAL ITY TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES AND TO DISCUSS THEM WITH THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS STAFF OF THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED. THE COURSE ENDS ON NOVEMBER 28 THIS YEAR.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO BE STRENGTHENED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT MUST SEEK TO ACHIEVE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE EXPANSION OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, THE GOVERNMENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISER, DR. STUART REED SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦WHAT WE HAVE TO PERFORM IS SOME SORT OF ’ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCING ACT’ WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT THE INCREASING BENEFITS AND THE HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING THAT WE ALL HOPE, AND MANY EXPECT, WILL FLOW FROM THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN HONG KONG, WILL NOT BE MARRED BY A STEADILY DETERIORATING ENVIRONMENT,♦ HE TOLD A LUNCHEON GIVEN BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
♦AN IMPORTANT AID TO GOVERNMENT IN CARRYING OUT THE ’ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCING ACT’ IS THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS. IN ORDER TO WIDEN THIS PROCESS OF CONSULTATION, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) WAS STRENGTHENED DURING ITS 1978/79 TERM BY THE INCLUSION OF NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR,♦ HE SAID.
PRIOR TO THAT, EPCOM HAD BEEN MADE UP SOLELY OF OFFICIALS ON THE ONE HAND AND ON THE OTHER PEOPLE DRAWN FROM THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE WHO WERE APPOINTED TO EPCOM IN A PURELY PERSONAL CAPACITY.
DR. REED FELT THAT THIS INNOVATION HAD BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL AND THAT THE NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS HAD STRUCK A FINE BALANCE BETWEEN PUTTING FORWARD FORCEFULLY, THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES LIKELY TO BE FACED BY INDUSTRIALISTS IN MEETING THE NEW POLLUTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS WHILST AT THE SAME TIME ACKNOWLEDGING THE WIDER INTERESTS AND NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
HE HOPED THAT THE COMPOSITION OF FIVE NEW EPCOM SPECIAL COMMITTEES COULD BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY. THESE COMMITTEES WOULD WIDEN FURTHER THE CONSULTATION PROCESS AND INCLUDE A GREATER NUMBER OF NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES BOTH FROM INDUSTRY AND FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL LOBBY.
♦A MAJOR PREOCCUPATION OF THESE COMMITTEES+, HE SAID +WILL BE THE DETAILED REGULATIONS WHICH FLOW FROM THE NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BILLS WHICH ARE NOW BEING FORMULATED.♦
HE OBSERVED THAT A STATUTORY PROVISION WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THESE BILLS TO THE EFFECT THAT EPCOM MUST BE CONSULTED BEFORE ANY NEW REGULATIONS ARE PROMULGATED.
/DR. REED ......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1979
4
DR. REED POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BILLS WERE AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF PREPARATION- THE WASTE DISPOSAL BILL IS CURRENTLY BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE WATER AND AIR BILLS ARE AT AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DRAFTING AND THE NOISE ABATEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BILLS ARE AT ONLY AN EARLY STAGE.
HE SAID THE VARIOUS BILLS WERE EXPECTED TO INCLUDE A NUMBER OF COMMON FEATURES SUCH AS THE STATUTORY REFERENCE TO EPCOM OF ALL REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE BILLS AND THAT ALL THE PROVISIONS IN THE LEGISLATION WOULD APPLY TO GOVERNMENT JUST AS MUCH AS TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. AN +OUTWARD SIGN OF INWARD GRACE* HE COMMENTED.
♦ANOTHER COMMON THEME RUNNING THROUGH THE BILLS IS THAT EXISTING INDUSTRY WILL IN GENERAL BE SUBJECT ONLY TO SOME FORM OF REGISTRATION OF EXISTING EMISSIONS AND ANY NEW EMISSION LIMITS WILL APPLY ONLY TO NEW INDUSTRY OR WHERE A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TAKES PLACE IN THE PROCESSES USED BY EXISTING INDUSTRY OR WHERE, AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION, IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT THE EMISSIONS CONCERNED ARE CAUSING A CLEARLY IDENTIFIABLE HEALTH HAZARD.♦
DR. REED WENT ON TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING ADEQUATE RESOURCES IN TERMS OF STAFF AND EQUIPMENT TO ENFORCE THE NEW LEGISLATION AND TO DEVELOP POLICIES SUITABLE FOR THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG.
A DETAILED PROGRAMME OF THE RESOURCES REQUIRED HAD BEEN PREPARED, HE SAID, AND THIS SHOULD LEAD TO A PHASED BUILD-UP OVER A THREE-YEAR PERIOD TO A RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF 115 MILLION A YEAR AND $6 MILLION ON EQUIPMENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD. $2 MILLION HAVE ALREADY BEEN AGREED FOR THE PURCHASE, DURING FISCAL 1980/81, OF EQUIPMENT TO MONITOR LEVELS OF AIR, WATER AND NOISE POLLUTfON IN HONG KONG.
DR. REED SAID HE WAS HOPEFUL THAT AGREEMENT WILL BE REACHED IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE ON THE STAFFING LEVELS FOR 1980/81.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE IS AROUND 50 PER CENT OF THAT COMMONLY DEVOTED TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN MANY WESTERN CITIES OF COMPARABLE SIZE TO HONG KONG YET WHICH HAVE A MUCH SLOWER PACE OF DEVELOPMENT.
THE RESOURCES WOULD BE USED ON THE ONE HAND TO STRENGTHEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT, WHICH WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING AND THE FORMULATION OF POLICY, AND ON THE OTHER HAND TO SET UP A NUMBER OF POLLUTION CONTROL UNITS IN EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS TO CARRY OUT THE IMPLEMENTATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION.
DR. REED SAID, *THE APPROACH THAT WE ARE ADOPTING IS AIMED AT BRINGING THE SITUATION UNDER CONTROL AND ACHIEVING IMPROVEMENTS IN THOSE AREAS WHERE URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED WHILST AT THE SAME TIME CAUSING THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM OF DISRUPTION TO EXISTING INDUSTRY.*
+THIS BALANCING OF COMPETING NEEDS WILL REQUIRE BOTH A SOUND TECHNICAL APPROACH AS WELL AS FULL CO-OPERATION FROM ALL THOSE CONCERNED,* DR. REED ADDED.
0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1979
- 5 -
HYF SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES * * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WILL INTRODUCE A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES TO ITS FERRY SERVICE FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1) TO COPE WITH THE RAPID PASSENGER DEMAND IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT 16 SUPPLEMENTARY SAILINGS WOULD BE INTRODUCED ON THE EXISTING HOVERFERRY SERVICE BETWEEN SAI WAN HO AND JUBILEE STREET IN ORDER TO HELP RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON ROAD TRANSPORT.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, THE SERVICE WOULD BE DIVERTED FROM JUBILEE STREET TO CENTRAL HARBOUR SERVICES PIER, AND THE REVISED TIMETABLE FOR FERRY RUNS DURING MORNING AND AFTERNOON PEAK HOURS WOULD BE DISPLAYED AT BOTH FERRY PIERS AT SAI WAN HO AND CENTRAL. THE FARE WOULD BE $3 FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN AND NO FREIGHT WILL BE ALLOWED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SUPPLEMENTARY SAILING WOULD BE OPERATED FROM HONG KONG TO SILVERMINE BAY VIA PENG CHAU AT 10 P.M. FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS, AND WOULD BE REVIEWED LATER DEPENDING ON PASSENGER DEMAND. NO FREIGHT WOULD BE ALLOWED.
THE EXISTING JUBILEE STREET TO TAI KOK TSUI FERRY SERVICE WOULD BE DIVERTED FROM JUBILEE STREET PIER TO BLAKE PIER WITH NO CHANGE IN THE TIMETABLE, HE SAID.
THE JUBILEE STREET TO KWUN TONG FERRY SERVICE, NOW BEING OPERATED WITH DOUBLE AND TRIPLE DECK VESSELS BEFORE 9 A.M., WOULD CONTINUE TO BE SERVED BY THESE LARGE VESSELS UNTIL 10 A.M., THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, HOVERFERRIES WOULD STILL BE USED DURING NON-PEAK HOURS, AND SUPPLEMENTARY SAILINGS WOULD BE OPERATED ON TRAFFIC DEMAND.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW FARES FOR THE ROUTE WOULD BE $1 FOR ORDINARY CLASS, $1.50 FOR DE LUXE CLASS AND $3 FOR HOVERFERRY SERVICES. THERE WOULD BE NO HALF FARE FOR CHILDREN FOR DE LUXE AND HOVERFERRY SERVICES, BUT HALF FARE FOR CHILDREN AT 50 CENTS WOULD REMAIN FOR ORDINARY CLASS.
MEANWHILE, THE WAN CHAI TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE, WHICH HAD TEMPORARILY BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE AUGUST DUE TO THE DAMAGE TO THE JORDAN ROAD FERRY PIER BY TYPHOON, WOULD BE RESUMED ON NOVEMBER 5. THE SERVICE WOULD OPERATE BETWEEN 6.20 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT AT A 20—MINUTE FREQUENCY.
♦THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LEVEL AND STANDARD OF FERRY SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED WHEN REQUIRED,* THE SOPKESMAN SAID.
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/6.....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1979
6
NO CHANGE IN PAY COMMISSION REPORT ft ft ft ft ft
A LETTER TO ALL HONG KONG NURSING ASSOCIATIONS WAS SENT TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. JAMES SO.
THE LETTER REITERATED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE FIRST REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE COULD NOT BE CHANGED.
BUT IT STRESSED THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT LINES OF COMMUNICATION SHOULD BE KEPT OPEN WITH STAFF AT ALL TIMES.
MR. SO CONFIRMED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS WOULD BE WILLING TO MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES CF STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF NURSES AND ALLIED GRADES TO LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY AND TO EXPLAIN THE STANDING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO THEM AND ITS ROLE IN THE FUTURE.
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LEGCO TO DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH ft ft ft ft ft ft
A TWO-DAY DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS TO BE MOVED BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL BEGIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
A TOTAL OF 21 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION TOMORROW AND ON THURSDAY.
LEADING OFF THE DEBATE TOMORROW WILL BE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG, FOLLOWED BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO, DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG, THE HON. T.S. LO, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN, THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT, THE HON. CHEN SHOU-LUM, THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING, AND THE REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN.
ON THURSDAY, 10 OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION. THEY ARE THE HON. PETER C. WONG, THE HON. WONG LAM, DR. THE HON. RAYSON HUANG, THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI, THE HON. ALLEN LEE, THE HON. DAVID NEWBIGGING, THE HON. ANDREW SO, THE HON. HU FA—KUANG AND THE HON. WONG PO-YAN.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1979
7
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE IN TUEN MUN OPENS TODAY ******
THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL OPEN ITS FIRST PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY MR. LEUNG KUEN, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE- MR. NG CHEUK-TAI, DIRECTOR OF TUEN MUN CARITAS SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE- MR. KONG CHI-SHING, DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH AND CHILDREN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTR^- AND MR. LAI YUE, CHAIRMAN OF HING CHEONG HOUSE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE, TAI HING ESTATE.
KNOWN AS THE TAI HING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, IT IS SITUATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF UNIT 42, HING SHING HOUSE, TAI HING ESTATE.
THE CENTRE WILL BE OPEN FROM 8.45 A.M. TO 5.15 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 8.45 A.M. TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY THAT THE CENTRE WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING ADVICE AND INFORMATION TO THE 24 000 RESIDENTS OF TAI HING ESTATE AND NEARBY VILLAGES.
BESIDES DEALING WITH GENERAL ENQUIRIES, IT WOULD ALSO HANDLE STATUTORY DECLARATIONS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ADMINISTER THE NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS’ PRIORITY SCHEME FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE TAI HING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF UNIT 42, HING SHING HOUSE, TAI HING ESTATE AT 3 P.M. TODAY (TUESDAY).
BRAY ATTENDS RECEPTION FOR CHAIRMAN HUA ******
HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, MR. DENIS BRAY, WAS AMONG THE GUESTS AT A LUNCHEON GIVEN BY THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, LORD CARRINGTON, FOR CHAIRMAN HUA GUOFENG AT THE FISHMONGERS HALL, IN THE CITY OF LONDON, YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
THE COMMISSIONER WAS ALSO A GUEST AT A RECEPTION GIVEN FOR THE CHAIRMAN BY PRIME MINISTER MRS. MARGARET THATCHER, AT THE BANQUETING HALL, WHITEHALL, IN THE EVENING. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MRS. MARJORIE BRAY.
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/8.....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1979
8
COMMEMORATIVE STONE RESITED ft * * *
WHEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY WAS BUILT SHORTLY AFTER THE WAR, A STONE COMMEMORATING THE EVENT WAS LAID BY SOLDIERS OF THE 42ND COMMANDO, ROYAL MARINES WHO HAD CONSTRUCTED THE HIGHWAY WITH THE HELP OF LOCAL LABOUR AND JAPANESE WAR PRISONERS.
WITH SAI KUNG NOW OPENING UP INCREASINGLY FOR RECREATION, THE NEED FOR NEW ROADS HAS DEVELOPED AND A SECTION OF ONE SUCH ROAD IS TO RUN PARALLEL WITH THE EXISTING CLEARWATER BAY ROAD FROM PIK UK TO ITS JUNCTION WITH THE HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS A SMALL PROBLEM - THE COMMEMORATIVE STONE LAID DIRECTLY IN THE PATH OF THIS PLANNED NEW ROAD. SO A NEW LOCATION HAD TO BE FOUND FOR IT.
THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, A CEREMONY MARKING THE RESITING OF THE STONE A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY WAS HELD AT THE HIRAM’S HIGHWAY, ATTENDED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. COLIN BOSHER-COMMANDING OFFICER OF 42ND COMMANDO, ROYAL MARINES, LIEUTENANTCOLONEL HENRY BEVERLEY- OFFICIALS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND SOME OF THE OLD RESIDENTS OF SAI KUNG WHO HAD WORKED WITH THE COMMANDO AND THE JAPANESE ON CONSTRUCTING THE HIGHWAY.
ALSO PRESENT WAS POLICE INSPECTOR CHRISTOPHER WYNNE-POTTS, WHOSE FATHER, MAJOR JOHN WYNNE-POTTS, SUPERVISED THE BUILDING WORK.
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DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, TODAY (TUESDAY) COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON KWAN KWOK-TSUN, ALIAS JACKSON KWAN, AGED 29, ON JULY 25, 1978.
KWAN, AN EXECUTIVE WITH AN INSURANCE COMPANY, WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING TSE WAI-WAH, ALIAS NANCY TSE, 36, AT HER FLAT IN CHE KEE BUILDING, KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT ON DECEMBER 2, 1977.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1979
9
FIRE SERVICES ANNUAL MOUNTAIN RUN
* * * *
THE ANNUAL FEI NGO SHAN MOUNTAIN RUN ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND WILL BE HELD AT 3.30 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE 2.2 KILOMETRE RUN WILL START FROM FEI NGO SHAN ROAD, ABOUT 182 METRES FROM THE CLEARWATER BAY ROAD JUNCTION TO THE GILWELL CAMPSITE.
MORE THAN 100 FIREMEN ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE RACE.
THE ACTING CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF KOWLOON, MR. MIKE KINGDOM WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AFTER THE EVENT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FIRE SERVICES ANNUAL MOUNTAIN RUN. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT NGAU CHI WAN FIRE STATION, 1 CLEARWATER BAY ROAD AT 2.30 P.M. WHERE THEY WILL BE TAKEN TO THE STARTING POINT.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI YING PUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI YING PUN FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEA WATER MAIN.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE»
* FROM NOVEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 1, EASTERN STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 6 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, AND ITS SOUTHBOUND SECTION BETWEEN FIRST STREET AND SECOND STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC"
* DURING THE SAME PERIOD, EASTERN STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 6 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THE ROAD- AND
* FROM NOVEMBER 1, FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS, THE TERMINAL POINT OF CMB ROUTE 77 WILL BE MOVED FROM CENTRE STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST TO CENTRE STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER }1, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MEDICAL REGIONALISATION ARRANGEMENTS NEED TO BE REVIEWED.......... 1
UK-HK RELATIONSHIP SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED — LO.................... 3
GOVERNMENT TO HOLD MEETINGS WITH NURSES .......................... 4
UMELCO PLEDGES TO GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS ............................................ 5
GOVERNMENT URGED TO ACT NOW ON LaND PRODUCTION BEYOND MID-1980'S ................................................. 6
HOUSING PROGRAMME SHOULD MATCH NEEDS aND HOPES OF SOCIETY ........ 7
GOVERNMENT URGED TO FIND SOLUTION QUICKLY TO HIGH HOUSING COSTS ..................................................... 9
GOVERNMENT TOLD TO TAKS STOCK aS HK MOVES INTO THE ’80S ........... 11
PROBE ON BUILDING NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.......... 13
FIVE-DAY WORKING WEEK ADVOCATED.................................... 14
PLANS TC STRENGTHEN LOCAL ADMINISTRATION WELCOMED.................. 16
INDUSTRIALISTS TOLD TO LOOK FOR CHEAPER SOURCES of raw Materials .................................................. 18
FIRE PREVENTION CHECK IN YUEN LONG................................. 19
NEW SYSTEM OF ALLOCATING VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS TO BE INTRODUCED................................................... 20
FIRE PREVENTION C.^MPAIGN NEWS CONFERENCE.......................... 20
SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LaND................................... 21
WATER CUT IN WAN CHaI
21
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
1
MEDICAL REGIONALISATION ARRANGEMENTS NEED TO BE REVIEWED ******
EXISTING MEDICAL REGIONALISATION ARRANGEMENTS ARE GIVING RISE TO A VICIOUS CIRCLE AND ARE RESULTING IN A STEADY DECLINE IN THE QUALITY OF OUR HOSPITAL SERVICES, DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG GAVE THIS WARNING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE DISCLOSED THAT DURING THE SUMMER RECESS, UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS HAD VISITED 18 MAJOR HOSPITALS DIRECTLY ADMINISTERED OR SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT. A FULL REPORT WITH THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR.
♦OUR REGIONAL HOSPITALS ESPECIALLY THE GOVERNMENT-RUN QUEEN MARY AND QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITALS, ARE SEVERELY OVERCROWDED, AND MUCH OF THEIR EQUIPMENT IS WORN OUT, INEFFICIENT AND OUTMODED.
♦ON THE OTHER HAND, MANY OF THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED DISTRICT HOSPITALS ARE POORLY UTILISED AS WELL AS INADEQUATELY EQUIPPED, AND ALMOST HALF EMPTY IF ONE DISCOUNTS THE LARGE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PERSONS WHO SHOULD EITHER RETURN HOME OR BE LOOKED AFTER IN LESS EXPENSIVE CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES,♦ HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE VICIOUS CIRCLE STARTS WITH THE BASIC MISCONCEPTION THAT ALL SUBSIDISED OR DISTRICT HOSPITALS SHOULD NOT BE BETTER THAN OR AS WELL EQUIPPED OR STAFFED AS THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS. +INDEED, IN PRACTICE THEY ARE TREATED AS BEING INFERIOR.♦
CONSEQUENTLY PEOPLE FLOCK TO THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS SO THAT THE NUMBER OF BEDS IN QUEEN MARY AND QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITALS, ORIGINALLY BUILT FOR 546 AND 1 338 PATIENTS, HAS BEEN INCREASED TO 1 164 AND 1 898 RESPECTIVELY, EXCLUDING THE CAMP BEDS OFTEN IN USE DURING BUSY PERIODS AND EMERGENCIES WHICH MAY RANGE FROM 50 TO 100.
THE INCREASE HAS NOT BEEN MATCHED BY A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN STAFF AND FACILITIES, AND THE IMBALANCE IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF GROWING FRUSTRATION, DISSATISFACTION AND DISCONTENT AMONG STAFF AND PATIENTS.
TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, DR. FANG CONTINUED, THE GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS OR BORROWS BEDS IN SUBSIDISED OR DISTRICT HOSPITALS FOR THE TRANSFER OF CHRONIC AND POST-SURGERY PATIENTS. THESE PATIENTS ARE NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THESE HOSPITALS BUT ARE LOOKED AFTER BY DOCTORS FROM THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WHO, BECAUSE THEY ARE ALREADY OVERLOADED, CAN ONLY ATTEND TO THEM TWICE OR AT MOST THREE TIMES A WEEK.
♦NATURALLY THE PATIENTS THEMSELVES ARE NOT SATISFIED, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPLICATIONS ARISE. THEY IN TURN PUT THE BLAME ON THE SUBSIDISED HOSPITALS. THE END RESULT IS THAT THE SUBSIDISED HOSPITALS GET A BAD NAME, AND PATIENTS ARE RELUCTANT TO BE ADMITTED TO THESE HOSPITALS,^ HE SAID.
/IK HIS...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
2
IN HIS VIEW AND HE HOPED THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WOULD AGREE, THERE SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF SERVICE BETWEEN THE TWO CLASSIFICATIONS OF HOSPITALS. THEY BOTH LOOK AFTER ACUTE ILLNESSES AND MAJOR SURGERIES- ONLY THE REGIONAL HOSPITALS PROVIDE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING THOSE IN SPECIALISED MEDICAL FIELDS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT IF SUBSIDISED OR DISTRICT HOSPITALS ARE BETTER EQUIPPED AND STAFFED, THE EXISTING UNSATISFACTORY CONDITIONS HE POINTED OUT WOULD BE REMOVED.
HE HAD FURTHER COMMENTS ON HOSPITAL SERVICES. HE THOUGHT STAFF STANDARDS IN THE DISTRICT HOSPITALS WOULD BE MUCH IMPROVED IF MORE OF THE STAFF HAVE CLOSER LINKS WITH THE CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S MEDICAL FACULTY, LIKE STAFF IN THE REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
THESE LINKS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHING, TRAINING AND RESEARCH, REGULAR EXCHANGES OF STAFF AND PLACEMENT OF INTERNS SO THAT THE STAFF CAN BE STIMULATED TO KEEP ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELD AND TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR CARE, HE SAID.
ON HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT, DR. FANG MADE TWO POINTS* THE CHOICE OF WHAT SHOULD BE BOUGHT, PARTICULARLY WHEN THERE IS FINANCIAL CONSTRAINT, MUST REST WITH THE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL STAFF, AND IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT EVERY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT HAS A RECOMMENDED LIFE-SPAN AND CANNOT LAST FOREVER.
IT IS FALSE ECONOMY NOT TO REPLACE WORN OUT EQUIPMENT OR INSTRUMENTS PROMPTLY. +BREAKDOWNS NOT ONLY WASTE THE TIME OF TRAINED PERSONNEL BUT RESULT IN DELAYED TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS,* HE SAID.
HE HOPED MORE USE OF VOLUNTEER WORKERS IN HOSPITALS WOULD BE ENCOURAGED. THIS SOURCE OF HELP IS EXTENSIVELY TAPPED IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND IN SOME OF OUR DISTRICT HOSPITALS, THERE IS SCOPE FOR GREATER DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY IN OUTLYING AREAS. IN TIME HOSPITAL STAFF SHOULD ALSO GO OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY WITH PROGRAMMES OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND HOME CARE.
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES, WHICH IS EXPANDING AND BECOMING MORE COMPLEX IN HONG KONG, DR. FANG REPORTED THAT THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WHICH HE CHAIRED HAS ESTABLISHED SIX SUB-COMMITTEES IN THE AREAS OF PERSONNEL, EMPLOYMENT, ACCESS AND TRANSPORT, EDUCATION, HOUSING AND SPORT AND RECREATION. EACH OF THESE SIX HAS THREE DISABLED MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED THUS FAR BUT THERE ARE TWO AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO WHICH THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WILL GIVE FURTHER ATTENTION IN THE COMING YEAR. THESE ARE THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED MANPOWER AND THE NEED TO GATHER AND UPDATE INFORMATION ON THE NUMBERS OF DISABLED IN THE COMMUNITY AND THEIR FORMS OF DISABILITIES, THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL REGISTRY. HE ACKNOWLEDGED THE HELP THAT WOULD BE GIVEN TO THIS BY THE 1981 CENSUS WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE DISABLED.
/ANOTHER ISSUE .
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
ANOTHER ISSUE HE RAISED WAS PUBLIC HOUSING. IN ORDER TO REDUCE OUR HEAVY PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME AND TO ENABLE POORER FAMILIES TO BENEFIT FROM SUBSIDISED ACCOMMODATION, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD RE-ASSESS THE INCOME OF ITS TENANTS AT FIVE YEARLY INTERVALS AND REQUIRE THOSE WHO EARN IN EXCESS OF THE LIMIT TO MOVE INTO A HOME OWNERSHIP FLAT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BY 1982/1983 THE RATIO OF HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS TO PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORITY WILL BE IN THE REGION OF 25 OOO i 500 000 OR ABOUT li20.
SINCE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAS PROVED THAT THERE IS A GREAT DEMAND FOR PEOPLE TO OWN THEIR FLATS, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW AND REDUCE THIS RATIO. HE ALSO LOOKED FORWARD TO HEARING THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE POSITION OF THOSE MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES WHO ARE JUST ABOVE THE INCOME LIMIT FOR THESE FLATS.
♦THE QUICKER THAT GOVERNMENT CAN SATISFY THE DEMAND FOR HOME OWNERSHIP, THE GREATER IS THE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL STABILITY AND COMMUNITY IDENTITY,♦ HE SAID.
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UK-HK RELATIONSHIP SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED — LO *****
THE HON. T.S. LO’S COMMENTS dN THE ANNUAL POLICY SPEECH MADE BY THE GOVERNOR AT THE OPENING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION WERE CONFINED TO ITS REFERENCE TO HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UK.
SPEAKING IN THE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON, MR. LO SAID HE ACCEPTS THE CRITICISM THAT WE IN HONG KONG DO AT TIMES TEND TO TAKE THIS RELATIONSHIP FOR GRANTED.
♦THE RESULT IS THAT ON THE ONE HAND TOO FEW BUSINESS DECISIONS ARE MADE CONSCIOUSLY TO BENEFIT BRITAIN, AND ON THE OTHER HAND TOO SELDOM DO WE DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE BRITISH PUBLIC TO THE BENEFITS ARISING FROM BRITAIN’S ASSOCIATION WITH HONG KONG.+
♦EXCEPTIONALLY,♦ HE SAID, +1 KNOW THERE ARE THOSE WISE BUSINESS LEADERS IN HONG KONG WITH FAR-SIGHTED VISION AND PERHAPS MEMORIES OF ANOTHER TIME AND ANOTHER PLACE WHO RISK CONSIDERABLE PERSONAL FORTUNES AS WELL AS EXPEND CONSIDERABLE PERSONAL ENERGY TO FAVOUR BRITAIN AND THUS THE UK-HONG KONG RELATIONSHIP.
♦AT ONE TIME, AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF SIMPLISTIC COLONIAL RULE, GOVERNMENT POLICY REQUIRED PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT OF BRITISH GOODS. IN MODERN TIMES, IT IS OBVIOUSLY NO LONGER APPROPRIATE TO IMPOSE RULES OF THIS KIND.
/HOWEVER, IN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
4
♦HOWEVER, IN ITS PLACE, RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OUGHT SERIOUSLY TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO BUY BRITISH. IT IS OBVIOUSLY VITAL TO THE MILLIONS OF OUR PEOPLE FOR WHOM HONG KONG IS THEIR ONLY HOME THAT THE UK-HONG KONG RELATIONSHIP SHOULD CONTINUOUSLY BE BUILT UP AND STRENGTHENED.♦
MR. LO SAID TAKING THIS RELATIONSHIP FOR GRANTED HAS LED US INTO ANOTHER EQUALLY SERIOUS MISTAKE.
♦WE TEND TO FORGET THE EXTENT OF OUR BENEFIT AND USEFULNESS TO BRITAIN AND WE FAIL TO ASSESS IT, WE DO NOT TALK ABOUT IT WITH THE RESULT THAT TO A LARGE EXTENT THE BRITISH PUBLIC IS TOTALLY UNAWARE OF IT. ALL THAT WE DO PUBLICISE IS THE VISIBLE TRADE FIGURES WHICH SHOW A BALANCE IN HONG KONG’S FAVOUR. THEY ARE CLEARLY MISLEADING AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE TRUE POSITION.
♦AMONGST OTHER THINGS THAT THESE VISIBLE TRADE FIGURES DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ARE THE ASTRONOMICAL VALUE OF UK’S MONOPOLY IN PROVIDING AIR SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BRITAIN- THE SUMS REMITTED FROM HONG KONG TO THE UK ARISING FROM SALARIES, PENSIONS, SHARE DIVIDENDS, CONSULTANCY FEES AND OTHER INVESTMENT BENEFITS-THE VALUE OF HONG KONG AS THE OUTPOST OF BRITISH FIRMS THROUGH WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BUILD UP CONSIDERABLE TRADE RELATIONS IN ASIA AND THE VALUE OF HONG KONG IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS.*
♦THE TIME HAS COME.+ HE SAID, +FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS THE ECONOMIC AS WELL AS THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF HONG KONG TO BRITAIN AND WITH THE HELP OF OUR HONG KONG OFFICE IN LONDON TO PUBLICISE IT. IF IN THE ASSESSMENT WE ARE FOUND WANTING THEN WE SHOULD,TAKE STEPS TO REMEDY THE POSITION.+
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GOVERNMENT TO HOLD MEETINGS WITH NURSES * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SEVERAL NURS ING STAFF ASSOCIATIONS HAVE REQUESTED MEETINGS WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS.
TWO MEETINGS HAVE NOW BEEN ARRANGED. THE ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT NURSING STAFF WILL MEET MR. ROWLANDS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 9.30 A.M.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NURSING UNITS OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION AND THE UNION OF MIDWIVES WILL MEET THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2) AT 11 A.M.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT OFFICIALS FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH WOULD LISTEN TO STAFF VIEWS AND EXPLAIN TO THEM THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND ITS ROLE IN THE FUTURE.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
5
UMELCO PLEDGES TO GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS
******
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG ASSURED THE GOVERNOR THAT UMELCO WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE CAREFUL AND CRITICAL ATTENTION TO PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND REPRESENTATIONS CONCERNING BONA-FIDE GRIEVANCES.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON BEHALF OF THE UNOFFICIALS IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNOR’S REMARKS IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF UMELCO AS A CHANNEL FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.
THAT SIDE OF UMELCO WORK IS EQUALLY VALUED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, AND OFTEN PROVIDES A FURTHER DIMENSION TO THEIR DELIBERATIONS AND MATERIAL FOR QUESTIONS AND DEBATE IN THE COUNCIL, MR. CHEUNG SAID.
OF KEY IMPORTANCE IS THE CONTINUING CLOSE DAILY CO-OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT IN FULFILMENT OF THE THREE CHARTER RIGHTS OF THE UMELCO COMPLAINTS SYSTEM, AND THESE HE POINTED OUT ARE THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION, INCLUDING ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT FILES AND CORRESPONDENCE, AND PAPERS ON POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS- THE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERSAND THE RIGHT TO CHALLENGE THE ACTIONS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
♦ IN SUCH RESPECTS WE VENTURE TO THINK THAT THIS INSTITUTION IS UNIQUE, AND PERHAPS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN SIMILAR BUT MORE CIRCUMSCRIBED INSTITUTIONS ELSEWHERE.
♦ WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXERCISE THESE RIGHTS VIGOROUSLY, AND WHEN PUBLIC GRIEVANCES ARE BROUGHT TO US, WE WILL EXAMINE THEM SYMPATHETICALLY AND IF FOUND JUSTIFIED, PURSUE THE RIGHTS OF THE COMPLAINANTS,* HE SAID.
MR. CHEUNG ALSO CONVEYED THE WARM WELCOME OF THE UNOFFICIALS TO THE GOVERNOR FOR THE EXTENSION OF HIS TERM.
♦ HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT HAS CHOSEN WISELY AND WELL. IT IS A CHOICE THAT HAS INSTILLED CONFIDENCE ABROAD AND THAT HAS GIVEN SATISFACTION, I RATHER THINK, TO THE GOVERNMENT IN BEIJING,♦ HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED FOR CONSIDERATION A REVISED PROCEDURE IN FUTURE FOR THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNOR HAD FOR SOME TIME PAST, CONFINED HIS ADDRESS TO BROAD ISSUES, LEAVING THE DETAILED EXPOSITIONS TO THE SECRETARIES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENT.
HE THOUGHT THAT IF THESE OFFICIALS WERE TO SPEAK FOLLOWING THE GOVERNOR AND NOT THE UNOFFICIALS, THE UNOFFICIALS WOULD HAVE ’THE WHOLE BOOK’ BEFORE THEM BEFORE THEY SPEAK. THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO WIND UP, WITH PERHAPS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND SUCH OTHER OFFICIALS AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE REPLYING. THIS WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MORE PURPOSEFUL DEBATE, HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979 6 -
GOVERNMENT URGED TO ACT NOW ON LAND PRODUCTION BEYOND MID-198O’S ******
THE HON. LI FOOK-WO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ACT AND TO PLAN AHEAD NOW ON LAND PRODUCTION FOR THE PERIOD UP TO AND BEYOND THE MID-1980’S SO THAT THERE WILL BE ENOUGH OF IT AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME FOR ALL THE ESSENTIAL USES OF THE COMMUNITY.
EVEN TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE PRESSURE OF DEMAND ON DOMESTIC RESOURCES, ARGUABLY MORE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN OUR HOUSING PROGRAMME, AND NO MATTER WHAT CLASS IT IS IN OR WHETHER PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HOUSING REQUIRES LAND, MR. LI SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE ANNUAL DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS TO THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
THE AMENITIES AND INFRA-STRUCTURE TO SUPPORT LIFE IN THE AREA OF THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS DEMAND MORE LAND AND IF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE TO BE PROVIDED NEARBY, THAT WILL REQUIRE STILL MORE LAND, HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH AT LEAST 40 HECTARES OF GENERAL INDUSTRIAL LAND AND 80 HECTARES OF NON-INDUSTRI AL LAND WILL BE AVAILABLE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1982, THE FORECAST FOR THE MID-1980’S IS FOR A REDUCTION IN LAND PRODUCED FOR ALL PURPOSES. +THIS IS A WARNING SIGNAL WHICH WE MUST HEED.+
HE REGRETTED THE CUT-BACK ON GOVERNMENT SPENDING DURING THE RECESSIONARY YEARS OF 1974 AND 1975 WHICH CAN NOW BE SEEN TO HAVE BEEN SHORT-SIGHTED AND UNNECESSARY, AND WHICH HAS BEEN PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXISTING SHORTAGE OF LAND.
♦HAD WE NOT PLAYED STOP-GO IN THOSE YEARS, WE WOULD NOT BE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION ... IF, THEREFORE, WE SHOULD REFRAIN AGAIN FROM SPENDING NOW ON THE PRODUCTION OF MORE LAND, WE SHALL BE REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKE, ALTHOUGH IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES,♦ HE SAID.
HE AGREED WITH THE GOVERNOR’S CONCERN FOR AN EARLY START ON OPENING UP NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS AND FOR EXTENSION OF SHA TIN UP THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE COVE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY, BUT POINTED OUT THAT DUE TO THE LEAD TIME REQUIRED, NO LAND IS LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE FROM SUCH LARGE PROJECTS UNTIL WELL AFTER THE MID-198O’S UNLESS TOP PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO THE TWO AREAS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT OTHER NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS SHOULD BE SELECTED FOR EARLY EXPLOITATION AND WORKS IN EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE BROUGHT FORWARD FOR EARLIER COMPLETION.
GREATER RELIANCE COULD BE PLACED ON PRIVATE DEVELOPERS AND INDUSTRIAL CORPORATIONS, WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR ABILITY TO PRODUCE BUILDING SITES FROM UNFORMED LAND, GENERALLY MORE QUICKLY AND AT LESS COST.
THERE WOULD BE MUCH MORE SCOPE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN AREAS OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS, ESPECIALLY WITH DEFINITE IMPROVEMENT IN THE WATER SUPPLY SITUATION IN THESE AREAS. A REVIEW MIGHT ALSO BE UNDERTAKEN OF FORMED LAND WHICH HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR INTERIM USE, SUCH AS FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, STORAGE SITES AND REFUGEE CAMPS.
/MR. LI ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
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MR. LI BELIEVED THAT WITH ADEQUATE PLANNING, AN ACCELERATED PROGRAMME OF LAND PRODUCTION WOULD ONLY HAVE MINIMAL RISKS OF ERODING OUR SOCIAL PRIORITIES AND ECONOMIC PRUDENCE.
THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND IS NOW MORE IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY’S OUTPUT AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HIMSELF GAVE A GENERALLY FAVOURABLE REPORT ON THE STATE OF OUR ECONOMY AT MID-YEAR. OUR SOUNDER FINANCIAL POSITION, TOGETHER WITH THE VERY CONSIDERABLE FISCAL RESERVES. SHOULD PERMIT SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO BE CHANNELLED TO LAND PRODUCTION WITHOUT ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON OUR SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMMES, HE EXPLAINED.
WITH THE FORTHCOMING CHANGE TO LUMP SUM PAYMENTS FOR NONINDUSTRIAL LAND, AND WITH MORE LAND BECOMING AVAILABLE FOR SALE, HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE A COOLING OFF IN THE LAND MARKET. HE HAD EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO BE INJECTED INTO THE PIPELINE FOR LARGER AND SPEEDIER LAND PRODUCTION WILL BE SPENT JUDICIOUSLY BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
FURTHERMORE, THE PRESSURE ON THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY APPEARS TO HAVE EASED TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, AND FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE MTR IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, INCREASED EXPENDITURE ON LAND PRODUCTION ALONE IS UNLIKELY TO OVER-EXTEND THE BUILDING INDUSTRY, HE SAID.
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HOUSING PROGRAMME SHOULD MATCH NEEDS AND HOPES OF SOCIETY ******
THE HON. ROGER LOBO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT WE HAVE PURSUED FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS THE IDEAL OF DECENT HOUSING FOR EVERY FAMILY, WITH REAL SUCCESS IN TERMS OF SHEER NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ALREADY HOUSED- BUT IN TERMS OF CONTINUING NEED, REAL SUCCESS IS AS DISCOURAGINGLY FAR AWAY AS EVER.
♦OUR HOUSING PROGRAMME WILL BE JUDGED HERE IN HONG KONG NOT SIMPLY ON STATISTICS BUT ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT IS FELT TO HAVE MATCHED THE NEEDS AND HOPES OF OUR SOCIETY,* HE SAID.
HE ACKNOWLEDGED THE DIFFICULTIES! PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION WHICH WAS ADEQUATE WHEN THE PROGRAMME BEGAN HAS BECOME SUB-STANDARD AND THE EARLY RESETTLEMENT ACCOMMODATION HAS TO BE REPLACED. A NEW PROBLEM IS THE INCREASED RATES OF IMMIGRATION.
IT IS EASY TO SAY THAT HOUSING SHOULD BE GIVEN HIGHER PRIORITY BUT PRIORITY IS A RELATIVE MEASURE, HE SAID. IT IS SIMPLISTIC TO ACCUSE THE GOVERNMENT OF INSINCERITY BECAUSE IT IS NOT ALL IMMEDIATELY COMMITTED TO THE PROGRAMME AND IT IS DANGEROUSLY IRRESPONSIBLE TO DRAW SUCH A CONCLUSION IN OUR PRESENT ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES.
FURTHERMORE, MONEY IS NOT THE ONLY RESOURCE REQUIRED. THERE IS THE CAPACITY OF OUR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND THE AVAILABILITY OF LAND WHICH ITSELF DISTORTS THE PROGRESS OF OUR HOUSING PROGRAMME AND CREATES DISAPPOINTMENT.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
8
♦THIS YEAR APPROXIMATELY 57 OOO PEOPLE WILL MOVE INTO PUBLIC HOUSING SIMPLY BECAUSE THE LAND THEY LIVE ON HAS TO BE CLEARED FOR DEVELOPMENT, MOSTLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
♦AS MUCH AS A THIRD OF NEW PUBLIC HOUSING IS PRESENTLY COMMITTED IN THIS WAY WITH INEVITABLE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR THOUSANDS ON THE WAITING LIST.+ HE SAID.
HE SYMPATHISED WITH THEIR DISAPPOINTMENTi +TODAY MORE THAN TWO MILLION PEOPLE, 46 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION, LIVE IN HOMES PROVIDED OR SUBSIDISED BY OUR GOVERNMENT YET IN THE LAST 11 YEARS ONLY 63 000 OF THE FAMILIES, SAY 300 000 PEOPLE, WHO HAVE MOVED INTO PUBLIC HOUSING CAME FROM THE WAITING LIST.
♦DURING THOSE 11 YEARS THREE TIMES AS MANY, 191 000 FAMILIES, OR NEARLY ONE MILLION PEOPLE, WERE REJECTED WHEN THEIR NUMBERS DID COME UP, BECAUSE THEY NO LONGER MET THE INCOME OR SPACE CRITERIA.
♦IT IS AN INESCAPABLE CONCLUSION THAT THIS WAS A SIMPLE RESULT OF THE LONG TIME THEY HAD WAITED ON THE LIST.+
HE HOPED THE REVIEW ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR CONCERNING THOSE FAMILIES WHOSE INCOME JUST EXCEEDED THE $5 000 LIMIT SET FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME MAY LEAD TO SOME RELIEF FOR THESE PEOPLE +WHOSE CHIEF FAULT IS TO HAVE WAITED TOO LONG.+
IT CANNOT BE REGARDED AS A HEALTHY ASPECT OF OUR PROGRAMME THAT IT SOMETIMES SEEMS TO FAVOUR THE SQUATTER WHO IS LUCKY ENOUGH .TO LIVE ON LAND WHICH MUST BE CLEARED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PATIENT FAMILY ON THE WAITING LIST.
WE OUGHT TO EXPLORE BETTER MEANS OF MEETING THEIR EXPECTATIONS. +IF WE DO NOT THEN ALL THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR HOUSING PROGRAMME AND ALL THE RESOURCES WE ARE ABLE TO EXPEND ON IT WILL BE UNDERVALUED,♦ HE SAID.
HE FELT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOW MONITOR CLOSELY THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND THE STATE OF PLAY IN RESPECT OF SUPPORTING SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES IN THE PIPELINE, FOR IT APPEARS TO HIM THAT SOME OF THESE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES DO NOT TIE IN PARTICULARLY WELL WITH SOME OF THE HOUSING PROJECTS IN PROGRESS, PARTICULARLY IN THE URBAN AREAS.
♦ARE WE SATISFIED THAT WHERE THERE ARE MAJOR POPULATION SHIFTS OR NEW POPULATION CENTRES ESTABLISHED, THAT WE HAVE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES IN THE FORM OF POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE, CLINICS, SCHOOLS, ROAD, PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND SO ON?
♦SHOULD WE NOT TAKE ANOTHER GOOD LOOK TO SEE IF THERE IS NEED FOR IMPROVED CO-ORDINATION OF URBAN AREAS’ PUBLIC WORKS AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND IF WE SHOULD NOT EXTEND THE NT PROJECT MANAGER SCHEME TO URBAN AREA DISTRICTS?* HE ASKED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE HE LAST SPOKE OF THE MIDDLEINCOME ’SANDWICHED SOCIETY’ IN THE COUNCIL, THEIR RELATIVE POSITION HAS BEEN STILL MORE SERIOUSLY ERODED.
/+IT IS ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
9
♦IT IS EASY TO SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT IN THE GREATEST NEED AND THAT THEY ARE RELATIVELY BETTER ABLE TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES OR EVEN ACCEPT LESS THAN THEIR PREVIOUS EXPECTATIONS, BUT FOR THE GOOD OF OUR SOCIETY AS A WHOLE WE SHOULD NOT RISK THE DISILLUSIONMENT OF AN IMPORTANT GROUP.
. +WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT A PRIVILEGED CLASS HERE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, WHO COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO OUR SYSTEM AND HAVE A FULL CLAIM ON OUR CONCERN,+ HE SAID.
MR. LOBO ALSO COMMENTED ON THE CONTINUING PROBLEM OF SHORTAGE OF TRAINED MANPOWER IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD.
HE NOTED THAT THE SITUATION WILL, IF ANYTHING, DETERIORATE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, DESPITE THE WELFARE CLASS REVIEW IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND AN INCREASE IN SUPPLY FROM TRAINING INSTITUTIONS.
THIS COULD POSE SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES IN ACHIEVING THE TARGETS SET OUT IN THE 1977 WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION AND THE 1979 WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE.
HE SUGGESTED THE SOLUTION, IF ONLY ON A TEMPORARY BASIS, OF RELAXING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK FOR ENTRY INTO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER.
SOME MIGHT ARGUE THAT THIS WOULD DILUTE THE QUALITY OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION BUT IT IS SURELY MORE IMPORTANT THAT OUR SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT ON SCHEDULE, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO INTRODUCE SOME FORM OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING OR TO GRANT STUDY LEAVE FOR OFFICERS TO OBTAIN POST-GRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS IF NECESSARY, AND THAT MANY OF THE GRADUATE OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT APPOINTED BEFORE 1972 DID NOT HAVE A SOCIAL WORK DEGREE AND YET HAVE SERVED THE DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMUNITY WELL OVER THE YEARS.
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GOVT URGED TO FIND SOLUTION QUICKLY TO HIGH HOUSING COSTS * X * *
THE REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN WARNED THE GOVERNMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A SOLUTION MUST BE FOUND QUICKLY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF HOUSING COSTS.
♦IF NOT, WE WILL HAVE A SITUATION WHERE THE COST OF HOUSING WILL BE SO FAR BEYOND THE POCKET OF THE ORDINARY CITIZEN, OR EVEN PERHAPS THE EXTRAORDINARY MULTI-NATIONAL CITIZEN, THAT EITHER THE NEW HOUSES WILL REMAIN UNOCCUPIED, OR WAGES OR THEIR EQUIVALENT IN HOUSING ALLOWANCES OR SUBSIDIES WILL BE INCREASED TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT WE WILL BE INTO A SELF-DEFEATING SPIRAL OF INFLATION.♦
FR. MCGOVERN SAID SOME FACTORS IN THE HIGH COST ARE INTERNAL AND ARE WITHIN OUR POWER TO CONTROL! ♦ONE OF THEM IS GREED, SOMETIMES EUPHEMISTICALLY CALLED THE PROFIT MOTIVE.♦
/HE SAID ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
10
HE SAID MANY SOLUTIONS HAVE BEEN TRIED ELSEWHERE AND TO A LESSER EXTENT HERE BUT ONE THING SEEMS CLEARt +THERE WILL HAVE TO BE, IN SOME SHAPE OR FORM, MUCH MORE GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAN HONG KONG HAS BEEN WILLING TO TRY UP TO NOW.
+THE HOLY COW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND WILL HAVE TO BE SACRIFICED. THE BEAST IS ALREADY DEAD ANYHOW BECAUSE IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT THE UNCONTROLLED PRIVATE SECTOR, WHATEVER IT MAY CLAIM IN THE PAST, IS NOT ABLE OR WILLING TO PRODUCE WHAT WE NEED AT A PRICE WE CAN AFFORD.*
SPECULATORS CAN BUY AND SELL PROPERTY FOR LARGE PROFITS, SOMETIMES TWO OR THREE TIMES OVER, BEFORE THE BUILDING OF THE PROPERTY HAS EVEN BEGUN. THE RESULT OF THIS SPECULATION IS THAT THE END USER, WHETHER TENANT OR OWNER, PAYS MUCH MORE THAN IS NECESSARY OR REASONABLE OR JUST, FR. MCGOVERN SAID.
HE FELT THAT FRIGHTENING OFF CERTAIN TYPES OF DEVELOPERS - OR MORE ACCURATELY SPECULATORS IN SOME SORT OF RELATIONSHIP WITH DEVELOPERS - WITH GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE, WOULD BE NO LOSS TO THE INDUSTRY. IT WOULD BE A GAIN FOR BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND FOR HONEST DEVELOPERS.
HE PROPOSED +A PRIVATE SECTOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME*, WITH THE GOVERNMENT OFFERING LAND AT A FAIR PRICE, AS OPPOSED TO THE OVERHEATED MARKET PRICE WHICH HAS BEEN AT THE BASE OF THE HIGH-PRICE PROPERTY SPIRAL.
THIS COULD BE DONE BY AGREEMENT WITH SPECIFIED CONTRACTORS WHO IN TURN WOULD CONTRACT TO BUILD HOUSES FOR DIRECT SALE TO FIRST OWNER OCCUPIERS AT A CORRESPONDINGLY FAIR PRICE.
HONEST DEVELOPERS WOULD NOT OBJECT TO THIS PROPOSAL AS A FAIR PROFIT WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE FAIR PRICE, FR. MCGOVERN SAID, OR WOULD THE FINANCE BRANCH +SINCE WE HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT ANY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HIGH PRICE OF LAND AND THE GAIN TO REVENUE IS ENTIRELY ACCIDENTAL.*
SOME MIGHT SAY THAT NOT CHARGING THE MAXIMUM PRICE FOR LAND WOULD BE THE EQUIVALENT OF GIVING A SUBSIDY TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, HE SAID, BUT HE WOULD NOT LOOK ON IT THAT WAY.
IT WOULD BE FAIR, HE THOUGHT, TO DESCRIBE SUCH A POLICY AS GOVERNMENT PUTTING INTO PRACTICE THE ADVICE WHICH THE GOVERNOR GAVE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN HIS ANNUAL POLICY SPEECH WHERE, AS A REMEDY FOR INFLATION, HE ADVOCATED MODERATION EVEN THOUGH +THIS INVOLVES FOREGOING SOME SHORT-TERM PROFIT FOR THE SAKE OF LONG-TERM STABILITY.*
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/11 ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
- 11 -
GOVT TOLD TO TAKE STOCK AS HK MOVES INTO THE ’80S *****
THE HON. LYDIA DUNN TOLD THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT SHOULD TAKE STOCK OF OUR SITUATION, NOW THAT WE ARE MOVING INTO THE DECADE OF THE 1980’S, AND DECIDE WITH THE UNOFFICIALS ON THE PROBLEMS AND TASKS TO BE ACCORDED PRIORITY ATTENTION IN THE COMING YEARS.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON, MISS DUNN SUGGESTED FOUR SUCH TOP PRIORITY PROBLEMS AND TASKSi
* THE PURSUIT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH STABILITY-
* CONTAINMENT OF POPULATION GROWTH AND THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW, ORDER AND SECURITY-
* CONTINUOUS ADAPTATION AND MODERNISATION OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND PRACTICES OF GOVERNMENT- AND
* AN ACCEPTABLE SETTLEMENT TO SECURE OUR FUTURE.
ON THE FIRST TASK, MISS DUNN NOTED THAT THERE WERE CLEAR SIGNS AROUND THE WORLD THAT OUR LONG-ESTABLISHED PRINCIPLES OF ALLOWING MAXIMUM FREEDOM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC POTENTIAL ARE BECOMING MUCH MORE FASHIONABLE.
MISS DUNN SAIDi +CERTAINLY, IN THE FUTURE, AS IN THE PAST, WE MIST AVOID POLICY DECISIONS OF AN INTERVENTIONIST KIND SIMPLY BECAUSE WE PASS THROUGH DEFLATIONARY AND INFLATIONARY PERIODS FROM TIME TO-TIME, OR BECAUSE WE ARE POLITICALLY RELUCTANT TO KEEP THE PUBLIC SECTOR UNDER CONTROL.*
SHE SAID HOWEVER THAT SHE WAS NOT A DOCTRINAIRE OPPONENT OF INTERVENTION, AND SHE NOTED THAT THERE WERE SOME PEOPLE AT PRESENT WHO, DISMAYED AND UNSETTLED BY INFLATIONARY PRESSURES, WOULD FAVOUR A GREATER DEGREE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION.
FOR THIS REASON, SHE WOULD, AT THIS POINT, ASK THE GOVERNMENT FOR A DEFINITIVE STATEMENT OF ITS VIEWS ON THE PRESENT HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND WOULD IN PARTICULAR WANT TO BE ASSURED THAT THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST SOME FORM OF EXTENSION OF RENT CONTROL WERE REALLY COMPELLING.
TURNING TO THE SECOND PROBLEM, MISS DUNN POINTED OUT THAT OUR NATURAL POPULATION GROWTH, FOR 10 AND MORE YEARS UP TO 1977, WAS CONTAINED TO UNDER TWO PER CENT PER ANNUM, BUT IF THE RATE OF LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS IS TO CONTINUE, OUR POPULATION WILL BE GROWING AT ABOUT SIX PER CENT PER ANNUM, OR AN EXTRA 300 000 PEOPLE AND MORE EVERY YEAR.
IN THE SHORT TERM, THESE INFLOWS MAY ENLARGE OUR PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY THEREBY HELPING TO KEEP WAGES FROM RISING EXCESSIVELY FAST AND DAMAGING OUR EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS.
/3UT IF ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1979
12 -
BUT IF THERE IS A RECESSION, THE INEVITABLE DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON WAGE RATES WILL BE GREATER AND INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT COULD LAST LONGER. THE RESULT COULD BE SOCIAL UNREST, SHE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, TO THE EXTENT THAT WAGE LEVELS ARE DEPRESSED OR INCREASE MORE SLOWLY, INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE LESS INCENTIVE TO MOVE INTO HIGH-TECHNOLOGY, CAPITAL-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES GENERATING HIGHER ADDED VALUE.
SHE THEREFORE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTAINING THE FLOW OF LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.
LINKED TO THE PROBLEM OF POPULATION GROWTH IS THE KEEPING OF LAW AND ORDER, AND SECURITY IN HONG KONG.
♦OBVIOUSLY, HONG KONG IN THE 198O’S MUST HAVE A POLICE FORCE CAPABLE OF A FLEXIBLE RESPONSE. THIS MEANS IT MUST BE HIGHLY TRAINED AND PROPERLY MOTIVATED AND PROVIDED WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY,♦ SHE SAID.
THE THIRD PRIORITY TASK WHICH MISS DUNN THOUGHT SHOULD BE GIVEN ATTENTION IS THE ADAPTATION AND MODERNISATION, ON A CONTINUING BASIS, OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND PRACTICES OF GOVERNMENT, SO THAT, SHE SAID, +THEY WILL MATCH HONG KONG’S STATUS AS A MODERN INTERNATIONAL CITY THAT HAS A REPUTATION OF BEING ’A CITY THAT WORKS’.♦
WHILE SHE HAD THE HIGHEST RESPECT FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, SHE FELT IT WAS ANOTHER THING TO BE SATISFIED THAT THE ORGANISATION OF GOVERNMENT’S INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION IS TAILORED TO PRESENT DAY NEEDS, AND SHE SUGGESTED THAT IT IS TIME FOR AN IN DEPTH STUDY, PERHAPS WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNOFFICIALS, OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TOP MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE.
SHE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT TAKE A HARD LOOK AT OUR NETWORK OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
SHE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG IN THE 1980*S WILL SEE A NEW GENERATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO KNOW NO HOME OTHER THAN HONG KONG AND WHILST NOT INSENSITIVE TO THE GEO-POLITICAL REALITIES WHICH DETERMINE THE WAY HONG KONG IS GOVERNED, WILL WISH TO BE MEANINGFULLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOVERNING PROCESS.
COMMENTING ON THE FOURTH PRIORITY TASK WHICH DEMANDS OUR ATTENTION, MISS DUNN SAID THE SEEKING OF AN ACCEPTABLE SETTLEMENT TO OUR FUTURE IS A DELICATE SUBJECT BUT IS NOT ONE TO BE AVOIDED.
SHE FELT BOUND TO SAY THAT EMPHASIS ON THE TRIPARTITE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA, HONG KONG AND BRITAIN SOMETIMES TENDS TO OVERLOOK THAT IT IS THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY WHICH IS AT STAKE.
♦HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE PATIENT, AND, IN THEIR OWN WAY, POLITICALLY SENSITIVE AND SENSIBLE. BUT ANXIETY - AND I AM NOT JUST REFERRING TO THE ANXIETY OF INVESTORS - ANXIETY WILL BECOME APPARENT IF A SOLUTION TO OUR POLITICAL FUTURE IS NOT SOUGHT AND AGREED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,♦ SHE SAID.
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/13 ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
- 15 -
PROBE ON BUILDING NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SHOULD BE RE-OPENED ft * * * ft
THE HON. S. L. CHEN SUGGESTED TO THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT SHOULD RE-OPEN THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF BUILDING A NUCLEAR POWER STATION FOR HONG KONG.
HE WAS COMMENTING ON HONG KONG’S ENERGY SUPPLY IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNOR’S REVIEW OF THE ECONOMY IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦WHILE WE ANTICIPATE THAT FROM 1982 COAL WILL BE INCREASINGLY USED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY, THUS PROGRESSIVELY REDUCING OUR RELIANCE ON OIL, A LONGER TERM SOLUTION TO THE VITAL QUESTION OF ENERGY HAS YET TO BE FOUND,♦ HE SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT IN 1975, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO POWER COMPANIES, A STUDY WAS MADE ON THE POSSIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING A NUCLEAR POWER STATION.
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY IN VIENNA, A REPORT ON THE STUDY WAS COMPLETED AND PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT IN 1977 BUT THE MATTER WAS PUT IN ABEYANCE PARTLY DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION AND PARTLY BECAUSE IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE ECONOMIC SIZE OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE REACTORS WOULD HAVE A CAPACITY IN EXCESS OF HONG KONG’S NEED.
HOWEVER, IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXCELLENT RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG AND CHINA’S NEW ECONOMIC POLICIES, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO BUILD A PLANT TO SUPPLY BOTH GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG. THE COMBINED DEMAND OF THE TWO SYSTEMS WOULD BE SUCH AS TO MAKE THE SCHEME PRACTICABLE, HE SAID.
MR. CHEN BELIEVED THAT, WITH GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION, SUCH A SCHEME IS NOT BEYOND THE REALMS OF REALITY AND WOULD PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUCH OF THE MONEY IN HONG KONG THAT IS AT PRESENT BEING CHANNELLED INTO FUELLING THE ALREADY OVER-HEATED ♦PROPERTY CASINO^.
HE POINTED OUT THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION. BECAUSE WE HAVE TO RELY ALMOST ENTIRELY ON OIL FOR OUR SUPPLY OF ENERGY, THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE RECENT UNCERTAINTY OF OIL SUPPLY HAVE BEEN MORE ACUTE FOR US THAN FOR MOST OTHER COUNTRIES. HAD THE OIL PRICE IN 1978 BEEN AT TODAY’S PRICE, THAT IS ABOUT S7OO INSTEAD OF 1370 PER METRIC TON, OUR TRADE GAP THAT YEAR WOULD HAVE BEEN WIDER BY A ♦WHOPPING $1 300 MILLION+.
HE SAID HE HAS REASON TO SUSPECT THAT HONG KONG IS NOT GETTING A FAIR SHARE OF THE AVAILABLE FUEL OIL AND SO HAS NO OPTION BUT TO MAKE UP THE SHORTFALL BY BUYING FROM THE SPOT MARKET AT A MUCH HIGHER PR ICE.
♦THE GOVERNMENT MAY WISH TO INVESTIGATE AND CONSIDER WHAT MEASURES, IF ANY, SHOULD BE TAKEN TO SAFEGUARD OUR INTERESTS,* HE SAID.
/ON THE...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1979
ON THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IN GENERAL, MR. CHEN AGREED WITH THE FISCAL AND MONETARY MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR TO COMBAT INFLATION AND TO RESTRICT THE GROWTH OF CREDIT CREATION.
HE THOUGHT THAT AFTER A CONTINUOUS THREE OR POSSIBLY FOUR YEARS OF RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH, A TEMPORARY SLOW-DOWN FOLLOWING THE TREND OF THE WORLD ECONOMY MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE A BAD THING FOR HONG KONG.
♦IT WOULD GIVE OUR INDUSTRY AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSOLIDATE AND MAKE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS. SUCH ADJUSTMENTS SHOULD AIM AT UPGRADING PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND TECHNIQUES AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND SKILLS OF THE WORK FORCE SO THAT OUR INDUSTRY WOULD BE IN A POSITION TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO AND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RENEWED MARKET DEMAND ONCE THE ECONOMY OF THE INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES PICKS UP AGAIN,♦ HE SAID.
HE THEREFORE APPEALED AGAIN TO THE GOVERNMENT, ASKING IT TO INVEST IN DEVELOPING HONG KONG’S MANPOWER RESOURCES AND IN BUILDING AN EFFICIENT INDUSTRIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE.
♦ONLY WITH GREATER COMMITMENTS ON THE PART OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN WE HOPE TO PRESERVE WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND TO STRIVE FOR GREATER PROSPERITY.+ HE SAID.
HE WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD BE DEVELOPED INTO SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITIES.
WHILE IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER, NO LESS THAN 748 000 SQUARE METRES OF FACTORY SPACE HAVE BEEN BUILT IN THE NEW TOWNS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH OF THIS SPACE HAS BEEN TAKEN UP AND AT WHAT RATE IT IS BEING TAKEN UP, AND WHETHER THERE ARE SUFFICIENT INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE RAPID OCCUPATION AND FULL UTILISATION OF THIS SPACE AS A MEANS OF BRINGING ABOUT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS, HE SAID.
IF THE RESIDENTS HAVE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT ELSEWHERE, THE GOVERNMENT MAY HAVE TO SPEND HUGE SUMS OF MONEY IN EXPANDING THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM. HE SUGGESTED THAT IT IS PRUDENT NOW TO REASSESS THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND SITUATION BEARING IN MIND THE ORIGINAL OBJECTIVE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS, SO THAT CORRECTIVE STEPS, IF NEEDED, COULD BE TAKEN AT THIS CRUCIAL STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT.
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FIVE-DAY WORKING WEEK ADVOCATED *****
LEUNG TAT-SHING ADVOCATED A FIVE-DAYWORKINGWEEK AND ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY IEW TO IMPLEMENTING IT IN DUE COURSE.
THE HON. FOR HONG KONG STUDY WITH A V
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE SAID a fivf-DAY WEEK HAS LONG BEEN THE PRACTICE IN MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES SUCH AS THE UK AND THE USA WHERE MOST WORKERS DO 40 HOURS
OR LESS A WEEK.
/HONG KONG
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1979
15
HONG KONG CANNOT EMULATE THEM IN WORKING FEWER HOURS AT THE PRESENT STAGE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PARTICULARLY IN INDUSTRY WHERE THERE IS STILL WIDESPREAD SHORTAGE OF LABOUR, BUT WE CAN STILL EXPERIMENT WITH A FIVE-DAY WEEK FOR OFFICE WORKERS.
HE MAINTAINED THAT LOSS OF FOUR WORKING HOURS ON SATURDAY EACH WEEK WOULD NOT NECESSARILY LEAD TO LESS PRODUCTIVITY. MOST DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICE MANAGERS ARE ONLY TOO FAMILIAR WITH THE CASUAL MOOD OF-THE SATURDAY SYNDROME WHILE ON THE OTHER HAND THE EXTRA LEISURE TIME WOULD HELP BOOST STAFF MORALE, IMPROVE STAFF RELATIONSHIP AND THEREBY LEAD TO INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY.
HE SUGGESTED THAT IF MANAGEMENT IS STILL SCEPTICAL OF THE IDEA
OF LOSING ONE-ELEVENTH OF ITS STAFF’S WORKING HOURS. AN EXTRA HOUR
COULD BE ADDED TO EACH OF THE FIVE WEEK DAYS TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOSS, AND MANY OFFICE WORKERS WOULD NOT HESITATE TO ACCEPT THIS.
IN ANY CASE, HE SAID, A WORKER IS GEARED FOR A FULL DAY’S WORK
WHEN HE GOES TO OFFICE SO AN EXTRA HOUR WOULD NOT MAKE TOO MUCH
DIFFERENCE. OVERALL PRODUCTIVITY WOULD MOST PROBABLY BE INCREASED AS WORK MOMENTUM COULD BE GATHERED AND SUSTAINED MORE EASILY, THAN ON A FOUR-HOUR SATURDAY, AND STAFF WOULD HAVE LESS TENDENCY TO LEAVE WORK OVER UNTIL THE FOLLOWING WEEK.
THE ARRANGEMENT WOULD ALSO SAVE ELECTRICITY AND OTHER NORMAL OFFICE MAINTENANCE EXPENSES - AND IT SHOULD COST LESS TO LEAVE THE AIR-CONDITIONING ON FOR AN EXTRA HOUR EACH DAY THAN TO PROVIDE IT ON SATURDAYS.
♦PRODUCTIVITY APART, A MAIN ARGUMENT FOR A NON-WORKING SATURDAY IS THE SAVING OF THE TIME, ENERGY AND MONEY NOW BEING SPENT BY MANY OFFICE WORKERS ON GETTING TO AND BACK FROM WORK ON SATURDAYS,♦ MR. LEUNG SAID.
FOR THOSE NOT LIVING CLOSE TO WORK, A TWO-WAY COMMUTING JOURNEY MAY TAKE AS MUCH AS THREE HOURS, WHICH WOULD BE A MOST INEFFICIENT USE OF TIME FOR A FOUR-HOUR WORKING SATURDAY, HE SAID.
TWO DAYS OF FULL UNINTERRUPTED HOLIDAY AT THE END OF THE WEEK WOULD ALLOW FOR MORE LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND FAMILY GATHERINGS OR EVEN TIME TO FINISH HOUSEHOLD CHORES.
THE EXTRA DAY HOLIDAY WOULD ALSO HELP TOWARDS A MORE EVEN DISTRIBUTION IN THE USE OF LEISURE AND RECREATION FACILITIES AT PRESENT OVER-CONCENTRATED ON SUNDAYS, HE SAID.
MR. LEUNG WAS AWARE THAT INEVITABLY SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICES WOULD HAVE TO REMAIN OPEN ON SATURDAYS. THESE WILL HAVE TO RETAIN THE ALTERNATE SATURDAYS OFF SYSTEM NOW ALREADY ENJOYED BY MANY GOVERNMENT OFFICES. HOWEVER FOR THOSE OFFICES WHICH HAVE NO REAL NEED TO OPEN ON SATURDAYS, THE FIVE-DAY WEEK SHOULD BE INTRODUCED. IF IT PROVES PRACTICABLE, IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID.
HE BELIEVED THE SCHEME WOULD FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG AND HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD GIVE HIS PROPOSAL SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.
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/16
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
16
PLANS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL ADMINISTRATION WELCOMED
******
THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT WELCOMED THE PLANS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR TO STRENGTHEN THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATION OF KWUN TONG, WHERE THE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FOR THE LAST 10 TO 15 YEARS FROM A REMOTE ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY WHOSE TOP OFFICIALS SELDOM COME TO THE DISTRICT AND DO NOT KNOW THE LIVE SITUATION.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SHE GAVE THE EXAMPLE OF THE ROAD SYSTEM.
SHE FOUND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNAWARE OF THE NEW ROAD FROM CHOI HUNG ACROSS THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION TO THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA, AND UNAWARE OF THE HEAVY TRAFFIC OF VEHICLES AND PEOPLE UP AND DOWN A ROAD THE AUTHORITY FIRST PROPOSED TO CLOSE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR. THE AUTHORITY WAS ALSO UNAWARE OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE USING FOOTPATHS AND STEPS TO PASS FROM ONE PART OF THE DISTRICT TO ANOTHER.
♦CLEARLY THIS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE LOCAL SITUATION BY THE ADMINISTRATORS AT THE TOP BREEDS FRUSTRATION AND ILL-WILL AMONG THE CITIZENS IN OUTLYING URBAN AREAS,♦ SHE STRESSED.
SHE WAS HOPEFUL THAT GREATER UNDERSTANDING WOULD NOW REACH THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES. IT SEEMED TO HER THAT THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, WHERE SHE OBTAINED READY HELP IN FINDING ABOUT THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE SCHEME, WAS AWARE OF THE NEED TO TREAT OUR URBAN AREAS AS INDIVIDUAL ENTITIES AND SO DEVELOP IN EACH OF THEM A REAL SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
A CITY OF FIVE MILLION CANNOT BE RULED OR ADMINISTERED IN THE SAME WAY AS A TERRITORY WITH A POPULATION OF LESS THAN TWO MILLION SUCH AS WAS HONG KONG WHEN SHE FIRST ARRIVED IN 1949.
IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT THE EXPERIMENT IN KWUN TONG RECEIVES THE FULL SUPPORT NOT ONLY OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, BUT ALSO OF ALL THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND THE STATUTORY BODIES, SUCH AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, SHE SAID.
MISS BENNETT POINTED OUT SOME OF THE DEFICIENCIES IN THE DISTRICT. OUT OF A POPULATION OF ABOUT 670 000, ABOUT 500 000 RESIDENTS LIVE IN LARGE HOUSING ESTATES. THE PEOPLE HAVE TO CROWD CLOSELY TOGETHER WITH VERY LITTLE OPEN SPACE BECAUSE THERE ARE NO PARKS, ONLY PLAYGROUNDS AND REST GARDENS.
FURTHERMORE, ALTHOUGH NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE EACH QUALIFIED FOR A TOWN HALL, THE PEOPLE OF KWUN TONG ARE STILL WITHOUT SUCH AND HAVE TO RELY ON SCHOOL HALLS FOR FUNCTIONS
BECAUSE THE HALL OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRE IS ONLY A MISERABLE ROOM THE PEOPLE ARE, BESIDES, A LONG >AY FROM THE FUTURE CULTURAL COMPLEX IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND THE, CITY HALL.
MISS BENNETT HOPED THAT IN ENSURING QUICKER ^REGIONAL COORDINATION OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES, WORKS AND ADMINISTRATION*, MEMBERS OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE GREATER CONSULTATION WITH KWUN TONG PEOPLE AND NOT ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE BUSINESS INTEREST THERE.
/+HONG KONG ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
17
♦HONG KONG HAS A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY THROUGH THIS PROPOSED MACHINERY TO ENCOURAGE GREATER REAL PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.
♦I HOPE THE NEW MACHINERY WILL NOT BE JUST ANOTHER TALKINGSHOP WITH NO TEETH IN IT, MERELY FRUSTRATING ITS MEMBERS, BUT WILL BE A REAL PART OF OUR DEMOCRATIC MACHINERY.+ SHE SAID.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MISS BENNETT SAID SHE WAS PLEASED THAT ALL CAPUT'SCHOOLS WILL BE GIVEN FULL AID IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND NO MORE SUCH SCHOOLS WILL BE STARTED.
SHE ALSO SUPPORTED THE INTRODUCTION OF PART-TIME UNIVERSITY DEGREE COURSES FOR, WITH SUCH COURSES, THE PRINCIPALS OF THE CAPUT SCHOOLS WITH NON-HONG KONG, BRITISH OR COMMONWEALTH DEGREE QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE ENABLED TO GAIN RECOGNITION.
IN FACT SHE THOUGHT THE FACILITIES PROVIDED TO TEST AND RECOGNISE UNREGISTERABLE MEDICAL DOCTORS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO MEMBERS OF OTHER PROFESSIONS.
SHE FURTHER ASKED WHAT THOUGHT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ADAPTING THE OPEN UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG. SHE SAID MUSIC AND ART AND DESIGN SHOULD BE AMONG THE FIRST SUBJECTS TO BE OFFERED UNDER THE PART-TIME/OPEN UNIVERSITY PROGRAMME BECAUSE THERE IS A GREAT DEARTH OF SUCH GRADUATE TEACHERS AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE TOO WOULD BENEFIT. THE OFFICE’S TEACHING PROGRAMME IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ITS WORK, SO SHE WAS SOMEWHAT ALARMED TO SEE IT REMOVED FROM THE AUSPICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IN THE AREA OF PRIMARY AND PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION, MISS BENNETT EXPRESSED DEEP CONCERN AT THE SLOW PROGRESS BEING MADE. SHE UNDERSTOOD AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY WAS SET UP IN OCTOBER 1976 BETWEEN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO STUDY THE NEEDS OF THE PRE-PRIMARY CHILD AND SHE SUSPECTED THAT THE SLOW PROGRESS WAS PARTLY CAUSED BY THE PROBLEMS OF TWO DEPARTMENTS WORKING TOGETHER.
SHE SAID SHE WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED AS, DESPITE THE GOVERNOR’S MENTION THAT THE WORK WAS NEARING COMPLETION, IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR HER TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT FROM THE RELEVANT SECRETARIAT BRANCH.
♦THIS RELUCTANCE TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION CAN BUT ALARM ME — WHAT IS SO SECRET IN THE CARE OF THE PRE-PRIMARY CHILD7+ SHE ASKED. SHE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROHIBIT CHILDREN FROM ENTERING KINDERGARTENS UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE AND INSIST THAT THREE AND FOUR YEAR OLDS ATTEND PLAY CENTRES OR NURSERIES.
♦WE MUST GRASP THIS NETTLE FIRMLY AND PREVENT CONTINUED EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS,♦ SHE SAID.
SHE WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT SCHOOLING IN OUR CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILE DELINQUENTS IS STILL NOT YET UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THAT THE INSTITUTIONS DO NOT YET HAVE TEACHERS WHO RECEIVED THEIR TRAINING FULL-TIME.
/+THIS IS ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1979
- 18 -
♦THIS IS AMAZING IN VIEW OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION AND THE NUMBER OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS, THOUGH PERHAPS IT IS AGAIN EXPLAINED BY THE DIFFICULTY OF TWO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WORKING TOGETHER,♦ SHE SAID.
SHE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THE QUESTION OF MAKING THE PRINCIPALS OF AIDED SCHOOLS ALSO THE SUPERVISORS.
THE EXISTING SYSTEM WHEREBY +THE PRINCIPAL TAKES THE SALARY BUT THE SUPERVISOR THE KNOCKS+ DISCOURAGES RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP EDUCATION SPONSORING BODIES, WHICH ARE STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT OF THEIR CAPABILITIES, TO PAY THE SALARY OF THEIR ADMINISTRATOR OF SCHOOLS.
-----o------
INDUSTRIALISTS TOLD TO LOOK FOR CHEAPER SOURCES OF RAW MATERIALS *****
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN SUGGESTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG COULD BUY THEIR RAW MATERIALS, SEMI-MANUFACTURES AND EQUIPMENT FROM MORE COMPETITIVELY PRICED SOURCES.
HE FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SHOULD DO WHAT THEY CAN TO ASSIST THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN IDENTIFYING THE NEW OPPORTUNITIES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE.
♦I DO BELIEVE THAT SUCH FACTORS AS CHANGES IN PARITIES AND COSTS OF RAW MATERIALS HAVE CAUSED RECENT CHANGES IN COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE. AS A RESULT, SOURCES THAT WERE ONCE PRICED OUT OF OUR MARKET NOW HAVE A COMPETITIVE EDGE.
♦I BELIEVE THAT WE COULD INCREASE OUR PURCHASES FROM SOME OF THESE SOURCES AND THEREBY HELP TO DULL THE EDGE OF PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES+, HE SAID.
EARLIER, MR. TIEN HAD SAID HE WAS PROMPTED TO MAKE THE SUGGESTION BECAUSE OF THE +GROWING SHADOW OF PROTECTIONISM OVER OUR TRADE* AND BECAUSE OUR EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING ARE NOW RUNNING VERY CLOSE TO SOME OF THE LIMITS IMPOSED BY QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS, AS WAS MENTIONED BY THE GOVERNOR.
♦WE ARE, OF COURSE, ALWAYS GOING TO BE DEPENDENT UPON IMPORTED RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES WITH WHICH TO PRODUCE THE FINISHED GOODS FOR EXPORT.
♦PART OF HONG KONG’S STRENGTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT OUR INDUSTRY OPERATES IN A FREE PORT. THIS MEANS, ON THE ONE HAND, THAT IT HAS NO ARTIFICIAL PROTECTION AND MUST THEREFORE BE COMPETITIVE BY WORLD STANDARDS SIMPLY TO SURVIVE. IT ALSO MEANS THAT OUR MANUFACTURERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FREE TO BUY THEIR RAW MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT WHEREVER IT BEST SUITS THEM,+ HE SAID.
/ONE RESULT ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1979
19
ONE RESULT OF THIS HAS BEEN THAT OUR BILATERAL TRADE WITH OUR MAIN TRADING PARTNERS HAS RARELY BEEN ANYWHERE NEAR IN BALANCE, AND WHILE WE MAY BE QUITE RELAXED ABOUT THIS LACK OF BALANCE, THE SAME VIEW IS NOT ALWAYS TAKEN ABROAD.
HE SAID HE WOULD NOT DREAM OF SUGGESTING THAT WE SHOULD DEVIATE FROM OUR FREE TRADE PHILOSOPHY OR TRY TO CONTROL THE SOURCE OF OUR PURCHASES.
♦I DO, HOWEVER, THINK THAT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THEIR PRESENT BUYING PATTERN TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE IN FACT STILL BUYING FROM THE MOST COMPETITIVE SOURCES,+ HE STRESSED.
- - 0 - -
FIRE PREVENTION CHECK IN YUEN LONG X M X M
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OFFICERS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MADE A SURPRISE CHECK ON 16 BUILDINGS CHOSEN AT RANDOM IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREA OF YUEN LONG IN AN EFFORT TO REMOVE POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.
DURING THE THREE-HOUR INSPECTION THE PARTY LED BY DIVISIONAL OFFICER, MR. KWAN SAI YIU, DISCOVERED 37 UNREGISTERED GARAGES OPERATING IN THE AREA, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
HE NOTED THAT THE GARAGES HAD BREACHED THE LEASE CONDITIONS BY OPERATING IN SHOP PREMISES AND THE CASES WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ACTION.
THE OFFICERS ALSO FOUND MANY CASES OF ILLEGAL PARKING AND PAVEMENT OBSTRUCTIONS IN MA MIU ROAD AND MA WANG ROAD WHICH WOULD CAUSE A SEVERE OBSTRUCTION TO FIRE APPLIANCES IF A FIRE BROKE OUT. THE SITUATION WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE POLICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR ACTION.
ILLEGAL ADDITIONS OR EXTENSIONS IN BUILDINGS WERE ALSO DISCOVERED. THESE INCLUDED 10 ROOFTOP STRUCTURES, 22 SWING-TYPE METAL GATES AND TWO METAL CAGES. FURTHERMORE, EIGHT SMOKE LOBBY DOORS WERE FOUND MISSING.
♦SINCE THE BUILDINGS WERE BUILT AFTER AUGUST 1, 1975 THE CASES WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE BUILDING ENFORCEMENT UNIT OF BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE FOR ACTION,♦ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT FUTURE COMPLAINTS IN RESPECT OF ALTERATIONS IN BUILDINGS OCCUPIED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 1, 1975 SHOULD BE REFERRED TO BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE FOR ACTION.
HE SAID THAT FIVE FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES HAVE BEEN ISSUED, FOUR OF WHICH CONCERN MINOR OBSTRUCTIONS TO MEANS OF ESCAPE. THE OTHER NOTICE WAS ISSUED AGAINST THE OPERATOR OF A RUBBER TYRE SHOP FOR STORING IN EXCESS OF THE PERMITTED QUANTITY OF 50 TYRES.
THE TEAM ALSO INSPECTED FOUR DANGEROUS GOODS SHOPS, NINE FACTORIES IN DOMESTIC BUILDINGS, AND ONE TIMBER STORE.
MR. KWAN SAID AFTER THE INSPECTION THE GENERAL FIRE PREVENTION SITUATION IN THE AREA WAS QUITE SATISFACTORY.
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/20 ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
20
NEW SYSTEM OF ALLOCATING VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS TO BE INTRODUCED ******
A NEW SYSTEM OF ALLOCATING NON-SCHEDULED VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EARLY NEXT MONTH.
UNDER THE-NEW SYSTEM, THE REGISTRATION BOOKS RELATING TO NON-SCHEDULED NUMBERS WILL BE MIXED EVERY DAY BEFORE BEING DISTRIBUTED AT RANDOM TO THE VARIOUS LICENSING COUNTERS FOR ISSUE TO APPLICANTS.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS SYSTEM WOULD REMOVE ANY ELEMENT OF PREDICTABILITY IN THE ALLOCATION OF NONSCHEDULED REGISTRATION NUMBERS AND WOULD ENSURE FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY TO ALL APPLICANTS FOR REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
AT PRESENT NON-SCHEDULED NUMBERS ARE ALLOCATED IN NUMERICAL SEQUENCE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. CERTAIN NON-SCHEDULED NUMBERS WHICH DENOTE LUCK OR PROSPERITY CAN BE RESERVED ON PAYMENT OF $1 000 TO BE BID FOR AT REGULAR AUCTIONS HELD BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT. HOWEVER, IF NO ONE RESERVES THESE NUMBERS, THEY WILL BE ISSUED AT COUNTERS.
SCHEDULED NUMBERS, SUCH AS ALL THE SEVENS AND ALL THE EIGHTS, OR 3388 OR 6688, LISTED IN THE SIXTH SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, WILL CONTINUE TO BE WITHHELD BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR SALE BY AUCTION.
■DIE PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL BE FOR SOCIAL WELFARE PURPOSES.
-----o_-----
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN NEWS CONFERENCE *****
THIS YEAR’S FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED AT A NEWS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 3 P.M. ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2) IN THE GIS THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
THE MAIN SPEAKER AT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR. LAM LOK-BUN. OTHER SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE DIVISIONAL FIRE OFFICER, MR. TAM HON-CHEUNG- SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR. J.W. WHOLEY- COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER. MR. S.L. CHONG- ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR. CHAN TAT-KING- AND SUPERINTENDENT OF FACTORY INSPECTORS, MR. HERMAN HO.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1979
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SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND * 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 LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KWUN TONG-.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 800 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE, INCLUDING VEHICLES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD AND 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 TENDER IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 16, 1979.
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WATER CUT IN WAN CHAI ft ft ft ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ARSENAL STREET, hENNESSY ROAD, JOHNSTON ROAD, LUARD ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD.
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