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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES STEPPED UP TO ENSURE QUARANTINABLE DISEASES ARE NOT INTRODUCED INTO HK ........................ 1

DECLARATION OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ......................... 2

S86 MILLION LOW-INTEREST LOANS GRANTED TO FISHERMEN ........ 3

BEACH HOUSE FOR DEEP WATER BAY.............................. 4

TEACHERS TO ATTEND SUMMER COURSE ON ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS ................................................ 5

REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS BOUND FOR UK STUDY ................ 5

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR SWD’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT ... 6

URBAN CLEARWAY ............................................. 6

SLIP ROAD TO RE-OPEN........................................ 6

WATER CUT................................................. 7

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

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979 1

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES STEPPED UP TO ENSURE QUARANTINABLE DISEASES ARE NOT INTRODUCED INTO HK

* * *

WITH THE CONTINUING INFLUX OF REFUGEES, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS STEPPED UP ALL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT NO QUARANTINABLE DISEASES ARE INTRODUCED INTO HONG KONG AND OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES DO NOT SPREAD.

+THE FACT THAT NO MAJOR OUTBREAKS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED FROM THE REFUGEE BOATS OR CAMPS SPEAK VOLUMES OF THE TREMENDOUS EFFORTS BY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AT ALL LEVELS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

HE SAID THAT HEALTH OFFICERS ARE MAINTAINING A ROUND-THE-CLOCK VIGILANCE IN THE WAKE OF FLEETS OF REFUGEE BOATS STREAMING INTO HONG KONG AT ALL TIMES AND ALSO KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE REFUGEES ALREADY IN HONG KONG.

THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE, FOR INSTANCE, OPERATES AT BREAK-NECK PACE 24 HOURS A DAY. CARRYING OUT NORMAL CHECK-UPS OF NEW ARRIVALS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES SUCH AS DISINFECTION AND DIS INSECTISATION OF THE VESSELS AND THE REFUGEES’ BAGGAGES.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE IN THE PREVENTION OF QUARANTINABLE DISEASES - SMALLPOX, CHOLERA, YELLOW FEVER AND PLAGUE.

ALL REFUGEE BOATS ENTERING HONG KONG ARE TOWED TO THE QUARANTINE ANCHORAGE AT DISCOVERY BAY WHERE THEY WILL BE ISOLATED AND KEPT FOR OBSERVATION. PORT HEALTH OFFICERS WILL THEN BOARD THE VESSELS AND START THE HEALTH SCREENING PROCESS AND CARRY OUT ALL NECESSARY PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

BECAUSE HO CHI MING CITY IS A PLAGUE INFECTED AREA, SPECIAL ANTI-PLAGUE MEASURES HAVE BEEN IMPOSED TO ENSURE THAT RODENTS AND FLEAS ON BOARD VESSELS ARE KILLED, THUS BREAKING THE RAT-FLEA-HUMAN TRANSMISSION CYCLE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID WHILE SPORADIC CASES OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES HAVE BEEN DETECTED AMONG THE REFUGEES THE GENERAL STATE OF HEALTH IN THE CAMPS AND ON THE BOATS HAS BEEN SATISFACTORY.

THE COMMON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES THAT HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED AMONG THE REFUGEES FALL INTO THREE MAIN CATEGORIES -- GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES, COMMON CHILDHOOD COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND OTHER DISEASES SUCH AS TUBERCULOSIS.

THE INTESTINAL GROUP OF DISEASES CONSISTS OF DYSENTERY, TYPHOID FEVER, DIARRHOEAS, A© FOOD POISONING. DIARRHOEAS HAVE BEEN THE MOST COMMON DISEASES SfEN AMONG THE REFUGEES SO FAR. BOTH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH AMD URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING FACILITIES IN THE CAMPS TO ENSURE A SATISFACTORY STANDARD OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND SANITATION.

/THE MORE

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979

- 2 -

THE MORE COMMON CHILDHOOD DISEASES FOUND IN THE CAMPS INCLUDE MEASLES, CHICKENPOX AND MUMPS. CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM THESE DISEASES ARE GIVEN PROPER TREATMENT AND, IF NECESSARY ADMITTED TO HOSPITALS. IMMUNISATIONS AGAINST SUCH COMMON CHILDHOOD DISEASES AS MEASLES, DIPHTHERIA, WHOOPING COUGH, TETANUS AND POLIOMYELITIS ARE BEING GIVEN BY HEALTH STAFF TO CHILDREN IN THE CAMPS.

HEALTH PERSONNEL HAVE ALSO COME ACROSS A NUMBER OF TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA CASES AMONG THE REFUGEES. ALL TB CASES THAT HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED ARE GIVEN PROPER TREATMENT AND SOME OF THEM ALSO ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL.

DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 125 CASES OF TUBERCULOSIS WERE REFERRED TO GOVERNMENT CHEST CLINICS FOR CHECK-UP AND TREATMENT WHILE 24 TB PATIENTS WERE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL. BCG VACCINATION AMONG THE CHILDREN IS ALSO BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE CAMPS.

ON THE MEDICAL SIDE, A MEDICAL CENTRE MANNED BY MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE HAS BEEN SET UP IN EACH OF THE FIVE REFUGEE CAMPS. THESE CENTRES PROVIDE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT FACILITIES TO SICK REFUGEES STAYING IN THESE CAMPS.

IN THE LARGER CENTRES, BEDS ARE PROVIDED FOR PATIENTS WHO NEED OBSERVATION AND SPECIAL ATTENTION. IF THEIR CONDITIONS WARRANT IT, THEY ARE ADMITTED TO REGIONAL HOSPITALS.

SINCE JANUARY 1978, 390 CASES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AMONG THE REFUGEES HAVE BEEN TREATED AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.

THE DISEASES INCLUDE AMOEBIASIS, BACILLARY DYSENTERY, CHICKENPOX, MEASLES, INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS, FOOD POISONING, MALARIA AND TUBERCULOSIS. MOST OF THE CASES ARE OF MEASLES AND CHICKENPOX.

DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THE YEAR THERE WERE SOME 1,600 ADMISSIONS OF VIETNAMESE PATIENTS TO HOSPITAL, INCLUDING A NUMBER OF MATERNITY CASES.

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

DECLARATION OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS X X X X X X

COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS TO LODGE TRADE DECLARATIONS AND PAY AD VALOREM CHARGES WITHIN 14 DAYS OF IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION.

+TRADE DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED OUTSIDE THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD WILL EE LIABLE TO PENALTY CHARGES WHICH RISE AFTER T;!0 MONTHS TO A MAXIMUM OF $100 PER DECLARATION WHERE THE TOTAL VALUE OF ARTICLES SPECIFIED DOES NOT EXCEED <20,000, AND «2?0 W^ERE THE TOTAL VALLE EXCEEDS f20,000,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE T DE, INDUSTRY A'D CUSTOMS DE.- "TMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

+ F "’OSECUTIONS WILL " ".’TIATED AGAINST WHO, WITHOUT

F.E -_E EXCUSE, FAIL . LODGE T< NECESSARY , •'£ . , I NS,+

HE ADDED.

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979

$86 MILLION LOW-INTEREST LOANS GRANTED TO FISHERMEN *****

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS SINCE 1946, GRANTED MORE THAN $86 MILLION IN LOW-INTEREST LOANS TO FISHERMEN TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THEIR FISHING OPERATIONS.

THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ENABLED FISHERMEN TO BUILD NEW VESSELS, OBTAIN MODERN EQUIPMENT AND DEVELOP MORE SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTIVE TECHNIQUES.

EXPLAINING THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CREDIT SECTION SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTERS FOUR LOAN FUNDS TO HELP FISHERMEN --- THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION

LOAN FUND, THE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, THE WORLD REFUGEE YEAR LOAN FUND, AND THE CO-OPERATIVE FOR AMERICAN RELIEF EVERYWHERE LOAN FUND.

THE COMBINED CAPITAL OF THESE FUNDS AT PRESENT AMOUNTS TO $14 MILLION. ON AVERAGE, SOME 200 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED EACH YEAR, MOSTLY UNDER THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION LOAN FUND.

APART FROM THE LOANS, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDES FISHERMEN WITH TECHNICAL ADVICE ON BUILDING AND DESIGNING MODERN VESSELS, OPERATION OF NEW EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION OF MACHINERY, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ADVANCED FISHING TECHNIQUES.

+THROUGH THESE VARIOUS FORMS OF ASSISTANCE, THE STANDARD CF HONG KONG’S FISHING INDUSTRY IS CONTINUOUSLY BEING UPGRADED,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE IS NO FIXED LIMIT TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF A LOAN OR IN THE LENGTH OF PERIOD OF PAYMENT.

THE AMOUNT OF LOANS ISSUED HAS BEEN INCREASING AS A RESULT OF INCREASED COST AND A GROWING TENDENCY TO BUILD LARGER VESSELS WITH BIGGER ENGINE POWER.

LAST YEAR, 149 LOANS, TOTALLING $7 MILLION, WERE APPROVED. THE AVERAGE LOAN WAS ABOUT $47,000, COMPARED WITH $29,000 IN 1977.

THE BIGGEST SINGLE LOAN GRANTED WAS $1.3 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PAIR Or MODERN TRAWLERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

REPAYMENT FOR SMALL LOANS IS MADE WITHIN THREE YEARS BUT REPAYMENT OF BIGGER LOANS USUALLY STRETCHES FROM 10 TO 15 YEARS AUD CAN BE EXTENDED IF NECESSARY.

INTEREST VARIES FROM THREE PER CENT TO SIX PER CF'T PER ANNUM. REPAYMENT IS NO". 'LLY MADE BY DEDUCTIONS CF 15 ER CENT TO 20 PER CENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SALE CF CATCHES BY THE BORROWER, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

/THE AGRICULTUR

SUNDAY. JUL" 1, 1979

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT OPERATES LIAISON OFFICES IN 12 FISHING DISTRICTS TO FACILITATE APPLICATIONS AND PROCESSING OF LOANS.

INDIVIDUAL FISHERMEN AND REGISTERED FISHING COMPANIES CAN APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE LIAISON OFFICER IN THEIR DISTRICT AND DISCUSS DETAILS OF THEIR PROJECTS. MEMBERS OF REGISTERED FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES MAY APPLY THROUGH THEIR SOCIETIES.

'.ORMALLY, PROCESSING CF APPLICATIONS TAKES A WEEK OR SO, EUT CAPITAL LOANS WILL TAKE MORE TIME TO PROCESS.

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

BEACH HOUSE FOR DEEP WATER BAY

*****

FACILITIES FOR BATHERS AT DEEP WATER BAY WILL BE FURTHER S2V^TE‘l TH,S M0NTH ALLOWING THE COMPLETION OF tSe BcACH HOUSE Ai THE SOUTHERN END OF THE BAY.

CHANS'JsCMO«rc»OTBEHH'RlTFFLOc",ES °" T"E GR°U,iI1 FL00R A®

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A CAFE KIOSK ON THE ROOF.

__ _ £ SPOKESMAN SAID THE BEACH HOUSE WOULD BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979

TEACHERS TO ATTEND SUMMER COURSE ON ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS

*******

A SHORT COURSE ON THE USE OF ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS HAS BEEN "CONDARY SCHOOL',THE SUMM£R H0LIDAYS F0R MATHEMATICS TEACHERS IN

CONTENTS OF THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE THE BASIC LOGIC OF ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS AND THE USE OF CALCULATORS IN CLASSROOMS.

THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL STUDIES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

IT WILL BE HELD DAILY AUGUST 13 AND 17 FROM 9.30

AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC BETWEEN A.M. TO NOON.

THERE WILL BE LECTURES, TUTORIALS AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE ENGLISH.

ENROLMENT WILL BE LIMITED TO 20 AND NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED.

APPLICATION FORMS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MATHEMATICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, ON JULY 23.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BEFORE AUGUST 7.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE MATHEMATICS SECTION ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-774001 EXT. 47.

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

REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS BOUND FOR UK STUDY * * *

STUDENTS WHO HAVE DIRECTLY APPLIED TO AND BEEN ACCEPTED BY AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FROM TUESDAY.

EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURES FOR THE ISSUE OF VISAS TO STUDY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, THESE STUDENTS CAN FILE IN THEIR STUDENT VISA APPLICATIONS WITH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS THEY RECEIVE THEIR SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE.

+HOWEVER, STUDENTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A PLACE III AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE STILL REQUIRED TO APPROACH THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION FOR REGISTRATION BEFORE APPLYING TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR A STUDENT VISA,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR SWD’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT * * * * *

THE UNIT ONE OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SHEK KIP ME I SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT HAS NOW MOVED FROM TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TONG YAM STREET TO UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE, BLOCK 16, NOS. 8-11, KOWLOON.

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREt >7934*3 (SUPERVISOR)->792877 (DEPUTY SUPERVISOR)- 3-793496, >793486, 3-793546 (CASEWORKERS)- AND 3-792877 (REGISTRY).

CLIENTS WHO USED TO HAVE DEALINGS WITH THIS OFFICE ARE REQUESTED TO APPROACH THE NEW OFFICE.

....0.-..

URBAN CLEARWAY * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED

TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT

AS FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY, THE SECTION OF LEI MUK ROAD BETWEEN WO Yl HOP ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF WO YI HOP ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND LEI MUK ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY.

FROM

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

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. ■

SLIP ROAD TO RE-OPEN t’, * * * *

LEADING FROM GARDEN ROAD TO

. THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FROM •T2LTnn^?,rY?-THE»SLIP R0AD LEADING FROM GARDEN ROAD TO g*7™ TREE DR,VE NEAR THE HELENA MAY INSTITUTE WILL BE RE-OPENED •Q TRAFF IC.

HOWEVER, GOODS VEHICLES WILL ROAD FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 TO SATURDAYS.

BE PROHIBITED FROM USING THAT P.M. TO 7 P.M, FROM MONDAYS

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. ....0....

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979 * — - 7 -

. xjii- • :■

WATER CUT * * *

WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN REPULSE BAY AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY (JULY 3) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY 1-18 HEADLAND ROAD- SOUTH BAY ROAD- BEACH ROAD- 58, 70-84 AND 101 REPULSE BAY ROAD- AND THE TEXACO PETROL STATION.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LARGE AREA OF LAND FOR SALE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES . 1

SWD PAYS CUT OVER S651.OOO UNDER +N0 FAULT* TAVA SCHEME 3

SURVEY OF SQUATTER FACTORIES ....................... 4

SWD’S VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS ............ 5

1978 BUSIEST EVER YEAR FOR GOVT LABORATORY.......... 6

MORE SPACE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION .... 7

PLASTICS INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY BEGINS TOMORROW .. 8

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

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

LARGE AREA OF LAND FOR SALE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ******

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SELL A HUGE SITE IN TUEN MUN FOR HIGH-QUALITY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WHICH COULD PROVIDE HOMES FOR ABOUT 5,000 PEOPLE.

THE SITE, MEASURING MORE THAN 1.57 HECTARES, IS THE LARGEST RESIDENTIAL SITE EVER PUT ON THE MARKET IN THE NEW TOWN.

IT WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER TO REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

SITUATED IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THE SITE IS ONLY ABOUT A FEW MINUTES’ WALK FROM THE POPULAR CAFETERIA BEACH AND ABOUT 10 MINUTES’ DRIVE FROM THE FAST DEVELOPING TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. VICTOR LEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) : +THE SITE IS IN A VERY SCENIC SURROUNDING WITH SEAVIEWS ACROSS THE CASTLE PEAK BAY AND IS SUITABLE FOR MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

+IT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $40 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN FOUR YEARS AND A PLOT RATIO OF 3.3 WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH CLASS MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS HAVING A MAXIMUM GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 51,876 SQUARE METRES.+

MR. LEUNG FORECAST THAT THIS SITE SHOULD ATTRACT CONSIDERABLE INTEREST FROM DEVELOPERS AS A MUCH SMALLER SITE IN THE SAME AREA FETCHED MORE THAN $5,900 PER SQUARE METRE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION IN MAY THIS YEAR.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT IS PUTTING UP FOR SALE TWO OTHER RESIDENTIAL AND SIX INDUSTRIAL SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ALSO TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE DOCUMENTS.

ONE OF THE RESIDENTIAL SITES, OF 3,850 SQUARE METRES, IS IN THE SAME LAYOUT AS THE LARGE TUEN MUN SITE.

AS THE AREA WILL BE DEVELOPED ON A HILLSIDE PLATFORM, IT WILL ALSO OVERLOOK THE SEA.

THE OTHER RESIDENTIAL SITE IS LOCATED ON THE HILLSIDE OPPOSITE THE PROPOSED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY DEPOT IN SHA TIN, OVERLOOKING SHA TIN HOI.

/IT HAS .....

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

IT HAS AN AREA OF JUST OVER 1,800 SQUARE METRES AND THE SALE CONDITIONS STIPULATE THAT THE TOTAL ROOFED-OVER AREA OF THE BLOCKS CONTAINING NOT MORE THAN 18 STOREYS SHOULD NOT EXCEED 17.5 PER CENT OF THE LOT AREA.

THE FIRST SITE IN THIS LAYOUT AREA WAS AUCTIONED EARLY LAST MONTH AND WAS SOLD FOR S7,445 PER SQUARE METRE AFTER KEEN BIDDING.

OF THE INDUSTRIAL SITES, THREE ARE SITUATED BETWEEN SHEK PAI TAU AND MING KUNG ROADS IN TUEN MUN, TWO IN THE FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA IN SHA TIN AND THE OTHER IN KWAI HEI STREET, KWAI CHUNG.

THE LAND RANGES IN SIZE FROM 1,447 TO 3,551 SQUARE METRES.

THE SALE CONDITIONS FOR ALL THE INDUSTRIAL SITES STIPULATE A 9.5 PLOT RATIO ALLOWING FOR MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT AND INCLUDE CLAUSES ON THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION AND PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT.

EXCEPT FOR ONE SITE IN SHA TIN AND ONE IN TUEN MUN, ALL CARRY AN ADDITIONAL CLAUSE REQUIRING THE PROVISION OF A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA TO BE SUB-DIVIDED INTO SEPARATE UNITS OF NOT MORE THAN 75 SQUARE METRES, SO AS TO PROVIDE MORE SMALLER UNITS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PRESENT DAY INDUSTRY.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE OF THE SITES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND ANY OF ITS SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES.

TENDERS FOR THE LOTS WILL CLOSE ON JULY 20.

THEY MUST BE PLACED IN THE APPLICATION BOX IN THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON THE CLOSING DATE.

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

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

SWD PAYS OUT OVER $651,000 UNDER +N0 FAULT* TAVA SCHEME ******

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PAID OUT MORE THAN $651,000 AS QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR PEOPLE APPLYING UNDER THE +N0 FAULT* TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION ON MAY 1.

THE PAYMENTS WERE MADE TO 40 CASES INVOLVING DEATH AND 222 CASES INVOLVING INJURIES WHICH HAVE CAUSED AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS* LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY.

MRS. DIANA LEE. HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SECTION, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) PAYMENTS FOR THE FATAL CASES TOTALLED $196,300, AND THAT FOR THE INJURY CASES, 1455,000.

SHE SAID THE GRANTS FOR THE INJURY CASES INCLUDED SECOND PAYMENTS IN 47 CASES WHEREBY THE APPLICANTS WERE MEDICALLY CERTIFIED TO REQUIRE EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.

IN THE CASES ALREADY PROCESSED, SHE SAID, THE HIGHEST PAYMENT WAS $12,800 MADE IN ONE FATAL CASE, WHILE OTHER PAYMENTS RANGED FROM $800 TO $11,800.

♦AT PRESENT, 221 OTHER APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND THE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS IN A FAIRLY SHORT TIME,* SHE SAID.

THE SCHEME, WHICH IS NON-MEANS TESTED, AIMS AT PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS, REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.

MRS. LEE SAID PEOPLE INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON OR AFTER MAY 1 THIS YEAR COULD APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE TAVA SECTION ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING AT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG (TEL. NOS. 5-222392 AND 5-223254).

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

SURVEY OF SQUATTER FACTORIES

*****

STARTING FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A SURVEY OF ALL SQUATTER FACTORIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE SURVEY IS TO ESTABLISH THEIR OVERALL ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE, IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND PRODUCTION IN RELATION TO HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR, AND TO IDENTIFY THOSE SQUATTER INDUSTRIES THAT MAY HAVE CLEARANCE DIFFICULTIES.

A LISTING OF SOME 11,000 SQUATTER WORKSHOPS HAS BEEN DRAWN UP FROM RECORDS OF THE SQUATTER CONTROL SECTIONS OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. THE LISTING PROVIDES BASIC ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHICH SQUATTER FACTORIES CAN BE ENUMERATED INDIVIDUALLY.

+THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS VERY SIMPLE. INFORMATION SOUGHT INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENGAGED, TYPE OF PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES RENDERED, SALES OUTLETS, NATURE OF BUSINESS OF THE PRINCIPAL CUSTOMER, AND SALES AND SERVICE RECEIPTS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

STUDENT WORKERS FROM POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES ARE BEING ENGAGED TO CARRY OUT THE FIELD ENUMERATION.

♦THEY CARRY AN EUMERATOR’S IDENTITY CARD WHILE ON DUTY, AND ARE SUPERVISED BY FIELD OFFICERS WHO ARE PERMANENT EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE APPEALED TO ALL PROPRIETORS AND MANAGEMENTS OF SQUATTER FACTORIES IN HONG KONG FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE SURVEY WILL PROVIDE USEFUL AGGREGATE DATA FOR GOVERNMENT POLICY MAKING, WHICH WILL IN TURN BE OF BENEFIT TO THE OPERATORS OF SQUATTER FACTORIES THEMSELVES.

THE STATISTICAL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE USED BY RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SOLELY FOR ANALYTICAL PURPOSES, AND IS TO BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL, HE ADDED.

0 -------

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

SWD’S VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS

* * * * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) INVITES CIVIC-MINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO JOIN ITS MEANINGFUL VOLUNTEER SQHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.

UNDER THE SCHEME, STARTED IN 1976 AS A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT, VOLUNTEERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION OFFICERS IN PROVIDING AFTER-CARE REHABILITATION SERVICES TO YOUNG OFFENDERS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID WHILE PROBATION OFFICERS ASSUMED THE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY OF GUIDING PROBATIONERS IN BEHAVIOURAL DEVELOPMENT, VOLUNTEERS HELPED SOLVE THEIR SOCIAL PROBELMS THROUGH CARE AND UNDERSTANDING.

HE SAID THERE WAS A WIDE SCOPE FOR SUCH VOLUNTARY EFFORTS DEPENDING ON INDIVIDUAL PROBATION CASES.

FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, VOLUNTEERS MAY HELP PROBATIONERS DEVELOP MEANINGFUL HOBBIES BY JOINING THEM IN SUCH ACTIVITIES AS PICNICKING, SWIMMING OR PHOTOGRAPHY.

+THEY MAY ALSO ASSIST THE PROBATIONERS IN SOLVING ANY ACADEMIC PROBLEMS THEY MAY HAVE BY GIVING FREE TUITION,* HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID VOLUNTEERS WHO WERE THEMSELVES HOUSEWIVES COULD TEACH IN MANAGING HOUSEHOLD CHORES, WHILE THOSE WHO WERE PROFESSIONALS MIGHT PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE IN THE FIELD OF THEIR SPECIALTY.

ANYONE AGED 21 YEARS AND ABOVE, WITH SECONDARY EDUCATION QUALIFICATION AND A FLAIR FOR HELPING OTHERS, PARTICULARLY YOUNG OFFENDERS, IS WELCOME TO JOIN THE SCHEME.

APPLICATIONS OR ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE, EITHER BY WRITING OR IN PERSON, AT THE SCHEME OFFICE AT 64 WELLINGTON STREET, CENTRAL (TEL. 5-240649) OR AT ANY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION OFFICE LOCATED IN EACH MAGISTRACY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID EACH VOLUNTEER WOULD BE TRAINED IN THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROBATION SERVICE BEFORE HE WAS ASSIGNED TO A SUITABLE CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS AREA OF INTEREST AND ABILITY.

EACH ASSIGNMENT, HE SAID, NORMALLY LASTS FOR SIX MONTHS, DURING WHICH PROBATION OFFICERS KEEP IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE VOLUNTEER ON THE PROGRESS OF WORK.

*IN THE PAST YEARS OF THE SCHEME’S OPERATION, VOLUNTEERS HAVE DISPLAYED IMPRESSIVE CAPABILITY AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS, AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY SUCCESSFUL ASSIGNMENTS,* HE SAID.

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

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

1978 BUSIEST EVER YEAR FOR GOVT LABORATORY

******

THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY LAST YEAR MADE A RECORD NUMBER OF EXAMINATIONS ON ALL TYPES OF IMPORTED AND LOCALLY MANUFACTURED DRUGS AND MEDICINES.

MORE THAN 4,200 LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS - AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S TOTAL - WERE MADE ON A MYRIAD OF PRODUCTS RANGING FROM ANTIBIOTICS TO VITAMIN TABLETS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABORATORY TODAY (MONDAY) POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS LAST JULY, CLOSE TO 10,000 APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE END CF THE YEAR.

HE SAID THAT PRODUCTS SUBMITTED FOR REGISTRATION HAVE TO UNDERGO STRINGENT EXAMINATIONS TO ENSURE THEY CONFORM TO CERTAIN STANDARDS OF SAFETY, QUALITY AND EFFICACY BEFORE BEING REGISTERED AND MARKETED.

THE ADOPTION OF THESE MEASURES, ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, IS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS AGAINST COUNTERFEIT, DEFECTIVE AND SUB-STANDARD PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.

THIS INCREASED THE WORKLOAD OF THE LABORATORY, AND PRIORITY HAD TO BE GIVEN TO PRODUCTS WHICH HAD NOT BEEN MARKETED IN HONG KONG BEFORE AS THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THESE PRODUCTS ON HUMAN AND ANIMALS WERE RELATIVELY UNKNOWN HERE.

COMMENTING ON THE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS SUBMITTED FOR STATUTORY TESTING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 41 PER CENT OF THE ITEMS EXAMINED WERE NUTRITIONAL AGENTS, MAINLY VITAMINS, AND 13 PER CENT ANTIBIOTICS.

+VITAMI NS, OF COURSE, PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HEALTH CF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS. BUT IT DOES SHOW THE PUBLIC IS BECOMING MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION,* THE SPOKESMAN REMARKED

+HOWEVER, ANOTHER REASON FOR VITAMINS BECOMING SO POPULAR IS THAT THEIR SALE IS NOT SUBJECT TO CONTROL,* HE ADDED.

OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS SUBMITTED, MOST WERE IMPORTED MEDICINES FROM MEDICINE COMPANIES, DISPENSARIES AND WHOLESALE DEALERS IN HONG KONG WHICH ARE AUTHORISED TO SELL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS TO THE PUBLIC. BUT PRODUCTS FROM LOCAL DRUG MANUFACTURERS ALSO REPRESENT A CONSIDERABLE PROPORTION - SOME 12.2 PER CENT.

+IF THESE PRODUCTS COMPLIED WITH STANDARD REQUIREMENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, +A CERTIFICATE OF DRUG OR PRODUCT REGISTRATION WOULD BE ISSUED TO THE APPLICANTS BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD.

/+THIS IS .....

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979 7 -

+THIS IS IMPORTANT TO MANUFACTURERS AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS AS IT HELPS THE PROMOTION OF SALES. IN ADDITION, SOME COUNTRIES MAY REQUIRE THE CERTIFICATE FOR THE IMPORT OF THESE PRODUCTS.+

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM STATUTORY TESTING. THE MAIN WORK OF THE PHARMACEUTICALS SECTION INVOLVED MONITORING PHARMACEUTICAL ITEMS PURCHASED OR COMPOUNDED FOR USE IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, CLINICS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS.

THE MEASURE IS TO ENSURE THAT ONLY PHARMACEUTICAL ITEMS OF ACCEPTABLE QUALITY ARE SUPPLIED TO THE GOVERNMENT. IT ALSO ENABLES GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE MOST ECONOMICAL PURCHASES.

OTHER WORK OF THE SECTION INCLUDES EXAMINATION OF CONFISCATED DANGEROUS DRUGS FOR THE DRUGS DISPOSAL UNIT OF THE POLICE NARCOTICS BUREAU, INCLUDING RAW OPIUM AND MORPHINE BLOCKS.

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

MORE SPACE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION ******

THE GOVERNMENT, IN ITS DRIVE TO ENCOURAGE MORE PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS AND RECREATION, IS MAKING USE OF EVERY AVAILABLE SPACE.

♦COURSES ARE RUN ON ROOFTOPS, PIERS, INSIDE ABANDONED GODOWNS, MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS, ON BOARD MILITARY AND FISHING VESSELS, UNDER FLYOVERS AND EVEN INSIDE DRAINED SWIMMING POOLS,* MR. DAVID CHIU, SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE, THE TOP THREE FLOORS OF THE HUNG HOM CAR PARK WHICH WERE CONVERTED INTO A MODERN SPORTS CENTRE LAST AUGUST.

♦THIS PROJECT WAS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS JUDGING BY THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE OF THE PARTICIPANTS. THE FITNESS TRAINING COURSE ALONE DREW A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 9,000 PEOPLE,+ MR. CHIU SAID.

IN APRIL, THE TEMPORARY CHAI WAN KOK SPORTS CENTRE ON THE TOP TWO FLOORS OF THE OLD KOWLOON GODOWNS WAS OPENED IN TSUEN WAN.

THE CENTRE, FUNDED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND MANAGED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, HAS A GYMNASIUM, AN INDOOR ARCHERY RANGE, A DANCE STUDIO, 12 BADMINTON COURTS, TABLE-TENNIS, STORAGE AND CHANGING FACILITIES.

♦AS MOST OF THE USERS ARE WORKERS, THE OPENING HOURS ARE MAINLY IN THE EVENINGS, WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS,* MR. CHIU SAID.

♦LOCAL RESIDENTS COULD COME AND TRY THEIR SKILLS IN ARCHERY, TABLE-TENNIS OR BADMINTON, OR KEEP FIT IN OUR GYMNASTIC COURSES.*

/OTHER .....

MONDAY, JULY 2, 1979

OTHER RECREATION SITES ARE: BADMINTON AND BASKETBALL COURTS UNDER THE MEI FOO FLYOVER AND ON THE ROOFTOPS OF KWUN LUNG LAU ESTATE.

ACCORDING TO MR. CHIU, ANOTHER NEW PROJECT INITIATED BY THE SERVICE IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO TENNIS COURTS ON THE ROOFTOPS OF BLOCKS FIVE AND SIX, LAI TAK TSUEN IN CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE COURTS’ ALL-WEATHER SURFACE IS MADE OF PERFORATED SYNTHETIC MATERIAL WHICH PROVIDES EXCELLENT FOOTGRIP AND CAN BE RE-LOCATED QUICKLY. THE COURTS, WITH 2O-FOOT HIGH FENCING, *ILL BE FLOODLIT AND THE PROJECT IS DUE FOR COMPLETION THIS MONTH.

0---------

PLASTICS INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY BEGINS TOMORROW * * * *

THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL IS TO CONDUCT THE FIFTH MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE INDUSTRY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR. DENNIS TING, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE SURVEY, WHICH WILL END ON JULY 25, WAS AIMED AT KEEPING TRACK OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND THE MANPOWER SITUATION IN THE LOCAL PLASTICS INDUSTRY.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT OUT TO ABOUT 550 ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY RANDOM STRATIFIED SAMPLING.

INTERVIEWERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL SOON VISIT EACH OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST EMPLOYERS IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.

MR. TING, NOTING THAT THE INFORMATION TO BE COLLECTED WOULD BE VITAL FOR FORMULATING TRAINING PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, URGED ALL EMPLOYERS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY TO CO-OPERATE BY SUPPLYING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION :

* THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED-

X THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING-

* THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND

* A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL NUMBER OF WORKERS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DEATH OF DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES ................. 1

BANKING STATISTICS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR MAY ............... 2

TWELVE QUESTIONS FOR LEGCO ................................ 7

OVER $2,220 MILLION SPENT ON SOCIAL WELFARE IN 1970’S .................................................... 8

JOB STANDARDS FOR BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY ................................................ 11

SURVEY OF INSTRUCTORS .................................... 12

DESIGN VERSUS FASHION .................................... 13

EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ WORK ON CHINESE HISTORY .......... 13

THIRD QUARTER RATES TO BE PAID BY JULY 31 ................ 14

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................. 15

WATER CUT................................................. 15

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

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

DEATH OF DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES * * M *

MR. JOHN DESMOND SLIMMING, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, DIED THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING. HE WAS 52.

MR. SLIMMING WAS FOUND UNCONSCIOUS IN HIS FLAT AT THE ALBANY AND WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL. HE WAS CERTIFIED DEAD ON ARRIVAL. THE POLICE ARE DEALING WITH THE CASE AS A DEATH DUE TO NATURAL CAUSES.

MR. SLIMMING IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, LUCY AND DAUGHTER, FRANCESCA. DETAILS OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS SOON AS THEY ARE FINALISED.

JOHN SLIMMING WAS BORN IN LONDON AND EDUCATED AT THE KING’S SCHOOL, CANTERBURY. HE JOINED THE ARMY IN 1944, WAS TRAINED AS A GLIDER PILOT AND SERVED WITH THE 6TH AIRBORNE DIVISION IN EGYPT AND PALESTINE BEFORE HE WAS DEMOBILISED IN 1948. HE SPENT THREE YEARS ACTING IN REPERTORY BEFORE ENTERING THE MALAYAN POLICE SERVICE IN 1951. HE WAS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN A GUNFIGHT WITH COMMUNIST GUERILLAS IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR WHICH NECESSITATED PROLONGED TREATMENT IN HOSPITAL. HE WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT PROTECTOR OF ABORIGINES IN MALAYA IN 1954 AND RETURNED TO ENGLAND IN 1957 BEFORE TAKING UP AN APPOINTMENT IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE IN BURMA.

MR. SLIMMING FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1968 AS A SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER. HE WAS PROMOTED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NEWS) IN 1974 AND DIRECTOR IN JUNE OF LAST YEAR. MR. SLIMMING WAS THE AUTHOR OF SEVERAL BOOKS ON THE FAR EAST, INCLUDING +TEMIAR JUNGLE+, +GREEN PLUMS AND A BAMBOO HORSE*, + IN FEAR OF SILENCE*. AND +THE PASS*.

APART FROM WRITING, PHOTOGRAPHY FORMED ONE OF HIS MAIN INTERESTS.

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MAGLEHOSE, THIS AFTERNOON SENT A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE JOHN SLIMMING.

♦THE DEATH OF JOHN SLIMMING IS A SAD LOSS TO HONG KONG. HIS PROFESSIONALISM AND DEVOTION TO WORK WAS RESPECTED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND THE MEDIA ALIKE. IN PARTICULAR HIS UNTIRING EFFORTS OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF OUR REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS, AND HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED.*

/IN HIS ......

• TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

IN HIS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, SAID« *JOHN SLIMMING WAS RESPECTED, LIKED AND TRUSTED BY hLL HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND HIS DEATH IS A SHOCK TO US ALL. HIS RAPID PROMOTION TO BE DIRECTOR OF HIS DEPARTMENT IS A TRIBUTE TO HIS QUALITIES, ENTHUSIASM AND HARD WORK. JOHN SLIMMING SET A FINE EXAMPLE IN HIS DEDICATION TO THE JOE IN HAND AND HIS PROFESSIONAL APPROACH TO HIS WORK. I WILL SADLY MISS HIS SOUND ADVICE AND JUDGEMENT. PEGGY AND I WILL MISS THIS DEAR FRIEND OF MANY YEARS STANDINGi WE SEND OUR SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO LUCY AND TO JOHN’S FAMILY.*

THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR. DAVID FORD, SAID* +l AM SHOCKED AND SADDENED BY THE TRAGIC NEWS OF JOHN SLIMM I NG’S DEATH. AS A CLOSE FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE, I HAVE COME TO KNOW AND RESPECT HIS QUALITIES OVER THE YEARS. JOHN WAS TOTALLY COMMITTED PROFESSIONALLY TO THE WORK OF HIS DEPARTMENT AND ALL OF US IN THE INFORMATION WORLD WILL SADLY MOURN THE LOSS OF THIS MAN WHO CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO HONG KONG. MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES GO TO HIS DEVOTED WIFE, LUCY, WHO HAS GIVEN HIM SO MUCH SUPPORT AND COMFORT.*

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

BANKING STATISTICS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR MAY * ft * ft *

THE MAY 1979 MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED TODAY

"the sWJFte’

SLOW,NS D0WN ,P,,,"E"T IN THE SR0WTH R4TE

, THE MAY FIGURES ARE THE FIRST (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1979.

ONES TO REFLECT THE EXCHANGE FUND

MONEY SUPPLY

THE MONEY SUPPLY Ml (NOTES AND COIN IN

CENT) TO AT THE END

ON BOTH DEFINITIONS ROSE ONLY SLIGHTLY IN MAY CIRCULATION OUTSIDE THE BANKS AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS) ROSE BY $82 MILLION (0.4 PER $23,437 MILLION, WHICH WAS 27.7 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL CF MAY 1978.

/THIS SEEMINGLY

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

THIS SEEMINGLY SHARP ANNUAL INCREASE REFLECTED A LOW MAY 1978 FIGURE- Ml IS STILL (DESPITE ITS RECENT ERRATIC MOVES) BELOW ITS LEVEL AT THE END OF JANUARY, WHICH WAS OF COURSE INFLUENCED BY THE LUNAR NEW YEAR EXPANSION OF THE NOTE CIRCULATION.

M2 (Ml PLUS TIME AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS) ROSE IN MAY BY $244 MILLION (0.3 PER CENT) TO $78,620 MILLION, WHICH WAS 22.3 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL OF MAY 1978.

THE YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE IN M2 IS THE LOWEST FIGURE FOR 15 MONTHS, AND IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS M2 HAS RISEN AT AN ANNUAL RATE CF 14.6 PER CENT, WHICH IS RATHER LESS THAN THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY IN MONEY TERMS IN 1979.

BANKING STATISTICS

BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE IN MAY 1979 BY ONLY $524 MILLION (0.9 PER CENT) TO $60,640 MILLION, WHICH WAS 46.1 PER CENT ABOVE THE END OF MAY 1978. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, HOWEVER, BANK LOANS HAVE RISEN BY 7.2 PER CENT, EQUIVALENT TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF 32 PER CENT, WHICH THOUGH STILL HIGH IS A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION ON THE GROWTH RATE OF EARLIER MONTHS.

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM FELL SLIGHTLY, FROM A8.25 PER CENT TO 48.17 PER CENT, WHILE THE RATIO OF LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG TO DEPOSITS ROSE FURTHER FROM 83.8 PER CENT TO 84.2 PER CENT.

TWO MORE RECENTLY-LICENSED BANKS BEGAN TO OPERATE DURING MAY, BRINGING THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS TO 99.

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES

DEPOSITS AT THE 246 REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE IN MAY 1979 BY $1,602 MILLION TO $16,964 MILLION, AND THE AMOUNT PLACED BY THESE COMPANIES WITH BANKS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY $251 MILLION TO $11,951 MILLION, SO THAT THEIR NET DEPOSIT LIABILITIES FOR MONEY SUPPLY PURPOSES ROSE BY $1,351 MILLION TO $5,013 MILLION.

LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY $176 MILLION TO $10,604 MILLION, AND THE AMOUNT BORROWED BY THESE COMPANIES FROM BANKS IN HONG KONG FELL BY $136 MILLION TO $8,106 MILLION, SO THAT THEIR NET LENDING IN HONG KONG ROSE BY $312 MILLION TO $2,498 MILLION.

LENDING IN HONG KONG BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TOGETHER ROSE IN MAY BY $836 MILLION (1.3 PER CENT).

IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS THEIR COMBINED LENDING HAS RISEN BY 6.6 PER CENT, EQUIVALENT TO 29 PER CENT AT AN ANNUAL RATE, WHICH (THOUGH STILL HIGH) IS LOWER THAN THE CURRENT RATE OF INCREASE IN LENDING BY BANKS ALONE.

THE NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE IN MAY BY $1,369 MILLION TO $9,543 MILLION, LARGELY REFLECTING A SHARP RISE OF $1,161 MILLION TO $22,198 MILLION IN THEIR LENDING ABROAD.

AlONCT SUPPLY...

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

- 4 -

i d::y supply

Month ended

^Million

1. Legal tender coins and notes in circulation (a) (i) Commercial bank issues 7,Oc5

(ii) Government issues 839 7,904

2. Licensed banks’ holdings of legal tender coins and notes (3) 1,304

Legal tender coins and notes in hands of non-bank

public (A) - (B) = (C) 6,600

4. Demand deposits with licensed banks (D) 16,837

5. Money supply (definition 1) (C) * (D) = (S) 23,437

6. Time deposits with licensed banks (F) 30,92?

7. Savings deposits with licensed banks (G) 24,254

8. Money supply (definition 2) (E) + (F) + (G) = (n) 78,620

/banking statistics

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

- 5 -

Number of licensed banks :

LIABILITIES

STATISTICS

Month ended 31st iZay 1979

(99)

3 million

1. Deposits 72,020

2. Amount due to banks abroad 60,020

3. Other liabilities 12,730

Total liabilities : 151,770

ASSETS

1. Cash 1,304

2. Amount due from banks abroad : (i) Demand and short term claims (ii) Time deposits 36,925 14,544 51,469

3. Loans and advances : (i) Hong Kong (ii) Abroad 60,640 .1^1 79,177

4. Investments : (i) Hong Kong (ii) Abroad 4,733 251 4,984

5. Other assets : (i) Hong Kong (ii) Abroad 8,469 6,367 Total Assets : 14.836 151,770

Average liquidity during month

48.17%

CSIT-TAKING

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

- 6

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY STATISTICS

Number of registered deposit-taking companies

Month ended

31 st May, 1979

(246)

$ million

LIABILITIES

1. Deposits 16,964

2. Amount due to banks in Hong Kong 8,106

J. Amount due to banks abroad 24,943

4. Other liabilities 9,043

Total liabilities 59,056

ASSETS

1. Cash 5

2. Amount due from banks in Hong Kong 11,951

3. Amount due from banks abroad: (i) Demand and short-term claims (ii) Time deposits 2,902 7,285 10,187

4. Loans (i) (ii) and advances: Hong Kong Abroad 10,604 22,198 32,802

5. Investments: (i) Hong Kong (ii) Abroad 860 663 1,523

6. Other (i) (ii) assets: Hong Kong Abroad 1,150 1,438 2,588

Total assets

59,056

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

TWELVE QUESTIONS FOR LEGCO * * *

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL RAISE 12 QUESTIONS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE HON. LYDIA DUNN WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE WHAT ACTION IS BEING PROPOSED TO ENSURE THAT THE SUM OF $4.2 MILLION OWED BY PETER GODBER IS RECOVERED NOW THAT A JUDGMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN FAVOUR OF THE CROWN.

THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK HOW MANY FAKE $5 COINS FAVE BEEN DISCOVERED SO FAR THIS YEAR AND WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.

HE WILL ALSO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE CURRENT RATE OF INFLATION IN HONG KONG, AND WHETHER THE PROJECTED INFLATION RATE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR WOULD EXCEED 10 PER CENT.

IN VIEW OF THE TWO BUS ACCIDENTS WITHIN A WEEK IN WHICH OVER 40 PASSENGERS WERE INJURED, THE HON. HARRY FANG WILL ASK WHAT MEASURES, BOTH LONG AND SHORT TERMS, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO TAKE TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF SUCH ACCIDENTS.

DR. FANG’S NEXT QUESTION WILL FOCUS ON THE REGIONALISATION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE URBAN AREAS, ASKING WHAT CO-ORDINATING MACHINERY IS OPERATING AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL TO ENSURE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS.

OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONCERN EXHAUST FUMES FROM VEHICLES, NOISE POLLUTION GENERATED BY MOTORCYCLES, SOLAR ENERGY AND OVERSEAS TRAINING FOR LOCAL OFFICERS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

TWELVE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 6) BILL 1979, THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1979, THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979, THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (RECRUITING OF SEAMEN) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE EMPLOYMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1979.

DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1979. THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979.

THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) B!LL 197? WILL BE INTRODUCED AND GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

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

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

OVER $2,220 MILLION SPENT ON SOCIAL WELFARE IN 1970’8

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SINCE THE TURN OF THE DECADE AMOUNTED TO OVER $2,220 MILLION, WITH THE PROVISION OF $660 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT YEAR BEING 15 TIMES THE FIGURE FOR 1970-71.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) WHILE REVIEWING THE MAJOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENTS IN HIS ADDRESS AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS OF PO LEUNG KUK.

MR. LEE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN SPENDING A LOT MORE ON SOCIAL WELFARE AS A RESULT OF DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT ON ALL FRONTS, i

FOR SUBVENTION ALONE, HE SAID, THE PROVISION IS ABOUT NINE TIMES BIGGER, RISING FROM $12.4 MILLION IN 1970-71 TO A STAGGERING $117 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.

ON THE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, W. LEE SAID THAT WHILE IT COULD POSE A STRAIN ON HONG KONG’S WELFARE SERVICES, IT WAS AN UNFORESEEN DEVELOPMENT WHICH WAS NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN INITIAL PLANNING.

HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING QUALITY OF WELFARE SERVICES AND TO ENSURE THAT THESE SERVICES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE NOT AFFECTED.

+IT IS HOPED THAT UNDER THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, APPROPRIATE WAYS COULD BE FOUND TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM CONFRONTING US,+ HE SAID.

GIVING A CHRONOLOGICAL RUN-DOWN OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE 197O’S, MR. LEE SAID THE YEAR 1970-71 WAS BEST REMEMBERED FOR THE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE AREAS OF SOCIAL WORK TRAINING AND SOCIAL SECURITY.

HE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE AND DAY NURSERY WAS OPENED TO ASSIST WITH THE TRAINING OF WORKERS ENGAGED IN A VARIETY OF WELFARE SERVICES.

A FIRM PACE WAS ALSO SET FOR FUTURE PLANNING WHEN THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF SOCIAL WORK, DAME EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND, CAME HERE TO ADVISE ON THE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OF SOCIAL WORKERS, HE SAID.

/IN EARLY 1971,

TUESDAY, JULY J, 1979

IN EARLY 1971, THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME TOOK A DRAMATIC TURN BY PROVIDING CASH ASSISTANCE INSTEAD OF DRY RATIONS.

DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIAL WORK TRAINING CONTINUED INTO 1971-72, HE SAID, WHEN DAME EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND’S REPORT WAS PUBLISHED WHICH RECOMMENDED THE SETTING UP OF A TWO-YEAR NON-UNI VERSITY COURSE OF SOCIAL WORK TRAINING.

IN 1972-73, MR. LEE SAID AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE WAS REACHED WHEN A DRAFT WHITE PAPER ENTITLED +SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG -THE WAY AHEAD+ WAS PUBLISHED.

THIS WHITE PAPER, TOGETHER WITH A FIVE-YEAR PLAN MAPPED OUT FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT, SET OUT THE BROAD AIMS ON HOW SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SHOULD DEVELOP IN THE 1970’S, HE SAID.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE YEAR, HE SAID, INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF WHAT IS NOW KNOWN AS SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE. THE SETTING-UP OF A REHABILITATION DIVISION IN THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE PROVISION OF A NETWORK OF COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS TO PROMOTE, DEVELOP AND COORDINATE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN DISTRICTS.

IN 1973-74, MR. LEE SAID THE FIRST ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT WAS MADE TO MONITOR AND ADJUST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AGAINST CHANGING NEEDS.

THE YEAR ALSO SAW THE INTRODUCTION OF ANOTHER SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME PROVIDING COMPENSATION FOR PEOPLE INJURED OR KILLED IN A CRIME OF VIOLENCE OR THROUGH THE ACTION OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHILST CARRYING OUT HIS DUTIES, HE SAID.

IN OCTOBER 1973, HE SAID, THE INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL WORK TRAINING OPENED AS RECOMMENDED BY DAME EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND TO PROVIDE A TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME NON-UNI VERSITY COURSE LEADING TO A CERTIFICATE IN SOCIAL WORK.

IN 1974-75, HE SAID THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION, INSPECTION AND CONTROL OF ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES.

DURING THE YEAR, THE NEW KOWLOON SOCIAL WELFARE KITCHEN AT CORNWALL STREET WAS OPENED AS A BASE FOR PROVIDING FOOD AND EMERGENCY RELIEF ARTICLES FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS.

MR. LEE SAID THE YEAR 1976-77 WAS MARKED BY THE COMPLETION FOR PUBLIC COMMENT OF A PROGRAMME PLAN AND A GREEN PAPER ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES.

/OTHER MAJOR .....

TUSSDAY, JULY J, 1<)79

OTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID, INCLUDED THE LAUNCHING OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, THE PHASED ENFORCEMENT OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS AND THE SETTING UP OF A CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.

IN 1977-78, MR. LEE SAID THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS EXTENDED TO COVER THE UNEMPLOYED ABLE-BODIED ADULTS AGED 15 TO 55 INCAPABLE OF SUPPORTING THEMSELVES THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN.

HE SAID THE YEAR ALSO SAW THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION SERVICES AND THE THREE GREEN PAPERS ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUTH.

IN 1978-79, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTED SEVERAL PROPOSALS IN THE SOCIAL SECURITY GREEN PAPER, WHICH INCLUDED A LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT, AN OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT AND A DISREGARDED INCOME SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANT RECIPIENTS- THE EXTENSION OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE TO COVER PEOPLE UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE- THE SETTING UP OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD- AND THE LOWERING FROM 75 TO 70 THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE.

IN SEPTEMBER 1977, THE INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL WORK TRAINING BECAME THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK WITHIN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, HE SAID.

HE SAID PREPARATIONS WERE ALSO UNDERWAY FOR REORGANISING THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON A REGIONAL BASIS AS FROM APRIL 1979 TO ACHIEVE GREATER ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY AND BETTER COORDINATION OF WELFARE SERVICES.

AND TWO MONTHS AGO, HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE ♦NO FAULT+ TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS.

IN ADDITION, A COMPREHENSIVE WHITE PAPER ENTITLED ♦SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 198O’S+ WAS PUBLISHED SETTING OUT THE BASIS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIAL SECURITY AND DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES, HE SAID.

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/11 .....

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

JOB STANDARDS FOR BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY ******

THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD CF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL HAS COMPILED A MANUAL OF JOB STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY.

THE MANUAL, PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CENTRAL, TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT $16 A COPY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE TRAINING BOARD WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO ADVISE ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY.

THE TRAINING BOARD HAS REVIEWED AND REVISED THE MANUAL OF JOB STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED IN 1971. IT HAS ALSO PREPARED JOB STANDARDS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL JOBS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS MANUAL, AND NEW PRINCIPAL JOBS AT TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT LEVELS.

THE REVIEW WAS NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL AND OTHER CHANGES WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL STANDARDS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN THE MANUAL, THE TRAINING BOARD HAS RECOMMENDED JOB STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 14 TECHNOLOGIST, EIGHT TECHNICIAN AND 17 CRAFT JOBS IN THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY. THE JOB STANDARDS SPECIFY THE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING WHICH A PERSON WOULD REQUIRE IF HE WERE TO BE COMPETENT IN ANY ONE OF THESE JOBS.

IT WAS PUBLISHED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSESi

* TO ESTABLISH ADEQUATE AND UNIFORM STANDARDS OF SKILL FOR THE PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE INDUSTRY-

* TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS AND TRAINING ORGANISATIONS IN THE PLANNING OF RELEVANT COURSES"

* TO HELP EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY TO DRAW UP SYSTEMATIC AND PRACTICAL ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THEIR TRAINEES, AND

* TO HELP EMPLOYERS TO ASSESS THE COMPETENCE OF THEIR WORKERS.

+THE TRAINING BOARD BELIEVES THAT THESE TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS, IF FOLLOWED, WILL UP-GRADE MANPOWER TRAINING IN THE INDUSTRY WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ’

-------o

/12......

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

- 12 - i.

to |

SURVEY OF INSTRUCTORS * * * * *

THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTOR TRAINING OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A THIRD SURVEY THIS MONTH TO DETERMINE THE NEEDS FOR INSTRUCTORS IN INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND TO UP-DATE THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IN A SIMILAR SURVEY CONDUCTED TWO YEARS. AGO.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN JULY 16 AND 31, COVERING ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED FROM THE MAJOR INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

IT IS AIMED AT ASCERTAINING, AMONG OTHER MATTERS, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

* THE EXISTING NUMBER OF INSTRUCTORS EMPLOYED"

* THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, ARD

• * A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS IN THE TWO YEARS

FOLLOWING THE SURVEY.

EXPLANATORY LETTERS TOGETHER WITH QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE SENT TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE FIELD WORK.

DURING THE FIELD WORK, INTERVIEWING OFFICERS WILL VISIT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO ANSWER QUERIES, ASSIST IN THE COMPLETION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE IF NECESSARY AND COLLECT COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES.

THE EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE BEFORE JULY 31.

THE INFORMATION REQUIRED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.

THE COMMITTEE URGES EMPLOYERS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY TO CO-OPERATE BY PROVIDING THE REQUIRED INFORMATION WHICH WILL ENABLE IT TO DRAW UP RECOMMENDATIONS ON TRAINING OF INSTRUCTORS TO INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT.

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

i DESIGN VERSUS FASHION

* * * * M M

ONE OF THE GREATEST ENEMIES OF GOOD DESIGN IS FASHION, MR, DAVID JORDAN, DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY),

♦THE DESIGNER’S JOB SHOULD BE TO RECONCILE THE PRACTICAL AND THE AESTHETIC, BUT ALL TOO OFTEN FASHION DICTATES THAT THE PRODUCT SHOULD SHOW NO SIGN OF EITHER,* HE SAID.

OPENING A SEMINAR ON PRODUCT DESIGN, ORGANISED BY THE ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY ORGANISATION AT THE HOLIDAY INN, MR. JORDAN ACCEPTED THAT DESIGNERS MAY HAVE TO COMPROMISE BETWEEN PRACTICALITY AND FASHION.

♦BUT, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO COMPROMISE IN THE END, I THINK DESIGN SHOULD ALWAYS START AS AN HONEST ATTEMPT TO DEVISE THE MOST EFFICIENT PRODUCT FOR THE PURPOSE, WHATEVER IT MAY BE,* HE SAID.

♦WHEN YOU COME TO WHAT WE CAN NOW CALL LATE 2OTH CENTURY PRODUCT DESIGN, I SUPPOSE THE GREATEST CHANGE, AND THE GREATEST DIFFICULTY, LIES IN THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE TO DESIGN PRODUCTS THAT WILL BE ACCEPTABLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES, SO THE DESIGNER HAS TO TRY AND PUT HIMSELF INTO OTHER PEOPLE’S SHOES.

♦THAT IS WHERE THIS SEMINAR COMES IN, CREATING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHT IN THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN TECHNOLOGY, PRACTICE AND MANAGEMENT.+

HAVING WELCOMED THE OVERSEAS VISITORS ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, MR. JORDAN CONCLUDED! +WE ARE VERY GLAD THAT THE ( APO, WHICH HAS DONE SO MUCH SOLID WORK FOR ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES, SHOULD HAVE DECIDED TO HOLD THIS SEMINAR HERE, AND I’M SURE THAT THE JOINT SPONSORS IN HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL AND THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, WILL MAKE A USEFUL CONTRIBUTION TO IT.+

------0 - - - -

EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ WORK ON CHINESE HISTORY -* * * M *

AN WILL BE TO GAIN

EXHIBITION ON THE PROVISIONAL CHINESE HISTORY SYLLABUS HELD LATER THIS MONTH TO ENABLE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS A MORE COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT.

ON OF FORM

DISPLAY AT THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION WILL MAINLY BE THE WORK 2 STUDENTS OF 17 ♦MONITORED* SCHOOLS FOR THE 1978-79 ACADEMIC YEAR.

THESE +MONITORED+ SCHOOLS HAD BEEN SELECTED FOR SPECIAL OBSERVATION WHEN THE PILOT SCHEME OF THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS STARTED IN SEPTEMBER, 1977. FEEDBACK FROM THESE SCHOOLS WERE USED FOR REVIEWING AND IMPROVING THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS.

/ALSO .....

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE WORK RELATING TO THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS BY STUDENT-TEACHERS OF THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.

A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD DURING THE EXHIBITION FOR TEACHERS FROM THE +MONITORED+ SCHOOLS AND OTHER SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE TALKS, DEMONSTRATION LESSONS AND AN EVALUATION SESSION.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON JULY 18 AND 19 IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF THE HO LAP COLLEGE AT 15 TSEUK LUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON. OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

EDUCATION

IT IS ORGANISED BY THE HISTORY SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND

THE 17 +MONITORED+ SCHOOLS

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

THIRD QUARTER RATES TO BE PAID BY JULY 31 M * M * *

RATEPAYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT RATES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1979 MUST BE SETTLED BY 4 P.M. ON JULY 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 RATEPAYERS SHOULD HAVE, BY NOW, RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT 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 DY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).

- - 0-----

/15

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1979

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, TODAY (TUESDAY) COMMUTED THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON SIU YIU-MAN, ALIAS KAM KWAI-CHEUNG, 25, ON FEBRUARY 21, 1978 FOR THE MURDER OF AN ELDERLY WATCHMAN TO THAT OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

SIU, A CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKER, WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING CHEUNG CHUN-KWONG, 62, AT A HOUSE IN YAU 01 VILLAGE, TUNG LO WAN, SHA TIN ON MAY 14, 1977.

- - o - -

WATER CUT

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TA I HANG TUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TAI HANG TUNG ROAD INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 14, TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW MEASURES TO REDUCE BUS ACCIDENTS TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR................................................... 1

ACTION AGAINST MOTORISTS FOR EXCESSIVE NOISE AND EXHAUST FUMES .............................................. 2

ANNUALISED CONSUMER PRICES INCREASING AT 8.5 PER CENT AND 10.5 PER CENT........................................... 4

STEPS TAKEN TO SEIZE PETER GODBER’S ASSETS ................. 5

CALL FOR ABOLITION OF IMPRISONMENT OVER DEBT................ 6

CALL FOR A REVIEW ON IMPRISONMENT OVER DEBTS ............... 8

ID CARD BILL PASSED......................................... 9

MTR CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 ..................... 10

BILL TO MAKE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL A PERMANENT PART OF JUDICIAL SYSTEM......................................... 11

CHILD LABOUR NO LONGER A SERIOUS PROBLEM .................. 12

INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 6) BILL 1979 ............... 13

BILL SEEKS INCLUSION OF POLICE SERGEANTS IN SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL WORK .................................... 15

CDO’S CO-ORDINATION EXPLAINED ............................. 15

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BY-LAWS 1979 ...................................................... 16

SOLAR ENERGY REPORT BEING STUDIED ........................ 17

UPROOTED TREES ARE REPLANTED ............................ 17

PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 ................................................. 18

COUNTER-MEASURES TC TACKLE FAKE 85 COINS .................. 19

/over 1,400 LOCAL . . . .

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

OVER 1,400 LOCAL OFFICERS RECEIVED OVERSEAS TRAINING BETWEEN 1974-75 AND 1978-79 ...................... jo

BILL TO IMPROVE ADMINISTRATION OF CLEAN AI .R ORDINANCE ................................................. 20

WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S (AMENDMENT) BILL ................ 21

STRENGTH OF GOVT CAR PARK RAILINGS ................... 22

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS ............................... 22

FOUR BILLS PASSED ......................................... 23

EMPLOYMENT CHANGES IN MARCH 1979 .......................... 23

UNHCR’S DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER SENDS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ................................................ 25

FOUR BUILDINGS IN WESTERN DECLARED DANGEROUS .............. 25

WATER CUT.................................................. 26

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

NEW MEASURES TO REDUCE BUS ACCIDENTS TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR ******

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL INTRODUCE FROM NEXT YEAR A SERIES CF MEASURES TO HELP ENSURE THAT BUSES ARE KEPT SAFE.

HE SAID THIS WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG WHO ASKED WHAT MEASURES, BOTH LONG AND SHORT TERM, THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING TO REDUCE BUS ACCIDENTS.

MR. BARNES SAID THAT IN JANUARY 1980 THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL START THE RELICENSING OF BUSES ON INSPECTION OF STEERING, BRAKES, TYRES, SUSPENSION AND LIGHTING AND SO ON, AND THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE OF ROAD WORTHINESS. IT WILL ALSO START A SYSTEM OF SPOT CHECKS.

HOWEVER, HE SAID WHAT WAS STILL NEEDED WAS A GREATER ATTENTION TO THE FACTORS WHICH HAD CAUSED UNSAFE DRIVING.

♦THIS REQUIRES A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH LEAD TO UNSAFE DRIVING. THIS IS BEING DONE.+ HE POINTED OUT.

TURNING TO THE TWO RECENT BUS ACCIDENTS REFERRED TO BY DR. FANG, THE SECRETARY SAID ALTHOUGH THEY WERE SERIOUS, THEY FORTUNATELY DID NOT SEEM TO CONSTITUTE A TREND, PARTICULARLY AS IT SEEMED LIKELY THEY OCCURRED FOR DIFFERENT REASONS.

STATING THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S MAIN CHECKS ON THE SAFETY OF BUSES HAD BEEN SUMMARISED IN THE COUNCIL MANY TIMES BEFORE, M?. BARNES SAID BRIEFLY THEY WERE:

ON BUSES:

* A PRECOMMISSIONING FULL INSPECTION RESULTING IN A CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS-

* MONITORING OF MAINTENANCE FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE ROUTINES, AND

* PERIODIC CHECKS ON STEERING, BRAKES, TYRES, SUSPENSION LIGHTING, AND ALL OTHER PARTS ESSENTIAL TO ACCIDENT PREVENTION-

ON THE OPERATION OF BUSES:

* AGREEMENT ON TRAINING PROGRAMMES-

* TESTING OF DRIVERS FOR LI CENS ING-

* ADJUSTMENT OF SCHEDULES TO MEET TRAFFIC CONDITIONS-

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

* TEST RUN ON ROUTES TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE SAFE DRIVING, AND

* GENERAL LIAISON WITH THE COMPANIES ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING DRIVERS.

FINALLY, MR. BARNES SAID, HE COULD OFFER NO IMMEDIATE INSURANCE AGAINST FURTHER ACCIDENTS, BUT ASSURED THE COUNCIL THE GOVERNMENT WOULD USE ALL ITS POWERS TO REDUCE THEIR INCIDENCE AND SEEK MORE POWERS, IF THESE WERE FOUND DEFICIENT.

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

ACTION AGAINST MOTORISTS FOR EXCESSIVE NOISE AND EXHAUST FUMES

******

THE POLICE INSTITUTED 5,600 PROSECUTIONS IN 1978 AND ALMOST 3,000 IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR REGARDING EMISSION OF EXHAUST FUMES FROM VEHICLES, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE FIGURES WERE GIVEN IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES.

HE SAID THE POLICE EMPLOYING FIVE OF THE NINE INSTRUMENTS IN USE BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO MEASURE SMOKE EMISSION FROM VEHICLES RESULTED IN THE PROSECUTION OF MOTORISTS.

THE OTHERS ARE IN USE AT VARIOUS ROUTINE VEHICLE TESTING STATIONS OPERATED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

HOWEVER, MR. BARNES SAID EMISSIONS OF SMOKE FROM VEHICLES REPRESENTED ONLY ONE COMPONENT OF EXHAUST FUMES.

♦THEY ARE, OF COURSE, THE PART THAT IS MOST READILY OBSERVABLE,♦ HE POINTED OUT.

♦BUT THERE ARE OTHER EMISSIONS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY MORE HARMFUL TO HEALTH, SUCH AS LEAD, CARBON MONOXIDE AND OXIDES CF NITROGEN. THESE POLLUTANTS ARE INVISIBLE AND ODOURLESS AND NOT THEREFORE READILY OBSERVED OR DETECTED BY TriE GENERAL PUBLIC.

♦I AM, HOWEVER, IN THE PROCESS OF SEEKING THE NECESSARY RESOURCES, IN TERMS OF MANPOWER AND EQUIPMENT, NEEDED TO MEASURE THE CONCENTRATION OF THESE POLLUTANTS IN THE AIR ALONGSIDE BUSY ROADS IN HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.

IN REPLY TO A SEPARATE QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM ON THE CONTROL OF NOISE POLLUTION GENERATED BY MOTORCYCLES, MR. BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING NOISE LIMITS FOR NEw VEHICLES.

■••THERE ARE AS YET NO RULES WHICH PUACE LIMITS ON THE NOISE EMITTED BY NEW MOTOR VEHICLES ALTHOUGH SUCH LIMITS ARE IN FORCE IN many OTHER COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, JUL” 4, 1979

HE SAID THERE WERE 122 PROSECUTIONS FOR EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM MOTOR VEHICLES IN 1978 OF WHICH 52 WERE MOTORCYCLES. SO FAR IN 1979 THE EQUIVALENT FIGURES ARE 15 AND 11.

♦NOISE POLLUTION FROM MOTORCYCLES AND OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES IS CONTROLLED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND USE) REGULATIONS,+ HE EXPLAINED.

♦POLICE OFFICERS ON PATROL, OR EVEN MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, WHO SPOT A MOTORCYCLE OR OTHER VEHICLE WHICH IS APPARENTLY DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IT IS MAKING EXCESSIVE NOISE, CAN REPORT THE OWNER WHO IS THEN REQUIRED TO ATTEND AT A POLICE POUND FOR INSPECTION OF HIS VEHICLE BY A MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINER.

♦IF THE SILENCER OR OTHER RELEVANT PART OF THE VEHICLE IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, THEN THE OWNER IS PROSECUTED,+ HE SAID.

MR. BARNES SAID THAT MANY OWNERS WOULD REPAIR THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE REPORTING FOR INSPECTION SO THAT THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS DID NOT REALLY REFLECT THE LEVEL OF CONTROL ACTIVITY.

♦WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN REPEATED INCIDENTS OR COMPLAINTS OF NOISY VEHICLES ON A PARTICULAR ROAD, THE POLICE WILL MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT AND SET UP ROAD BLOCKS WITH, WHERE POSSIBLE, A MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINER PRESENT,+ HE SAID.

♦IN SUCH CASES A PROSECUTION CAN BE INITIATED AGAINST AN OFFENDER ON THE SPOT WITHOUT FIRST REFERRING THE VEHICLE TO INSPECTION AT A POLICE POUND,+ HE ADDED.

o -------

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

ANNUALISED CONSUMER PRICES INCREASING AT 8-1/2% AND 10-1/2% * * * *

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THE N’UmLISED CONSUMER PRICES FOR THE CURRENT YEAR ARE INCREASING AT A RATE OF BETWEEN 8-1/2 AND 10-1/2 PER CENT.

THIS DEPENDED ON WHETHER ONE CONSIDERED THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES COVERING EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY THOSC WITH INCOMES UP TO 13,000 PER MONTH OR THE HANG SENG INDEX WHICH COVERS EXPENDITURE BY THOSE WITH INCOMES BETWEEN $3,003 AND 510,000 PER MONTH, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN CONCERNING THE RATE OF INFLATION.

MR. HADDON-CAVE REMINDED THAT IN THE BUDGET SPEECH HE MR1979T0VERT1978 C0NSUMER PR,CES WOULD INCREASE BY NINE PER CENT

REFERRING TO THE INCREASE IN THE GENERAL PRICE LEVEL.

M?. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO UPDATE HIS BUDGET FORECAST OF EIGHT PER CENT, BUT ADDED THAT HE WOULD DO SO WHEN HE MADE HIS MID-YEAR REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY

+MY PRESENT GUESS IS THAT, TAKING CONSIDERATION, INCLUDING RECENT EVENTS FORESEEN SIX MONTHS AGO AND WHICH HAVE

ALL RELEVANT FACTORS INTO WHICH I COULD NOT HAVE

_ „ - ....... -- AFFECTED THE IMPORT PRICES

OF SOME RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, THE BUDGET SPEECH FORECAST OF EIGHT PER CENT IS PROBABLY ON THE LOW SIDE, BUT NOT DRAMATICALLY S0.+

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

STEPS TAKEN TO SEIZE PETER GODBER’S ASSETS

* * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN STEPS TO SEIZE THE ASSETS OF PETER GODBER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HDN. JOHN GRIFFITHS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE ASSETS INCLUDE A COTTAGE AND JOINT BANK ACCOUNT HELD BY GODBER AND HIS WIFE.

THE ACTION WAS TAKEN AFTER GOVERNMENT’S SOLICITORS IN LONDON OBTAINED ON JUNE 7 A JUDGEMENT IN DEFAULT OF APPEARANCE BY GODBER AND HIS WIFE IN THE SUM OF ALMOST $4.2 MILLION.

MR. GRIFFITHS SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LYDIA DUNN THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S SOLICITORS IN LONDON HAD OBTAINED ON JUNE 12 A +CHARGING ORDER NISI* UPON THE COTTAGE — THE FIRST STEP IN THE LEGAL PROCESS OF SEIZURE AND SALE.

♦AN APPLICATION IS CURRENTLY BEFORE THE HIGH COURT IN LONDON TO REGISTER THIS CHARGE AGAINST MR. AND MRS. GODBER, BOTH SOLELY AND JOINTLY, BECAUSE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO KNOW EXACTLY HOW THE TITLE TO THE COTTAGE IN VESTED.

+AS FAR AS THE BANK ACCOUNT IS CONCERNED, THIS HAD BEEN FROZEN BY THE COURT UNDER A GARNISHEE ORDER NISI AND IN DUE TIME IT WILL BE SEQUESTRATED BY DUE PROCESS OF LAW,+ HE SAID.

MR. GRIFFITHS SAID THE PRESENT WHEREABOUTS OF GODBER AND HIS WIFE ARE NOT KNOWN, BUT THEY WERE BELIEVED TO BE AWAY FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM.

♦THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WELCOME ANY RELIABLE INFORMATION WHICH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN GIVE US AS TO THEIR PRESENT EXACT WHEREABOUTS. BECAUSE IT IS OUR INTENTION, ONCE WE KNOW EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE, TO PURSUE THEM AS RELENTLESSLY AS WE CAN, UNTIL EVERY PENNY OF THE $4.2 MILLION IS RECOVERED,♦ HE SAID.

MR. GRIFFITHS ALSO APPEALED FOR OTHER ASSETS BELONGING TO THE GODBERS THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT

ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THAT

♦IF ANY OTHER ASSETS IN THE UK ARE FOUND IN THE NAME OF GODBER OR HIS WIFE THE GOVERNMENT’S LONDON SOLICITORS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION,♦ HE ASSURED.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

CALL FOR ABOLITION OF IMPRISONMENT OVER DEBT *****

THE HON. PETER C. WONG CALLED FOR A STOP TO THE IMPRISONMENT OF CIVIL DEBTORS IN HONG KONG DURING A DEBATE HE INITIATED UNDER THE SUBJECT +POVERTY IS NOT A CRIME* AT THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE SAID THAT ACCORDING TO THE MODERN APPROACH TO PENOLOGY, IMPRISONMENT, WHICH IS AN EXTREME FORM OF PENALTY BECAUSE IT DEPRIVES A CITIZEN OF HIS PERSONAL LIBERTY, SHOULD OPERATE ONLY WITHIN CRIMINAL LAW.

+INDEED, ACTION TAKEN AGAINST THE PERSON AS DISTINCT FROM THE PROPERTY OF THE DEBTOR CAN HARDLY BE JUSTIFIED CONCEPTUALLY,* HE POINTED OUT.

THE AVERAGE ANNUAL NUMBER OF PRISONERS FOR DEBT OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS WAS LESS THAN 100 AND THEIR AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY IN PRISON WAS 24.3 DAYS IN 1977 AND 19.7 DAYS IN 1978.

+ IT IS DISTURBING TO NOTE THAT ON THE AVERAGE AN IMPRISONED DEBTOR WHO HAD NOT COMMITTED ANY CRIME HAD TO SPEND SOME THREE WEEKS IN PRISON.

♦THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO WHEN ONE REALISES THAT AT LEAST IN SOME CASES THE DEBT COULD BE ASTONISHINGLY SMALL. THE STIGMA AND ADVERSE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF IMPRISONMENT COULD HAVE FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES,* MR. WONG SAID.

HE GAVE OTHER REASONS FOR HIS VIEW THAT IMPRISONMENT FOR CIVIL DEBT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT EVEN WITH CRIMINAL OFFENDERS, IT HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNISED THAT THEIR MEANS AND BACKGROUND, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF YOUNG OFFENDERS, SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SENTENCE IS PASSED.

♦HOWEVER, A CIVIL DEBTOR, WHATEVER HIS AGE, CAN BE IMPRISONED AT THE INSTANCE OF THE CREDITOR WITHOUT THE NECESSITY OF FURNISHING THE COURT WITH A SOCIAL ENQUIRY REPORT,* HE SAID.

ACADEMICALLY, IT IS DIFFICULT TO ARGUE A CAUSAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE THREAT FOR IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT AND A DISPOSITION AMONG CITIZENS TO HONOUR THEIR OBLIGATIONS.

+ADMITTEDLY, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHOSE MORALITY IS BELOW THE AVERAGE COMMERCIAL MORALITY OF THE AGE, BUT THE EXISTENCE OF THE COMMERCIAL MORALITY CAN HARDLY BE MADE DEPENDENT UPON THE THREAT OF IMPRISONMENT,* MR. WONG SAID.

ANOTHER REASON HE GAVE AGAINST IMPRISONING DEBTORS IS THE IRONICAL FACT THAT IT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, FOR THE DEBTOR, WHO CANNOT IMPROVE HIS FINANCIAL POSITION THROUGH IMPRISONMENT, TO DISCHARGE HIS PRESENT OR FUTURE DEETS.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 'f, 1979

BESIDES, CONSIDERING THE TIME AND LABOUR OF JUDGES, CLERICAL STAFF AND BAILIFFS INVOLVED IN THE CASES AND THE COST OF IMPRISONMENT, THE AMOUNT OF MONTHLY ALLOWANCE THE CREDITOR IS REQUIRED TO PAY TO MAINTAIN THE DEBTOR IN PRISON, AT A MAXIMUM OF $30 PER DAY, IS APPARENTLY INSUFFICIENT.

+li IS HARDLY FAIR TO EXPECT THE PUBLIC TO FINANCE THE ATTEMPTS BY CREDITORS TO RECOVER THEIR DEBTS IN THIS MANNER,+ HE SAID.

FURTHERMORE, ALTHOUGH ANY SUBSIDY BY THE CROWN IS NOT RECOVERABLE, A CREDITOR IS ABLE TO RECOVER FROM THE DEBTOR ALL SUMS HE INCURRED IN IMPRISONING HIM.

INCIDENTALLY, MR. WONG ADDED, THE ABOLITION OF IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT MAY HELP EASE THE STRAIN ON OUR CONGESTED PRISONS.

MR. WONG OUTLINED THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ENGLISH LAW RELATING TO CIVIL DEBTS AND POINTED OUT THAT AFTER SEVERAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE LAW, IMPRISONMENT FOR CIVIL DEBT IS NOW VIRTUALLY ABOLISHED THERE, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, SUCH AS MAINTENANCE ORDERS AND CROWN DEBTS.

IN HONG KONG HOWEVER, A DEBTOR CAN BE IMPRISONED FOR A PERIOD UP TO A YEAR, OR SIX MONTHS IF THE DEBT IS LESS THAN $1,000, THREE MONTHS IF LESS THAN $500, AND ONE MONTH IF LESS THAN $100.

THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN HONG KONG SIMILAR TO A 1671 ACT OF PARLIAMENT UNDER WHICH THE PRISONER WOULD BE DISCHARGED IF HE SWORE BEFORE A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE THAT HE HAD NO ESTATE ABOVE THE VALUE OF 10 POUNDS STERLING AND THAT HE HAD NOT DISPOSED OF HIS ESTATE TO DEFRAUD HIS CREDITORS, PROVIDED THAT HIS OATH WAS NOT DISPROVED BY HIS CREDITOR.

♦NEVERTHELESS, IT IS FRIGHTENING TO KNOW THAT IF A PERSON OWES LESS THAN $100, HE MAY BE IMPRISONED FOR A MONTH,+ MR. WONG SAID.

THE HONG KONG LAW ALSO PROVIDES THAT IN CASES WHERE THE COURT IS SATISFIED THERE IS PROBABLE CAUSE FOR BELIEVING THAT THE DEFENDANT MAY LEAVE THE JURISDICTION, IT MAY ISSUE A WARRANT TO BRING HIM BEFORE THE COURT TO GIVE EXPLANATION, AND IF HE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE COURT ORDER HE MAY BE COMMITTED TO PRISON.

MR. WONG POINTED OUT THAT THIS PROVISION IS TOTALLY UNKNOWN IN ENGLISH LAW AND NEEDS TO BE REVISED.

HE THOUGHT THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN JUSTIFICATION FOR IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT 100 YEARS AGO BUT NOT IN OUR RELATIVELY ADVANCED AND SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY TODAY.

APART FROM DEBTS OWED TO THE CROWN OR TO ONE’S SPOUSE IN THE FORM OF MAINTENANCE PAYMENT, BECAUSE +THE SOLIDARITY OF CUR COMMUNITY AND THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE SHOULD BE UPHELD EVEN AT A PR ICE,+ ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL DEBTS SHOULD NOT BE UNDERTAKEN BY INVOKING IMPRISONMENT, HE SAID.

HE SUGGESTED THAT AN ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE BE DEVISED, PERHAPS ALONG THE LINES LAID DOWN BY THE ATTACHMENT OF EARNINGS ACT 1971.

-------0 - -

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

CALL FOR A REVIEW ON IMPRISONMENT OVER DEBTS X M X X M X

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN GRIFFITHS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PROPOSED TO INSTITUTE A REVIEW AIMED AT ENSURING THAT WHILE THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPRISONMENT REMAINS AS A DETERRENT TO THE DISHONEST OR THE UNDULY EXTRAVAGANT DEBTOR, NEVERTHELESS IMPRISONMENT FOR HOWEVER SHORT A TIME CAN ONLY TAKE PLACE IN SUCH CASES.

MR. GRIFFITHS WAS SPEAKING ON A MOTION THAT +POVERTY IS NOT A CRIME+ MOVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE HON. PETER C. WONG.

+THIS REVIEW WOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER THERE ARE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, NOT ONLY ENGLAND BUT ELSEWHERE TOO, OTHER EFFECTIVE PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING DEBTS, INCLUDING MATRIMONIAL MAINTENANCE, WHICH COULD APPROPRIATELY BE ADOPTED FOR USE IN HONG KONG,+ MR. GRIFFITHS SAID.

THE MONTHLY ALLOWANCE A CREDITOR IS REQUIRED TO PAY TO MAINTAIN A DEBTOR IN PRISON, AT A MAXIMUM OF *30 A DAY, WOULD ALSO BE LOOKED INTO WITH A VIEW TO RAISING IT, SHOULD IT PROVE TO BE TOO LOW, HE SAID.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE POWER OF IMPRISONMENT OF DEBTORS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A LARGE PROBLEM.

IN 1977 AND 1978 RESPECTIVELY, 99 AND 85 PERSONS ALTOGETHER WERE IMPRISONED, AND ONLY 12 PEOPLE ARE IN PRISON AT THE MOMENT.

SINCE 1974 ONLY FOUR PERSONS HAVE IN FACT SPENT 12 MONTHS IN PRISON. THE DEBTS IN THEIR CASES WERE *630,000, *90,000, *880,000 AND *190,000.

MR. GRIFFITHS EMPHASISED THAT IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT WILL ONLY BE RESORTED TO AFTER ALL OTHER AVENUES HAVE BEEN EXPLORED AND WHEN IT APPEARS CLEAR THAT THE DEBTOR IS A RECALCITRANT CASE WHO POSSESSES THE MEANS TO PAY, BUT NOT THE INCLINATION TO DO SO.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WHILE A JUDGMENT DEBTOR CAN BE IMPRISONED FOR VARYING PERIODS OF BETWEEN ONE MONTH AND 12 MONTHS, DEPENDING UPON THE AMOUNT OF THE DEBT, THE DEBTOR MAY AT ANY TIME MAKE APPLICATION TO THE COURT TO BE RELEASED.

WHEN THE APPLICATION IS MADE, THE DEBTOR MUST BE RELEASED UNLESS THE JUDGMENT CREDITOR SUCCEEDS IN PROVING ONE OF THREE THINGS I EITHER, FIRST, THAT THE DEBTOR’S INABILITY TO SATISFY THE JUDGMENT IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DEBTOR’S UNJUSTIFIABLE EXTRAVAGANCE IN LIVING- OR, SECOND, THAT HE SEEKS TO AVOID PAYING THE DEBT BY WILFULLY AND DELIBERATELY CONCEDED HIS PROPERTY FROM HIS CREDITOR- OR, THIRD, THAT TO AVOID THE PAYMENT OF HIS DEBT HE HAS FRAUDULENTLY TRANSFERRED TO, SAY HIS W.FE, OR SOME OTHER PERSONS, AGAIN WITH THE DELIBERATE OBJECT OF AVOIDING PAYMENT OR COMMITTED SOME OTHER ACT OF BAD FAITH TO AVOID PAYMENT.

/+THE 8URDW

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

♦THE BURDEN OF PROVING THESE THREE GROUNDS OR ONE OF THEM RESTS ON THE CREDITORi UNLESS HE SUCCEEDS IN DOING THAT, THE DEBTOR MUST BE DISCHARGED AND ONCE HAS BEEN DISCHARGED HE CAN NOT BE RE-ARRANGED FOR THE SAME DEBT,* MR. GRIFFITHS EXPLAINED.

♦I VENTURE TO SUGGEST, DESPITE MY SHORT EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN HONG KONG, THAT MOST PEOPLE HERE WOULD REGARD THESE PROVISIONS AS FAIR. WHY SHOULD A MAN NOT BE IMPRISONED FOR A COMPARATIVELY SHORT PERIOD IF, BUT ONLY IF, IT CAN BE PROVED THAT HE HAS FINANCED HIS OWN UNJUSTIFIABLE EXTRAVAGANCE IN LIVING, THROUGH HIS CREDITORS, OR ALTERNATIVELY IF IT CAN BE SHOWN THAT HE HAS DELIBERATELY OR FRAUDULENTLY ATTEMPTED TO HIDE HIS MONEY FROM THEM WHEN PERFECTLY WELL HE COULD PAY?*

♦MANY WOULD ARGUE THAT WERE IT NOT FOR THE THREAT OF IMPRISONMENT, FAR MORE PEOPLE THAN DO SO AT PRESENT WOULD SEEK TO AVOID THEIR JUST DEBTS BY HIDING THEIR ASSETS OUT OF THE REACH OF THEIR CREDITORS.♦

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

ID CARD BILL PASSED * * * * *

THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO AUTHORISE THE MAKING OF REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE COMPULSORY CARRYING AND PRODUCTION OF IDENTITY CARDS WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE DEBATE ON THE BILL BEFORE IT WAS PASSED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, SAID HE HAD PROPOSED THAT THE BILL SHOULD PROCEED THROUGH ALL ITS STAGES AT ONE SITTING BECAUSE THE AMENDMENTS WERE REQUIRED URGENTLY TO IMPROVE THE GOVERNMENT’S CAPACITY TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.

MR. DAVIES NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ENTERING HONG KONG FROM CHINA THIS YEAR — BY THE END OF JUNE 45,9*3 HAD BEEN APPREHENDED.

♦ALTHOUGH THE NUMBERS ARRESTED HAVE FALLEN SHARPLY RECENTLY IT REMAINS AS EVER TO PURSUE OUR POLICY TO PREVENT AND DETER ILLEGAL ENTRY,+ MR. DAVIES SAID.

♦THE AMENDMENT PROPOSED IN THIS BILL WILL AUTHORISE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING THAT PERSONS MUST CARRY THEIR IDENTITY CARDS WHEN VISITING DESIGNATED AREAS.

♦THIS PROVISION WILL BE OF ASSISTANCE TO THE SECURITY FORCES IN HELPING TO IDENTIFY THOSE WHO HAVE ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY,♦ HE ADDED.

MR. DAVIES SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTEND TO DESIGNATE LARGE AREAS OF POPULATION AS PLACES IN WHICH PERSONS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CARRY THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.

/+THERE ABE, .....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

♦THERE ARE, HOWEVER, PARTICULAR AREAS IN WHICH THEIR CARRIAGE WILL BE OF ASSISTANCE. ONE SUCH AREA IS PING CHAU.

♦ANY DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO REQUIRE THE CARRIAGE OF IDENTITY CARDS WILL BE PUBLICISED EXTENSIVELY AND A PERIOD OF NOTICE WILL BE GIVEN BEFORE ANY ORDER TAKES EFFECT,+ NR. DAVIES SAID.

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

MTR CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 ******

THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE THE LEGISLATIVE MACHINERY TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE RAILWAY WHEN IT STARTS TO CARRY PASSENGERS, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THE FIRST SECTION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND SHEK KIP MEI WOULD OPEN ON OCTOBER 1, AND THE REMAINDER OF THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE SECTION TO CENTRAL DISTRICT, WOULD BE OPERATING BY EARLY 1980.

THE SCOPE OF THE AMENDING SECTIONS INCLUDES THE PROVISION FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTORS BY THE GOVERNOR, THEIR POWERS OF INSPECTION. THE DUTY OF EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS OF THE CORPORATION TO CO-OPERATE WITH OR PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THEM, AND PENALTIES FOR NON-COOPERATION OR PROVISION OF FALSE INFORMATION.

ANOTHER SECTION EMPOWERS THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO ORDER THE CORPORATION TO REMEDY DEFECTS REGARDING THE CONDITION AND OPERATION CF ANY PART OF THE MTR IF HE CONSIDERS THAT THEY ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE A RISK OF INJURY TO ANY PERSON, ENABLES HIM TO SET TIME LIMITS FOR REMEDIAL WORKS, AND SPECIFIES FINES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH HIS ORDERS.

CRIMINAL LIABILITY ON AN EMPLOYEE OF THE CORPORATION WHO ENDANGERS SAFETY THROUGH THE NEGLIGENT PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTY IS ALSO IMPOSED BY THE BILL.

THE BILL ALSO MAKES IT AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON WILFULLY TO DO ANYTHING WHICH ENDANGERS SAFETY.

THE PENALTY IN EACH OF THESE CASES IS A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE MAKING OF REGULATIONS REGARDING THE REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS AND THE POWERS OF INSPECTORS MAKING SUCH INVESTIGATIONS.

MR. BARNES SAID THAT THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY CF PASSENGERS AND WORKERS OF MTR MUST LIE WITH THE CORPORATION. HE ADDED THAT WORKERS ON THE RAILWAY WERE ALREADY AFFORDED THE PROTECTION OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE.

---0 - -

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

BILL TO MAKE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL A PERMANENT PART OF JUDICIAL SYSTEM H K X X

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO MAKE THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL, WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY SET UP TO LAST FOR THREE YEARS, A PERMANENT PART OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN GRIFFITHS, INTRODUCED THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO ACHIEVE THAT OBJECTIVE AND AT THE SAME TIME TO MAKE SOME PROCEDURAL AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE WHICH THE TRIBUNAL OFFERS TO THE PUBLIC.

MR. GRIFFITHS SAID THAT SINCE THE TRIBUNALS WERE OPENED IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, 9,729 CLAIMS OF UP TO 3,000 WERE DEALT WITH BETWEEN OCTOBER 1976 AND DECEMBER 1977. IN THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 1978, 11,485 WERE COMMENCED.

+DUE TO THE EXPERIMENTAL NATURE OF THE LEGISLATION AND OF THE TRIBUNAL, THE ORDINANCE WHICH BROUGHT IT INTO BEING PROVIDED THAT IT SHOULD INITIALLY EXIST ONLY FOR THREE YEARS. THAT PERIOD IS DUE TO EXPIRE THIS YEAR UNLESS EXTENDED BY THIS COUNCIL,+ MR. GRIFFITHS SAID.

♦ IT IS CONSIDERED, HOWEVER, THAT THE TRIBUNAL HAS BEEN A SUCCESS AND THAT IT SHOULD NOW BECOME A PERMANENT PART OF OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM,+ HE ADDED.

THE AMENDMENTS INCLUDED IN THE BILL ARE:-

* CLAUSE 2 AMENDS THE SERVICE PROVISION OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE BY MAKING SPECIFIC PROVISION FOR SERVICE BY REGISTERED POST ADDRESSED TO A DEFENDANT AT HIS LAST KNOWN PLACE OF RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS-

* CLAUSE 3 CONTAINS A NEW PROCEDURE WHICH WILL ENABLE A CLAIMANT TO OBTAIN JUDGMENT ON THE BASIS OF WRITTEN EVIDENCE IN THE FORM OF AN AFFIDAVIT WHERE A DEFENDANT DOES NOT APPEAR AT THE HEARING. A CLAIMANT MAY CALL ORAL EVIDENCE IF HE WISHES, AND JUDGMENT WILL NOT BE ENTERED UNLESS THE TRIBUNAL IS SATISFIED THAT SERVICE HAS BEEN EFFECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE"

* CLAUSE 4 AMENDS SECTION 32A OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES FOR AN A°PLICATION TO SET JUDGMENT ASIDE. THE AMENDMENT EXTENDS THE EXISTING TIME OF SEVEN DAYS WITHIN WHICH SUCH AN APPLICATION MUST EE MADE, TO SUCH FURTHER TIME AS THE TRIBUNAL MAY ALLOW- AND

* CLAUSE 5 REPEALS THE SECTION IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE *HICH LIMITS THE LIFE OF THE TRIBUNAL.

/12......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

CHILD LABOUR NO LONGER A SERIOUS PROBLEM

*****

THE POSITION WITH REGARD TO CHILD LABOUR IN HONG KONG HAS IMPROVED ENORMOUSLY OVER THE LAST DECADE.

IN INDUSTRY IT IS NO LONGER A SERIOUS PROBLEM, AND THE LABOUR INSPECTORATE ARE VIGILANT IN THEIR WORK IN ERADICATING WHAT LITTLE REMAINS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. NEIL HENDERSON, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE OUTLINED PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE EXISTING PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT CF CHILDREN IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS TO THE NON-1NDUSTRI AL SECTOR.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1979, MR. HENDERSON DESCRIBED THE PROPOSAL AS A MEASURE TO EXTEND THE MINIMUM AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT TO ALL SECTORS.

HE RECALLED A STATEMENT MADE BY THE GOVERNOR AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 5, 1977, WHICH OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS!

* TO MAKE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION COMPULSORY UP TO A CHILD’S 15TH BIRTHDAY OR UNTIL THE FORM III COURSE HAS BEEN COMPLETED- AND

* TO EXTEND, BY SIMILAR STAGES, THE EXISTING PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS TO NON-INDUSTRIAL ONES AS WELL.

TO IMPLEMENT THE FIRST PART OF THESE POLICIES THE COUNCIL HAS PASSED THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1979 WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.

THE BILL IS AIMED AT BRINGING THE SECOND PART INTO OPERATION.

THE BILL, HE EXPLAINED, SEEKS TO AMEND THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AND CONSEQUENTIALLY THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS AND CHILDREN AT SEA ORDINANCE, THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS, AND THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE, ALL OF WHICH DEAL, INTER ALIA, WITH MINIMUM AGES OF EMPLOYMENT.

IN BRIEF, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WILL BE AMENDED BY INTRODUCING A DEFINITION OF +CHILD+ SO AS TO SPECIFY A MINIMUM AGE AT 14 IN SEPTEMBER 1979 AND AT 15 IN SEPTEMBER 1980 FOR ALL FORMS OF EMPLOYMENT. THE DEFINITION OF +YOUNG PERSON+ HAS TO BE AMENDED AS A CONSEQUENCE, ALSO IN TWO STAGES.

IF THE BILL IS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL, MR. HENDERSON SAID, RECOMMENDATION WILL BE MADE TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE A SET CF REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN.

THE INTENTION IS TO PROHIBIT THE EMPLOYMENT OR CHILDREN GENERALLY EXCEPT IN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH ARE LAID DOWN IN THE REGULATIONS. THESE INCLUDE WORK PERFORMED BY CHILDREN UNDER 13 IN A GENUINE FAMILY BUSINESS OR FROM 14 AS APPRENTICES UNDER ThE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

CHILDREN AGED 13 OR OVER AND WHO HAVE NOT YET COMPLETED FORM III may, with the CONSENT OF their parents, engage in part-time EMPLOYMENT IN NON-INDUSTRI AL ESTABLISHMENTS SUBJECT TO THE REST ICTIONS AIMED AT PROTECTING THEIR PHYSICAL AND MORAL HEALTH OR FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENFORCEMENT OF COMPULSORY JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION. FOR THIS REASON THOSE TAKING UP PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT WILL HAVE TO PRODUCE A SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE TO SHOW THAT THEY ARE ATTENDING SCHOOL FULL-TIME.

THEIR PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT AND HOURS OF WORK WILL BE LAID DOWN BY REGULATIONS, BUT BROADLY THEY WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO HOURS A DAY DURING SCHOOL DAYS, FOUR HOURS ON OTHER DAYS, AND EIGHT HOURS DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

FINALLY THERE WILL BE A SCHEDULE OF COMPLETELY PROHIBITED OCCUPATIONS WHICH ARE UNDESIRABLE, FOR HEALTH, MORAL OR HAZARD REASONS, FOR CHILDREN TO BE INVOLVED WITH.

MR. HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT A NEW PROVISION IS ALSO INTRODUCED TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROHIBITING OR CONTROLLING THE EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS OR ANY CLASS OF PERSONS- REQUIRING IF NECESSARY THE KEEPING OF EMPLOYMENT RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS FOR THE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE REGULATIONS.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WILL BE EMPOWERED TO EXEMPT, IN WRITING, ANY PERSON OR CLASS OF PERSONS, FOR EXAMPLE, CHILD ENTERTAINERS, FROM ANY REGULATIONS SUBJECT TO SUCH CONDITIONS AS HE MAY IMPOSE.

CONTRAVENTION OF ANY OF THE REGULATIONS PROHIBITING THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.

- - 0 - -

INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 6) BILL 1979 *****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INTRODUCED THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 6) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL +T0 PUT BEYOND DOUBT THE INTENTION OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, AND TO ENDORSE EXISTING PRACTICE.+

THE PROPOSED BILL AMENDS SECTION 9 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE BY INTRODUCING A DEFINITION OF +PLACE OF RESIDENCE* WHICH MAKES IT CLEAR THAT IT INCLUDES A PLACE OF RESIDENCE WHICH THE EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN DIRECTED TO OCCUPY, WHETHER OR NOT, BY SO DOING, HE CAN BETTER PERFORM HIS DUTIES.

THE AMENDMENT WILL ALSO APPLY FOR THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1978-79 (F! .AL ASSESSMENT) AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS.

THE B'.L «AS PROPOSED AS A RESULT OF DOUBTS RAISED AS TO WHETHER A QUARTER PROVIDED BY AN EMPLOYE- IS SUBJECT TO ~AX IF THE EM°LOYEE IS REQUIRED TO OCCUPY THEM UNDER HIS TERMS Or EMPLOYMENT IN ORDER TO BETTER PERFORM PIS DUTIES.

/>B. HADDC:-CAVE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED THAT SINCE THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1947, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE HAD ALWAYS REGARDED A QUARTER TO BE A +PLACE OF RESIDENCE* FOR SALARIES TAX PURPOSES, NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT THE E PLOYEE WAS DIRECTED TO THAT PARTICULAR QUARTER AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT HE WAS SO DIRECTED BECAUSE HE COULD BETTER PERFORM HIS DUTIES.

FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN A DEPARTMENTAL QUARTER HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR A CIVIL SERVANT, IRRESPECTIVE OF DIRECTION TO THE OFFICER TO OCCUPY THAT PARTICULAR QUARTER ON OPERATIONAL GROUNDS, TAX IS CHARGED ON THE NOTIONAL VALUE OF THE QUARTER.

+THIS APPLICATION OF THE LAW BY THE COMMISSIONER HAS NOT BEEN CHALLENGED UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN THE BOARD OF REVIEW HELD THAT THE DOCTRINE OF 'REPRESENTATIVE OCCUPATION’, WHICH HAD BEEN DEVELOPED BY UNITED KINGDOM COURTS IN THE COURSE OF APPEALS UNDER THE UNITED KINGDOM INCOME TAX ACTS, ALSO APPLIED TO OUR ORDINANCE,* M?. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

THE CONCEPT OF +REPRESENTATIVE OCCUPATION,* AS DEVELOPED IN THE UK, IS THAT IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF HIS EMPLOYMENT TO RESIDE IN A QUARTER PROVIDED BY HIS EMPLOYER, AND HIS RESIDENCE THERE MATERIALLY ASSISTS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES, SUBJECT TO SATISFYING CERTAIN TESTS, NOTHING CAN BE ASSESSED ON THE EMPLOYEE FOR THIS PERQUISITE.

THE DECISION OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW WAS CONTESTED IN THE HIGH COURT WHERE IT WAS HELD THAT THE BOARD WAS CORRECT IN ITS VIEW. AN APPEAL AGAINST THIS JUDGMENT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE COURT OF APPEAL BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE.

MR. HADDON-CAVE WARNED THAT THE ACCEPTANCE OF THIS CONCEPT OF ♦REPRESENTATIVE OCCUPATION* COULD HAVE FAR REACHING IMPLICATIONS FOR CASES WIDELY DIFFERENT FROM THE PARTICULAR CASE WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THE APPEAL.

+IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SEVERAL THOUSAND GOVERNMENT SERVANTS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHO ARE ENJOYING SUBSIDISED ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE APPLICATION OF THE 'REPRESENTATIVE OCCUPATION’ DOCTRINE.

+IN PARTICULAR, IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, POLICEMEN AND PRISON OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO RESIDE AT OR CLOSE TO THEIR PLACE OF WORK ON OPERATIONAL GROUNDS.

+FURTHERMORE, THE CONCEPT OF ’REPRESENTATIVE OCCUPATION’, IF INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG LAW, WOULD POSE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN DETERMINING WHAT DOES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ’REPRESENTATIVE OCCUPATION’.

+IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, THE EXISTING TREATMENT OF ACCOMMODATION FOR SALARIES TAX PURPOSES IS ALREADY FAVOURABLE ENOUG ITHOUT FREEING A LARGE CLASS OF EMPLOYEES FROM TAX O' WHAT IS, IN THE CONTEXT OR CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG, AN EXTREMELY VALUABLE PERQUISITE,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

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/15

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

BILL SEEKS INCLUSION OF POLICE SERGEANTS IN SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL WORK *****

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. D.G. JEAFFRESON, MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL SEEKS TO INCLUDE POLICE SERGEANTS AMONG THE +AUTHORISED CFFICERS+ DEFINED IN SECTION 2 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF PORTS AND OF VESSELS IN HONG KONG WATERS.

THE NEED FOR THIS AMENDMENT AROSE FROM A PROPOSAL BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE THAT, WITH THE PRESENT DEMAND ON MARINE POLICE RESOURCES, THERE IS A NEED TO USE SERGEANTS TO COMMAND LAUNCHES FROM TIME TO TIME FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENFORCING THE PROVISIONS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-----0-----

CDO’S CO-ORDINATION EXPLAINED

* * * *

THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING TO CO-ORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE DECENTRALISED WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS OF THE 10 CITY DISTRICT OFFICES FOR THEIR REGIONAL OPERATIONS.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. JOHN WALDEN, IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG.

THE CDO’S, HOWEVER, ARE NOT AT PRESENT VESTED WITH EXECUTIVE CO-ORDINATING POWERS EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF OPERATIONS. THE CO-ORDINATION IS DONE IN AN INFORMAL WAY.

MR. WALDEN ADDED THAT IT WAS NOT CO-ORDINATION IN THE MANAGERIAL SENSE OF PLANNING, DIRECTING AND MONITORING THE OPERATIONS OF ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WORKING WITHIN THE REGION, BUT WITHIN ITS LIMITATIONS IT DID CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS.

♦IT IS MAINLY DIRECTED TOWARDS SORTING OUT PROBLEM SITUATIONS THAT NEED CONCERTED GOVERNMENT ACTION BUT WHERE RESPONSIBILITY IS DIVIDED BETWEEN DIFFERENT AUTHOR ITIES,+ MR. WALDEN EXPLAINED.

♦THEY ARE ALSO ABLE TO DO SOME CO-ORDINATING OF PROGRAMMES IN WHICH THE COMMUNITY TAKES AN ACTIVE PART SUCH AS FIGHTING CRIME, ROAD SAFETY, BUILDING CLEANLINESS AND RECREATION.♦

THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, POLICE, RECREATIONAL AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT USE THE ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS OF THE 10 CDO’S FOR THEIR REGIONAL OPERATIONS.

BUT THERE WERE A GREAT NUMBER OF DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CO-ORDINATING DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL IN THE URBAN AREAS TO ENSURE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS, MR. WALDEN POINTED OUT.

/HE EXPLAINED .....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

- 16 -

HE EXPLAINED THAT DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS WERE NECESSARY BECAUSE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OPERATE WITH DIFFERING DEGREES OF DECENTRALISATION AND THEY DO NOT NECESSARILY DECENTRALISE TO THE SAME OPERATIONAL REGIONS,

♦ON THE FACE OF IT THIS MAY SEEM UNTIDY. BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS HELD THAT IT WOULD NOT MAKE GOOD ADMINISTRATIVE SENSE TO CARVE AN AREA AS SMALL AS HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON INTO A MULTIPLICITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS AND REQUIRE ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WISHING TO DECENTRALISE THEIR OPERATIONS TO CONFORM STRICTLY TO THOSE REG IONS,+ MR. WALDEN SAID.

♦DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN REGIONALISATION TO SUIT THE NATURE OF THEIR OPERATIONS.^

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CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BY-LAWS 1979 ******

THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BY-LAWS 1979, WHICH PROPOSES TO BAN VEHICLES FROM CARRYING CERTAIN DANGEROUS GOODS THROUGH THE TUNNEL EVEN THOUGH THEIR CONTAINERS MAY BE EMPTY, WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE MOTION MADE BY THE CROSS HARBOUR COMPANY ON JUNE 22, 1979, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES SAID RESTRICTIONS ON THE PASSAGE OF VEHICLES CARRYING COMPRESSED GAS AND PETROLEUM WERE IMPOSED FROM JANUARY 15 AND JULY 1 THIS YEAR RESPECTIVELY, BUT DID NOT SPECIFICALLY PROHIBIT THE PASSAGE OF VEHICLES WITH EMPTY TANKS OR CYLINDERS.

♦AS A PETROL TANKER WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF PETROL IN ITS CONTAINER TANK IS POTENTIALLY MORE DANGEROUS THAN A TANKER CARRYING A FULL CONTAINER TANK AND THERE IS A SIMILAR ELEMENT OF RISK WITH GAS CYLINDERS, IT IS NECESSARY TO TIGHTEN THE EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON VEHICLES IN THESE CATEGORIES,^ HE SAID.

OTHER AMENDMENT INTRODUCED BY THESE BY-LAWS INCLUDE A PROVISION FOR FRANCHISED BUSES TO STOP AT DESIGNATED STOPS IN THE TUNNEL AREA, AN INCREASE IN THE PERMIT FEE FOR THE PASSAGE OF CONSTRUCTION SITE VEHICLES THROUGH THE TUNNEL AND THE INCLUSION OF FIVE ADDITIONAL ROAD SIGNS IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE BY-LAWS.

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/17......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

SOLAR ENERGY REPORT BEING STUDIED

*****

THE LATEST REPORT BY THE CONSULTANT, COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF UTILISING SOLAR ENERGY, IS CURRENTLY UNDER STUDY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. WILLIAM BELL, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR. BELL SAID THAT THE INVESTIGATIONS RELATED TO THE HEATING OF BATH HOUSES AS WELL AS SWIMMING POOLS.

HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT +THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR ANY FURTHER WORK IN THIS FIELD AT THE PRESENT TIME.+

MR. BELL SAID THAT SOLAR ENERGY HAD NOT SO FAR BEEN UTILISED IN ANY PUBLIC-FINANCED PROJECT.

AS EARLY AS 1969, HE RECALLED, AN INVESTIGATION WAS UNDERTAKEN TO ASSESS THE POSSIBILITY OF HEATING SWIMMING POOLS BY SOLAR ENERGY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, BUT THE RESULTS WERE UNFAVOURABLE IN ECONOMIC TERMS IN RELATION TO THE COST OF FUEL PREVAILING AT THAT TIME.

CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES WERE ALSO EXPERIENCED WITH THE PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THE SCHEME AS A RESULT OF INSUFFICIENT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT, MR. BELL SAID.

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

UPROOTED TREES ARE REPLANTED

*****

— Is necessary to remove or fell trees in the course of

PRIVATE OR PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT, EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THAT ™ REM0VED ARE replanted elsewhere, or replaced by NEW n-ANTINGS*

STATED by the acting secretary for environment, the HON. GRAHAM BARNES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

♦IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROTECT TREES FROM DESTRUCTION WHEREVER POSSIBLE,♦ HE SAID.

HE EMPHASISED THAT NO SUBSTANTIAL TREES ON CROWN CUT DOWN WITHOUT BEING SUBJECTED TO A FORMAL AND VERY PROCEDURE.

LAND MAY BE CRITICAL

BETWEEN APRIL 1, WERE FELLED.

1978 AND MARCH 31, 1979, ABOUT 1,800 TREES

♦REPLANTING CANNOT ALWAYS BE CARRIED OUT ON A TREE FOR TREE BASIS, BUT A TOTAL OF 920 TREES WERE REPLANTED IN THE SAME PERIOD.+ W. BARNES SAID.

/+IN ADDITION,

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

+ IN ADDITION, 12,348 TREES WERE PLANTED IN NEW PARKS, ON ROADSIDES AND OTHER NEW LOCATIONS DURING THE YEAR, THUS PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 13,268 TREES PLANTED IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 31, 1979-* HE ADDED.

HE SAID THE SURVIVAL RATE OF ALL NEW TREE PLANTINGS IN URBAN AREAS WAS ABOUT 90 PER CENT.

+ALL TREES FOR NEW PLANTINGS MUST MEET STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS. THEY MUST BE AT LEAST EIGHT FEET TALL AND THE ROOT SYSTEM MUST BE PROTECTED SO THAT IT IS NOT DISTURBED DURING PLANTING,* MR. BARNES ADDED.

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PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 ******

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO ENABLE THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES TO REGULATE AND CONTROL THE NEW ACTIVITIES AND IMPLEMENT THEM WHERE THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY BEEN PROVIDED WAS INTRODUC'D IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN MOVING THE SEC6ND READING OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, SAID THAT DURING RECENT YEARS MANY PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN HONG KONG HAVE INTRODUCED A WIDE RANGE OF OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS STORY HOURS FOR CHILDREN, TALKS, LECTURES AND VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS.

IN ADDITION, HE CONTINUED, A SCHEME IS BEING FORMULATED TO INTRODUCE AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS LIKE SLIDES AND FILMSTRIPS.

+ALL THESE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT COVERED BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, IT IS NECESSARY TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES TO REGULATE AND CONTROL THE NEW ACTIVITIES AND IMPLEMENT THEM WHERE THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY BEEN PROVIDED,* MR. LI EXPLAINED.

+CARE HAS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT NEW ACTIVITIES ARE NOT INTRODUCED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE SUPPLY OF BOOKS OR THE PROVISION OF SPACE FOR READING.

+IN FACT MOST OF THE NEW ACTIVITIES ARE BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND SERVE AS AN ADDED ATTRACTION IN PARTICULAR TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO UTILISE THE LIBRARIES’ BASIC FACILITIES BETTER AND MORE EXTENSIVELY,* HE ADDED.

/19......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

COUNTER-MEASURES TO TACKLE FAKE $5 COINS * * * * *

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT ALL THE POSSIBLE COUNTER-MEASURES ARE BEING EXPLORED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND WITH THE ROYAL MINT’S EXPERTS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF FAKE $5 COINS.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.

+IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS IS SCHEDULED TO HOLD DISCUSSIONS AT THE ROYAL MINT IN ENGLAND EARLY NEXT MONTH,+ HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

OVER 1,400 LOCAL OFFICERS RECEIVED OVERSEAS TRAINING BETWEEN 1974-75 AND 1978-79 ******

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS SENT 1,422 LOCAL OFFICERS IN THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD BETWEEN 1974-75 AND 1978-79 FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. S.E. ALLEYNE, IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN.

DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, MR. ALLEYNE SAID, ANOTHER 329 LOCAL OFFICERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE SENT OVERSEAS AT A COST OF 19.6 MILLION.

+IN GENERAL OFFICERS ARE SENT OVERSEAS FOR TRAINING ONLY IF THE FACILITIES REQUIRED ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.+ HE POINTED OUT.

♦OVERSEAS TRAINING IS AIMED MAINLY AT HELPING STAFF TO ACQUIRE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, TO UPDATE SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE AND TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT SKILLS.

♦AT PRESENT 79 PER CENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERSEAS TRAINING TAKES PLACE IN THE UK, 11 PER CENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND 10 PER CENT IN EUROPE, AUSTRALIA AND NORTH AMERICA.*

TURNING TO UNIVERSITY STUDIES, THE SECRETARY SAID 99 OFFICERS UNDERTOOK VARIOUS COURSES IN OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES OR SIMILAR INSTITUTIONS IN THE YEAR 1978-79. DURING THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR, 81 ARE EXPECTED TO BE SENT ABROAD FOR COURSES IN ENGINEERING. SURVEYING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL, MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

MOST OF THESE COURSES LEAD TO THE AWARD OF A QUALIFICATION, SUCH AS A HIGHER DEGREE, DIPLOMA OR MEMBERSHIP OF A PROFESSIONAL BODY, HE ADDED.

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/20

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

3 ILL TO IMPROVE ADMINISTRATION OF *****

CLEAN AIR ORDIANCE

THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IS INTENDED TO REMEDY CERTAIN OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. NEIL HENDERSON, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID IT PROVIDES FOR THE APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR OF AN AIR POLLUTION CONTROL OFFICER AND AUTHORISES THE OFFICER TO ISSUE SMOKE ABATEMENT NOTICES.

AT PRESENT HE HAD TO APPROVE PERSONALLY THE ISSUE OF SUCH NOTICES AND TO EXERCISE PERSONALLY THE FUNCTIONS AS A COMPETENT AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ORDINANCE AND ITS TWO SETS OF REGULATIONS, MR. HENDERSON SAID.

IN ADDITION, MR. HENDERSON CONTINUED, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A TWO-YEAR TIME LIMIT ON THE INSTITUTION OF PROCEEDINGS FROM THE TIME AN OFFE .CE IS COMMITTED. THIS PROVISION, HOWEVER, WILL APPLY TO OFFENCES COMMITTED AFTER THE BILL PASSES INTO LAW.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS PROVISION WAS NECESSARY LEST SOME OFFENDERS MIGHT ESCAPE PROSECUTION.

+DUE TO THE SIX-MONTH TIME LIMIT FOR LAYING AN INFORMATION PRESCRIBED UNDER SECTION 26 OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE, LEGAL ACTION IS TIME-BARRED IF AN OFFENCE UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE OR ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS IS DISCOVERED LATER THAN SIX MONTHS FROM THE TIME THE OFFENCE TOOK PLACE,* HE EXPLAINED.

+AS IT IS NOT PRACTICABLE FOR THE EXISTING STAFF TO INSPECT EACH AND EVERY FUEL-USING PLANT BI-ANNUALLY, SOME OFFENDERS MAY ESCAPE PROSECUTION. IN ADDITION, THIS PROVISION AS IT STANDS PRESENTS POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORRUPTION,* HE ADDED.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

- 21 -

WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL ******

THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL, AIMED AT CLARIFYING TWO PROVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID CNE AMENDMENT WILL MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE DIRECTORS OF THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME ARE EMPOWERED TO DETERMINE THAT A PERIOD DURING WHICH A CHILD IS NOT ACTUALLY UNDERGOING INSTRUCTION MAY NONETHELESS BE TREATED AS A PERIOD CF FULL-TIME EDUCATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF A PENSION PAYABLE UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

+THIS AMENDMENT WILL REMOVE ANY DOUBT THAT THE PENSION CF A CHILD UNDERGOING FULL-TIME EDUCATION MAY CONTINUE TO BE PAID DURING VACATIONS, WHILST AWAITING EXAMINATION RESULTS OR PENDING ENTRY TO ANOTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION,* MR. ALLEYNE SAID.

THE OTHER AMENDMENT WILL MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE TOTAL PERIOD OF AN OFFICER’S CONTRIBUTORY SERVICE TO THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME IN COMPLETE MONTHS SHALL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CALCULATING THE INTEREST PAYABLE ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE RETURNED.

+THIS AMENDMENT IS NEEDED TO COVER CASES WHERE AN OFFICER’S SERVICE HAS INCLUDED A PERIOD WITHOUT PAY (E.G. STUDY LEAVE WITHOUT PAY) AND HENCE A PERIOD DURING WHICH HE DID NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHEME,* MR. ALLEYNE SAID.

+AS PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS WILL HAVE CONTINUED TO BE HELD BY THE SCHEME DURING THE PERIOD OF LEAVE WITHOUT PAY, IT IS CONSIDERED PROPER TO INCLUDE SUCH PERIOD IN CALCULATING INTEREST PAYABLE ON CONTRIBUTIONS WHICH MAY BE REFUNDED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE,* HE ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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/22......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

STRENGTH OF GOVT CAR PARK RAILINGS

******

AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT INTO THE VARIOUS DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS, THE HON. WILLIAM BELL, ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

♦IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT IN MOST CASES THE RAILINGS AND ASSOCIATED CONCRETE UP-STANDS ARE OF SUFFICIENTLY SUBSTANTIAL CONSTRUCTION TO BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE IMPACT OF MOVING VEHICLES UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE SAID.

+WHERE IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE STANDARDS ARE LESS THAN SATISFACTORY, MODIFICATIONS ARE BEING PUT IN HAND AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.*

MR. BELL WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE STRENGTH OF RAILINGS IN MULTISTOREY CAR PARKS.

IN THE CASE OF MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS CONSTRUCTED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID, BALUSTRADES, PARAPETS, HANDRAILS AND BARRIERS MUST BE ABLE TO RESIST HORIZONTAL STATIC LOADS AS SPECIFIED UNDER THE BUILDINGS (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS.

MR. BELL SAID: +THE PROVISION IN THE REGULATIONS COVERING THE DYNAMIC EFFECT OF MOVING LOADS IS HOWEVER SOMEWHAT OBSCURE AND STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO REVIEW THIS CLAUSE AS PART OF THE GENERAL REVIEW CF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WHICH HAS NOW ALMOST BEEN COMPLETED.*

HE POINTED OUT THAT AMENDMENTS PROPOSED AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW WOULD SHORTLY BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT FOR DRAFTING.

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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS

******

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. WILLIAM BELL, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE CLEARWATER BAY ROAD WIDENING SCHEME CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION HAD BEEN DESIGNED ON THE BASIS OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. S.L. CHEN, HE SAID: +REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND SOIL TESTING ARE BEING CARRIED OUT DURING THE COURSE OF WORK, AND DESIG S ARE CONSTANTLY REVIEWED AND REVISED IF NECESSARY IN THE LIG 7 CF SOIL CHARACTERISTICS FOUND.

+THIS IS A CONTINUING PROCESS ANO THESE hEASUPES SHOULD ENSURE T AT THE RISKS OF LANDSLIDES AND SOIL SUBSIDENCE ARE REDUCED TO X MINIMUM.*

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4,1?7?

- 23 -

FOUR BILLS PASSED * * *

FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979, THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979.

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

EMPLOYMENT CHANGES IN MARCH 1979 *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED THE RESULTS OF THE MARCH 1979 EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND THE REVISED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FOR DECEMBER 1978.

A TOTAL OF 812,446 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AS AT MARCH 15, 1979, +WHICH IS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE DECEMBER 1978 FIGURE OF 816,683 PERSONS ENGAGED,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

WHEN COMPARED WITH 766,230 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1978, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 46,200 PERSONS OR 6.0 PER CENT.

THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 40,631 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN MARCH, 1979. THIS REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 609 ESTABLISHMENTS WHEN COMPARED WITH 41,240 ESTABLISHMENTS IN DECEMBER 1978- AND AN INCREASE OF 2,028 ESTABLISHMENTS WHEN COMPARED WITH 38,603 ESTABLISHMENTS IN MARCH 1978.

IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, THE FIVE LARGEST MANUFACUTRI NG INDUSTRIES REMAINED WEARING APPAREL- TEXTILES- ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES- PLASTIC PRODUCTS- AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.

A COMPARISON OF EMPLOYMENT IN THESE INDUSTRIES BETWEEN MARCH 1979 AND DECEMBER 1978 IS GIVEN BELOWi

INDUSTRY GROUP PERSONS ENGAGED IN DEC. 1978 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1979 CHANGE OF MARCH 1979 OVER DEC. 1978

PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE

WEARING APPAREL 271,318 271,819 ♦ 501 + 0.2

TEXTILES 98,607 99,244 + 637 + 0.6

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 97,962 92,567 -5,395 - 5.5

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 86,512 84,540 -1,972 - 2.3

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 80,106 ' 78,693 -1,413 - 1.8

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

THE MORE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT AT THE INDUSTRY SECTOR LEVEL BETWEEN MARCH 1979 AND DECEMBER 1978 WERE AS FOLLOWSi

INDUSTRY SECTOR

CHANGE OF MARCH 1979 OVER DEC. 1978

PERSONS * PERSONS --------------------------

ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN PERSONS % DEC. 1978 MARCH 1979 ENGAGED CHANGE

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 74,534 69,299 -5,235 - 7.0

GARMENTS EXCEPT KNITWEAR FROM 211,202 209,923 -1,279 - 0.6

YARN MISCELLANEOUS FABRICATED 31,693 30,785 - 908 - 2.9

METAL PRODUCTS PLASTIC TOYS 46,201 45,338 - 863 - 1.9

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 21,182 23,430 +2,248 +10.6

JOB PRINTING 15,695 16,787 +1,092 ♦ 7.0

COTTON WEAVING 26,059 26,801 + 742 ♦ 2.8

GLOVES 11,574 12,248 + 674 ♦ 5.8

DETAILED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR VARIOUS INDUSTRY GROUPS AND SECTORS ARE OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

* REVISED FIGURES. THE RECORDS OF BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS KEPT IN THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE ARE USED AS THE BASIC FRAME OF THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS. A CHANGE IN THE PROCEDURES FOR UPDATING THESE RECORDS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1978 RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SUCH RECORDS BEING TRANSMITTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE IN THE DECEMBER 1978 SURVEY ALL THE RECORDS RECEIVED IN THAT QUARTER AND, AS A RESULT, THE DECEMBER 1978 EMPLOYMENT FIGURES WERE SLIGHTLY UNDER-ESTIMATED. IN THE MARCH 1979 SURVEY, INFORMATION ON THE DECEMBER 1978 EMPLOYMENT WAS COLLECTED FROM THE RELEVANT ESTABLISHMENTS. THE REVISED FIGURES QUOTED ABOVE ARE FINAL.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

UNHCR’S DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER SENDS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ******

THE DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER, UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES, MR. DALE DE HAAN, HAS SENT A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE MR. JOHN SLIMMING.

IN A CABLE FROM GENEVA, MR. DE HAAN SAID IT WAS WITH THE DEEPEST REGRET THAT HE LEARNED OF THE DEATH OF MR. SLIMMING.

HE SAID HE GREATLY APPRECIATED THE PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE AND FRIENDLY SUPPORT OF MR. SLIMMING DURING HIS RECENT VISIT TO HONG KONG AND WISHED TO EXTEND HIS SINCERE CONDOLENCES.

- - 0 - -

FOUR BUILDINGS IN WESTERN DECLARED DANGEROUS ******

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECLARED FOUR BUILDINGS IN WESTERN DISTRICT TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.

IWO ARE AT 243 AND 245 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND THE OTHER PAIR AT 196 AND 198 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE PAIR OF FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS IN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST HAD BEEN UNDER REGULAR OBSERVATION SINCE 1967.

THESE BUILDINGS ARE IN VERY POOR CONDITION AND ARE CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING WALLS SUPPORTING REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOFS. THE VERANDAHS OF NO. 245 WERE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED IN 1971.

♦DURING RECENT INSPECTIONS SERIOUS OUTWARD MOVEMENT IN THE MAIN WALLS AND AN INCREASING DETERIORATION OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS HAS BEEN NOTED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS A RISK OF COLLAPSE AND IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS,* HE ADDED.

ACCORDINGLY NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON AUGUST 1 WERE POSTED TODAY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OTHER TWO THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD ALSO BEEN UNDER REGULAR OBSERVATION SINCE 1968.

THESE BUILDINGS ARE IN A GENERALLY POOR CONDITION AND ARE CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS SUPPORTING TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOFS.

/+DURING RECSNT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1979

2b -

♦DURING RECENT INSPECTIONS SERIOUS NEW MAIN a ALL AND VERANDAHS HAD BEEN DETECTED,+

♦AS THERE IS A RISK OF COLLAPSE, IT IS AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS,* HE ADDED.

MOVEMENT OF THE FRONT THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

NECESSARY TO CLOSE

A.M. ON AUGUST 1 WERE POSTED

ArrnpniNGlY NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VITORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9?3O A.M. ON AUGUST 1 WERE POSTED

TODAY.

0 - -

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TAI HANG TUNG AND FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KAM TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON SATURDAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IN TAI HANG TUNG IS BOUNDED BY TONG YAM STREET AND TAI HANG TUNG ROAD INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 8, TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE.

THE AFFECTED AREA IN KAM TIN IS BOUNDED BY KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND ACCESS ROAD OF SHEK KONG AIRPORT INCLUDING WING LUNG WAI, SHING MUN SAN TSUEN, TAI HONG WAI, KAM TIN SHI, KAM HING WAI, SHU I TAU TSUEN AND FUI SHA WAI.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TEMPORARY SHELTERS AVAILABLE IN CASE OF STORM ............. 1

SPECIAL EDUCATION COURSES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TEACHERS ................................................. 2

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR SWD’S OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME .................................................... 3

PWD AWARDED 29 CONTRACTS IN MAY .......................... 4

TWO SITES FOR CONCRETE BATCHING TO BE LET BY CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ......................................... 4

SNT TO OFFICIATE AT CELEBRATION OF YUEN LONG’S FA CUP TRIUMPH ................................................... 5

THREE MORE KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTES TO BE INTRODUCED ........ 5

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE FOR VISITORS TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE GARDEN ............................................. 6

WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRY COUNTERS TO REMAIN OPEN AT LUNCH HOUR ........................................ 6

REGISTRATION TEAM IN YAU TONG.............................. 7

POSTAL SERVICES RESUME .................................... 7

PLB PROHIBITION IN KOWLOON................................ 8

TWELVE WESTERN BUILDINGS IN DANGEROUS CONDITION ........... 9

WATER CUT.................................................. 9

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

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

TEMPORARY SHELTERS AVAILABLE IN CASE OF STORM ******

THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED FOR THE OPENING OF 135 TEMPORARY TYPHOON SHELTERS TO HOUSE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SEEKING SAFER ACCOMMODATION DURING THE PASSAGE OF TROPICAL STORMS.

THESE SHELTERS IN THE URBAN AREAS CAN ACCOMMODATE 21,636 PEOPLE AND WILL BE OPENED WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 IS HOISTED.

THE PUBLIC CAN CONTACT THEIR NEAREST CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IF SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE REQUIRED.

MEANWHILE, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER AT THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IS NOW MANNED ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOLLOWING THE HOISTING OF TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 1.

FOR ENQUIRIES, THE PUBLIC MAY CONTACT THE COUNTER BY TELEPHONING 5-456381.

THE TEMPORARY TYPHOON SHELTERS ARE AT THE FOLLOWING AREASt

DISTRICT NO. OF SHELTERS CAPACITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

EASTERN 14 1,850 MAIN OFFICE* 5-630181 SHAU KI WAN SUB-OFFICEx 5-690121 CHAI WAN SUB-OFF ICEt 5-573265

WAN CHAI 11 2,330 5-752477 OR 5-742281

CENTRAL AND WESTERN 12 1,210 MAIN OFFICE* 5-480127 C.G.O. ENQUIRY COUNTER! 5-220031

SOUTHERN 24 5,790 5-540271-4

KWUN TONG 22 1,650 MAIN OFFICE! 3-423431 NGAU TAU KOK SUB-OFF ICEi 3-420843 YAU TONG SUB-OFFICEi 3-351135 SAU MAU PING SUB-OFFICEi 3-461247 LAM TIN SUB-OFFICEi 3-440855

WONG TAI SIN 19 1,910 MAIN OFFICE! 3-222261 TSZ WAN SHAN SUB-OFFICEi 3-241873 TUNG TAU SUB-OFFICEi 3-832368

KOWLOON CITY 13 1,876 MAIN OFFICEi 3-010171 HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICEi 3-632215 OR 3-639449 HOMANTIN SUB-OFFICEi 3-029181 OR

3-028812

/sham shut po.....

THUBSDAX, JULY 5, 1979

SHAM SHU I PO 6

MONG KOK 6

YAU MA TEI 8

1,990

1,280

1,750

MAIN OFFICE! 3-704251

CHEUNG SHA WAN

SUB-OFFICE: 3-704045 OR 3-704028 OR 3-877192

MAIN OFFICE: 3-802251

TAI KOK TSUI

SUB-OFFICE: 3-932288

3-686161 OR 3-674852

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

SPECIAL EDUCATION COURSES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TEACHERS * * * *

TEACHERS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SERIES OF INTRODUCTORY COURSES THIS MONTH ON EDUCATING CHILDREN WITH MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES.

THE COURSES AIM AT PROVIDING A BASIC KNOWLEDGE IN IDENTIFYING AND HELPING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN THE ORDINARY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT, AND IMPARTING USEFUL INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR THESE CHILDREN IN HONG KONG.

SEVEN COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED TO TAKE PLACE BETWEEN JULY 18 AND 26 FOR TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

TOPICS INCLUDE EDUCATION OF HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN, CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, VISUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN, AND A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO HELPING SPEECH IMPAIRED CHILDREN IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS.

ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR PARTICIPANTS ON THE COURSE CF EDUCATION FOR HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN TO VISIT A SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO SEE AUDIOLOGICAL TESTING AND SPEECH AND HEARING TRAINING FACILITIES.

TWO COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS — ONE ON THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AND ONE ON THE EDUCATION OF SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN — WILL BE HELD ON JULY 27 AND 30 RESPECTIVELY.

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL THE ABOVE COURSES SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER, SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG BEFORE JULY 9.

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO TEACHERS OF CULTURAL AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS IN SCHOOLS WHICH WILL BE OPERATING SPECIAL OR RESOURCE CLASSES IN 1979-80.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRES TEACHERS CAN CONTACT MR. W.M. CHIU OF THE SECTION AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-778311 EXT. 150.

ALL COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND WILL BE HELD AT THE LECTURE THEATRE, GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.

THURSDAY, JULY 5,1979

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR SWD’S OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME ******

GROUPS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO HAVE INITIATED THEIR OWN COMMUNITY PROJECTS BUT WHO NEED MONEY TO IMPLEMENT THEM, WILL NOW HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO UNDER A SUBSIDY SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME WHICH AIMS AT ENCOURAGING YOUTH GROUPS, THROUGH SUBSIDY GRANTS, TO COME UP WITH AND TO CARRY OUT INNOVATIVE SERVICE PROJECTS.

SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN 1974, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALLOCATED OVER $489,000 AS SUBSIDIES FOR 423 PROJECTS, CARRIED OUT BY MORE THAN 16,100 YOUNG PEOPLE AND BENEFITTING AN ESTIMATED 675,600 PEOPLE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) ANY YOUTH GROUP WITH AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED 15 TO 25 YEARS, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL OR A YOUTH AGENCY, MAY APPLY.

HE SAID ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME AND APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS, AND THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS JULY 31, 1979.

A SERVICE PROJECT MUST BE GEARED TOWARDS A SPECIFIC NEED OF THE COMMUNITY, AND THE PROJECT SPAN SHOULD NOT EXTEND BEYOND A PERIOD OF 12 MOMTHS, HE SAID.

PREVIOUS PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY THE SCHEME INCLUDED SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE DISABLED AND YOUTH, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, WORKS PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, HE ADDED.

THE MAXIMUM?GRANT FOR EACH APPROVED PROJECT IS $2,500, HE SAID, AND THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUPf OFF ICERS WILL MAINTAIN A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH PARTICIPATING GROUPS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHEME PROVIDES USEFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO PUT THEIR IDEALS INTO PRACTICE AND TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE COMMUNITY.

♦THE PROCESS IS BOTH CREATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL. IT TAPS IMAGINATION, DEVELOPS LEADERSHIP POTENTIALS AND STRENGTHENS ORGANISING ABILITIES.

♦THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THEIR OWN PROJECTS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP A CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY, AS WELL AS TO BROADEN UP SOCIAL AWARENESS,+ HE SAID.

HE SAID EACH PROJECT SUBMTSS'ION WOULD BE ASSESSED FOR ITS YOUTH INVOLVEMENT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS, INNOVATION, FEASIBILITY AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES.

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

PWD AWARDED 29 CONTRACTS IN MAY ft ft ft ft

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED A TOTAL OF 29 CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $38.63 MILLION IN MAY.

OF THESE, SEVEN WERE AWARDED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ' CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND 22 ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PWD TENDER BOARD.

THE BIGGEST CONTRACT WAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1.2-KILOMETRE ROAD ON THE RECLAIMED LAND SOUTH OF TAI YUEN ESTATE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TAI PO.

THE PROJECT, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE TAI PO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, INCLUDES THE LAYING OF A 1.5-KILOMETRE TRUNK SEWER AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS.

OTHER MAJOR CONTRACTS AWARDED IN MAY INCLUDED THE AIR CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION INSTALLATION FOR THE DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SAI YING PUN AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN GENERAL CLINIC.

- - 0 - -

TWO SITES FOR CONCRETE BATCHING

TO BE LET BY CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ft ft ft ft ft ft

THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE ANNUAL RENTAL FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT A KUNG NGAM, HONG KONG.

THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 3,350 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT AND/OR ASPHALT BATCHING PLANT AND/OR STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING VEHICLES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF TWO YEARS, AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.

TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD OR IN KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.

THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM EITHER OFFICE.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 20,

1979

IT IS PROPOSED THAT TENDERS FOR AN ADDITIONAL SITE AT CHAI WAN FOR THE SAME PERMITTED USE BE INVITED IN AUGUST.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

- 5 -

SNT TO OFFICIATE AT CELEBRATION OF YUEN LONG’S FA CUP TRIUMPH *****

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL OFFICIATE AT A COLOURFUL PAGEANT TO BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 11) TO CELEBRATE YUEN LONG’S RECENT FA CUP TRIUMPH.

THE EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

ALSO ATTENDING THE PAGEANT WILL BE PROMINENT LOCAL DIGNITARIES CIVIC AND RURAL COMMUNITY LEADERS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND SOME 4,000 INVITED GUESTS AND TEAM SUPPORTERS.

MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN A PARADE WHICH WILL START AT 6 P.M. AT THE YUEN LONG EASTERN BUS TERMINUS AND PASS THROUGH YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD BEFORE REACHING THE STADIUM WHERE THE MAIN CELEBRATION WILL BE STAGED.

THE PROGRAMME FEATURES A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES INCLUDING THE 145-FOOT SILVER DRAGON WHICH MADE ITS DEBUT DURING HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE PRINCE OF WALES VISIT TO YUEN LONG IN MARCH THIS YEAR EIGHT LIONS, TWO BRASS BANDS, A FLAG MARCHING TEAM AND A FLORAL VEHICLE CARRYING ALL MEMBERS OF THE WINNING TEAM AND THE FA CUP.

ABOUT 300 STUDENTS FROM A LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOL WILL PERFORM A CHINESE FOLK DANCE.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CELEBRATION OF YUEN LONG’S RECENT FA CUP TRIUMPH TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM AT 6.30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 11). PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 2088) WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER FOR THE STADIUM AT 4.45 P.M. SHARP.

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

THREE MORE KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTES TO BE INTRODUCED *****

THREE MORE KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTES WILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM SATURDAY.

THEY ARE KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 23 FROM WAN HON STREET IN KWUN TONG TO CHA KWO LING- ROUTE NO. 24 FROM LAM TIN (SOUTH) TO SAM KA TSUEN FERRY TERMINAL AND ROUTE NO. 25 FROM SAM KA TSUEN FERRY TERMINAL TO KO CHIU ROAD.

FARES FOR ROUTES 23 AND 24 ARE 50 CENTS AND THE FARE FOR ROUTE 25 IS 40 CENTS.

THIS BRINGS TO 21 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF KOWLOON AX I CAB ROUTES NOW IN OPERATION.

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

1 \ z4

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

- 6 -

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE FOR VISITORS TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE GARDEN ft ft ft ft

A SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO ENABLE MORE PEOPLE TO VISIT THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE GARDEN WILL BE INTRODUCED, ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS, THIS SUNDAY.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY EMPHASISED THAT THE CONTINUATION OF THIS SERVICE WILL DEPEND ON THE RESPONSE IT RECEIVES.

THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE UP-TRAIN LEAVING THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 10.29 A.M. IT WILL STOP AT MONG KOK STATION AT 10.34 A.M., DEPART TWO MINUTES LATER AND ARRIVE AT RACE COURSE STATION AT 10.50 A.M.

FOR RETURNING PASSENGERS THERE WILL BE TWO DOWN-TRAINS — ONE AT 1.24 P.M. AND THE OTHER AT 4.10 P.M.

ONLY ORDINARY CLASS RETURN TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT KOWLOON AND MONG KOK STATIONS. NO TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED AT RACE COURSE STATION FOR DOWN-TRAINS TO KOWLOON.

THE FARE WILL BE $4 FOR ADULTS AND $2 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE.

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

WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRY COUNTERS TO REMAIN OPEN AT LUNCH HOUR ft ft ft ft ft

TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS EXTENDED THE OPENING HOURS OF ITS ENQUIRY COUNTERS.

OPENING HOURS WILL INCLUDE THE LUNCH BREAK BETWEEN 12.30 P.M. AND 1.30 P.M. WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE ENQUIRY COUNTERS ARE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF LEIGHTON CENTRE IN LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.

DURING THE LUNCH PERIOD THERE WILL BE AN OFFICER ON DUTY TO DEAL WITH +THE MORE STRAIGHT FORWARD* ENQUIRIES FROM CONSUMERS. AND ANOTHER OFFICER WILL BE ON DUTY TO ACCEPT PAYMENTS OF WATER CHARGES, RE-CONNECTION AND OTHER FEES.

THE OPENING HOURS OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT FOR PERSONAL ENQUIRIES ARE FROM 8.30 A.M. TO 4.45 P.M. ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.

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

/7.....

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

REGISTRATION TEAM IN YAU TONG

* * * * *

A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATION FROM JULY 11 TO 13 (WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY) IN THE YAU TONG ESTATE OFFICE FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE AREA.

REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED DAILY BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M.

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES TO REGISTER CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGE OF 11 TO 17 FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS. THOSE ALREADY HOLDING A JUVENILE IDENTITY CARD SHOULD REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING THE AGE OF 18

CHANGES OF PARTICULARS, SUCH AS EMPLOYMENT, ADDRESSES AND MARITAL STATUS, SHOULD ALSO BE REPORTED TO THE REGISTRATION TEAM.

POSTAL SERVICES RESUME

*****

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL POSTAL SERVICES FROM HONG KONG TO THE IRISH REPUBLIC HAVE RESUMED.

DISRUPTION OF SERVICE DUE TO A POSTAL STRIKE IN THAT COUNTRY WAS ANNOUNCED ON MARCH 2.

----o----

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

- 8 -PLB PROHIBITION IN KOWLOON *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT AS FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING STREETS AND ROADS UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORTi-

* THE SECTION OF TUNG YUEN STREET BETWEEN KO FAI ROAD AND YAN YUE WAI-

* KO FAI ROAD-

* KO LONG ROAD-

* THE SECTION OF KO CHIU ROAD FROM ITS NORTH-WESTERN JUNCTION WITH LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO THE ACCESS ROAD TO BLOCK 7, KO CHIU ROAD ESTATE-

* THE SECTION OF CHA KWO LING ROAD FROM ITS SOUTH-EASTERN JUNCTION WITH YAU TONG ROAD TO ITS NORTH-EASTERN JUNCTION WITH KWUN TONG ROAD-

* THE SECTION OF WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN CHA KWO LING ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO KWUN TONG FERRY CONCOURSE-

* THE SECTION OF ON TIN STREET FROM ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH PING TIN STREET TO ITS NORTH-EASTERN JUNCTION WITH PING TIN STREET-

* SHU I NING STREET-

* THE SECTION OF WAN HON STREET FROM ITS NORTH-EASTERN JUNCTION WITH SHUI WO STREET TO ITS NORTH-WESTERN JUNCTION WITH SHUI NING STREET- AND

* THE SECTION OF SHUNG SHUN STREET SOUTH-WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG YUEN STREET.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - o - -

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1979

TWELVE WESTERN BUILDINGS IN DANGEROUS CONDITION *****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED 12 BUILDINGS AT NOS. 6 TO 28 (EVEN NOS.) TSZ Ml ALLEY, WESTERN DISTRICT, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THAT THESE EARLY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD BEEN UNDER PERIODICAL SURVEILLANCE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAD BEEN RECENTLY RE-SURVEYED FOLLOWING THE COLLAPSE OF A KITCHEN AT NO. 6.

THESE BUILDINGS WERE FOUND TO BE IN AN EXTREMELY DILAPIDATED CONDITION, MAINLY DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRICKWORK FORMING THE LOAD-BEARING WALLS, HE SAID.

+IN EVERY BUILDING THERE ARE AREAS OF BADLY ERODED, FRACTURED AND OPEN-JOINTED BRICKWORK. WHERE ORIGINAL CHINA FIR TIMBERS REMAIN, THESE ARE INVARIABLY DEFECTIVE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+AS THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE, IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THEM,* HE ADDED.

ACCORDINGLY, NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE CRDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON AUGUST 8, 1979 VERE POSTED TODAY.

0 --------

WATER CUT

* * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TAI HANG TUNG AND FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KAM TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON SATURDAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IN TAI HANG TUNG IS BOUNDED BY TONG YAM STREET AND TA I.HANG TUNG ROAD INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 8, TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE.

THE AFFECTED AREA IN KAM TIN IS BOUNDED BY KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD OF SHEK KONG AIR STRIP INCLUDING WING LUNG WAI, SHING MUN SAN TSUEN, TAI HONG WAI, KAM TIN SHI, KAM HING WAI, SHU I TAU TSUEN AND FUI SHA WAI.

o -------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION PROPOSED TO CONTROL THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE...........

PING CHAU DESIGNATED AS AREA IN WHICH CARRYING OF ID CARDS IS COMPULSORY ....................................

LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE THE GRANTING OF MATRIMONIAL RELIEF .....................................

AMENDMENTS TO FIXED PENALTY PARKING ORDINANCE ............ 4

YUEN LONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS .................. 6

STUDENT-TEACHERS GET MORE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ........... 7

FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME TECHNICAL COURSES ..............

TENDERS FOR KCR’S ELECTRIFICATION TO BE CALLED ........

TENDERS INVITED FOR SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT .................

HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND............................... 9

PRIZES FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST WINNERS ................ 10

GOVT ENGINEER LEAVES FOR MEETING ON TRANSPORTATION IN HONOLULU 11

DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO RETIRE ......... 12

TENDERS FOR LAYING OF PIPELINE INVITED .................. 12

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

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

- 1

NEW ENVIRONMENTAL.PROTECTION LEGISLATION

PROPOSED TO CONTROL THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE

* * * * * M

THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING LEGISLATION TO CONTROL THE COLLECTION, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF ALL TYPES OF SOLID AND SEMI-SOL'J WASTE.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE WASTE DISPOSAL BILL 1979, GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), WAS THE FIRST OF FIVE BILLS AIMED AT PROVIDING BETTER PROTECTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. FURTHER LEGISLATIVE MEASURES, CONCERNING AIR, WATER AND NOISE POLLUTION, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS, ARE PLANNED FOR INTRODUCTION WITHIN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT A WASTE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TO BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE PROPOSED BILL, WOULD ADVISE THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL WHERE CONCERNED, ON A COMPREHENSIVE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN AND THE FORMULATION OF CODES OF PRACTICE.

THE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN OR ANY REVISION OF THIS PLAN WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY BE GAZETTED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

THE MAIN AIM OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, HOWEVER, IS TO ENSURE THE SAFE DISPOSAL OF WASTES, IN PARTICULAR THOSE OF A HAZARDOUS OR TOXIC NATURE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT GOVERNMENT HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY CONCERNED IN RECENT MONTHS ABOUT THE THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY CAUSED BY THE INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL OF WASTE SUBSTANCES AND THE BILL REFLECTS THIS CONCERN BY REQUIRING PROSPECTIVE DISPOSERS OF CERTAIN PRESCRIBED WASTES TO DISPOSE OF THEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH LICENCE CONDITIONS DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

OFFENDERS WILL BE LIABLE TO FINES OF UP TO >50,OOO FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $100,000 FOR THE SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE.

THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO CONCERNED THAT TOXIC WASTES MAY BE BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG FOR DISPOSAL PURPOSES, AND THEREBY CREATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.

UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, AN INTENDING IMPORTER MUST OBTAIN A LICENCE BEFORE BRINGING THE WASTE INTO HONG KONG, UNLESS THE SUBSTANCE IS BEING IMPORTED FOR A MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN A FI NE OF UP TO $50,000.

THERE WILL BE PHASED INTRODUCTION OF THESE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL TO MATCH THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND THE AVAILABILITY OF THE RELEVANT DETAILED REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE BILL.

THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL ALSO PROHIBIT THE USE OF ANY LAND FOR WASTE DISPOSAL WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLI? *ORKS, UNLESS SUCH LAND IS A CONTROLLED TIP, OR THE SUBSTANCE IS INEf MATERIAL USED FOR LANDFILL, OR A SUBSTANCE BEING USE IN THE COt ” OF AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL '''-A’ .

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

- 2

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISO IN RELATION TO AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL OPERATION WOULD ALLOW THE RECYCLING OF ANIMAL WASTES.

HE STRESSED THAT THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL FOR MAKING REGULATIONS DEALING WITH THE REPROCESSING OR RECYCLING OF ANY MATERIAL IN WASTE, SHOULD THIS PROVE TO BE BENEFICIAL.

IN ORDER TO HAVE ONE COMPREHENSIVE ORDINANCE COVERING THE COLLECTION, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE, A NUMBER OF EXISTING PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED IN THE BILL INCLUDING THE PRESENT SCHEME OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION WHEREBY EITHER THE COLLECTION AUTHORITY OR ANY PERSON LICENSED BY THAT AUTHORITY MAY COLLECT HOUSEHOLD WASTE. ONLY WHERE NO SERVICE IS PROVIDED MAY ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS BE MADE FOR COLLECTION.

PROVISION IS ALSO MADE FOR THE COLLECTION AUTHORITY TO REMOVE TRADE OR ANIMAL WASTE, IF REQUESTED TO DO SO, AND TO CHARGE A FEE FOR THE SERVICE.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE INCORPORATED IN THE OTHER FOUR BILLS. THESE INCLUDE PROVISIONS FORi

* AN APPEALS BOARD TO DEAL WITH SUCH CASES AS REFUSAL TO ISSUE LICENCES, CANCELLATION OF LICENCES, AND OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED METHOD OF DISPOSAL FOR A PRESCRIBED SUBSTANCE-

* THE LEGISLATION TO APPLY ALSO TO THE CROWN- AND

* CONSULTATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM), AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WHERE CONCERNED, OR ANY REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL REQUIRE AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, THE PUBLIC CLEANSING AND PREVENTION OF NUISANCES BY-LAWS AND THE PUBLIC CLEANSING AND PREVENTION OF NUISANCES (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS.

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FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

- 3 -

PING CHAU DESIGNATED AS AREA IN WHICH CARRYING OF ID CARDS IS COMPULSORY *****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TODAY (FRIDAY) MADE AN ORDER, EFFECTIVE FROM JULY 16, DESIGNATING PING CHAU IN MIRS BAY AS AN AREA IN WHICH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WHO ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE, MUST CARRY IDENTITY CARDS AND PRODUCE THEM FOR INSPECTION ON DEMAND BY POLICE OFFICERS

THE ORDER WAS MADE UNDER THE NEWLY PASSED REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO EFFECT THE COMPULSORY CARRYING, AND PRODUCTION OF IDENTITY CARDS IN SPECIFIED AREAS.

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 4) THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD BE OF ASSISTANCE TO THE SECURITY FORCES IN HELPING TO IDENTIFY THOSE WHO HAVE ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY.

MR. DAVIES ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTEND TO DESIGNATE LARGE AREAS OF POPULATION AS PLACES IN WHICH PEOPLE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CARRY THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.

PING CHAU IS AN ISLAND CLOSE TO CHINA AND A VERY POPULAR HOLIDAY RESORT FOR PEOPLE FROM THE URBAN AREAS.

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

LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE THE GRANTING OF MATRIMONIAL RELIEF *****

PROPOSALS TO AMEND THREE ORDINANCES CONCERNING MARRIAGE WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN THE MARRIAGE REFORM (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE MATRIMONIAL PROCEEDINGS AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.

THE PROPOSED MARRIAGE REFORM (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IS DESIGNED TO PERMIT ONE PARTY TO APPLY TO THE COURT FOR A DECLARATION THAT A CHINESE CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE SUBSISTS WHERE THE OTHER PARTY TO THE MARRIAGE CANNOT BE TRACED OR NOTIFIED.

UNDER THE EXISTING LAW, SUCH AN APPLICATION TO THE COURT FOR A DECLARATION CAN ONLY BE MADE BY ONE PARTY IF THE OTHER PARTY DISPUTES THE EXISTENCE OF THE MARRIAGE OR IS UNWILLING TO JOIN IN ANY APPLICATION TO THE REGISTRAR OF MARRIAGES FOR REGISTRATION.

THIS MEANS THAT AN APPLICATION TO THE COURT CANNOT BE

MADE i. THE OTHER PARTY CANNOT BE TRACED OR NOTIFIED OF THE APF 'CATION.

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

A REGISTERED CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE MAY ONLY BE DISSOLVED BY MUTUAL CONSENT, WHEREAS A REGISTERED MODERN MARRIAGE CAN BE DISSOLVED EITHER BY MUTUAL CONSENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES OR BY APPLYING TO THE COURT FOR A DIVORCE ON THE GROUNDS OF ADULTERY, DESERTION FOR TWO YEARS OR LIVING APART FOR FIVE YEARS.

EXPLAINING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, +A PROVISION IN THE AMENDMENT WILL ENABLE REGISTERED CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES TO BE DISSOLVED IN THE SAME WAY AS REGISTERED MODERN MARRIAGES NAMELY, EITHER BY MUTUAL CONSPFFS OR BY TAKING DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS THROUGH THE COURT.+

THE PROPOSED MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 WILL APPLY TO REGISTERED MODERN OR CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES AND IS DESIGNED TO RESTRICT A FORMER HUSBAND FROM APPLYING FOR MAINTENANCE WHERE THE AMOUNT OF THE MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY FIXED IN THE DIVORCE AGREEMENT TERMINATING THE MARRIAGE, IN THE SAME WAY AS FORMER WIFE IS CURRENTLY RESTRICTED.

THE PROPOSED MATRIMONIAL PROCEEDINGS AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 WILL ENABLE A COURT HEARING MATRIMONIAL PETITIONS TO REVOKE AN EXISTING MAINTENANCE ORDER MADE BY ANOTHER COURT. SO THAT THE PARTIES WILL NOT BE COMPELLED TO GO BACK TO THAT OTHER COURT AND APPLY FOR THE ORDER TO BE REVOKED.

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

.AMENDMENTS TO FIXED PENALTY PARKING ORDINANCE ******

THE AMENDMENTS TO THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTION) ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON MONDAY, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE AMENDMENTS SIMPLIFY REGULATIONS CONCERNING ILLEGAL OBSTRUCTION AND PARKING WHILE, AT THE SAME TIME, REDUCING THE NUMBER OF CONTRAVENTIONS FROM 13 TO 12 FOR WHICH FIXED PENALTY TICKETS MAY BE GIVEN.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID BOTH THE MOTORING PUBLIC IN GENERAL AND OPERATORS OF LARGE VEHICLES IN PARTICULAR WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE REVISED LAWS DESIGNED TO RECOGNISE THE ACUTE PARKING NEEDS IN HONG KONG.

+UNDER THE NEW PROVISIONS LARGE VEHICLES, SUCH AS GOODS VEHICLES AND TOURIST BUSES, MAY NOW OCCUPY MORE THAN ONE SPACE WHEN THEY STOP AT OFFICIAL ON-STREET PARKING PLACES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

OWEVER, WHERE SPACES ARE CONTROLLED BY PARKING METERS, THE USE OF EACH METERED SPACE MUST BE PAID,+ HE EMPHASISE".

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

THE NEW AMENDMENTS ALSO AMPLIFY THE LEGAL POSITION OF MOTORISTS FACED WITH DEFECTIVE PARKING METERS.

+REGULATIONS NOW COVER CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A COIN CANNOT BE INSERTED DUE TO THE METER BEING JAMMED, A POINT WHICH WAS NOT PREVIOUSLY CLEARLY DEFINED,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.

+NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WILL STILL BE NECESSARY FOR DEFECTIVE METERS TO BE REPORTED TO THE COMPLAINTS SECTION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BY CALLING ONE OF THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS POSTED AT EACH LOCATION,* THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

THE NEW SCHEDULES TO THE ORDINANCE ALSO SET OUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THERE MAY BE DEFENCE TO COURT PROCEEDINGS FOR RECOVERY OF FIXED PENALTIES.

THESE INCLUDE VEHICLES ENGAGED IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ROADS- PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES AND THE TRAMWAYIN CASES OF EMERGENCY- VEHICLES USED ON POSTAL AND BUS SERVICES-WHEN LOADING AND UNLOADING PASSENGERS AND GOODS- AND WHERE MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS OR OTHER STOPPAGES OCCUR BEYOND THE DRIVERS’ CONTROL.

UNDER AMENDED LAW, PAYMENT OF COURT COSTS — RANGING FROM $20 TO $400 — WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE MAGISTRATE. PREVIOUSLY, WHEN CASES WERE BROUGHT TO COURT, IT WAS MANDATORY TO ORDER PAYMENT OF COSTS BY DEFENDANTS FOUND LIABLE FOR THE FIXED PENALTIES INCURRED.

THE PAYMENT PERIOD FOR FIXED PENALTY TICKETS ALSO HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM SEVEN TO 21 DAYS AND THE TICKET ITSELF HAS BEEN REDESIGNED TO PROVIDE OFFENDERS WITH MORE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DATE, TIME AND LOCATION OF THE ALLEGED CONTRAVENTIONS- HOW TO MAKE ENQUIRIES- AND WHERE TO MAKE PAYMENTS.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE NEW LEGISLATION IS THE INTRODUCTION OF GENERAL DISTRESS WARRANTS APPLICABLE TO ANY FIXED PENALTY DEBTS WHICH REMAIN UNPAID FOR MORE THAN A MONTH. THESE EMPOWER COURT BAILIFFS TO SEIZE ANY MOVABLE PROPERTY (NOT MERELY VEHICLES) BELONGING TO DEFAULTERS IN PAYMENT OF DEBTS.

PREVIOUSLY, TO ENFORCE PAYMENT, IT WAS NECESSARY FIRST TO SEIZE THE DEBTORS’ VEHICLES UNDER COURT ORDERS AND DETAIN THESE FOR FOUR MONTHS BEFORE BEING ABLE TO OBTAIN DISTRESS WARRANTS.

+OWNERS SHOULD PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS AT ALL TIMES BY ENSURING THAT IF LIABILITY IS CONTESTED, THEY ATTEND COURT IN PERSON AND MAKE ANY PAYMENT DIRECTED BY THE MAGISTRATE,* HE SAID.

♦FINALLY, MOTORISTS ARE AGAIN REQUESTED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE WHEN PARKING THEIR VEHICLES, TO DO SO IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW, IN ORDER TO PREVENT TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND TO AVOID UNNECESSARY CONGESTION OF THE ROADS,* HE ADDED.

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

YUEN LONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS

******

THE 1979 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IN YUEN LONG AIMED AT PROVIDING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR SOME 60,000 YOUNG PEOPLE SWUNG INTO ACTION THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.

AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S PROGRAMME AT YUEN LONG’S HEUNG YEE KUK SECONDARY SCHOOL, MORE THAN 1,000 LOCAL STUDENTS GOT THEIR FIRST TASTE OF +SUMMER FUN*.

THEY WERE ENTERTAINED TO A SERIES OF COLOURFUL PERFORMANCES PUT ON BY SOME 200 PARTICIPANTS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.

AMONG THE PERFORMANCES ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WERE A FLAG PARADE, BRASS BAND MUSIC, CYCLING DEMONSTRATION, SONG AND DANCES AND A GYMNASTIC DISPLAY.

THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER (NORTH WEST) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN LAUNCHED THE PROGRAMME WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL EARLY SEPTEMBER.

ADDRESSING A PACKED AUDIENCE, MR. SWEETMAN SAID THIS WAS THE ELEVENTH YEAR OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES WHICH WERE NOW WELL ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

♦THE PROGRAMMES INVOLVE A GREAT NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BODIES INCLUDING VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES, THE BRITISH FORCES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND A VARIETY OF CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS,♦ HE SAID.

♦THIS CONCENTRATION OF RESOURCES ENABLES A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES TO BE PROVIDED WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, HELPING THEM TO DEVELOP THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE, SKILLS AND INTEREST, FOSTERING A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY BY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN DIFFERENT WAYS,* HE SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, MR. SWEETMAN POINTED OUT, IT ALSO ENABLED YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE A BREAK FROM THEIR CROWDED LIVING CONDITIONS AND HEAVY ACADEMIC WORKLOAD.

THE ACTIVITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE ALL FORMS OF SPORTS, CLASSES AND COMPETITIONS IN MUSIC, DANCING AND ART, AS WELL AS CAMPING AND BOATING.

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

STUDENT-TEACHERS GET MORE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

******

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS AT THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL BE INCREASED FROM SEPTEMBER, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE INTEREST-FREE LOANS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WILL BE RAISED FROM |l,2OO TO $2,400 PER ANNUM WHILE THE MAXIMUM GRANT FOR ELIGIBLE NEEDY STUDENTS GOES UP FROM $1,600 TO $2,000 PER ANNUM.

THE NEW TUITION FEES FOR THESE TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGES WERE ALSO GAZETTED TODAY. AS FROM SEPTEMBER THE FEES WILL BE $620 PER ANNUM PER STUDENT. THE OLD FEES OF $400 HAD REMAINED STATIC FOR THE PAST 14 YEARS.

GRANTHAM, NORTHCOTE AND SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGES OF EDUCATION OFFER FULL-TIME TWO-YEAR COURSES WHICH PREPARE TEACHERS FOR PRIMARY AND THE JUNIOR FORMS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THE COLLEGES ALSO OFFER PART-TIME IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR UNQUALIFIED TEACHERS.

THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS OF TECHNICAL SUBJECTS AND OFFERS TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME COURSE, TWO-YEAR PART-TIME COURSE FOR IN-SERVICE TECHNICAL TEACHERS AND A ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME COURSE FOR QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED PEOPLE WISHING TO TAKE UP TECHNICAL TEACHING AS A CAREER.

- - 0 - -

FULL-TIME

AND PART-TIME TECHNICAL COURSES

*****

THE FIVE

TECHNICAL

ARE INVITING APPL ICATIONs'llMTING Toffi"?S«?S)

„„„ THE COURSES INCLUDE CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES unToTR!/eJl?I!A DES,GN» ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES HOTEL—KEEP I NG AND TOURISM STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY MARINE KK!!?11"- MECHMICAL ENGINEERING, PRINTING ANO TeJtILE Inil/Uo In I

AFFL’£AT,0N F0RMS AND A GUIDE To APPLICANTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN HONG c?oSireD/.e°TL00N’ AND ALL D,STRICT OFFICES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

™11Oe-~P^FAT.l9N F0RMS F0R BLOCK-RELEASE AND PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE ’ ARE £LS0 AVAILABLE FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION OF THE LABOL DEPARTMENT AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

/xPPLICAMTS .....

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

- 8 -

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ENGAGED IN WORK APPROPRIATE TO THE COURSE APPLIED FOR. THEY MUST BE SPONSORED AND HAVE FORMS SIGNED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE APPROPRIATE INSTITUTES ON AUGUST 17, 1979. LATE AND INADEQUATELY COMPLETED FORMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

THE FIVE INSTITUTES ARE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, HAKING WONG AND LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

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

TENDERS FOR KCR’S ELECTRIFICATION TO BE CALLED * ft * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO INVITE TENDERS WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS FROM PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF AN OVERHEAD LINE CURRENT COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.

THE WORK FORMS PART OF THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE EXISTING RAILWAY BETWEEN KOWLOON AND LO WU.

MANUFACTURERS WITH AT LEAST 10 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE SUPPLY OF OVERHEAD LINE EQUIPMENT FOR RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION PURPOSES MAY WRITE TO THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, TRANSMARK, AT BANK OF AMERICA BUILDING, 12TH FLOOR, 1 KOWLOON PARK DRIVE, KOWLOON, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, AND DETAILS OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE LIST OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE RAILWAY WILL BE ABOUT 33 KILOMETRES IN LENGTH. THE CONTRACT WOULD INVOLVE THE SUPPLY OF SOME 80 SINGLE-TRACK KILOMETRES OF OVERHEAD LINE EQUIPMENT SUITABLE FOR SUPPLYING TRACTION CURRENT AT 25 KV A.C. SINGLE PHASE TO MULTIPLE UNIT ELECTRIC TRAINS.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE SYSTEM WILL BEGIN NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 1980 AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BEFORE THE COMMISSIONING OF ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICES IN 1982.

THE WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY TRANSMARK WHILE THE PROJECT IS UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

o --------

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

TENDERS INVITED FOR SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL BUILDING SERVICES FOR STAGE 1 OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WOULD BE THE 12TH SUB-CONTRACT TO THE MAIN CIVIL CONTRACT FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT.

IT INCLUDES LIGHTING AND SMALL POWER FOR PLANT BUILDINGS, ACCOMMODATION BLOCKS, LABORATORIES, OFFICES AND OTHER STRUCTURES ON THE WORKS.

PART OF THE PROJECT IS BEING FINANCED BY THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS FROM CONTRACTORS IN MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.

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 THE MOMENT, 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, WHO ARE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THIS PROJECT UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

WATSON (HONG KONG) ARE ALSO SUPERVISING THE CONSTRUCTION WORK INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT.

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HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND * * * *

THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL, GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 18.

THE BILL SEEKS TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND TO BRING FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR WITHIN ITS SCOPE FOR RELIEF OF HARDSHIP, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR THEM TO PROVE THAT THEIR CURRENT SITUATION IS SPECIFICALLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO HARDSHIP SUFFERED SOME 40 YEARS AGO.

THIS IS CONSIDERED TO BE REASONABLE BECAUSE MEDICAL ADVICE HAS INDICATED THAT SEVERE MALNUTRITION AND BRUTAL TREATMENT OVER :• PROLONGED PERIOD IS LIKELY TO BRING ABOUT SENILITY EARLIER THAN USUAL, OR OTHERWISE BE A PROBABLE CONTRIBUTORY CAUSE OF IMPAIRED EARNING CAPACITY.

/SY 7IBTU3......

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

BY VIRTUE OF OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE ORDINANCE, DEPENDANTS OF SUCH FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE TO BENEFIT.

♦HOWEVER, FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR OR THEIR DEPENDANTS WILL STILL HAVE TO PROVE NEED. THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO EARN A REASONABLE LIVING WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE FUND,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

TO AVOID DOUBT, THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO BEING TAKEN TO LIST SEPARATELY THE AUXILIARY NURSING SERVICE, THE ROYAL NAVAL YARD POLICE AND THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE IN THE LIST OF FORCES AND ORGANISATIONS WHOSE MEMBERS OR DEPENDANTS OF SUCH MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO BENEFIT.

THE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED ON FEBRUARY 21, 1947, BY THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND ORDINANCE.

THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MAINTENANCE, EDUCATION, BENEFIT OR ADVANCEMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE FORCES AND ORGANISATIONS LISTED IN THE ORDINANCE WHO SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF THE PACIFIC WAR, AND THEIR DEPENDANTS.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND IS VESTED IN A COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

AT PRESENT THERE ARE 101 BENEFICIARIES, ALL AGED OVER 40. THE CURRENT RATES OF SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE PER MONTH ARE $870 FOR A SINGLE PERSON, $1,740 FOR A COUPLE, $580 FOR EACH OF THE FIRST TWO DEPENDANT CHILDREN AND $445 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT CHILD.

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

PRIZES FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST WINNERS ft ft * * ft *

WINNERS OF THE +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES THEATRE.

THE 32 PRIZE-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS WERE SELECTED FROM 926 ENTRIES FOR THE CONTEST, WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING HONG KONG’S IMAGE BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.

THE WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS, TOGETHER WITH 130 OTHERS WHICH HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN AUGUST ARE NOW BEING SENT TO LONDON BY AIR. THERE WILL BE TWO EXHIBITIONS, ONE IN THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL AND THE OTHER IN THE PENTAX GALLERY.

/officiating .....

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE SIR KENNETH PING-FAN FUNG. VICE PATRON OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG- MR. YUEN KANG-CHUEN AND MR. CHANG HUNG-CHEON- IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG RESPECTIVELY- MR. PETER MOSS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION (PUBLICITY)- AND MR. ARTHUR HACKER, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (CREATIVE AND DESIGN).

MR. MOSS WILL ALSO DELIVER A SPEECH AT THE CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST IN THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR. AT 11.15 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

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

GOVT ENGINEER LEAVES FOR MEETING ON TRANSPORTATION IN HONOLULU * * ft * * *

DR. NIP KAM-FAN, GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER (TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT), OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, LEFT TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR HONOLULU TO ATTEND THE PACIFIC HEMISPHERE REGIONAL MEETING OF THE INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERS (ITE).

IT IS THE 32ND ANNUAL MEETING OF ITE. THE MEETING WILL START ON SUNDAY AND END ON JULY 12.

THIS SHOULD PROVIDE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERS FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES, INCLUDING AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND MALAYSIA TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION ON TRANSPORTATION TOPICS.

DURING THE FIVE-DAY MEETING, DR. NIP WILL PRESENT A PAPER ENTITLED +EFFECT OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL ON THE CROSS-HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES IN HONG KONG.*

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/12....

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1979

DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO RETIRE *****

THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS, WILL BE RETIRING FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE EARLY NEXT YEAR.

HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WHOSE PROMOTION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

MR. NICHOLS WILL BE 54 IN DECEMBER 1979. AFTER WORKING FOR 12 YEARS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE OF SIERRA LEONE, HE JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN FEBRUARY 1959 AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.

HE WAS PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN APRIL 1966. HE IS CONCURRENTLY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, REGISTRAR OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND CREDIT UNIONS, AND DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, AND HE HOLDS MANY OTHER IMPORTANT OFFICES INCLUDING TRUSTEESHIP OF THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID LOAN FUND AND THE J.E. JOSEPH TRUST FUND, AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE SCIENTIFIC CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

HE IS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE CO-ORDINATING THE UNITED NATIONS SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND HAS ALSO REPRESENTED HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AT REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES OF THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION.

MR. RIDDELL-SWAN IS AGED 53 AND WAS FIRST APPOINTED AS A VETERINARY OFFICER IN MAY 1956. HE BECAME ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN OCTOBER 1964 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN MAY 1971. HE HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES ON MANY OCCASIONS.

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

TENDERS FOR LAYING OF PIPELINE INVITED

* * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF A SYSTEM OF WATER MAINS IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE SYSTEM IS PART OF THE SCHEME TO PROVIDE FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLIES TO THE AREA.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROJECT COMPRISED LAYING ABOUT 3,300 METRES OF ASBESTOS CEMENT PIPES RANGING FROM 150 MM TO 450 MM IN DIAMETER.

ALSO INCLUDED WAS 2,600 METRES OF MILD STEEL PIPES RANGING BETWEEN 600 MM AND 900 MM IN DIAMETER.

♦WORK SHOULD GET UNDER WAY IN SEPTEMBER AND BE FINISHED IN ABOUT 15 MONTHS,+ SAID THE PWD SPOKESMAN.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 1979

CONTENTS PA6E NO.

LANTERN COMPETITION FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ............... 1

TEACHERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNAL ASSESSMENT .......... 2

PUBLIC DUMP AT WESTERN RECLAMATION RE-OPENED .............. 3

TEMPORARY WATER CHARGES COLLECTION CENTRES IN SHEUNG SHU I AND FANLING................................................ 3

VICTORIA BARRACKS OPENED TO PUBLIC ON MONDAY .............. 4

FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 4

WATER CUT.................................................. 5

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

■ws?’

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 1979

LANTERN COMPETITION FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ft ft * ft ft *

ENTRIES ARE NOW INVITED FOR THE STUDENT LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION, TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IN OCTOBER.

THE AIM OF THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE 1979 LANTERN CARNIVAL COMMITTEE, IS TO REVIVE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE ART OF LANTERN DESIGN.

NO ENTRY FEE IS REQUIRED AND STUDENTS CAN SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES. THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO DIVISION A FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND DIVISION B FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

THE LANTERNS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT MORSE PARK, KOWLOON FROM OCTOBER 4 TO 6 TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.

TWENTY ,PRIZES IN THE FORM OF CERTIFICATES OF MERIT WILL BE AWARDED TO SPONSORING SCHOOLS WHICH SUBMIT LANTERNS OF OUTSTANDING DESIGN.

FOR INDIVIDUAL PRIZES, 100 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED, AND EACH WINNER WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT AND A BOOK TOKEN WORTH 1100.

EXPERIENCED ART AND DESIGN EDUCATIONISTS WILL BE INVITED TO SIT ON THE PANEL OF JUDGES.

ALL LANTERNS SUBMITTED SHOULD NOT EXCEED ONE METRE IN ANY DIMENSION, AND ANY MATERIAL MAY BE USED. HOWEVER, NO ADVERTISING SLOGANS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

ALL ENTRIES WILL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE ORGANISER AND NO ENTRIES WILL BE RETURNED.

ENTRIES SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND THEY ARE REQUESTED TO HAND IN ENTRY FORMS TO THE ART SECTION, CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JULY 14.

THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE WILL ISSUE OFFICIAL LABELS FOR SCHOOLS TO BE AFFIXED TO EACH ENTRY.

ALL LABELLED LANTERNS MUST BE SENT TO THE RECEPTION DESK AT HO LAP COLLEGE, TSEUK LUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON, BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.50 P.M. ON OCTOBER 2. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE INCLUDED FOR JUDGING.

-------0

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 1979

TEACHERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

* * *

A SERIES OF SEMINARS ON INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE TEACHING CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS IN PRIMARY 5 AND 6.

THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO ACQUAINT PARTICIPANTS WITH MODERN CONCEPTS OF ASSESSMENTS AND TESTING, AND TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS IN QUESTIONING TECHNIQUES, CONTENTS OF QUESTION PAPERS, MARKING SCHEMES, AND THE WEIGHTINGS OF DIFFERENT SUBJECT COMPONENTS.

CONTENTS OF THE SEMINARS WILL INCLUDE TALKS ON INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS AND THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST IN CONNECTION WITH THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SCHEME.

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY INSPECTORS OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

THESE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD IN SIX DIFFERENT CENTRES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

SINCE SIMILAR SEMINARS HELD LAST YEAR WERE GREATLY OVERSUBSCRIBED, HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED NOT TO RECOMMEND TEACHERS WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY PARTICIPATED IN SUCH MEETINGS.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ON OR BEFORE JULY 14 TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION BY TELEPHONING 5-7904679.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 1979

- 3 -

PUBLIC DUMP AT WESTERN RECLAMATION RE-OPENED * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE PUBLIC DUMP AT WESTERN RECLAMATION STAGE I WOULD BE RE-OPENED FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

DUMPING LICENCES MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE ON APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER, PORT WORKS DIVISION, P.W.D. AT MURRAY BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

HOLDERS OF VALID DUMPING LICENCES FOR PUBLIC DUMPS IN HONG KONG WILL BE PERMITTED TO DUMP MATERIALS SUCH AS APPROVED SOFT MATERIAL, BUILDING DEBRIS AND CERTAIN SIZE OF STONES PROVIDING THEY ARE WELL MIXED WITH EARTH.

THE ENTRANCE TO THE DUMP IS AT CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WHITTY STREET.

ALL DUMPING MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DUMP SUPERVISORS.

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

TEMPORARY WATER CHARGES COLLECTION CENTRES IN SHEUNG SHU I AND FANLING

* * * * * *

THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SET UP TEMPORARY COLLECTION CENTRES AT SHEUNG SHU I AND FANLING NEXT WEEK TO FACILITATE PAYMENTS OF WATER CHARGES FOR THE FIRST PERIOD THIS YEAR, A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE TWO AREAS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE TWO TEMPORARY CENTRES WILL BE LOCATED AT THE SHEUNG SHU I PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE AT SHEK WU HUI AND AT THE FANLING RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AT LUEN WO HUI.

♦THE FANLING COLLECTION CENTRE WILL OPERATE ON JULY 9 AND 10 WHILE THE SHEUNG SHUI CENTRE WILL RECEIVE WATER CHARGES PAYMENTS FROM JULY 11 TO 13,+ HE SAID.

COLLECTION HOURS AT THE TWO CENTRES WILL BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

APART FROM THE TWO TEMPORARY COLLECTION CENTRES, THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT TAI PO MARKET WILL CONTINUE: TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDING WATER CHARGES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

RESTRUCTURING FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT .............. 1

LIFE RESCUE WITH CANOE.................................... 2

MORE FULL-TIME PLACES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR HANDICAPPED STUDENTS .................................... 4

SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION ............................. 5

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT STARTS .... 7

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

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1979

RESTRUCTURING FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT M * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS TO IMPLEMENT A NEW STRUCTURE OF WORK, BUILT IN WITH IMPROVED PAY SCALES AND PROMOTION1 PROSPECTS FOR ITS STAFF IN THE WELFARE CLASS.

THE RESTRUCTURING FEATURES A SPLIT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK INTO TWO STREAMS — SOCIAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL WORK — EACH WITH ITS OWN GRADE AND RANK STRUCTURE.

IT AIMS AT MAKING A BETTER USE OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS TO COPE WITH FAST-EXPANDING WELFARE SERVICES, AND IMPROVING THE CAREERS IN SOCIAL WELFARE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY fffWfDAT) THAT ON RESTRUCTURING. NEW GRADES AND RANKS WOULD BE CREATED, AND CERTAIN EXISTING GRADES WOULD BE RETAINED OR BECOME OBSOLETE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REVISED PAY SCALES UNDER THE NEW STRUCTURE WOULD BE BACK-DATED TO APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.

IN THE EXISTING SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER GRADE. HE SAID, THE REVISED PAY SCALES FOR ASSISTANT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS ARE $2,695 - $5,325 (OLD SCALE BEING $2,695 - $4,435), AND FOR SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS, $5,595 - $7,110 (OLD SCALE BEING $4,640 - $7,110).

IN THE WELFARE ASSISTANT GRADE, THE NEW PAY SCALES FOR WELFARE ASSISTANTS AND PRINCIPAL WELFARE ASSISTANTS ARE $1,325 -$2,560 (OLD SCALE BEING $1,240 - $2,425) AND $2,695 - $3,485 (OLD SCALE BEING $2,560 - $3,485) RESPECTIVELY, HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD WRITTEN TO ITS SOCIAL WELFARE STAFF EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR REGRADING, AND INVITING THEM TO INDICATE THEIR OPTIONS.

UNDER THE NEW STRUCTURE, HE SAID, THE SOCIAL SECURITY STREAM WILL BE STAFFED BY A NEW +SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICER* GRADE COMPRISING FOUR RANKS, AND SUPPORTED AS AT PRESENT BY THE WELFARE ASSISTANT GRADE.

THESE FOUR RANKS ARE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICER II ($2,425 -$4,435), PROGRESSING THROUGH PROMOTION TO SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICER I ($4,640 - $6,175), SENIOR SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICER ($6,485 - $8,945) AND CHIEF SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICER ($9,330 - $10,100).

THE SOCIAL WORK STREAM WILL BE STAFFED BY A NEW +SOCIAL WORK OFFICER* GRADE COMPRISING FIVE RANKS, AND SUPPORTED BY A NEW GRADE OF SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT.

THESE FIVE RANKS ARE ASSISTANT SOCIAL WORK OFFICER ($2,695 -$5,325), PROGRESSING THROUGH PROMOTION TO SOCIAL WORK OFFICER ($5,595 - $7,110), SENIOR SOCIAL WORK OFFICER ($7,435 - $8,945), CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER ($9,330 - $10,100) AND PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WORK OFFICER ($11,050).

/THE NEW ....

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1979

THE NEW SUPPORTING GRADE OF SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT COMPRISES THREE RANKS — STUDENT SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT (SI,005 - Si,160), SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT ($2,155 - 13,465) AND SENIOR SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT (S3,665 - $4,435).

THE SOCIAL SECURITY STREAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE VARIOUS SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS, WHILE THE SOCIAL WORK STREAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW STRUCTURE WAS DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE A MORE ECONOMIC USE OF TRAINED MANPOWER BY RELIEVING TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS FROM DUTIES INVOLVING MINIMAL SOCIAL WORK CONTENT.

HE SAID IT HAD STEMMED BASICALLY FROM THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY REVIEWING THE WELFARE CLASS, AND HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CONSULTATIONS WITH STAFF ASSOCIATIONS.

+APART FROM IMPROVED PAY SCALES, IT PROVIDES ADDITIONAL AVENUES OF ADVANCEMENT WHICH ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN THE EXISTING STRUCTURE,* HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PAY REVISION UNDER THE RESTRUCTURING WAS AN INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE, AND WAS SEPARATE FROM ANY STAFF REPRESENTATIONS MADE TO THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.

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LIFE RESCUE WITH CANOE

LIFEGUARDS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE WILL SOON BE USING CANOES TO LOOK AFTER SWIMMERS.

BUT BEFORE THESE LIFEGUARDS TAKE TO THE CANOES, THEY WILL FIRST HAVE TO BE TRAINED TO BE PROFICIENT IN THE ART OF CANOEING AS WELL AS BEING TRAINED TO PERFORM RESUSCITATION ON THIS HIGHLY MANOEUVRABLE CRAFT.

♦A SERIES OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES WILL START THIS SUMMER WITH THE BEST QUALIFIED MEMBERS FROM AMONG THE 500 AMS LIFEGUARDS TAKING PART,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SERVICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

+THE NEW TECHNIQUE, HAS BEEN WIDELY USED IN RECENT YEARS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES. AND IT HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN SAVING SWIMMERS IN DIFFICULTY IN THE SEA.

♦OUR LIFEGUARDS WILL FIRST BE TAUGHT THE BASIC TECHNIQUES IN THE CANOEING AND THE SAFE WAY OF HANDLING THE CRAFT. THEY WILL ALSO BE TAUGHT MARITIME LORE, GO THROUGH A PROFICIENCY TEST AND BE TAUGHT HOW TO APPLY FIRST AID AND RESUSCITATION TECHNIQUES TO OTHERS WHILE IN A CANOE.

/+FOR .....

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1979

♦FOR RESUSCITATION, THE STERN OF THE RESCUE CANOE IS CONVERTED INTO A LEVEL DECK FOR THIS PURPOSE. IN SOME RESCUE CASES RESUSCITATION MUST BE APPLIED IMMEDIATELY AND BY HAVING A DECK THE LIFEGUARD WILL HAVE THE FACILITY TO ADMINISTER EMERGENCY MEASURES AS NECESSARY. EACH RESCUE CANOE WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH OTHER CANOEING GEAR SUCH AS LIFE JACKETS, SPRAY COVER, SAFETY ROPES, TOGGLES AND OTHER LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT.

♦THERE ARE NOW TWO TYPES OF LIFE-SAVING CRAFT SERVING ALL THE GAZETTED BEACHES. THEY ARE THE CONVENTIONAL RAFT AND THE MECHANISED CRAFT.

♦BUT EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT CANOES ARE MORE SUITABLE BECAUSE OF THEIR SPEED AND SIZE AND PARTICULARLY THEIR MANOEUVRABILITY. THEY ARE LESS DANGEROUS TO SWIMMERS AS THEY ARE NOT POWER-DRIVEN AND DO NOT HAVE PROPELLERS WHICH COULD BE A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO SWIMMERS.

♦ AS FOR* MANOEUVRING CAPABILITY THEY ARE BEST SUITED TO HONG KONG’S CROWDED BEACHES,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT CURRENTLY MANY RESCUE CANOES WERE BEING BUILT BY AMS LIFE SAVERS THEMSELVES.

AT THE MOMENT, 15 MEMBERS ARE BEING TRAINED IN CANOE BUILDING AT THE AMS STORE IN KOWLOON HOSPITAL EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. TWO CANOES ARE BUILT EVERY WEEKEND.

THE SERVICE HAS FIVE QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS WHO ARE ALSO >€MBERS OF THE HONG KONG CANOE UNION AND ONE ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTOR. IN ADDITION, SIX MEMBERS ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING AN ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTOR COURSE CONDUCTED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SECTION AND WE H.K. CANOE'UNION. ..

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMS PLANS TO INTRODUCE AN ELEMENTARY TRAINING COURSE IN CANOEING SOME TIME DURING THE SUMMER VACATION.

HE ALSO STATED THAT A 3-STAR AWARD SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED SOON AIMED AT PROMOTING INTEREST AND PROFICIENCY IN CANOEING AMONG YOUTHS.

♦ AS FOR FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT, THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE HAS A TRAINING SITE AT TSUM CHUEK WAN, SAI KUNG DISTRICT WHERE THE TRAINING IS CONDUCTED,+ HE SAID.

♦ A CANOE HOUSE WOULD BE BUILT THERE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. BESIDES THE RESCUE CANOES MENTIONED EARLIER, WE HAVE A FLEET OF 10 DOUBLE-SEATER CANOES FOR TRAINING PURPOSES TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL SINGLE-SEATERS.

♦ ALSO, WE HAVE AN AMPLE SUPPLY OF 50 LIFE-JACKETS AND SPRAY COVERS FOR TRAINEES,+ HE ADDED.

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1979

MORE FULL-TIME PLACES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR HANDICAPPED STUDENTS * M * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO PROVIDE HANDICAPPED STUDENTS WITH MORE FULL-TIME PLACES IN ITS TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO HELP TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR, ABOUT 100 PLACES WILL BE OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO FORM III LEAVERS FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL CLASSES IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS.

OF THESE, 50 WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO BE OPENED IN KOWLOON TONG THIS SEPTEMBER WHILE THE REMAINING 50 WILL BE SHARED AMONG THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG AND THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

TO IMPLEMENT THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES IN THE WHITE PAPER, A SPECIAL UNIT WAS SET UP UNDER THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

THE 100 FULL-TIME PLACES TO BE OFFERED IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR, MAINLY AT CRAFT LEVEL, IS CONSIDERED TO BE ADEQUATE TO MEET THE INITIAL DEMAND, CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF FORM III STUDENTS NOW IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS, SAID MR. GEORGE RIBEIRO, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE INSPECTORATE UNIT FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE DISABLED.

♦OF COURSE, ADDITIONAL PLACES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE FUTURE IF THE DEMAND GROWS,♦ HE SAID.

MR. RIBEIRO SAID THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HAS FACILITIES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED WHILE SOME FACILITIES IN THE OTHER FOUR INSITI TUES MAY ALSO BE MODIFIED TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED STUDENTS IF THE SITUATION WARRANTS IT.

TO PUBLICISE THE NEW EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, TALKS WILL BE GIVEN TO SPECIAL SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ARE ABOUT TO COMPLETE THEIR FORM III EDUCATION, MR. RIBEIRO SAID.

THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE HAS MOUNTED A TRAINING COURSE FOR INSTRUCTORS TEACHING SKILLS TO THE DISABLED. IT IS HOPED THAT SIMILAR TRAINING COURSE FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS TEACHING DISABLED STUDENTS WILL BE OFFERED WHEN TWO LECTURERS RETURN FROM THE U.K. AFTER THEIR SI NO-BRITISH TRUST SCHOLARSHIP.

A WIDE RANGE OF ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME CRAFT LEVEL COURSES WILL BE OFFERED BY THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR,- INCLUDING COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, PRINTING, TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, MARINE AND FABRICATION AND DESIGN.

/+0N COMPLETING .....

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1979 5 -

♦ON COMPLETING THESE COURSES, THE STUDENTS WILL HAVE ACQUIRED THE NECESSARY AND BASIC CRAFT SKILLS FOR THEM TO SECURE JOBS IN THE RESPECTIVE INDUSTRIES,* MR. RIBEIRO SAID.

+WE ALSO HOPE THAT THESE STUDENTS CAN COME BACK TO THE INSTITUTES FOR FURTHER TRAINING ON PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE OR EVENING BASIS SO THAT THEY CAN OBTAIN CRAFT CERTIFICATES IN THEIR PARTICULAR FIELDS,* HE POINTED OUT.

APPLICATION FOR THE FULL-TIME COURSES WILL START IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.

MR. RIBEIRO EXPLAINED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR THE HANDICAPPED STUDENTS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE INSPECTORATE UNIT SO THAT SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE FOR THEM TO TAKE PART IN THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION.

♦THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THESE APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE OFFERED BY THEIR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS IN COMPETING FOR THE PLACES,* HE ADDED.

SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION * * * *

CAREERS TEACHERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND EXPERTS ON CAREERS EDUCATION WILL GET TOGETHER IN A TWO-DAY SEMINAR LATER THIS MONTH FOR AN IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION ON CAREERS EDUCATION.

THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON JULY 17 AND 18. THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. J.N. HENDERSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE TOPICS IN SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE*

* RECENT TRENDS IN CAREERS EDUCATION,

M SOCIAL ASPECTS IN CAREERS EDUCATION,

* PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING,

* MASS COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, AND

* TECHNIQUES IN CAREERS COUNSELLING.

GUEST SPEAKERS WILL LEAD REVIEW SESSIONS ON THE SECOND DAY. THERE WILL ALSO BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN CAREERS WORK, FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN FORUM.

• 1 - - - ——-

/COMMH.'Tir.r.

SWIM, JULY 8, 1979

COMMENTING ON THE SEMINAR, MRS. ANGELA HO, LABOUR OFFICER OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY)x ♦THE PURPOSE OF THE SEMINAR IS TWOFOLD - TO GIVE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF CAREERS EDUCATION AND TO PROVIDE AN OCCASION FOR PEOPLE IN THE FIELD OF CAREERS COUNSELLING TO GET TOGETHER AND EXCHANGE VIEWS.+

♦IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE LIKE CAREERS TEACHERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND OFFICERS OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE TO KEEP ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS IN CAREERS EDUCATION. UNLESS WE OURSELVES ARE FULLY IN THE PICTURE, WE SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE FOR CAREERS GUIDANCE,♦ SHE SAID.

MRS. HO WENT ON TO SAY THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD ORGANISED A SEMINAR FOR CAREERS TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS.

♦WE ARE VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED BY THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES BECAUSE ALL THE 60 PLACES IN THE SEMINAR WERE TAKEN UP WITHIN A WEEK WHEN ENROLMENT STARTED. WE SHALL HAVE TO SEND LECTURE NOTES TO APPLICANTS UNABLE TO TAKE PART IN THE SEMINAR,+ SHE SAID.

♦WE ARE ALSO FORTUNATE THAT EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD HAVE GIVEN US TREMENDOUS SUPPORT AND AGREED TO RENDER THEIR SERVICES IN THE SEMINAR,+ SHE ADDED.

GUEST SPEAKERS WHO WILL ADDRESS THE SEMINAR ARE MRS. GRACE WAN, DIRECTOR OF ST. JAMES’ SETTLEMENT- DR. P.K. SIU, LECTURER OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG- MRS. MA FUNG WAI-YUNG, LECTURER OF THE EXTRA-MURAL DEPARTMENT, CHINESE UNIVERSITY- AND l*R. BARRY HUTCHINSON, CO-ORDINATOR OF THE EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, LOW BLOCK, POSTGRADUATE HALL, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, ON TUESDAY, JULY 17. IT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, AT 11 A.M. THAT DAY. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SEMINAR. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE LEE GARDENS IN HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AND WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNIVERSITY AT 9.45 A.M. ON JULY 17.

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/?......

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1979

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT STARTS *****

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS. ANSON CHAN, TODAY (SUNDAY) CUT THE RIBBON AT AN OPENING CEREMONY TO HERALD THE START OF MORE THAN 500 EVENTS IN THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

MRS. CHAN WAS AMONG THE SEVERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY VARIOUS PROGRAMMES OF ENTERTAINMENT HELD AT THE WONG CHUK HANG PLAYGROUND IN ABERDEEN.

HUNDREDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE DISTRICT ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WERE ENTERTAINED TO A PARACHUTE SHOW, HOT-AIR BALLOON RIDES, A TALENT MATCH, STALL GAMES, SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, AND A VARIETY SHOW.

ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY, MRS. CHAN SAID THAT APART FROM ADEQUATE FAMILY CARE AND SOUND EDUCATION, YOUNG PEOPLE NEED PROPER GUIDANCE AND GROUP ACTIVITIES TO HELP DEVELOP THEIR CONFIDENCE, AS WELL AS THEIR PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT WERE GEARED TOWARDS THESE NEEDS.

THE ACTIVITIES, SHE SAID, INCLUDE CAMPING, SWIMMING COMPETITIONS, VISITS, GAMES DAY FOR CHILDREN, VARIETY SHOWS, WORKING CAMPS, YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.

♦ALL THESE WILL ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SPEND THE SUMMER MONTHS IN A MEANINGFUL WAY, HELPING THEM AT THE SAME TIME TO DEVELOP POTENTIALS, BUILD UP PHYSIQUE AND BETTER UNDERSTAND THE COMMUNITY,* SHE SAID.

MRS. CHAN SAID THE RESULTS OF SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES IN THE PREVIOUS YEARS HAD BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING AND SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS AND SUPPORT BY THE SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY GROUPS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

- o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SHA TIN KCR PODIUM DEVELOPMENT TENDER AWARDED ............. 1

APPOINTMENT OF ACTING DIRECTOR OF I.S.D.................... 2

RESTRUCTURING FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ............... 2

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE OVERSEAS .................................................. 3

JOINT VIOLIN RECITAL BY MOLLY FUNG AND RAYMOND LEUNG .... 4

NCR’S PERIOD RETURN TICKETS TO GO ON SALE FROM JULY 14 .. 5

SEVEN WESTERN BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ............... 5

NO ENTRY FOR LEARNER DRIVERS IN CAMBRIDGE AND OXFORD ROADS ..................................................... 6

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

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

MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979

SHA TIN KCR PODIUM DEVELOPMENT TENDER AWARDED ******

YEE PANG REALTY LTD., A COMPANY FORMED BY CHEUNG KONG (HOLDINGS) LTD. AND KIU KWONG INVESTMENT LTD., HAS WON THE RIGHT TO DEVELOP A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX FOR 13,000 PEOPLE OVER THE PROPOSED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY DEPOT AT SHA TIN WITH A BID OF $383 MILLION.

THE PROJECT WILL RISE ABOVE A 27,000 SQUARE METRE PODIUM TO BE BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND FINANCED IN INSTALMENTS BY THE COMPANY.

THE GOVERNMENT CALLED TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ON MAY 4 AND THE DECISION TO ACCEPT YEE PANG’S BID MEANS THAT WORK ON THE PODIUM WILL BEGIN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE COMPANY WOULD BUILD A HIGH-CLASS RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX WITH MANY COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

THE COMPANY WOULD WORK TO CAREFULLY DRAWN UP GOVERNMENT SPECIFICATIONS INCLUDING LANDSCAPING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND MANY OTHER AMENITIES SUCH AS A SWIMMING POOL.

♦THIS IS A HIGH QUALITY, PRESTIGE DEVELOPMENT AND WE ARE GLAD THAT THE MAJOR DEVELOPERS IN HONG KONG SHOWED SUCH AN INTEREST IN ACQUIRING THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS,+ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.

♦THERE WERE FOUR SEPARATE BIDS FOR THE SITE AND THE OFFER MADE BY YEE PANG REFLECTS THE INTEREST IN BEING INVOLVED IN THE NEW TOWNS.♦

MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE TENDER CONDITIONS WERE UNUSUAL FOR LAND SALES IN HONG KONG. +BUT THE IDEA OF THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING PODIUM ITSELF IS TO GIVE THE COMPANY PLENTY OF TIME TO DRAW UP ITS ARCHITECTURAL AND CONSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMME WHILE THE GOVERNMENT GETS ON WITH THE BASIC FORMATION WORK.+ ffl. AKERS-JONES EXPLAINED.

♦BY DOING THIS IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AT LEAST A YEAR WILL BE SAVED IN THE OVERALL TIMETABLE IN FINISHING THE DEVELOPMENT,+ HE POINTED OUT.

HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTED TO HAND OVER THE FIRST HALF OF THE PODIUM SITE TO YEE PANG IN ABOUT 30 MONTHS' TIME AND THE REST 6 MONTHS LATER. HE ESTIMATED THAT THE WHOLE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED SOME TIME IN 1984.

UNDER THE INSTALMENT PLAN, YEE PANG WILL NOW MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT OF $28 MILLION AND WILL MAKE A FURTHER FIVE SUCCESSIVE HALF-YEARLY PAYMENTS OF $39 MILLION, $48 MILLION, $36 MILLION, $17 MILLION AND $7 MILLION TO MAKE UP THE COST OF FORMING THE SITE.

/iffl. AJGRS-JONES..

MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979

MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE DEVELOPMENT WHEN COMPLETED WOULD MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE NUMBER OF HIGH QUALITY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL FLATS IN HONG KONG.

♦THE SITE IS IN A VERY GOOD LOCATION OVERLOOKING THE RACECOURSE TO THE NORTH AND THE NEW TOWN TO THE SOUTH AND I AM SURE IT WILL PROVE ATTRACTIVE TO HOME BUYERS,+ HE ADDED.

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

APPOINTMENT OF ACTING DIRECTOR OF I.S.D. * * ft * ft *

MR. B.R. JOHNSTON, MBE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES (PUBLIC RELATIONS), HAS BEEN APPOINTED ACTING DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES WITH EFFECT FROM TODAYS MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979).

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

RESTRUCTURING FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ft ft ft ft ft

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT EXPECTS TO RECEIVE NEXT MONTH REGRADING OPTIONS FROM ITS WELFARE STAFF IN CONNECTION WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS NEW STRUCTURE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS WERE APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL THIS YEAR AND WERE DERIVED FROM THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A DEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY SET UP IN MID-1977 TO REVIEW THE WELFARE CLASS.

♦THE FINAL REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY WAS COMPLETED IN MAY LAST YEAR AND HAD BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS PRIOR TO THE SETTING UP OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE,♦ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE RESTRUCTURING EXERCISE WAS SEPARATE FROM ANY STAFF REPRESENTATIONS MADE TO THE STANDING COMMISSION.

IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN WORKING OUT DETAILS OF IMPLEMENTATION BEFORE WRITING LAST WEEK TO ITS WELFARE STAFF TO EXPLAIN THE VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR REGRADING AND TO INVITE THEM TO MAKE THEIR OPTIONS.

THE RESTRUCTURING FEATURES A SPLIT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK INTO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL SECURITY STREAMS, EACH WITH ITS OWN GRADE AND RANK STRUCTURE.

0 --------

MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979

- 3 -

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE OVERSEAS *******

HONG KONG STUDENTS WITH GOOD ACADEMIC RECORDS ARE NOW INVITED TO APPLY FOR A LIMITED NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS DONATED BY LEADING ORGANISATIONS FOR A TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE LEADING TO THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE, RECOGNISED FOR UNIVERSITY ADMISSION IN MOST COUNTRIES.

AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT EACH SCHOLARSHIP IS WORTH $60,000 FOR TWO YEARS AND ARE TENABLE THIS SEPTEMBER AT ATLANTIC COLLEGE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR PEARSON COLLEGE IN CANADA.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG BRANCH OFFICE, ROOM 1522 LEIGHTON CENTRE, 15TH FLOOR, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

♦COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED IN PERSON TO THE SAME OFFICE ON OR BEFORE NEXT FRIDAY (JULY 20) AND LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE EMPHASISED THAT APPLICANTS FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS MUST BE UNDER 17-1/2 YEARS OF AGE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1979 AND BE IN POSSESSION OF A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION WITH AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE C OR ABOVE, INCLUDING GOOD RESULTS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

APPLICANTS WHO RECENTLY SAT THE 1979 HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION MAY ALSO BE CONSIDERED AS WELL AS THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED AN APPROVED EQUIVALENT - HONG KONG UNIVERSITY ADVANCED LEVEL CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE, GCE CERTIFICATE AND OTHERS.

SELECTION OF APPLICANTS WILL INCLUDE PAST ACADEMIC RECORDS, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, RECOMMENDATION OF THE HEAD OF THE SCHOOL, PERSONALITY AND PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH.

♦SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE COLLEGES IN SEPTEMBER, 1979, AND WILL TAKE THE FULL TWO-YEAR COURSE. THE ACADEMIC AND ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMES IN THE COLLEGES ARE INTERWOVEN AND FORM JOINTLY THE BASIS FOR STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENT.

♦STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL AND AESTHETIC IN NATURE. DUE EMPHASIS IS ALSO LAID ON COMMUNITY SERVICES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE $60,000 SCHOLARSHIP FOR TWO YEARS WILL COVER PART OF THE TUITION AND BOARDING FEES DURING THE PERIOD. IT WILL, HOWEVER, NOT BE ADEQUATE TO COVER EXPENSES SUCH AS AIR FARES, PERSONAL ALLOWANCES AND OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE.

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

MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979

JOINT VIOLIN RECITAL BY MOLLY FUNG AND RAYMOND LEUNG

*****

THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE WILL PRESENT TWO YOUNG VIOLINISTS MOLLY FUNG AND RAYMOND LEUNG, ACCOMPANIED BY EMILY CHAIR AND ANGELA CHEUNG, IN A RECITAL AT THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, AT 5.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY.

MOLLY FUNG WAS BORN IN AMERICA IN 1964. SHE BEGAN TAKING VIOLIN LESSONS AT THE AGE OF THREE AT OBERLIN COLLEGE AND CONTINUED HER STUDIES AT THE CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF MUSIC IN 1972. AT PRESENT, SHE IS STUDYING UNDER MRS. LINDA SHARON CERONE, THE CHAIR-PERSON OF THE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT AT THE INSTITUTE.

MOLLY HAS HAD EXTENSIVE PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES. SHE APPEARED AS SOLOIST WITH CSEHY’S YOUTH ORCHESTRA, THE CLEVELAND’S UNIVERSITY CIRCLE YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND THE CLEVELAND SUBURBAN ORCHESTRA AND PERFORMED IN SOLO AND ENSEMBLE IN MANY OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OCCASIONS.

IN THE SUMMER OF 1978, SHE ATTENDED THE MEADOWMOUNT SCHOOL CF MUSIC AND PERFORMED ON A QUARTET THERE UNDER THE BATON OF IVAN GALAMIAN.

SHE HAS WON SEVERAL SCHOLARSHIPS AT THE CLEVELAND INSTITUTE CF MUSIC TO ATTEND THE CSEHY’S MUSIC SCHOOL IN PENNSYLVANIA IN 1976, 1977 AND 1978 AND SERVED AS THE CONCERTMISTRESS WITH THE YOUTH ORCHESTRA THERE.

SHE ALSO WON THE YOUNG PEOPLE STRING COMPETITION SPONSORED BY THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA IN 1977, AND THE CLEVELAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERTO COMPETITION IN 1978.

RAYMOND LEUNG IS A TALENTED AND ASPIRING YOUNG VIOLINIST IN HONG KONG. HE HAS BEEN STUDYING VIOLIN WITH MR. THOMAS WANG FOR OVER SIX YEARS AND IS NOW THE LEADER OF THE H.K. YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, HE HAS ALREADY WON ALL PRIZES OF VIOLIN CLASSES IN THE SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL. IN 1977 HE WAS AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP AT INTERLOCHEN, MICHIGAN.

IN 1978 HE REPRESENTED H.K. AT THE 2ND ASIAN MUSIC CAMP HELD IN SINGAPORE AND WAS APPOINTED CONCERTMASTER OF THE ASIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA UNDER THE BATON OF MR. CHOO HOEY.

LAST YEAR HE PLAYED WITH H.K. PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AS SOLOIST AND WAS AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP TO THE ROYAL ACADEMY CF MUSIC IN LONDON.

IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, RAYMOND WILL BE LEADING THE H.K.

YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DURING ITS VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.

THE RECITAL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE-OF-CHARGE.

- - 0 - -

MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979

KCR’S PERIOD RETURN TICKETS TO GO ON SALE FROM JULY 14

* * * *

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS GOING TO CHINA THIS SUMMER, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HAS ARRANGED FOR THE SALE OF ORDINARY CLASS PERIOD RETURN TICKETS FROM KOWLOON TO LO WU.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID THE TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT KOWLOON STATION FROM JULY 14 UNTIL AUGUST 19, BOTH DAYS INCLUSIVE.

THE FARE OF AN ORDINARY CLASS RETURN TICKET IS 13.80. EACH TICKET WILL BE VALID FOR THE JOURNEY FROM KOWLOON TO LO WU ON THE DATE OF ISSUE AND FOR A RETURN JOURNEY ON ANY DATE FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE UNTIL AUGUST 19.

ON ARRIVAL AT LO WU, PASSENGERS HOLDING RETURN TICKETS ARE REQUESTED TO SHOW THE TICKETS TO THE TICKET COLLECTORS AT THE EXIT GATES AND THEN KEEP THE TICKETS FOR USE ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, AFTER WHICH, THE TICKETS WILL BE COLLECTED AT KOWLOON OR MONG KOK STATION.

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

SEVEN WESTERN BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (MONDAY) DECLARED SEVEN BUILDINGS AT NOS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 AND 15 SAI WOO LANE, WESTERN DISTRICT, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.

AT THE SAME TIME, NO. 9 SAI WOO LANE WAS DECLARED TO BE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THAT THIS TERRACE OF EIGHT EARLY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS FORMS AN INTERDEPENDENT COMPLEX WITH NOS. 6 TO 28 TSZ Ml ALLEY, WHICH WERE SERVED WITH NOTICES OF INTENTION TO CLOSE ON JULY 5, 1979.

ALTHOUGH ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED AS TWO AND THREE-STOREY BUILDINGS, MOST OF THEM NOW HAVE ADDITIONAL FLOORS AND ROOF TOP STRUCTURES, HE SAID.

THESE BUILDINGS, HE CONTINUED, HAVE BEEN UNDER PERIODICAL SURVEILLANCE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAD RECENTLY BEEN RE-SURVEYED FOLLOWING THE COLLAPSE OF A KITCHEN AT NO. 6 TSZ Ml ALLEY.

♦THEY ARE IN AN ADVANCED STATE OF DILAPIDATION, MAINLY DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRICKWORK FORMING THE LOAD-BEARING WALLS AND THE ADVANCED STAGE OF DECAY OF THE ORIGINAL TIMBERS WHERE THESE REMAIN,* HE EXPLAINED.

/+AS TH3RE

MONDAY, JULY 9, 1979

♦AS THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE, IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT, THE CONDITION OF NO. 9 SAI WOO LANE WAS BETTER BUT IT WOULD NOT SAFELY WITHSTAND THE COLLAPSE CR DEMOLITION OF THE ADJOURNING BUILDINGS.

ACCORDINGLY, NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON AUGUST 8, 1979 WERE POSTED TODAY.

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

NO ENTRY FOR LEARNER DRIVERS IN CAMBRIDGE AND OXFORD ROADS

* * X X *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING AND PRACTISING DRIVING ON THE SECTION OF CAMBRIDGE ROAD BETWEEN DURHAM ROAD AND HEREFORD ROAD AND THE SECTION OF OXFORD ROAD BETWEEN DURHAM ROAD AND HEREFORD ROAD IN KOWLOON.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

WATER CUT X X M

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN JARDINE’S LOOKOUT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MT. BUTLER QUARRY ROAD.

MOORSOM ROAD, PARKIN’S ROAD, COOPER ROAD AND WILSON ROAD INCLUDING CREASY ROAD, HENDERSON ROAD, GOLDSMITH ROAD, PURVES ROAD AND PRICE

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

RECORD OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PROJECT FOR HONG KONG ......... 1

TWO NT SITES FOR AUCTION TOMORROW ....................... 2

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM LORD CARRINGTON ............... 2

COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ............. 3

JUNE WAS DRIER THAN USUAL ................................ 3

NTSD ISLANDS DISTRICT MOVE OFFICE TO CENTRAL ............. 5

WATER CUT................................................. 5

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

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1979 •

RECORD OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PROJECT FOR HONG KONG * * * * *

PLANS FOR THE BIGGEST-EVER OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG - THE BUILDING OF A $1 BILLION CEMENT PLANT - HAVE BEEN REVEALED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO GRANT A 15-HECTARE SITE AT TAP SHEK KOK, TUEN MUN, NEXT TO THE KOWLOON ELECTRICITY SUPPLY COMPANY’S FUTURE POWER STATION, FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL BE A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE KAISER CEMENT CORPORATION OF THE U.S.A. AND VARIOUS LOCAL INTERESTS HEADED BY CHEUNG KONG (HOLDINGS) LTD.

THE CEMENT WORKS WILL EMPLOY A PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY THAT IS NEW TO HONG KONG - THE MODERN DRY METHOD WHICH WILL INVOLVE THE USE OF SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT AND PROCESSES.

THE NEWS HAS BEEN WELCOMED BY TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, WHICH INITIATED DISCUSSION OF THE PROJECT WITH KAISER, AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR OVER A YEAR.

♦THIS MAJOR PROJECT WILL BRING MANY BENEFITS TO HONG KONG,* MR. ROY PORTER, COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY SAID.

♦IT WILL INTRODUCE A NEW INDUSTRY, EMPLOYING NEW TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNICAL SKILLS, BACKED BY THE MANAGERIAL AND MARKETING SKILLS OF A WORLD-RENOWNED AMERICAN MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANY.♦

WHEN IN FULL OPERATION IT WILL EMPLOY ABOUT 300 STAFF -MOSTLY TECHNOLOGISTS, TECHNICIANS, SKILLED WORKERS AND SEMI-SKILLED OPERATORS. ONLY ABOUT ONE-FIFTH WILL BE UNSKILLED LABOUR.

THE ADJACENT POWER STATION WILL UTILISE COAL AS A PRIMARY FUEL. A PARTICULAR FEATURE OF THE CEMENT PLANT IS THAT, IN TURN, IT WILL USE A BY-PRODUCT OF THE BURNING OF COAL BY THE POWER STATION AS A RAW MATERIAL FOR CEMENT PRODUCTION.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE PLANT HAVE BEEN EXAMINED CAREFULLY, AND IN THE LEASE WILL BE CONDITIONS, PREPARED WITH THE ADVICE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT, TO ENSURE THAT ANY POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT ARE KEPT WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS.

♦ THIS ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF CEMENT FOR OUR BUILDING INDUSTRY AND, MOREOVER, ONE WHICH LOOKS UPON HONG KONG AS ITS PRIMARY MARKET, WILL MAKE US LESS VULNERABLE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN THE SUPPLY AND PRICE OF CEMENT FROM ABROAD,♦ MR. PORTER SAID.

♦ AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT OF THIS MAGNITUDE BY A MAJOR OVERSEAS CORPORATION, AS WELL AS BY LOCAL INTERESTS, IS A TANGIBLE MARK OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE, AND ENHANCES ITS IMAGE AS A MANUFACTURING BASE IN THIS REGION.

♦ WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN PARTIALLY INSTRUMENTAL IN THE DECISION TO BUILD THE NEW FACTORY IN HONG KONG,* MR. PORTER ADDED.

- - o--------

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1979

TWO NT SITES FOR AUCTION TOMORROW

TWO VALUABLE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - ONE IN CHEUNG SHA ON LANTAU ISLAND AND THE OTHER IN SAI KUNG - WILL BE SOLD IN A PUBLIC AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE LANTAU ISLAND SITE. WHICH IS SITUATED CLOSE TO THE CHEUNG SHA BEACH. MEASURES 960 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR TWO-STOREY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE SECOND LOT. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG IS THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL SITE IN THE DISTRICT TO BE PUT ON THE MARKET.

MEASURING 1.719 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS DESIGNED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN USES ONLY. THERE ARE, HOWEVER, NO RESTRICTION ON THE TYPE OF INDUSTRIAL USER EXCEPT THAT IT MUST BE NON-POLLUTING.

THE FIRST LOT CARRIES A BUILDING CONVENANT OF $380,000 TO

BE FULFILLED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1982, WHILE THE SECOND CARRIES A BUILDING CONVENANT OF $2.78 MILLION OVER 36 MONTHS. THE SALE CONDITIONS OF THE LATTER STIPULATE A PLOT RATIO OF 4, ALLOWING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FACTORY BUILDING UP TO 16.7 METRES HIGH.

THE AUCTION AT 11 A.M. WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTR ICT OFF ICE, MR. LAU YEUK-WAI.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE AUCTION OF THE TWO N.T. SITES AT CITY HALL THEATRE AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

----.o-------

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM LORD CARRINGTON * * *

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, THE RT. HON. THE LORD CARRINGTON, HAS SENT A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE OVER THE DEATH OF JOHN DESMOND SLIMMING.

IN A TELEGRAM TO MRS. LUCY SLIMMING, LORD CARRINGTON SAIDi

♦I WAS VERY SAD TO LEARN OF YOUR HUSBAND’S SUDDEN DEATH. I HAD HEARD BEFORE MY VISIT LAST WEEK OF THE TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION HE HAD MADE TO HONG KONG AND OF THE AFFECTION IN WHICH HE WAS HELD.

I SAW FOR MYSELF THE COMPASSION WHICH HE SHOWED FOR THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND I KNOW HE WORKED UNSTINTINGLY TO HELP THEM. I AM GLAD I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF MEETING JOHN AND SEND YOU MY DEEPEST

SYMPATHY.+

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

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1979

COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ******

A NUMBER OF ONE-YEAR IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.

THESE COURSES ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING SUCH TEACHERS WITH THE EXPERTISE TO TEACH CHILDREN OF VARIOUS DISABILITY.

THE COURSES ARE FREE AND APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING INVITED FROM SERVING TEACHERS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL-RESOURCES CLASSES IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS. INTERESTED TEACHERS SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THEIR HEADS OF SCHOOLS.

♦AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE COURSES WILL BE HELD AFTER SCHOOL HOURS SO AS NOT TO AFFECT THE EDUCATION OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SEVEN DIFFERENT COURSES ARE BEING OFFERED. THEY ARE FOR TEACHERS OF VISUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, DEAF AND PARTIALLY HEARING CHILDREN, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN, MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, MALADJUSTED AND SOCIALLY DEPRIVEF CHILDREN,*AND IN SPEECH THERAPY WORK.

ABOUT THREE HUNDRED PLACES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE SEVEN COURSES WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED MAINLY IN CANTONESE BY SPECIALISTS FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT^ SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THE CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS IS JULY 25 AND SELECTION OF APPLICANTS WILL BE BASED ON PERSONAL INTERVIEWS SOMETIME IN AUGUST.

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

JUNE WAS DRIER THAN USUAL ******

LAST MONTH 378.2 MM, WHICH OBSERVATORY SAID (TUESDAY).

WAS DRIER THAN USUAL, WITH RAINFALL TOTALLING

WAS 17 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE, THE ROYAL IN ITS MONTHLY WEATHER SUMMARY RELEASED TODAY

THIS BROUGHT THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR TO 1050.7 MM — SOME FIVE PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL FIGURE.

DESPITE THE RELATIVELY DRY WEATHER, THE MONTH WAS MORE HUMID THAN USUAL WITH MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 86 PER CENT WHICH RANKED FIFTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR JUNE. IN ADDITION. THE MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE AT MEAN SEA LEVEL OF 1008.2 MILLIBARS WAS THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR JUNE.

THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH WAS FINE AND SUNNY WITH A RIDGE OF rIGH PRESSURE COVERING THE SOUTH CHINA COAST.

/the passage .....

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1979

THE PASSAGE OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FROM SOUTH CHINA ON JUNE 7 MARKED THE COMMENCEMENT OF A PERIOD OF UNSETTLED WEATHER WHICH LASTED UNTIL JUNE 11. THUNDERSTORMS WERE REPORTED EVERY DAY DURING THIS PERIOD, BRINGING 230.8 MM OF RAINFALL WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 61 PER CENT OF THE MONTH’S TOTAL.

THREE LANDSLIPS OCCURRED IN THE MORNING OF JUNE 10 AT WONG TAI SIN, SHA TIN PASS ROAD AND CHA KWO LING, NECESSITATING THE EVACUATION OF ABOUT 200 PEOPLE FROM THEIR HOMES. DOWNPOURS WERE HEAVIEST ON JUNE 11 WHEN THE DAILY RAINFALL AMOUNTED TO 113.6 MM.

THE WEATHER IMPROVED THE FOLLOWING DAY, BUT CONDITIONS REMAINED CLOUDY WITH SOME SLIGHT RAIN UNTIL THE MORNING OF JUNE 14 WHEN THE MONTH’S MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 22.1 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY AFTER A WEEK’S RAINY AND DULL WEATHER, AND THERE WERE SUNNY INTERVALS ON THE NEXT TWO DAYS.

HOWEVER, AN UPPER-AIR DISTURBANCE BROUGHT SOME SHOWERS ON JUNE 17 AND EARLY IN THE FOLLOWING MORNING.

BETWEEN JUNE 19 AND 22, THE WEATHER WAS MAINLY FINE AND SUNNY APART FROM SOME ISOLATED MORNING SHOWERS. ON THE AFTERNOON OF JUNE 21, TEMPERATURES REACHED A MAXIMUM OF 32.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.

FROM JUNE 23 TO 26, MAINLY CLOUDY CONDITIONS PREVAILED WITH SOME SHOWERS AND SUNNY INTERVALS.

THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON BECAME ACTIVE OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA FROM JUNE 27 ONWARDS, BRINGING MORE FREQUENT AND HEAVIER SHOWERS. THUNDERSTORMS WERE REPORTED IN THE MORNING OF JUNE 29.

\ ,1

DURING THE MONTH, ONLY ONE TROPICAL CYCLONE WAS REPORTED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE NEAR PALAWAN STARTED TO MOVE ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON JUNE 17. IT DEEPENED INTO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION ON JUNE 21 AND REMAINED QUASI-STATIONARY OFF THE VIETNAM COAST FOR ABOUT A DAY BEFORE DRIFTING SOUTHWARDS AND DEGENERATING INTO AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE ABOUT 100 MILES SOUTHEAST OF DANANG ON JUNE 23.

ONLY ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER DURING THE MONTH. THUNDERSTORM AND/OR HEAVY RAIN WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON JUNE 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 28, 29 AND 30.

NO TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS NOR STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS WERE HOISTED, AND NO FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED.

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TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1979

NTSD ISLANDS DISTRICT MOVE OFFICE TO CENTRAL M M M M

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS MOVING ITS ISLANDS DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND ITS PENG CHAU AND LAMMA SUB-OFFICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, ROOMS 2101-2103, 21ST FLOOR, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, ON THURSDAY.

THE HEADQUARTERS WAS PREVIOUSLY AT AUSTIN CENTRE, FOURTH FLOOR, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON AND THE SUB-OFFICE AT ROOM 16, CENTRAL MARKET, HONG KONG.

FROM FRIDAY ALL ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS WILL BE HANDLED IN THE NEW PREMISES.

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE OFFICE IS 5-452437.

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WATER CUT M M M

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO AND YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON THURSDAY TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS AND PIPE CONNECTION WORK RESPECTIVELY.

IN SHAM SHU I PO, THE AREA BOUNDED BY CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD. BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD, KING LAM STREET, YEE KUK STREET, WING HONG STREET, YU CHAU STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TAI NAN STREET, INCLUDING TUNG CHAU STREET, WILL BE WITHOUT WATER SUPPLY FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M.

THE AREA IN YAU MA TEI, BOUNDED BY 17-37 JORDAN ROAD (NORTH SIDE), 2-6 NANKING STREET, 64-70 PARKES STREET, 102-150 SHANGHAI STREET, 179-227 AND 186-236 TEMPLE STREET, AND 79-127 AND 82-112 WOO SUNG STREET, WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SAI KUNG INDUSTRIAL SITE FETCHES «10.95 MILLION ... 1

THE HK RED CROSS PRAISED FOR PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ................ 2

MANAGEMENT CENTRES AND TOILETS FOR LANTAU COUNTRY PARKS .. 3

YUEN LONG CELEBRATES A FAMOUS VICTORY ............. 4

ECONOMICS SUBJECT USEFUL IN EVERYDAY LIFE ......... 5

NUMBER OF CALLS FOR AMBULANCE SETS NEW RECORD ..... 5

KA I FONG LEADERS CALL ON DHA ..................... 6

CHINESE COOKERY RECIPES ON SALE ................... 6

A SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD TO BE CLOSED.............. 7

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

k’*7»SWM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

SAI KUNG INDUSTRIAL SITE FETCHES $10.95 MILLION ******

THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL SITE TO BE PUT UP FOR SALE IN SAI KUNG FETCHED $10.95 MILLION IN A PUBLIC AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE 1,719-SQUARE METRE SITE WHICH REALISED AN EQUIVALENT OF $6,370 PER SQUARE METRE, IS SITUATED IN TUI MIN HOI. IT WAS SOLD TO DEACONSFIELD ESTATE LTD.

THE SALE PRICE WAS MORE THAN THREE TIMES THE OPENING BID OF $2.8 MILLION.

THERE WERE AT LEAST SIX BIDDERS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE AUCTION BUT WHEN THE PRICE REACHED $7.2 MILLION, THE NUMBER NARROWED TO TWO.

THE WINNING OFFER FROM DEACONSFIELD ESTATE LTD., CAME AFTER A TOTAL OF 110 BIDS IN LESS THAN 20 MINUTES.

THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY MR. DAVID LAU, SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE.

HE SAID THE PRICE WAS HIGHER THAN EXPECTED AND SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT.

+TUI MIN HOI IS NOW AN INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH A GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND AN ADEQUATE POOL OF LABOUR,+ HE SAID.

♦WITH THE CLEARWATER BAY ROAD BEING WIDENED TO A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, ACCESS TO THE AREA WILL BE CONVENIENT.*

MR. LAU POINTED OUT THAT THE SALE OF THE SITE WAS A WELCOME BOOST TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND WOULD CERTAINLY ADD INTEREST TO TWO OTHER ADJACENT SITES WHICH WOULD BE PUT UP FOR SALE TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

EARLIER, A SITE IN CHEUNG SHA ON LANTAU ISLAND WAS SOLD FOR $1.79 MILLION TO CHUNG NGA I ENTERPRISE COMPANY LTD.

MR. LAU NOTED THAT HE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE RESULT AS IT SHOWED STABILITY OF LAND PRICES IN THE AREA WHICH IS ALSO REGARDED AS IDEAL FOR HIGH QUALITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

THE 960-SQUARE METRE LOT, FRONTING SOUTH LANTAU ROAD, IS EARMARKED FOR TWO-STOREY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

IT COMMANDS AN EXCELLENT VIEW OF THE SEA AND IS ONLY A FEW MINUTES’ WALK FROM THE CHEUNG SHA BEACH.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

THE HK RED CROSS PRAISED FOR PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN *******

««IHMDUCAT,0N 0F physically DISABLED CHILDREN REQUIRES CLOSE CO-OPERATION AMONG THE STAFF IN A SCHOOL AND CONSTANT CONTACT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE CHILDREN’S FAMILIES, LADY CATER, WIFE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE FIRST COMBINED SPEECH DAY OF ALL SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND HOSPITAL SCHOOLS OF THE HONG KONG RED CROSS, LADY CATER SAID PHYSICALLY DISABLED CHILDREN GENERALLY HAD A VERY WIDE RANGE CF INTELLECTUAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES THEREFORE MUST BE PLANNED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO MEET EACH CHILD’S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.

♦THIS MEANS THAT A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH IS REQUIRED SO THAT THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE PUPILS’ INTELLECTUAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IS MAINTAINED,* LADY CATER SAID.

♦TEACHERS, THERAPISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF STAFF MUST WORK AS A- TEAM FOR THE GOOD OF THE PUPILS.

♦IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE PARENTS THEMSELVES HAVE AN ABSOLUTELY VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR DISABLED CHILDREN,♦ SHE ADDED.

LADY CATER ALSO NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG RED CROSS WAS PROVIDING THE COMMUNITY WITH MANY IMPORTANT AND INVALUABLE SERVICES AND WAS WIDELY RECOGNISED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

SHE SAID THE HONG KONG RED CROSS NOW OPERATES FOUR SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND 12 HOSPITAL SCHOOLS.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN MOST HELPFUL TO THE RED CROSS IN THE FIELD OF REHABILITATION SERVICES.

♦SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR, THE CODES OF AID FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION HAVE PROVIDED EACH OF YOUR SPECIAL SCHOOLS WITH THE NECESSARY SUBVENTION SUPPORT TO ENABLE YOU TO HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE AND MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RANGE OF PROFESSIONALS,♦ SHE SAID.

FINALLY, LADY CATER PRAISED THE RED CROSS SCHOOLS FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN INTER-SCHOOLS PROGRAMMES, SUCH AS THE SCHOOLS MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVALS AND INTER-SCHOOLS SPORTS BECAUSE IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR DISABLED CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

MANAGEMENT CENTRES AND TOILETS FOR LANTAU COUNTRY PARKS *****

TWO MANAGEMENT CENTRES AND TWO MAJOR LATRINE COMPLEXES FOR THE LANTAU COUNTRY PARKS ARE TO BE BUILT.

THE MANAGEMENT CENTRES WILL BE SITUATED ON TUNG CHUNG ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ISLAND, AND NEAR KEUNG SHAN IN THE SOUTHWEST.

MEN ARE CURRENTLY BEING RECRUITED TO STAFF THESE CENTRES, EACH CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING UP TO 62 MEN.

THEIR MAIN DUTIES WILL BE TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, IN PARTICULAR CAMPSITES, HIKING PATHS AND BARBECUE AND PICNIC AREAS- THE PLANTING OF TREES AND SHRUBS, AND CARRYING OUT OTHER ANTI-EROSION MEASURES- FIRE FIGHTING WITHIN THE COUNTRY PARKS- KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN- AND ENFORCING THE COUNTRY PARKS REGULATIONS ESPECIALLY THOSE BANNING UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT, FIRE AND LITTER.

THE TWO NEW TOILET COMPLEXES WILL BE SITUATED AT THE MAIN NAM SHAN CAMPSITE WHICH IS THE MOST POPULAR CAMPING GROUND ON LANTAU-AND NEAR THE BARBECUE SITE AT THE TOP OF THE HILL ASCENDING FROM MUI WO.

ADDITIONALLY, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY IS CURRENTLY UNDERTAKING THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIMPLE CAMPSITE FACILITIES WITHIN THE COUNTRY PARKS, CONCENTRATING ON REMOTE AREAS WHICH PROVIDE CAMPERS WITH WATER AND SCENIC RESTING PLACES ALONG THE MAIN HIKING ROUTES.

CAMPSITES ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED AT LO KEI WAN, TAI LONG WAN, KAU LING CHUNG, AND LATER THIS YEAR AT FAN LAU, ALL OF WHICH ARE SITUATED ON OR NEAR FINE SANDY BEACHES NOT OFTEN VISITED BY THE PUBLIC. OTHER CAMPSITES ARE PLANNED FOR THE MORE MOUNTAINOUS AREAS ALSO.

ANOTHER INTERESTING PART OF THE PROGRAMME IS THE PROTECTION OF THE SEVENTH CENTURY Yl LONG WAN LIME KILNS, ADJACENT TO THE SEA RANCH ON THE CHI MA WAN PENINSULA.

A...

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

YUEN LONG CELEBRATES A FAMOUS VICTORY M * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING CALLED FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION ON YOUTH IRA IN I NG TO ACHIEVE GREATER EXPANSION AND PROGRESS IN SOCCER.

MR. AKERS-JONES MADE THE APPEAL WHEN OFFICIATING AT A COLOURFUL PAGEANT AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM TO CELEBRATE YUEN LONG’S RECENT F.A. CUP TRIUMPH.

ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE HOUR-LONG EVENT, FEATURING A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES INCLUDING A 145-F00T SILVER DRAGON, EIGHT LIONS AND TWO BRASS BANDS, PROVED TO BE A SPECTACLE FOR SOME 30,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS.

THEY LINED BOTH SIDES OF THE YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD AND PACKED THE STADIUM TO SHARE THE COLOUR OF THE PROCESSION WITH PROMINENT LOCAL DIGNITARIES, CIVIC AND RURAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND SOME 4,000 INVITED GUESTS AND TEAM SUPPORTERS.

IN HIS ADDRESS AT THE OCCASION, MR. AKERS-JONES DESCRIBED YUEN LONG’S F.A. CUP TRIUMPH AGAINST SEIKO AS +A GAME THAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IN THE ANNALS OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.*

HE NOTED THAT IN PAST YEARS, THE ASSOCIATION HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THE SOCCER FIELD AND IN THE PROMOTION OF SPORTING ACTIVITIES.

+1 HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THIS FOUNDATION TO ACHIEVE EVEN GREATER EXPANSION AND PROGRESS. I ALSO HOPE THAT PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO TRAINING THE YOUNG,* HE SAID.

MR. AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT YUEN LONG’S WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS - TEAM LOYALTY, TEAM WORK AND BY THE MORAL AND MATERIAL SUPPORT FROM DISTRICT AND CIVIC LEADERS, HAD ENABLED THE TEAM TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING AND PRIDE.

+BY CONSCIENTIOUSLY GIVING OUT THEIR BEST, THEY WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND I WARMLY CONGRATULATE THE ASSOCIATION FOR THIS WELL-DESERVED WIN AFTER MANY YEARS OF HARD WORK,* HE ADDED.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

5 -

ECONOMICS SUBJECT USEFUL IN EVERYDAY LIFE ******

THE SUBJECT OF ECONOMICS IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO HONG KONG WHICH IS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AS A CENTRE OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR ON +NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TEACHING ECONOMICS* HELD AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, M?S. MOK SAID AN UNDERSTANDING OF ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES COULD BE HELPFUL IN EVERYDAY LIFE.

+THIS SUBJECT WILL BE EXTREMELY USEFUL TO STUDENTS TAKING SCIENCE, COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS, OR PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS,* SHE SAID.

COMMENTING ON THE INCLUSION OF ECONOMICS IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM, MRS. MOK SAIDi +ONE OF THE STRONGEST REASONS FOR THIS IS TO FOSTER AN UNDERSTANDING, AMONG EVERY STUDENT, OF THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH HE LIVES, FIRST AS A CONSUMER AND LATER AT SOMETIME IN HIS LIFE, AS A PRODUCER.*

ALTHOUGH CONCEPTS IN ECONOMICS COULD BE PROFOUND, SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THEM, SHE SAID.

+MANY OF THE CONCEPTS CAN BE MADE INTELLIGIBLE TO THEM BY MEANS OF USING DIFFERENT TEACHING APPROACHES SUCH AS PROBLEMSOLVING, ROLE-PLAYING, SIMULATING GAMES, AND INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION AS SUGGESTED IN THE SYLLABUS.

♦THE TEACHER, FOR HIS PART, SHOULD HELP HIS STUDENTS TO DEVELOP AN ENQUIRING MIND, TO BE AWARE OF CHANGES AND BE ADAPTABLE,* MRS. MOK SAID.

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NUMBER OF CALLS FOR AMBULANCE SETS NEW RECORD *****

THE NUMBER OF CALLS DEALT WITH BY THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES HAS AGAIN REACHED A RECORD LEVEL.

IN THE 24-HOUR PERIOD ENDING AT 7 A.M. TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE COMMAND ANSWERED A TOTAL OF 702 CALLS FOR VARIOUS SERVICES --AN AVERAGE OF ONE IN EVERY TWO MINUTES.

OF THESE CALLS, 553 WERE EMERGENCY AND 149 NON-EMERGENCY.

COMMENTING ON THE RECORD NUMBER CALLS DEALT WITH IN A SINGLE DAY, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID: +MOST OF THE CALLS WERE RECORDED BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND NOON AND BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 4 P.M.+

HE SAID THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CALLS WERE CONNECTED MAINLY WITH ILLNESS AND COLLAPSES BROUGHT ON BY THE HOT WEATHER.

THE PREVIOUS RECORD, SET LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AGO, WAS 632 CALLS OR ONE EVERY 2.28 MINUTES.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

KAIFONG LEADERS CALL ON DHA * * * *

THE NEWLY-ELECTED OFFICE-BEARERS FOR THE 11TH TERM OF THE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON KAIFONG ASSOCIATION PAID A COURTESY CALL TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.

THEY WERE RECEIVED BY MR. WALDEN IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, CENTRAL.

DURING THE ONE-HOUR MEETING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR. LUI FOOK-HONG REPORTED ON THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION AND DISCUSSED THE FUTURE OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING THE PROMOTION OF A BETTER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE KAIFONGS.

MR. WALDEN SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN THE ASSOCIATION’S FUTURE WORKING PLANS AND MADE DETAILED ENQUIRIES ABOUT THEM.

THE TWO SIDES ALSO EXCHANGED OPINIONS ON SOME CURRENT EVENTS INCLUDING THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE AND CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PROBLEMS.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE MRS. ALICE LAI, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, AND MR. CHAN HON-KWONG, CHIEF LIAISON OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT.

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CHINESE COOKERY RECIPES ON SALE

*****

THREE SETS OF RECIPES ON CHINESE COOKERY, WHICH ARE PREPARED BY THE HOME ECONOMICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF HOME ECONOMICS TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

THESE RECIPES ARE FOR THE USE OF HOME ECONOMICS STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OR BY ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE ART OF CHINESE COOKERY.

EACH SET CONSISTS OF 12 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF DIFFERENT DISHES WITH THE RECIPE LISTED ON THE BACK. THE PRICE PER SET IS $10.

THE RECIPES INCLUDE SOME OF THE POPULAR DISHES SUCH AS EGG IN A NEST, BAKED PORK CHOP WITH RICE, FRIED SPARERIB, FRIED CHICKEN WITH LEMON SAUCE, DICED CHILI CHICKEN, QUAIL EGGS WITH MUSHROOMS, AND DESSERTS SUCH AS ALMOND JELLY, SAVOURY PANCAKES AND SPONGE CAKES.

/7......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979

A SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD TO BE CLOSED * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY, A SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD, ABOUT 220 METRES IN LENGTH, NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA A TEMPORARY LINK ROAD LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE WEST SIDE OF THE SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD. THE TEMPORARY LINK ROAD WILL BE ROUTED TWO-WAY.

THE BUS STOP FOR KMB ROUTE NOS. 30, 31, 31A AND 66 ON THIS SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED DURING THE SAME PERIOD AND IT WILL BE REPROVISIONED ON TEXACO ROAD AT A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES SOUTH OF THE TEXACO ROAD AND TAI WO HAU ROAD JUNCTION.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO

VALIDITY PERIOD OF MULTIPLE RE-ENTRY PERMITS TO BE EXTENDED .................................................... 1

ANOTHER MAJOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ................................................. 2

COMMON SYLLABUSES FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER .. 3

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE IMPORTANT FOR YOUTH .............. 5

COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS HUD ......................... 6

PLB PROHIBITIONS IN SHAM SHUI PO............................. 7

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEENSWAY ........................... 7

WATER CUT.................................................... 7

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

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1979

VALIDITY PERIOD OF MULTIPLE RE-ENTRY PERMITS TO BE EXTENDED *****

THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF MULTIPLE RE-ENTRY PERMITS IS TO BE EXTENDED FROM FIVE TO 10 YEARS UNDER NEW REGULATIONS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE MEASURE WAS INTRODUCED IN ORDER TO MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO CHINA AND MACAU IN FUTURE.

HE EXPLAINED THAT IN RECENT MONTHS ALL IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES HAD BEEN UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS APPLYING FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS FOR TRAVEL TO CHINA AND MACAU. +THE PRESSURE IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE,* HE SAID.

TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON THE BRANCH OFFICES, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION HAS ALREADY RESTRICTED THE ISSUE OF SINGLE RE-ENTRY PERMITS TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SEVEN.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE SITUATION ON A LONG TERM BASIS AND TO BRING THE MULTIPLE RE-ENTRY PERMIT INTO LINE WITH HONG KONG’S OTHER TWO MAJOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, THE HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORT AND THE CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY, IT WAS DECIDED TO EXTEND-THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF MULTIPLE PERMITS.

UNDER THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (N0.2) REGULATIONS TO BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S GAZETTE, THE FEE FOR MULTIPLE PERMITS WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT S15 TO S30 IN PROPORTION TO THE EXTENDED PERIOD OF VALIDITY. THE NEW MULTIPLE PERMITS ARE NOT RENEWABLE. THE FEE FOR SINGLE RE-ENTRY PERMIT WILL ALSO BE INCREASED FROM S3 TO |6.

UNDER THE REGULATIONS, CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGE OF SEVEN AND 16 WILL BE ISSUED WITH MULTIPLE RE-ENTRY PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY VALID FOR FIVE YEARS BUT EXTENDABLE UP TO 10 YEARS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WAS INTRODUCED BECAUSE APPEARANCES OF CHILDREN CHANGE AS THEY GROW UP.

THE FULL FEE WILL BE PAID ON FIRST ISSUE BUT EXTENSION WILL BE FREE. A NEW PHOTOGRAPH WILL BE ADDED IF THE HOLDER’S APPEARANCE HAS CHANGED SUFFICIENTLY TO WARRANT THIS. +THIS IS IN LINE WITH EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRITISH PASSPORTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

0 -

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1979

ANOTHER MAJOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ft * ft ft * *

THE FIRST STAGE OF A HIGH-CLASS RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX WILL EMERGE IN ABOUT THREE YEARS’ TIME AT TSI NG LUNG TAU, MIDWAY BETWEEN THE NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.

TO BE BUILT ON A 138,643-SQUARE METRE SITE, THE COMPLEX IS DESIGNED TO CATER FOR EXECUTIVE AND MANAGERIAL LEVEL PEOPLE WHO WISH TO FIND HOMES NEAR THEIR WORK OR MOVE FROM THE URBAN AREAS TO HIGH QUALITY PRIVATE HOUSING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE PROJECT, REPRESENTING AN INVESTMENT OF MORE THAN $350 MILLION, WILL COMPRISE SOME 60 12-STOREY BLOCKS IN LANDSCAPED SURROUNDINGS WITH VIEWS OF LANTAU ISLAND AND HONG KONG ISLAND.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SIGNED THE CONDITIONS OF GRANT FOR THE SITE WITH MR. T.H. WANG, DIRECTOR OF TSI NG LUNG INVESTMENT CO., LTD., AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.

MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT THE GRANT WAS IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF MAKING AVAILABLE LARGE AREAS OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHEREVER POSSIBLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR HIGH GRADE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

A TOTAL OF 2,400 FLATS - THE SIZE OF MOST OF WHICH WILL BE ABOUT 93 SQUARE METRES - FOR AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF SOME 12,500 PEOPLE IS PLANNED.

THE SCHEME WILL INCORPORATE LANDSCAPING, OPEN SPACE, TENNIS COURTS, SWIMMING POOLS AND COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING SUPERMARKET, DEPARTMENT STORE, BANK AND RESTAURANT.

♦THIS PROJECT WILL CERTAINLY HELP MEET THE INCREASING DEMANDS OF YOUNG FAMILIES WHO WISH TO LIVE IN WELL MANAGED RESIDENTIAL ESTATES,♦ HE SAID.

IN EXCHANGE FOR THE GRANT, MR. AKERS-JONES NOTED, THE COMPANY HAS TO PAY TO THE GOVERNMENT A $61,763,000 PREMIUM AND HAS SURRENDERED AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF LAND TO GOVERNMENT AT TSI NG LUNG TAU AND IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND TAI PO.

♦ONE OF THE CONDITIONS OF GRANT STIPULATES THAT THE COMPANY SHOULD SUBMIT WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE SIGNING OF THE GRANT A MASTER LAYOUT PLAN SHOWING THE POSITIONS AND NATURE OF THE BUILDINGS PROPOSED TO BE ERECTED ON THE LOT AND THE ROAD NETWORKS FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

♦IN ADDITION, THE COMPANY SHALL ALSO EMPLOY A LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST TO PREPARE A PROGRAMME OF LANDSCAPING AND REPLANTING OF THE AMENITY AND COMMON AREAS,* HE ADDED.

/SUBJECT TO

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 197S#

SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES. THIS LANDSCAPE PROGRAMME WILL HAVE TO BE IMPLEMENTED AND COMPLETED WITHIN FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF POSSESSION OF THE WHOLE LOT.

THE COMPANY IS ALSO REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SITES WITHIN THE LOT FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A KINDERGARTEN, A POLICE REPORTING POST AND A BUS STATION.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY EARLY 1987.

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COMMON SYLLABUSES FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER * * * * *

A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION WILL BE THE ADOPTION OF COMMON SYLLABUSES FOR FORMS l-lll TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS AS FROM SEPTEMBER, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE COTTON SPINNERS’ ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT KWAI CHUNG, MR. HAYE SAID THAT THE SYLLABUSES WERE NOW BEING ENDORSED BY THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL.

THE CONTENT SYLLABUSES FOR FORMS l-lll TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS WERE PREPARED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CO-ORDINATING THE EFFORTS OF THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, THE REPRESENTATIVES OF INDUSTRY, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

MR. HAYE SAID THAT A SEMINAR ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SYLLABUSES WILL BE CONDUCTED ON JULY 26 AND ALL SUBJECT TEACHERS OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND.

SPEAKING OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND THEIR POPULARITY, MR. HAYE SAIDi ♦SINCE SO MANY PREVOCATIONAL PUPILS ARE OF ABOVE-AVERAGE ABILITY, A PROPORTION OF SENIOR SECONDARY CLASSES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AS FROM 1981 TO ENABLE THE MORE ACADEMICALLY CAPABLE ONES TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION UP TO AT LEAST THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION LEVEL AND LATER TO PROCEED DIRECTLY TO TECHNICIAN PROGRAMMES IN THE POLYTECHNIC OR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.*

HE SAID THAT AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGES IN STRUCTURE OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, THE CURRICULUM AND STAFFING STRUCTURE WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE ACCORDINGLY.

/HOWEVER, .....

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1979

HOWEVER, THE CONCEPT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION WILL BE RETAINED AND MODIFIED. THE TECHNICAL CONTENT OF THE CURRICULUM WILL REMAIN 40-50 PER CENT FOR FORMS I-1 I I, WHEREAS THE TECHNICAL CONTENT FOR FORMS IV-V WILL BECOME 30 PER CENT.

THE DIRECTOR ALSO PRAISED THE COTTON SPINNERS’ ASSOCIATION, SPONSOR OF THE SCHOOL, FOR THEIR FORWARD LOOKING ATTITUDE IN GUARANTEEING JOBS IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY FOR ITS CURRENT FORM III GRADUATES.

FOR THOSE WHO CHOSE TO JOIN FULL-TIME COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES THIS YEAR, AND MANAGED TO SECURE ADMISSION, THE ASSOCIATION WILL SUBSIDISE EACH STUDENT $100 A MONTH WITH A GUARANTEE OF JOBS AS TECHNICIANS ON GRADUATION.

♦WHAT BETTER DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH IN THEIR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL THAN THE GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT? AS SUCH, THE ASSOCIATION MUST BE THE MODEL FOR OTHER EMPLOYERS,* MR. HAYE SAID.

NOT FORGETTING PARENTS WHO WERE AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR SAID HE APPRECIATED AND ADMIRED THEM FOR THEIR SACRIFICE IN PROVIDING THEIR CHILDREN WITH A FIRST-RATE ACADEMIC EDUCATION.

♦BUT I DO NOT GO ALONG WITH THOSE WHO ATTEMPT TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN BEYOND THEIR NATURAL ABILITY. AS THE WORLD IS EVER-CHANGING AND THE INDUSTRY IS EXPANDING, TECHNICAL EDUCATION MAY PERHAPS BE AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF EDUCATION MORE SUITABLE TO THEIR CHILDREN,* HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, MR. DAN WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) POINTED OUT THAT STUDENTS ATTENDING PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS CAN GET REMISSION OF STUDIES WHEN ENTERING A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.

MR. WATERS WAS ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE FIFTH SPEECH DAY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.

♦ANYONE WHO STUDIES A TECHNICAL SUBJECT IN DEPTH IS NORMALLY ADMITTED TO THE SECOND YEAR OF A PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSE IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND TO THE SECOND YEAR OF A CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP,* HE SAID.

ANOTHER ADVANTAGE OF STUDYING IN A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, MR. WATERS SAID, WAS THAT JOBS SUCH AS REPAIRING A LOCK OR FIXING A SHELF COULD BE DONE AT HOME.

♦WHILE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS DO NOT CLAIM TO TURN OUT FULLY SKILLED CRAFTSMEN, THEY PROVIDE GOOD, ALL-ROUND, BASIC TECHNICAL EDUCATION,♦ HE SAID.

ON THE OTHER HAND, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IS BEING INTRODUCED INTO SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, AND MR. WATERS DESCRIBED THIS AS ♦A BIG STEP FORWARD+.

♦AFTER ALL, IF CHILDREN ARE ABLE TO DO A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PRACTICAL WORK IN THEIR SCHOOL WORKSHOPS THIS SHOULD HELP A GREAT DEAL TO OVERCOME THE BLUE-COLLAR AND WHITE-COLLAR COMPLEX WHICH IS STILL PREVALENT IN MUCH OF OUR SOCIETY AT THE PRESENT TIME,+ HE SAID.

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

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1979

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE IMPORTANT FOR YOUTH ******

THE GOVERNMENT IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR HOPES TO EXTEND THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE TO COVER ALL SCHOOLS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (OPERATIONS), MRS. EVELYN DOE, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) IN HER ADDRESS TO THE FOURTH GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE TRUE LIGHT GIRLS’ COLLEGE.

MRS. DOE SAID SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK HAD AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THE SOUND DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH THROUGH THE PROVISION OF PERSONAL GUIDANCE AND HELP.

SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S WHITE PAPER ON +SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 198O’S+ PUBLISHED IN APRIL HAD STRESSED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SUCH SERVICE.

♦YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE THE MAINSTAY OF OUR COMMUNITY AND THEIR PROPER PHYSICAL AND MENTAL GROWTH WILL HAVE A DIRECT BEARING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIETY,* SHE SAID.

MRS. DOE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TRUE LIGHT GIRLS’ COLLEGE FOR ITS CO-OPERATION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN PROVIDING SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE TO ITS STUDENTS.

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COLLEGE’S PRINCIPAL, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, SHE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO PROCEED SMOOTHLY WITH THE PROVISION OF THE SERVICE WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE COLLEGE IN 1974.

SHE CALLED ON THE GRADUATES TO KEEP LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE AND TO STRIVE TO BE A CONTRIBUTING AND CIVIC-MINDED MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY.

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

/6 .....

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1979

COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS HUD

* * * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, VISITED THE HONGKONG UNITED DOCKYARD TODAY (THURSDAY) AS PART OF HIS PROGRAMME TO KEEP HIMSELF INFORMED OF MATTERS RELATED TO TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT IN THE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP REPAIRING INDUSTRY.

THE COMMISSIONER TOURED BOTH THE KOWLOON YARD AT HUNG HOM AND THE PARTIALLY OPENED TSI NG Yl YARD TO SEE THE COMPANY’S MODERN REPAIRING AND DOCKING FACILITIES.

MR. HENDERSON WAS IMPRESSED BY THE NEW TSING Yl PROJECT WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR ABOUT 3,000 PEOPLE. HE ALSO PRAISED THE EFFORTS THE MANAGEMENT HAS MADE IN THE TRAINING OF WORKERS TO COPE WITH THE GROWTH OF THE YARD.

THE HUD OPERATES A TRAINING CENTRE AT THE KOWLOON YARD CAPABLE OF PROVIDING OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING TO ABOUT 100 APPRENTICES AT ANY ONE TIME. AT PRESENT, THERE ARE ABOUT 250 APPRENTICES IN VARIOUS COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL TRADES IN THE COMPANY.

+THE BEST WAY FOR A FIRM TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SAFETY CONSCIOUS SKILLED WORKERS IS TO TRAIN AHEAD OF ITS REQUIREMENTS,* MR. HENDERSON SAID.

+THIS INVESTMENT IN MANPOWER TRAINING WILL LEAD TO INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, COMPETITIVENESS, PROFITABILITY AND REDUCED ACCIDENTS,*

THE TRAINING COUNCIL DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PROVIDES FREE SERVICES TO EMPLOYERS ON MATTERS RELATING TO PROPER TRAINING SCHEMES.

MR. HENDERSON SAID: ^EMPLOYERS IN BOTH INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT THE SETTING UP OF PROPER TRAINING SCHEMES ARE WELCOME TO APPROACH THE DIVISION FOR ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE.*

EMPLOYERS CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF SAFETY TRAINING COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE. LAST YEAR, THE CENTRE PROVIDED 183 SUCH COURSES FOR 5,314 PEOPLE FREE OF CHARGE.

MR. HENDERSON WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR. DAVID LIN, ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING), MR. T.Y. CHUI, AND SENIOR HUD OFFICIALS.

/? .....

-------0 -

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1979

PLB PROHIBITIONS IN SHAM SHU I PO *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING A NUMBER OF STREETS AND ROADS IN KOWLOON UNLESS AUTHORISED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

THEY ARE I

* PAK WAN STREET BETWEEN PAK TIN STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO BLOCK 15 OF PAK TIN ESTATE-

* PAK TIN STREET BETWEEN WOH CHAI STREET AND NAM CHEONG STREET, AND

* TAI HANG SAI STREET.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITIONS.

- - o - -

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEENSWAY * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A SECTION OF THE QUEENSWAY (THE LOOP ROAD LOCATED OUTSIDE THE OLD N.C.O.’S MESS, VICTORIA BARRACKS), WHICH WAS CLOSED ON JUNE 18, WILL REMAIN TO BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC UNTIL FURTHER NoflCE.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE BEEN ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

_ _ o -

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN SA I KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY (JULY 15) FOR WASTE DETECTION TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ALL VILLAGES AND PREMISES ALONG HIRAM’S HIGHWAY BETWEEN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND TUI MIN HOI. SAI KUNG. ’

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR MARCH ..................... 1

SAI LAU KOK OCCUPANTS GIVEN TWO WEEKS NOTICE TO MOVE ........ 1

CENTRAL SITE FETCHES $79 MILLION ............................ 3

CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE ACCESS IN SHA TIN TO START LATER THIS YEAR ................................................... 3

CARRYING OF ID CARDS IN PING CHAU IS COMPULSORY FROM JULY 16 ............................ ....................... 4

MORE US-HONG KONG TEXTILE AND FOOTWEAR TALKS ................ 5

IN-SERVICE TEACHERS TO ATTEND SCIENCE COURSE ................ 5

TENDERS INVITED FOR LAYING OF PIPELINES IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN ~

•«••••••••••••••••• $

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

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

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 1979

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR MARCH K * H M

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 1979, SHOW A DEFICIT OF $631.1 MILLION, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $161.0 MILLION FOR THE SAME MONTH IN 1978.

REVENUE AND RECEIPTS FOR THE MONTH AMOUNTED TO $1,248.8 MILLION AND TOTAL EXPENDITURE AMOUNTED TO $1,879.9 MILLION.

REVENUE AND RECEIPTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1978-79 TOTALLED $12,557 MILLION, AND TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $11,090.1 MILLION, GIVING A FINAL SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR OF $1,466.9 MILLION.

IN THE BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PREDICTED A SURPLUS OF $1,600 MILLION, WITH TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS AT AN ESTIMATED $12,600 MILLION, AND TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT AN ESTIMATED $11,000 MILLION.

COMMENTING ON THE FACT THAT THE FINAL SURPLUS WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN PREDICTED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHILST ACTUAL REVENUE TURNED OUT TO BE VERY CLOSE TO THE PREDICTION, EXPENDITURE WAS HIGHER THAN EXPECTED.

-----o-----

SAI LAU KOK OCCUPANTS GIVEN TWO WEEKS NOTICE TO MOVE

* ft * * ft *

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT OCCUPANTS OF SEVEN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AT SAI LAU KOK, TSUEN WAN, AFFECTED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WILL ON MONDAY (JULY 16) BE GIVEN TWO WEEKS' NOTICE TO MOVE.

THE TSUEN VAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, INFORMED THE OCCUPANTS BY LETTER TODAY THAT CROWN LAND NOTICES POSTED ON THE BUILDING ON MONDAY WOULD EXPIRE ON JULY 31, AFTER WHICH PERSONS STILL OCCUPYING THE PREMISES WOULD BECOME LIABLE TO EVICTION.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS A PROCEDURAL ACTION THAT WOULD NOT CONCERN THE MAJORITY OF THOSE STILL LIVING IN THE BUILDINGS AS THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING OUT UNDER REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT.

♦IN CASES OF GENUINE NEED WHERE PEOPLE NEED TO STAY FOR A SHORT PERIOD AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF MAY BE ABLE TO ARRANGE A BRIEF EXTENSION,* MR. HAYES SAID.

MR. HAYES SAID THAT THE OWNERS AND OCCUPANTS HAD FIRST BEEN INFORMED MORE THAN 18 MONTHS AGO - IN JANUARY 1978 - THAT THE BUILDINGS WERE TO BE DEMOLISHED AND THE BUILDINGS HAD IN FACT REVERTED TO THE CROWN ON NOVEMBER 12 LAST YEAR.

/+HOWEVER.......

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 1979

♦HOWEVER, THE OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN THE INTERVENING PERIOD TO ENABLE BOTH THEM AND THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION.

♦THIS HAS NOW BEEN LARGELY DONE AND THE BUILDINGS ARE NOW REQUIRED SO THAT THE SITE CAN BE HANDED OVER TO MTR CONTRACTORS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSUEN WAN MTR DEPOT AND TAIL TRACKS,♦ MR. HAYES SAID.

THERE ARE 389 UNITS IN THE SEVEN BUILDINGS - 339 DOMESTIC AND 30 GROUND FLOOR SHOPS AND WORKSHOPS AND A WIDE RANGE OF STATUTORY COMPENSATION, EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES AND ASSISTANCE SCHEMES HAD BEEN OFFERED TO THOSE AFFECTED, MR. HAYES SAID.

HE REVEALED THAT 268 OF THE 339 FLAT OWNERS HAD ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION TERMS - FULL MARKET VALUE AT THE DATE OF REVERSION PLUS DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE PLUS PUBLIC HOUSING OR A CAPITAL ISIED INTEREST-FREE LOAN TO HELP BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN STATUTORY COMPENSATION AND DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE AND THE VALUE OF THE NEWLY-PURCHASED FLAT.

HE SAID THE 89 OWNERS WHO HAD ACCEPTED GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IN BUYING NEW FLATS HAD ALSO BEEN GIVEN OTHER ALLOWANCES TO HELP MEET THE EXPENSE OF PURCHASING THE NEW HOMES.

ALL GENUINE TENANTS HAD BEEN OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING AND MOST OF THEM WERE BEING REHOUSED AT THE NEW CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE - NORTH TSUEN WAN.

MR. HAYES SAID THE WORKSHOP-SHOP OWNERS HAD BEEN OFFERED STATUTORY COMPENSATION AND DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE AND 41 OUT OF 60 OPERATORS HAD ALSO BEEN OFFERED SPACE IN A GOVERNMENT FLATTED FACTORY.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ANXIOUS TO COME TO AGREEMENT WITH A SMALL GROUP OF OWNERS WHO HAD STILL NOT ACCEPTED COMPENSATION TERMS AND OTHERS WHO WERE +STILL SITTING ON THE FENCE.♦

♦DESPITE ALL EFFORTS OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS, IT WOULD SEEM THAT THEY STILL DO NOT FULLY APPRECIATE THE WIDE RANGE OF COMPENSATION AND ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO THEM,+ HE SAID.

♦BUT THE TIME FOR THE CLEARANCE IS NOW VERY CLOSE AND I HAVE GIVEN FAIR WARNING TO THE REMAINING OCCUPANTS THAT THERE INEVITABLY WILL BE A GREAT DEAL OF INCONVENIENCE ONCE THE CROWN LAND NOTICE EXPIRES.

♦THE BUILDINGS WILL HAVE TO BE FENCED OFF AND WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES CURTAILED SO THAT PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE FOR THE DEMOLITION.

♦I APPEAL TO THOSE OCCUPANTS WHO HAVE NOT YET FINALISED REMOVAL ARRANGEMENTS TO DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,♦ HE ADDED.

- - o -

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 1979

CENTRAL SITE FETCHES $79 MILLION * * ft ft *

A 1,176-SQUARE-METRE NON-INDUSTRIAL SITE AT QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, WAS SOLD FOR $79 MILLION AT AN AUCTION CONDUCTED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE SITE WAS BOUGHT BY KANE FUNG ESTATES LIMITED AT $67,176.87 PER SQUARE METRE.

AT THE SAME AUCTION, ANOTHER NON-INDUSTRI AL SITE WAS SOLD TO MR. WOO BING-KWAN FOR $1.5 MILLION OR $17,942.58 PER SQUARE METRE.

THE SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF 83.6 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT 171 RECLAMATION STREET, KOWLOON.

- - 0 - -

CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE ACCESS IN SHA TIN TO START LATER THIS YEAR

ft ft ft ft ft ft

WORK WILL BEGIN TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR ON CONSTRUCTING A BRIDGE ACCESS TO THE NEW JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN.

THE BRIDGE TO THE SPORTS COMPLEX — AND THE RACE-COURSE AS WELL — WILL PROVIDE THE MOST IMPORTANT PEDESTRIAN LINK, AS WELL AS VEHICULAR ACCESS.

IN ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT TENDERS HAVE BEEN INVITED FOR THE SPORTS CENTRE ACCESS WORK AS WELL AS FOR THE DREDGING OF THE SHING MUN RIVER.

THE DREDGING, SAID THE SPOKESMAN, WOULD BE FROM THE RIVER’S CONFLUENCE WITH FO TAN NULLAH TO THE KCR BRIDGE AT TAI WAI.

♦AT PRESENT THIS SECTION OF THE RIVER IS NOT VERY PLEASANT AT LOW TIDE,+ HE SAID.

BUT WITH THE DREDGING COMPLETED THERE WILL BE AT LEAST HALF A METRE OF WATER IN THE RIVER AT ALL TIMES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHANNEL WAS A VITAL ASPECT OF SHA TIN AND THAT THE AESTHETIC IMPACT ON THE NEW TOWN WAS NOT BEING OVERLOOKED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

♦THE WORK IS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OF THE RIVER CHANNEL WHICH IS CENTRAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN,+ HE EXPLAINED.

♦NOT ONLY ARE WE ENSURING ADEQUATE FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WILL LIVE IN SHA TIN. WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE IT AS PLEASANT AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.

/THE ACCESS

THE ACCESS TO THE SPORTS CENTRE AND RACE-COURSE WOULD BE BY A BRIDGE ACROSS FO TAN NULLAH.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PRESENT PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE JUBILEE CENTRE WAS LIMITED.

♦THE NEW BRIDGE WILL BE A SINGLE 32-METRE SPAN OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE. IT WILL BE AN IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN THE SPORTS CENTRE AND THE NEW TOWN CENTRE,+ HE SAID.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED, AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED, BY MESSRS. MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE P.W.D.

- - 0 - -

CARRYING OF ID CARDS IN PING CHAU IS COMPULSORY FROM JULY 16

* * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GOING TO PING CHAU IN MIRS BAY ARE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST BRING THEIR IDENTITY CARDS FROM MONDAY (JULY 16) AND ONLY ORIGINAL NOT PHOTOSTATIC COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTABLE.

THE REQUIREMENT WAS STIPULATED IN AN ORDER MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL AND PUBLISHED IN LAST FRIDAY’S GAZETTE.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID PING CHAU WAS THE FIRST PLACE DESIGNATED AS AN AREA IN WHICH CARRYING OF IDENTITY CARD IS COMPULSORY UNDER THE NEWLY AMENDED REGISTRATION OF PERSONS REGULATIONS TO HELP SECURITY FORCES IDENTIFY THOSE WHO HAVE ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY.

THE REGULATIONS, WHICH WERE AMENDED UNDER THE RECENTLY PASSED REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1979, STATE THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL MAY, BY ORDER PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE, REQUIRE THAT EVERY PERSON, OR PERSONS OF SUCH CLASS SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER, SHALL CARRY HIS IDENTITY CARD IN AN AREA DESIGNATED IN THE ORDER.

THE REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRE THAT ON DEMAND BY SECURITY FORCES, A PERSON SHOULD PRODUCE HIS IDENTITY CARD FOR INSPECTION IN A DESIGNATED AREA.

FAILURE TO CARRY AN IDENTITY CARD IN A DESIGNATED AREA OR TO PRODUCE IT FOR INSPECTION ON DEMAND BY SECURITY FORCES WOULD CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE.

THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED THAT AT THIS JUNCTURE THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTEND TO DESIGNATE LARGE AREAS OF POPULATION AS PLACES IN WHICH PEOPLE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CARRY IDENTITY CARDS.

- 0 - -

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 1979

MORE US-HONG KONG TEXTILE AND FOOTWEAR TALKS ft ft ft ft *

TEXTILE TALKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD LATER THIS MONTH IN MANILA, AND THESE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY TALKS ON FOOTWEAR IN WASHINGTON.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, DIRECTOR OF TRADE.

♦THE FIVE YEAR US-HONG KONG TEXTILE AGREEMENT CONTAINS A PROVISION FOR A MAJOR REVIEW OF THE AGREEMENT BEFORE THE END OF THE THIRD YEAR OF ITS OPERATION, AND THE UNITED STATES HAS ASKED US TO BEGIN THAT REVIEW ON JULY 20,♦ MR. MILLS SAID.

♦WE ALSO HAVE SOME UNFINISHED BUSINESS TO CONCLUDE, FOLLOWING THE SUSPENSION OF THE ISSUE OF EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS IN CATEGORY 448, (WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ WOOL TROUSERS, SLACKS AND SHORTS) AND ONE OR TWO TECHNICAL POINTS TO DISCUSS.+

IN VIEW OF OTHER COMMITMENTS OF THE US DELEGATION IN THE FAR EAST, THE TALKS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED OVER TWO DAYS IN MANILA. THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL THEN PROCEED TO WASHINGTON FOR FURTHER TALKS ON EXPORTS OF NON-RUBBER FOOTWEAR TO THE UNITED STATES.

♦THE FOOTWEAR TALKS WILL BE A CONTINUATION OF THOSE HELD IN HONG KONG IN JUNE. AT THAT TIME WE BEGAN A REVIEW OF THE CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN ARRANGEMENTS WE OPERATE FOR FOOTWEAR EXPORTED TO THE UNITED STATES AND EXCHANGED STATISTICAL INFORMATION,♦ MR. MILLS SAID.

♦THIS SHOWED THAT THERE WERE SOME DIFFERENCES IN STATISTICAL RECORDING, AND POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION DIFFERENCES AT THE EXPORT AND IMPORT ENDS OF THE TRADE. BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO THESE DIFFERENCES DURING THE INTERVENING PERIOD, AND WE SHALL BE FOLLOWING UP ON THIS AT THE NEXT ROUND OF TALKS,♦ HE ADDED.

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

IN-SERVICE TEACHERS TO ATTEND SCIENCE COURSE ft ft ft ft ft

AN 11-DAY REFRESHER COURSE ON THE JUNIOR SECONDARY SCIENCE CURRICULUM WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS FROM NEXT MONDAY.

THE COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION, WILL BE HELD AT A DIFFERENT SCHOOL EACH DAY.

MRS. LOUISE MOK, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF NSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) WILL ADDRESS THE PARTICIPATING TEACHERS AT AN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE CF EDUCATION, SASSOON ROAD, HONG KONG AT 9.30 A.M. ON MONDAY.

/THE AIM ....

FRIDAY, JULY 1J, 1979

THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO ACQUAINT IN-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS WITH THE NEW FORMS 1-3 SCIENCE CURRICULUM, AND THE MODERN APPROACH TO SCIENCE TEACHING.

PARTICIPATING TEACHERS, APART FROM ATTENDING LECTURES AND FILM SHOWS. WILL SPEND MORE THAN HALF OF THE COURSE TIME TO CARRY OUT EXPERIMENTS OR TO OBSERVE DEMONSTRATION SUGGESTED IN THE SYLLABUS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A BOOK EXHIBITION AND A VISIT TO THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

IN ORDER TO EMPHASISE THE USE OF HOME-MADE APPARATUS, THERE WILL BE FOUR WORKSHOPS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOME-MADE APPARATUS. IN THE WORKSHOP TEACHERS WILL LEARN TO MAKE SOLAR CELLS.

- - 0 - -

TENDERS INVITED FOR LAYING OF PIPELINES IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN *****

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE LAYING OF A SYSTEM OF PIPELINES IN THE EASTERN AREA OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE SYSTEM IS A PART OF THE SCHEME TO PROVIDE WATER TO TWO AREAS OF THE NEW TOWN.

♦THE PROJECT COMPRISES THE LAYING OF ABOUT 5,600 METRES OF ASBESTOS CEMENT PIPES RANGING FROM 150 MM TO 450 MM IN DIAMETER,♦ HE SAID.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST AND SHOULD TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

- - 0 - -

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 A.M. TO 7 P.M. ON SUNDAY TO FACILITATE PIPE CONNECTION WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY 502-510 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 45-51 KWOK SHU I ROAD, 2-206 YAU MA HOM ROAD, 13-17 CHEONG WING ROAD AND 150-175 WO Yl HOP ROAD, INCLUDING YAU MA HOM RESITE AREA AND TUNG CHUNG FACTORY BUILDING.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR TO GO TO GENEVA .................................. 1

DUTY LAWYER SCHEME BENEFITS 1,800 PEOPLE .................. 1

800 WANT TO BECOME FIREMEN................................. 3

LADY MACLEHOSE BACK FROM HOLIDAY........................... 4

GOVERNMENT ENGINEER TO VISIT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROJECTS IN U.K..................................................... 4

ORIENTATION COURSE AT FIELD STUDIES CENTRE FOR TEACHERS ................................................. 5

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL-WESTERN DISTRICT STARTS .................................................... 6

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

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

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1979

- 1 -

GOVERNOR TO GO TO GENEVA ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IS TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT GENEVA ON JULY 20 AND 21 TO DISCUSS THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM.

HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, ffi. DAVID FORD, AND THE POLITICAL ADVISER, DR. DAVID WILSON.

THE PARTY WILL LEAVE HONG KONG FOR LONDON ON MONDAY (JULY 16) FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS IN WHITEHALL BEFORE TRAVELLING TO GENEVA LATER IN THE WEEK AS PART OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION TO THE CONFERENCE.

THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (JULY 22).

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DUTY LAWYER SCHEME BENEFITS 1,800 PEOPLE ft ft ft ft

MORE THAN 1,800 PEOPLE HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE DUTY LAWYER SCHEME IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF ITS OPERATION.

COMMENTING ON THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LAW SOCIETY LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE SCHEME SAIDi +THE SCHEME HAS BECOME ACCEPTED AS SOME PROTECTION OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL- AND IT EXTENDS LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO A SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY THAT, FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES, WOULD OTHERWISE BE UNREPRESENTED.+

♦IT IS CONFIDENTLY ANTICIPATED THAT THE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL MAGISTRACIES. IF IT IS EVER TO BE A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME, IT WILL ALSO NEED TO COVER MORE OFFENCES THAN AT PRESENT, IN PARTICULAR OFFENCES OF DISHONESTY AND OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON,♦ HE SAID.

THE SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, ENABLES DEFENDANTS BROUGHT BEFORE MAGISTRATES TO HAVE FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION BY LAWYERS ON THE SPOT - WHETHER THEY WISH TO PLEAD GUILTY OR NOT. IT IS FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTERED BY THE LAW SOCIETY, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BAR ASSOCIATION.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE NO MEANS OR MERIT TESTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE SCHEME.

/at phesekt, .....

SATOHDAY, JULY 14, 1979

- 2

AT PRESENT, ABOUT 1OO LAWYERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME AND THE FREE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT THREE MAGISTRACIES - SAN PO KONG, NORTH KOWLOON AND CAUSEWAY BAY.

UNDER THE SCHEME. BASIC LEGAL ADVICE AND FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION BY A PRACTISING BARRISTER OR SOLICITOR ARE AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE BROUGHT BEFORE ONE OF THESE THREE MAGISTRACIES, FOR CERTAIN OFFENCES.

THE OFFENCES COVERED BY THE SCHEME INCLUDE MEMBERSHIP OF AND PROFESSING TO BE A MEMBER OF AN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY, LOITERING, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION CONTRARY TO THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, GOING EQUIPPED FOR STEALING. OBSTRUCTING A POLICE OFFICER AND RESISTING ARREST, AND SIMPLE POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS.

LIAISON OFFICERS AT THE THREE MAGISTRACIES WILL SEE ALL PERSONS CHARGED WITH THESE OFFENCES, WHETHER IN CUSTODY OR ON BAIL, AND OFFER THEM THE SERVICES OF THE SCHEME. IF THEY ACCEPT, THEN . THEIR INSTRUCTIONS ARE TAKEN AND PASSED TO THE DUTY LAWYER WHO WILL REPRESENT THEM.

ONE OF THE DUTY LAWYERS FOR THE DAY WILL THEN APPEAR IN COURT FOR THE DEFENDANT TO SEEK BAIL, OR TO MAKE A PLEA OF MITIGATION IN THE CASE OF ONE WHO WISHES TO PLEAD GUILTY. HE MAY ALSO CONDUCT THE DEFENCE FOR A DEFENDANT WHO PLEADS NOT GUILTY.

ALTHOUGH THE SCHEME HAS ONLY BEEN IN OPERATION FOR A SHORT TIME, IT HAS SUCCEEDED IN OBTAINING THE CONFIDENCE OF THE DEFENDANTS THAT IT REPRESENTS. FEW PEOPLE REFUSE THE SERVICES OFFERED, ALTHOUGH OCCASIONALLY A PERSON WILL EMPLOY HIS OWN LAWYER INDEPENDENTLY.

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS, SOME 300 PEOPLE, NEARLY 50 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO ENTERED A NOT GULITY PLEA UNDER THE SCHEME, WERE ACQUITTED THROUHG THE ASSISTANCE OF DUTY LAWYERS, IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

DESPITE THE HIGH ACQUITTAL RATE, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME WAS TO COVER AN IMPORTANT AREA OF PROVEN SOCIAL NEED.

♦IN THE PAST PEOPLE CHARGED WITH OFFENCES IN MAGISTRATE COURTS HAD NO ACCESS TO FREE LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. THEY FREQUENTLY KNEW NOTHING OF PROCEDURE OR THE DEFENCES AVAILABLE TO THEM, AND THEY PLEADED GUILTY WITHOUT OFFERING ANY MITIGATION TO THE MAGISTRATE CONSIDERING SENTENCE. THE SCHEME HAS RADICALLY CHANGED THIS SITUATION AND, IF PROPERLY DEVELOPED, IT WILL PROVIDE A STRONG SAFEGUARD FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE,♦ HE ADDED.

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SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1979

800 WANT TO BECOME FIREMEN ft * * ft *

ABOUT 800 YOUNG MEN HAVE SO FAR APPLIED TO BECOME FIREMEN IN THE CURRENT FIRE SERVICES RECRUITING DRIVE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SERVICES SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

♦BECAUSE OF THIS GOOD RESPONSE, WE HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE DRIVE UNTIL JULY 27 TO GIVE OTHER PHYSICALLY FIT YOUNG MEN INTERESTED IN THIS EXCITING AND CHALLENGING CAREER MORE TIME TO COME FORWARD AND JOIN US,+ HE SAID.

THE THREE RECRUITING CENTRES NOW IN OPERATION FROM 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. ARE I

ft HONG KONG ISLAND - HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION (NEAR THE WANCHAI FERRY PIER) OPEN FROM JULY 16 TO JULY 27 (EXCEPT SATURDAY AND SUNDAY).

ft KOWLOON - TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION (CANTON ROAD) OPEN FROM JULY 16 TO JULY 27 (EXCEPT SATURDAY AND SUNDAY).

ft NEW TERRITORIES - LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION (WO YEE HOP ROAD, SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG) OPEN ON JULY 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 AND 27.

IN ADDITION, THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL IN FAN KAM ROAD, PAK HEUNG WILL ALSO BE OPEN ON JULY 16, 17, 23 AND 24 TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICANTS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 30 AND HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.

♦APPLICANTS SHOULD SPEAK FLUENT CANTONESE AND BE ABLE TO READ AND WRITE CHINESE. THEY SHOULD BE AT LEAST FIVE FOOT SIX, WEIGH 120 POUNDS OR MORE AND HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE AND NORMAL EYESIGHT,^ HE SAID.

A FIREMAN STARTS WITH A MINIMUM SALARY OF $1,315 RISING TO A MAXIMUM OF $1,925. AN INCREMENT WILL BE AWARDED ON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF 26 WEEKS* BASIC TRAINING AT THE PAK HEUNG TRAINING SCHOOL. HE IS THEN POSTED TO AN OPERATIONAL FIRE STATION AND IN DUE COURSE MAY BE SELECTED FOR SPECIALISED TRAINING SUCH AS DRIVING, DIVING, NAVIGATION AND ENGINEERING.

APPLICANTS CALLING AT THE CENTRES SHOULD TAKE ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, A DULY COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM (G.F. 340) OBTAINABLE FROM ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR FIRE STATION AND ACADEMIC DOCUMENTS (UP TO PRIMARY SIX STANDARD).

CANDIDATES ARE ALSO REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG RUBBER GYMNASTIC SHOES AND SHORTS FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST. THE TEST IS DIVIDED INTO THREE ■’ARTSi PRELIMINARY EYESIGHT TEST, PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS AND STRENGTH TEST.

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SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1979

LADY MACLEHOSE BACK FROM HOLIDAY ft ft ft ft

LADY MACLEHOSE RETURNED TO HONG KONG YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) FOLLOWING A HOLIDAY IN NEPAL AND BRITAIN. SHE WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.

DURING HER LEAVE, LADY MACLEHOSE SPENT SEVERAL WEEKS IN NEPAL TREKKING IN THE REGION OF RARA LAKE.

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GOVERNMENT ENGINEER TO VISIT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROJECTS IN U.K ft ft ft ft ft

r M’CHAEL HUTTON, GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER, NOW ON A SIX-WEEK LEAVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, WILL VISIT VARIOUS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED WITH HOSPITAL AND MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING AND WASTE DISPOSAL. "warn al aiw

»!.e4.NSJ° V,S,T THE hospital ENGINEERING CENTRE AT FALFIELD NEAR BRISTOL TO DISCUSS TRAINING FOR HOSPITAL ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS, AND GREATER MANCHESTER COUNCIL TO SEE HOW THEY ARE PROGRESSING WITH THEIR REFUSE DERIVED FUEL PLANT.

MR. HUTTON’S ITINERARY WILL ALSO INCLUDE LEICESTER COUNTY COUNCIL’S DOMESTIC REFUSE AND SEWAGE SLUDGE COMPOSTING PLANT AT WANLIP.

HE VISITED THIS PLANT THREE YEARS AGO AND NOW HOPES TO EVALUATE ITS PROGRESS.

BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG AT THE END OF AUGUST, MR. HUTTON WILL CALL ON THE THAMES WATER AUTHORITY TO DISCUSS TRAILING OF SEWAGE PLANT OPERATORS AND MAINTENANCE STAFF.

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SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1979

- 5 -

ORIENTATION COURSE AT FIELD STUDIES CENTRE FOR TEACHERS

* * ft * ft

BIOLOGY TEACHERS OF MATRICULATION CLASSES WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO TOUR ECOLOGICAL HABITATS IN SAI KUNG NEXT MONTH WHEN THEY ATTEND AN ORIENTATION COURSE ON FIELD STUDIES.

THE ONE-DAY COURSE ON AUGUST 29 WILL BE HELD AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

IT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO FAMILIARISE BIOLOGY TEACHERS WITH THE ECOLOGICAL HABITATS IN WHICH FIELD COURSES WILL BE ORGANISED FOR THEIR MIDDLE VI OR LOWER AND UPPER FORM VI STUDENTS IN 1979-80.

MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS WILL GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS AT THE START OF THE COURSE ON AUGUST 29 AT 10 A.M.

TALKS WILL BE GIVEN BY PROFESSOR L.B. THROWER AND DR. WONG MING-HUNG OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT ON ♦ALTERNATIVES TO HABITATS+ AND ♦TECHNIQUES AND APPARATUS IN ECOLOGICAL FIELD STUDIES.^

MR. CHAN JOE-CHAK OF KAU YAN COLLEGE WILL THEN GIVE A BRIEFING ON THE ECOLOGICAL HABITATS TO BE STUDIED, AFTER WHICH TEACHERS WILL TOUR THE WOODED SURROUNDINGS.

ENROLMENT WILL BE LIMITED TO 80, AND HEADS OF SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO NOMINATE THEIR BIOLOGY TEACHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COURSE ARE REQUESTED TO SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE JULY 25.

ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-2814009 OR THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-774001 EXT. 41.

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SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1979

6 -

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL-WESTERN DISTRICT STARTS M * * M * * M

THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR THE CENTRAL-WESTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND, COMPRISING NEARLY 500 EVENTS, WAS TODAY (SATURDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED.

TO MARK THE OPENING, A SWIMMING GALA, FEATURING DEMONSTRATIONS ON CANOEING AND SWIMMING, WAS HELD AT THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL. IT WAS THE FIRST OF A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL-WESTERN-ISLANDS), MRS. ROSE GOODSTADT, AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), M?. RICKY FUNG.

ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, MRS. GOODSTADT SAID THE LONG SUMMER BREAK PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITY.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT LEARNING THROUGH RECREATION WAS AN IMPORTANT MEANS OF DEVELOPING A BROAD PERSONALITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

♦THE FREEDOM FROM SCHOOL REGULATIONS AND THE EXTENSIVE SCOPE FOR PERSONAL CHOICE OFFERED BY THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME GIVE THEM THE CHANCE TO MATURE AND BROADEN THEIR MIND,+ SHE SAID.

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FIRING PRACTICE * * * *

M»sEFo5'?SuRp!{AcJ75ut!iLi9^R£oSL^!0lAN.HT?ET5‘5Tl^rc‘STtE PE,K

FLYll<STHDEWP^l?Hr?1XtR5FEDpR"AOcTTT?6!NTER THE ARE‘ WHE" RED FUeS ‘RE

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PROBATIONERS SUCCESSFULLY REHABILIATED ............................................. 1

LICENCES FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS ............ 3

SURVEY OF INSTRUCTORS BEGINS TOMORROW .................. 4

PUPIL’ WORK IN CHINESE READING SCHEME ON DISPLAY ......... 5

ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF SAI LAU KOK FLATS ARE NOW EITHER FULLY OR PARTIALLY EMPTY ................................. 6

WATER CUT................................................. 7

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 1979

HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PROBATIONERS SUCCESSFULLY REHABILITATED *****

A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PROBATIONERS AND INMATES OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE CARE AND SUPERVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ARE SUCCESSFULLY REHABILITATED.

THIS WAS REVEALED IN A RECENT REPORT ON RECIDIVISM OF PROBATIONERS AND INMATES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS COMPILED BY THE RESEARCH AND EVALUATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT.

THE REPORT, BASED ON A SAMPLE STUDY OF 453 PROBATIONERS AND INMATES, SHOWED THAT ONLY ABOUT 64 PEOPLE OR 14 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TURNED BACK TO CRIME AFTER COMPLETING THEIR PROBATION OR DISCHARGE.

A SUCCESSFUL CASE IS DEFINED IN THE REPORT AS ONE IN WHICH A PROBATIONER DOES NOT FALL BACK TO CRIME ONE YEAR AFTER THE PROBATION PERIOD OR, FOR AN INMATE, ONE YEAR AFTER HIS DISCHARGE FROM AN INSTITUTION.

THE STUDY ALSO LOOKED INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OFFENDERS* PERSONAL AND FAMILY BACKGROUND AND THEIR RELAPSE TO CRIME.

ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, OFFENDERS WITH LOWER EDUCATION STANDARD ARE MORE LIABLE TO RELAPSE TO CRIME.

IT SHOWED NONE OF THE PROBATIONERS WITH FORM 4-6 EDUCATION WAS RE-CONVICTED WHILE 14.8 PER CENT OF THOSE WITH PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION WENT BACK TO CRIME.

THE REPORT SAID EMPLOYMENT IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR AFFECTING RECIDIVISM. IT POINTED OUT THAT PROBATIONERS AND INMATES WITH JOB STABILITY, PLEASURE OF WORK AND GOOD REASONS TO CHANGE JOBS ON THEIR OWN ACCORD ARE LESS LIKELY TO RELAPSE THAN THOSE WITHOUT.

FOR EXAMPLE, RECIDIVISM RATE AMONG THOSE WHO LIKE THEIR JOBS IS 9.2 PER CENT AS AGAINST 16 PER CENT AMONG THOSE WHO DO NOT, AND 20.5 PER CENT AMONG STEADY WORKERS COMPARED TO 24.5 PER CENT OF THE UNEMPLOYED.

DRUG ADDICTION AND TRIAD ASSOCIATION ALSO HAVE STRONG BEARING ON RECIDIVISM.

THE STUDY FOUND THAT DRUG ADDICTS WITH TRIAD ASSOCIATION HAVE A RELAPSE RATE OF 38.1 PER CENT AS COMPARED TO 6.9 PER CENT AMONG THOSE WHO ARE NOT UNDER THIS INFLUENCE.

MOREOVER, RECIDIVISM RATE IS HIGHER AMONG OFFENDERS WITH PREVIOUS CONVICTION.

F THOSE WITH FIRST CONVICTION, THE RATE IS 11.8 P"P CE«T AS AGAINST 28.6 PER CENT OF THOSE WITH TWO PREVIOUS CONVICT' HS.

/ON TUB......

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 19?9

ON THE PROBATIONERS’ AND INMATES’ FAMILY BACKGROUND, THE REPORT LINKED RE-CONVICTION WITH THE SIZE OF THEIR FAMILIES AND THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN.

IT POINTED OUT THOSE FROM LARGE FAMILIES ARE LESS LIKELY TO GO BACK TO CRIME. RECIDIVISM RATES OF THOSE WITH A FAMILY OF THREE IS 30.8 PER CENT- OF FOUR 20.5 PER CENT- OF SEVEN 15.3 PER CENT AND OF NINE 14 PER CENT.

THE REPORT STRESSED THAT PROBATIONERS AND INMATES WHO MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR PARENTS AND WHO GET ADEQUATE ATTENTION ARE LESS VULNERABLE TO FALL BACK TO CRIME.

SIMILARLY, OFFICERS HAVE A

THOSE WHO HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH PROBATION BETTER SUCCESS RATE.

THE REPORT CONCLUDED THAT +REASONABLE+ PARENTAL CONTROL OVER CHILDREN IS FAR BETTER THAN LOOSE OR STRICT DISCIPLINE.

COMMENTING ON THE 85.9 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE, MR. CARLOS LEUNG, DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (YAU MA TEI-MONG KOK), SAID IT WAS INDEED VERY ENCOURAGING BUT CERTAINLY +THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY ON THE PART OF PROBATION OFFICERS.*

♦PUTTING YOUNG AND MINOR OFFENDERS ON PROBATION IS IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF REHABILITATING OFFENDERS.

♦THIS METHOD IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BECAUSE IT IS MORE ECONOMICAL THAN INSTITUTIONAL CARE AND FURTHERMORE, PROBATIONERS DO NOT HAVE TO BEAR THE PRISON STIGMA,+ HE ADDED.

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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 1979

LICENCES FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS * * * * *

A LEAFLET ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING OR PROCESSION HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.

THE LEAFLET — IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH — SAYS THAT ANYONE CAN HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING OR PUBLIC PROCESSION SO LONG AS IT IS HELD IN A SAFE AND ORDERLY MANNER AND WITHOUT EXCESSIVELY INCONVENIENCING OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE HAS TO BE MADE AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS IN ADVANCE, WITH THE SYSTEM OF LICENSING HAVING BEEN SET UP BY LAW TO ENSURE SAFE AND ORDERLY CONDITIONS.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LICENSING OFFICE AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN ARSENAL STREET, WAN CHAI, AND AT ALL POLICE STATIONS. LICENCES ARE NORMALLY ISSUED AT THE LICENSING OFFICE. OR SENT TO APPLICANTS BY REGISTERED POST, AND THERE IS NO FEE FOR THE LICENCE.

THE EXPLANATORY LEAFLET CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND FROM DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES- THE MARKETING OFFICE OF G.I.S. ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING AT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL- AND THE LICENSING OFFICE AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS.

THE LEAFLET OUTLINES CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES WHEN APPLYING FOR A LICENCE AND IT ALSO DRAWS ATTENTION TO SIX PLACES WHICH HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS 'APPROVED VENUES’ FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS. THIS MEANS THAT THEY ARE ESPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR THIS PURPOSE FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF BOTH THE APPLICANT AND THE AUTHORITIES.

THE PLACES AREi

M THE KNOLL IN VICTORIA PARK,

M KOWLOON PARK,

M THE CENTRE OF THE RACE-COURSE IN HAPPY VALLEY,

* THE GOVERNMENT STADIUM,

* KOWLOON TSAI PARK, AND

X THE THREE GRASS FOOTBALL PITCHES IN VICTORIA PARK.

THE LEAFLET SAYS THAT THE POLICE HAVE THE POWER TO REFUSE AN APPLICATION, BUT ADDS THAT IN PRACTICE THIS HAPPENS VERY RARELY.

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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 1979

SURVEY OF INSTRUCTORS BEGINS TOMORROW

*****

THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTOR TRAINING OF THE HONG KONG IRA IN I NG COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A THIRD SURVEY TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DETERMINE THE NEEDS FOR INSTRUCTORS IN INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND TO UP-DATE THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IN A SIMILAR SURVEY TWO YEARS AGO.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) ■THAT THE 16-DAY SURVEY WILL COVER ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED FROM THE MAJOR INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AIMED AT ASCERTAINING, AMONG OTHER MATTERS, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION!

* THE EXISTING NUMBER OF INSTRUCTORS EMPLOYED,

* THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND

* A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS IN THE TWO YEARS FOLLOWING THE SURVEY.

EXPLANATORY LETTERS TOGETHER WITH QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS TWO WEEKS AGO PRIOR TO THE START OF THE FIELD WORK.

DURING THE FIELD WORK, SURVEY INTERVIEWING OFFICERS WILL VISIT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO ANSWER QUERIES, ASSIST IN THE COMPLETION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE IF NECESSARY AND COLLECT COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES.

THE EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE BEFORE JULY 31.

THE INFORMATION REQUIRED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.

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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 1979

PUPILS’ WORK IN CHINESE READING SCHEME ON DISPLAY *****

AN EXHIBITION OF PUPILS’ WORK AND MATERIAL USED IN A CHINESE SUPPLEMENTARY READING SCHEME WILL BE HELD FROM JULY 18 TO 20 AT THE SHENG KUANG HUI TANG SHIU KIN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN WAN CHAI.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE FIVE SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME.

THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS ARE BELILIOUS PUBLIC SCHOOL, CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL, HEEP YUNN SCHOOL, NAM WAH MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SHENG KUANG HUI TANG SHIU KIN SECONDARY SCHOOL.

DR. HO KAM-FAI, UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT NOON ON JULY 18 (WEDNESDAY).

THE EXHIBITION WILL THEN BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON THAT DAY FROM 2.30 P.M. TO 4.30 P.M.- AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M. ON JULY 19 AND 20.

THE AIMS OF THE EXHIBITION ARE TO INTRODUCE THE WORKS OF THE PUPILS AND MATERIALS USED IN THE CHINESE SUPPLEMENTARY READING SCHEME- TO HELP TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE GUIDE THEIR PUPILS IN ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE SCHEME- TO CULTIVATE IN PUPILS THE INTEREST AND HABIT OF READING CHINESE BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES- AND TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THE PUBLIC TO THE IMPORTANCE OF READING IN ORDER TO RAISE THE PUPILS’ STANDARD OF CHINESE.

ITEMS ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE PUPILS’ WORK AND MATERIALS USED IN THE SCHEME, BOOKS AND MAGAZINES SUITABLE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, CHARTS AND DIAGRAMS, PHOTOGRAPHS OF ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE SCHEME, PROJECTS AND THE BEST WORKS OF A BOOK COVER DESIGN COMPETITION.

THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL LIBRARIES AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT PUBLIC LIBRARIES WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION TO DISPLAY MATERIALS AND RESOURCES RELATED TO SUPPLEMENTARY READING FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EXHIBITION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CHINESE SUPPLEMENTARY READING SCHEME IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE HELD FROM JULY 18 TO 20 AT THE SHENG KUANG HUI TANG SHIU KIN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

DR. HO KAM-FAI, UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION TO BE HE^D AT NOON ON JULY 18 (WEDNESDAY).

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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 1979

* Ww4?. ®rcF!Hl?m4 &h?

M M X M * X

ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE DOMESTIC FLATS IN THE SEVEN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AT SAI LAU KOK, TSUEN WAN, WHICH ARE TO BE CLEARED AT THE END OF THE MONTH FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, HAVE ALREADY BEEN FULLY OR PARTIALLY VACATED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT 83 OF THE 339 FLATS IN THE BUILDINGS WERE NOW EMPTY. HE SAID ANOTHER 51 WERE PARTIALLY VACATED AS FAMILIES WERE PACKING UP TO LEAVE TO TAKE UP OFFERS OF EITHER PUBLIC HOUSING OR MOVING INTO NEW FLATS THEY HAVE BOUGHT WITH GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT OF THE 438 FAMILIES IN THE SEVEN BUILDINGS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED PUBLIC HOUSING, MOSTLY IN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT, ABOUT 200 HAVE ALREADY MOVED OUT.

♦THIS MOVING OUT PROCESS HAS PICKED UP MOMENTUM IN THE LAST WEEK OR SO AND WILL CONTINUE AT AN ACCELERATED RATE NOW THAT CROWN LAND NOTICES ARE TO BE POSTED TOMORROW (MONDAY) GIVING TWO WEEKS’ FINAL NOTICE TO MOVE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE SAID THAT MOST RESIDENTS WOULD BE MOVING AWAY AS THERE WOULD BE A GREAT DEAL OF DISRUPTION AND INCOVEN IENCE AROUND THE BUILDINGS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

♦A MAJOR MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ENGINEERING CONTRACT WILL BE STARTING ADJACENT TO SAI LAU KOK THIS WEEK AND I AM AFRAID THERE WILL BE A LOT OF NOISE, DUST AND DISTURBANCES,♦ HE SAID.

♦THE CONTRACTORS WILL ALSO START BUILDING A FENCE AROUND THE BUILDINGS IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR DEMOLITION AND, AS THE OCCUPANTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ADVISED, WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES WILL HAVE TO BE CUT OFF ONCE THE NOTICE EXPIRES.

♦THE GOVERNMENT REGRETS THE INCONVENIENCE THAT THESE MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO MEET THE COMMITMENTS OF THE MTR CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME.+

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL THE FULLY AND PARTIALLY VACATED PREMISES AT SAI LAU KOK HAD ALREADY BEEN SECURELY CHAINED TO PREVENT PEOPLE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE INTO THE FLATS IN AN EFFORT TO +CASH-IN+ ON THE CLEARANCE.

♦QUITE A FEW IMPOSTERS WERE WEEDED OUT OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS AND WE WISH TO ENSURE THAT NO ONE JUMPS THE QUEUE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING OR COLLECT AN ALLOWANCE TO WHICH HE IS NOT ENTITLED,♦ HE ADDED.

- - o - -

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 1979

WATER CUT ft ft ft

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY (JULY 17) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS. ?

rJ«LA«!^AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ROSMEAD ROAD, WATFORD ROAD, ^,L°F0RLR0AD’ COOMBE ROAD, MIDDLE GAP ROAD, MT. CAMERON ROAD, onln22Ko26^ 38» 40' 44» 46 AND 50 MAGAZINE GAP

ROAD, 52, 54 AND 56 PEAK ROAD AND 1-3 BARKER ROAD.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL:5-233191 • -W-.y;

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

/■ ' •’■ A4

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR JANUARY-MAY 1979 ............. 1

FIVE MORE TRADES DESIGNATED UNDER APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE ................................................. 6

BIG PAYOUT TO SAI LAU KOK RESIDENTS ................ 7

+DOING+ AND +THINKING+ NECESSARY IN LEARNING SCIENCE ............................................ 8

KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN TAI PO............. 9

NEW PREMISES FOR MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICE ..... 10

WATER CUT .......................................... 10

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR JANUARY-MAY 1979 X M K X M M

HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR JANUARY-MAY 1979 WAS $57,836 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 37 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1978, ACCORDING TO TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 33 PER CENT TO $18,824 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 36 PER CENT TO $31,560 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 53 PER CENT TO $7,452 MILLION.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE AS FOLLOWS!

JAN-MAY 79 (HK$ MN) JAN-MAY 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

U.S.A. 6,194 5,367 + 827 + 15

U.K. 2,157 1,258 + 899 + 71

F.R. OF GERMANY 2,137 1,461 ♦ 676 + 46

JAPAN 979 554 + 425 + 77

AUSTRALIA 635 504 + 131 + 26

CANADA 565 467 + 98 + 21

SINGAPORE 504 381 + 123 + 32

NETHERLANDS 468 308 + 160 + 52

FRANCE 318 178 + 140 + 79

SWEDEN 316 180 + 136 ♦ 76

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. ROSE BY 15 PER CENT. WITH INCREASES IN CLOTHING ($ 2,374 MILLION, + 11 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($ 511 MILLION, + 34 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($ 489 MILLION, + 39 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($ 322 MILLION, + 28 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN SALES OF RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS ($ 189 MILLION, - 16 PER CENT) AND PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ($ 86 MILLION, - 23 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.K. WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE RISE IN SHIPMENTS OF CLOTHING ($ 1,144 MILLION, + 72 PER CENT), TEXTILES ($ 220 MILLION, + 64 PER CENT) AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($ 122 MILLION, + 110 PER CENT).

SSTIC ...

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE F.R. OF GERMANY WERE BOOSTED BY INCREASED DELIVERIES OF CLOTHING ($ 1,239 MILLION, + 49 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT (S 230 MILLION, + 32 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (* 146 MILLION, + 124 PER CENT).

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING ($ 242 MILLION, + 88 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (* 96 MILLION, + 137 PER CENT) TO JAPAN.

AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS IS PRESENTED AS FOLLOWSi

JAN-MAY 79 (HKS MN) JAN-MAY 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,909 5,371 + 1,538 ♦ 29

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 3,044 2,233 + 811 + 36

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,585 1,033 + 552 ♦ 53

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,461 1,023 + 438 + 43

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS 1,255 1,010 + 245 + 24

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 1,091 761 + 330 + 43

/SIGNIFICANT .....

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING (I 6,909 MILLION, + 29 PER CENT). TEXTILES ($ 1,461 MILLION, + 43 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($ 1,332 MILLION, + 59 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($1,131 MILLION, + 40 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($ 1,091 MILLION, + 43 PER CENT) AND RADIO BROADCAST RECEIVERS ($ 626 MILLION, + 12 PER CENT). HOWEVER, THE DEMAND FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS ($ 291 MILLION, - 1 PER CENT) DECLINED SLIGHTLY.

THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWSi

JAN-MAY 79 (HK$ MN) JAN-MAY 78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

JAPAN 7,209 5,248 + 1,961 ♦ 37

CHINA 5,222 3,742 + 1,480 + 40

U.S.A. 3,726 2,964 + 762 + 26

TAIWAN 2,192 1,500 + 692 + 46

SINGAPORE 1,629 1,212 + 417 + 34

U.K. 1,602 1,004 + . 598 + 60

F.R. OF GERMANY 1,057 758 + 299 + 39

SWITZERLAND 977 710 + 267 + 38

SOUTH KOREA 939 692 + 247 + 36

AUSTRALIA 601 443 + 158 + 36

IMPORTS FROM JAPAN INCREASED BY 37 PER CENT, MAINLY OF TEXTILES ($ 1,136 MILLION, + 19 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($ 718 MILLION, + 73 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($ 642 MILLION, + 55 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT ($ 612 MILLION, + 68 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RECORDED CHIEFLY IN TEXTILES ($ 1,098 MILLION, + 64 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND RELATED MATERIALS (I 488 MILLION, + 86 PER CENT), CLOTHING ($ 287 MILLION, + 47 PER CENT) AND VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ($ 283 MILLION, + 16 PER CENT).

THERE WERE ALSO SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN SHIPMENTS OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($ 374 MILLION, + 45 PER CENT) FROM THE U.S., TEXTILES ($ 916 MILLION, ♦ 48 PER CENT) FROM TAIWAN AND PETROLEUM AND RELATED MATERIALS ($ 874 MILLION, + 25 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE.

/THE FTLLOiVIi’C- .........

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONSi

THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES

JAN-MAY 79 (HK$ MN) JAN-MAY 78 (HKS MN) INCREASE (HK| MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND DIAMONDS) 10,289 7,327 + 2,962 + 40

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 6,885 4,510 + 2,375 ♦ 53

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 4,394 3,025 ♦ 1,369 ♦ 45

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 3,578 3,179 + 399 + 13

CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,392 1,680 + 712 + 42

CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS 1,703 1,629 + 74 + 5

INCREASES WERE REGISTERED MAINLY IN IMPORTS OF TEXTILES (I 4,584 MILLION, + 44 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES (I 2,111 MILLION, + 56 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (• 1,534 MILLION, + 49 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND RELATED MATERIALS (S 1,527 MILLION, + 35 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT ($ 1,182 MILLION, + 75 PER CENT) AS WELL AS IRON AND STEEL ($ 1,029 MILLION, + 49 PER CENT).

/RE-EXPORTS .....

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

- 5 -

RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RISE REMARKABLY, DUE MAINLY TO STRONG DEMANDS FROM JAPAN ($ 1,163 MILLION, ♦ 42 PER CENT), U.S.A. (I 742 MILLION, + 66 PER CENT), TAIWAN (* 659 MILLION, + 51 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (S 644 MILLION, ♦ 22 PER CENT), AND INDONESIA ($ 630 MILLION, + 21'PER CENT).

RE-EXPORT ITEMS IN ACTIVE DEMAND INCLUDED TEXTILES (* 1,096 MILLION, + 101 PER CENT), PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES (S 978 MILLION, + 41 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (t 418 MILLION, + 24 PER CENT), AND CLOTHING ($ 296 MILLION, + 80 PER CENT).

THE TRADE INDEX NUMBERS FOR APRIL 1979 (1973 - 100) WERE RELEASED AS FOLLOWSi

VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 256 156 164

IMPORTS 294 162 182

THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR APRIL 1979 WAS 96.

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

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

FIVE MORE TRADES DESIGNATED UNDER APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE

******

THE PROMOTION OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING IN HONG KONG TOOK ANOTHER STEP FORWARD TODAY (MONDAY) WITH THE INCLUSION OF FIVE MORE CRAFT TRADES IN THE COMPULSORY APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME.

THE TRADES ARE THOSE OF CARPENTER/JO INER, PA INTER/DECORATOR/ SIGN WRITER, WOOD FURNITURE MAKER, METAL FURNITURE MAKER AND PA INTER/DECORATOR (FURNITURE).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE TRADES NAVE BEEN SPECIFIED BY THE GOVERNOR ON THE ADVICE OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL AS +DESIGNATED TRADES* UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE. THEIR APPRENTICESHIP PERIOD IS THREE YEARS.

THE LATEST INCLUSION HAS BROUGHT THE NUMBER OF TRADES DESIGNATED UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE ORDINANCE TO 36.

♦IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO PROMOTE APPRENTICE TRAINING IN TRADES VITAL TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES AND TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE SAID THE ORDINANCE AFFECTS THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OF YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 18.

IT STIPULATES THAT AN EMPLOYER CAN ONLY ENGAGE A YOUNG PERSON IN A DESIGNATED TRADE IF THE YOUNG PERSON HAS ENTERED INTO A CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR HAS COMPLETED AN APPRENTICESHIP IN THAT TRADE AND HOLDS A CERTIFICATE. BUT THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR HAS POWER TO GRANT EXEMPTION IN CERTAIN CASES.

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED EMPLOYERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGED IN THE NEWLY DESIGNATED TRADES TO PREPARE THEMSELVES TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE AND TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP WITH THEIR YOUNG WORKERS.

A CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ENSURE THAT THE APPRENTICE WILL BE GIVEN ADEQUATE TRAINING, INCLUDING ATTENDANCE AT HIS EMPLOYER’S EXPENSE IN A TECHNICAL COURSE RELATED TO HIS TRADE IN A GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. THE CONTRACT WILL ALSO HELP PROTECT THE EMPLOYER FROM LOSING HIS APPRENTICE TO ANOTHER EMPLOYER.

EMPLOYERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGED IN THE FIVE TRADES WHO HAVE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD CONTACT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION ON 5-280545, >219285, 3-667463, 12-297039 OR 3-440838.

THEY CAN ALSO CALL AT THE DIVISION’S FIVE OFFICES IN NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99 QUEENSWAY, WANCHAI- PARIS THEATRE BUILDING, 7 KING UK STREET, SAN PO KONG- SALISBURY ROAD, TSIMSHATSUI (OPPOSI SHERATON HOTEL)- 31 SHING FONG STREET, FIFTH FLOOr-. KWAI CHUN AND YEN HAU MANSION, 1'JO TING FU STREET, THIRD FLOOR, KWUN TONG.

/7......

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

BIG PAYOUT TO SAI LAU KOK RESIDENTS

******

FAMILIES MOVING OUT OF THE SEVEN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN SAI LAU KOK WHICH ARE TO BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY HAVE ALREADY COLLECTED CHEQUES FOR MORE THAN $500,000 FROM THE GOVERNMENT IN DISTURBANCE AND REMOVAL ALLOWANCES.

SO FAR, MORE THAN 480 FAMILIES IN THE BUILDINGS HAVE COLLECTED THEIR ALLOWANCES, AND CHEQUES FOR ANOTHER $250,000 HAD BEEN MADE OUT TO BE COLLECTED BY THE REMAINING 120 FAMILIES AS THEY MOVE OUT OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) ALL DOMESTIC OCCUPIERS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE WERE BEING PAID REMOVAL AND DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY WERE MOVING TO PUBLIC HOUSING, TEMPORARY HOUSING OR HAD MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO PURCHASE NEW FLATS UNDER A SPECIAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME.

+INDIVIDUAL CHEQUES TO THOSE AFFECTED HAVE BEEN MADE OUT IN PLENTY OF TIME FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FAMILIES MOVING TO NEW PREMISES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THE AMOUNTS VARY OF COURSE, BUT AVERAGE OUT AT AROUND $2,500 PER FLAT.+

WITH MORE THAN HALF THE FLATS ALREADY VACANT, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TODAY POSTED CROWN LAND NOTICES GIVING THE REMAINING OCCUPANTS UNTIL JULY 31 TO MOVE OUT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANOTHER 47 FAMILIES HAD MOVED OUT OF THE BUILDINGS OVER THE WEEKEND BRINGING THE NUMBER OF FLATS IN THE BUILDINGS FULLY OR PARTIALLY VACATED TO MORE THAN 180.

♦THIS REPRESENTS WELL OVER HALF THE 339 DOMESTIC UNITS IN THE SEVEN BUILDINGS AND THE NUMBER OF FLATS VACATED WILL INCREASE RAPIDLY AS MORE FAMILIES FINALISE THEIR REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS,+ HE SAID.

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

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

♦DOING* AND +THINKING+ NECESSARY IN LEARNING SCIENCE ft ft ft ft ft ft

THE MAIN AIM OF THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE SYLLABUS IS TO DEVELOP IN PUPILS AN INQUIRING MIND AND AN AWARENESS OF THE WORLD AROUND THEM THROUGH +DOING+ AND ♦THINKING*, MRS. LOUISE MOK, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT THE OPENINGvOF AN IN-SERVICE COURSE AIMED AT FAMILIARISING TEACHERS WITH THE METHOD OF TEACHING THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE SYLLABUS.

♦PUPILS ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM EXPERIMENTS, OBSERVE AND RECORD RESULTS, USE MEASURING DEVICES, HANDLE SIMPLE APPARATUS, AND COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS USING APPROPRIATE SCIENTIFIC VOCABULARY,+ l*RS. MOK SAID.

TEACHERS SHOULD PREPARE THEIR PUPILS BEFORE-HAND, ENCOURAGE ACTIVE THINKING DURING PRACTICAL WORK AND CONDUCT FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSIONS, SHE EMPHASISED.

♦BY STUDYING SCIENCE IN THIS WAY PUPILS WILL ACQUIRE BY THE END OF THE COURSE SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE EMPIRICAL WORLD AROUND THEM, AN ADEQUATE SCIENTIFIC VOCABULARY AND THE ABILITIES TO OBSERVE CRITICALLY, TO SOLVE PROBLEMS AND TO THINK SCIENTIFICALLY,+ . WS. MOK SAID.

SHE STRESSED THAT PUPILS MUST LEARN THROUGH +DOING+ AND ♦THINKING+ BECAUSE SCIENCE PROMOTES REASONING THROUGH PRACTICAL WORK.

♦THIS IS CRUCIAL TO THE TEACHING OF INTEGRATED SCIENCE AND OTHER SCIENCE SUBJECTS LIKE BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS,+ M?S. MOK ADDED.

THE 11-DAY IN-SERVICE COURSE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

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

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN TAI PO ******

THE ANNUAL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN TAI PO STARTED THIS (MONDAY) MORNING WITH A SWEEPING OPERATION AT SHA LAN BEACH NEAR SAM MUN TSAI.

ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SIX DISTRICTS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE OPERATION IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF LOCALISED ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO REMIND THE PUBLIC IN THE DISTRICT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IN HELPING TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.

ThV CLEANING PARTY, HEADED BY MR. LAU YAM-MAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND MR. TONY COOPER, ASSISTANT TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, ARRIVED AT THE UNGAZETTED BEACH AT 10 A.M. AND IMMEDIATELY GOT DOWN TO WORK.

THEY WERE JOINED BY ABOUT 100 VOLUNTEERS COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, LOCAL COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS AND STUDENTS OF THE YU TUNG SHU AND SAM MUN TSAI PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

DURING THE THREE-HOUR OPERATION, THE PARTY COLLECTED A LARGE AMOUNT OF LITTER WHICH WAS- DISPOSED OF BY STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TAI PO OFFICE.

LATER, THE PARTICIPANTS WERE TREATED TO A LUNCH ON THE BEACH AND MR. LAU ALSO PRESENTED PENNANTS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GROUPS AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION.

COMMENTING ON THE CLEAN-UP EXERCISE, MR. COOPER SAID THE SUCCESS OF THIS PILOT EFFORT WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ENTHUSIASM AND CIVIC-MINDEDNESS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

♦WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT BY PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT BOTH IN PLANNING AND ORGANISING THE CLEANING ACTIVITIES, THE DRIVE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD SUCH A GOOD START.+

TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE FURTHER, HE SAID, THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WOULD BE HOLDING A VARIETY OF OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE COMING MONTHS.

THESE WILL INCLUDE A BOOKMARKER DESIGN COMPETITION AND CLEAN BUILDING AND VILLAGE COMPETITIONS. THE DESIGN COMPETITION HAS ALREADY ATTRACTED GREAT INTEREST AMONGST STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, HE SAID.

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

/10....

MONDAY, JULY 16, 1979

- 10

NEW PREMISES FOR MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICE

******

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE NEW PREMISES OF THE MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

OCCUPYING A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 4,600 SQ. FT. ON THREE FLOORS, THE NEW ACCOMMODATION WILL ENABLE THE CDO TO PROVIDE BETTER AND EFFICIENT SERVICE TO RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.

APART FROM THE GROUND FLOOR WHICH WILL BE USED AS A PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER AND WAITING AREA, THE SPACE ON THE OTHER TWO FLOORS WILL BE USED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLERICAL WORK.

ALSO TAKING PART IN THE CEREMONY WILL BE MISS REGINA LAU, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (MONG KOK), MR. A.G. EASON, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (KOWLOON WEST), REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (MONG KOK) NEW PREMISES WILL BE HELD AT 4 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) ON THE GROUND FLOOR, TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.

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

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO FACILITATE PIPE CONNECTION WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY 54-80 NATHAN ROAD, 1-11 AND 2-14 CAMERON ROAD, 2-30 AND 1-29 MODY ROAD, 1-25 AND 2-16 HART AVENUE, 2-16 AND 1-39 CARNARVON ROAD, 3-15 AND 2-4 BRISTOL AVENUE, 1-15 AND 2-4 CORNWALL AVENUE, 1-22 HANOI ROAD AND 1-12 HUMPHREYS AVENUE.

- 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SIR JACK CATER ACTING GOVERNOR ........................ 1

TEN QUESTIONS FOR LEGCO TOMORROW ..................... 1

LABOUR DEPARTMENT READY TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE OF CAREERS EDUCATION ..................................... 2

CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT NEW HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY .......................... 3

SUMMER FUN FOR NEW TOWN................................ 4

SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND INVITED .............. 5

MATHS TEACHERS GET TO KNOW COMPUTER PROGRAMMING ....... 5

PWD BLOOD DONATION .................................... 6

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979

SIR JACK CATER ACTING GOVERNOR

SIR JACK CATER HAS ASSUMED GOVERNOR FROM YESTERDAY (MONDAY) KONG OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF , FOLLOWING THE DEPARTURE FROM HONG MACLEHOSE.

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

TEN QUESTIONS FOR LEGCO TOMORROW X X X X X

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK TWO QUESTIONS. ONE CF WHICH CONCERNS THE VALUE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR. HE WILL WANT TO W*T FURTHER WILL THE GOVERNMENT NOW TAKE TO

PREVENT THE FURTHER DECLINE IN VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

ON CATERING FACILITIES, MR. CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT SUCH FACILITIES FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN KWUN TONG ARE ADEQUATE AND, IF NOT, WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.

POINTING OUT THAT SINCE AN INCREASING NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES UNDER GOVERNMENT CARE ARE NOW WORKING AND ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT IF SUCH REFUGEES SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED WITH FREE FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION AT PUBLIC EXPENSES AND, IF NOT, WHEN SUCH ASSISTANCE WILL CEASE.

THE HON. WONG LAM WILL ASK WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO TO DISPOSE OF THE ABANDONED REFUGEE SHIP +SKYLUCK+.

THE HON. PETER C. WONG IS TO ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE THAT THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND DRIVING LICENCE CANNOT BE CONVENIENTLY PLACED IN AN AVERAGE SIZED CARD HOLDER OR WALLET. AND IF SO, COULD CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO SCALING THEM DOWN TO THE SIZE OF A COMMERCIAL CREDIT CARD FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC NOW THAT IT IS MANDATORY TO CARRY THESE DOCUMENTS.

OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONCERN ABANDONED CARS, YOUNG PEOPLE AND TRIAD SOCIETIES AND THE EFFECTS CF FLUORIDATED WATER ON PUBLIC HEALTH.

SEVEN BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE MARRIAGE REFORM (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979. THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MATRIMONIAL PROCEEDINGS AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1§79» THE URB. COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979

DEBATE WILL RESUME ON 13 BILLS. THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 6) BILL 1979. THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES

AMENDMENT) BILL 1979. THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT)

NO. 2) BILL 1979. THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

(AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE

EMPLOYMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1979, THE CROWN LAND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE WIDOWS' AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (RECRUITING OF SEAMEN) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1979.

THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL SPEAK ON +HOME OWNERSHIP FOR MIDDLE-INCOME HONG KONG BELONGERS* DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE.

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LABOUR DEPARTMENT READY TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE OF CAREERS EDUCATION * * M M

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS READY TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE TO LIFT CAREERS EDUCATION TO A LEVEL OF GENERAL ACCEPTANCE IN HONG KONG, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE URGED CAREERS TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE *IN STRIDE WITH US*.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR. HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE (YEAS) HAD LAID THE GROUND WORK FOR CAREERS EDUCATION OVER THE PAST DECADE.

CURRENTLY, THE DEPARTMENT ISSUES 250,000,COP IES OF CAREERS PAMPHLETS-LEAFLETS AND NEWSLETTERS EACH YEAR TO SCHOOLS, YOUTH CENTRES AND INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISES CAREERS TALKS AND SEMINARS FOR SOME 50,000 STUDENTS ANNUALLY.

IN ADDITION, THE YEAS ESTABLISHED THE FIRST CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE LAST YEAR AND HAS BEEN STAGING CAREERS EXHIBITIONS ANNUALLY SINCE 1972. THE EIGHTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR.

IN THE PAST, CAREERS GUIDANCE HAD ALL TOO OFTEN BEEN AN INFORMAL *HIT AND MISS BUSINESS*, MR. HENDERSON TOLD THE TWO-DAY SEMINM WHICH WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE YEAS.

PCINTING OUT THAT INFORMATION ALONE DID NOT LEAD TO EFFECTIVE DECISION-MAKING, HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HELP STUDENTS ACQUIRE AND EVALUATE INFORMATION ABOUT TWO MAIN AREAS - THEMSELVES AND THE WORLD OF WORK.

/IN THIS .....

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979

IN THIS RESPECT, HE EMPHASISED, CAREERS TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO PLAY.

♦ WE CAN HELP AND ASSIST YOU BY PROVIDING THE MATERIAL, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE WORLD OF WORK. THROUGH THE DIRECT AND DAILY CONTACT YOU HAVE WITH STUDENTS, YOU CAN HELP TO MAKE CAREERS INFORMATION MEANINGFUL TO THEM,+ HE SAID.

MR. HENDERSON SAID WITHOUT THE JOINT EFFORT OF SCHOOLS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE YEAS, RAISING CAREERS EDUCATION TO A LEVEL OF GENERAL ACCEPTANCE WAS NO EASY TASK.

♦ I BELIEVE WE HAVE A FIRM BASIS FOR CO-OPERATION - THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE TODAY. IN THIS PARTNERSHIP, WE MUST BE SENSITIVE TO OUR OWN LIMITATIONS- WE MUST BE WILLING TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCES- AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, WE MUST BE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE FOR CAREERS GUIDANCE,+ HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT NEW HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY

* )f **

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL UNDERTAKE A NEW HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR TO SEPTEMBER 1980.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY WILL BE USED TO UPDATE THE EXISTING CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES.

HE SAID PLANNING FOR THIS SURVEY AND FOR THE REVISION OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES STARTED IN JANUARY 1979.

♦THE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED A LARGE-SCALE CONSULTATION EXERCISE BETWEEN JANUARY AND APRIL 1979 TO SEEK OPINIONS ON THE PROPOSED PLAN FOR CONDUCTING THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY AND REVISING THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES,+ HE SAID.

THE BODIES CONSULTED INCLUDED, APART FROM THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND STATUTORY ADVISORY BOARDS, TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, MORE THAN 400 LABOUR UNIONS AND VARIOUS ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS.

HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO JUST COMPLETED A PRE-TEST FOR THE COMING HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY AND THE FINDINGS, NOW BEING ANALYSED, WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE SURVEY PLAN.

♦ AS THE HANG SENG BANK, WHICH ALSO PARTICIPATED IN THE PRE-TEST, WILL ALSO CONDUCT A HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY TO UPDATE THE HANG SENG BANK CONSUMER PRICE INDEX AT THE SAME TIME, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE BANK TO STANDARDISE THE SAMPLE DESIGN, SURVEY METHODS AND OPERATIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY AS WELL AS THE METHODS FOR REVISING THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX,+ HE ADDED.

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979

- 4 -SUMMER FUN FOR NEW TOWNS ft * * *

MORE THAN 370 SUMMER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR OVER 55,000 YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWNS.

THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE EXCURSIONS, CAMPING, PAINTING, LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND GAMES FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN.

AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SHA TIN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IN TAI WAI CARITAS CENTRE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD, SAID THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FIVE YEARS AGO, THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADERS HAD BEEN TRYING TO BRING TOGETHER AS MANY DIFFERENT AGENCIES AS POSSIBLE TO JOIN IN THE ORGANISING AND RUNNING OF THE PROGRAMME SO AS TO AROUSE THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG YOUTH.

+THIS AIM SHOULD CERTAINLY BE ACHIEVED THIS YEAR IN SHA TIN WHERE NO FEWER THAN 48 DIFFERENT ORGANISATIONS AND GROUPS ARE TAKING PART IN THE PROGRAMME,* HE SAID.

♦SCHOOLS AND VILLAGES. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND MANY OTHERS ARE INVOLVED, AND THE VARIETY OF 176 ACTIVITIES IN SHA TIN DOES CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED.♦

MR. TODD NOTED THAT IN SHA TIN A COMMUNITY YOUTH OFFICER WAS APPOINTED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR TO TAKE CHARGE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, OF THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

♦WE ARE ALL MOST GRATEFUL TO HIM FOR THE WORK HE HAS DONE AND WILL DO FOR US IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PROGRAMME AND FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR,+ HE ADDED.

MEANWHILE, AT TUEN MUN’S HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE, THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER (NORTH WEST) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, W. JIMMY SWEETMAN, OFFICIALLY STARTED THE DISTRICT’S EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF SOME 200 ACTIVITIES - TWICE AS MANY AS THAT ORGANISED LAST YEAR.

THE WELL-DESIGNED PROGRAMME, ACCORDING TO MR. SWEETMAN, REPRESENTS THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE THE BEST OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE DISTRICT.

THE PROGRAMME ALSO CATERS FOR CHILDREN IN REMOTE VILLAGES SUCH AS NIM WAN, LUNG KWU TAN AND TAI LAM CHUNG.

- - o

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979

SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND INVITED

*****

THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF ANNUAL RENTAL FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, KOWLOON.

THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2,400 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING VEHICLES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY (THREE MONTHS).

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 AUGUST 3, 1979

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

MATHS TEACHERS GET TO KNOW COMPUTER PROGRAMMING * * * *

TWENTY MATHEMATICS TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE THIS WEEK ATTENDING A COURSE IN BASIC COMPUTER PRQfiRAMff<«&.

THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO FAMILIARISE PARTICIPANTS WITH THE CONCEPT OF COMPUTERS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMMING AS WELL AS LEARNING HOW TO OPERATE MICRO-COMPUTERS.

ON COMPLETION OF THE FIVE-DAY COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO WRITE THEIR OWN COMPUTER PROGRAMMES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

♦ONLY 20 TEACHERS HAVE BEEN ENROLLED THIS TIME DUE TO LIMITED FACILITIES, BUT THE COURSE WILL BE REPEATED IN SEPTEMBER IF IT PROVES TO BE SUCCESSFUL,♦ HE ADDED.

CONTENTS OF THE COURSE INCLUDE ELEMENTARY OPERATIONS, ARITHMETIC OPERATIONS, BRANCHING AND LOOPS, SUBSCRIPTS AND ARRAYS, CHARACTER STRINGS MANIPULATION, AND A SELECTION OF MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS.

THEORY AND PRACTICAL WORK ON MICRO-COMPUTERS ARE ALSO FEATURED AND 11 MICRO-COMPUTERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED FOR THE PURPOSE.

THE COURSE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, AND IS BEING HELD AT THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TANNER ROAD POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT.

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979

PWD BLOOD DONATION

******

FOR THE THIRD TIME THIS YEAR, STAFF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DONATED BLOOD TODAY (TUESDAY) TO THE HONG KONG RED CROSS.

TODAY’S DONATION OF 146 UNITS BRINGS THE TOTAL DONATED SO FAR THIS YEAR TO 339.

LAST YEAR, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DONATED A TOTAL OF 436 UNITS ON FOUR OCCASIONS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

*• •' ’

HK’S ECONOMY BEGINNING TO ADJUST IN THE WAY INTENDED ... 1

PAY REVISION FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ............................ 3

GOVERNMENT URGED TO HELP MIDDLE-INCOME GROUP BUY OWN HOME ....................................................... 3

+ INCONS ISTENT+ TO HOUSE $10,000 A MONTH FAMILIES ......... 5

GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES THE USE OF IDENTITY CARDS ............ 6

WORKING REFUGEES SHOULD PAY FOR FOOD ....................... 7

SKYLUCK SEIZED UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE .................................................. 7

SMALLER DRIVING LICENCES FROM 1980 ......................... 8

STEPS TO CURB UNAUTHORISED BUILDING OF HUTS SUPPORTED .. 9

NEW LAW WILL NOT BRING DRASTIC CHANGE TO CONTROL OVER LEASED LAND ............................................... 10

REVISED STRUCTURE FOR LAND ADMINISTRATION TO BE PROPOSED 12

MORE COOKED FOOD STALL BAZAARS PLANNED FOR KWUN TONG ... 12

URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL............................. 13

DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL .......................... 13

TIME LIMIT ON PROCEEDINGS UNDER CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE EXTENDED TO ONE YEAR ...................................... 14

PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL SUPPORTED ................................................. 15

BAN ON EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN FACTORIES GETS SUPPORT 15

GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE NUMBER OF ABANDONED VEHICLES ......... 16

GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE STEPPED UP ....................................................... 17

FLUORIDATION OF WATER REDUCES DENTAL CARIES .............. 17

GOVERNMENT TAKE OVER OF SHOUSON HILL AMMUNITION DEPOT .. 18

13 BILLS PASSED........................................... 18

ACTING GOVERNOR TO VISIT FORESTRY WORK CAMPS ............. 19

APPOINTMENT OF SIR Y.K. KAN AS CHAIRMAN OF TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ...................................... 19

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CARNARVON ROAD ...................... 20

WATER CUT................................................. 20

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

- 1

HK’S ECONOMY BEGINNING TO ADJUST IN THE WAY INTENDED

*****

THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR SHOULD STRENGTHEN WHEN IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT THE RATE AT WHICH THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP IS WIDENING HAS SLOWED DOWN, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WHAT MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE TO PREVENT THE FURTHER DECLINE IN VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, M?. HABDON-CAVE SAIDi +INDEED, I BELIEVE THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE ECONOMY IS NOW BEGINNING TO ADJUST IN THE WAY INTENDED.+

ON THE WEAKENING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE HAD EXPLAINED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH THAT MEASURES HAD TO BE TAKEN TO BRING THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL FINAL DEMAND MORE INTO LINE WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY’S OUTPUT, AND HAD STRESSED THAT THIS SHOULD BE DONE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO FACILITATE A RELATIVE SHIFT OF RESOURCES IN FAVOUR OF EXPORTS.

+THE MEASURES ANNOUNCED IN THE BUDGET ARE BEING PROGRESSIVELY IMPLEMENTED AND THEY ARE HAVING THEIR INTENDED EFFECT,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO EXPLAINED THAT PART OF THE RECENT DECLINE IN THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, AS MEASURED BY ITS TRADE WEIGHTED EXCHANGE RATE INDEX, REFLECTED THE CURRENT WEAKNESS OF THE U.S. DOLLAR AGAINST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES.

+TO THE EXTENT THAT ANY MEASURES TAKEN BY THE U.S. AUTHORITIES SUCCEED IN STABILISING THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WILL ALSO BE STABILISED TO SOME DEGREE,* HE SAID.

HOWEVER, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE EXCHANGE FUND TO INTERVENE IN THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET BY SELLING U.S. DOLLARS OR OTHER CURRENCIES, SO AS TO PROP UP THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

♦IT IS OUR LONG ESTABLISHED PRACTICE TO INTERVENE ONLY TO SMOOTH OUT — OR ATTEMPT TO SMOOTH OUT — EXCESSIVE DISTORTIONS IN THE MARKET RATE.

♦EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE CLEARLY INDICATES THAT TO ATTEMPT TO PRESERVE A GIVEN EXCHANGE RATE, OR EVEN A RANGE OF EXCHANGE RATES, THROUGH INTERVENTION ALONE WILL FAIL AND AT A COST IN RESOURCES WHICH CAN BE ILL SPARED,♦ HE SAID.

IN REPLY TO A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION BY MR. CHEONG-LEEN ON WHAT EXACTLY THE EVIDENCE WAS THAT THE ECONOMY WAS BEGINNING TO ADJUST, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IT COULD BE BEST ANSWERED WITH REFERENCE TO THE GROWTH RATES OF THE MAIN TRADE AND MONETARY AGGREGATES IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979'

AS FOR THE TRADE AGGREGATES, HE SAID, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WAS UP BY 33 PER CENT ON THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR AND BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ACCELERATED.

+THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WAS 37 PER CENT UP ON THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR, WHILST THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS UP BY RATHER LESS AT 36 PER CENT.

♦THIS IS IN CONTRAST TO THE POSITION IN 1978 OVER 1977 WHEN THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS AT 29 PER CENT EXCEEDED THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS AT 20 PER CENT,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

FURTHERMORE, HE CONTINUED, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WAS ONLY JUST SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 16 PER CENT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, COMPARED WITH 17.2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR.

♦AND SO NOT ONLY DO I EXPECT THE ABSOLUTE SIZE OF THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP TO BE RATHER LESS THAN THE FIGURE OF 112,000 MILLION FORECAST IN THE BUDGET SPEECH, BUT ALSO — AND THIS IS THE REALLY SIGNIFICANT POINT — THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP, AS A PERCENTAGE OF IMPORTS, HAS CEASED TO WIDEN,+ HE SAID.

AS FOR THE MONETRAY AGGREGATES, MR. HADDON-CAVE CONTINUED, THE ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF M2 (NOTES AND COINS IN CIRCULATION AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS PLUS TIME AND SAVING DEPOSITS) WAS 18 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE RATE CALCULATED ON THE SAME BASIS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF LAST YEAR WHEN IT WAS 32 PER CENT.

♦AGAIN, M2 INCREASED BY NINE PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH 13.4 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR.

♦THESE ESTIMATES INDICATE THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY IS ROUGHLY IN LINE WITH THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF G.D.P. IN MONEY TERMS IN 1979,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

ON THE GROWTH RATE OF BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID IT WAS TAKING LONGER TO SLOW DOWN, ALTHOUGH HE BELIEVED THAT HIGHER INTEREST RATES WERE BEGINNING TO HAVE A CONSTRAINING EFFECT.

♦IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR THE GROWTH RATE OF BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES WAS 10 PER CENT COMPARED WITH NO LESS THAN 14 PER CENT DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1978.

♦IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR THE GROWTH RATE WAS STILL LOWER AT 7.4 PER CENT, WHICH ON AN ANNUALISED BASIS, WAS ABOUT 33 PER CENT.

♦THIS IS LESS THAN THE GROWTH RATE IN 1978 OF 43 PER CENT, BUT IT IS STILL FAR TOO HIGH AND CONTINUES TO BE A CAUSE OF CONCERN AND ATTENTION,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED.

0 --------

WEDNESDAY, JULY Id,

ly ti

- 3 -

PAY REVISION FOR CIVIL SERVANTS *****

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A PAY REVISION FOR CIVIL SERVANTS.

THE AVERAGE INCREASE IS ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT, RANGING FROM ABOUT 10.5 PER CENT FOR THE LOWEST PAID TO ABOUT SIX PER CENT FOR TOP OFFICIALS IN THE DIRECTORATE.

THE AWARD WILL BE BACK-DATED TO APRIL 1 AND ARREARS WILL BE PAID AT THE END OF AUGUST.

THE SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE, MR. SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID APPROVAL FOLLOWED A DETAILED REVIEW OF PAY MOVEMENTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL 1, 1979, CONDUCTED BY THE PAY INVESTIGATION UNIT AND DISCUSSIONS WITH THE THREE MAIN STAFF ASSOCIATIONS.

HE ADDED THAT THE REVISION WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF ADJUSTING CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES IN LINE WITH THE EVIDENCE OF PAY MOVEMENTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

DISCIPLINED SERVICES WILL RECEIVE COMPARABLE INCREASES.

INCREASES WILL BE APPLIED TO SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IN LINE WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE INCREASES IS ESTIMATED AT OVER $350 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.

DETAILS OF THE NEW PAY SCALES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

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GOVERNMENT URGED TO HELP MIDDLE-INCOME GROUP BUY OWN HOME * * * * t

MIDDLE-INCOME HONG KONG BELONGERS LIVING IN FLATS BUILT AFTER 1973 ARE PAYING RENTS OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO THEIR INCOME, AND YET THEY DO NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO BUY A MEDIUM SIZE FLAT AT TODAY’S PRICES, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID AT AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE DESCRIBED THE WORSENING HOUSING PROBLEM FOR THIS GROUP OF RESIDENTS WHO EARN BETWEEN $5,000 AND $10,000 A MONTH AND ASKED WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO ABOUT IT.

THOSE WHO RENT FLATS BUILT AFTER 1973 ARE SUBJECT TO UNLIMITED RENT INCREASES UPON RECEIVING THE PRESCRIBED NOTICE. +A NEW MEDIUM FLAT OF BETWEEN 1,000 - 1,700 SQUARE FEET IS CURRENTLY SELLING AT $800,000 TO $2 MILLION,* HE EXPLAINED.

HE HAD TWO SUGGESTIONS! EXTEND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND REVIEW THE LIMITS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR LOAN APPLICATIONS TO THE HONG KONG BUILDING AND LOAN AGENCY LTD. SO AS TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE WITHIN THIS INCOME BRACKET.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

HE REBUTTED THE ARGUMENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT COMPETE WITH PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IN PROVIDING HOMES FOR THOSE WITH THIS SALARY.

+IT CAN BE ARGUED WITH EVEN GREATER FORCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FOR LOWER INCOME GROUPS HAS HELPED TO STABILISE THE PRICES OF SMALL FLATS, AND HAS IN NO WAY DETERRED PRIVATE ENTERPRISE FROM BUILDING MORE SMALL FLATS,+ HE SAID.

UNDER MR. CHEONG-LEEN’S PROPOSAL, THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES LAND AT FAIR MARKET VALUE AND ENTRUSTS THE BUILDING OF FLATS TO REPUTABLE PRIVATE DEVELOPERS ON THE SAME BASIS AS THE EXISTING SCHEME. INSTALMENT PAYMENT TERMS UP TO 15 YEARS AT 10 PER CENT ANNUAL INTEREST SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE AND THE PROJECT COULD BE TAKEN UP BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY SO THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CAN CONCENTRATE ON PROVIDING HOMES FOR LOWER INCOME FAMILIES.

PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE TO HAVE LIVED AND WORKED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESELL THEIR FLAT FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS AFTER OCCUPING IT.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN REFERRED TO THE DISMAL FORECAST FOR NEW MEDIUM AND LARGE FLATS SET OUT IN THE +PROPERTY REVIEW 1979*. OUT OF A TOTAL 65,255 PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DOMESTIC UNITS EXPECTED TO BE BUILT THIS YEAR, THERE WILL ONLY BE 1,160 MEDIUM AND 355 LARGE FLATS. NEXT YEAR, OUT OF A TOTAL 66,705 UNITS, ONLY 615 WILL BE MEDIUM AND 350 LARGE FLATS.

HE SAID THERE WAS MUCH CONCERN AT THE SHARP INCREASES, OF BETWEEN 50 TO 150 PER CENT, OF BOTH RENTALS AND SELLING PRICES OF THESE FLATS WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, AND GAVE FOUR REASONS FOR THE INCREASESi

* THE ARRIVAL OF EXPATRIATE PERSONNEL, WITH THE OPENING UP OF CHINA AND THE LICENSING OF MORE BANKS, WHO HAVE TO FIND QUICK AND PAY TOP PRICES FOR ACCOMMODATION,

X MONEY HAS BEEN COMING IN FROM FAR EASTERN COUNTRIES FOR INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE,

* THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE AN ADEQUATE BUILDING PROGRAMME TO HOUSE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO ARE ENTITLED TO SUCH FLATS, AND

X SPECULATION BY INDIVIDUALS OR COMPANIES SEEKING A QUICK TURNOVER AND BIG PROFITS ON A SELLERS’ MARKET.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT WILL SOON RELEASE A NUMBER OF SITES FOR HIGH-QUALITY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, SUCH ACCOMMODATION WILL NOT COME ON-STREAM IN TWO TO FOUR YEARS TIME.

HONG KONG’S MIDDLE-INCOME BELONGERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE COMMUNITY. +THEY SHOULD NOT BE BLAMED FOR BEING CRITICAL OF GOVERNMENT’S APPARENT INDIFFERENCE TO THEIR PLIGHT,* MR.. CHEONG-LEEN SAID.

/another......

>AY, JULY 18, 1979

ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLOR, DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI SPOKE ON HOUSING FOR MIDDLE-INCOME HONG KONG BELONGERS WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND QUASI-GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS.

HE SAID THE CONSIDERABLE SUM OF MONEY THE GOVERNMENT PAYS THEM EACH YEAR ON HOUSING ALLOWANCES SHOULD BE PUT TO BETTER USE BY HELPING THEM BUY THEIR OWN HOMES THROUGH A MORTGAGE SCHEME.

SUCH A SCHEME WILL IN THE LONG TERM BENEFIT THE GOVERNMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE ONLY A LIMITED FINANCIAL COMMITMENT UNTIL THE MORTGAGE IS PAID OFF, AND THE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEIR ACCOMMODATION WHEN THEY RETIRE.

IT WOULD BOOST THE MORALE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE TO JOIN IT, HE SAID.

HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT SUCH A SCHEME AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE FURTHER PRICE ESCALATIONS PREVENT THE SCHEME FROM BEING VIABLE.

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♦INCONSISTENT* TO HOUSE $10,000 A MONTH FAMILIES

* * * *

TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS TO FAMILIES EARNING UP TO $10,000 PER MONTH WOULD MAKE NEARLY 98 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION ELIGIBLE FOR THEM.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. DONALD LIAO, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN ANSWER TO SUGGESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN THAT THE SCHEME BE EXTENDED TO COVER MIDDLE-INCOME HONG KONG BELONGERS EARNING UP TO THAT AMOUNT.

MR. LIAO SAIDi +THIS WOULD BE UNPRECEDENTED EVEN IN PLANNED ECONOMIES AND WOULD CERTAINLY BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN HONG KONG.

♦MOREOVER, SUCH ACTION WOULD ONLY DILUTE THE EFFORTS TOWARDS ASSISTING LOWER-INCOME FAMILIES.*

MR. LIAO SAID THE INCOME LIMIT FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS HAD RECENTLY BEEN REVISED TO $5,000 PER MONTH, PUTTING THEM WITHIN REACH OF NEARLY 90 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION.

ON THE SUBJECT OF MEDIUM AND LARGE FLATS FOR HIGHER-INCOME BELONGERS, HE SAID THAT A NUMBER OF SITES FOR SUCH PREMISES HAD BECOME AVAILABLE RECENTLY, AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TRYING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION BY +TACKLING THE CRUX OF THE PROBLEM, WHICH IS LAND SUPPLY.+

AS REGARDS HOUSING LOANS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, MR. LIAO SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE MATTER WAS RECEIVING ATTENTION.

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

WtUNtbUAY, JULY Id, iy fy

6 -

GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES THE USE OF IDENTITY CARD M * M * * M *

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, REASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE INTENTION OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT^NO. 2) BILL WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF IDENTITY CARDS IN DEALING WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

+WE DID NOT THINK IT RIGHT TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR A PERSOK TO FAIL TO USE THE NAME ON HIS IDENTITY CARD IN HIS DEALINGS WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. NEITHER IS IT INTENDED THAT A PERSON SHOULD BE REFUSED A SERVICE IF HE DOES NOT OR CANNOT PRODUCE HIS IDENTITY CARD. FOR EXAMPLE, IT WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE TO DENY A PERSON MEDICAL TREATMENT IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES,* MR. DAVIES SAID.

THE REMARKS WERE MADE DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL AFTER CONCERN WAS EXPRESSED BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ON THE REPERCUSSIONS ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE FOUND EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLED IN HONG KONG FOR SOME TIME.

BUT, MR. DAVIES POINTED OUT THAT IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES PROOF OF IDENTITY WOULD BE REQUIRED, FOR EXAMPLE, AS A PRECONDITION FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTAIN LICENCES AND PERMITS AND WHEN THIS WAS REQUIRED THE TRANSACTION WOULD BE COMPLETED USING THE NAME OF THE IDENTITY CARD.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN HAD ASKED WHETHER A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WOULD IN PRACTICE REFUSE TO DEAL WITH A PERSON UNLESS HE PRODUCED AN IDENTITY CARD, AND TO WHAT EXTENT THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COULD BE SUBJECT TO BLACKMAIL, INTIMIDATION OR REGARDED AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORRUPTION IN THEIR EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.

HE ALSO ASKED WHETHER THERE HAD BEEN ANY ASSESSMENT OF THEIR NUMBERS AND WHETHER THERE WERE ANY REQUIREMENTS OR GUIDELINES UNDER WHICH THEY CAN SURFACE AND APPLY FOR IDENTITY CARDS.

COMMENTING ON THE PUBLISHING OF GUIDELINES UNDER WHICH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COULD SURFACE AND APPLY FOR IDENTITY CARDS, MR. DAVIES SAID HE COULD NOT SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL.

+1 WOULD NOT WISH TO DEPART FROM THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF IMMIGRATION CONTROL THAT EACH CASE IS DEALT WITH ON ITS MERITS,+ HE SAID.

MR. DAVIES POINTED OUT THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA USUALLY PRESENTED THEMSELVES FOR REGISTRATION WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF THEIR ARRIVAL AND THAT THEY COULD DO SO IS GIVEN WIDE PUBLICITY IN THE MEDIA.

+THERE IS OF COURSE SOME RISK THAT BETWEEN THE TIME OF THEIR ARRIVAL AND OF REGISTRATION THEY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL VICTIMISATION, BUT THIS IS INHERENT IN THE FACT OF THEIR ILLEGAL ENTRY IN THE FIRST PLACE AND THEIR SUBSEQUENT STAY,* HE SAID.

IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE HOW MANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND OVERSrAYERS WERE CURRENTLY LIVING IN HONG KONG WITHOUT HAVING REGISTERED, BUT HE BELIEVED THAT THE NUMBER WAS NOT LARGE.

THE BILL WAS LATER PASSED.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

WORKING REFUGEES SHOULD PAY FOR FOOD

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IT WAS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO CONTINUE PROVIDING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO ARE WORKING WITH FREE FOOD AT PUBLIC EXPENSE.

♦SUCH ASSISTANCE IS ALREADY BEING REDUCED,♦ HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN.

MR. DAVIES SAIDj +IT IS THE POLICY OF THE ADMINISTRATION THAT, AFTER AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ABOUT TWO WEEKS IN (OPEN CAMPS), REFUGEES SHOULD BEGIN TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COSTS OF THEIR OWN CARE AND MAINTENANCE.

♦ON THIS BASIS A PROGRESSIVE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES FOR WHOM RATIONS ARE PROVIDED IN THIS TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION HAS ALREADY COMMENCED. IT WILL CONTINUE TO THE POINT WHERE RATIONS ARE GIVEN ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES OR WHOSE CIRCUMSTANCES JUSTIFY IT.+

MR. DAVIES ALSO SAID THAT A SCHEME FOR THE RECOVERY OF RENT WAS NOT BEING RULED OUT BUT AS YET NO SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE SCHEME HAD BEEN EVOLVED.

THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS ARE THAT ALL REFUGEES ON ARRIVAL REMAIN IN THEIR BOATS WHILST THEY ARE PROCESSED. THEREAFTER ACCOMMODATION IS ARRANGED FOR THEM ASHORE.

THE FIRST ACCOMMODATION IS INVARIABLY IN THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD. AFTER A PERIOD OF ABOUT A FORTNIGHT THERE, THEY ARE MOVED INTO OPEN CAMPS OR OTHER FLATTED ACCOMMODATION. DURING ALL THESE PERIODS THEY RECIEVE FREE FOOD.

- - - - 0 ----

SKYLUCK SEIZED UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE

*****

THE REFUGEE SHIP +SKYLUCK+ HAS BEEN SEIZED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID T.K. WONG IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM.

HE SAID THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, WHO WOULD BE PUBLICISING THE SEIZURE IN THE GAZETTE, WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DISPOSE OF THE VESSEL UNTIL A REASONABLE PERIOD HAD BEEN ALLOWED FOR THE LODGING OF POSSIBLE CLAIMS.

MR. WONG SAID THE SEIZURE WAS MADE BECAUSE THERE HAD BEEN NO RESPONSE FROM THE VESSEL’S OWNER TO A DIRECTION MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF MAi INE UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE MAY GIVE TO AN OWNER OF A VESSEL WHICH IS ABANDONED IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG SUCH DIRECTIONS AS HE THINKS FIT IN RESPECT OF THE REMOVAL, MOVEMENT, ANCHORING, MOORING, SECURING, RAISING OR DESTRUCTION OF THE VESSEL.

♦ON JULY 5 THE DIRECTOR ISSUED TO THE OWNER OF THE ’SKYLUCK’ A DIRECTION TO REMOVE THE VESSEL FROM ITS PRESENT POSITION AT SHEK KOK TSUI, LAMMA ISLAND, BY 8 A.M. ON JULY 16,+ MR. WONG SAID.

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

SMALLER DRIVING LICENCES FROM 1980

*****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE A SMALLER DRIVING LICENCE OF APPROXIMATELY THE SAME SIZE AS A CREDIT CARD SOMETIME IN 1980 DEPENDING ON THE AVAILABILITY OF STAFF AND COMPUTER RESOURCES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. PETER C. WONG ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SCALING DOWN THE H.K. IDENTITY CARD AND DRIVING LICENCE TO A SIZE THAT CAN BE CONVENIENTLY PLACED IN AN AVERAGE SIZED CARD HOLDER OR WALLET, MR. DAVIES SAID THAT IT WAS AGREED THAT SMALLER DOCUMENTS WOULD BE A CONVENIENCE.

♦IT IS NOT MANDATORY TO CARRY IDENTITY CARDS EXCEPT IN PING CHAU BUT IN CONSIDERING THE LONG TERM PLANS TO IMPROVE THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS SYSTEM, THE ISSUE OF A MORE CONVENIENT SIZE OF CARD OR DEVICE WILL NOT BE OVERLOOKED,♦ HE SAID.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

- 9 -

STEPS TO CURB UNAUTHORISED BUILDING OF HUTS SUPPORTED *****

THERE WERE VARIOUS REASONS WHY MANY VILLAGE HOUSES WERE BUILT ON AGRICULTURAL LAND OR CONVERTED FOR DOMESTIC OR OTHER USES WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROVAL, THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG SAID TODAY.

THESE WERE MISUNDERSTANDING BY AND IGNORANCE OF THE VILLAGE PEOPLE, INCONVENIENT COMMUNICATIONS IN THE PRE-WAR DAYS, ABSENCE OF A CIVIL GOVERNMENT DURING AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE WAR YEARS, AND THE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN THEIR WAY OF LIFE FORCED UPON THEM BY THE INFLUX OF NEW-COMERS SINCE 1949.

WHILE IT IS RIGHT THAT THE GOVERNMENT BE GIVEN EFFECTIVE POWERS TO CONTROL THE ILLEGAL BUILDING OF SHANTY HUTS AND COTTAGE FACTORIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IT IS NEITHER FAIR NOR JUSTIFIABLE TO CHALLENGE THESE LONG-ESTABLISHED BUILDINGS OR CONVERSIONS, MR. YEUNG SAID.

MR. YEUNG WAS COMMENTING ON THE CROWN LAND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AT ITS SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL WAS STUDIED AT LENGTH BY AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONVENED BY HIM. THE UNOFFICIALS SUPPORTED ITS INTENTION TO STEP UP CONTROL OVER THE BUILDING OF SQUATTER HUTS BY RACKETEERS FOR SALE TO UNSUSPECTING BUYERS. HOWEVER THEY HAD RESERVATIONS OVER SEVERAL POINTS.

ON THE QUESTION OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS ON LEASED LAND, bR. YEUNG WANTED TO BE ASSURED THAT THE EXISTING POLICY WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE BILL AND +IN FACT GOVERNMENT WILL, ON APPLICATION OF THE LANDOWNERS, LEGALISE SUCH BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF LONG STANDING BY GRANTING SUCH MODIFICATION OR PERMIT UPON SUCH CONDITIONS AS IF APPLICATIONS WERE MADE AT THE TIME OF ERECTION OF SUCH BUILDINGS*.

AS FOR UNAUTHORISED USAGE OF AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS, MR. YEUNG NOTED THAT THE BILL MERELY STRENGTHENED THE HAND OF GOVERNMENT IN DEALING WITH THEM BUT SINCE IT WAS SOMETHING NEW IN LAW, HE ASKED FOR A CUT-OFF DATE FOR ITS OPERATION AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE AND FAIRNESS.

HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO USE THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THE LANDOWNER TO REPORT UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES BUILT BY A THIRD PARTY ON HIS LAND UNLESS, FOR EXAMPLE, THERE WAS COLLUSION BETWEEN THE LANDOWNER AND THE THIRD PARTY.

IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE CO-OPERATION BY LANDOWNERS, HE ALSO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST THEM IN DEMOLISHING SUCH UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES, PROVIDED THE STRUCTURES WOULD BE SUBJECT TO SIMILAR AND OTHER ACTION IF FOUND ILLEGALLY ERECTED ON UNLEASED CROWN LAND.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

10 -

MR. YEUNG QUERIED THE MOVE TO EXTEND THE POWERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO ALL OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY APPLICABLE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD FOR SEVEN DECADES BEEN ADMINISTRATED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WHICH WAS CHARGED TO RECOGNISE LOCAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS AND TO PAY REGARD TO PARTICULAR NEW TERRITORIES CIRCUMSTANCES.

IN ANY EVENT, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, BEING AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY, IS OUTSIDE THE DIRECT CONTROL OF THE LEGISLATURE OR GOVERNMENT AND THEREFORE NOT SUITABLE FOR THE PURPOSE. IF THE POWERS WERE TO BE VESTED AT ALL IN AN ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY, THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING WILL BE A BETTER CHOICE, HE SAID.

0 --------

NEW LAW WILL NOT BRING DRASTIC CHANGE TO CONTROL OVER LEASED LAND

XX X X

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ASSURED NEW TERRITORIES LAND OWNERS THAT THE PRESENT PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING AND DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON PRIVATE LEASED LAND SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED WOULD NOT BE CHANGED.

MR. AKERS-JONES GAVE THIS ASSURANCE AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE CROWN LAND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN RESPONSE TO DOUBTS AND ANXIETIES WHICH HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ESPECIALLY BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK WHEN IT WAS EARLIER CONSULTED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BILL.

HE SAID* +THERE IS NO INTENTION ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT TO BE ANY LESS THOROUGH IN THE PROCESS OF ESTABLISHING THE OWNERSHIP OF ANY LAND OR STRUCTURE, ANY PREVIOUS TOLERATION GRANTED AS A RESULT OF A SQUATTER CONTROL SURVEY, OR ANY OF THE OTHER FACTORS WE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION AT PRESENT.

+AS AN ADDITIONAL RE-ASSURANCE BEFORE ANY ACTION IS TAKEN AGAINST A STRUCTURE ON PRIVATE LAND, THE LAW REQUIRES US TO POST NOTICES UPON IT AND PERSONS AFFECTED BY THESE NOTICES HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE.*

MR. AKERS-JONES EXPLAINED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AS AN AUTHORITY FOR SQUATTER CONTROL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD MAKE NO DIFFERENCE IN ITSELF TO THE PRACTICE OF SQUATTER CONTROL.

+ IT AFFECTS NOBODY’S STATUS, NOBO'DY’S RIGHTS, NOR MY ROLE AS THE LAND AUTHORITY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE STRESSED.

/VR. AK’SRS-JQliSS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

MR. AKERS-JONES ALSO ASSURED PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST STRUCTURES WHICH HAD BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR A LONG TIME EVEN THOUGH THERE MIGHT BE NO RECORD OF THEM ON OFFICE FILES BECAUSE THEY WERE BUILT WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION TO RECORD THEM WAS LACKING OR DURING THE JAPANESE

OCCUPATION,

IN APPROPRIATE CASES, HE SAID, THESE STRUCTURES WILL BE RECORDED AND PAST OMISSION RECTIFIED.

AS TO THE QUESTION OF WHAT ACTION GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE WHEN UNLAWFUL STRUCTURES ON LEASED LAND ERECTED BY TENANTS OR TRESPASSERS WERE REPORTED BY THE LAND OWNER, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID* + IF THE OFFENCE IS LONG-STANDING, TOLERATED AFTER RECOGNITION IN A SURVEY, WE SHALL NOT TAKE ACTION.+

+IN SUCH CASES, A LAND OWNER MAY WELL HAVE RECOURSE AT THE CIVIL LAW, BUT THAT IS A DIFFERENT MATTER.+

+OUR AIM IS FAIRNESS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORDINANCE,* HE ADDED.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. DONALD LIAO, ALSO ASSURED THAT THE HAND-OVER TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR SQUATTER CONTROL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD NOT BRING ANY DRASTIC CHANGE CONCERNING LEASED LAND.

IN WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE CROWN LAND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, MR. LIAO SAID LAND-OWNERS AND TENANTS WOULD FIND THAT +IN THIS CASE THE DEVIL THEY DO NOT KNOW AS YET IS LITTLE WORSE (OR SHOULD I SAY BETTER) THAN THE DEVIL WHO IS ALREADY WITH THEM.*

THE HAND-OVER OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR SQUATTER CONTROL, FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, WOULD BE A GRADUAL PROCESS, HE SAID.

IT SPRANG FROM A RECOGNITION THAT THE TWIN PROBLEMS OF PREVENTION OF SQUATTING AND PROVISION OF PUBLIC HOUSING WOULD BE BETTER HANDLED BY THE ONE DEPARTMENT.

MR. LIAO SAID HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE EXISTING CHANNELS OF APPEAL WHERE NOTICES WERE POSTED ON UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ON LEASED LAND.

+1 WOULD ASSURE MEMBERS THAT IN THE POSTING OF THE NOTICE ITSELF, THE OPPORTUNITY IS PROVIDED TO ENABLE THE LEASEE TO RE-CONVERT HIS STRUCTURES TO AN AUTHORISED USE OR TO TAKE UP WITH THE LAND AUTHORITY THE QUESTION OF WHETHER SUCH USE IS PROPER OR NOT,* HE SAID.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

REVISED STRUCTURE FOR LAND ADMINISTRATION TO BE PROPOSED

******

THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS ON A REVISED STRUCTURE FOR LAND ADMINISTRATION WILL BE MADE LATER IN THE YEAR, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, MR. BARNES SAID THAT SINCE APRIL, EFFORTS HAD BEEN DIRECTED LARGELY TOWARDS SECURING THE STAFF FOR STRATEGIC LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING WITHIN THE SECRETARIAT.

♦THERE IS AS YET NO AGREED VIEW ON ANY CHANGES IN THE ORGANISATION OF THE LAND ADMINISTRATION,♦ HE SAID.

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MORE COOKED FOOD STALL BAZAARS PLANNED FOR KWUN TONG

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO BUILD THREE MORE COOKED FOOD STALL BAZAARS IN KWUN TONG WITHIN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS, WHICH WILL MORE THAN DOUBLE THE AREA OF EXISTING COOKED FOOD STALLS IN THE DISTRICT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. JOHN CHAMBERS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR. CHAMBERS SAID THAT AS IN MOST INDUSTRIAL AREAS, LUNCHTIME CATERING FACILITIES FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN KWUN TONG WERE FAR FROM ADEQUATE.

♦FOR FIRE SAFETY REASONS PUBLIC RESTAURANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, AND THERE ARE COMPARATIVELY FEW NONINDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THESE AREAS,♦ HE SAID.

AS FAR AS COOKED FOOD STALLS ARE CONCERNED, MR. CHAMBERS SAID, THE STANDARDS PLANNING PROVISION FOR INDUSTRIAL AREAS IS 0.6 HECTARES FOR EVERY 100,000 WORKERS.

THERE ARE AT PRESENT FIVE MAJOR COOKED FOOD STALL BAZAARS IN THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA, WHICH MADE UP ONLY ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE STANDARD PROVISION, HE SAID.

MR. CHAMBERS SAID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING FOOD BUSINESS BY-LAWS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR INDUSTRIAL FACTORIES TO PROVIDE CANTEENS ON THEIR PREMISES FOR THEIR OWN WORKERS.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT SMALL OR MEDIUM SIZE FACTORIES HAVE FOUND IT UNECONOMICAL TO SET ASIDE SPACE FOR THIS PURPOSE AND IN KWUN TONG THERE ARE ONLY 14 SUCH CANTEENS.

♦IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE MORE FACTORIES TO PROVIDE CATERING FACILITIES FOR THEIR WORKERS THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNCIL ARE

AT PRESENT CONSIDERING A PROPOSAL TO CREATE A NEW CLASS OF FACTOR*

CANTEEN WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE LICENSED, BUT WOULD BE SUBJECT TO LESS STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS THAN ARE APPLIED TO PUBLIC RESTAURANTS" AND UNLIKE THE PRESENT CANTEENS THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO SERVE

WORKERS FROM A NUMBER OF NEARBY FACTOR IES,+ MR. --------------------------------o-------

CHAMBERS SAID. /13 ■

WEDNESDAY,JULY 18, 1979

URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL * * * * *

THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AIMED AT AMENDING AND SIMPLIFYING SOME OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL PROCEDURES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES SAID ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS SOUGHT TO SIMPLIFY EXISTING ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES BY ENABLING THE URBAN COUNCIL TO PRESENT ITS ANNUAL ACCOUNTS IN THE FORM OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT INSTEAD OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

DELEGATION OF POWERS TO INVEST COUNCIL FUNDS ON FIXED DEPOSIT WITH A LICENSED BANK WAS ALSO PROVIDED FOR BY THE BILL, BARNES SAID.

ONE OF THE CLAUSES IN THE BILL WOULD MAKE EXPLICIT THE COUNCIL’S RIGHT TO REVISE ITS ANNUAL BUDGET AND ANOTHER CLAUSE SOUGHT TO FURTHER ALLOW THE COUNCIL. WITHIN SPECIFIC LIMITS, TO MAKE BY-LAWS DELEGATING THE POWER OF REVISION, INCLUDING THE POWER TO REVISE BY AUTHORISING EXPENDITURE IN EXCESS OF THE BUDGET PROVISION, MR. BARNES ADDED.

ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE BILL WOULD PERMIT THE COUNCIL TO PRESCRIBE FEES FOR THE SIGNING OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS BY PUBLIC OFFICERS ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL AND TO REDUCE, VARY, REMIT OR REFUND ANY FEE OR CHARGE PAYABLE TO THE COUNCIL.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL

*****

THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL, AIMED AT MAKING IT MANDATORY FOR THE COURTS TO OBTAIN A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE SUITABILITY REPORT ON MINOR DRUG OFFENDERS WHEN A CUSTODIAL SENTENCE IS INTENDED, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT PRIOR TO AN OFFENDER BEING SENT TO AN ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, WHICH IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS, THE COURT WAS REQUIRED TO FIRST CONSIDER A REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS ON THE SUITABILITY OF SUCH PERSON FOR CURE AND REHABILITATION AND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF A PLACE AT A CENTRE.

H°WEVERZ THERE WAS No SUCH PROVISION UNDER THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE PRIOR TO A MINOR DRUG OFFENDER BEING SENT TO IMPRISONMENT, HE SAID.

U»««IHERE ARE GENERALLY TWO TYPES OF SENTENCES WHICH A COURT CAN IMPOSE :N A MINOR DRUG OFFENDER.

/THE FIKST .....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

THE FIRST ARE NON-CUSTODI AL, SUCH AS A FINE OR A PROBATION ORDER. THE SECOND ARE CUSTODIAL SENTENCES EITHER TO A PRISON AS PROVIDED UNDER THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE OR TO A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE AS PROVIDED UNDER THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES ORDINANCE.

SINCE 1977 ABOUT 20 TO 25 PER CENT OF ALL PERSONS ADMITTED INTO PRISONS PROPER WERE SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT FOR OFFENCES AGAINST VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE, WHICH RELATE GENERALLY TO THE TAKING OF DRUGS AND THE POSSESSION OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE PURPOSE, MR. DAVIES SAID.

♦ MANY OF THESE PERSONS CAN PROBABLY BE BETTER DEALT WITH BY BEING SENT TO A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE THAN DIRECTLY TO PRISONS WHERE THERE ARE NO SPECIALISED TREATMENT AVAILABLE FOR THEIR PROBLEMS OF ADDICTION.

♦ IT IS TO ALLOW THIS COURSE TO BE FOLLOWED AND FOR AT LEAST A REPORT ON A DRUG OFFENDER TO BE OBTAINED THAT THE AMENDMENT IS PROPOSED,♦ MR. DAVIES EXPLAINED.

♦ THEREFORE A COURT, AFTER CONSIDERING A SUITABILITY REPORT, WILL BE ABLE EITHER TO SEND AN OFFENDER TO A TREATMENT CENTRE OR to a prison Depending on its judgment of the circumstances and NATURE OF EACH CASE.*

THE DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

TIME LIMIT ON PROCEEDINGS UNDER CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE EXTENDED TO ONE YEAR ft ft * * ft

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SUGGESTED THAT THE TIME LIMIT ON THE INSTITUTION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR AN OFFENCE COMMITTED UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ONE YEAR FROM SIX MONTHS.

THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL ON JULY 4 BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. NEIL HENDERSON, HAD PROPOSED THE EXTENSION FROM SIX MONTHS TO TWO YEARS.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL TODAY, THE HON. PETER C. WONG, SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS GENERALLY FELT THAT AN EXTENSION TO TWO YEARS WAS UNDESIRABLE.

♦AFTER A LAPSE OF TWO YEARS, AN OFFENDER MAY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO REMEMBER ACCURATELY THE FACTS OF HIS CASE AND MATERIAL WITNESSES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE,♦ HE EXPLAINED.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AGREED WITH THE UNOFFICIALS AND THE APPROPRIATE CLAUSE WAS AMENDED DURING COMMITTEE STAGE.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL SUPPORTED ft ft ft ft

DUE TO THE SHORTAGE OF LAND IN THE URBAN AREAS, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS PLANS TO BUILD MORE MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING WHERE MARKE FACILITIES AND COOKED FOOD CENTRES CAN BE COMBINED WITH CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES SUCH AS DISTRICT LIBRARIES AND INDOOR GAMES HALLS, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE COMBINED COOKED FOOD CENTRES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WERE A NEW CONCEPT WHICH COULD BE TRANSPLANTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN ORDER TO MAKE OPTIMUM USE OF AVAILABLE LAND.

♦MANY URBAN COUNCIL PUBLIC LIBRARIES ALREADY HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS STORY HOURS FOR CHILDREN, ADULT EDUCATION TALKS, FILM SHOWS AND VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS,♦ HE SAID.

♦RECORD LISTENING SECTIONS AND VIDEO CASSETTE FACILITIES ARE ALREADY PROVIDED IN SOME OF THE LARGE URBAN COUNCIL LIBRARIES. THERE ARE ALSO ROTATING MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS AT MANY LIBRARIES.♦

MR. CHEONG-LEEN ADDED THAT THESE EXTENSION SERVICES HAVE ARISEN OUT OF NEW AND CHANGING DEMANDS ON THE PART OF THE PUBLIC LIVING IN DIFFERENT URBAN DISTRICTS.

- - - - 0 ----

BAN ON EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN FACTORIES GETS SUPPORT ft ft ft ft ft

,U1 YHEH°N. H,LT0N CHEONG-LEEN WELCOMED THE EMPLOYMENT 2^B;i^S/R0VISI0NS) B,LL 1979 WHICH EXTENDS THE PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN TO NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, BUT WAS CONCERNED THAT A 13-YEAR-OLD CHILD IS PERMITTED TO WORK

SUMMER H0L,DAYS F0R UP T0 E,6HT HOURS BETWEEN 7 A.M. i P • M <

SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE EE?11,BLAT’VE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE SAID THESE EIGHT HOURS WOULD ACTUALLY BE 6 A.M. TO 6 P.M. DURING SUMMER TIME AND IF THE CHILD LIVES SOME DISTANCE FROM WORK, HE WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE TO WAKE UP AT 5 A.M.

if a CM9?n’!!?eElAHL^U?$ o DAY DUR,NG THE SUMMER MONTHS, ESPECIALLY ™eAe£H^$ HAS T0 R,SE AT SUCH AN EARLY H0UR DAILY, GOES AGAINST THE SPIRIT AND PURPOSE OF SCHOOL SUMMER HOLIDAYS,♦ HE SAID.

HE ASK£D THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CAREFULLY TO SEE WHETHER ANY CHANGE IS REQUIRED NEXT YEAR.

/he also......

HE ALSO ASKED HIM NOT TO RELAX HIS EFFORTS IN ELIMINATING CHILD LABOUR DESPITE THE ENORMOUSLY IMPROVED SITUATION, AND RALLY THE SUPPORT OF GRASS-ROOTS ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS CDO COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN EXERTING CONTINUOUS SOCIAL PRESSURE TOWARDS ITS COMPLETE ELIMINATION.

SUPPORT FOR THE BILL ALSO CAME FROM THE HON. JAMES WU, WHO SAID THAT AT THE PRESENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT AND WITH THE TRADITIONAL CONCERN OF CHINESE PARENTS FOR THE EDUCATION AND WELL-BEING OF THEIR CHILDREN, HE DID NOT FORESEE ANY HARDSHIP AND DIFFICULTY IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS BILL, BEARING IN MIND THAT MOST FOREIGN CRITICISMS OF CHILD-LABOUR IN HONG KONG IN THE PAST WERE EITHER ILL-INFORMED, OR HARBOURING ULTERIOR MOTIVES PARTICULARLY BY TRADE-PROTECTIONISTS.

+ON THE CONTRARY, AS HONG KONG IS FORCED TO MECHANISE AND DIVERSIFY INTO MORE SOPHISTICATED INDUSTRIES, A MORE MATURE AND EDUCATED WORKFORCE IS PARAMOUNT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HIGHER CAPABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY THAT ARE SO ESSENTIAL FOR MEETING COMPETITION. FOR THIS REASON, CHILD-LABOUR WILL BY ITSELF VANISH FROM OUR INDUSTRIAL SCENE, SO WILL THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT SUCH ARE STILL PROFITABLE TO EXPLOIT,* MR. WU SAID.

IN REPLY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. NEIL HENDERSON, THANKED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR THEIR VALUABLE COMMENTS IN SUPPORT FOR THE BILL.

CONCERNING CHILDREN WHO MAY BE PERMITTED TO WORK UP TO THE ENTIRE SUMMER HOLIDAY PERIOD, MR. HENDERSON ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT HE WOULD WATCH THIS CAREFULLY.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THIS PERMISSION WAS SUBJECTED TO PARENTAL CONSENT, LIMITED TO NON-INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT, AND COULD NOT BE GIVEN TO PROHIBITED OCCUPATIONS.

+SO GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE EMPLOYMENT WILL NOT BE HEAVY, UNHEALTHY OR HAZARDOUS IN NATURE,* HE ADDED.

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GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE NUMBER OF ABANDONED VEHICLES * * * * * K

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ™eSt!2HBJLBE<-P0SS,BLE E0R THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE SUBSTANTIALLY THE NUMBER OF ABANDONED VEHICLES NEXT YEAR. oianiially

U«JHERE ARE abOUT 1,150 ABANDONED VEHICLES ON THE ROADS — 50 2? K?Ne 'SLANDA 500 IN K0Wl-00N AND 600 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES

S‘ID TO * QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON ’

♦THE RlCENT INCREASE IS LARGELY DUE TO A HITCH IN TMF chain riiicrn^Dv^Tur INVOLVED IN CLEARING AN ABANDONED CAR FROM THE ROADS £*UCEPJ?L,IHE,®0VERNMENT CONTRACTOR FOR CRASHING THE ABANDONED * CARS LOSING HIS WORKS SITE TO THE MTR,+ MR. BARNES SAID.

t?UT A VERY URGENT SEARCH IS GOING ON FOR A NEW ONE AND PROVIDED THE CONTRACTOR. OR A CONTRACTOR. CAN BE RE—ESTABL1SHFD IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE SOME IMPAcf ON THE PRESENT BACKLOG.♦

------o----

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE STEPPED UP * * ft * * ft

THE GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED UP ITS EFFORTS IN RECENT YEARS TO IMPROVE BOTH THE BASIC SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE GENERAL ENVIRONMEN1 IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. JOHN CHAMBERS SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. CHAMBERS SAIDi + IN PARTICULAR, THERE HAS BEEN A RAPID EXPANSION OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES- AS FROM SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVERS WILL HAVE THREE YEARS OF JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.*

♦THIS WILL CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN SCHOOL AND EMPLOYMENT WHICH I BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF MUCH DELINQUENCY HITHERTO,* HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, MR. CHAMBERS SAID, A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN DEVELOPED AND ALL THESE DEVELOPMEN HELP BY PROVIDING HEALTHY AND CONSTRUCTIVE OUTLETS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

FURTHERMORE, HE ADDED, THE POLICE FORCE MOUNTS A CONSIDERABLE EFFORT AT ALL LEVELS TO COUNTER THE THREAT POSED BY GANGS AND QUASI-1RIAD ORGANISATIONS, AND THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL MOVEMENT, WHICH HAS ABOUT 230,000 MEMBERS, EXERTS A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUNG PEOPLE AND HELPS TO IMPORVE THEIR RELATIONS WITH THE POLICE.

ON PRIVATE PARTIES, MR. CHAMBERS SAID THEY WERE OF COURSE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY FORM OF LICENSING, BUT IF THE POLICE HAD INFORMATION THAT OFFENCES HAD BEEN COMMITTED AT ANY OF THESE PARTIES, ACTION WAS TAKEN IN THE FORM OF RAIDS AND PROSECUTIONS WHERE APPROPRIATE.

♦I WOULD THEREFORE LIKE TO URGE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE SUBJECT TO ANY FORM OF INTIMIDATION OR OTHER PRESSURE TO JOIN SUCH GROUPS, TO SEEK THE AID OF THE POLICE TO ENABLE THEM TO TAKE ACTION,* HE SAID.

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

FLUORIDATION OF WATER REDUCES DENTAL CARIES ft ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN REGULARLY MONITORING THE EFFECTS OF FLUORIDATION TO PREVENT DENTAL CARIES AMONG CHILDREN, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. S.F. LAM TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. ANDREW SO, DR. LAM SAID THAT SUCH ROUTINE MONITORING HAD BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF FLUORIDATION OF WATER IN HONG KONG IN 1961.

♦ALSO, A STUDY DONE IN 1968 SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A GENERAL REDUCTION OF 50 PER CENT IN THE INCIDENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG THE ATTENDANTS IN THE CL IN ICS,♦ HE ADDED.

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/18

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

GOVERNMENT TAKE OVER OF SHOUSON HILL AMMUNITION DEPOT * * * *

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE OLD AMMUNITION DEPOT AT SHOUSON HILL WAS RELEASED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE SERVICES ON JULY 1, 1975.

MR. BARNES WAS REPLYING JO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE.

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

13 BILLS PASSED * * *

THIRTEEN BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (N0.6) BILL 1979- THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979- THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979- THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1979- THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979- THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979- THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979-THE EMPLOYMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1979- THE CROWN LAND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979- THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979- THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979- THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (RECRUITING OF SEAMEN) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1979.

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/19

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

- 19 -

ACTING GOVERNOR TO VISIT FORESTRY WORK CAMPS

******

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, WILL VISIT TWO SCHOOL FORESTRY WORK CAMPS IN THE TAI MO SHAN AREA TOMORROW.

SIR AT TWISK

JACK, ACCOMPANIED BY LADY CATER, WILL VISIT THE CAMPS COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE AND CHUEN LUNG COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE WHERE SOME 35 STUDENTS WILL BE CONSTRUCTING FOOTPATHS, MAINTAINING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND TENDING TO FOREST PLANTATIONS.

THE SUMMER PROGRAMME

AND THE AGRICULTURE AND

ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

BY 1,500 STUDENTS AT TERRITORIES.

FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, IS BEING ATTENDED CAMPS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER SIR JACK CATER’S VISIT AT THE TWISK COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE. 12-1/2 MILESTONE ON ROUTE TWISK AT 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY. OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.45 A.M. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ASSIGNED TO COVER THE VISITS ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE PIER 15 MINUTES EARLIER.

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

APPOINTMENT OF SIR Y.K. KAN, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

* * * *

SIR Y.K. KAN HAS BEEN APPOINTED

CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG

TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, A GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY). '

HE SUCCEEDS MR. T.K. ANN, WHO HAS HELD THE POST SINCE OCTOBER THfPcOUNC IL^ MARK$ A RENEWAL OF SIR Y.K.’S LONG ASSOCIATION WITH

SIR Y.K. HAD PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE T.D.C. FROM 1970 TO 1975.

THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1966 AS A STATUTORY BODY TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS TRADE.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1979

- 20 -

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CARNARVON ROAD * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 20) CARNARVON ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR FOUR WEEKS TO FACILITATE REINSTATEMENT OF THE CARRIAGEWAY.

IN ADDITION, THE SECTION OF MODY ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND BRISTOL AVENUE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY EASTBOUND.

PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC IN CARNARVON ROAD WILL BE MAINTAINED AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE CLOSURE.

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

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN JARDINE’S LOOKOUT AND YUEN LONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON FRIDAY (JULY 20) FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

IN JARDINE’S LOOKOUT, THE AREA BOUNDED BY MT. BUTLER ROAD, MOORSOM ROAD, PERKINS ROAD, COOPER ROAD AND WILSON ROAD, INCLUDING CREASY ROAD, HENDERSON ROAD, GOLDSMITH ROAD, PURVES ROAD AND PRICE ROAD, WILL BE WITHOUT WATER SUPPLY FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE AREA IN YUEN LONG, BOUNDED BY TAI SUN STREET, TAI TONG ROAD, MAIN NULLAH, HOP YICK ROAD AND KAU YUK ROAD, INCLUDING MA TIN TSUEN, WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON FRIDAY.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT AGAIN TAKES LEAD IN FUEL SAVING........T??*

SIR JACK VISITS FORESTRY CAMP................................ 1

TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND FOR SALE.............................. 2

MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY .................... 3

RESIDENTIAL COURSE FOR STUDENTS AT FIELD STUDIES CENTRE .. 3

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO SHA TIN RACECOURSE PLEASURE GARDEN ...................................................... 4

THREE PWD SURVEYORS TO ATTEND COMMONWEALTH SURVEYOR CONFERENCE .................................................. 5

JURY LIST.................................................. 5

OPENING OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD............... 6

PROHIBITION ZONE AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION................. 6

40 MILES-PER-HOUR SPEED LIMIT ............................... 7

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST ................... 7

WATER CUT.................................................... 7

GOVERNMENT

REPORTS FROM HEADS

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1979

AGAIN TAKES LEAD IN FUEL SAVING * M * * * *

OF 39 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ASKED TO _______________ _______ SAVING MEASURES STARTING IN APRIL HAVE REVEALED THAT IN ADDITION MANY HAVE THOUGHT UP THEIR OWN IDEAS FOR SAVING FUEL.

AIR CONDITIONING IN SOME OFFICES IS BEING SWITCHED OFF BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 1.30 P.M. AS WELL AS BEING SWITCHED ON LATER IN THE MORNING AND SWITCHED OFF EARLIER AT NIGHT.

FUEL ECONOMY OFFICERS OR FUEL WARDENS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO ENSURE ECONOMIES ARE MADE AND COST REDUCTION COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN RE-ESTABLISHED.

MOST DEPARTMENTS HAVE CONCENTRATED ON REDUCING LIGHTING AND AIR CONDITIONING TO A MINIMUM CONDUCIVE WITH THE EFFICIENT WORKING OF THEIR STAFF.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +IN THE EAST WING OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES A SAVING OF 14.6 PER CENT WAS ACHIEVED IN UNITS OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMED IN MAY THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH MAY 1978 AT VERY LITTLE PERSONAL DISCOMFORT TO EVERYONE WORKING IN THE BUILDING.*

AT THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT OCEAN CENTRE A SAVING OF 52 PER CENT IN UNITS OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMED WAS ACHIEVED ON LIGHTING ALONE BETWEEN APRIL AND MAY THIS YEAR WHILE THE SAVING AS A WHOLE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES WAS 40 PER CENT OR EQUIVALENT TO A SAVING OF NEARLY $9,000.

HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGING STAFF TO ECONOMISE ON THE USE OF ELECTRICITY AT HOME AND TO URGE THEIR FRIENDS AND ALL THOSE THEY MEET IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DUTIES TO FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE.

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

SIR JACK VISITS FORESTRY CAMP * * * *

/SIB JACK ....

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1979

SIR JACK AND LADY CATER WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY MR. MARTIN LEWIS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS)- MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION- MR. K.K. LAI, SCIENCE INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT-AND FORESTRY OFFICERS OF THE PARK.

DURING THE ONE-HOUR VISIT, SIR JACK SAW A NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COUNTRY PARK AND ALSO TALKED TO THE TEACHERS AND STUDENT CAMPERS WHO WERE TENDING FOREST PLANTATION AND MAINTAINING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

WHILE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SIR JACK ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE REFUGEE CAMPS IN TUEN MUN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WHERE ABOUT 16,000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARE NOW HOUSED.

AT THE REFUGEE CAMP, SIR JACK WAS MET BY MR. JOHN HEYWOOD, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (OPERATION) OF HOUSING AND MR. PETER NG, DISTRICT OFFICER (TUEN MUN).

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TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND FOR SALE * M * *

TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

ONE OF THEM, MEASURING ABOUT 1,430 SQUARE METRES,IS LOCATED AT FUNG YIP STREET, CHAI WAN, HONG KONG.

THE SITE, INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE BY AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON AUGUST 21 AT 2.30 P.M.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLAN 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.

THE OTHER LOT AT HIU KWONG STREET, KOWLOON, WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER.

THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 480 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 17, 1979. ’

TENDER FORM AND CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR THIS SITE 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, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

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THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1979

MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY ****.**

THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CARRY OUT A SURVEY ON THE MANPOWER SITUATION IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY FROM AUGUST 1 TO 25 THIS YEAR WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THIS SURVEY, THE FIFTH IN A SERIES, WAS AIMED AT COLLECTING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANPOWER TRAINING.

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WERE SENT OUT YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) TO SELECTED CLOTHING FIRMS. INTERVIEWING OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT EACH OF THESE FIRMS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNAIRES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.

THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES!

* THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED,

* THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING,

* THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND

X A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL WORKERS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

THE INFORMATION WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL FIRM.

- - 0 - -

RESIDENTIAL COURSES FOR STUDENTS AT FIELD STUDIES CENTRE * * * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED RESIDENTIAL ECOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY COURSES FOR MATRICULANT STUDENTS AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE IN SAI KUNG.

THE COURSES WILL BE HELD DURING TERM-TIME FROM SEPTEMBER IN THE 1979-80 ACADEMIC YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT EACH COURSE WOULD INCLUDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SO AS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BOTH STUDY AND ENJOYMENT IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

THE COURSES WOULD BE BASED ON THE HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL SYLLABUSES, HE SAID.

EACH COURSE WILL START ON A TUESDAY AND END ON FRIDAY OF THE SAME WEEK.

/NO TUITION

TaJRSDAY, JULI 19, 1979

NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE COURSES, BUT ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT *45'PER STUDENT OR TEACHER FOR THE DURATION OF THE COURSE OF FOUR DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS.

♦THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE ON EACH COURSE WILL BE 4O,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦AT LEAST ONE TEACHER FROM EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE EXPECTED TO STAY IN THE CAMP WITH THE STUDENTS.+

BOTH THE ECOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY COURSES WILL COMPRISE LABORATORY AND FIELD WORK, DISCUSSIONS, LECTURES AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

FOR ECOLOGY COURSE STUDENTS, FIELD WORK MAY BE CARRIED OUT ON GRASSLAND, SHRUBLAND, MANGROVE, ROCKY SHORE AND FRESHWATER STREAMS.

THEY WILL ALSO BE ATTENDING A TALK ON COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE GEOGRAPHY COURSE WILL BE CARRYING OUT FIELD WORK ON AGRICULTURAL LAND USE SURVEY, INDIVIDUAL FARM STUDY, POPULATION AND SETTLEMENT SURVEY, SOIL AND VEGETATION ECOSYSTEM, COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY, MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE, AND DRAINAGE.

TALKS ON THE SAI KUNG ENVIRONMENT, THE HUMAN IMPACT ON THE AREA, AND-COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION WILL ALSO BE CONDUCTED DURING THE COURSE.

- - 0 -

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO

SHA TIN RACECOURSE PLEASURE GARDEN

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ■THE SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE INTRODUCED ON JULY 8 TO THE PLEASURE GARDEN IN SHA TIN RACECOURSE WILL CONTINUE ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS EVERY SUNDAY.

HOWEVER, A KCR SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE CONTINUATION OF THIS SERVICE WILL DEPEND ON THE RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC.

ON EVERY SUNDAY, ONE SPECIAL UP-TRAIN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 10.29 A.M. AND ARRIVE AT MONG KOK STATION AT 10.34 A.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS. IT WILL THEN DEPART FROM MONG KOK STATION AT 10.36 A.M. AND ARRIVE AT RACECOURSE STATION AT 10.50 A.M.

ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, A SPECIAL DOWN-TRAIN WILL LEAVE RACECOURSE STATION AT 4.10 P.M. IN ADDITION, ONE ORDINARY PASSENGER TRAIN DEPARTtNG FROM TAI PO MARKET STATION WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE RACECOURSE STATION AT 1.21 P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS WISHING TO LEAVE THE PLEASURE GARDEN EARLIER.

ONLY ORDINARY CLASS RETURN TICKETS VALID FOR THE DATE OF ISSUE WILL BE SOLD AT KOWLOON AND MONG KOK STATIONS. TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT RACECOURSE 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 $2 EACH

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1979

- 5 -

THREE PWD SURVEYORS TO ATTEND COMMONWEALTH SURVEYORS CONFERENCE ******

THREE SURVEYORS FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG AT THE CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH SURVEYORS 1979 TO BE HELD IN CAMBRIDGE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM JULY 23 TO AUGUST 3.

THEY ARE MR. C.A. STEYNBERG, GOVERNMENT LAND SURVEYOR- MR. R.M. BARWELL AND MR. T.H. HALL, SENIOR LAND SURVEYORS.

SPEAKING ON THE EVE OF THEIR DEPARTURE, MR. STEYNBERG SAID: ♦THE GATHERING OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN SURVEYING METHODS, SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES.

♦TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES IN ALLIED PROFESSIONS ARE CHANGING THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE FULFILLED BY SURVEYS, AND A GOOD EXAMPLE CAN BE SEEN IN COMPLEX NEW ENGINEERING STRUCTURES WHICH REQUIRE SURVEYS OF CORRESPONDING COMPLEXITY AND HIGH PRECISION.+

IN VIEW OF THE CHANGE, HE SAID, SURVEYING METHODS AND ORGANISATION HAD TO BE CHANGED.

AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE RAISED AT THE CAMBRIDGE CONFERENCE ARE ADVANCED FIELD SURVEY TECHNIQUES AND COMPUTING, REVISION OF MAPS AND CHARTS, PHOTOGRAMMETRY, CARTOGRAPHY, AUTO-CARTO AND LAND RELATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS, CADASTRE, NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY, HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS, MANAGEMENT, TRAINING AND ROLE OF A NATIONAL MAPPING ORGANISATION.

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

JURY LIST

* * *

THE ACTING REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR. NICHOLAS JOHN BARNETT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING ON AUGUST 1.

THE LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS DURING WHICH ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED.

SPECIFIC REASONS FOR THE REQUEST SHOULD BE GIVEN IN THE NOTICE, AND THE REGISTRAR MAY AT HIS DISCRETION ALTER THE LIST IF NECESSARY.

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

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1979

OPENING OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD ft ft ft ft ft

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN THE RAILWAY OVERBRIDGE AT TAI WAI AND THE BRIDGE OVER SHING MUN NULLAH WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC.

ALSO FROM THE SAME TIME TOMORROW A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE AREA.

THEY AREi

ft VEHICLES ON SOUTHBOUND JOURNEY DOWN THE RAILWAY OVERBRIDGE AND THEN ALONG TAI PO ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED TO MAKE RIGHT TURN ON TO TO FUNG SHAN ROAD-

ft VEHICLES LEAVING FROM TO FUNG SHAN ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED TO MAKE RIGHT TURN ON TO TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND-

ft VEHICLES LEAVING FROM THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO AREA 3A WILL BE PROHIBITED TO MAKE RIGHT TURN ON TO TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND-

ft THE TEMPORARY BUS STOP FOR KMB ROUTE NOS. 71, 72, 88A AND 88B PRESENTLY LOCATED AT THE FOOT OF THE RAILWAY OVERBRIDGE WILL BE MOVED ABOUT 150 METRES SOUTHWARD TO A PERMANENT BUS-BAY.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

PROHIBITION ZONE AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION ft ft ft ft ft ft

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (JULY 23), ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS LAYBY VIA THE GAP AT THE CENTRE CF THE OUTER ISLAND LOCATED AT THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION, UNLESS AUTHORISED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

THIS ARRANGEMENT IS INTENDED TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CONDITION AT THE EASTERN LAYBY OF THE RAILWAY STATION AT HUNG HOM. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. ----------------------------o-------

/7....

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1979

40 MILES-PER-HOUR SPEED LIMIT

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON JULY 23, A SPEED LIMIT OF 40 MILES-PER-HOUR WILL BE IMPOSED ON A NUMBER OF ROADS NEAR THE SHA TIN END OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.

THE AFFECTED ROADS AREi

* LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD,

* TAI PO ROAD (SHA TIN) SECTION EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, AND

* TAI PO ROAD (HO TUNG LAU) FROM A POINT ABOUT 94 METRES NORTH OF THE NORTHERN END OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA TO A POINT ABOUT 148 METRES NORTH OF THE NORTHERN END OF THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE INTERCHANGE.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

------_~0 ---------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST

* * * *

THE SECTION OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES FROM NOON ON SATURDAY TO 2 P.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE CLOSURE IS TO ENABLE THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE AREA.

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

o -

WATER CUT * * *

___ THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT rcETHBueIELeUPPLY T0 A NUMBER 0F PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL FOR N?GHT LEAKAGE TESTS°URS FR°M M,DNIGHT T0 6 A'M‘ 0N SATURDAY

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED VALLEY ROAD, KING LAM STREET, YEE CHAU STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND CHAU STREET.

BY CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, BUTTERFLY KUK STREET, /ING HONG STREET, YU TAI NAN STREET, INCLUDING TUNG

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MOST FLAT-OWNERS +BETTER OFF+ IN SAI LAU KOK CLEARANCE. SAYS TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER................................. 1

NEW HOUSING ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ............. 5

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR APRIL 1979 .................. 6

RESULTS OF LATEST TENDER FOR 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES .......... 6

APRIL MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS ............................ 7

SURVEY OF SQUATTER FACTORIES .................................. 8

ACTING GOVERNOR VISITS S.W.D................................... 9

PRISONS DEPARTMENT SETS UP INFORMATION BOOTH .................. 9

TWICE YEARLY TOWN PLANNING BOARD LIST OUT..................... 10

SWEEPING IMPROVEMENTS FOR F.M.O. SCHOOLS ..................... 11

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

MOST FLAT OWNERS ♦BETTER OFF+ IN SAI LAU KOK CLEARANCE, SAYS TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER

*»***»

OWNERS OF DOMESTIC FLATS IN THE SEVEN DEMOLITION-DOOMED BUILDINGS AT SAI LAU KOK WHO TOOK ADVANTAGE OF A GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO BUY NEW FLATS FINISHED UP WITH A BETTER THAN +FOOT-FOR-FOOT+ DEAL, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

HE SAID THAT ON AVERAGE THOSE WHO JOINED THE SCHEME WERE ' ABLE TO BUY FOR A RELATIVELY SMALL PERSONAL OUTLAY MUCH BIGGER FLATS IN +AN INFINITELY SUPERIOR* ENVIRONMENT TO THE ONES THEY HAVE HAD TO VACATE.

HE REVEALED THAT MORE THAN 80 OWNER-OCCUPIERS AND A NUMBER OF OTHER OWNERS WERE TAKING UP OFFERS OF BRAND NEW FLATS IN THE ALLWAY GARDENS PROJECT AT NORTH TSUEN WAN, A MODERN LANDSCAPED PRIVATE HOUSING COMPLEX WITH A FULL RANGE OF AMENITIES RANGING FROM SCHOOLS TO A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.

MR. HAYES ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THE OWNER-OCCUPIERS WHO HAD TAKEN UP THE OPTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING WOULD BE GOING TO FLATS COMPARABLE IN SIZE TO THE ONES THEY HAD LEFT - AND AGAIN WITH THE ADVANTAGES OF A FAR SUPERIOR ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY AND OTHER FACILITIES.

♦AND THOSE WHO HAVE CHOSEN THE OPTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING WILL BE TAKING WITH THEM A TIDY NEST-EGG - ABOUT $125,000 ON AVERAGE - PAID IN FAIR MARKET VALUE COMPENSATION FOR THEIR SAI LAU KOK FLATS,♦ HE SAID.

THE TOWN MANAGER TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT HE BELIEVED THAT MOST OF THE OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE WOULD IN THE END BE BETTER OFF.

HE OUTLINED IN DETAIL THE OPTIONS THE GOVERNMENT HAD OFFERED OWNER-OCCUPIERS I

* FULL MARKET VALUE OF THEIR PREMISES AT THE DATE OF REVERSION PLUS A DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE PLUS PUBLIC HOUSING- OR

* FULL MARKET VALUE AT THE DATE OF REVERSION, PLUS

. DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE, PLUS

. A CAPITALISED INTEREST ALLOWANCE TO HELP BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN COMPENSATION AND THE COST OF BUYING A NEW FLAT, PLUS

. A SETTING-UP ALLOWANCE OF $10,000 TO MEET THE EXPENSES OF CONVEYANCING, MORTGAGE FEES AND STAMP DUTY, PLUS

/. A BEvTAL.......

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

. A RENTAL ALLOWANCE OF $1,500 PER MONTH UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR FOR THOSE WHOSE NEW FLATS ARE NOT READY AT THE TIME OF CLEARANCE OR TEMPORARY HOUSING DEPARTMENT ACCOMMODATION, PLUS

. INTEREST AT CURRENT RATES ON THE FAIR MARKET VALUE COMPENSATION SUM CALCULATED FROM THE DATE OF REVERSION TO THE DATE OF WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFER

MR. HAYES GAVE TWO TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF OWNERS BENEFITTING FROM THE LATTER OFFER :

. ONE OWNER-OCCUPIER OF A 296 SQ. FT. FLAT AT SAI LAU KOK WAS PAID A TOTAL OF $188,413 AND BOUGHT A 536 SQ. FT. FLAT AT THE ALLWAY GARDENS HOUSING COMPLEX AT TSUEN WAN FOR $207,480.

. A SECOND OWNER OF A 296 SQ. FT. FLAT IN SAI LAU KOK RECEIVED $190,000 IN COMPENSATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND PURCHASED A 482 SQ. FT. FLAT IN A PRIME LOCATION ON THE 18TH FLOOR OF ALLWAY GARDENS FOR $2O9t3OO.

THE BREAKDOWN OF THE COMPENSATION SUM QUOTED IN EACH OF THE TWO EXAMPLES IS AS FOLLOWSi

(1) THE COMPENSATION SUM OF $188,413 PAID TO THE OWNER-OCCUPIER OF A 296 SQ. FT. FLAT AT SAI LAU KOK, WHO BOUGHT A 536 SQ. FT. FLAT AT THE ALLWAY GARDENS FOR $207,480, IS DERIVED FROM i

. FULL MARKET VALUE AT THE DATE OF REVERSION $129,500

. INTEREST AT CURRENT RATES ON THE FAIR

MARKET VALUE COMPENSATION SUM CALCULATED

FROM THE DATE OF REVERSION TO THE DATE OF

WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFER 2,395

. DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE 4,660

. CAPITALISED INTEREST ALLOWANCE TO HELP

BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN COMPENSATION AND

THE COST OF BUYING A NEW FLAT 30,536

. SETTING-UP ALLOWANCE TO MEET THE EXPENSES OF CONVEYANCING, MORTGAGE FEES AND STAMP DUTY 10,000

. RENTAL ALLOWANCE 11,322

$188,413

/(2) THE COMPENSATION

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

(2) THE COMPENSATION SUM OF $190,000 PAID TO THE OWNEROCCUPIER OF A 296 SQ. FT. FLAT AT SAI LAU KOK, WHO PURCHASED A 482 SQ. FT. FLAT AT THE ALLWAY GARDENS FOR $209,300, IS DERIVED FROM i

. FULL MARKET VALUE AT THE DATE OF REVERSION 130,000

. INTEREST AT CURRENT RATES ON THE FAIR MARKET VALUE COMPENSATION SUM CALCULATED FROM THE DATE OF REVERSION TO THE DATE OF WRITTEN

ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFER 2,405

. DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE 5,536

. CAPITALISED INTEREST ALLOWANCE TO HELP BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN COMPENSATION AND THE COST OF BUYING A NEW FLAT 30,654

. SETTING-UP ALLOWANCE TO MEET THE EXPENSES OF CONVEYANCING, MORTGAGE FEES AND

STAMP DUTY

10,000

RENTAL ALLOWANCE

11,419

$190,014

♦I AM SURE THAT THERE ARE SOME OWNERS WHO NOW VERY MUCH REGRET THAT THEY DID NOT TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO MUCH BETTER FOR THEMSELVES,* MR. HAYES SAID.

+THE OWNERS WHO DID TAKE IT UP AND PAID THE EXTRA $20,000 OR SO WOULD SURELY HAVE RECOVERED THAT SUM ALREADY BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT THE VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTIES HAS ALREADY RISEN.*

IN AT LEAST ONE CASE, HE SAID, A SAI LAU KOK OWNER-OCCUPIER FOUND HIMSELF WITH CASH IN HAND AFTER BUYING A FLAT IN ALLWAY GARDENS - IN THIS CASE THE GOVERNMENT’S PAYOUT WAS $221,614 WHILE THE COST OF THE NEW FLAT WAS $211,120.

MR. HAYES SAID THOSE OWNERS WHO PREFERRED TO TAKE UP THE FIRST OFFER - AND MOST DID - ALSO DID VERY WELL AS THE MAJORITY OF FAMILIES WITH FOUR OR MORE PERSONS WENT TO CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE, GENERALLY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

LIKE ALL MODERN HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, IT HAD A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT WITH A PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL, A KINDERGARTEN, PARKING SPACES, COMMUNITY FACILITIES, A RESTAURANT, CAFE AND SUPERMARKET. THE ESTATE’S COMMERCIAL COMPLEX HAS 41 MARKET STALLS AND TEN COOKED FOOD STALLS AND A WHOLE RANGE OF RETAIL SHOPS.

THE SIZE OF THE FLATS RANGES FROM 250 S' ;?-E FEET TO 450 SQUARE FEET WITH RENTS PITCHED -T EETWEE'. .,270 AND 3450 PER MONTH.

/*IT ALSO

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

♦IT ALSO OFFERS A FAR SUPERIOR ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES THAN SAI LAU KOK,+ HE SAID.

TENANTS OF SAI LAU KOK GOING TO CHEUNG SHAN WILL ESPECIALLY BENEFIT FROM THE MOVE AS MANY OF THEM WERE SHARING SMALL FLATS IN THEIR OLD BUILDINGS - SEVEN FAMILIES IN ONE 350 SQUARE FEET FLAT IN ONE CASE.

♦OWNER-OCCUPIERS RECEIVED AN AVERAGE OF $125,000 IN FAIR MARKET VALUE COMPENSATION FOR THEIR SAI LAU KOK FLATS,+ MR. HAYES SAID.

♦THEREFORE, THOSE GOING TO PUBLIC HOUSING WILL HAVE A TIDY INVESTMENT SUM AS WELL AS LOW COST HOUSING.

♦INVESTING $120,000 AT 10 PER CENT INTEREST WOULD BRING A RETURN OF $1,000 PER MONTH, LEAVING PLENTY IN RESERVE EVEN AFTER PAYING THE HIGHEST RENT AT CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE.+

MR. HAYES POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE OFFER STILL STOOD BUT THAT THE GAP WHICH THE OFFER WAS DESIGNED TO FILL HAD NOW BECOME WIDER BECAUSE OF THE INCREASED VALUE OF FLATS AT ALLWAY GARDENS.

♦HOWEVER, THERE IS STILL AN ATTRACTIVE DEAL THERE FOR ANY OWNER WHO WISHES TO TAKE IT UP,+ HE EMPHASISED.

♦THE OFFER, OF COURSE, APPLIES NOT ONLY TO ALLWAY GARDENS BUT TO ANY FLAT AN OWNER MAY WISH TO PURCHASE ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG.+

THE TOWN MANAGER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT VALUATION OF THE SAI LAU KOK FLATS HAD NOT BEEN CARRIED OUT ON A +FOOT-FOR-FOOT+ BASIS.

HAD THAT BEEN DONE, HE SAID, THE OWNERS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO WELL OFF BECAUSE THE AVERAGE STATUTORY FAIR MARKET VALUE OF SAI LAU KOK FLATS INVOLVED IN THE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME HAD WORKED OUT TO BE $420 PER SQUARE FOOT COMPARED WITH $415 PER SQUARE FOOT FOR THE ALLWAY GARDENS FLATS BASED ON SALABLE FLOOR AREA.

♦IN ANY EVENT, ALL THE GOVERNMENT’S VALUATIONS ARE OPEN TO CHALLENGE IN THE LANDS TRIBUNAL AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BEAR THE LEGAL COSTS OF ANY OWNER WHO TAKES HIS CASE TO THE TRIBUNAL,* M?. HAYES SAID.

MR. HAYES NOTED THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A STRAIGHT +FLAT-FOR-FLAT OFFER* AS RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS SUCH AS THOSE AT SAI LAU KOK WERE NOT BEING BUILT ANY MORE.

+THE SAI LAU KOK FLATS RANGE IN SIZE FROM 250 TO 400 SQUARE FEET IN SALABLE AREA,* HE SAID, +AND ALTHOUGH THEY ARE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS THEY HAVE NO LIFTS, THE LIGHTING AND VENTILArION ARE POOR, THE CORRIDORS AND STAIRWAYS ARE DARK AND NARROW.*

♦THESE BUILDINGS SIMPLY DO NOT BEAR COMPARISON IN ANY »AY EITHER TO THE ALLWAY GARDENS COMPLEX OR THE MODERN HOUSING ESTATES LIKE CHEUNG SHAN.+ HE ADDED.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

NEW HOUSING ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS * * * *

OUTLINES OF NEW SCHEMES OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE BEEN PUT TO THE THREE MAIN CIVIL SERVICE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND CONSULTATION.

THE PROPOSALS HAVE ALSO BEEN PUT TO THE VARIOUS POLICE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.

ALL OTHER HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS ARE ALSO BEING ASKED TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSALS AND TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF THEIR STAFF THROUGH DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS OR ANY OTHER SUITABLE FORUMS.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A SET OF PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES GOVERNING THE PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TOWARD CIVIL SERVANT’S HOUSING FOLLOWING A GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF THE WHOLE RANGE OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE AT PRESENT AVAILABLE TO CIVIL SERVANTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW PROPOSALS AIM AT ASSISTING ELIGIBLE CIVIL SERVANTS TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION. THEY CONSIST OF A HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE, A GOVERNMENT LOAN TOWARDS THE DOWNPAYMENT ON A FLAT, AND A PRE-RETIREMENT LOAN FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE ALLOWANCE AND LOAN.

HE WENT ON 1 +THE INTENTION IS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING SCHEMES OF PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE AND NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS BY THE PROPOSED NEW SCHEMES AS FAR AS POSSIBLE. THESE EXISTING FORMS OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE TERMINATE ON AN OFFICER’S RETIREMENT FROM THE CIVIL SERVICES AND THEREFORE DO NOT PROVIDE ANY LASTING BENEFIT.+

THOSE OFFICERS CURRENTLY RECEIVING PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCES OR LIVING IN QUARTERS WILL BE GIVEN AN OPTION WHETHER TO JOIN THE NEW SCHEMES OR RETAIN EXISTING BENEFITS.

IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE HOUSING ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO COVER MORE LOCAL OFFICERS.

THE PROPOSED NEW SCHEMES WILL AFFECT DIFFERENT GRADES OF OFFICERS DIFFERENTLY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICERS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE AND CLARIFICATION FROM EITHER THEIR DEPARTMENTS OR ONE OF THE THREE MAIN STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION, THE SENIOR NON-EXPATRI ATE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AND THE ASSOCIATION OF EXPATRIATE CIVIL SERVANTS ON HOW THE NEW SCHEMES WOULD AFFECT THEM.

THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID r +STAFF SIDE VIEWS ARE ALSO BEING SOUGHT ON THE OTHER EXISTING SCHEMES, IN PARTICULAR, THE CIVIL SERVICE QUOTA FOR RENTED PUBLIC HOUSING AND CO-OPERATIVE SCHEMES, WITH A VIEW TO DETERMINING THEIR ROLE IN FUTURE AND TO BRINGING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS.*

FE SAID THAT AFTER STAFF VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED SCHEMES HAVE BEEN (TA I NED, FIRM PROPOSALS WILL THEN BE DRAWN UP FOR FU^TM-P CONS ID ATI ON, TOGETHER WITH ESTIMATES OF THE FiN4»:-i;

IMPLICA’ ?NS.

/UNTIL .....

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

UNTIL DISCUSSIONS WITH WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO PROPOSALS.

STAFF ARE COMPLETED, HE SAID THAT IT DISCLOSE FURTHER DETAILS OF THE NEW

AS REGARDS THE DATE THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED BUDGETARY CONS I DERATIONS AT THIS STAGE.

OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SCHEMES, THAT IT WOULD DEPEND ON ECONOMIC AND AND NO FIRM COMMITMENT COULD BE MADE

- - 0 --------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR APRIL 1979 ******

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1979, SHOW A SURPLUS OF $269.5 MILLION COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $266.2 MILLION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.

TOTAL EXPENDITURE, AT $726.2 MILLION, WAS $192.3 MILLION MORE THAN IN APRIL 1978.

TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS, AT $995.7 MILLION, WERE $195.6 MILLION MORE THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

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

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 TOATL OF 1,267 TENDERS SEEKING A TOTAL OF 1,690 TAXI LICENCES HAD BEEN RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON JUNE 29. THE HIGHEST TENDER WAS $229,800 AND THE LOWEST ACCEPTABLE BID WAS $213,188.

DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE AVERAGE PREMIUM IN THE LATEST TENDER EXERCISE WAS $219,912 COMPARED WITH THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $208,572 IN THE PREVIOUS TENDER IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

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 OCTOBER.

-------o

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

- 7 -

APRIL MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS ft ft ft ft

THE APRIL MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INCLUDES A NEW SECTION ON EXTERNAL LIABILITIES AND CLAIMS WHICH ANALYSES BY COUNTRY OF THE OVERSEAS BANKING BUSINESS OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG

COMMENTING ON THE NEWLY-INCLUDED SECTION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID IT CONTAINS TWO TABLES WHICH REPRESENT HONG KONG’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS.

+MUCH WORK HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT IN RECENT YEARS, PARTICULARLY BY THE BANK FOR INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS, TO COLLECT AND PUBLISH DATA ON BANK LIABILITIES TO AND CLAIMS ON INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES BOTH IN DOMESTIC CURRENCIES AND IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES,* HE SAID.

♦THE INTENTION IS TO PROVIDE COMMERCIAL BANKS WITH BETTER INFORMATION TO ASSIST THEM IN MAKING CREDIT JUDGMENT ON LENDING TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES,* HE ADDED.

SO FAR, HE SAID, THE DATA HAVE BEEN COMPILED FROM RETURNS PROVIDED BY EVERY BANK IN MAJOR WESTERN COUNTRIES, BUT THE BANK FOR INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS IS NOW EXPANDING COVERAGE TO INCLUDE ALL BANKS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, THE BAHAMAS, THE CAYMAN ISLANDS AND PANAMA.

THE DATA ARE NOW BEING COLLECTED QUARTERLY BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR INCLUSION IN THE INTERNATIONAL STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE BANK FOR INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIGURES WILL ALSO BE PUBLISHED QUARTERLY IN HONG KONG BECAUSE THEY ARE THOUGHT TO BE OF INTEREST TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG, AND WILL ASSIST IN MEASURING HONG KONG’S GROWING STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

COPIES OF THE APRIL ISSUE OF HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS ARE NOW ON SALE AT |6 EACH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE CENTRAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

SURVEY OF SQUATTER FACTORIES

*****

MORE THAN 7,500 SQUATTER FACTORIES LOCATED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG HAVE BEEN VISITED BY ENUMERATORS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN A SURVEY NOW BEING CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

THE FIGURE REPRESENTS MORE THAN HALF OF THE 11,000 SUCH . STRUCTURES KNOWN FROM RECORDS KEPT BY THE SQUATTER CONTROL SECTIONS OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

COMMENTING ON THE RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY, WHICH STARTED ON JULY 3, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID IT HAS BEEN +HIGHLY SATISFACTORY+.

♦THIS IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS SIMPLE, AND THAT MOST RESPONDENTS ARE WELL AWARE OF THE USEFULNESS OF THE SURVEY RESULTS FOR GOVERNMENT POLICY FORMULATION,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE INCLUDES THE NUMBER CF PERSONS ENGAGED, TYPE OF PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES RENDERED, SALES OUTLETS, NATURE OF BUSINESS OF THE PRINCIPAL CUSTOMER, AND SALES AND SERVICE RECEIPTS.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO APPEALED FOR CONTINUING CO-OPERATION FROM OWNERS OF THOSE SQUATTER FACTORIES WHICH HAVE NOT YET BEEN VISITED BY ENUMERATORS.

HE SAID THESE ENUMERATORS ARE STUDENTS SELECTED FROM SEVERAL POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES AND ARE BEING CLOSELY SUPERVISED BY PERMANENT FIELD OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THEY CARRY AN ENUMERATOR’S IDENTITY CARD WHEN VISITING THE FACTORIES.

♦THE STATISTICAL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE USED BY RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR ANALYTICAL PURPOSES AND WILL ALSO BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

0-------

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

ACTING GOVERNOR VISITS S.W.D. ft ft ft ft

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER. TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED A DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND SAW AT FIRST HAND THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA.

SIR JACK WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AT A SESSION HELD IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS BEFORE VISITING THE EASTERN-WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING.

AT THE BRIEFING SESSION WERE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, W. THOMAS LEE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MRS. ANSON CHAN, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

DURING HIS VISIT TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ACCOMPANIED BY MR. LEE AND THE DEPARTMENT’S REGINOAL OFFICER (HONG KONG ISLAND), MR. KWOK KA-CHI, THE ACTING GOVERNOR MET THE OFF ICERS-IN-CHARGE, TALKED TO THE STAFF AND WAS TOLD ABOUT THEIR WORK.

THE EASTERN-WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE IS ONE OF THE 11 SET UP IN APRIL THIS YEAR WHEN THE DEPARTMENT WAS REORGANISED ON A REGIONAL BASIS. THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS WELFARE SERVICES IN THEIR OWN DISTRICT.

SIR JACK LATER HAD A MEETING WITH HEADS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SECTIONS AND UNITS OPERATING IN THE DISTRICT, DURING WHICH THEY DISCUSSED WORK INVOLVING GROUP AND COMMUNITY, PROBATION, ADOPTION AND FAMILY SERVICES.

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

PRISONS DEPARTMENT SETS UP INFORMATION BOOTH ft ft ft ft ft

THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP AN INFORMATION BOOTH AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S AMENITY HALL IN HUNG HOM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND BETTER THE CAREER OF A PRISON OFFICER.

THE BOOTH WILL BE MANNED BY PRISON OFFICERS FROM 10.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M. ON THESE TWO DAYS AND THEY WILL ANSWER QUERIES ON SALARY SCALES, PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO JOIN THE SERVICE*

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT SAID THE BOOTH WILL ALSO ACCEPT APPLICATION FROM ANYONE INTENDING TO JOIN THE SERVICE.

AN EXHIBITION ON THE PENAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, THE MODERN PRISON SERVICE RUN BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT AND THE VARIED CAREER OF A PRISON OFFICER WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED AT THE INFORMATION COUNTER.

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

/10.....

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

- 10 -

TWICE YEARLY TOWN PLANNING BOARD LIST OUT

* * * *

A LIST OF PLANS PREPARED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND NOTIFIED IN THE GAZETTE IS PUBLISHED TWICE YEARLY FOR THE GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC.

THE LIST PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LISTS THOSE PLANS WHICH AT JUNE 30, 1979 HAVE BEEN :

(I) APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.

(II) REFERRED BACK TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR AMENDMENT OR REPLACEMENT.

(Ill) EXHIBITED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AS DRAFT PLANS FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.

CERTIFIED COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FREE OF CHARGE AT THE LAND OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING).

COPIES OF APPROVED AND DRAFT PLANS MAY BE PURCHASED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

/11

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1979

- 11 -

SWEEPING IMPROVEMENTS FOR F.M.O. SCHOOLS *****

SWEEPING CHANGES TO FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS, INCLUDING A NEW SCHOOL, EXTENDED COURSES AND A SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND, WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. TED NICHOLS.

AT THE F.M.O. SUMMER SCHOOL CAMP AT WU KAI SHA, MR. NICHOLS TOLD STUDENTS AND TEACHERS THAT 1979 WOULD GO DOWN AS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF THE ORGANISATION.

♦LATER THIS YEAR,+ HE SAID, +IT IS OUR HOPE AND INTENTION TO OPEN THE 14TH PRIMARY SCHOOL OF 24 CLASSROOMS AT AP LEI CHAU, PRIMARILY FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE FISHING FLEET.♦

WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, IT IS EXPECTED TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 2,000 STUDENTS.

THE OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL WOULD INITIALLY BE STARTED WITH THE TRANSFER OF PUPILS FROM THE ABERDEEN F.M.O. PRIMARY SCHOOL.

AND WITH THE EXTRA SPACE AVAILABLE AT ABERDEEN THIS WOULD ALLOW FOR ROOM FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE F.M.O. SECONDARY PRACTICAL SCHOOL FROM A THREE-YEAR TO A FIVE-YEAR COURSE OF STUDY.

ACCORDING TO MR. NICHOLS, THIS WOULD BE +THE REALISATION OF A DREAM WHICH MANY OF US HAVE HAD FOR MANY YEARS.♦

HE ADDED THAT THESE PLANS WOULD NOT ONLY FURTHER THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNTIES OF THE CHILDREN, BUT ALSO PROVIDE GREATER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE TEACHING STAFF.

MR. NICHOLS ALSO ANNOUNCED THE INTRODUCTION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND WHICH WOULD ASSIST FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN THROUGH THE THREE FINAL YEARS — FORMS 4 TO 6 — OF SECONDARY SCHOOLING.

♦THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS FUND IS TO ASSIST THOSE BRIGHT, INTELLIGENT AND DESERVING FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE BE PREVENTED THROUGH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, TO CONTINUE THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION,♦ HE SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL F.M.O. SCHOOLS, FISH MARKETS AND DEPOTS AND MR. NICHOLS SAID PARENTS AND CHILDREN WERE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MARRIAGE FACILITIES IN PAI PO.............................. 1

THREE NEW DISTRICT JUDGES APPOINTED ....................... 2

WATER SPORTS CARNIVAL FOR NT YOUTHS ....................... 2

EVENING COURSE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ............ 3

FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 3

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1979

MARRIAGE FACILITIES IN TAI PO

* * * *

THE NEW PREMISES OF THE TAI PO BIRTH AND MARRIAGE REGISTRY. EQUIPPED WITH A RANGE OF NEW FACILITIES - INCLUDING A BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED GARDEN - WILL BE OPENED AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

THE 1,000 SQUARE FEET GARDEN IS SPECIALLY PROVIDED AS PART OF THE FACILITIES OF THE REGISTRY SO AS TO ATTRACT PEOPLE INTENDING TO GET MARRIED TO REGISTER THERE AND RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON POPULAR MARRIAGE REGISTRIES IN THE URBAN AREA SUCH AS THAT IN THE CITY HALL.

THE GARDEN IS LINKED DIRECTLY TO THE MARRIAGE CEREMONIAL HALL. ALSO CONNECTED TO THE HALL IS A FULLY FURNISHED BRIDAL CHAMBER WHERE THE BRIDE CAN PREPARE HERSELF FOR THE WEDDING.

LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT TING KOK ROAD, THE REGISTRY ALSO PROVIDES PARKING SPACE FOR THE BRIDE’S CAR, AND AMPLE PARKING FACILITIES IN THE HGINITY FOR GUESTS ATTENDING THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRY SAIDt +ANOTHER BIG ADVANTAGE IN GETTING MARRIED IN THIS REGISTRY IS THAT THE WEDDING CEREMONY FOR A COUPLE CAN BE HELD ONE MONTH AFTER BEING REGISTERED. IN SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR REGISTRIES IN THE URBAN AREA, A COUPLE HAS TO WAIT AS' LONG AS THREE MONTHS TO OFFICIALLY EXCHANGE NUPTIAL VOWS.+

A MAXIMUM OF 30 WEDDING CEREMONIES A DAY CAN BE HELD IN THE TAI PO REGISTRY WHICH OCCUPIES A TOTAL FLOOR SPACE OF MORE THAN 3,000 SQUARE FEET.

ADDITIONAL STAFF WILL BE DEPLOYED IF THE DEMAND GROWS SO AS TO ENSURE AN EFFICIENT SERVICE IS MAINTAINED.

THE REGISTRY, WHICH WILL ALSO HANDLE BIRTH REGISTRATIONS, WILL BE OPENED FROM 8.45 A.M. TO 5.15 P.M. ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES SHOULD DIAL 12-677111 EXT. 150.

AFTER IT IS OFFICIALLY OPENED MUCH OF THE EXISTING PRESSURE ON MARRIAGE REGISTRIES IN THE URBAN AREA WILL HOPEFULLY BE ALLEVIATED.

0--------

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1979 - 2 -

THREE NEW DISTRICT JUDGES APPOINTED * * * *

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR, JAN ALLAN EVANS, MR. PATRICK GEORGE O’DEA AND MR. HENRY STANISLAUS DANIELL A DISTRICT JUDGES.

MR. EVANS, 40, IS AT PRESENT AN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

MR. O’DEA, 37, IS AN ASSISTANT REGISTRAR IN THE SUPREME COURT.

MR. DANIELL, 45, IS A SENIOR MAGISTRATE.

BOTH MR. O’DEA AND MR. DANIELL HAVE BEEN SITTING AS TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGES.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. NICHOLAS JOHN BARNETT AS PRESIDENT OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL.

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WATER SPORTS CARNIVAL FOR NT YOUTHS * M * M *

TAI PO’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TODAY (SATURDAY) STARTED WITH A +SPLASH+ WITH MORE THAN 2,000 YOUNGSTERS TAKING PART IN A WATER SPORTS CARNIVAL.

HELD AT THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, HUNDREDS OF THE DISTRICT’S SWIMMERS TOOK PART IN VARIOUS SWIMMING COMPETITIONS, LIFE-SAVING AND DIVING DEMONSTRATIONS. IT WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST SWIMMING GALAS EVER HELD IN THE FANLING COMPLEX SINCE ITS OPENING IWO YEARS AGO.

IT WAS PRECEDED BY A POOL-SIDE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, HI. JOHN TODD.

IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS, MR. TODD SAID TAI PO DISTRICT WAS RAPIDLY EXPANDING AND THERE WAS NOW AN URGENT NEED TO BUILD UP A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS BOTH OLD AND NEW.

♦IT IS MOST ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT MANY OF THE 200 ITEMS IN THE PROGRAMME ARE DEVOTED TO DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SENSE OF SERVICE IN THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL BE TAKING PART.+

MR-. TODD PRAISED THE DISTRICT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE AND RURAL COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO JOINTLY ORGANISED THE FUNCTION FOR +A JOB WELL DONE*.

/♦ I WOUU).....

S1TOKD1Y, JULY 21, 1979

- 3 -

♦I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE TASK AND IN PARTICULAR TO THE CHAIRMEN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN MAKING THE ARRANGEMENTS SUCH A SUCCESS,* HE ADDED.

ITEMS INCLUDED IN TAIS YEAR’S PROGRAMMES RANGE FROM EXCURSIONS, SPORTS COMPETITIONS, FIRST AID TRAINING TO COMMUNITY SERVICES AND SPECIAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FUNFAIRS AND A CHINESE MUSIC CONCERT.

MORE THAN 33,000 LOCAL PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMME WHICH RUNS UNTIL MID-SEPTEMBER.

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EVENING COURSE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH * * * X X ft

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A ONE-YEAR PART-TIME EVENING COURSE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR JUNIOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE COURSE - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG - WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. IT WILL BEGIN IN EARLY OCTOBER WITH THREE SESSIONS A WEEK AND VISITS TO FACTORIES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.

THE COURSE LEADS TO THE AWARD OF A CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY UNDER THE JOINT AUTHORITY OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED AND DETAILS OF THE COURSE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN LEADING LOCAL NEWSPAPERS ON MONDAY (JULY 23).

- - - - 0 ------

FIRING PRACTICE * ft * ft

F» l’« PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RAN( Ci F.30 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON FRIDAY.

IF ILIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLY; NG THE TIME OF PRACTICE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM GENEVA TOMORROW ........................ 1

STREET LIGHTING STANDARD TO BE IMPROVED .................... 1

DISCUSSION ON METHODS OF TEACHING IN KINDERGARTEN ............ 3

LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO STAGE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION ................................................... 4

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER .......... 5

WATER CUT..................................................... 5

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ....................................... 5

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 1979

- 1 -

GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM GENEVA TOMORROW * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MtfRRAY MACLEHOSE, IS DUE TO RETURN TO HONG KONG FROM GENEVA TOMORROW (MONDAY) AFTER ATTENDING THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM AS PART OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION.

SIR MURRAY IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR. DAVID FORD, AND THE POLITICAL ADVISER, DR. DAVID WILSON.

THE GOVERNOR WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE VIP PRESS ROOM SHORTLY AFTER HIS ARRIVAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THE PRESS TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BY FLIGHT SR 304 E.T.A. 2.50 P.M.). PHOTOGRAPHERS COVERING THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING ONE HOUR BEFORE THE EXPECTED TIME OF ARRIVAL THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED TO BRING THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR PASSPORTS TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE AIRPORT’S RESTRICTED AREA.

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STREET LIGHTING STANDARD TO BE IMPROVED

******

THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED LIGHTING DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO INSTALL SOME 20,000 NEW STREET LAMPS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO IMPROVE THE LIGHTING STANDARD THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

♦AT THE MOMENT THE DIVISION IS IMPLEMENTING SOME OF THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE PWD AND APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT,♦ Hi. KEN COX, CHIEF ENGINEER (LIGHTING), SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

♦SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, MORE THAN 1,000 NEW STREET LAMPS OR ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL NUMBER PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN INSTALLED,♦ HE SAID.

APART FROM INSTALLING MORE EFFICIENT LAMPS, THE PROPOSALS ALSO CALL FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF LAMPS AFTER 6,000 HOURS OF OPERATION OR ONCE EVERY 18 MONTHS.

IN ADDITION, THE LAMPS WILL BE CLEANED MORE FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST FOUR TIMES A YEAR, TO MAINTAIN THEIR NORMAL LIGHTING OUTPUT.

/MB. COX POLiTSD

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 1979

MR. COX POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE AT PRESENT MORE THAN 31,000 STREET LAMPS IN THE TERRITORY.

♦MANY LAMPS ON THE HIGHWAY AT PRESENT ARE OF THE 400 WATTS HIGH-PRESSURE MERCURY TYPE WITH 20,000 LUMENS OF LI6HT.+ HE SAID.

♦THE NEW ONES, THE 250 WATTS HIGH-PRESSURE SODIUM LAMPS, HAVE A BETTER OUTPUT OF LIGHT - 25,000 LUMENS - DESPITE HAVING A LOWER POWER CONSUMPTION. THE ’QUALITY’ OF THE LIGHT WILL ALSO BE IMPROVED. SINCE THE NEWER LAMPS HAVE BETTER COLOUR-RENDERING PROPERTIES.+

MR. COX EMPHASISED THAT THE NEW LAMPS WOULD MEAN A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIGHTING ON THE ROAD AND OVER 30 PER CENT SAVING IN ELECTRICAL ENERGY.

THIS WOULD ALSO MEAN SOME SAVING IN FUEL.

TO ACHIEVE THIS, HE ADDED, THE RIGHT TYPE OF LAMPS HAD TO BE INSTALLED AT THE RIGHT LOCATIONS.

FOR THE BUILT-UP AREA, HIGH-PRESSURE SODIUM LAMPS SHOULD BE USED WHILE LOW-PRESSURE SODIUM LAMPS ARE MORE SUITABLE FOR RURAL AREAS.

HE SAID THAT THE USE OF MODERN LAMPS AND LANTERNS ON HONG KONG ROADS SHOULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN CRIME AND AFTER-DARK ROAD ACCIDENTS.

ON THE STRENGTH OF THE LIGHTING DIVISION, MR. COX SAID THAT THERE WAS STILL SOME RECRUITING TO DO.

TO PROVIDE LOCAL ENGINEERS WITH THE APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INITIAL PRACTICAL TRAINING, THREE PWD ENGINEERS WILL BE SENT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR TRAINING WITHIN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.

THE FIRST ONE WILL LEAVE NEXT MONTH FOR A 10-M0NTH STAY IN THE UK WHERE HE WILL WORK WITH A BIG LIGHTING AUTHORITY, ATTEND A TECHNOLOGY COURSE AND VISIT MANUFACTURERS OF LAMPS AND LANTERNS.

HE WILL ALSO ATTEND THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF PUBLIC LIGHTING ENGINEERS TO BE HELD IN AYR, SCOTLAND, IN SEPTEMBER.

0 -------

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 1979

DISCUSSION ON METHODS OF TEACHING IN KINDERGARTEN ******

A TWO-DAY SEMINAR WILL BE HELD THIS WEEK FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS TO DISCUSS METHODS OF TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN.

IT WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY AT MUNSANG COLLEGE, 8 DUMBARTON ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IS CANTONESE.

MRS. LOUISE MOK, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) WILL GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS AT 9.30 A.M. ON TUESDAY.

TWO TALKS WILL BE HELD ON THE FIRST DAY, ONE ON STRUCTURING PLAY IN KINDERGARTEN WILL BE GIVEN BY MRS. SARETTA KAM. SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION, AND ANOTHER ON THE VISUAL EDUCATION CENTRE AND MULTI-MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO BE DELIVERED BY THE INSPECTOR IN CHARGE OF THE CENTRE.

AN EXHIBITION ON LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS IN KINDERGARTEN WILL ALSO BE HELD FOR PARTICIPANTS ON TUESDAY, AND THIS WILL BE OPEN TO ALL KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ON WEDNESDAY.

ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE SEMINAR DR. LILIAN YANG, CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN OF THE ARRAN STREET CHILD ASSESSMENT AND HEARING AID CLINIC, WILL SPEAK ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-SCHOOL YEARS IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THREE TALKS ON THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN KINDERGARTENSi MRS. ANGELA LUK, SUPERVISOR AND HEAD TEACHER OF LING LIANG KINDERGARTEN WILL SPEAK ON PLAY AND RESOURCE MATERIALS- MRS. MA CHAN FUNG-LUEN, HEAD TEACHER OF MUNSANG COLLEGE’S PRIMARY AND KINDERGARTEN SECTION WILL SPEAK ON CLASSROOM SETTING AND DISPLAY AND MISS ROSE HO, SUPERVISOR OF .CARITAS ST. FRANCIS KINDERGARTEN WILL SPEAK ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS.

A GROUP DISCUSSION ON CLASS TEACHING AND GROUP LEARNING WILL ALSO BE HELD.

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 1979

LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO STAGE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION ******

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION THIS WEEK TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG.

THE 11-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE NORTH CONCOURSE OF THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS, HUNG HOM.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WILL DECLARE THE EXHIBITION OPEN IN A CEREMONY ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. DAVID LIN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT A WIDE RANGE OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TO DEMONSTRATE TO VISITORS GOOD STANDARDS OF MACHINERY GUARDING, SAFE PLACES OF WORK AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES WILL BE ON DISPLAY.

THE EXHIBITION SEEKS TO AROUSE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OF MACHINERY, TO ENABLE THEM TO IDENTIFY DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY AND TO DEMONSTRATE HOW DANGEROUS PARTS AND AREAS CAN BE GUARDED.

IT ALSO FOCUSES ATTENTION ON POTENTIAL RISK INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING SAFE METHODS OF WORK AND SAFE WORKING PROCEDURE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND IN FACTORIES ALIKE.

IN ADDITION, THE EXHIBITION ALSO:

* IDENTIFIES THE INVISIBLE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICITY AND PIN-POINTS PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND TOOLS-

* SHOWS HAZARDS INVOLVED IN THE USE OF CHEMICALS AND THE PROPER PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN-

* MAKES KNOWN POTENTIAL DANGER ASSOCIATED WITH WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES, AND

* EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING HEARING WHILE WORKING IN A NOISY ENVIRONMENT.

♦ IT IS ANOTHER MAJOR EFFORT OF OUR ON-GOING CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG THROUGH PUBLICITY IN THE MEDIA, THE DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS, HANDOUTS AND LEAFLETS, FREE TRAINING COURSES TO FACTORY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND WORKERS AND BY THE USE OF OUR MOBILE EXHIBITION VAN,+ MR. LIN SAID.

♦ IT SHOWS BOTH PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ACHIEVE SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKING CONDITIONS, CONCENTRATING ON AREAS WHERE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS ARE COMMON.

♦ IT IS MY FERVENT HOPE THAT THE EXHIBITION WILL GENERATE A SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE FROM PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS AND SPUR THEM INTO PAYING GREATER ATTENTION TO AND ADOPTING SAFETY MEASURES,+ SAID MR. LIN.

_ _ 0 - -

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 1979

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER ******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 9 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY AND FROM 9 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY FOR ROAD REPAIR WORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURES, BOTH NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC BETWEEN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO CROSS ARGYLE STREET AT GROUND LEVEL.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

WATER CUT * * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 12 HOURS FROM 9 A.M. TO 9 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO CLEAR THE BEACON HILL SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY BEACON HILL ROAD, EDE ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE AND PART OF CORNWALL STREET.

0 -------

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * *

THE SOUTHBOUND COTTON TREE DRIVE UNDERNEATH THE HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 1.15 A.M. TO 6 A.M. DAILY FOR A WEEK FROM TUESDAY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

THIS IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW WATER DRAIN IN HARCOURT ROAD.

DURING THE CLOSURE HOURS, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING IN HARCOURT ROAD EASTBOUND TO WAN CHAI ARE ADVISED TO USE HARCOURT ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD, FLEMING ROAD AND THE FLEMING ROAD 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

MONDAY, JULY 23, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM GENEVA CONFERENCE ......................... 1

SIGNING OF NEW REFLECTIVE ROAD MARKING CONTRACT ................. 1

OPENING OF FU SHAN POST OFFICE .................................. 2

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE .......................................... 2

WATER CUT........................................................ 2

MONDAY, JULY 23, 1979

GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM GENEVA CONFERENCE ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, RETURNED TO HONG KONG THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON AFTER ATTENDING A TWO-DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM IN GENEVA AS PART CF THE BRITISH DELEGATION.

SIR MURRAY, WHO WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR. DAVID FORD. WAS MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT BY LADY MACLEHOSEJ THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER- THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJ-GEN SIR ROY REDGRAVE- THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN-THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, W. OSWALD CHEUNG- THE DOYEN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS, MR. OSCAR MICHELENA- AND THE CHARGE DE MISSION OF THE UNHCR, MR. ANGELO RASANAYAGAM.

0 - -

SIGNING OF NEW REFLECTIVE ROAD MARKING CONTRACT ft ft ft ft ft

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO INTRODUCE, ON A TRIAL BASIS, A MORE EFFECTIVE TYPE OF ROAD MARKINGS IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.

A CONTRACT, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, FOR THE PROVISION AND LAYING OF REFLECTIVE THERMOPLASTIC ROAD MARKINGS ON A NUMBER OF ROADS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG WILL BE SIGNED TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

NOTE TO EDITORS*

A CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE PROVISION AND LAYING OF REFLECTIVE THERMOPLASTIC ROAD MARKINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT 2.30 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY.

OFFICERS FROM THE PWD PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.

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

MONDAY, JULY 23, 1979

- 2 -

OPENING OF FU SHAN POST OFFICE ft ft ft ft

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A NEW POST OFFICE IN FU SHAN ESTATE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MR. S.K. TAM, SENIOR CONTROLLER OF POSfS (KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES) ON FRIDAY.

A FULL-RANGE OF POSTAL FACILITIES EXCEPT THE ACCEPTANCE OF INSURED LETTERS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW POST OFFICE SITUATED AT 1-2 FU SHUN HOUSE, GROUND FLOOR.

IT WILL OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND FROM 2.30 P.M. TO 5 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON SATURDAYS.

THE FU SHAN POST OFFICE WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POST OFFICES TO 75, INCLUDING TWO MOBILE POST OFFICES OPERATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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WATER CUT ft ft ft

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR PIPE CONNECTION WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY THE SECTION OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY BETWEEN NAM WAI AND PO TUNG ROAD, INCLUDING TUI MIN HOI, TUN CHEUNG, SHA KOK MEI AND SAI KUNG MARKET.

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

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ft ft ft ft

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF KWUN TONG ROAD BETWEEN HONG TAK AND ELEGANCE ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 A.M. AND 5.30 A.M. DAILY FROM WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY TO FACILITATE THE DISMANTLING OF A STRUCTURE IN THE AREA.

DURING THE CLOSURE

NORTHBOUND

DURING THE CLOSURE, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD VIA ELEGANCE ROAD OR TO WAI YIP STREET VIA LAI YIP STREET WHILE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD •

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, JULY 24, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR ON LOCAL LEAVE ..................................... 1

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE, 1979 .................... 1

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR JUNE ............................... 4

REFLECTIVE ROAD MARKINGS ON TRIAL IN HONG KONG............... 6

6OO-BED HEART DISEASE CENTRE TO BE CONSTRUCTED .............. 7

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EXHIBITION OPENING ON THURSDAY ............ 8

LONG SERVICE AWARDS FOR 23 AMBULANCE COMMAND MEN ............ 9

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ..................................... 9

NO RIGHT TURN............................................... 10

WATER CUT................................................... 10

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

GOVERNOR ON LOCAL LEAVE ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL BE TAKING TWO DAYS LOCAL LEAVE ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, 25TH AND 26TH JULY. DURING THIS PERIOD THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL BE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR.

i , J • t,*. •

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

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE, 1979 ft ft ft ft

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE TRADE DURING JUNE 1979.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS $6,335 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $4,590 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $1,745 MILLION.

WITH IMPORTS AT $6,965 MILLION. THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT WAS $630 MILLION WHICH WAS ACTUALLY LESS THAN THAT FOR JUNE 1978.

COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1978, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT AND THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY 63 PER CENT. SO THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THAT IS, DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS, INCREASED BY 44 PER CENT.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASED BY 36 PER CENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT NOT ONLY HAS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW FASTER THAN THE VALUE CF IMPORTS BUT THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO GREW FASTER THAN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.

COMMENTING FURTHER ON THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY CONFIRM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S VIEW STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK THAT THE ECONOMY IS BEGINNING TO ADJUST BY MEANS OF A RELATIVE SHIFT OF RESOURCES IN FAVOUR OF THE EXPORT SECTOR.

IN FACT, THE FIGURES LOOK SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN THE ESTIMATES USED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

COMPARING FIGURES FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WITH THOSE OF THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS 34 PER CENT HIGHER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS 55 PER CENT HIGHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS 39 PER CENT HIGHER AND THE VALUE CF IMPORTS WAS 36 PER CENT HIGHER.

/the spokesman......

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, AT $5,915 MILLION, REPRESENTS 15.4 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS. THIS PERCENTAGE WAS SMALLER THAN THE 17.2 PER CENT FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1978.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE i-

MERCHANDISE! DOMESTIC EXPORTS i $4,590 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS 1 $1,745 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS 1 $6,335 MILLION

IMPORTS t $6,965 MILLION

COMPARATIVE FIGURES TRADE BALANCE 1 $ 630 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)

APRIL - JUNE APRIL - JUNE INCREASE OR

LATEST 3 MONTHS 1979 1978 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 13,298 9,763 ♦3,535 +36.2

RE-EXPORTS 4,989 3,282 ♦1,707 +52.0

TOTAL EXPORTS 18,288 13,045 ♦5,243 +40.2

IMPORTS 20,967 15,178 ♦5,789 +38.1

TRADE BALANCE - 2,679 - 2,133 - 546

JUNE JUNE INCREASE OR

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1979 1978 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 4,590 (72.5*) 3,336 +1,254 +37.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (75.7%)

RE-EXPORTS 1,745 1,073 ♦ 672 +62.7

TOTAL EXPORTS 6,335 4,409 ♦1,926 +43.7

IMPORTS 6,965 5,105 +1,861 +36.5

TRADE BALANCE - 630 - 696 ♦ 66 /LAST WNTH .....

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

LAST MONTH JUNE 1979 $ MN. MAY 1979 S MN. INCREASE OR DECREASE

1 MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 4,590 4,552 ♦ 38+0.8

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (7$.5%) (73.3%)

RE-EXPORTS 1,745 1,656 + 89+5.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 6,335 6,208 ♦ 127 ♦ 2.1

IMPORTS 6,965 6,884 ♦ 81 ♦ 1.2

TRADE BALANCE - 630 - 676 ♦ 46

JAN. - JUNE JAN. - JUNE INCREASE OR

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1979 1978 DECREASE

1 MN. 1 MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 23,414 17,468 ♦5,946 +34.0

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (71.8%) (74.7%)

RE-EXPORTS 9,197 5,928 ♦3,268 +55.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 32,611 23,396 ♦9,214 +39.4

IMPORTS 38,526 28,254 ♦10,272 +36.4

TRADE BALANCE - 5,915 JULY 1978 - 4,858 JULY 1977 -1,057

TO TO INCREASE OR

LAST 12 MONTHS JUNE 1979 JUNE 1978 DECREASE

1 MN. $ MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 46,657 36,696 ♦9,961 +27.1

RE-EXPORTS 16,465 11,148 ♦5,318 +47.7

TOTAL EXPORTS 63,123 47,844 ♦15,279 +31.9

IMPORTS 73,327 53,515 +19,812 +37.0

TRADE BALANCE -10,204 - o - 5,671 -4,533 /4

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR JUNE * ft * ft * ft

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR JUNE 1979 WERE 137 AND 138 RESPECTIVELY, EACH BEING ONE POINT HIGHER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

THE SECTION INDICES FOR JUNE 1979, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1978, ARE I

C.P.I. (A) C.P.I. (B)

SECTION JUNE 79 MAY 79 JUNE 78 JUNE 79 MAY 79 JUNE 78

FOODSTUFFS 132 131 118 134 133 119

HOUSING 143 141 130 142 140 129

FUEL AND LIGHT 168 167 135 164 163 134

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 158 157 141 153 152 137

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 110 109 103 108 108 102

DURABLE GOODS 126 125 113 123 122 111

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 143 142 133 141 140 130

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 151 150 120 156 155 124

SERVICES 147 146 136 149 148 137

ALL ITEMS 137 136 122 138 137 123

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B).

RISES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, OTHER FISH, FRESH FRUITS AND FRESH VEGETABLES.

/tee cost......

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

THE COST OF MEALS ALSO WENT UP AS SOME RESTAURANTS AND EATING-PLACES RAISED THEIR PRICES. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH-WATER FISH DECLINED.

MOVEMENTS IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. ( AND C.P. I. (B) AS HIGHER RENT WAS REGISTERED IN PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND AS MORE HOUSEHOLDS WERE AFFECTED BY THE INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES.

HIGHER CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY PUSHED THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT UP BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND C.P. I. (B).

THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY ONE POINT EACH IN C.P. I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS.

THE RISE OF ONE POINT IN THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR IN C.P.I. (A) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR FOOTWEAR AND TAILORING CHARGES.

BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR HARDWARE, IRONMONGERY AND CUTLERY, THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS ADVANCED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND C.P. I. (B).

THE RISE OF ONE POINT IN THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) WAS MAINLY BROUGHT ABOUT BY HIGHER PRICES FOR MEDICINES, TOILET REQUISITES, SOAP, DETERGENTS AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD GOODS.

HIGHER FARES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES CAUSED THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES TO RISE BY ONE POINT EACH IN C.P. I. (A) AND C.P. I. (B).

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES WENT UP BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, DOMESTIC HELP AND HAIRDRESSING.

THE C.P.I. (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN 1400 - $1,499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I. (B), BETWEEN $1,500 - $2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973-74.

--------o

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

REFLECTIVE ROAD MARKINGS ON TRIAL IN HONG KONG ft ft * *

TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND TO PROVIDE A BETTER MEANS OF GUIDANCE FOR ROAD USERS, THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INTRODUCING, ON A TRIAL BASIS, A MORE EFFECTIVE TYPE OF ROAD MARKING.

AS A FIRST STEP IN THIS DIRECTION, THE P.W.D. TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED A $716,000 CONTRACT TO WIMPEY ASPHALT HONG KONG LTD FOR THE PROVISION AND LAYING OF ABOUT 10,000 SQUARE METRES OF REFLECTIVE THERMOPLASTIC ROAD MARKINGS ON A NUMBER OF ROADS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

THE CONTRACT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED BY MR. CHEN SHAO-CHI, GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER (WORKS), AND MR. DERYCK ALLISON, CONTRACTS MANAGER OF THE COMPANY.

MR. CHEN SAIDi ♦REFLECTIVE THERMOPLASTICS HAVE BEEN USED FOR ROAD MARKINGS, WITH CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS, IN COUNTRIES SUCH AS BRITAIN, THE UNITED STATES, SAUDI ARABIA AND JAPAN.

♦SHOULD THE TRIAL PROVE THAT THIS MATERIAL IS SUITABLE FOR USE IN HONG KONG IT WILL BE MORE WIDELY USED.+

MR. CHEN EXPLAINED THAT THERMOPLASTIC IS A RESINOUS MATERIAL. ITS THICKNESS RANGES BETWEEN 1.5 MM AND 5 MM, WHEN APPLIED ON ROAD SURFACE.

AS IT IS THICKER THAN THE PAINT NORMALLY USED FOR ROAD MARKINGS, HE SAID, IT WON’T BE SO EASILY OBSCURED BY RAIN.

ALSO, THE MINUTE GLASS BEADS MIXED IN THE MARKING MATERIAL GIVE A REFLECTIVE EFFECT AT NIGHT, THUS IMPROVING VISIBILITY.

MR. CHEN POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW THERMOPLASTIC ROAD MARKINGS ARE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE PAINT NORMALLY USED FOR ROAD MARKINGS.

HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THE NEW MATERIAL IS ALSO AT LEAST THREE TIMES AS LASTING AND IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS IT WILL LAST CONSIDERABLY LONGER.

♦THIS MEANS THAT ROAD MARKINGS DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED OR REPAINTED AS FREQUENTLY AS AT PRESENT, THUS REDUCING THE INCONVENIENCE TO THE MOTORISTS TO THE MINIMUM,+ HE SAID.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT, WHICH ALSO COVERS THE REMOVAL OF OLD ROAD MARKINGS WHEN NECESSARY, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SOON AND BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

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

h.....

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

600-BED HEART DISEASE CENTRE TO BE CONSTRUCTED ******

CONSTRUCTION WILL SHORTLY BEGIN ON A 600-BED CARD IO-THORAC IC CENTRE WHICH WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED FACILITIES FOR CARRYING OUT OPEN-HEART AND CLOSED-HEART SURGERY.

THE CONTRACT, TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ANNEXE TO THE GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED GRANTHAM HOSPITAL IN WONG CHUK HANG.

THE CENTRE IS A JOINT PROJECT OF THE HONG KONG ANTl-TUBERCULOSI. AND THORACIC DISEASES ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

THE CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS NOW ESTIMATED AT $50 MILLION WHICH WILL BE SHARED BY THE FOUNDATION, THE ASSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT.

A WELL-KNOWN LOCAL PHILANTHROPIST, MR. KWOK TAK-SENG, HAS DONATED $10 MILLION AS A PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO ENABLE THE PROJECT TO GET OFF THE GROUND.

RECURRENT COST OF THE CENTRE, ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $14 MILLION PER ANNUM, WILL BE BORNE ENTIRELY BY THE GOVERNMENT.

THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE, CONSISTS OF A FIVE-STOREY EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OPERATING THEATRES, A CARDIAC LABORATORY, INTENSIVE CARE UNITS AS WELL AS OTHER SUPPORTING SERVICES.

THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL ENABLE THE HOSPITAL TO INCREASE ITS HEART OPERATIONS AND TO STRENGTHEN ITS CARDIAC INVESTIGATORY SERVICES.

A TEMPORARY CARDIAC CATHETERISATION LABORATORY IS TO BE SET UP AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS AN INTERIM MEASURE TO COPE WITH THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH HEART PROBLEMS WHO ARE IN NEED OF INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIAL TREATMENT.

THE HOSPITAL HAS BEEN TRAINING A TEAM OF SPECIAL STAFF IN ANTICIPATION OF THE LAUNCHING OF THIS PROJECT, SOME OF WHOM ARE ALREADY ON THE JOB WHILE OTHERS WILL BE RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS VERY SHORTLY.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ANNEXE TO THE GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED GRANTHAM HOSPITAL WILL BE SIGNED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL AT 5 P.M.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SIGNING CEREMONY.

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/8......

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EXHIBITION OPENING ON THURSDAY ******

PREPARATIONS FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE NORTH CONCOURSE OF THE KOWLOON RAILWAY TERMINUS IN HUNG HOM ARE WELL IN HAND.

HEAVY MACHINES, MOSTLY ON LOAN FROM PRIVATE FIRMS, ARE CURRENTLY BEING MOVED INTO THE EXHIBITION SITE.

THE 11-DAY EXHIBITION WILL FOCUS ON FIVE MAJOR THEMES - MACHINE GUARDING, NOISE HAZARDS, SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION AND CONFINED SPACE AND THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS.

IT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, AT 4.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY. AFTER THE CEREMONY, IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10.30 A.M. TO 7.30 P.M. DAILY FROM FRIDAY TO AUGUST 6.

OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO OFFER INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO VISITORS, AND COPIES CF FIVE SPECIALLY PRODUCED LEAFLETS ON THE SUBJECT WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE.

SPECIAL GUIDED TOURS OF THE EXHIBITION CAN ALSO BE ARRANGED FOR WORKER GROUPS BY CONTACTING MISS YU SAU-CHUK AT THE EXHIBITION OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 3-654078.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, AT THE NORTH CONCOURSE OF THE KOWLOON RAILWAY TERMINUS, HUNG HOM, AT 4.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY.

COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF PREPARATION WORK OF THE EVENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM G.I.S. PRESS BOXES ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE LATER THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.

0 ---------

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

LONG SERVICE AWARDS FOR 23 AMBULANCE COMMAND MEN * * * *

THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR.H. KENYON, WILL PRESENT COLONIAL LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS TO 23 OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AMBULANCE COMMAND AT A PARADE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE PARADE WILL BE HELD IN THE COMPOUND OF THE MOUNT DAVIS AMBULANCE DEPOT.

TWO OFFICERS AND 13 AMBULANCEMEN WHO HAVE EACH SERVED THE COMMAND FOR 18 YEARS WILL RECEIVE THE LONG SERVICE MEDALS, WHILE SEVEN OTHER MEN, INCLUDING TWO OFFICERS,WILL RECEIVE FIRST CLASPS FOR COMPLETING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE EACH.

PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN MUI KWING WHO HAS SERVED THE COMMAND FOR 30 YEARS WILL RECEIVE THE SECOND CLASP TO HIS MEDAL.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

A PRESENTATION OF COLONIAL LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS WILL BE HELD IN THE MOUNT DAVIS AMBULANCE DEPOT COMPOUND TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 10 A.M.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION. OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD MEET SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR. FRANK NG, AT THE MORRISON HILL AMBULANCE DEPOT IN 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 8.30 A.M. TOMORROW.

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

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED

* 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 TSE PING-SUN, 26, ON JULY 10, 1978.

TSE, AN APPRENTICE GARAGE MECHANIC, WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING CHUNG SHUN-LOI, 20, AT A GARAGE IN TAI PO ROAD, SHA TIN, ON JUNE 12, 1977.

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

/10

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1979

NO RIGHT TURN * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY, MOTORISTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAKE RIGHT TURNS IN TWO KOWLOON ROADS.

THEY ARE!

M FROM KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND TO ELEGANCE ROAD NORTHBOUND, AND

* FROM ELEGANCE ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - 0 - -

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG, JORDAN ROAD AND TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON THURSDAY FOR WATER WORKS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IN KWUN TONG, BOUNDED BY KA LOK STREET, SHU I WO STREET, SHU I NING STREET, HIP WO STREET, KWUN TONG ROAD, HONG NING ROAD AND MUT WAH STREET INCLUDING FU YAN STREET, YUE MAN SQUARE, TUNG YAN STREET AND YAN 01 COURT, WILL HAVE NO WATER FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TOMORROW TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY.

IN JORDAN ROAD AND TSIM SHA TSUI. WATER SUPPLY TO 192-252 NATHAN ROAD, 14-16 AND 16A-16F JORDAN ROAD, 2-10 AND 2A-2F TAK SHING STREET, 102-109 AUSTIN ROAD, 1-14 TAK HING STREET AND 1-3 COX’S ROAD WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1979 ’ ;C-'. C-CC(H<Ntv i ‘

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SPECIAL ENQUIRY CENTRE TO AID FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF TWO ACCIDENTS......................................... 1

TAVA PAYMENTS FOR VICTIMS OF BUS ACCIDENT............. 2

HK-U.S. TEXTILE^TALKS TO RESUME IN OCTOBER ........... 2

WORK ON MODERN HEART DISEASE CENTRE TO START SOON .... 3

NEW RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO LICENSING OF MAHJONG PARLOURS AND BALLROOMS ............................... 4

23 AMBULANCE COMMAND STAFF LAUDED .................... 4

AUCTION OF SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS .............. 5

WATER CUT............................................. 5

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1979

SPECIAL ENQUIRY CENTRE TO AID FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF TWO ACCIDENTS

******

THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP AN ENQUIRY CENTRE TO CO-ORDINATE AND PROVIDE VARIOUS SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE FOR RELATIVES OF VICTIMS OF TWO ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN NORTH POINT AND NGAU TAU KOK LAST SUNDAY.

THE ENQUIRY CENTRE, SITUATED AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE. (KWUN TONG) ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, WILL BE OPERATIONAL FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

STAFF FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE LEGAL AID, SOCIAL WELFARE AND LABOUR WILL JOINTLY PROVIDE SERVICES AT THE CENTRE.

♦THE NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE WILL BE CONVENIENT FOR RELATIVES OF THE VICTIMS BECAUSE THEY CAN OBTAIN ASSISTANCE FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ONE PLACE,+ THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. MICHAEL LEUNG SAID.

MR. LEUNG SAID THE CENTRE WAS SET UP IN KWUN TONG BECAUSE MOST OF THE RELATIVES CONCERNED LIVED THERE.

STAFF FROM THE DEPARTMENT HAVE ALSO BEEN SENT TO VISIT THEM AND WILL ACCOMPANY THEM TO THE NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE TOMORROW, bR. LEUNG ADDED.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

A NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE TO CO-ORDINATE AND PROVIDE VARIOUS SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE FOR RELATIVES OF THE VICTIMS OF TWO ACCIDENTS IN NORTH POINT AND NGAU TAU KOK LAST SUNDAY WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT BY THE RELATIVES CONCERNED TO THE NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG) ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.

----o------

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1979

TAVA PAYMENTS FOR VICTIMS OF BUS ACCIDENT *****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID OUT A TOTAL OF $16,700 UNDER THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME TO THE FAMILIES OF TWO VICTIMS OF THE NORTH POINT BUS ACCIDENT.

ONE FAMILY RECEIVED A GRANT OF $8,500 AND THE OTHER, $8,200.

MRS. DIANA LEE. HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION, SAID 17 OTHER APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCIDENT WERE BEING PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND PAYMENTS WERE EXPECTED TO BE MADE SHORTLY.

SHE SAID STAFF FROM HER SECTION HAD CONTACTED THE VICTIMS OR THEIR FAMILIES AND EXPLAINED THE SCHEME TO THEM.

THE SCHEME, IMPLEMENTED ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR, IS A WELFARE MEASURE DESIGNED TO MITIGATE THE ECONOMICAL HARDSHIP WHICH MAY RESULT FROM DEATH OR INJURY IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, SHE SAID.

APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT, SHE ADDED.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE AT THE TAVA SECTION ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING AT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL (TEL. NOS. 5-222392 AND 5-223254).

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

HK-U.S. TEXTILE TALKS TO RESUME IN OCTOBER

*****

TALKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES ON VARIOUS TEXTILE MATTERS WERE HELD IN MANILA LAST WEEKEND.

THE UNITED STATES DELEGATION TOOK THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OUTLINE ITS THINKING ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEXTILE EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG TO THE UNITED STATES IN 1980 (THE HONG KONG-U.S. TEXTILES AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR A +MAJOR REVIEW* TO BE HELD BEFORE THE END OF 1980).

THE TWO DELEGATIONS ALSO DISCUSSED SOME MATTERS OF DETAIL REGARDING EXPORTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, AND HAD SOME TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE AGREEMENT.

A PRELIMINARY REPORT HAS ALREADY BEEN RECEIVED FROM M?. LAWRENCE MILLS, DIRECTOR OF TRADE, WHO LED THE HONG KONG DELEGATION.

HIS FULL REPORT ON THE DISCUSSIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE TEXTILE ADVISORY BOARD WHEN HE RETURNS FROM WASHINGTON, WHERE TALKS ARE CURRENTLY BEING HELD ON HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF NQN-RUBBER FOOTWARE TO THE UNITED STATES.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE TEXTILE DISCUSSIONS WILL BE RESUMED IN OCTOBER.

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/3....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1979

WORK ON MODERN HEART DISEASE CENTRE TO START SOON ft * * * *

THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MODERN CARD I O-THORACIC CENTRE IN WONG CHUK HANG, WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

INITIAL WORK ON THE PROJECT, INVOLVING SITE FORMATION, IS TO START SOON.

THE CENTRE, TO BE BUILT AS AN ANNEXE TO THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL, IS A JOINT PROJECT OF THE HONG KONG ANT I-TUBERCULOSIS AND THORACIC DISEASES ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

MR. SEAWARD WOO, CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, SIGNED THE CONTRACT WHICH WAS AWARDED TO THE HOI SING CONSTRUCTION CO.

WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL THE CENTRE WILL HAVE 600 BEDS AND WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED CARDIAC DIAGNOSTIC WORK AND MODERN OPERATING THEATRES FOR CARRYING OUT BOTH OPEN-HEART AND CLOSED-HEART SURGERY.

SPECIALIST LABORATORIES AND INTENSIVE CARE UNITS WILL SUPPORT THE DIAGNOSTIC AND SURGICAL SERVICES, MAKING HONG KONG ONE OF THE MOST MODERN CARDIAC CENTRES IN ASIA.

THE PROJECT WHICH WILL TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE IS NOW ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 150 MILLION TO BE SHARED BY THE FOUNDATION, THE ASSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT. MR. KWOK TAK-SENG, WELL-KNOWN LOCAL PHILANTHROPIST, HAS DONATED S10 MILLION AS A PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO ENABLE THE PROJECT TO GET OFF THE GROUND.

A TEMPORARY CARDIAC CATHETERISATION LABORATORY IS TO BE SET UP AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS AN INTERIM MEASURE TO COPE WITH THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH HEART PROBLEMS AND IN NEED OF INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIAL TREATMENT.

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/4....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1979

NEW RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO LICENSING OF MAHJONG PARLOURS AND BALLROOMS *****

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, MR. N.J.V. WATT, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A NEW SET OF CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE LICENSING OF MAHJONG PARLOURS AND BALLROOMS WILL BE APPLIED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

UNDER THE NEW SET OF CONDIT IONS,SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED UNLESS THEY HAVE THEIR OWN ENTRANCES AND EXITS CLEARLY SEPARATED FROM ANY RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION IN THE BUILDING.

♦THE PURPOSE OF THESE NEW ARRANGEMENTS IS TO ENSURE THAT ANY DOMESTIC TENANTS IN MIXED/COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES ARE NOT UNREASONABLY INCONVENIENCED BY THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS,* HE SAID.

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

23 AMBULANCE COMMAND STAFF LAUDED ******

COMMAND

WERE TODAY

TWENTY-THREE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AMBULANCE WHOSE COMBINED PERIOD OF SERVICE TOTALLED 500 YEARS (WEDNESDAY) PRESENTED WITH COLONIAL LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND

CLASPS.

AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN THE MOUNT DAVIS AMBULANCE DEPOT, THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR. H. KENYON, PRAISED THEM fOR THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE AND EFFICIENT RESPONSE TO COUNTLESS EMERGENCIES AT ALL TIMES OF NIGHT AND DAY AND IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER.

♦HONG KONG IS PROUD TO HAVE SUCH PUBLIC SERVICE,* MR. KENYON SAID.

DEDICATED MEN IN THE

AMBULANCEMEN RECEIVED THE COLONIAL SEVEN OTHERS, WERE AWARDED FIRST

TWO OFFICERS AND 13 LONG SERVICE MEDALS WHILE

CLASPS.

A PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN, MR. MUI KWING, WHO HAS COMPLETED 30 YEARS OF SERVICE WAS PRESENTED WITH A SECOND CLASP TO HIS MEDAL.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1979

AUCTION OF SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY.

THE AUCTION WILL START AT 10 A.M. IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL.

THE 25 NUMBERS THAT WILL 1 BE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC AREi

1028 BU 88 BZ 180 BZ 833 BZ 1618

9773 BZ 808 BZ 223 BZ 928 BZ 1948

AZ 9999 BZ 888 BZ 268 BZ 1168 BZ 2007

BB 33 AB 709 BZ 328 BZ 1338 BZ 5699

BT 1 AB 786 BZ 622 BZ 1588 BZ 6228

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY

AFTER THE CLOSE OF BIDDING.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY 70 A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND.

THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 46TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973. SO FAR NEARLY $10 MILLION HAVE BEEN REALISED FROM THE AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS.

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WATER CUT

* * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY TO 6 A.M. ON SATURDAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JUBILEE STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL FROM POTTINGER STREET TO WING WO STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL INCLUDING WING KUT STREET, GILMAN BAZAAR, GILMAN STREET, WING ON STREET, TUNG MAN STREET AND HING LUNG STREET.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO DEAL WITH TRAFFICKING IN PEOPLE ILLEGALLY ENTERING HONG KONG ............. 1

GOVERNOR TO VISIT HK INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AUTHORITY .............. 2

CJ URGES EMPLOYERS TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS ............. 3

EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF FLOATING HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT ............. 5

NEW COMMON SYLLABUSES FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ................ 6

RECRUITMENT FOR FIRE OFFICERS .................................. 8

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE PLEASURE GARDEN 9

CUSTOMS OFFICER COMMENDED ...................................... 9

BOOKS FROM GERMANY FOR SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES ............ 10

CLEAN-UP OPERATION IN THE NT................................... 11

FUN AND EXCITEMENT FOR THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN IN TSUEN WAN ... 11

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO DEAL WITH TRAFFICKING IN PEOPLE ILLEGALLY ENTERING HONG KONG ******

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO REINFORCE THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE BY CREATING NEW OFFENCES WITH APPROPRIATE PENALTIES TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH THOSE WHO ORGANISE FOR PROFIT THE ILLEGAL ENTRY OF PEOPLE INTO HONG KONG.

THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1979 WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY), EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO DECLARE ANY CLASS OR DESCRIPTION OF PERSONS WHO HAVE NO RIGHT TO ENTER HONG KONG, TO BE +UNAUTHORISED ENTRANTS.+

ONCE SUCH A DECLARATION IS MADE, IF A SHIP ARRIVES IN HONG KONG WITH UNAUTHORISED ENTRANTS ON BOARD, THE OWNER, AGENT, CAPTAIN, CREW AND ANY PERSON WHO MADE ARRANGEMENTS foR THE VOYAGE OF THE SHIP, WILL, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN DEFENCES, BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTIES.

PERSONS WHO ASSIST OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS, IN HONG KONG OR OUTSIDE. TO BRING UNAUTHORISED ENTRANTS TO HONG KONG, WILL,SUBJECT TO CERTAIN DEFENCES, ALSO BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTIES.

SIMILAR PENALTIES ARE APPLIED IN RESPECT OF THE BRINGING OF UNLAWFUL ENTRANTS TO WATERS OUTSIDE HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL WATERS, FROM WHICH THEY ARE LIKELY TO ENTER HONG KONG. IN ADDITION, THE BILL PROPOSES TO AUTHORISE THE EXERCISE OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS CF POWERS UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHICH ARE AIMED AT PREVENTING THE ENTRY OF SUCH PERSONS. THESE POWERS COULD BE USEFUL IN DEALING WITH FUTURE CONTINGENCIES.

MAXIMUM PENALTIES OF >5 MILLION AND LIFE IMPRISONMENT ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT ARE PROVIDED UNDER THE BILL.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE FORFEITURE OF VESSELS AND OTHER PROPERTY, INCLUDING MONEY, USED TO FACILITATE THE ENTRY OF SUCH PERSONS OR BEING THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH ACTIVITIES.

IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING THE SANCTIONS MENTIONED, THE BILL WILL FACILITATE THEIR APPLICATION, FOR INSTANCE, BY MAKING APPROPRIATE PROVISION FOR TRANSFERRING THE BURDEN OF PROOF AND FOR THE PROOF OF CERTAIN MATTERS TO THE ACCUSED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) STRESSED THAT PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRED STRONG DETERRENT MEASURES TO PREVENT AND TO PENALISE TRAFFICKING IN UNLAWFUL IMMIGRATION.

♦SANCTIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO ORGANISE AND ASSIST IN UNLAWFUL IMMIGRATION OFTEN IN RETURN FOR SUBSTANTIAL SUMS OF MONEY, ARE LACKING ESSENTIALLY BECAUSE UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE IT IS NOT UNLAWFUL TO ENTER HONG KONG BY SEA WITHOUT ACTUALLY LANDING,* HE SAID.

/ths spokesman .....

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT +THE CASE OF EACH UNAUTHORISED ENTRANT WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS. THE AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL NOT AFFECT THIS POSITION.*

HE ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSED SANCTIONS WILL NOT APPLY TO ENTRY OF VESSELS CARRYING +UNAUTHORISED ENTRANTS* WHERE HONG KONG IS THE FIRST PORT OF CALL AS ALREADY DEFINED BY THE GOVERNMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR.

NEITHER WILL IT APPLY TO CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY DECIDES THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO ALLOW ENTRY, AS A PORT OF REFUGE, FOR THE SAFETY OF VESSELS OR THE LIVES OF PERSONS ON BOARD.

THE PROPOSED PROVISIONS WILL EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 1980, UNLESS OTHERWISE DETERMINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON AUGUST 1, FOR CONSIDERATION OF ALL STAGES AT THE SAME SITTING.

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GOVERNOR TO VISIT HK INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AUTHORITY ft ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AUTHORITY TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

SIR MURRAY WILL BE MET BY THE CORPORATION’S CHAIRMAN, MR. LI FOOK-WO. AND ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR. V.W. MILLER ON ARRIVAL AT THE CORPORATION’S OFFICE IN 01 KWAN ROAD, MORRISON HILL.

THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH 1977 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES IN HONG KONG.

THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION CONSISTS OF MR. S.L. CHEN, W. P.Y. WONG, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS AND MR. MILLER.

FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT LOANS, THE NON-PROFIT MAKING CORPORATION AIMS TO BROADEN THE INDUSTRIAL BASE AND UPGRADE TECHNOLOGICAL LEVELS FOR THE ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF HONG KONG.

AT THE CORPORATION’S FIRST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN TAI PO, MORE THAN 32 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL SITES HAVE BEEN FORMED, REPRESENTING 71 PER CENT OF THE NETT INDUSTRIAL SITES.

■THE REMAINDER (12.82 HECTARES) IS PROGRAMMED FOR COMPLETION PROGRESSIVELY BY MID-1980.

/THS COHPORATION'S .....

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

- 3 -

THE CORPORATION’S SECOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN YUEN LONG, CONSISTING OF 98 HECTARES, WILL PROVIDE 72 HECTARES OF NETT INDUSTRIAL SITES WHEN COMPLETED IN 1981. IT IS EXPECTED THAT FORKED SITES WITHIN THE FIRST PHASE OF ESTATE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR LEASING BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’ VISIT TO THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION’S OFFICE IN GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, MORRISON HILL AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

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CJ URGES EMPLOYERS

TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS * ft * * * *

THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, TODAY (THURSDAY) EXPRESSED GRAVE CONCERN OVER THE HIGH RATE OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG AND APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS TO TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT SUCH MISHAPS.

AND HE HINTED AT HEAVIER PENALTIES FOR SERIOUS BREACHES OF SAFETY REGULATIONS.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION AT THE KOWLOON RAILWAY TERMINUS IN HUNG HOM, SIR DENYS DESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AS ONE OF THE LESS SATISFACTORY FEATURES OF HONG KONG LIFE.

IN 1978, HE SAID, THERE WERE NEARLY 40,000 REPORTED INDUSTRIAL INJURIES, INCLUDING 141 DEATHS. THIS WAS THE HIGHEST FIGURE EVER RECORDED IN HONG KONG AND WAS GREATER THAN THE NUMBER INJURED ON THE ROADS.

BY WAY OF COMPARISON, MORE WERE KILLED IN ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ALONE LAST YEAR, THAN THERE WERE VICTIMS OF HOMICIDE.

♦THE DAMAGE TO THE COMMUNITY OF THIS TERRIBLE TOLL, IN HUMAN, SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL TERMS, IS INCALCULABLE,* HE NOTED.

FOR EXAMPLE, SIR DENYS POINTED OUT, NEARLY $24 MILLION WAS PAID LAST YEAR IN WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION, IN ADDITION TO DAMAGE ID MACHINES, DISRUPTION OF PRODUCTION, LOSS OF SKILLED AND IRREPLACEABLE WORKERS AND OTHER COSTS.

/ +WE CANNOT .....

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

♦WE CANNOT AFFORD TO WASTE THIS PRECIOUS COMMODITY (WORKERS) IN ACCIDENTS WHICH CAN BE AVOIDED,+ HE ASSERTED.

SIR DENYS PLACED THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR PREVENTING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS ON THE EMPLOYER, ALTHOUGH THE WORKER ALSO HAD A PART TO PLAY BY TAKING SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS AND BY MAKING FULL USE OF SAFETY MEASURES.

♦BUT, ALL TOO OFTEN, NOT ENOUGH IS DONE BY THE EMPLOYER TO PROVIDE SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK AND PROPER SAFEGUARDS AGAINST INJURY,+ HE LAMENTED.

SIR DENYS SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE HAD BEEN DOING ITS BEST TO ENFORCE SAFETY REGULATIONS BY ADVICE, WARNING AND, IF NECESSARY, BY PROSECUTION.

SPEAKING OF PROSECUTIONS, HE OBSERVED THAT IT MIGHT WELL BE THAT THE LEVEL OF FINES HAD NOT PROVED A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT TO IRRESPONSIBLE EMPLOYERS.

HE TOLD THE GATHER I NGi +1 CAN ASSURE YOU THAT, IF AN OFFENCE BECOMES SO PREVALENT, SO INJURIOUS TO THE COMMUNITY IN ITS EFFECTS, OR SO SERIOUS IN ITS CONSEQUENCES TO INDIVIDUALS, THAT STERNER PUNISHMENTS ARE WARRANTED, THE COURTS ARE NOT DEAF TO THESE CONSIDERATIONS.

♦BUT THESE FACTORS MUST BE PUT CLEARLY BEFORE THEM, WITH THE NECESSARY. STATISTICAL AND OTHER EVIDENCE TO CONVINCE THEM OF THE EXTENT AND SERIOUSNESS OF THE MISCHIEF WITH WHICH THEY ARE DEALING.

♦IF THIS IS DONE, THE COURTS, WILL, I HAVE NO DOUBT, GIVE FULL WEIGHT TO THESE FACTORS WHEN DETERMINING THE SENTENCE TO BE IMPOSED AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE CONDUCT IN QUESTION SHOULD BE DETERRED BY HEAVIER PENALTIES.+

NOTING THAT MOST ACCIDENTS COULD BE PREVENTED, SIR DENYS EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE EXHIBITION WOULD HELP TO REDUCE SUBSTANTIALLY THE PRESENT UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF INDUSTRIAL INJURIES.

EARLIER, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. J.C.A. HAMMOND, SAID HIS DEPARTMENT, IN PARTICULAR THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE, HAD BEEN INTENSIFYING ITS EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS DURING THE PAST YEAR.

♦THIS EXHIBITION IS BUT ONE OF THE MEANS BY WHICH WE ARE HOPING TO EDUCATE AND PERSUADE BOTH EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO SAFETY IN THEIR FACTORIES AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES,+ HE ADDED.

FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, SIR DENYS AND GUESTS TOURED THE EXHIBITION AND VIEWED MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT ON DISPLAY DEMONSTRATING GOOD STANDARDS OF MACHINERY GUARDING, SAFE PLACES OF WORK AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES.

THE 11-DAY EXHIBITION, WHICH SEEKS TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON MACHINE GUARDING, NOISE HAZARDS. SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION A. ? CONFINED SPACE AND THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS, IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE BETWEEN 10.30 A.M. AMD 7.30 P.M. DAILY FROM TOMORROW UNTIL AUGUST 6.

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/5.....

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

- 5 -

EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF FLOATING HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT * * * * *

EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED THAT IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DESIGNATED A DATE FOR THE FLOATING HOLIDAY AND HAVE NOT GIVEN THEIR EMPLOYEES A DAY OFF ON JULY 2 (THE FIRST WEEKDAY IN JULY), THEY SHOULD GIVE THEIR EMPLOYEES THE DAY OFF ON AUGUST 6 (THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST).

UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE FLOATING HOLIDAY — ONE CF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS IN A YEAR — MUST BE DESIGNATED BY THE EMPLOYER AND NOTIFIED TO EMPLOYEES BY A NOTICE PLACED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE BY THE END OF THE PRECEDING YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY (THURSDAY).

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $3,500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.

THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY.

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 3-698520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096- TUEN MUN 12-818443 EXT. 82 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

NEW COMMON SYLLABUSES FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

*****

THE NEW COMMON SYLLABUSES FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, TO BE INTRODUCED THIS SEPTEMBER, WOULD PROVIDE THEM WITH MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY IN CHOOSING A FORMAT TO SUIT THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, MR. A.G. BROWN, SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT (FORMS l-l11) FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. MR. BROWN SAID THAT THESE SCHOOLS WOULD FIND THE SYLLABUSES EDUCATIONALLY APPROPRIATE TO THEIR REQUIREMENT.

FURTHER, HE ADDED, IT WOULD LEAD TO FIRST YEAR EXEMPTION FROM TECHNICAL INSTITUTE CRAFT LEVEL COURSES AND APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SCHEMES.

THE PREPARATION OF THESE NEW COMMON SYLLABUSES HAD TAKEN THE PREVOCATIONAL SUBJECTS COMMITTEE, SET UP BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THIS COMMITTEE CONSISTED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS. TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

MR. BROWN SAID THAT WITH THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, NINE MORE WILL BE BUILT AS FROM 1982 WHILE COURSES AT FORM IV AND V LEVEL WILL BE INTRODUCED IN 1981.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, MRS. LOUISE MOK, WHO IS ALSO ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), SAID AT THE SEMINAR THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE PREVOCATIONAL SUBJECTS COMMITTEE WAS NOT ONLY TO SET THE PATTERN OF PRACTICAL-TECHNICAL SUBJECTS BUT ALSO TO ENSURE THAT THE SYLLABUS DEVELOPMENT OF THESE SUBJECTS WAS IN HARMONY WITH THE REST OF THE CURRICULUM.

THE COMMITTEE HAD TO SCRUTINISE THE SOMEWHAT SEPARATE DEVELOPMENT OF PRACTICAL-TECHNICAL SUBJECTS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL AND TO SET UP A KIND OF COMMON CORE CURRICULUM, COMPRISING THE BASIC CONCEPTS. ATTITUDES, SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TO BE ACQUIRED BY ALL PUPILS IN EVERY SCHOOL, WITH SCOPE AND FREEDOM FOR A CERTAIN DEGREE OF SPECIALISATION.

♦THIS MEANS GIVING TEACHERS OF PRACTICAL-TECHNICAL SUBJECTS IN THESE SCHOOLS A NEW SENSE OF PURPOSE BY IDENTIFYING THE COMMON AND OVERALL CURRICULAR AIMS, AND PLANNING WITH THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS COLLEGE AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES THE APPROPRIATE IN-SERVICE COURSE FOR THEM.

♦THIS REPRESENTS TOO A MOVE FOR MORE TECHNOLOG ICAl EDUCATE* 70 SUPPORT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY,* MRS. MOK SAID,

/ras c a).c

THUHSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

THE C.D.C. PREVOCATIONAL SUBJECTS COMMITTEE HAS SUCCEEDED IN COMPLETING 15 CONTENT SYLLABUSES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL GRAPHICS, CONSTRUCTION WITH WOOD AND INTERIOR DECORATION, FOOD AND RELATED HOTEL SERVICES, TEXTILES AND COMMERCIAL STUDIES, ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR FIRST YEAR EXEMPTION OF CRAFT COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

ANOTHER SPEAKER AT THE SEMINAR, MR. DAN WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), SAID THAT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SYLLABUSES SHOULD MARRY UP CLOSELY WITH THOSE OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.

♦WE WANT THE SYLLABUSES OF THE VARIOUS TECHNICAL SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, IN THEIR THREE-YEAR COURSES, TO COVER APPROXIMATELY WHAT WE WOULD TEACH IN THE FIRST YEAR OF A RELATED PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSE IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE,* M*. WATERS SAID.

THIS WILL ENABLE ANY STUDENT WHO HAS COMPLETED A COURSE IN A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, IN SUFFICIENT DEPTH, TO ENTER DIRECT TO THE SECOND YEAR OF A RELATED PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSE. LIKEWISE SIMILAR EXEMPTION IS ALSO GIVEN FOR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES.

MR. WATERS ALSO ASSURED THAT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WOULD BE PLEASED TO ACCEPT FUTURE FORM V LEAVERS OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS INTO TECHNICIAN COURSES AND TO GIVE EXEMPTIONS TO THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAVE ADEQUATELY COVERED A SUBJECT IN SUFFICIENT DEPTH.

THE 200-0DD PARTICIPANTS AT THE SEMINAR, WHICH COMPRISED HEADS AND SUBJECT TEACHERS FROM THE 13 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS LATER BROKE UP INTO SMALL WORKING PARTIES FOR GENERAL DISCUSSION AND FOR AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE COMMON SYLLABUSES.

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1HUBSD1Y, JULY 26, 1979

RECRUITMENT FOR FIRE OFFICERS ft ft ft ft

THE FIRE SERVICES ARE LOOKING FOR RESPONSIBLE. ACTIVE AND BRIGHT YOUNG MEN TO FILL VACANCIES FOR ASSISTANT STATION OFFICERS.

A FOUR-WEEK RECRUITING EXERCISE FOR ASSISTANT STATION OFFICERS WILL BE LAUNCHED FROM NEXT MONDAY, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

♦WE ARE OFFERING A CAREER FULL OF VARIETY, INTEREST AND OPPORTUNITIES TO THOSE WHO WISH TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE, NORMAL EYESIGHT AND PREFERABLY BE UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE.

A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT, APART FROM BEING TRAINED FOR GENERAL FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE WORK, IS ALSO REQUIRED TO PERFORM SUPERVISORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES.

THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION AN APPLICANT MUST POSSESS IS FIVE SUBJECTS INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B) AT GRADE E IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION.

THE STARTING SALARY FOR AN ASSISTANT STATION OFFICER VARIES FROM 12,605 TO 13,045 DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATION AND RISES TO A MAXIMUM OF S3,390.

AN INCREMENT IS AWARDED ON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF SIX MONTHS* RESIDENTIAL TRAINING COURSE IN THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

A RECRUIT WILL BE PLACED ON PROBATION FOR THE FIRST.THREE YEARS, AFTER WHICH, PROVIDED HE HAS CARRIED OUT ALL HIS DUTIES SATISFACTORILY AND PASSED THE REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS, HE WILL BE CONFIRMED TO THE PERMANENTAND PENSIONABLE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADVANCED TO THE RANK OF STATION OFFICER AUTOMATICALLY. THE PRESENT SALARY SCALE FOR A STATION OFFICER IS $4,135 TO $6,295.

THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 7 P.M. AT THE FOLLOWING CENTRESI

ft HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION - FROM JULY 30 TO AUGUST 24 (EXCEPT SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS).

TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION - FROM JULY 30 TO AUGUST 24 (EXCEPT SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS).

'ft FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL - ON JULY 30, 31- AUGUST 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 AND 21.

ft LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION - ON AUGUST 1, 2, 3. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 AND 24.

MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, MORE THAN 1,200 YOUNG MEN HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CURRENT RECRUITING CAMPAIGN FOR FIREMEN.

♦IN VIEW OF THE GOOD RESPONSE IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO EXTEND THE CAMPAIGN FOR TWO MORE WEEKS,♦ HE ADDED.

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO SHA TIN RACE COURSE PLEASURE GARDEN *****

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE INTRODUCED ON JULY 8 TO THE PLEASURE GARDEN IN SHA TIN RACE COURSE WILL CONTINUE ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS THIS SUNDAY.

HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE CONTINUATION OF THIS SERVICE WILL DEPEND LARGELY ON THE RESPONSE IT RECEIVES FROM THE PUBLIC.

THE SPECIAL TRAIN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT ID.29 A.M. AND ARRIVE AT MONG KOK STATION AT 10.34 A.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS. IT WILL THEN DEPART FROM MONG KOK STATION AT 10.36 A.M. AND ARRIVE AT THE RACE COURSE STATION AT 10.50 A.M.

ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THE TRAIN WILL LEAVE RACE COURSE STATION AT 4.10 P.M. IN ADDITION, ONE ORDINARY PASSENGER TRAIN DEPARTING FROM TAI PO MARKET STATION WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE RACE COURSE STATION AT 1.21 P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS WISHING TO LEAVE THE PLEASURE GARDEN EARLIER.

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 THE 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 $2 EACH.

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

CUSTOMS OFFICER COMMENDED * * * *

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WAS TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED WITH A BANNER BY A RADIO COMPANY IN APPRECIATION OF THE BRAVERY AND INITIATIVE DISPLAYED BY A CUSTOMS OFFICER DURING AN ARMED ROBBERY IN THEIR SHOP LAST NOVEMBER.

AT A BRIEF CEREMONY AT THE SERVICE'S HEADQUARTERS. THE MANAGER OF RADIO UNISON COMPANY, MR. AU CHI-WAH, PRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CUStoMS AND EXCISE ocKYlut, PW. KOT HATTON.

CUSTOMS OFFICER, MR. WOO KIN-LEUNG, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS ^u°*TT-r2e ACT,0N IN ABORTING AN ARMED ROBBERY BY THREE

MEN AT THE SHOP IN ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON, ON NOVEMBER 10.

wueu WAS 0FF“dUTY ON THAT DAY, RUSHED INTO THE SHOP

WHEN NE SAW THE ROBBERY AND ORDERED THE SUSPECTS TO SURRENDER.

HE OPENED FIRE, WOUNDING TWO OF THE ROBBERS AND FATALLY THE 0THER WHEN THEY ^SISTED AND ATTACKED HIM WITH

MM I V t S •

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

AS A RESULT OF HIS PROMPT AND COURAGEOUS ACTION. THE WOUNDED MEN WERE ARRESTED ON THE SPOT AND THE STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED.

AT A TRIAL IN THE HIGH COURT LAST MONTH BEFORE MR. JUSTICE O’CONNOR BOTH WERE FOUND GUILTY AND ONE WAS SENTENCED TO SEVEN-AND-A-HALF-YEAR AND THE OTHER TO FIVE-AND-A-HALF-YEAR IMPRISONMENT. THE JUDGE ALSO PRAISED MR. WOO FOR HIS PROPER ACTION.

PRESENTING THE BANNER, THE MANAGER OF THE COMPANY, MR. AU SAIDi +1 FEEL THAT MR. WOO KIN-LEUNG HAS SET AN EXAMPLE FOR ALL CIVIL SERVANTS AS A CUSTOMS OFFICER WHO KEEPS CALM IN DANGER AND DEVOTES HIMSELF TO KEEPING LAW AND ORDER IN OUR COMMUNITY.*

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

BOOKS FROM GERMANY FOR SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES ******

SCHOOL LIBRARIES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES WILL BE SHARING A COLLECTION OF MORE THAN 280 BOOKS DONATED TO HONG KONG BY THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY.

*RS. LOUISE MOK. ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) TODAY (THURSDAY) RECEIVED THE BOOKS ON BEHALF OF THE LIBRARIES FROM MRS. ELKE KORFF, CONSUL (PRESS AND CULTURE) OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY.

THE DONATION CONSISTS OF COPIES OF THE CHINESE TRANSLATION OF A GERMAN BOOK ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. BOOKS ON GERMAN HOLIDAYS AND FOLK CUSTOMS, AND OTHER BOOKS AND PICTORIALS ON THE GEOGRAPHY AND PEOPLE OF GERMANY IN ENGLISH AND GERMAN.

THESE BOOKS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED LATER TO SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

THE PRESENTATION TOOK PLACE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

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

/11

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1979

CLEAN-UP OPERATION IN THE NT

*****

A SERIES OF +CLEAN COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS AND CANOPIES* OPERATIONS IS NOW BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN VARIOUS NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.

THIS OPERATION, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE YEAR, CONCENTRATES ON THE REMOVAL OF REFUSE ON CANOPIES AND COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS.

A FIVE-DAY CLEAN-UP OPERATION, WHICH STARTED ON MONDAY IS NOW BEING CARRIED OUT IN TAI PO. TWO OTHERS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE SAME DISTRICT BETWEEN AUGUST 17 AND 24 AND FROM SEPTEMBER 17 TO 23.

IN YUEN LONG, THE OPERATION WILL RUN FROM AUGUST 14 TO 17 WHEREAS IN SHA TIN, THE CLEAN-UP WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 13 AND 14.

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

FUN AND EXCITEMENT FOR THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN IN TSUEN WAN *****

THE CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A ^SUMMER CARNIVAL* FOR OVER 5,000 CHILDREN AGED UNDER 14 AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN ON SUNDAY.

THIS FUN-FILLED EVENT, ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD FROM 3 P.M. TO 6 P.M.

THE PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY INCLUDES GAME STALLS, VARIETY SHOWS AND A BAND CONCERT. THOUSANDS OF PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY TO THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE GAME STALLS.

TICKETS FOR THE GAME STALLS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE VENUE ON THAT DAY ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

THE CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT REGULARLY ORGANISES FREE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THESE INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERAS, POPULAR CONCERTS, CHILDREN’S PARTIES AND FILM SHOWS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHIEF SECRETARY LEAVES FOP AUSTRALIA .................... 1

PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF BUILDING (DEMOLITION WORKS)

REGULATIONS TO BE INCREASED AS FROM TODAY ............... 1

WORK TO START SOON ON NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE AND RAILS....... 2

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF RICE WHOLESALERS ........ 2

NON-MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT IN FIRST QUARTER 1979 ...... 3

PLEA ON MACHINE GUARDING ................................ 6

OCCUPANTS MOVING OUT AT SAI LAU KOK ..................... 6

FIRING PRACTICE ......................................... 7

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

CHIEF SECRETARY LEAVES FOR AUSTRALIA

****** j4

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL BE LEAVING HONG KONG LATER TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR AUSTRALIA.

SIR JACK HAS ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO SPEAK AT A CONFERENCE ON 1HE REFUGEE SITUATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA TO BE HELD AT THE NATIONAL lH IVERS ITY, CANBERRA, ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIS VISIT TO CALL ON AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS BOTH IN CANBERRA AND SYDNEY.

SIR JACK WILL BE AWAY FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS AND DURING THIS PERIOD THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL ACT AS CHIEF SECRETARY AND MR. HENRY CHING WILL ACT AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

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

PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF BUILDING (DEMOLITION WORKS) REGULATIONS TO BE INCREASED AS FROM TODAY

*****

THE BUILDING (DEMOLITION WORKS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1979, WHICH AIM TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE BUILDING (DEMOLITION WORKS) REGULATIONS, COME INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).

UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, THE FINE FOR AN AUTHORISED PERSON FAILING TO ENSURE THAT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, GAS, WATER AND OTHER SERVICES ARE DISCONNECTED BEFORE DEMOLITION WORK COMMENCES, IS INCREASED FROM $2,000 TO $25,000.

THE OTHER AMENDMENTS CONCERN REGISTERED CONTRACTORS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TO ENSURE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE SAFETY OF DEMOLITION WORKERS IN RESPECT OF GAS EXPLOSIONS AND WATER FLOODING, THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE SHORING, AND COMPETENT AND EXPERIENCED SUPERVISION OF DEMOLITION WORKS.

THE PENALTY FOR CONTRAVENING THESE REGULATIONS IS $100,000 AND TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT INSTEAD OF $2,000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.

FOR FAILING TO ERECT SCREENS AND FANS TO CATCH DEBRIS, AND FOR FAILING TO TAKE OTHER PRECAUTIONS BEFORE COMMENCING DEMOLITION, THE FINE IS INCREASED FROM $2,000 TO $25,000.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE AMENDMENTS FORMED PART OF AN EXERCISE TO OVERHAUL AND UP-DATE THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1955.

DESPITE AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE IN 1972, WHICH INCREASED THE LEVEL OF PENALTIES FOR A FEW OFFENCES, THE PENALTIES FOR THE REMAINING OFFENCES HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED UNTIL EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MAIN ORDINANCE WERE INCREASED.

THE PRESENT AMENDMENTS CONCERN PENALTIES ASSOC’A .ED WiTH SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

WORK TO START SOON ON NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE AND RAILS

WORK WILL BEGIN SHORTLY ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN APPROACHES TO THE NEW BEACON HILL TUNNEL.

TENDERS FOR THE WORK WERE INVITED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

& ^POKP^MAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE WORK WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE AND THE LAYING OF ABOU 2,800 METRES OF CONTINUOUS WELDED RAILWAY TRACK.

IT WOULD ALSO INCLUDE CONNECTION OF THE NEW ^ACK WITH THE EXISTING LINE SO THAT RAIL TRAFFIC COULD BE DIRECTED THROUGH THE NEW TUNNEL.

♦ON COMPLETION, THE SECTION OF THE RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN THE HUNG HOM TERMINUS AND THE SHA TIN STATION CAN BE COMMISSIONED TO FULL DOUBLE-TRACK OPERATION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THE TRACK STANDARD AND ALIGNMENT ARE DESIGNED TO CATER FOR TRAIN SPEEDS OF UP TO 120 KPH WHEN THE LINE IS ELECTRIFIED,* HE SAID.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND SHOULD BE FINISHED BY EARLY 1981.

THE’PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE RAILWAY DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE PWD WHICH WILL SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION.

- -----0----------'

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF RICE WHOLESALERS

******

TRADERS WHO WISH TO BE RICE WHOLESALERS WILL HAVE TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE RESERVED COMMODITIES ORDINANCE. AND THE RESERVED COMMODITIES (CONTROL OF SALES BY WHOLESALE) REGULATIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE NEW REGULATIONS ARE LIKELY TO COME INTO OPERATION TOWARDS THE END OF 1979.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF RICE WHOLESALERS CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE RESERVED COMMODITIES SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE 14TH FLOOR IN OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

TRADERS WHO WISH TO BE REGISTERED AS RICE WHOLESALERS MUST MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA. THESE CRITERIA INCLUDEi

* THREE YEARS’ WHOLESALE EXPERIENCE"

* A CAPITAL OR PAID-UP CAPITAL OR A NET WORTH OF NOT LESS THAN $1 MILLION-

/• A BUSINESS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

3 -

* A BUSINESS TURNOVER OF NOT LESS THAN $2 MILLION IN 1978/79-

* BANK CREDIT FACILITIES OF NOT LESS THAN $1 MILLION FOR TRADING IN RICE ONLY AND

* PREMISES CAPABLE OF STORING NOT LESS THAN 10 METRIC TONS OF RICE.

♦APPLICANTS MUST ALSO UNDERTAKE TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION IMPOSED BY THE DEPARTMENT,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF RICE WHOLESALERS TO BE REGISTERED,* HE ADDED.

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

NON-MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT IN FIRST QUARTER 1979 * * * * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST QUARTER 1979 EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS COVERING THE WHOLESALE. RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS- AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES.

RELEASED AT THE SAME TIME WERE THE REVISED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR THESE TRADES AND SERVICES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER 1978.

IN MARCH 1979, 280,314 PEOPLE WERE ENGAGED IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, A DECREASE OF 6,723 OR 2.3 PER CENT OVER DECEMBER 1978.

WHEN COMPARED WITH 269,551 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN MARCH 1978, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 10,763 OR FOUR PER CENT.

EMPLOYMENT IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS TOTALLED 104,853 PEOPLE, BEING 0.6 PER CENT BELOW THE DECEMBER 1978 FIGURE AND FOUR PER CENT ABOVE MARCH 1978.

AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS SHOWN THAT THERE WERE 18,776 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES. THIS REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF ONLY 0.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1978, BUT AN INCREASE OF 5.9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1978.

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN MARCH 1979, DECEMBER 1978 AND MARCH 1978 AREi

/CHANGE .....

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

CHANGE OF MARCH 1979 OVER DEC. 1978

NATURE OF BUSINESS PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1978 PERSONS ENGAGED IN DEC. 1978* PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1979 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE

WHOLESALE TRADE 39,434 42,831 42,131 - 700 - 1.6

RETAIL TRADE 133,753 145,511 140,607 -4,904 - 3.4

IMPORT/ EXPORT BUSINESS 96,364 98,695 97,576 -1,119 - 1.1

RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS 100,834 105,470 104,853 - 617 - 0.6

HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES 17,737 18,878 18,776 - 102 - 0.5

TOTAL 388,122 41.1,385 403,943 -7,442 - 1.8

ANOTHER EMPLOYMENT SURVEY REVEALED THAT IN FEBRUARY 1979 THERE WERE 100,389 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES.

OF THESE, 34,614 WERE ENGAGED IN MONETARY INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS, 15,642 IN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES AND 13,443 IN FINANCING INSTITUTIONS OTHER THAN MONETARY INSTITUTIONS.

WHEN COMPARED WITH 98,225 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN NOVEMBER 1978, THE FEBRUARY FIGURE REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 2,164 OR 2.2 PER CENT.

WHEN COMPARED WITH 34,458 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER IN 1978, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 15,900 OR 19 PER CENT.

/THE MAIN ....

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

5 -

THE MAIN INCREASES FROM NOVEMBER 1978 TO FEBRUARY 1979 ARE*

CHANGE OF FEB. 1979 OVER NOV. 1978

PERSONS PERSONS PERSONS

TRADE/ ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN PERSONS %

SERVICES FEB. 1978 NOV. 1978* FEB. 1979 ENGAGED CHANGE

MONETARY INSTITUTIONS (INCLUDING BANKS) 30,572 33,771 34,614 ♦ 843 ♦ 2.5

REAL ESTATE COMPANIES AND AGENCIES 13,323 15,234 15,642 ♦ 408 ♦ 2.7

ENGINEERING, 4,505 6,149 6,480 ♦ 331 ♦ 5.4

ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES *

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS 9,847 13,163 13,443 ♦ 280 ♦ 2.1

DETAILED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR VARIOUS TRADE GROUPS AND SECTORS ARE OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

* REVISED FIGURES. THE RECORDS OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KEPT IN THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE ARE USED AS THE BASIC FRAME OF THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS. A CHANGE IN THE PROCEDURES FOR UPDATING THESE RECORDS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1978 RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SUCH RECORDS BEING TRANSMITTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER 1978 SURVEYS ALL THE RECORDS RECEIVED IN THAT QUARTER AND, AS A RESULT, THE FOURTH QUARTER 1978 EMPLOYMENT FIGURES WERE SLIGHTLY UNDER-ESTIMATED. IN THE FIRST QUARTER 1979 SURVEYS, INFORMATION ON THE FOURTH QUARTER 1978 EMPLOYMENT WAS COLLECTED FROM THE RELEVANT ESTABLISHMENTS. THE REVISED FIGURES QUOTED ABOVE ARE FINAL.

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

- 6 -

PLEA ON MACHINE GUARDING ft ft ft ft

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO COMPLY WITH THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS.

THE REMINDER FOLLOWS RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH THREE FACTORIES WERE EACH FINED $5,000 AT TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE GUARDS FOR POWER PRESSES.

THE DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR. CHAN SIU-LAP, SAID THE REGULATIONS WERE AIMED AT SAFEGUARDING PEOPLE WORKING AT AND OPERATING MACHINES OR PLANTS.

♦BOTH THE PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WORKING OF MACHINERY. THOSE SEEKING ADVICE OR IDEAS ABOUT MACHINE GUARDING ARE WELCOME TO VISIT OUR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION AT THE NORTH CONCOURSE OF KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS.+ HE ADDED.

THE 11-DAY EXHIBITION OPENS FROM 10.30 A.M. TO 7.30 P.M. DAILY UNTIL AUGUST 6.

-------0 - -

OCCUPANTS MOVING OUT ft ft ft ft

AT SAI LAU KOK ft ft

MORE THAN 230 FLATS AT THE SEVEN SAI LAU KOK MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS WHICH ARE TO BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ARE NOW FULLY OR PARTIALLY VACATED AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS EXPECT THAT MOST OF THE REMAINDER WILL BE VACATED BY NEXT TUESDAY (JULY 31) WHEN THE CROWN LAND NOTICE EXPIRES.

HOWEVER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE A BRIEF EXTENSION OF STAY FOR ANY OCCUPANTS WHO CAN PROVE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO MOVE OUT FOR REASONS BEYOND THEIR CONTROL.

CROWN LAND NOTICES WERE POSTED ON THE BUILDINGS ON JULY 16 GIVING THE OCCUPANTS UNTIL JULY 31 TO MOVE OUT. THE BUILDINGS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PART OF THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION AND TAIL TRACKS.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF COMPENSATION TO PROPERTY OWNERS. IN ADDITION, A RANGE OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO 230 OWNER-OCCUPIERS OF DOMESTIC FLATS AND ALL GENUINE TENANTS HAVE BEEN OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING AND DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCES.

COMPENSATION TERMS HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO SHOP OR WORKSHOP OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS MANY FAMILIES HAD MOVED OUT.

♦MORE THAN 35 OF THE 51 WORKSHOP OPERATORS WHO HAD BEEN OFFERED COMPENSATION HAVE NOW COLLECTED THEIR ADVANCED COMPENSATOR -/YH NTS AND WILL BE MOVING OUT OVER THE the WEEKEND OR EA-LY ■’ .EE f * THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/♦THE MAJORITY ...

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

♦THE MAJORITY OF THOSE INVOLVED HAVE BEEN MOST CO-OPERATIVE AND IELPFUL ALTHOUGH THERE IS A SMALL GROUP REMAINING WHO HAVE REFUSED TO ALLOW EITHER THE MASS TRANSIT OFFICE OR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING THEIR COMPENSATION AND RE-HOUSING.

♦THE GOVERNMENT’S TERMS AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN EXPLAINED TO THEM TIME AND AGAIN. ANOTHER MEETING WAS HELD THIS WEEKEND AND IT WAS AGAIN IMPRESSED UPON THE GROUP THAT THEY SHOULD MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMPENSATION AND RE-HOUSING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS THE AREA MUST BE CLEARED VERY SOON TO BE HANDED OVER TO THE MTR CONTRACTOR.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE IS ANOTHER GROUP OF ABOUT 25 OWNER-OCCUPIERS WHICH HAD NOT YET ACCEPTED THE OFFERS MADE TO THEM BY THE MASS TRANSIT OFFICE.

♦THESE OWNERS HAVE ALSO BEEN URGED TO MAKE THEIR ARRANGEMENTS QUICKLY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THE OWNERS ARE ALSO AWARE THAT IF THEY ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S VALUATION OF THEIR PREMISES THEY CAN TAKE THEIR CASE TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR AN INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL ASSESSMENT,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

FIRING PRACTICE

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN RANGE ON 14 DAYS NEXT (AUGUST) MONTH.

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.

THE PRACTISING TIMES ARE i

DATE

AUGUST 1 (WEDNESDAY)

AUGUST 2 (THURSDAY)

AUGUST 3 (FRIDAY)

AUGUST 8 (WEDNESDAY)

AUGUST 9 (THURSDAY)

AUGUST 10 (FRIDAY)

AUGUST 14 (TUESDAY)

AUGUST 15 (WEDNESDAY)

THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK

THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS

TIME

7 A.M. - 7 P.M.

8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

8 A.M. - 5 P.*-.

/AUGUST 16

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1979

8 -

AUGUST 16 (THURSDAY)

AUGUST 21 (TUESDAY) AUGUST 22 (WEDNESDAY) AUGUST 23 (THURSDAY) AUGUST 24 (FRIDAY) AUGUST 31 (FRIDAY)

8.30 A.M. - 8 P.M.

8 A.M. - 1.30 P.M.

11 A.M. - 4 P.M.

8.30 A.M. - 4 P.M

9 A.M. - 4 P.M.

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

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY THE EXISTING 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON CHOI HUNG ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARD TO A POINT ABOUT 95 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTIONS WITH TSEUK LUK STREET AND TAI SHING STREET.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF TAI SHING STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHOI HUNG ROAD TO THE WEST OF THE TAI SHING STREET AND TAI TUNG STREET JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY.

UNDER THESE RESTRICTIONS, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS CR GOODS DURING THE SPECIFIED TIME.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - o -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

?6 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JUNE ............................ 1

SEA BED GRANT FOR FLOATING DRY DOCK PROJECT ....................... 1

A CERTAIN SMILE AT SAI LAU KOK .................................... 2

AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES 5300,700 ...................... 4

SWEETMAN SOUR ON LAP SAP CHUNGS ................................... 5

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1979

76 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JUNE

* * *

A TOTAL OF 76 NEW BUILDING PLANS WAS APPROVED LAST (JUNE) MONTH BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 67 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

OF THOSE APPROVED, 33 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 14 FOR KOWLOON AND 29 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDED A WHOLESALE FISH MARKET BUILDING IN YAU TONG, A CHURCH AT WATERLOO ROAD, AND A CINEMA AT KWAI CHUNG.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 1301.64 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $202.38 MILLION LAST YEAR.

THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED LAST MONTH TOTALLED 326,654.9 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 62,649.5 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 264,005.4 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 49 NEW PROJECTS, INCLUDING A SCIENCE BUILDING IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, A CHURCH AND RETREAT CENTRE AT TUEN MUN, AND A PETROL FILLING STATION AT KWUN TONG.

A TOTAL OF 55 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WAS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING AN ANIMAL RESEARCH BUILDING WITH GREENHOUSE EXTENSION AND A CENTRAL ACTIVITIES BUILDING AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, A SCHOOL BUILDING AT LAM TIN, AND AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME AT CHO YIU CHUEN HOUSING ESTATE.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ASSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 118 BUILDINGS.

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SEA BED GRANT FOR FLOATING DRY DOCK PROJECT ******

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT TWO PARCELS OF SEA BED, TOTALLING ABOUT 4.018 SQUARE METRES, FOR THE INSTALLATION, PERMANENT MOORING AND OPERATION OF FLOATING DRY DOCKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OPERATION OF AN ADJOINING DOCKYARD ON A SITE LYING ON THE WEST COAST OF TSING Yl.

ACCESS TO THE DOCKYARD WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE EXTENSION OF THE TSING. Yl COAST ROAD NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF SEA BED INVOLVED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN YESTERDAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

/people having .....

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1979

PEOPLE HAVING OBJECTIONS OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT THEM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF SEA BED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD. HONG KONG OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

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A CERTAIN SMILE AT SAI LAU KOK * K * * * K

THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE NO TROUBLE IN PERSUADING AT LEAST ONE OCCUPANT TO LEAVE THE DEMOLITION-DOOMED BUILDINGS AT SAI LAU KOK AT THE END OF THIS MONTH — ITSELF.

IN THIS CASE, THE GOVERNMENT PRESENCE TAKES THE FORM OF MRS. FLORENCE YIP, WHO HAS HEADED THE LIAISON CENTRE ESTABLISHED IN ONE OF THE CONDEMNED BUILDINGS LAST MARCH TO COPE WITH ON-THE-SPOT INQUIRIES FROM OCCUPANTS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE.

SINCE THEN, MRS. YIP, A LIAISON OFFICER, HAS DEALT WITH NEARLY 1,200 DIFFERENT INQUIRIES RANGING FROM ANGRY RESIDENTS •♦WHO JUST WANTED TO GET THINGS OFF THEIR CHEST+ TO ANXIOUS MOTHERS INQUIRING ABOUT SCHOOLING FOR THEIR CHILDREN AT THE NEARBY PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHERE THEY WERE ABOUT TO GO.

MRS. YIP SAYS THAT SHE TOOK UP THE JOB WITH ONE AIM IN MIND i +T0 BE SYMPATHETIC, CHEERFUL AND SMILE.+

SHE ADDED! +WE HAVE HAD TO TACKLE ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS BUT I THINK WE MANAGED TO SORT THEM OUT.

+BUT YOU HAVE TO BE CALM AND PATIENT IN THIS JOB AND TRY TO BE SYMPATHETIC AND SOOTHING.

♦SOMETIMES PEOPLE CAME IN AND SHOUTED AT ME BLAMING ME FOR TEARING DOWN THE BUILDINGS. BUT IN THESE CASES, THEY JUST WANTED TO LET OFF A BIT OF STEAM AND ONCE THEY HAD DONE THIS THEY WOULD SIT DOWN AND TALK AND WORK OUT THEIR PROBLEMS.+

NOT SURPRISINGLY, MOST OF THE INQUIRIES CONCERNED COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING AND MRS. YIP HAD TO KEEP IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO KEEP RESIDENTS FULLY IN THE PICTURE ABOUT INDIVIDUAL CASES.

SHE DEALT WITH A NUMBER OF CASES WHERE OWNERS REFUSED TO ALLOW HOUSING DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS INTO THEIR PREMISES TO SCREEN TENANTS ABOUT THEIR REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS

/♦I MANAGED......

SATUHDAY, JULY 28, 1979

- 3 -

♦I MANAGED TO GET THE OWNERS TO BE REASONABLE,+ MRS. YIP SAID.

ANOTHER PART OF HER JOB WAS TO +HURRY UP+ DEPARTMENTS SO THAT OCCUPANTS WERE TOLD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE COMPENSATION AND HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS BEING OFFERED TO THEM.

♦ON THE OTHER HAND, I HAD TO URGE MANY TO BE PATIENT BECAUSE THESE PROBLEMS OBVIOUSLY CAN’T BE RESOLVED OVERNIGHT.+ MRS.

YIP SAID.

SHE ALSO BECAME INVOLVED IN DISPUTES BETWEEN OWNERS AND TENANTS ABOUT THE CUTTING OFF OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES AND HAD TO SORT OUT THE PAYMENT OF RATES AFTER OWNERSHIP OF THE BUILDINGS REVERTED TO THE CROWN LAST NOVEMBER.

♦IT WASN’T ALWAYS EASY, BUT I THINK MOST OF MY ’CUSTOMERS’ WENT AWAY HAPPY,♦ SHE SAYS.

A FORMER TEACHER. MRS. YIP SAYS THE LAST FEW MONTHS HAVE BEEN THE MOST BUSY AND INTERESTING OF HER CAREER.

♦I’LL MISS THE OLD BUILDINGS IN A WAY,+ SHE ADDED.

♦I’VE GOT TO KNOW SO MANY OF THE RESIDENTS VERY WELL.+

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SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1979

AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES $300,700 ***** *

TWENTY-FIVE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF 1300,700 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.

THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER BB 33 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $75,000.

ANOTHER NUMBER BT 1 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $35,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 FOR EACH OF FOUR REGISTRATION NUMBERS.

THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PR ICESi

1028 ($21,000) BZ 1618 ($ 2,500) BZ 223 ($ 4,000) AZ 9999 ($21,000) BZ 1168 ($ 3,400) BZ 328 ($28,000) AB 786 ($ 5,500) BZ 6228 ($ 1,500)

BU 88 ($30,000) 9773 ($15,000)

BZ 928 ($ 5,000)

BZ 888 ($31,000)

BZ 2007 ($ 1,000)

BZ 1338 ($ 3,600)

BZ 622 ($ 3,000)

BZ 180 ($ 3,000)

BZ 833 ($ 4,000) BZ 808 ($ 9,000) BZ 1948 ($ 1,000) BZ 268 ($ 4,200) AB 709 ($ 2,000) BZ 5699 ($ 1,000) BZ 1588 ($ 1,000)

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

TODAY’S SALE, THE 46TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO NEARLY $10 MILLION.

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1979

SWEETMAN SOUR ON LAP SAP CHUNG’S * * * *

THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, M?. JIMMY SWEETMAN, WARNED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT UNLESS PEOPLE STOPPED LITTERING THE COUNTRYSIDE, IT WOULD REACH THE STAGE WHERE ♦IT WILL MAKE A PIGSTY LOOK CLEAN.♦

HE GAVE THE WARNING WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT AQUATIC CARNIVAL AT CASTLE PEAK BEACH TO MARK THE START OF THE DISTRICT’S CLEAN BEACHES CAMPAIGN.

MR. SWEETMAN SAID THERE WAS ALREADY A TERRIBLE AMOUNT OF LITTER IN THE WATERS AND ON THE BEACHES — AND THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE.

♦WHY IS IT GETTING WORSE?* HE ASKED. +FIRSTLY, BECAUSE MORE PEOPLE ARE COMING OUT TO ENJOY A DAY AT THE SEASIDE, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE OUR WORKERS NOW HAVE MORE LEISURE TIME.

+WE ARE ALL ENJOYING AN IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE AND HAVE BECOME THE ENVY OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.*

MANY OVERSEAS CHINESE LOOK BACK ON HONG KONG AS A HEAVEN ON EARTH, SPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FROM WAR AND ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION, HE POINTED OUT.

♦BUT WHAT ARE WE DOING TO OUR HEAVEN?

♦IF WE GO ON WITH OUR FILTHY HABITS OF THROWING LITTER ALL OVER THE PLACE, WE SHALL TURN OUR HEAVEN INTO A HELL,+ MR. SWEETMAN SAID.

♦THEREFORE,♦ HE STRESSED, +THE DUTY OF ALL OF US IS TO SHOW PUBLIC SPIRIT AND CO-OPERATION AND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE REALLY DO ENJOY OUR RECREATION IN COMFORT AND CLEANLINESS RATHER THAN IN CONDITIONS WHICH, IF NOT CHECKED, WILL MAKE A PIGSTY LOOK CLEAN.♦

TODAY’S FUNCTION PARTICIPATED BY SOME 5,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS WAS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT COMMUNITY BUILDING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ♦FIVE 0S+ — THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICE, THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AND THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.

IT FEATURED A VARIETY OF WATER SPORTS, GAMES AND COMPETITIONS AS WELL AS A SWEEPING EXERCISE TO DRIVE HOME THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE OF KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MAJOR COMPANIES BACK GOVERNMENT' S SAVE FUEL CAMPAIGN .... 1

TAI PO GOVT OFFICES TO BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON TUESDAY.. 3

LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO OPERATE COMPLAINT HOT-LINE .......... 4

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO RECRUIT 300 MORE OFFICERS ...... 5

IMPROVED POSTAL SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ........... 6

EMPLOYERS' VIETS WANTED ON CREDIT-UNIT SYSTEM............. 7

NO RIGHT TURN ............................................ 8

PRELIMINARY CENSUS RESULTS ON RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ..... 8

CLOSURE OF ROADS ON OUTLYING ISLANDS .................... 11

WATER CUT

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

- 1 -

MAJOR COMPANIES BACK GOVERNMENT’S SAVE FUEL CAMPAIGN ******

A STEADY STREAM OF LETTERS TO THE GOVERNMENT SHOWS THAT MAJOR LANDLORDS AND CONSUMERS OF ELECTRICITY ARE ACHIEVING SUBSTANTIAL FUEL SAVINGS.

THEY ARE REPLYING TO A LETTER FROM MR. DAVID JEAFFRESON WHO, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE OIL POLICY COMMITTEE, RECENTLY WROTE TO MORE THAN 400 MAJOR COMPANIES, ASKING THEM TO LOOK AT WAYS TO ACHIEVE SAVINGS — PARTICULARLY BY REDUCING NON-ESSENTIAL LIGHTING AND CURTAILING AIR-CONDITIONING — AND SAID HE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEARING OF THEIR SUCCESSES.

FROM FACTORIES, HOTELS AND HOSPITALS TO BANKS, NEWSPAPERS, TELEVISION COMPANIES AND RECREATION CLUBS — ALL ANSWERS GIVE A CLEAR PICTURE OF CONCERTED EFFORTS TO SAVE ELECTRICITY.

THE BRITISH-AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY REPORTED A DROP OF 17.4 PER CENT IN MAY COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS MONTH’S CONSUMPTION, AND SAID THEY EXPECTED A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT IN JUNE WHEN THEIR ENERGY SAVING PROGRAMME HAD BEEN IN OPERATION FOR A FULL MONTH.

HOTELS HAD ADOPTED WIDE-RANGING CAMPAIGNS, WHICH IN THE CASE OF THE HYATT REGENCY HAD RESULTED IN A SAVING OF MORE THAN 117,000 UNITS IN JUNE — OVER 10 PER CENT OF THEIR CONSUMPTION COMPARED TO JUNE LAST YEAR.

NOTICES AND STICKERS IN ROOMS IN THE HILTON, HOLIDAY INN AND THE HYATT REGENCY HOTELS ASKED GUESTS TO CO-OPERATE IN THE CAMPAIGN BY TURNING OFF LIGHTS AND AIR-CONDITIONING WHEN IT WAS NOT NEEDED.

MANY OF THE HOTELS HAD SET UP THEIR OWN ENERGY SAVING COMMITTEES WHICH MEET REGULARLY TO CONSIDER NEW ECONOMY MEASURES. THESE RANGE FROM TURNING OFF HOT WATER IN THE AFTERNOONS OR, IN THE CASE OF THE LEE GARDENS HOTEL, BY REDUCING THE TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER AND ONLY TURNING ON DISH-WASHING MACHINES WHEN THEY ARE FULLY LOADED.

THE MANDARIN HOTEL REPORTED THAT THE ENTIRE HOTEL WAS BEING DOUBLE-GLAZED, USING A LIGHTLY COLOURED GLASS TO REFLECT SUNSHINE, AND THIS HAD PRODUCED DRAMATIC SAVINGS IN 0.ECTRICITY. TRADITIONAL LIGHT BULBS WERE BEING CONVERTED TO FLUORESCENT LIGHTING TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION.

THE HILTON HOTEL HAD SET THE AIR-CONDITIONING AT 26 DEGREES CELS,H'S, AND WERE OFFERING PRIZES TO EMPLOYEES WHO PRODUCED CREATIVE IDEAS ON ENERGY CONSERVATION.

THE AIR-CONDITIONING IN THE CARLTON HOTEL WAS TURNED UP

DURING THE LUNCH HOUR, BUT AFTERWARDS WAS TURNED DOWN TO 50 PER CENT CAPACITY, AND TOWARDS THE EVENING FURTHER REDUCED TO 25 PER CENT CAPACITY.

/the hotels .....

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

THE HOTELS STRESSED THAT DESPITE THE MEASURES THEY WERE TAKING, THE COMFORT OF THEIR GUESTS WAS NOT BEING AFFECTED.

THE SING TAO NEWSPAPERS HAD, AMONG OTHER MEASURES, REDUCED LIGHTING BY HALF- AND THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK WAS AIMING AT 10 PER CENT SAVING BY KEEPING AIR-CONDITIONING TO 26 DEGREES AND REDUCING LIGHTING IN CORRIDORS AND ENTRANCE LOBBIES.

BOILERS WERE SHUT DOWN AT 10 P.M. AT THE BAPTIST HOSPITAL, AND REDUCED LIGHTING USED IN CORRIDORS- WHILE THE WAI LUEN INVESTMENT COMPANY HAD A 10 PER CENT SAVING TARGET.

STRICT CONTROL ON THE USE OF AIR-CONDITIONERS WAS JUST ONE SAVING MEASURE REPORTED BY THE UNITED SERVICES RECREATION CLUB.

♦THIS INITIAL RESPONSE TO THE OIL POLICY COMMITTEE’S REQUEST IS VERY ENCOURAGI NG,♦ SAID A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN.

♦THE ACTIVE CO-OPERATION BY A WIDE RANGE OF MAJOR ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS HAS SHOWN THAT THEY APPRECIATE THE SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS THAT CAN BE ACHIEVED BY MANY SIMPLE AND EASY MEASURES.

♦FOLLOWING THE INCREASES IN THE FUEL VARIATION COST DUE TO THE RISE IN THE PRICE OF FUEL OIL, THESE CONSUMPTION SAVINGS WILL ALSO BE REFLECTED IN THE COMPANIES’ FUEL BILLS,♦ HE SAID.

SUKDAY, JULY 29, 1979

TAI PO GOVT OFFICES TO BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON TUESDAY * M * M * M

THE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON TUESDAY.

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR. STEPHEN WONG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. WONG CHUN—WAI.

BUILT AT A COST OF $12.9 MILLION, THE FIVE-STOREY BUILDING IS THE FIRST MULTI-PURPOSE GOVERNMENT BUILDING EVER CONSTRUCTED IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IT HAS A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 8,900 SQUARE METRES AND PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION FOR 13 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND ITS MARRIAGE REGISTRY, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE POST OFFICE.

THE NEW POST OFFICE WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AT 9 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO REPLACE THE PRESENT ONE IN KWONG FUK ROAD WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1935.

IT WILL OPERATE IN A BIGGER AREA, WITH 342 ADDITIONAL POST OFFICE BOXES TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW POST OFFICE WILL BE 12-677111 EXT. 299.

NOTE TO EDITORSl

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING WHICH WILL START ON TUESDAY AT 3.30 P.M. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2088, WILL TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO TAI PO, LEAVING KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 2 P.M.

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/4 •«•• •

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

- 4 -

LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO OPERATE COMPLAINT HOT-LINE ******

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL START OPERATING A +HOT-LINE+ TELEPHONE SERVICE ON WEDNESDAY TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL OVERTIME WORK BY WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS, AND CHILD EMPLOYMENT IN INDUSTRY.

THE +HOT—LINE+, 3-684242, WILL BE OPERATED 24 HOURS A DAY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT AT ITS KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE IN CANTON ROAD.

•

DISCLOSING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RECALLED A STATEMENT MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLIER THIS MONTH.

MR. HENDERSON SAID THE POSITION WITH REGARD TO CHILD LABOUR IN HONG KONG HAD IMPROVED ENORMOUSLY OVER THE LAST DECADE, AND THE LABOUR INSPECTORATE WERE VIGILANT IN THEIR WORK IN ERADICATING WHAT LITTLE REMAINED.

♦THE HOT-LINE SERVICE IS A MAJOR EFFORT IN THIS RESPECT,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

COMPLAINTS MADE ON THE LINE WILL BE ANSWERED BY AN OFFICER IN CHARGE OF COMPLAINT INVESTIGATIONS BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M. AND BETWEEN 2 P.M. TO 5.30 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON ON SATURDAYS. CALLS COMING IN OUTSIDE THESE HOURS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY RECORDED.

♦THESE COMPLAINTS WILL BE PROCESSED CENTRALLY AND THE NEW HOT-LINE SHOULD THEREFORE BE USED AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE TO ENABLE OFFICERS IN THE UNIT TO INITIATE INVESTIGATIONS SOON AFTER A COMPLAINT IS RECEIVED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE URGED PEOPLE MAKING COMPLAINTS ON THE HOT-LINE TO GIVE THEIR NAMES AND ADDRESSES OR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR FURTHER CONTACTS.

♦ALL COMPLAINTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE,* HE STRESSED.

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SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO RECRUIT 300 MORE OFFICERS ft ft ft ft

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO RECRUIT 300 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS THIS YEAR TO COPE WITH INCREASING WORKLOAD LARGELY BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE INFLUX OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM AND IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA AND INCREASED DEMAND FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.

REVEALING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, +WE ARE LOOKING FOR ENERGETIC YOUNG MEN WITH INTELLIGENCE, SOUND JUDGMENT AND AN ALL-ROUND PERSONALITY TO FILL THE VACANCIES.*

HE SAID THE WORK OF AN ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER IS CHALLENGING, FOR HE HAS A LOT OF CHANCES OF MEETING PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD.

♦YOUNG PEOPLE WILL FIND THIS JOB INTERESTING,♦ HE SAID.

♦ALL NEW RECRUITS HAVE TO UNDERGO A THREE-MONTH FULL-TIME INDUCTION COURSE,♦ HE SAID.

♦THE TRAINING IS COMPREHENSIVE, COVERING THE IMMIGRATION LAWS OF HONG KONG AND HOW TO ENFORCE THEM.

♦THEY HAVE TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE TYPE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE PROCEDURES TO DEAL WITH THESE APPLICATIONS.♦

THE COURSE COVERS VISA REGULATIONS, ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES FOR IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE AT KAI TAK, MACAU WHARF AND LO WU, GIVING EVIDENCE IN COURT, THE POWER OF ARRESTING AND DETAINING SUSPECTS, TAKING STATEMENTS AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM OF HONG KONG.

AS PHYSICAL FITNESS IS VERY IMPORTANT IN THE EFFICIENT DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTIES, THE RECRUITS RECEIVE TRAINING IN SWIMMING AND GYMNASTIC EXERCISES. TRAINING IS ALSO GIVEN IN FOOT-DRILL, SELF-DEFENCE AND ARREST AND ESCORT TECHNIQUES.

TURNING TO PROSPECTS, HE POINTED OUT THAT ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ARE PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF IMMIGRATION OFFICER AFTER PASSING AN EXAMINATION AND GAINING THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE, AND THEREAFTER TO EVEN MORE SENIOR POSTS.

♦IN FACT, MORE THAN HALF OF THE 86 SERVING SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AS ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS. A FEW OTHERS ARE WORKING EVEN IN HIGHER POSTS WHICH OFFER A SALARY IN THE RANGE OF $6,9*5 - $10,800 A MONTH,+ HE ADDED.

APPLICANTS FOR THE POST OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER SHOULD POSSESS A CREDIT IN ENGLISH PLUS A GRADE E OR ABOVE IN FOUR OTHER SUBJECTS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM CITY DISTRICT OFFICES OR DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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/6 .....

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

IMPROVED POSTAL SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES * * * *

MORE THAN 250,000 NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS ~ INCLUDING MANY

DEl!vERYNSERVICE V,LLASES “ ARE S00N T0 6ET A DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL

THE FIRST STAGE OF THE NEW SERVICE IS TO BE 269 VILLAGES IN ALL MAINLAND DISTRICTS OVER THE

INTRODUCED IN NEXT FEW MONTHS

THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR

SCHEME WILL COVER ANOTHER 75 VILLAGES AND EARLY NEXT YEAR.

THE SCHEME INVOLVES THE NUMBERING OF THOUSANDS OF NEW TERRITORIES HOUSES BY LAND TEAMS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF SAI KUNG, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN SO THAT THE POST OFFICE CAN PROVIDE THE DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE.

HITHERTO, THE VILLAGES CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESSES OR VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES.

HAVE BEEN SERVICED MAINLY BY COMMUNAL LETTER BOXES SUPERVISED BY

♦NEITHER THE VILLAGERS NOR THE AUTHORITIES WERE ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH THE SYSTEMS, SO A STUDY WAS MADE LAST YEAR TO SEE HOW WE COULD BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENT,♦ THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOSEPH WONG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

♦THE STUDY SHOWED THAT WE COULD COVER 344 OF THE VILLAGES WITH A DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERY SERVICE WITH THE AID OF A PROPER HOUSE NUMBERING SCHEME, WORK ON WHICH IS BEING DONE IN TWO STAGES.

♦YUEN LONG AND SAI KUNG ARE THE FIRST TO GET THE NEW SERVICE AND ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN AN ADVANCED STAGE TO ENSURE THAT THE DISTRICTS ARE PROVIDED WITH THE SERVICE IN AUGUST. OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE FIRST STAGE WILL FOLLOW IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

♦THE POST OFFICE IS RECRUITING MORE STAFF TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW SCHEME,+ HE SAID.

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SUNDAY, JULY 29,

1979

EMPLOYERS’ VIEWS WANTED ON CREDIT-UNIT SYSTEM ft ft ft ft

THE VIEWS OF MAJOR EMPLOYERS ARE BEING SOUGHT REGARDING A CREDIT-UNIT SYSTEM TO BE ADOPTED BY THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR TECHNICIAN PROGRAMMES IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING.

LETTERS INVITING COMMENTS TOGETHER WITH DETAILS ON THE SYSTEM HAVE BEEN SENT TO 36 EMPLOYERS WITH REGARD TO THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAMME, AND TO 33 EMPLOYERS IN THE CASE OF THE ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING PROGRAMME.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE CREDIT-UNIT SYSTEM PROVIDES THE FLEXIBILITY NECESSARY TO hEET THE CHANGING REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRY INCLUDING GREATER DIVERSIFICATION.

+AN ADDITIONAL BENEFIT IS GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR STUDENTS AS UNITS MAY BE STUDIED AT A SPACE WHICH IS SUITED TO THEIR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES,♦ HE ADDED.

THIS WAS PARTICULARLY ADVANTAGEOUS FOR EVENING STUDENTS WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND CLASSES ON THREE OR FOUR EVENINGS EACH WEEK, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, EXPLAINING THAT UNDER THE SYSTEM A STUDENT COULD COMPLETE THE NUMBER OF UNITS REQUIRED FOR AN AWARD OVER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME.

THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALSO INTENDS TO SEEK VALIDATION FOR THESE PROGRAMMES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TECHNICIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL.

♦IF THE PROGRAMMES ARE APPROVED STUDENTS WILL, AFTER A NUMBER OF YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN INDUSTRY, BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ONE OF THE REGISTERED INSTITUTIONS FOR TECHNICIANS AND TECHNICIAN ENGINEERS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

- 8

NO RIGHT TURN * * *

<n * JHE,JRtu~0RT depaRTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FROM ,T.U.eSDAY’ westbound motor vehicles along des voeux

STREETENORTHBOUND PR0HIB,TED FR0M TURNING right into western

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

PRELIMINARY CENSUS RESULTS ON RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS X M M X M

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) RELEASED RESULTS OF A LARGE-SCALE ECONOMIC CENSUS IN 1978 ON RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, COLLECTING DATA RELATING TO 1977.

INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE CENSUS INCLUDED THE TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENGAGED, SALES AND RECEIPTS, LABOUR COST, OPERATING COST, PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE, STOCKS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.

THE RESULTS WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO EVALUATE THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF THESE TRADE SECTORS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) IN TERMS OF CENSUS VALUE-ADDED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

♦CENSUS VALUE-ADDED IS OBTAINED BY SUBTRACTING FROM SALES, THE TOTAL VALUE OF PURCHASES OF GOODS, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES, AND PAYMENTS FOR WATER AND ENERGY, AND FOR CONTRACT WORK AND COMMISSIONS,* HE EXPLAINED.

ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS RESULTS, TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS OF RESTAURANTS, CAFES, FAST FOOD SHOPS AND BARS IN HONG KONG WERE ESTIMATED TO BE $5,131 MILLION IN 1977, AND THEIR CENSUS VALUE-ADDED, $2,100 MILLION.

THE PURCHASES OF FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES AND OTHER GOODS FOR SALE BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO $2,570 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF LABOUR COST INCURRED WAS $1,305 MILLION, INCLUDING PAYROLL AND OTHER BENEFITS TO EMPLOYEES (BUT NOT TIPS PAID TO EMPLOYEES DIRECT), BUT EXCLUDING THE WITHDRAWALS BY PROPRIETORS AND PARTNERS OF UNINCORPORATED BUSINESSES.

/other......

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES TOTALLED $963 MILLION.

AMONG ALL EATING AND DRINKING PLACES, THE CHINESE-TYPE RESTAURANTS RANKED FIRST IN BOTH SALES ($3,892 MILLION) AND CENSUS VALUE-ADDED ($1,497 MILLION).

+THE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPERATED BY HOTELS -- THESE ARE INCLUDED IN THE STATISTICS FOR HOTELS,♦ HE SAID.

THE ESTIMATED TOTAL SALES AND RECEIPTS OF HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES IN 1977 WERE $1,100 MILLION (EXCLUDING HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX) AND THEIR CENSUS VALUE-ADDED $794 MILLION.

THEIR PURCHASES OF FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES AND OTHER GOODS FOR SALE WERE $142 MILLION. A TOTAL OF $251 MILLION WAS INCURRED AS LABOUR COST, AND $396 MILLION AS OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES.

THE CENSUS COVERED ALL RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ENGAGING 20 OR MORE PEOPLE, AND A SAMPLE OF SMALLER ESTABLISHMENTS. THE RESULTS RELEASED TODAY RELATED TO 3,672 RESTAURANTS AND 655 HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CENSUS DID NOT, HOWEVER, INCLUDE ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH HAD NOT REGISTERED WITH THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE- FOOD STALLS- MOBILE VENDORS- CANTEENS IN PLANTS, OFFICES AND SCHOOLSAND RESTAURANTS ATTACHED TO CLUBS OR ORGANISATIONS THAT ONLY CATERED FOR MEMBERS.

ALSO EXCLUDED FROM THE CENSUS RESULTS ARE 727 RESTAURANTS AND 162 HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES KNOWN TO HAVE OPERATED DURING 1977 BUT WERE EITHER CLOSED, OR BECAME UNTRACEABLE DURING THE CENSUS ENUMERATION PERIOD.

+THEIR STATISTICS WILL BE ESTIMATED AND INCLUDED IN A FORTHCOMING REPORT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF COMPILING A REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED CENSUS RESULTS, THE SAMPLE DESIGN AND METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CENSUS RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT BY TELEPHONING 5-444584.

/results of......

Resultci economic census on restaurants and hotels for 1977 :

£ summary statistics for reporting establishments Sunday, July 29. 1979 •

£ •

£ Nature of p business H •Number of establishments Number of persons engaged Labour cost Operating cost Purchases of foodstuffs, beverages and other goods for sale Increase in sto des Sales and receipts Census \ value added

◄ Restaurants S’000

Chinese restaurants 1,796 74,914 977,339 702,375 2,040,031 10,558 3,892,060 1,497,490

Restaurants (including cafes), other than Chinese 1,432 21,212 235,570 191,182 451,330 1,587 963,097 432,826

Fast food shops 160 2,075 19,399 30,895 54,025 1,540 115,773 >0,276 ' 1

Bars o 78 2,862 68,933 32,703 15,857 226 136,346 1”>>,241 1 1

Other eating and i drinking places 206 656 3,960 5,643 8,800 81 23,693 0 is,^86 1

Total 3,672 101,717 1,505,200 962,800 2,570,043 13,991 5,130,969 1 2,100,220 ,

Hotels/boarding houses

Hotels 46 14,6?6 237,810 362,824 140,187 1,952 1,031,444 736,955

Apartments and boarding houses 609 2,119 13,298 33,286 1,390 10 68,66? 56,953

Total 655 16,795 251,108 396,111 141*578 1,962 1,100,111 793,908

Restaurants and hotels 4,327 118,512 1,556,308 1,358,910 2,711,621 15,954 6,231,080 2,894,128

Note: 1« Figures may not add up to the totals due to rounding.

2. Operating cost includes rent and rates, fuel, water and electricity, and other operating -expenses.

J. Increase in stocks refers to increase in stocks of foodstuffs, beverages and other goods for sale,

and other inventories such as fuel, guest supplies, cleaning supplies, etc®

Sales and receipts exclude hotel accommodation tax.

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 1979

CLOSURE OF ROADS ON OUTLYING ISLANDS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY ALL THE ROADS ON OUTLYING ISLANDS WILL BE CLOSED TO MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

THE OUTLYING ISLANDS ARE I

CHA KWO CHAU, CHEK LAP KOK ISLAND, CHEUNG CHAU, CHEUNG SOK, GREEN ISLAND, HEI LING CHAU, JUNK ISLAND, KAU PEI CHAU, KELLETT ISLAND, LAM CHAU.

LAMMA ISLAND, LITTLE GREEN ISLAND, LO CHAU ISLAND (TWEED ISLAND), LUK CHAU, MA WAN, MAGAZINE ISLAND, MIDDLE ISLAND, NG FAN CHAU, PEAKED HILL, PENG CHAU.

PO TOI ISLAND GROUP (BEAUFORT ISLAND, CASTLE ROCK, MAT CHAU, PO TOI ISLAND, SUNG KONG AND WAGLAN ISLAND), ROUND ISLAND, SHEK KWU CHAU, SHEK LAM CHAU, SIU KAU Yl CHAU.

SOKO ISLANDS (CHEUNG MUH TAU, KAU Yl CHAU, MA CHAU, SIU A CHAU, TAI A CHAU, TAU LO CHAU, YUEN CHAU AND YUEN KONG CHAU), SUNSHINE ISLAND, TAI LEI.

TAI TAU CHAU, TANG LUNG CHAU, TAU CHAU, THE BROTHERS.

_ _ 0 - -

WATER CUT * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 6 A.M. THE NEXT MORNING FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY THE NORTH SIDE OF HENNESSY ROAD, WEST SIDE OF MARSH ROAD, SOUTH SIDE OF GLOUCESTER ROAD, EAST SIDE OF STEWART ROAD INCLUDING TONNOCHY ROAD, JAFFE ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD.

MEANWHILE IN KOWLOON, WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF SHEK KIP MEI PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NAM CHEONG STREET AND CORNWALL STREET, INCLUDING TAI WO PING INDUSTRIAL LICENSED AREA AND CORNWALL STREET AND TA! WO PING LICENSED AREAS.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JULY 30, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRIME TO.vN HOUSE SITE FOR SALS AT SHA TIN ..................... 1

PWD AWARDED 38 CONTRACTS IN JUNE.............................. 2

FIRjS-SN INSPECT OVER 700 ABERDEEN FACTORIES ................... 2

CLOSURE OF CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION .......................... 3

NO ENTRY FOR LEARNER DRIVERS ................................... 3

WATER CUT

MONDAY, JULY 30, 1979

PRIME TOWN HOUSE SITE FOR SALE AT SHA TIN ft ft * * ft

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SELL A PRIME TOWN HOUSE SITE ON THE NORTH-WESTERN SIDE OF SHA TIN VALLEY BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON THURSDAY.

THE 724 SQUARE METRE SITE IS SITUATED MIDWAY BETWEEN THE WESTERN END OF THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY IN AN AREA KNOWN AS +THE JARDINE’S LOOKOUT OF SHA TIN*.

ACCORDING TO THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. DOM SMITH, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DEVELOP THIS AREA INTO A LOW-DENSITY TOP-CLASS RESIDENTIAL ZONE.

♦IT COMMANDS AN EXCELLENT VIEW OF THE RACE COURSE AND TIDE COVE IN ADDITON TO BEING SURROUNDED BY A GREEN BELT,* MR. SMITH SAID.

THE AREA SHOULD BE A PLEASANT PLACE TO LIVE IN BECAUSE OF ITS GOOD LOCATION AND DIRECT ACCESS TO KOWLOON VIA THE SHA TIN TRUNK ROAD, HE SAID.

THE SITE CARRIES A BUILDING CONVENANT OF 1110,000 TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN 36 MONTHS.

THE SALE CONDITION STIPULATES A PLOT RATIO OF 0.4 AND THE AREA APPLICABLE FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE PLOT RATIO IS 674 SQUARE METRES.

THE SITE, THE FIRST IN THE AREA PUT ON THE MARKET, IS EXPECTED TO STIMULATE GREAT INTEREST FROM LOCAL DEVELOPERS IN VIEW OF THE HEAVY DEMAND FOR LAND FOR HIGH CLASS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, H?. SMITH SAID.

♦WE PLAN TO SELL ANOTHER SIX LOTS IN THE SAME AREA BY TENDER TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

♦THEIR SIZES RAMGE FROM 740 TO 9,960 SQUARE METRES AND ALL ARE EARMARKED FOR TWO-STOREY TOWN HOUSE DEVELOPMENT,♦ HE ADDED.

THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 11 A.M. ON THURSDAY.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, AND ANY OF ITS SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES.

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

MONDAY, JULY 30, 1979

PWD AWARDED 38 CONTRACTS IN JUNE * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH AWARDED A TOTAL OF 38 CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN 1163 MILLION.

SIXTEEN WERE AWARDED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND THE OTHERS ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PWD TENDER

BOARD.

THE BIGGEST CONTRACT WAS FOR THE FORMATION OF 31 HECTARES OF LAND AND ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN WHICH IS PART OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

OTHER MAJOR CONTRACTS AWARDED IN JUNE INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RESTAURANT AND KITCHEN BLOCK AT KAI TAK AIRPORT, FOUNDATION WORK FOR SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL STAFF QUARTER^ AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AT KWAI CHUNG.

0 - -

FIREMEN INSPECT OVER 700 ABERDEEN FACTORIES

* ft * * ft *

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OFFICERS TODAY (MONDAY) CARRIED OUT A RANDOM INSPECTION ON MORE THAN 700 ABERDEEN FACTORIES IN AN EFFORT TO REMOVE POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS. r

AND A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID, 102 FACTORY OWNERS WILL EE SERVED WITH FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES, MOSTLY FOR CAUSING OBSTRUCTION IN COMMON AREAS AND TO STAIRCASES. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE HAZARDS WITHIN A STIPULATED PERIOD OF TIME’OR BE SUMMONSED.

DURING THE TWO-HOUR INSPECTION, LED BY DIVISIONAL OFFICER, M?. KWAN SAI-YIU, FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS FOUND MANY STAIRWAYS, COMMON CORRIDORS, FIRE EXITS AND LIFT LOBBIES BLOCKED WITH PAPER CARTONS AND UNFINISHED PRODUCTS.

IN ADDITION, THEY ALSO DISCOVERED THREE ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES, AN UNLICENSED CANTEEN AND FIVE CASES OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING ALTERNATIONS.

THE DETAILS OF THE CASES WILL BE REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR ACTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

MEANWHILE. THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, A FACTORY OWNER WILL BE SUMMONSED SHORTLY FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH A FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICE.

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

MONDAY, JULY 30, 1979

- 3 -

CLOSURE OF CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE PUBLIC DUMP AT CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION STAGE I WILL BE CLOSED FROM THURSDAY.

♦A SMALL CORNER OF THIS RECLAMATION AREA HAS YET TO BE RECLAIMED PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE LAST SECTION OF SEAWALL,* A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦PUBLIC DUMPING WILL BE RESUMED AFTER THE SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION WORK IS COMPLETED.*

- - 0 - -

NO ENTRY FOR LEARNER DRIVERS

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING AND PRACTISING DRIVING ON THE LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROAD AT SHAM TSENG, NEW TERRITORIES.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - - - 0 -----,

WATER CUT M * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN POKFULAM WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOR WATER MAIN CONNECTION WORKS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY SASSOON ROAD AND NORTHCOTE CLOSE, INCLUDING TELEGRAPH BAY VILLAGE.

AND FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHEK KIP MEI WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NAM CHEONG STREET AND CORNWALL STREET, INCLUDING TAI WO PING INDUSTRIAL LICENSED AREA AND CORNWALL STREET AND TAI WO PING LICENSED AREAS.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HIGH FUEL PRICES AND TIGHT SUPPLIES WILL STAY..................... 1

JUNE MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS ..................................... 2

GOVT CONSIDERING STANDING COMMISSION REPORT ..................... 10

REVIEW OF CORONER'S ORDINANCE.................................... 10

DIRECTOR OF TRADE RETURNS ....................................... 11

LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT SUMMER YOUTH CAMP ....................... 11

LONDONERS TO SEE "HONG KONG IN PROGRESS" ........................ 12

SEVEN CPESTIOFS FOR LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW....................... 12

TWO DISTRICT OFFICES FOR TAI PO ................................. 14

VOCATIONAL TRAINING IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG'S WELL-BEING........ 15

SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS .....................................

MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY ........................ 16

WATER CUT ......................................................

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

HIGH FUEL PRICES AND TIGHT SUPPLIES WILL STAY

THE DIRECTOR OF DIL SUPPLIES, MR. DAVID JORDAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) HIGH PRICES AND TIGHT SUPPLIES SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS A PASSING PHASE BY ASSUMING THAT THEY ARE HERE TO STAY.

SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AT ITS MONTHLY LUNCHEON TODAY, HE SAID THAT AT THE MOMENT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO FURTHER LEGISLATION IN MIND.

THIS, HE SAID, WAS DUE TO HAVING ACHIEVED THE SAVINGS THAT WERE AIMED AT, AND THE ANTICIPATED NORMAL REDUCTION IN INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION IN THE LATE AUTUMN.

HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED, AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR COUNTRIES THAT HAVE.REALLY COLD WINTERS BEGIN TO STOCK UP FUEL, SO THAT THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS COMPETITION FOR THE LIMITED SUPPLIES OF FUEL OIL AVAILABLE.

REFERRING TO SUGGESTIONS THAT CHINA SHOULD BE ASKED FOR MORE OIL AND THAT WE SHOULD RELY OW MARKET F3K.ES SOLVING THE PROBLEM, W. JORDAN SAIDl ♦CHINA HAS OTHER CUSTOMERS FOR ITS OIL PRODUCTS — PARTICULARLY FUEL OIL OF WHICH IT DOES NOT HAVE A GREAT SURPLUS — AND THESE OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE JUST AS HUNGRY FOR SUPPLIES AS IS HONG KONG.

♦AS FOR MARKET FORCES, OIL PRICES ON THE SPOT MARKET ARE STILL 5D PER CENT AHEAD OF THE RECENTLY INCREASED ’POSTED* PRICES, AND IF THERE IS A SEVERE WINTER IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE THIS YEAR, SPOT PRICES MAY WELL GO HIGHER STILL.

♦THIS MEANS THAT WE SHOULD ALL COUNT THE COST OF ENERGY — AND IN HONG KONG THAT MEANS, PRIMARILY, ELECTRICITY — AS SOMETHING WHICH WE SHOULD TAKE STEPS TO REDUCE OR, IF WE HAVE REDUCED IT ALREADY, TO KEEP DOWN,* HE SAID.

MR. JORDAN POSED SOME PERTINENT QUESTIONS TO HONG KONG'S INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPANIES, ARCHITECTS AND THE GOVERNMENT BY ASKING THE FOLLOWING!

M HOW MANY INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE TAKEN STEPS NOT JUST TO REDUCE THEIR ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION, BUT TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM ECONOMIES CONSISTENT WITH EFFICIENT OPERATION?

* HOW MANY CONSUMERS OF FUEL OIL HAVE HAD THEIR STEAM RAISING AND USING FACILITIES CHECKED, TO SEE THAT THEIR FUEL BURNING EFFICIENCY IS KEPT AT A HIGH LEVEL?

* HOW MANY HAVE MADE SURE THEIR BOILERMEN ARE PROPERLY TRAINED TO ACHIEVE THAT EFFICIENCY?

* HOW MANY ARCHITECTS CONSIDER THERMAL EFFICIENCY WHEN

• DESIGNING A NEW BUILDING?

* WHAT CHANGES TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT ARE NECESSARY TO ALLOW — OR PERHAPS EVEN OBLIGE — ARCHITECTS TO DESIGN BUILDINGS WHICH ARE LOWER USERS OF ENERGY THAN THOSE BUILT TODAY?

Zaxd referring......

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

AND REFERRING TO HIS OWN DEPARTMENT’S 50 PER CENT REDUCTION IN ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION FOR LIGHTING FOR ITS OFFICES, MR. JORDAN WONDERED IN HOW MANY OTHER OFFICES THERE WAS UNNECESSARY LIGHTING.

♦HOW MANY FIRMS HAVE LOOKED REALLY CRITICALLY AT THEIR LIGHTING?* HE ASKED.

ACKNOWLEDGING THAT MANY COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS HAD ACHIEVED CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS, PARTICULARLY BY REDUCING NON-ESSENTIAL LIGHTING AND CURTAILING AIR-CONDITIONING, MR. JORDAN SAIDi +DESPITE OUR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WE ALL STILL SEE MANY SIGNS OF WASTE.

♦THE ONUS LIES WITH ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS, GOVERNMENT AND MANAGEMENT GENERALLY TO COME TO TERMS WITH A SITUATION WHICH WILL NOT DISAPPEAR. THE DAYS OF CHEAP ENERGY ARE GONE, AND ALL OF US FACE A PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT WHICH WILL BE MUCH MORE PAINFUL AND LAST LONGER THAN THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE 'OIL SHOCK’ OF 1973 AND THE ONSET OF THE PRESENT SITUATION.

♦ENERGY SUPPLIES ARE GOING TO GET MORE AND MORE EXPENSIVE. SO IT’S NOT JUST A QUESTION OF SAVING OIL BECAUSE SUPPLIES ARE TIGHT NOW, BUT OF SAVING MONEY TOO,* MR. JORDAN CONCLUDED.

----- 0 - - - -

JUNE MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS *****

THE JUNE 1979 MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS WITH THE MONTHLY FIGURES FOR BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, AND THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES ARE PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE FIGURES SHOW THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY ROSE AGAIN, WHILE THE GROWTH RATE OF LOANS AND ADVANCES BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TOGETHER CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN.

MONEY SUPPLY

THE MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS ROSE IN JUNE. Ml (NOTES AND COINS IN CIRCULATION OUTSIDE THE BANKS AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS) ROSE BY $866 MILLION (3.7 PER CENT) TO $24,303 MILLION, WHICH WAS 25.6 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL AT THE END OF JUNE 1978 (A NOTICEABLY LOWER INCREASE THAN THE 27.7 PER CENT RECORDED IN MAY).

THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTEDLY SHARP INCREASE OF 4.2 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF DEMAND DEPOSITS DURING JUNEi THIS IS SOMEWHAT SURPRISING GIVEN THE CURRENT LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES.

'M2 (Ml PLUS TIME AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS) ROSE IN JUNE BY $2,308 MILLIOU (2.9 PER CENT) TO $80,928 MILLION, 22.1 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL AT THE END OF JUNE 1978, WHICH IS THE LOWEST INCREASE IN THE YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON FOR 16 MONTHS.

TUESDAY, JULI 31, 1979

IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE, HOWEVER, M2 ROSE BY 5.4 PER CENT. AS COMPARED WITH THE INCREASE OF 4.6 PER CENT IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR.

M3 (M2 PLUS DEPOSITS AT DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, LESS DEPOSITS HELD BY THOSE COMPANIES WITH BANKS IN HONG KONG, AND LESS THEIR HOLDINGS OF NOTES AND COIN) ROSE IN JUNE BY 11,728 MILLION (2.1 PER CENT) TO $85,356 MILLION.

THIS WAS 10.7 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE END OF DECEMBER 1978 (THE FIRST MONTH FOR WHICH THIS DEFINITION OF THE MONEY SUPPLY CAN BE CALCULATED) AND 5.4 PER CENT ABOVE THE END-MARCH 1979 LEVEL.

BANKING STATISTICS

BANK LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE BY $1,718 MILLION (2.8 PER CENT) IN JUNE TO $62,358 MILLION, 46.2 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL AT THE END OF JUNE 1978. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO THE END OF JUNE BANK LOANS ROSE BY 7.6 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE RISE OF 9.7 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER.

BANKS* NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS ROSE IN JUNE BY $766 MILLION TO $17,370 MILLION, LARGELY REFLECTING A RISE OF $529 MILLION IN LOANS ABROAD.

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM ROSE FROM 48.2 PER CENT TO 48.8 PER CENT, WHILE THE RATIO OF LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG TO DEPOSITS FELL SLIGHTLY, FROM 84.2 PER CENT TO 84.1 PER CENT.

TWO MORE RECENTLY-LICENSED BANKS BEGAN TO OPERATE DURING JUNE, BRINGING THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS TO 101.

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES STATISTICS

DEPOSITS AT THE 248 REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE IN JUNE BY $891 MILLION (5.2 PER CENT) TO $17,855 MILLION, WHILE THEIR LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE BY $341 MILLION (3.2 PER CENT) TO $10,945 MILLION.

LENDING IN HONG KONG BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TOGETHER (AFTER ALLOWING FOR BANK LENDING TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) ROSE IN JUNE BY $1,091 MILLION (1.7 PER CENT) TO $64,229 MILLION, WHICH WAS 13.5 PER CENT ABOVE THE END—DECEMBER 1978 LEVEL.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO JUNE THEIR COMBINED LENDING ROSE BY 5.6 PER CENT, A SHARP REDUCTION ON THE INCREASE IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR OF 7.5 PER CENT.

/abaltsis or

TUESDAY, JULI 31, 1979

ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES

LOANS AND ADVANCES IN KONG KONG BY BANKS ROSE IN THE THREE MONTHS TO THE END OF JUNE BY >4,403 MILLION (7.6 PER CENT).

THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF THIS LENDING SHOWS THAT THE SHARPEST INCREASES WERE IN LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (INCLUDING DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES) (26.0 PER CENT), TO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (15.5 AND T0 THE TRANSPORT AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT SECTOR

(11.8 PER CENT).

LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ROSE BY 9.1 PER CENT, BUT LENDING TO INDIVIDUALS FOR OTHER PRIVATE PURPOSES FELL BY 9.5 PER CENT.

LOANS TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY DECLINED BY 1.5 PER CENT, AND TO THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY ALONE LOANS FELL BY 5.8 PER CENT.

LENDING IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY >578 MILLION (5.6 PER CENT) IN THE QUARTER.

LOANS TO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ROSE BY 16.4 PER CENT. TO THE TRANSPORT AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT SECTOR BY 15.5 PER CENT AND TO GENERAL COMMERCE BY 14.1 PER CENT.

LOANS TO INDUSTRY ROSE BY 5.2 PER CENT, TEXTILE INDUSTRY FELL BY 5.9 PER CENT.

WHILE LENDING TO THE

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY LENDING TO INDIVIDUALS FELL BY 2.9 PER

CENT^BUT LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR OTHER PURPOSES WERE 3.9 PER CENT

/money supply......

TU2SDAY, JULY 31, 1979

. MONSY SUPPLY

Month ended 30th June 1979

^million

1. Legal tender coins and notes in circulation (a)

(i) Commercial bank issues 7,075

(ii) Government issues 831 7,906

2. Licensed banks’ holdings of legal tender coins and notes (B) . 1,150

3. Legal tender coins and notes in hands of non-bank

public (A) - (B) • (C) 6,756

4. Demand deposits with licensed banks (D) 17,547

5. Money supply (definition 1) (C) + (D) = (E) 24,303

6. Time deposits with licensed banks (F) 31,058

7* Savings deposits with licensed banks (G) 25,567

M2 .8. Monby supply (definition 2) (e) + (F) + (G) = (H) 80,928

9. Deposits with deposit-taking companies (l) 17,855

10. Deposit-taking Companies’ claims on banks in

Hong Kong (j) 13,421

11. Deposit-taking Companies’ holdings of notes and coins (K) 6

M3 12. Money supply (definition 3)

(H) + (I). - (J) - (K) = (L) 85,356

/babkihg statistics

TUESDkX, JULY 31, 1979

BANKING STATISTICS

Month ended JOth June 1979

Number of licensed banks : (101)

^million

LIABILITIES

1. Deposits 74,172

2. Amount due to banks abroad 62,374

3. Other liabilities 20,055

Total liabilities : 156,601

1* Cash

2. Amount due from banka abroad :

(i) Demand and short term claims 381740

(ii) Time deposits 14,688

1,150

53,428

3. Loans and advances :

(i) (ii)

Hong Kong Abroad

62,358

19,066

81,424

4* Investments :

(i) Hong Kong

(ii) Abroad

4,813

280

5,093

5» Other assets :

(i) (ii)

Hong Kong Abroad

8,536 .L2LQ-

Total assets :

15,506

156,601

Average liquidity during month 4*

48.76%

/dspostt-taktnq......

TUESDAY, JULY 311 1979

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY STATISTICS

Month ended jOth June 1979

Number of registered deposit-taking companies

(248)

5 million

LIABILITIES

1. Deposits

2. Amount due to banks in Hong Kong

3. Amount due to banks abroad

4. Other liabilities

17,855

9,074

26,402

9,194

Total liabilities 62,525

1» Cash.

2j. Amount due from banks in Hong Kong

3. Amount due from banks abroad :

(i) Demand and short-term claims

(ii) Time deposits

4« Loans and advances :

(i) Hong Kong

(ii) Abroad

5'-. Investments :

(i) Hong Kong

(ii) Abroad

6. Other assets :

(i) Hong Kong

(ii) Abroad

2,989

8,551

10,945

22,376

888

693

1,082

1,574

Total assets

13,421

11,540

33,321

1,581

2,656

62,525

/loans and......

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

LOANS AFfB ADVANCES IN HONG KONG BY 101 BANKS AT 3OTH JUNE,. J9J<)

^Million

1» Manufactur ihg ?

(a) textiles: 1,887

(i) cotton 1,079

(fi) other 608

. (b) footwear A wearing apparel 1,214

(d) rubber, plastics & chemicals 592

(e) shipbuilding A repair 418

(f) electrical & electronic 949

(g) food 125

(h) beverages & tobacco 134

(i) printing & publishing 256

(j) miscellaneous 1,102

2. Agriculture and fisheries:

(a) fisheries 21

(b) livestock A livestock products 13

3. Transport and transport equipment

4. Electricity , gac and telephone

5. Building and construction

6- General commerce:

(a) import, export & wholesale trade 16,101

(b) retail trade 1,114

7. Mining and qvarr^nng

8. Miscellaneous:

(a) hotels, boarding houses & catering 557

(b) financ-'al concerns -including banks 10,656

(d) professional A private individuals: 10,789

(■i) to purchase residential roperty 6,060

(ii) for other business mrposes 2,051

<* (i'i) for other private purposes 2,678

(e) all others 4,007

TOTAL LOANS ATO ADVANCES

7,453

4,473

399

6,272

17,215

26j466

$62,358

/loans and advances

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

- 9 -

LOADS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG BY 248 DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES .AT 30th JUNE, 1979____________

1. Manufacturing:

(a) textiles:

(i) cotton

(11) other

(b) footwear & wearing apparel

(d) rubber, plastics & chemicals

(e) shipbuilding & repair

Vf) electrical & electronic

(g) food

(h) beverages & tobacco

(i) printing & publishing

(j) miscellaneous

2. Agriculture and. fisheries:

(a) fisheries

(b) livestock & livestock products

3. Transport and transport equipment

4. Electricity, gas and telephone

5. Building and construction

6. General commerce:

(a) import, export & wholesale trade

(b) retail trade

7. Mining and quarrying

8. Miscellaneous:

(a) hotels, boarding houses & catering

(b) financial concerns including banks

(d) professional & private individuals:

(i) to purchase residential property

(ii) for other business purposes

(iii) for other private purposes

(e) all others

‘total, loans and advances

122

103

225

119

183

126

1,785

179

--------0 -

$ Million

892

2,496

22 1,662 1,964

3,886

873

395

455

594

137

1,723

1,362

« 10,945

/10

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

GOVT CONSIDERING STANDING COMMISSION REPORT * ft * * * ft

GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE +FIRST REPORT ON PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING CIVIL SERVICE PAY+ ISSUED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE BEING ISSUED TO ALL HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND ARE BEING MADE AVAILABLE TO STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

♦IT IS HOPED THAT A GOVERNMENT DECISION ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS CAN BE ANNOUNCED BY THE END OF AUGUST,♦ HE ADDED.

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

REVIEW OF CORONER’S ORDINANCE ft ft ft ft

THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, HAS APPOINTED A WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW THE CORONER’S ORDINANCE.

THE WORKING PARTY, CHAIRED BY THE HON. JUSTICE CONS, WILL ALSO MAKE-RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ORDINANCE OR THE CURRENT PRACTICE REGARDING THE CORONER’S COURT AS MAY BE CONSIDERED DESIRABLE.

MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY INCLUDE DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG" THE HON. T.S. LO- THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. RON BRIDGE* THE ASSISTANT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. E.R. ASTIN- THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF POLICE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT, MR. C.D. ST. Q. FLETCHER- POLICE CONSULTANT FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST, DR. FREDERICK ONG- MR. MARTIN LEE, Q.C., AND MR. DOMINIC LAI OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION.

ANY PERSON WISHING TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS TO THE WORKING PARTY MAY CONTACT ITS SECRETARY, MR. J. KIKABHOY, AT THE SUPREME COURT (TEL. NO. 5-228406), OR WRITE TO HIM.

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

/11

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

DIRECTOR OF TRADE RETURNS * * * ft

MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, DIRECTOR OF TRADE, HAS RETURNED AFTER HOLDING TALKS IN MANILA AND WASHINGTON WITH UNITED STATES OFFICIALS ON EXPORT OF TEXTILES AND FOOTWEAR FROM HONG KONG.

MR. MILLS SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HE WOULD MAKE A FULL REPORT OF HIS TALKS ON TEXTILES TO THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD ON THURSDAY AND ON FOOTWEAR, TO THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD ON AUGUST 13.

HE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG WOULD NOT RESTRAIN ITS FOOTWEAR EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES ALTHOUGH THE UNITED STATES AUTHORITIES REQUESTED HONG KONG TO LIMIT ITS EXPORT OF NON-RUBBER FOOTWEAR.

HOWEVER, HONG KONG WOULD CONSIDER PROVIDING THE UNITED STATES WITH A FORECAST OF EXPORTS AND TO MAKE PROPOSALS FOR REFINING THE CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN ARRANGEMENTS TO PROVIDE MORE PRECISE EXPORT DATA, HE ADDED.

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

LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT SUMMER YOUTH CAMP ft ft ft ft

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT A CO-EDUCATIONAL CAMP FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THURSDAY AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.

MORE THAN 600 STUDENTS FROM 56 SCHOOLS, WILL TAKE PART IN THE CAMP ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION) AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL BE MET BY MRS. LOUISE MOK, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND MRS. CHIU SHUM SHUK-HAAN, ACTING PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR.

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL TOUR THE CAMP WHICH IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR AREAS — +IT’S A SMALL WORLD,* ^FESTIVAL,* +RED INDIAN* AND ♦HORROR CITY.+

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER LADY MACLEHOSE’S VISIT TO THE CO-EDUCATIONAL CAMP FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THURSDAY (AUGUST 2) AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.

PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. TWO GOVERNMENT NINE-SEATER VANS WILL DEPART FROM QUEEN’S PIER, CENTRAL, AT 8 A.M. AND PROCEED TO THE PIER NEXT TO THE TAI PO KAU RAILWAY STATION WHERE A MARINE LAUNCH WILL TAKE THEM TO WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO TAKE THE LAUNCH TO WU KAI SHA SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PIER BEFORE 9.10 A.M.

-----o-----

/12

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

- 12 -

LONDONERS TO SEE +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* ft ft * ft ft

LONDONERS WILL GET THE CHANCE OF A CLOSER LOOK AT HONG KONG, AT A TIME WHEN IT HAS GAINED WORLDWIDE ATTENTION FOR ITS ROLE IN THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE ISSUE, THROUGH TWO PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITIONS WHICH WILL OPEN THERE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

TAKEN BY HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHERS AND SHOWING DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF HONG KONG, THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE EXHIBITED IN THE MAIN FOYER OF THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL FROM TOMORROW TO AUGUST 27, AND IN THE ASAMI PENTAX GALLERY FROM AUGUST 6 TO AUGUST 31.

THE PICTURES WERE SELECTED FROM THE BEST RESULTS OF AM OPEN COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE 162 PHOTOGRAPHS INCLUDED IN THE EXHIBITIONS WERE CHOSEN FROM OVER 900 ENTRIES.

♦THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL SHOW PEOPLE OVERSEAS HOW HONG KONG IS PROGRESSING. THEY WILL HELP TO CONVINCE THEM THAT SOMEHOW, REFUGEES NOTWITHSTANDING, IT IS BUSINESS AS USUAL HERE IN HONG KONG,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER, MR. DAVID BAILEY. HAS-BEEN INVITED TO OPEN THE EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL.

A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND OF THE SOCIETY OF INDUSTRIAL ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS, MR. BAILEY IS A MASTER OF FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY. BUT HE IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS SYMPATHETIC PORTRAYAL OF THE HUMAN CONDITION. HE VISITED HONG KONG IN JUNE TO TAKE PICTURES OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN THE CAMPS.

HONG KONG CITIZENS ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE PHOTOGRAPHS EXHIBITED IN LONDON BY OBTAINING A COPY OF +HONG KONG IN PROGRESS* WHICH GOES ON SALE TOMORROW AT $10 EACH IN THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

DESIGNED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE BOOK CONTAINS ALL THE PICTURES SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION, AND PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE PORTFOLIO ON HONG KONG’S CHANGING PANORAMA AND LIFE STYLES.

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

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW ft ft ft ft ft

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL CF SEVEN QUESTIONS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) — THE LAST TO BE HELD FOR THE 1978-79 SESSION.

THREE OF THE QUESTIONS WILL BE ON THE REFUGEE ISSUE.

THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG WILL COMMENCE BY ASKING THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE GENEVA CONFERENCE ON REFUGEES FROM INDOCHINA WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TOi

/* THE NUMBER ...

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

* THE NUMBER AND TIMING OF OFFERS OF RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES IN HONG KONG-

* THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE FLOW OF REFUGEES LEAVING VIETNAM BY SEA BEING HALTED PERMANENTLY, AND

* THE PROSPECTS OF THE FINANCIAL BURDEN, PRESENTLY BORNE BY HONG KONG, BEING ASSUMED BY THE UNHCR.

DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI WILL ASK WHAT STEPS THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING TO INFORM VIETNAMESE REFUGEE WORKERS OF THE PROVISIONS OF LOCAL LABOUR LEGISLATION SO THAT THEY CAN BETTER LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES AFTER CEASING TO RECEIVE DIRECT ' GOVERNMENT AID.

THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER INTRODUCING MEASURES TO PREVENT LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEING ACCOMMODATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING AT LEAST UNTIL THEY HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS OR MORE, WILL BE PUT UP BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.

ONE QUESTION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IS TO BE RAISED BY THE HON. WONG LAM. WHO WILL WANT TO KNOW WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE (SAFETY) REGULATIONS. AND IF NOT, WHAT STEPS IT WILL TAKE TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF WORKERS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES.

OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED WILL CONCERN NOISE POLLUTION, STUDENT SUMMER WORK AND THE SPIRIT OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN NEW TOWNS.

THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) B.JLL 1979 AIMED AT ENABLING MORE EFFECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN TO PREVENT AND TO PENALISE TRAFFICKING IN UNLAWFUL IMMIGRATION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL AND GO THROUGH ALL ITS STAGES TOMORROW.

DEBATE WILL RESUME ON SIX OTHER BILLS — THE MARRIAGE REFORM (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE MATRIMONIAL PROCEEDINGS AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL. 1979, THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979, THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 AND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979.

SEVEN SESSIONAL PAPERS WILL ALSO BE TABLED BEFORE THE COUNCIL TOMORROW. THEY ARE THE J.E. JOSEPH TRUST FUND REPORT (APRIL 1, 1978 TO MARCH 31, 1979), THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID LOAN FUND REPORT (1978/79), THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND (APRIL 1, 1978 TO MARCH 31, 1979), THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION TRUSTEE’S REPORT (1978/79), THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF THE HAWKER CONTROL FORCE WELFARE FUND (THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1979), THE REPORT OF THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP (JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1979) AND THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD (THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1979).

/14

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

TWO DISTRICT OFFICES FOR TAI RO * * * *

THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE TAI PO DISTRICT IS PROGRESSING AT SUCH A RAPID PACE THAT FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE TWO DISTRICT OFFICES TO SERVE THE GROWING POPULATION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR. AKERS-JONES MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING AT TING KOK ROAD.

JOINING THE SECRETARY IN THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR. STEPHEN WONG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. WONG CHUN-WAI, WHO WAS ASSISTED BY THE TAI PO DI STR ICT OFFICER, MR. PETER JOHNs6n.

IN HIS OPENING REMARKS, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE BUILDING OF A COMPOSITE OFFICE IN TAI PO TO REPLACE THE OLD OFFICE ON THE HILL WAS FIRST PROPOSED 16 YEARS AGO.

♦ALTHOUGH IT HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO ASSUME A CONCRETE REALITY, NEVERTHELESS I AM SURE THAT THE NEW BUILDING WILL SERVE THE DISTRICT WELL AND THAT IT HAS BEEN WORTH THE LONG WAIT,+ HE SAID.

MOREOVER. MR. AKERS-JONES SAID, THE BUILDING IS READY AT AN INTERESTING DEVELOPMENT IN TAI PO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

♦WHEN THIS BUILDING WAS FIRST CONCEIVED THE TAI PO DISTRICT HAD A POPULATION OF ABOUT 110,000.

♦NOW THE POPULATION IS APPROACHING 200,000 AND PRIVATE AND PUBLIC EXPANSION DURING THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WILL ADD ANOTHER 50,000 TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN TAI PO TOWN ALONE,♦ HE ADDED.

MR. AKERS-JONES SAID SIMILAR DEVELOPMENT WAS TAKING PLACE AT FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I WHERE PILING FOR THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 30,000 WOULD SOON BEGIN.

♦BECAUSE OF THIS, FROM THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THERE WILL BE TWO DISTRICT OFFICES, ONE TO SERVE THE NOTHERN HALF OF THE DISTRICT AND THE OTHER, TAI PO AND ITS ENVIRONS.*

BUILT AT A COST OF |12.9 MILLION, THE FIVE-STOREY BUILDING IS THE FIRST MULTI-PURPOSE GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 8,900 SQUARE METRES.

♦FROM TODAY, TOO, THERE WILL BE A NEW POST OFFICE AND MARRIAGE REGISTRY- AND WHAT COULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE THAT THE ARCHITECT FOR THE BUILDING AND HIS BRIDE WILL BE THE FIRST COUPLE TO BE MARRIED IN THE NEW BUILDING,♦ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.

♦THIS THEN IS A HISTORIC DAY IN MORE SENSES THAN ONE.+

APART FROM THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, THE MARRIAGE REGISTRY AND THE NEW POST OFFICE, THE NEW BUILDING ALSO ACCOMMODATES BRANCHES OF 10 OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

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

/15

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

VOCATIONAL TRAINING IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG'S WELL-BEING *****

VOCATIONAL TRAINING IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR PROVIDING THE MANPOWER NECESSARY FOR THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND SERVICES, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. J.C.A HAMMOND, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

ADDRESSING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE. MR. HAMMOND SAID HONG KONG'S FURTHER INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPENDED ON A WORKFORCE CAPABLE OF HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY, MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND PROVIDING EFFICIENT SERVICES.

♦TO BRING ABOUT THE SUPPLY OF THIS MANPOWER, THE PROVISION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT,♦ HE STRESSED.

MR. HAMMOND, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, SAID HE HAD A SPECIAL INTEREST IN AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN GENERAL AND APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AT THE TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT LEVELS IN PARTICULAR.

HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR SOME INDUSTRIAL OCCUPATIONS REQUIRING A BROAD RANGE OF CRAFT SKILL THE COUNCIL HAD DEVISED TRAINING PROGRAMMES WHICH ENABLED THOSE WHO HAD ALREADY COMPLETED ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO BECOME CRAFTSMEN.

THIS VOCATIONAL TRAINING WAS RECOGNISED BY EMPLOYERS AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THE FORM OF SHORTER PERIODS OF APPRENTICESHIP.

IN ADDITION, THE COUNCIL SET UP SEVERAL NEW TRAINING BOARDS EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR DEVELOPING AND PROMOTING TRAINING IN THE COMMERCIAL AND SERVICING SECTORS.

♦I BELIEVE THAT THESE BOARDS WILL SOON RECOMMEND TRAINING ROUTES AND APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING FOR SOME COMMERCIAL AND SERVICING OCCUPATIONS.

♦THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BRING ABOUT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE THINKING OF TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT IN THE COMMERCE AND SERVICES SECTORS,♦ HE ADDED.

MR. HAMMOND COMMENDED THE TRAINING CENTRE FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.

HE NOTED THAT THE CENTRE RAN A VARIETY OF DAY AND EVENING VOCATIONAL COURSES THAT MET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONCERNS, PROVIDED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, AND THAT IT WAS THE FIRST INSTITUTION TO OFFER TRAINING COURSES IN HOTEL AND CATERING SERVICES.

♦I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE STUDENTS GRADUATING TODAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT MOST OF YOU HAVE BEEN OFFERED EMPLOYMENT WITH VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND THIS AGAIN REFLECTS THE IMPORTANT ROLE THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL CENTRE IS PLAYING IN OUR SOCIETY,* HE CONCLUDED.

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

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS *****

THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF ANNUAL RENTAL FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND IN CHAI WAN, HONG KONG.

THE SITE. MEASURING ABOUT 3,950 SQUARE METRES AND WITH MARINE FRONTAGE, IS FOR CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT, ASPHALT BATCHING PLANT AND/OR STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING VEHICLES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF THREE.YEARS AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY (THREE MONTHS).

TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING. 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD AND AT THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER IS NOON ON AUGUST 17.

MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY

******

THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WILL CARRY OUT A SURVEY ON THE MANPOWER SITUATION IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT'SA ID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SURVEY, THE FIFTH IN A SERIES, WAS AIMED AT COLLECTING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANPOWER TRAINING, AND WOULD BE COMPLETED ON AUGUST 25.

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WERE SENT OUT TO SELECTED CLOTHING FIRMS A FORTNIGHT AGO.

INTERVIEWING OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE FIRMS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNARIES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNARIES.

THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY AREl

* THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED,

* THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING,

* THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND *

* A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL WORKERS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

THE INFORMATION WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL FIRM.

/17 .....

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1979

WATER CUT

* * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, BEACON HILL ROAD, EDE ROAD AND BROADCAST DRIVE, INCLUDING EASTBOURNE ROAD, RHONDDA ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD, MARCONI ROAD, FESSENDEN ROAD AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICER’S HOUSING SCHEMES.

0 - -

Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1979 - JUL - ENG